Almost Calm - Mostly Bright

Galloping reindeer, Christmas is here?! … well, almost … and I’m not actually sure if reindeer can gallop? But hey, if they can fly, they can probably do pirouettes with a G&T on each hoof, so let’s assume they can for arguments sakes – it is Christmas after all.

Right, blimey riley …  I hope you’re all doing ok and I also hope there's more on the ‘Ta Da’ side vs. the ‘To Do’ side of your list of lists, and whilst peace on earth looks unlikely, I hope you can find a little peace within to carry you through to the end of 2025 in the knowledge you’ve done your best, let go of the rest.  For those of you who feel more like you’ve been catapulted out of a sling shot to get to today - pull up a chair – I’m all ears and gin glass at the ready … and remember ‘this too shall pass’, it’s just a day – let’s keep things in perspective.

Talking of keeping things in perspective, firstly, I would like to RAISE a GLASS (any excuse I know ) and say a WHOPPING THANK YOU to you all – thank you for reading my monthly ramblings, or signing up for my UK jollies or for being one of my marvellous wing-women (you know who you are), or for joining me in far-flung places in the name of wellbeing, fun and adventure, or for generally toot tooting me, it means the world

Thanks also to everyone who collaborated with me this year to keep Gin & Yin a thing. Cheers from the bottom of my ‘Baileys, Gin & Amaretto Cocktail’ I know right, 3 of my favourite drinks in one glass!  That’s how much you all mean to me

Secondly, as we know, “Time is our most precious asset, invest it wisely” - thanks to my awesome accountants https://seedaccounting.solutions for this reminder.  So, this month, I’m suggesting either time-saving or time-enriching suggestions - fill up your cups, here goes!

 Mindful Gifting - Pushed for time with last-minute gifts? Go down the subscription route, a gift that keeps giving - for foodies, bookworms, make-up lovers, crafters, gin sippers, you name it, there are so many:

https://www.allsubscriptionboxes.co.uk/best-subscription-boxes/

My personal fav is the Simple Things Magazine – thanks again to my parents for getting this for me every year, I love it and can't wait to tuck into the December issue, preferably in my PJs:  https://www.thesimplethings.com

 A Hug in a Mug - Make yourself a cup of ‘Calm Cocoa’ - Mindfully made in the UK by Meredith Whitely – truly delicious in a mindful way. https://calmcocoa.co.uk

Wrap Up & Get Out – Seriously, go for a walk.  This is a powerful, simple, free, and effective form of "preventive medicine” – Preferably without your ear-pods in, but how about a flask of something warm?

 Calm in the Chaos – Check out this 12-minute meditation for ‘Christmas Overwhelm’ – Make time, you'll feel better for it, trust me.

https://youtu.be/OIrBnixPrWs?si=4zQs6PtaMMGzdpP2

 Christmas Crooners – Jobs need doing, that’s a FACT, so to help you get into the spirit of things with a slightly different mix to the usual, check out Zoe Ball’s Christmas Crooners here on Radio 2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k4wvdd

 Love Your Freezer – think ahead and load up your freezer with some basics and treats just in case you get caught short – good things to freeze include milk, a sourdough loaf, croissants, brownies, herbs, onions, even sliced lemons! Here’s a little guide from M&S - https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/content/tips-for-freezing-food

Suitably festive photo above from a girlie lunch in London last weekend x

What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?

Despite the weather and some challenges along the way, I had a wonderful adventure in Northern Vietnam collaborating with the lovely Lisa Dunn Yoga - I felt privileged to have visited some of the more remote areas when we did, meeting minority groups and artisans, learning how to weave and trying lots of delicious local food (we gave the rat kebabs a miss though). It was also surreal, having Pho for breakfast while sitting on Train Street with the train passing at touching distance shortly after landing - an unforgettable experience.

Looking back there have been so many highlights this year, from wonderful walks and mountain yoga in Vietnam; to the best sunset and DJ’d supper and boogying night at Sunset Ashram in Ibiza; to SUP-ing and SIP-ing down the River Thames; to secret garden walks around St. Pauls; to having fun with oil pastels with Three Old Birds (Gin); to kayaking down the river to the sea in Sardinia; to 6 point turns on a hair-pin bend with death defying drops (unforgettable for the wrong reasons, but still in the memory bank); to “very European massages”  along with some seriously dodgy karaoke-ing during Yoga Nidri no less. Come rain and shine, we’ve had a hoot - new friendships have been formed, hugs and laughter on tap and shared experiences we'll cherish forever – three cheers to wellness your way and making time to do things that make you feel alive.

Thanks again to those of you still on the 'Waiting List' for the 'Hygge Retreat to West Wittering' in January and the 'Barefoot Bliss Retreat to Goa' in March - sadly, they are both still 'FULL' at the moment, but if any spaces become available, I promise I'll be in touch pronto.

What's coming up next?

What Do You Want for

Yourself in 2026?

Vision Boarding Workshop

Thurs 22nd Jan 2026 - 7 pm - 9.30 pm

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Need a present idea for yourself? Have you ever created a 'Vision Board'? If not, this could be a great present to kick off your 2026.

Join me and Rachael Fraser, Surrey Life & Leadership Coach and founder of Harvest Moonrise and explore new possibilities with a like-minded group of women. You will leave with a beautiful visual reminder to keep motivation alive every day. Rachael will guide us through a process of reflecting on our values, focusing on our dreams and goals to create a personal visual map of our intentions for growth, joy, and purpose. I created the above vision board before Gin & Yin became a thing ... and guess what.

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, along with some delicious treats to enjoy. We'd love to see you there x

Tickets - £65 pp

Putting my Best Foot Forward

Root to Rise Restorative Retreat 

Monchique Mountains - Portugal

3 Nights - Thurs 28th - Sun 31st 

May 2026

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Seeking a little sanctuary for the soul? This could be exactly what you need in your 2026 diary. Casa de Cura is an "off-grid retreat space deeply rooted in the earth and authenticity. Within this space, you will be gently guided to embrace the slow, soft, and sacred rhythm of mountain life - bringing you back to nature to return home to yourself." 

Bookings are already coming in, so don't leave it too late - a deposit of £350 bagsies your spot. What's included? All meals, yoga in a hidden yoga shala, a cocoa, yin and sound ceremony, a guided local walk and a trip to the thermal springs. The property is simply beautiful with a 'less is more' ethos set out across three restored farmhouses, with a beautiful natural pool, along with lots of secret spaces curated for quiet surrender and deep rest. Ommmm.

Is this speaking to you? Click below for the full low-down and itinerary.

Triple ensuite room - £825 pp

Or a 'Twin & Single' option

Or Private ensuite- £1,150 pp

This Sounds Heavenly

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"

Chinese Philosopher - Confucius

While we were in Hanoi, we visited 'The Temple of Literature' founded in 1070 to honour Confucius, which later housed Vietnam's first University. It was buzzing with aspirational students as well as nooks and crannies for quiet contemplation, scented with incense. I could have sat there for hours. If you go somewhere with all your heart and do something with all your heart, you definitely have a deeper, richer and more meaningful experience.

So, as we enter into Christmas, go with all your heart, navigating the sweet and salty bits with a nod and a wink - good luck. (Conical hats optional).

Well, that's enough wordage for me for one year you'll be pleased to know. Must dash, I've got a v. important meeting with a smooth operator - "It doesn't get much better than this" - https://bit.ly/4aTSjXd.

Well, you didn't think I'd leave you salivating, did you?

With love and berry merry wishes until next year.

Your gin-gal all the way.

Ruth xxx