Alan Lowbridge • 15 April 2019

Happy new year

Happy New Year to you all!



We are so excited for what 2025 has in store. A new year means fresh beginnings, and we have something special coming your way. Stay tuned for our new brand, an inspired website, exciting online offerings, and a whole new look for our retreat experiences. It’s going to be an amazing year of transformation!

But for now, I just want to wish you all a marvellous 2025. May it bring you joy, peace, fun, and adventure.


Personally, I’m glad to see the new year. Last year was tough in many ways, but the more I talk to friends, colleagues, family, and even strangers, the more I realise that no one has it all good. If they say they do, they’re probably lying. There’s always at least one part of life that could use a little tweaking—a challenge in finances, relationships, health, work, family, or friendships. No one is exempt from struggles, because life isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s an ebb and flow, just like the seasons. There’s no perpetual summer.


And that’s part of what makes life so beautiful—the challenges help us grow. They push us to evolve, and that’s why we’re here.

I sometimes think of life as being divided into thirds. One third of the time, things are going great. You’re high as a kite, loving life, everything is falling into place—maybe a new job, a great relationship, or just feeling on top of the world. The second third might feel a bit blah. You’re in a bit of a rut—fitness is stale, work feels uninspiring, or you just can’t find your spark. The final third tends to bring some drama or a challenge—there’s a problem that needs solving, something to let go of, or some deep struggle to face.


But here’s the key: life is never all bad. Just like the sun follows the rain, joy always follows pain. So as we step into 2025, let’s remember that we are all in this together. Stop comparing yourself to others, and take comfort in the fact that no one, as far as I know, has figured out how to escape the lows of life.


So, do you. Stay in your lane. Stay focused. Stay peaceful. Stay vibrant. And trust that all shall be well.

Happy New Year to you all!


A man and a woman are posing for a picture on the beach.

Zesty Lemon Energy Balls - NUT FREE

by Laura Bell • 7 June 2025
A New Chapter: Yoga, Food & Connection This week marked a beautiful milestone for us. We hosted our very first Yoga & Seasonal Supper Evening and Day Retreat. What a joy it was! Both events were filled with warmth, laughter, movement, and the most wonderful mix of local students, retreat guests, and dear friends. These gatherings felt like more than just events, they were a chance to reconnect, recharge, and simply be. Sharing yoga and nourishing food in a mindful, welcoming space reminded us just how powerful these small moments of togetherness can be. The evening was very mellow, with a relaxed yoga flow with myself followed by a 3 course seasonal meal, where conversation and laughter flowed. Our Day Retreat at The Barn gave our guests time to really settle in. it was an opportunity to show off our wonderful North Wales venue and for us to try out our new business idea. We began with a strong yoga practise to help ground and relax the guests. We walked into the hills, breathed deeply in the fresh air, and even dipped toes into the newly renovated woodland pond, complete with a jetty! It felt like stepping into a secret sanctuary. We also had the pleasure of welcoming chef Kelly Mason, who generously shared some of her favourite cooking tips and seasonal inspiration with us all. And of course, what’s a retreat without something delicious to nibble on? I had the fun job of making energy balls for our guests, and I wanted to share this quick, zesty recipe with you. It’s perfect for busy weekends or a midweek pick-me-up. They're easy, bright, and full of goodness, just like the events themselves. Both events were a great success, and we’ll be offering them every quarter going forward. They’re a beautiful way to honour the changing seasons and to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with each other.
A white plate topped with green rolls on a wooden table

Nettle Oat Wraps/Crepes

by Admin • 31 December 2024
In late January and early February the young nettle leaves are starting to appear. Nettles are full of vitamins and minerals especially rich in iron and vitamins A and D. They can be cooked in soups as a substitute for spinach, or use raw blitzed for pesto. These nettle oat wraps/crepes are versatile and can […] The post Nettle Oat Wraps/Crepes appeared first on The Zest Life.
A jar of balaclava protecting face balm is sitting on a table.

6 great skincare tips

by Admin • 23 December 2024
Here at Zest Life we are all about wellness and vitality and as work our way through Winter it can be hard to feel such vitality. This is where we choose to turn the self care that we can implement on a daily basis without too much effort – Skin. As we all know when you […] The post 6 great skincare tips appeared first on The Zest Life.
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