Bright & Breezy Lemon Squeezy

Hello Spring sippers and sunshine seekers! Happy very nearly Easter!

I know the cold westerly winds are still nipping at our heels. However, I am fully embracing Spring! I hope you are too. I've even been out in public wearing flip-flops. Yes, my feet were freezing, and I got a few raised eyebrows. But life always feels better in flip-flops. Forever the optimist—that’s me!

I hope you have something nice to sip on while you read this month's ramblings. Thank you to my lovely regulars for clicking through, and a warm welcome to my new readers, including Betsy, Paula, Frances, KJ, Cheryl, and T. Kumar. I hope you can find something new to try from this month’s random selection!

Embracing the Color Yellow

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I adore all things yellow and citrusy. My husband and I once painted our entire bedroom orange in our first proper house in Raynes Park. Let me tell you, it wasn’t a good idea, even after the first wall! Nonetheless, this month is dedicated to all things yellow and lemony. I hope it brings you a spot of joy. So here goes!

Lemony Lobes

I used to love "The Clothes Show." If you’re of a certain age, you might remember it too. I juggled three jobs at university. Thursday nights and Saturdays at Miss Selfridges on Oxford Street, Next on Woolwich High Street on Tuesdays and Fridays, and behind the Uni (Cellar) bar whenever they would let me. This spared Wednesdays due to rugby training in the afternoon and pint drinking at night. How I managed to get my degree, I have no idea!

Anyway, I digress. I used to love buying all kinds of accessories with my wages. I can’t say I wore them particularly well, but I still love colorful jewelry. One brand has the funkiest pieces! You may have spotted me in my lemon necklace and vibrant flowerful earrings. Check out these mini lemon & lime slice hoops, and if you enjoy prawn cocktail earrings, they’ve got them too! - Clothing Accessories

Squeeze the Day for £4.80

I have used this bright yellow juicer for years. It does the job with minimal mess and maximum juice. Also, it looks fabulous! Speaking of which, I need to use the lemon-filled ice cubes I made last week. I use three parts fresh lemon juice to one part filtered water. They are great for both desk hydration and G&Ts—result! Juicer

In A Yellow Tone

I stopped shopping at Next for a long while. However, I think they’re better than ever now. They offer so many lovely brands under their umbrella. You can even get things delivered to your nearest store within two days. Impressive if a bit dangerous for the purse strings! Check out all these lovely yellow homewares to give your home a lift: Homewares. I particularly love this ochre vase from Jasper Conran: Ochre Vase

Honey & Lemon Face Mask

This is a super easy (if a bit sticky) self-care treat! Just mix the juice of half a lemon with one tablespoon of organic honey. Apply it to a clean face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and do absolutely nothing—no multitasking, or it'll get everywhere (trust me, I've tried!). This moment is for you to close your eyes, sit back, and just breathe. Wash off with warm water followed by cold, then pat dry. Honey is a natural moisturizer, while lemon is a natural cleanser. It’s a win-win, and you probably have these ingredients in your cupboard!

Move Over Lemon Drizzle Cake – Say Hello to ‘Lemon Drizzle Gin’

Thanks to Sipsmiths (see photo at the bottom), we have a delightful Spring gin packed with citrus flavors—Lemon Drizzle Gin.

Oh, and by the way, the photo above is from one of my favorite places. Isn’t it stunning? Can you guess where I was?

What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?

Thanks to everyone who joined our ‘Sip and Paint’ evening with watercolors at the Brewhouse in Surbiton! China Jordan (Artist and Co.) and I love collaborating on our art-filled, gin-fueled evenings. Long may they continue! On that note, our next event will be on Wednesday, October 8th, for an Autumnal-themed evening. Want to be the first to know? Reply to this email with "Art Night - Tell Me More".

A huge thanks also goes to our hydration partner, Cocossa, for their ‘Sparkling King Coconut Water.’ Use my promo code, Gin&Yin5, for a discount: Cocossa.

Thanks also to Simon at Hampton Court Spirits for the Six Wives Gin and The Father Spiced Rum. It was great to offer both options at this event—the gin was the outright winner! Phew, glad to know I still attract the right audience! Hampton Court

What's Coming Up?

An Authentic Indian Cooking Evening with Nidhi Verma

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Location: Raynes Park, SW20

If you're a regular reader, you know that I love The Cookaway. Nidhi Verma is the co-founder of that business. She is also an accomplished chef and the founder of 'Meri Rasoi', a cookery school in her home in Raynes Park.

Trust me, this event will be fun, informative, and of course, delicious. It will be part hands-on and part demo. We’ll learn tips and tricks for cooking ‘The Thali Way.’ At the end, we’ll enjoy either masala chai or a gin cocktail crafted to complement our 'homemade' Indian supper. This event is suitable for vegetarians, and we’d love to have you with us.

Cost: £70 per person OR 2 for £130

Reserve your spot!

Sunset SUP & SIP

Location: Richmond Upon Thames

Beginner-friendly standup paddleboard session

Date: Thursday, June 12 - 6:30 PM - 9 PM

I’m thrilled to collaborate with The London Stand Up Paddle Company. This sunset paddle on the River Thames in Richmond is a fantastic way to unwind, watch the sun set from the water, and maybe even try something new!

Open to everyone over 18.

I need a minimum of 6 people for this session to run. But if I get enough of you, it will surely be magic. Bring a friend or come solo—just be ready to float and flow.

I'm Coming!

Sign up here!

Mid-Life Edit for Women

Topics: Confidence, Energy & Motivation

Date: Thursday, September 25 - 7 PM - 9 PM

I’ve known Rachael Fraser, founder of Harvest Moonrise, for several years. She is a life and leadership coach. I enjoy her newsletters and her vision boarding sessions. I’ve wanted to collaborate on something meaningful with her, and now we are!

Together, we will have an informal, uplifting conversation over light supper and drinks. We will cover everything from our health and well-being to personal ambitions and goals. If this sounds interesting, save the date! We’d love your thoughts—just reply, "Mid-life Edit - I'm Happy to Help."

Mid-life Edit - I'm Happy to Help

Join us!

Doesn't that sound decadent? Now, where did I put that cocktail ring? On that note, if you’ve always wanted to treat yourself to a cocktail ring for a significant birthday or perhaps because you’ve just won the lottery, I know just where to find one! Check out this super-talented lady Jacqui Larsson - Cocktail Connoisseurs.

Well, that’s a wrap for now! Next month, I’ll fill you in on how the 'Glow with the Flow' Retreat in S/W Ibiza went. I can’t wait for that alongside finding a small island in Nicaragua accessible by a two-hour motorized canoe ride with my husband! Watch this space.

Have a wonderful Easter, no matter what you get up to. Remember: less pith, more pour. More zest, less stress!

Take care.

Ruth xxx