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N - O - T - I - C - I - N - G
Thank you for noticing me in your inbox, your attention is really appreciated. Ok, so I don’t really know if you’re reading this, but I’m forever the optimist. Gosh, well here we are almost at the end of another month, which has literally flown by thanks to Eunice! I feel sorry for anyone called Eunice right now, not that I know any myself, do you? Random but true, did you know you can email The Met Office and put forward names for future storms? Yup, you can here’s the email address if you feel the urge: nameourstorms@metoffice.gov.uk
Back to the theme of ‘noticing’ - other than up rooted trees and fence panels being blown over, there’s also an abundance of lovely things to take notice of this month, from the colourful Spring flowers, to the gorgeous dusky pink evening skies, plus the warmer temperatures and earlier sunrise means we’re treated to a symphony of bird song from our feathered friends who are full of gusto at this time of year. You'll spot blackbirds, chiffchaffs and little wrens busy building nests in preparation for the next generation to name but a few. If you fancy having a go at making a super simple bird feeder, here’s a nice little video: https://bit.ly/3LZH3cV
Spring is all about new beginnings, not only true for nature, but also true for our bodies too, it’s a great time to start a fresh, reset, reboot and let go of any stagnant energy that has built up over the winter months. Take notice of what we're putting into our bodies, doesn't the photo above look delicious - this is from a new retreat property in Portugal where we'll be this September which has a wonderful organic kitchen garden to explore and enjoy produce from. Spring is also a good time to motivate ourselves to try new things and take charge of our overall wellbeing and well-doing – “the detail of our days do make a difference in our lives” and “everything can be a springboard for inspiration if we are willing to be open to the goodness of life” – Sarah Ban Breathnach (Alice – Feb 24th if you’re reading this x).
Next week I’ll be walking the talk when it comes to Spring cleaning my body as I’ll be joining an online ‘Detox & Immunity Retreat’ with Asa Simonsson & Lisa Dunn – it starts next week Thursday 3rd March - if you’re interested, message me and I’ll put you in touch as there's still time to join us. Plus, I'm also Spring cleaning my website too ... I'm both nervous and excited about this - all will be revealed next week - I hope you like it x
What's been happening at Gin & Yin HQ?
As you can see by the photo, fun was had with pears and origami painted hearts on our ‘Made with Love & Gin’ online workshop with China Jordan at Artistand – every session with China is different and always includes plenty of laughter – thank you also to ‘Gin in a Tin’ for the gorgeous mini tins of No. 10 Pomegranate, Raspberry and Cardamon Gin which was absolutely delicioushttps://www.gininatin.co.uk/product/pomegranate-raspberry-cardamom-no-10-50cl-tin/
More collaborations with China to follow shortly, but if you'd like something little more bespoke maybe for a birthday celebration or small team event, China and I are all ears, paint brushes, gin and treats so drop me a line. Oh and if you're into your Wellness & Watercolours, China is running a lovely UK Retreat in July in Ludlow - check it out here: https://www.artistand.co.uk/retreat2022
This month I also travelled to Sri Lanka - it was magical in every way, thanks to my husband for organising it all (if he didn't have such a great job already, I'd snap him up as a retreat organiser in a heartbeat : D). Thanks also to my poor parents for braving our back garden at 4am to secure the garden furniture while we were away! Who knew Eunice would be swinging by– note to self to be more prepared next time. Anyways, in addition to exploring the south of this wonderful Island, we also stopped by a lovely retreat property at Pitiduwa, a perfect Gin & Yin Retreat bolthole thanks to Lisa Dunn Yoga, who I'll be collaborating with on this one - it has a great outdoor yoga pavilion and gorgeous pool with a lush backdrop of paddy fields, all the bedrooms are lovely and cool, all with en-suites too (tick) - plus it's only a hop skip and tuk tuk ride away from gorgeous beaches and a short drive to Galle Fort, which is a must visit while we’re there, along with cooking experiences, bike rides, eco boat tours and cultural walks - more to come on this magical 2023 Retreat in next month’s newsletter ... that's if I can keep it quiet until then!
What's Coming Up Next?
Restorative Mountain Retreat Marbella 9th - 12th June 2022 - - -
Yes, there will be more dodgy tree poses from me like this back at the gorgeous Shanti-Som on this wonderfully restorative retreat. Only a 40 minute transfer from Malaga Airport you'll be transported to a little slice of Indonesia - it really is a heavenly place. I promise you will instantly feel more relaxed just arriving here and after a few days of oudoor yoga with incredible teachers, wonderful food, a guided hike, relaxation time by the pool, a spot of culture and shopping and some feet in the sand time over supper, you'll feel like you've been away for a week. I have 3 rooms left on this one which can be taken as either a single occupancy if you really need some peace and quiet, or as a twin, if you fancy some overdue quality time with a female family member or a great friend.£150 Deposit Secures Your Spot BOOK HERE
New Luxury Eco-Retreat Portugal 25th - 28th Sept 2002 - - -
I'm really excited announce this new gorgeous retreat, a 45 min transfer from Lisbon. Airport. Bookings are already coming in and the booking link only went live last week! This property has sustainable tourism in mind from start to finish and its interiors and position on the coast are instagram heaven ... not that I want everyone on their phones, but this will be hard!The itinerary on this one includes yoga for everyone, a guided wild coastal walk, a visit to the organic kitchen garden & permaculture talk, delicious meals, G&Ts from a local Portuguese distiller, campfire chats plus an added beginner friendly SUP session (all of which is optional)Only 8 Spaces Now Available£200 Deposit Secures your Spot BOOK HERE
Candle Making & Gin Tasting In Person Workshop
Location: Willow & Finn's Studio, Shepperton TW17
Last but not least, I'm also running this rather lovely candle making workshop with Willow & Finn who make handmade soy candles using 100% essential oils, plus a range of artisan homeware products. This is a mood boosting workshop which will be a treat for all the senses. We'll be trying some local gins, thanks to Bone Idyll and to Hampton Court Gin while understanding what makes an ordinary candle vs. an extraordinarily gorgeous candle, made by you, with love to either keep or gift. This promises to be a fab evening out - it would be lovely to have you with us.
Tickets are £45 - Booking link here
If you're still with me to the very bottom, to the last sip of a word, thank you from the bottom of the page for being here - have a lovely day.
Ruth xx