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Hello September
- Ruth Clougherty
- Sep 9
- 7 min read
A seasonal shift
Gosh, well, here we are, a whole 9 months in, how are you?
Just in case you were wondering, September’s name comes from the Latin word 'septem', meaning 7. “This month had originally been the 7th month of the early Roman calendar?” I'm not the best at maths, but September is 9th in the calendar by my reckoning, with July taking 7th place. No idea what happened there, but what I can tell you, is that September is the only month with the same number of letters as its position in the year (9 letters for the 9th month). There you have it, totally useless and random info … all part of the service
Well, since my last ramblings, I’ve been upside down in Oz for the Lions’ Rugby Tour, which was wonderful but also very very (did I say very?) wet, I mean who knew? Other than that, I've been running a pretty slick (if I do say so myself) Airbnb in Surrey (aka our home ... clearly for no fee) for various friends and family members over the last few weeks – I think I should write to ‘Who gives a crap’ toilet paper company and let them know I’ve been keeping them afloat over the summer? … no pun intended
It's fair to say, life has been busy with a capital B, but right here, right now, I’m enjoying a little normality and routine. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the summer holidays and all that it brings, but I’m now definitely ready for a little quiet before things to start to ramp up again – a short but much-needed pause, I hope you'll get a moment to slow down and breathe a little deeper too.
But, before I go into full yoga nidra mode, sharing is caring, right? So here are my top 9 random things for the 9th month to share with you, you lucky things:
THE CHANGE – While on the Sydney to Dubai leg of my journey home from Oz, I watched this apt series – lots of laugh-out-loud bits about a woman who finds a new lease of life after being told she’s “going through the menopause” – if you watch it let me know what you think. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-change
GO WILD – If you live in the Surrey area and fancy a go at ‘wild swimming’ in a lovely clean sand quarry with the added luxury of a post-swim sauna and hot choc or even a pre-dip ice bath if you’re brave – evidence of said activity in the photo at the bottom, minus the cold plunge and sauna elements - check it out here: https://www.diverscove.co.uk
GOOD VIBRATIONS – This month, my ears have been drawn to Nectar Woode thanks to my lovely daughter Evie and to Jamie Cullen (via his Jazz Show) – described as ‘neo-soul, folk, jazz and gospel’ all in one. I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do. Check her out here: http://bit.ly/3JOtXTm
4 MINUTE WORKOUT – This is thanks to my awesome retreat collaborator in all things yoga (more on Lisa Dunn Yoga below) – “This Zach Bush Technique or more accurately known as the "Nitric Oxide Dump" or "Four Minute Workout," is a short, high-intensity interval-style exercise routine developed by Dr. Zach Bush to stimulate the release of nitric oxide in the body, dilating blood vessels for increased oxygen and nutrient delivery.” It may only be 4 mins but blimey riles! Give it a go.
DESIGNED TO RAISE A SMILE – This week I visited the London Design Centre. The last time I went was about 33 years ago – anyhoo, it was a little underwhelming and not quite what I remembered, but I love great design particularly when it's fun - so giving a shout out to this little company who make practical things more fun - https://vinegarandbrownpaper.co.uk/about. If you buy from other small businesses that make you smile – message me.
HUGO WOULD APPROVE-O SPRITZ – As summer sun lingers a little longer – this is the perfect Hugo Spritz pick me up, made here by Jim & Tonic, where we went after a fun Gin & Yin social and city art walk. https://youtu.be/uVewBMVsolQ
WAIT - that's only 6? ... well, if the Romans can do it? Sorry, couldn't resist.
Whilst it's been quiet on the 'retreat' front over the summer, here's a fab photo of us on our 'Gin & Yin SUP Social' last week. Thanks to James, founder of The London Stand Up Paddle Company, for a great morning in the sunshine in Richmond upon Thames - cheers, ladies. If you'd like to be first in the know about our next SUP Social, reply to this with #supandsip and I'll keep you posted on our Spring 2026 date.
What's coming up next? |
Land & Sea Retreat 5 Nights - N. Sardinia Tues 30th Sept - Sun 5th Oct 2025 - - - Only 1 room left on this retreat now! Why not say sock it, I'm coming (keeping it clean, my parents read these!)
It's been said that in Northern Sardinia, "Nature nurtures longevity" - Well, I definitely love the sound of that. I'm also looking forward to the Sardinian wine tasting evening, the delicious food, the honey and local gin, along with the herbal hike from the mountains to the sea, plus of course the kayaking evening and the yoga.
There is so much to look forward to on this retreat, as well as allowing time to enjoy the pool, the views , the fresh mountain air and being in the company of like-minded ladies.
I honestly think you'll love it - join us. Our flights are approx. £200 from London to Olbia with EasyJet.
Twin ensuite room - £1,450 pp Private ensuite room - £1,850
Wonder & Wellbeing Retreat 7 Nights - Northern Vietnam Sat 15th Nov - Sun 22nd Nov 2025 (flying overnight out and back) - - - 2 spaces have become available on this magical retreat of a lifetime - I'm collaborating once again with Lisa Dunn Yoga on this retreat, and we have such a lovely group too, which is a mix of repeat retreaters and first-timers, which I hope speaks volumes.
We'll start the retreat in the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter in Hanoi, where we'll enjoy a guided cultural walk plus a fun ‘Street Life’ experience, along with a traditional Water Puppet Show offering a light-hearted introduction to Vietnam's rural culture.
After 2 nights there, we'll head out through the fabulous countryside, stopping along the way for lunch and a walk until we reach Pu Luong Nature Reserve. While we're here, we'll enjoy the best yoga for our body, head and hearts thanks to Lisa, plus a trip on a bamboo raft and a local excursion to explore local life, food, culture, and so much more. Direct flights from London are currently just under £1,000 with Vietnam Airlines. Why not make this your 'YES' year?
Twin ensuite room - £1,650 pp Private ensuite room - £1,950 pp
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Autumn Hues & Happy Hour Weds 8th Oct 2025 - 7pm - 9.30pm Alcheme Wellbeing - Surbiton - - - Fancy joining us for an Autumn-inspired oil pastel sip & paint workshop at Alcheme Wellbeing in the heart of Surbiton? My partner in all things paint is China Jordan, founder of ArtistAnd and our gin partner will be announced shortly. Needless to say, it will be fun, creative and delicious.
It has been such fun running these sessions over the years with China, I promise you'll enjoy it.
Come as a solo sipper, or bring your partner, or your bestie, or your mates - this makes a lovely birthday outing too (we've had a few now). It's good fun, and we're always blown away by what everyone achieves under the guidance of China and a measure of botanical deliciousness. What's not to love?
£35 pp OR book 2 for £60
BRAND NEW - SAVE THE DATE Root to Rise Retreat - Portugal 3 Nights - Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st May 2026 - - - I'm super excited to tell you about a brand new retreat property I've discovered in Portugal, about a 50 drive from Faro Airport. This retreat is a little more 'spiritual' than some of my other retreats. It's an off-grid sanctuary that invites us into the restorative rhythm of mountain life ... omm.
I also love that "the space speaks yin". with 'less is more' at its heart. With 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 - SAVE THE DATES - and reply to this email with 'Tell me more about Portugal' and you'll be the first to know.
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 "Don't leave any joy on the table" Ingrid, founder of @aestheticsofjoy
Yes I know, I absolutely should have bought myself a new swimming cap from Diver's Cove vs. using my daughter's old one from Year 5 (she's now in her 2nd year of Uni!) have to laugh! Hey ho, say hello to my friend Caroline too, she's a long-standing retreater and an all-round top gal always up for fun and adventure and annoyingly a better swimmer than me - what wetsuit?!
Whatever you're up to this month, "Make curiosity bigger than your fear and borrow courage from your future self". Wise words from Ingrid.
Next stop for me is Marrakech with my 2 brothers and 2 cousins - hammams, hiking and getting lost somewhere in the souks here we come! And if you're still with me to the last roman numeral, thank you very much indeed for taking the time to read my newsletter, I appreciate you being there and I hope to see you soon.
Ruth xxx |
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