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Every now and then ..
- Jul 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 31
"Having fun is not a diversion from a successful life;
it is the pathway to it"
Dr. Martha Beck
Every now and then, I drop into your inbox with a wordy hug - you didn’t think I’d forgotten you, did you? Admittedly, I should probably change ‘monthly news’ to my ‘now and then' news, as that’s kind of how things are rolling this year, but anyway, cracking on, I’m here now. How the heck are you?
Talking of cracking … sprinkle me with hundreds and thousands, it’s been ‘cracking the flags’ out there, hasn’t it! Love a British saying. As some of you reading this will know though, I really can't complain, as I’ve dodged both of the UK’s hottest heatwaves by generally lolling around in other sunny climates, all of which were cooler than here ... with aircon ... sorry not sorry.
Whatever the weather, I have no doubt you’ve been doing your best to keep cool and carry on, which is what we do best, right? Despite my lack of comms, I can assure you the creative part of my noggin has been busy - but before I spill the beans, as always, I'd like to share my top sizzlers for the period in between ‘now and then’:
Pass the Spoons – This is such an old recipe I’ve made it many times over the years - and yes, I know strawberries, balsamic vinegar and cheese, but trust me when I say it’s delish.
https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/strawberry/strawberries-marinated-in-balsamic-vinegar/
The Bees Knees – Last week, I was in Florence, at the most incredible hotel called the Villa San Michele where I ran my first overseas event over 35 years ago (my husband booked it for our wedding anniversary - very special and very thoughtful) … anyways, I enjoyed the most delicious honey while I was there and have brought a few jars back, so sharing this simply delicious bees knees cocktail for you to try:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/bees-knees-cocktail
For the Love of Letters – I used to write so many letters when I was young; well, I guess we all did back in the day as it was one of the few ways to keep in touch. If you love letters and you love reading, this book is a must ‘The Correspondent’ by Virginia Evans – I haven't finished reading it yet, but I love the format and the characters, so recommending:
https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-correspondent-virginia-evans/59a18ef624616ae2?ean=9781405971553
Days Like This – Don’t let ‘days like this’ pass by without making time for nice things like this – a picnic in the park; a walk at dusk; an outdoor theatre night; or a spot of lido revival action – whatever it is, plan it, book it, do it - the cold Autumn days will be knocking before we know it. I’m off to yoga at the Natural History Museum with my bestie Kaz on Sunday no less - look out for stories on my insta @ginandyin. I’ve also just booked a 'Friday Night Dipping' session at ‘Lakeside Sauna’ in Shepperton on Friday 28th August at 7 pm, if you’re local and fancy joining us – tickets are £20 - https://lakesidesaunaco.com DM me.
What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?
"Thank you, Ruth, for such a truly wonderful retreat. We both felt very rested and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone's lovely company. What a joy it has been'
We had a magical time off the grid in the mountains of Portugal on my 'Root to Rise' Retreat. Thank you, Jayne, for your lovely words. Huge thanks also to Izabella Soko, our amazing yoga teacher (in this photo with Jayne). It was so tranquil here, one of the loveliest yoga shalas ever. The food was also incredible thanks to Zoe from Wild Delicacies, who educated us on how to eat well with zero refined sugars - really inspiring stuff. We also had a wild time, hands in the air like we just don’t care jeep safari, honey & medronho tasting as you can see above – sometimes ‘girls just wanna have fun’ - which is exactly what we did.
If you’d like to check out where we stayed and say hello to Katie the owner – take a look here: https://www.casadecura.pt. Huge thanks also to Tea & Tonic for gifting us their delicious teas (apt company name, don’t you think). My favourite was the ‘High Spirits’ white mint adaptogen superherb tea – they’ve got so many other amazing products too - check them out here: https://www.teaandtonic.co.uk
What's Up Next?
Smartphone Photography
Session & Social
Saturday 4th September 2026 St. Pancras Station
- - -
If you love taking photos as much as I do, this is for you. I'm delighted to be collaborating with Jeanette, founder and Creative Director
of Jet Black Squares on this who has combined her former teaching career with a more recent corporate photography business of 13 years, forming a hub for everything creative surrounding the smartphone. We'll learn all the tips & tricks of how to get that perfect shot to enjoy and show off to friends and family.
We'll also be exploring the area around Kings Cross and St Pancras, which offers a huge range of photographic opportunities, from the station’s architecture to the wildflowers, this really is a photographer’s dream location We'll end the session in true Gin & Yin style over a well-crafted G&T / Just the T, where we can do a bit of editing using one of the best - free - editing apps around.
This will be a fun, creative few hours looking at things from a whole new angle.
It would be fab to have you with us.
TICKETS - £55 or 2 for £100 Grab your friend, your partner, your son or daughter (over 18s)
Nourish & Nurture Cooking Class
Saturday 19th September 2027
Pinner, North London
- - -
I’m super excited to tell you about this event I’m organising with Sara Asaria, a teaching chef, artist and food fundraiser for the Felix charity. This will be a deliciously immersive fusion of storytelling through food, cooking together, learning together and being
creative together.
This will be like no other cooking workshop you've attended before - you'll be requested to bring an ingredient (more on that when you book) - we'll also learn about the volunteering opportunities at Felix in London, which rescues great food and gets it to the people who need it - fuller plates, fuller communities and fuller lives.
In addition to cooking and great conversations while enjoying a shared meal, we'll also learn about the history of Henna and the symbolism behind the traditional motifs from different cultures while sketching our own designs over a carefully crafted Gin & Tonic / Zero option. You will also have the opportunity to have your design brought to life by Sara - if this sounds intriguing to you, join us - spaces are limited.
TICKETS - £85
(10% of our profit goes to Felix)
SAVE THE DATE
Online - Event in a Box
Christmas Card Creations
Weds 25th November 2026 - 7 pm - 9 pm
- - -
Yes, it's true, China and I have missed our online events - so for old times' sake, we're bringing back 90 mins of fun out of a box.
We don't have the full details of exactly what we'll be making yet, but those of you in the know will know it will be a creative hoot. You'll create something to send and something to keep.
And if you have any preferences on whether it's watercolours, ink, charcoal, or crafting, let us know by replying to this email with #craftme and your choice of art materials.
As always, your box will also include everything you need as well as a pick and mix of deliciousness.
TICKETS - To be announced soon
(This would also make a fun family activity/
date night/girls/boys night in - or come solo, we're all in a square) x
Sea & Soul Escape
Southern Sri Lanka
Sun 21st - Sun 28th February 2028
- - -
Wow, huge thanks to all the 'first dibbers' who booked onto this retreat so quickly - we now only have 1 ensuite twin room left.
This is a wonderful opportunity to escape to somewhere magical with your mum, or maybe your sister or bestie. This is your permission slip for you both to switch off and be totally cared for and carefree for 7 whole days in a town by the sea. Once again I am collaborating with the uber-talented
Lisa Dunn Yoga (only the best will do!).
The location for this one is on Sri Lanka's southern shores, where yoga meets surf and culture meets connection. In a place renowned for its laidback charm, beginner-friendly surf beaches and quaint coffee shops. As always, we’ll enjoy the best yoga, a wonderful local cooking class supporting the community, a cultural trip to Galle, as well as a surf lesson (well, we'll try at least) and combine pool days with beach days - unplugged bliss guaranteed.
TICKETS - £1,695 pp
(based on 2 sharing a twin ensuite)
Saluti from Florence
I have always been a self-confessed marketer's delight, and I'm a sucker for labels and packaging. It's not the best photo (good job I'm going on an iPhone photography workshop!) - but isn't this bottle bellissima (along with the poshest bookmark ever!).
I tried the Portofino Gin (La Peninsula) while I was at the Villa San Michele - all gins are good, but some are great, and this, in my opinion, was good - but 10/10 for looks. The hotel itself, though, was 150 out of 100 - if you've ever read 'Unreasonable Hospitality' by Will Guidara, this place would be on his list - if you're in Florence and you have time, book a table.
That's all for now, folks - until next time in between 'now and then', I wish you the best of everything with ice and a slice of la dolce vita - three cheers to slowing down.
Happy holidays.
Ruth x
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