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Summer Edition
- Ruth Clougherty
- Jul 16
- 7 min read
Sip Sip Hooray
Wow, what a great couple of weeks for all the Wimbledon lovers. How do they sustain such dynamism in that heat? I needed a cold compress carrying the strawberries from the fridge to the sofa, never mind serving up ace after ace in 3000-degree heat with the eyes of the world on me. Except for Hugh Grant's that is, have to laugh, that would have been me! Well, I guess all PR is good PR right? Bravo to the ball boys and girls too, they are always incredibly professional and an absolute credit to the sport, I hope they all got a whopping big bowl of strawberries and cream each, along with their pay packet of course ... or should I say online transfer! Showing my age now.
On the note of strawberries, I think it’s safe to say, summer is well and truly here and the strawberries and raspberries are also top of their game – I hope you’ve treated yourself to some - I certainly have.
So, what’s the juice Ruth?
Well, in addition to being away for a week in Provence with my family and one of my besties, which was très très charmant - I’ve also enjoyed a few berry nice things this month including a ‘Disco Yoga’ night on a little Island called ‘D’oyly Carte Island’ which was great fun with a spot of English rosé wine (shhh don’t tell gin) along with a candle making, sound bath and reiki session too – to see what's next in their wellbeing series take a look here:
Last week I also listened to a Zoe Podcast on ‘7 foods to fight inflammation’ (think raspberries, olive oil, chia seeds and turmeric among other things). Not that I’ve tried the Zoe doo daa, but I like the scientifically backed information they put out – easy health hacks to do right now, either for yourself or to share with loved ones who suffer from inflammation/arthritis:
Talking of raspberries, here’s a super-easy 5 min overnight raspberry chia seed breakfast pot, thanks to Lucie Simon see her insta page here @feelgoodfood_uk - Lucie also uses 'science-backed research to support midlife women to thrive, not just survive', I attended one of her courses earlier this year, and she’s excellent. Heads up, the seeds don't look appealing in any way whatsoever ... but overall, it tasted ok (if you swallow quickly) ... and the health benefits are well-documented - just don’t overdo it! One lady described them to me as an internal toilet brush? … hmm.
Moving swiftly on, I’d like to give a shout out to ‘Three Old Birds Gin’ –a delicious small batch artisan gin made in Sussex by 3 friends (always love a story), which was gifted to me by my husband – I research healthy things and he buys me gin, teamwork!? Anyways, they also make an Eton Mess Gin 🍓 (see photo above) which “tastes just like the classic dessert but in a glass, strawberry, vanilla, and meringue infused with botanicals: Juniper, goji berries, rose petals, English raspberries & cream” Now wouldn’t that make a lovely gift. Check them out here: https://www.threeoldbirds.com
Finally – if you’d like to try a very gentle yoga session called ‘Yoga To Beat The Heat!, Cooling Summer Practice, Yoga for Hot Weather’ by Cheryl from LOVE & LIGHT YOGA – check it out here: https://youtu.be/oqc8RtsOXVk?si=Trjz7JIowrd4hGTE
What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?
These photos are from a ‘secret gardens’ walking tour we did in and around St. Paul’s Cathedral last month for some of my 2023 and 2026 Goa Retreaters – it was an incredibly hot day but well worth it for this view ... oh and spending a penny in maybe one of the oldest toilets in London in a turret in a church, followed by a lovely lunch in Paternoster Square. All in all, a lovely cultural day out. If you'd like to join us on the next walking tour around London, DM me as I'm planning another one in October.
Land & Sea Retreat 5 Nights - N. Sardinia Tues 30th Sept - Sun 5th Oct 2025 - - - If you're heading into summer feeling utterly frazzled already, I have 3 spaces left on this retreat in either a twin ensuite cottage or a private ensuite double. We'll be located in the mountains in the North of the island, which is both wild and wonderful.
Elke (in the photo above) will lead us through our yoga practice, as well as take us on a guided hike through the mountains to the sea, where we'll enjoy lunch and a swim. Plus, Lorenzo will take us on a special kayaking trip down the river Liscia, paddling into the golden hour in a magical, meditative way - at one with nature, ommm.
This retreat promises to be fun and active as well as relaxing and delicious - a perfect retreat combo, I'd say. You'll also learn more about what makes this country one of the 'Blue Zone' destinations - three cheers to longevity!
Why not take a leap of faith and join us - I honestly think you'll love it. Flights are currently around £300 from London to Olbia with Easyjet.
Twin ensuite room - £1,450 pp Private ensuite room - £1,850 pp
Wonder & Wellbeing Retreat 7 Nights - Northern Vietnam Sat 15th Nov - Sun 22nd Nov 2025 (flying overnight Fri 14th Nov) - - - If you are curious, fun-loving and seeking a bit of adventure and can get away for a week in November, 1 space has become available on this incredible trip. We have such a lovely group of repeat retreaters and first-timers coming, which I hope speaks volumes.
As you can see from the photo above, the retreat starts in the Old Quarter of Hanoi where we'll enjoy a guided cultural walk plus a fun ‘Street Life’ experience, along with a traditional Water Puppet Show, which is an interesting, light-hearted introduction to Vietnam's rural culture.
After 2 nights in Hanoi, we'll head out through the jaw-dropping countryside to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which looks utterly mystical - here we'll enjoy the best yoga for our bodies and our brains thanks to Lisa Dunn Yoga, 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. If you can say 'YES' to this, we'd love to have you with us.
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 Surbiton - - - Yes indeed, China Jordan and I are back again this time with an autumn-inspired sip & paint/palette & pour workshop, taking place a 5-minute walk from Surbiton Station - KT6, exact location TBC shortly.
We have had such a hoot running these events. What will it be this time? Oils, pastels, ink, pencils, watercolours? Tell us what you'd like - reply to this email if you have a preference and I'll put it to our committee ... of 2 😂
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 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
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NEW - SAVE THE DATE Restorative Winter Retreat 2 Nights - West Wittering Friday 16th - Sun 18th Jan 2026 (1 Day Option Available - Sat 17th Jan) - - - Carmen, if you're reading this, I think we've finally found a fabulous beachfront property in West Witterings for this hygge style restorative wellbeing retreat.
This 2-night retreat includes sourdough making, sea walks, fireside chats, candle making, yoga, essential oils, relaxing in the hot tub and sauna, plus G&Ts in our PJs. This will be my first UK retreat collaborating with Nicola Males, founder of Willow Bakery School and Willow & Finn luxury candles and botanical wellbeing. What a treat this will be!
2 nights in a triple room £500 pp 2 nights in twin room - £550 pp Double room - £695 pp 1 Day rate - £195
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Disco + yoga + rosé wine did you say? For the yoga puritans out there, this may not sound sensible or advisable ... but hey, I'm not one and don't aspire to be one any time soon, so when my friend Penny sent me the lowdown for this event, I knew it had my name on it. Plus, my pal and Gin & Yin wingwoman Fran (aka DJ Goodnight) was over from the US ... and it was her birthday ... so this was a no-brainer! Three cheers to movin' and a groovin' disco yoga style. I'm also relieved to report that my £10 silver leggings from Amazon didn't split mid-lunge and sip, phew! There's a reason you can't see them in this photo.
Whatever you're up to this month, have fun - ride a scooter, book a comedy show, change your look, or go away on a last-minute mini adventure ... maybe to Sardinia?
Next stop for me is Melbourne for the British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour - packing for winter ... gulp! See you next month, if you don't see me first 😂
Love and silver leggings.
Ruth xxx
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