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A Squash & Squeeze
- Ruth Clougherty
- Oct 29
- 6 min read
October - Embracing 'The Dark Side'
Gorgeous gourdes, how did we get to the last weekend of October already? Did you enjoy your extra hour in bed this morning? Or is the change already messing with your circadian rhythm?
We are split in our house, my husband suffers from SAD seasonal affective disorder (self-diagnosed) and isn’t looking forward to the shorter days, while I am relishing the thought of darker nights, logs on the fire, candles, casseroles and everything cosy. I’ve already splashed out on a bougie pair of PJs (from Never Fully Dressed), which are way too fancy (and too hot) to actually even think about sleeping in, but it’s part of my prepping for winter, and I’m ready for it. I also (finally) dropped off our kids’ Halloween party paraphernalia at the charity shop this week, something I should have done years ago – I had to give myself a serious talking to after popping back in to ask if I could take back the ‘bingo pumpkin game’– after a pat on the arm and a reassuring smile, you’ll be pleased to know I left without it. Time to let go.
Talking of the 'dark side' - if I were a bit braver, I would experiment more with darker paints in our home. Saying that, I do have the infamous ‘Railings’ from Farrow and Ball behind my drinks trolley, which I love. My daughter’s room is also in the same paint (well, a Johnson’s re-mix tbh). However, over time her various pictures and posters have dropped off (stuck on with the dreaded Blu-Tak), leaving a series of white holes behind. To give her credit, she proactively touched up the holes with the left over ‘tester pot’ - if you’ve ever been tempted to do this, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT - needless to say, she now has more pictures up than ever before and Blu-Tak sales are back up. Oh, the joys – I’m sure we’ve all been there.
Sticking with the ‘dark side’ theme this month, I’d like to share some of the darker corners of my mind, worry ye not, I am a total scaredy cat custard, so no bone chilling suggestions here:
Green with Envy: Talking of paints, I recently stumbled across @upstyleourhome on Ista and love her use of the dark green paint on her kitchen cabinets – called Three Farm Green by Little Greene https://www.littlegreene.com/three-farm-green
His Dark Materials: This is a bit of a dark fantasy/teen drama series with Ruth Wilson, who I think is awesome – I also loved her in ‘The Woman in the Wall’ if you haven’t seen that. Both are well worth a watch on a dark night by the fire, fancy PJs optional. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5607976/
Lights Out & Listen Up: Darkness can be soothing and healing too, turn off the lights and light a candle. Personally, I think music sounds better by the light of a candle; dimming one sense makes you double down on the others. Take a listen to BBC Sounds and ‘Ultimate Calm’ – great to download and listen to on a plane journey too btw through your headphones with your eye mask on – got mine already downloaded for my next retreat flight to Vietnam. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001cvck
True Crime: There’s something about reading a ‘true crime’ book that hits you differently to reading fiction – they reveal the darkness that lurks inside the human spirit, that gives me goosies just typing that. There’s a fabulous sounding bookshop in York called ‘Criminally Good Books’ – the founder, Isla Coole has created a ‘hub’ for crime fans, a space where literature meets passion. If you also love a good crime-centric read, see link.
The Dark Side of Gin: Say hello to the ‘Bijou’ – thanks to ‘Milk Street at Home’ for today's dark concoction using Aviation gin, which also makes a cracking G&T too btw (full bodied and creamy). There are some strange 'back of the drinks trolley' ingredients in this - I also like his spectacles.
What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?
We put our best foot forward and kicked this month off in the beautiful mountains of Northern Sardinia - it was a wonderful adventure with another group of fabulous gals who were up for everything on offer. Huge thanks to Elke Bayer @elkebayer and to Simona at Mascaratu Country Houses for all their support and wonderful hospitality too, we loved every minute.
In addition to Sardinia, China (founder of Artsistanduk) and I had a fun evening running our 'Autumn Hues & Happy Hour' evening using the pastel oils (as per the photo at the top and below) - thanks also to our Gin Partner on that one, Three Old Birds (apt name). After a blind tasting, the 'Spiced Pear' came out top. Check out their best sellers here:
I also enjoyed attending the Om Yoga Show at Ally Pally last week, it was a bit of a schlep getting there, but I'm glad I made the effort. I met some interesting new retreat property owners, as well as enjoying a wonderful yoga session, thanks to Ravi Yoga - I look forward to popping in to see his new beachside retreat property in Goa when I'm there next year.
Thanks also to those of you on the 'Waiting List' for the 'West Wittering Retreat' in January and 'Barefoot Bliss Retreat to Goa' in March - sadly they are both still 'Sold Out' but if any spaces become available, I promise you will be the first to know.
Root to Rise Retreat - Portugal 3 Nights - Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st May 2026 - - - If you'd like something special to look forward to next year, this could be it. This is a 3-night retreat, right in the heart of the mountains in Portugal, a 50-minute transfer from Faro airport.
The retreat property is a sanctuary that invites us into the restorative rhythm of nature and mountain life. It has been beautifully designed with a 'less is more' ethos at its heart, featuring rustic bedrooms across three lovingly restored farmhouses, a beautiful natural pool, lots of secret nooks, and a hidden yoga Shala—all carefully curated for quiet surrender and deep rest.
If this is speaking to you, the booking link is now LIVE. Secure your spot today - a £350 Deposit secures your spot.
Triple ensuite room - £825 pp Or a 'Twin & Single' option Or Private ensuite- £1,150 pp
Vision Boarding Workshop Life by design, for you, by you Thurs 22nd Jan 2026 - 7 pm - 9.30 pm - - - As we enter different seasons of our lives, this is a great opportunity to check in, share ideas and invest the time to think about what's next for ourselves.
Join us for a fun evening of creativity, connection, canapes and cocktails - it will be mid-Jan, so we'll be looking forward to a treat by then! I’m thrilled to be collaborating on this event with Rachael Fraser (CPCC, PCC), Surrey Life & Leadership Coach, Harvest Moonrise. Rachael will guide us through a process of reflecting on our core values, dreams, and goals, and help us to create a powerful visual map of our next 12 months.
We'll supply the materials for you to craft a board filled with images and words that capture your aspirations. In turn, this will help you to shift your mindset, strengthen focus, and put your goals into motion. How does that sound?
Tickets - £65 pp
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"If you love nature, you will find beauty everywhere" Vincent van Gogh
It's fair to say this month has been pretty kind to us on the weather front, and if you've managed to get out and about, you will have noticed everyone else making the most of the sunshine too. Getting out in nature is ALWAYS worth the effort. Today's photo is from our morning walk
If you also suffer with SAD, there are some great resources out there - sharing this link from MIND - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/tips-for-coping-with-sad/
Well, that's enough wordiness from me for this month. Sending you a squash and a squeeze until next time, thanks as always for being here to the last x I really appreciate it.
Ruth xxx |
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