La Gaia Retreat

16/06/2026

I NEED Maintenance men. Really? Oh what a drama, let’s start with the 3 P’s this is not funny. Could be my age , I get no respect any more. P for plumber , pool cleaner and a plasterer. I’m not shaming anyone at all but listen, can something just be fixed. Like anything at all. I’m not asking much now let’s move to gardeners two different ones I’m hedging my bets scuse the pun. I will start Friday, no Monday, no Tuesday. No answer the phone. Nada. The electrician he lights up with a no show and don’t get me started on the problem with my car. The electrics and the boiler need at least two attempts to fix. The rail in my garage has collapsed and I’m working on that. Stop this planet I want to get off now.

You need time off people tell me. At least my work is consistent and is always there waiting for me. Just needed a rant.

From Deirdre O'Kane's live show in the Olympia Theatre!Buy TICKET...

08/04/2026

Hiya, I’m Lauren, living at La Gaia in Spain (my permanent home).

I’m currently looking for:
🌿 Volunteers to support my circular clothing foundation (Daadi) and occasional help around the house — this is flexible and informal as part of a community project.
If any of this interests you then please send me a message and I will try and get back to you as soo. As possible

It looks like we may have some help now so thank you for your support .

04/06/2024

Couldn’t wait to use some of this cotton. Ok need someone to try this on.
Daadi Clothes swap cotton

17/04/2024

I am so excited to be one of the speakers at the Art Exhibition 'Women who changed the world'. I shall be talking about the Journey of Daadi Clothes Swaps. How it took me to India and why it has set me on a mission to make changes in how we view fast fashion.

Join me on 23rd April DAR Social Club & Community Centre, from 10.30. Come and join us for an informal presentation and a coffee. I shall be bringing some of our new Daadi Bags which will be available to buy. See you there.

02/04/2024

So the first person to pop their head into the Daadi shop (which is not open yet) asked for driving lessons........ Have you seen how I drive?

24/03/2024

I need 3 chairs like this I can paint for our new shop. Anyone able to help?

24/03/2024

Looking for these items to kit out our Daadi Shop.
Mirrors,
Wooden chairs that we can paint.
Shelving,
Big tables. Small tables,
Ironing board
Iron
Hat and coat stand
Your pre loved clothes.
Anything else you may think we could use.
All items we will be truly grateful for.

24/03/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Thanks to YOUR incredible support, our clothes swaps have been a massive success! 🎉 So much so, that we've just secured a new space for our cause in Jalon! 🛍️🌈

The Daadi Shop: will be more than just a store, it's a hub for sustainability and community. 🌱 From a showroom to upcycling workshops, and even mini drop and swaps, there's something for everyone! Plus, every purchase helps support our small school in India and other vital projects. 💚

We'll be inviting local upcyclers, to showcase what can be done with our pre loved clothes as well as hosting engaging workshops, fostering mindful consumerism every step of the way. 💡

Now, we're rolling up our sleeves and getting ready to transform this space into something truly special. 🎨 If you have spare time and skills to lend a hand, we'd love your help in making The Daadi Shop a welcoming haven for all. ☕

So without no further ado, I am reaching for my paint brushes and asking you to be on the lookout for shop fittings. I need mirrors, shelving and rails,Big tables, an iron and ironing board. A wooden ladder. If you have anything you do not need that you think could be useful please drop me a message.
We're bursting with excitement and gratitude for this new chapter, and we can't wait to open our doors to you all! Remember, with The Daadi Shop, nothing goes to waste! ♻️

01/02/2024

I have two more weeks left in India and although I shall be sad to say goodbye to everyone, I know our bonds are stronger than ever. It has been challenging but rewarding, sometimes I think we are not doing enough and then I look back at what we have achieved often surprisingly. I’ve a ton of stories and I have learned so much. Our cultures are so diverse but there is respect for our differences. learn to accept that nothing is wrong and we can merge in harmony. My love for the kids in the school just grows, I want to watch them blossom. They are crazy, loud, and run around like ants in all directions, love pours from them. Today we were problem solving and I found them some puzzles. They all did well. But the style of teaching here is different it is one that works for them, however times are changing as we become more globalized . India is moving forward fast but the population is vast and there will be many who get left behind. Women are waking up to more possibilities and that is good to see. I watch with interest as I see the faces of the mothers navigating the keyboards on their new computers. I believe when kids see their mums as ace multitaskers, respect for women increases. Sadly due to the challenging task of working through what sometimes feels like a field of hurdles we need to find people to support the school to keep it operational. They need more teachers that are skilled and determined to give these kids the chances they deserve. They also need money to help pay the increasing rent on the school and for materials. Most of all they need some great minds to share and empower. I’ve been approached by people reaching out, we do clothes swaps in Spain to Fundraise and we have had people offer to do them in other parts of the world, Australia, Uk and The States. Web developers from Moscow too called me this week as they want to help. Many of my friends and family have donated. Isn’t it great when people see our differences make no difference when we hold hands together to do some good in the world. I sometimes feel I want to change the world but as a friend said tonight, it does not matter that you can’t, so long as the intention is there. So why not, let’s try and change the world by doing something, anything.
You can always donate the price of a cup of coffee and help us towards funding a school. It’s a small price to pay for a big change. Buymeacoffee.com/daadi

18/01/2024

If you are traveling India you must spend a few nights here. My good friend Nitin Sharma has created this space and welcomes you to a true Indian experience. Friendly staff and impeccable service. Love the rooftop restaurant. Bang smack in the middle of Jaipur near to everything. Check it out. Frozos Jaipur restaurant.