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Mar-bruary's News
- Ruth Clougherty
- Apr 7
- 8 min read
One of these days, I’m not going to start with the weather … but … how gorgeous was last weekend? I was on a hen doo and we visited Sandringham House, missing Charles by a whisker (no word of a lie) wishing I’d packed at least one t-shirt as it was 10 degrees warmer than I was prepared for! Alas, this week, convinced Spring had sprung, I attended a ‘Plot to Plate’ workshop in Richmond (birthday gift – thanks mum & dad) in a renewed attempt to grow my own edible anything. I rocked up in a paper-thin crochet-cuffed puff-sleeved number and was so cold my lips stopped moving as I stood rooted to a freshly seeded trough, listening to a fascinating bobble hat-ed appropriately dressed gardener. I could feel Winter rolling its eyes and whispering ‘what on earth (no pun intended) were you thinking Ruth?' along with the gardener! To my defence, I thought the workshop was inside. I haven’t got my flip-flops out just yet though … ok, so that’s a lie.
Anyway, how are you? So much has happened in the World since my January download, hasn’t it. I know you will have searched high and low for my February newsletter but I was far too busy enjoying myself travelling around Ecuador with my husband. Photo above is evidence of me doing one (of two) yoga sessions in the Cloud Forest, plus I managed one in The Galapagos ... which wasn't easy on a rocking boat. An extreme way to avoid the news you might say, but Ecuador was on his bucket list, and it was totally amazing and diverse from the landscapes, rivers, birds, animals, plants, people, the lot. If it’s not on your list - add it pronto and make sure it’s on your partners’ list and your besties list and anyone else’s too in case they need a plus 1.
To make up for things, this month’s sips and tips come in the name of ‘Mar-bruary’s News’. Get your ice and slices at the ready, sip back, relax and enjoy the various randomness of things that I’d like to share with you this double bubble month:
Springing into Spring – I love yellow, along with orange and green – simply adding a bit of colour to your day is an easy way to lift your spirits, whether that’s through daffs on your desk or a neon jumper or a vibrant cushion on your favourite chair, simple things can give you a boost, well it works for me anyway. Talking of chairs, I bought a velvet chair from Anthropologie in the sale for my office – the colour is called ‘Chartreuse’ and I absolutely love it. Go on, treat yourself in the name of Spring, maybe not a frock though just yet.
Fresh as a Daisy – Today is World Sleep Day – when it comes to sleep, there is nothing lovelier than getting into bed with fresh sheets, particularly if they’re great quality too. I read about a lady who sets up her bedroom about 30 minutes before she goes to bed by spraying her pillow with lavender, turning down the duvet, placing a glass of water with sliced lemons in it by her bed and lighting a candle. Then when she goes to bed, she feels like she’s had a ‘turndown service’ - nice. For nice bedding ideas, check this out https://bit.ly/3FEYnoP Last but not least, did you know that sleeping on your left side can prevent ‘heartburn and allows gravity to move waste through your colon’? Not so nice to think about, but it's good to know.
Simple & Seasonal – According to Lia Leendertz and her ‘Seasonal Almanac’ book, this month we should be looking for purple sprouting broccoli; radicchio; spinach; leeks; chicory and kale among other things – I like the sound of the buttery leek lunch dish from her 2024 book: “Leeks cooked in butter until soft and then with a spoonful of mustard mixed in, along with salt and pepper and a handful of grated cheese, piled onto a piece of toast and grill” Yum! I can’t remember if I’ve shared this one already too, but this is a fishy leeky favourite at G&Y HQ served up with crusty bread and lashings of butter: https://bit.ly/3R9ac9i
You can also find Lia’s 2025 ‘Almanac’ here: https://bit.ly/3FGnbg8
Set in Ibiza – My next retreat is the ‘Glow with the Flow Retreat' to Ibiza in May and I’ve suggested ‘The Life Impossible’ book by Matt Haig to my retreaters, as it’s based on the island – I loved his booked ‘The Midnight Library’ so I have high hopes for this one too, I’m only a quarter of the way in, but so far so good, I’ll keep you posted: https://bit.ly/4bOYlqu
A Wild Writing Weekend – While I was travelling, I stumbled across a lady called Lois Pryce and was fascinated by her adventures and stories watched her TEDx talk ‘In praise of vulnerable travel’ which “promotes the idea of travelling simply and with minimal kit, free of technology and gadgets, as a way of connecting with ourselves, our environment, and our fellow humans” I don't know Lois or Antonia, but if you think there’s a book in you, I have a feeling this will be an excellent weekend and not only because it’s taking place in Wales and Lois likes a G&T ... honest:
What's Been Happening at Gin & Yin HQ?
While we were in the Amazon, I loved meeting The Sani Warmi Women's Cooperative (aka the purple ladies). They taught us how to use a blow pipe (poison darts optional) and gave us a cooking lesson using the walking palm tree as a grater, better than any I have used. We also learnt about local food, which included the option to eat (alive or cooked) 'chontacuro', which is a type of palm weevil larvae, packed with protein and healthy fats. Trust me when I say you might not want to Google what they look like when they're alive but here's one we cooked. Dare I say it, but it tasted quite nice - they call it 'the bacon of the Amazon'. Worry ye not, whilst I love bringing back ideas from my travels, I won't be recreating either of these activities anytime soon, although the slugs in my garden were a nuisance last year?
I did, however, have a good chat with the founder of The London Stand Up Paddle Company about a beginner-friendly 'Gin & Yin Sunset Stand Up Paddle' evening along The River Thames near Richmond. This will take place on Thursday 12th June from 6.30 pm compete with a post-SUP sundowner and light bites. If this sounds of interest to you - reply to this email with 'Paddle Me More'. |
What's coming up? |
Botanical Watercolours Evening Weds 26th March 2025 - 7 pm - 9 pm The Brewhouse, Surbiton - - - This botanical (in the glass and on paper) evening is once again in collaboration with China Jordan, founder of Artistand. It is always great fun and I promise you’ll leave with something you’ll be proud of. Your efforts can also be doubled up as a lovely Mother’s Day card or gift, or why not bring your mum along for some creative bonding time!
Once again we're back at The Brewhouse, Surbiton for another night of creativity, great company and of course a delicious botanical G&T in hand to get the brushes flowing. (Non-alcoholic options are available too, of course) Your ticket includes: All art materials Expert tuition A beautifully crafted botanical gin & tonic / alternative.
£30 pp OR 2 Tickets for £50
Authentic Indian Cooking 'The Thali Way' Fri 6th June 2025 - 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm Raynes Park, SW20 - - - I’m excited to be collaborating on this event with Nidhi Verma where we will be cooking in her home kitchen in South West London. Nidhi is a talented chef and founder of ‘Meri Rasoi’ cooking school as well as a co-founder of the ‘Cookaway’ more on that below.
The evening will be part hands-on and part demo-ing. We'll discover Nidhhi's tips and tricks along with mastering the techniques that make Indian cooking so enjoyable and delicious. At the end we'll enjoy the dishes together with either a cup of masala chai or a gin cocktail crafted specifically to compliment the Indian flavours. This event is also suitable for vegetarians. Spaces are strictly limited, so don't rest on your Bombay onions if you'd like to join us.
£70 pp OR 2 for £130
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Land & Sea Retreat 5 Nights - Northern Sardinia Tues 30th Sept - Sun 5th Oct 2025 - - - If you'd like to escape to Northern Sardinia for a short while, this hidden gem is where wild beauty meets deep rooted relaxation.
The location of our property is far from the crowds in the North, which has a raw, untouched charm, a place where the sea sparkles, the sunsets are golden, and time feels like it stands still. Ommmm.
Whether we're hiking over the mountains, swimming in the ocean, kayaking down the river, learning to cook local dishes, moving through yoga flows with the breeze on our skin, or sipping our G&Ts or Sardian Rose under the stars - one thing is for sure, this is a wonderful opportunity to rest in the knowledge everything has been taken care of for you, with you in mind.
Twin ensuite room - £1,450 pp Private ensuite room - £1,850 pp
Yes please - this sounds perfect
Barefoot Bliss Retreat 7 Nights - Southern Goa Sun 8th - Sun 15th March 2026 (Flying overnight Sat 7th March) - - - Oh wow .... I can't quite believe it but I now only have 1 cabana left on this 'no shoes, no news' retreat to Southern Goa which can be booked as either a twin or a double ensuite option.
Why did it book so fast? Maybe because it's situated on a secluded beach, or because all the cabana's are on the sand made using local materials, with ensuite bathrooms, lovely mattresses and linens with a balcony and a hammock?. Or because we're only a few cartwheels from the sea?
Or maybe it's because the yoga teachers here are incredible and the classes are in a shala facing the ocean?? Or that the cocktails match the colour of the sunsets? Or because it's a place where you can properly unplug from the World for a short while, which is very appealing right now. If you'd like to join us on this unforgettable trip click below.
£1,450 pp to £1,750 pp
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As most of you know, I enjoy cooking (and sipping) - I've mentioned the 'Cookaway' brand to you all before and how great I think it is, along with the couple behind it (Nidhi and Sahil Verma). I not only love the quality of their world food recipe boxes and their live zoom sessions with various chefs, but also how they treat their customers. They are an inspiring couple on a mission to redefine the recipe kit space in the UK with no subscriptions (which I love) and help you travel and taste the world from your kitchen.
If your personal circumstances are such that you'd like to invest and join them on their journey, they are growing so fast that they are now fundraising and invite you (via me) to take a look at their presentation here: here. You can also contact Nidhi directly here: nidhi@thecookaway.com if you're interested. If you know your onions when it comes to finances, it is EIS-qualified for UK investors.
Or you can simply enjoy a Cookaway box with my referral code RUTHC20 for an exclusive 20% off any world food recipe kit. If you give one a go, let me know how you get on www.thecookaway.com
If you're still here, gosh well done and thank you! You know I went on that 'Micro Blogging' day with David Hiett last year .. well ... what can I say, it's a work in progress! I just love words.
See you next month for a generous pour of tips and sips on anything and everything.
Love & lemon slices.
Ruth xxx |
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