The moment the first daffodils start poking their heads through the soil, I’m in full Spring Cleaning mode. Even after a year of lockdown, where every cupboard has been ransacked at least twice, I’ve spent the past couple of weeks going through everything again, to make sure all cupboards and drawers are in order; especially since we’re getting ready for life to go back to some sort of normality. Once everything’s been scrubbed down and re-arranged, my favourite part is enjoying the order I’ve created – I know what’s in every drawer, and I always feel so much calmer when things are colour-coordinated and in alphabetical order. It’s also the point when I bring out my new bits and pieces I’ve been waiting to enjoy.

Case-in-point is ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s diffuser in After the Rain. It’s one of the brand’s signature scents, and I’m completely in love with it. With notes of Rose, Sandalwood and Lime, it’s a beautifully fresh fragrance which feels perfect for the better weather. I’ve popped mine in the bathroom so it always feels spa-like when I go in, and it’s the loveliest addition to the room, which I enjoy during evening bubble baths. The diffuser uses essential oils for the purest experience to enjoy, and it absolutely fills the room without feeling too oppresive.

ARRAN Sense of Scotland After the Rain Diffuser is priced at £30 and is available here.

If, like me, you’re dying for new ways to spend an evening whilst we count down to the world opening back up again, then S.Pellegrino are teaming up with Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi of the famous Bibendum to bring a ‘Taste of EE BAFTAs’ – a free virtual masterclass of fine dining excellence, at 5pm on 11^th April 2021 straight into your kitchen, ahead of the live EE BAFTAs ceremony which will stream on YouTube.

What’s on the menu? Claude’s succulent Cod à La Grenobloise and Roasted Cauliflower à La Grenobloise

For the vegetarian option, served alongside exclusive tips and tricks from the culinary master.

A bundle of the ingredients can be pre-ordered from the Waitrose website here.

It’s such a fun event, and rather incredibly, it’s free! All you need to do is pick up your groceries at Waitrose before Sunday – see you there?!

It’s not looking likely that we’re going to get to enjoy a normal summer vacation this summer, but instead of dreaming of far flung beaches and exotic city spots, I’ve decided to focus on where to go in the UK to really make the most of when restrictions lift. One of the first spots I think I’ll be heading to is York. From Edinburgh, it’s only about two hours away on the train, and if you’re driving, it’s just about three, so it’s an easy spot to reach for a night or two away, and if you leave early enough in the morning, you can have pretty much a whole day to enjoy and explore the city.

The city is far from one of the UK’s biggest or busiest – it’s easy to navigate on foot, and there are a number of beautiful hotels to enjoy. I stayed in the stunning Principal a couple of years back, and absolutely loved it!

The city is far from one of the UK’s biggest or busiest – it’s easy to navigate on foot, and there are a number of beautiful hotels to enjoy. I stayed in the stunning Principal York a couple of years back, and absolutely loved it! The hotel is stunning Victorian Railway Hotel, so not only is it incredibly convenient for travellers, but it’s right in the heart of town too! You could see the Roman walls from some of the hotel’s windows, and the stunning York Minster is only a short stroll away.

If, like me, you’re a bit of a culture geek, a guided tour around York Minster can’t be missed. When we visited we had a lovely chap who highlighted key elements of the art, architecture and windows, and it really allowed me a greater understanding of the building, which has stood in the heart of York for nearly 1500 years. When we were there last, we ran out of time before being able to visit the Fairfaix House – a Georgian townhouse museum, but I’ve been dying to get back to see it. I’ve also been wanting to visit the famous Jorvik centre since I was small.

If that’s too many museums for you, York is pretty enough to want to wander round. From their iconic Shambles street (it’s touristy, but a must-visit) to dawdling down the streets and parks, it’s the perfect way to soak in some summer sunshine!

In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own

When it comes to things I’m aching for, a trip to the hairdresser is pretty much my number one. I was meant to get my hair cut and coloured right after Christmas, but obviously that wasn’t possible, so I’ve been left with strands in need of quite a lot of TLC, so when I got the chance to try Pantene Pro-V’s new Miracles Silky & Glowing Collection, I positively jumped at the chance. Designed to transform hair from straw-like to silky, it sounded like exactly what I needed.

As someone who washes their hair daily, I was pleased to see a shampoo and conditioner duo designed to hydrate and strengthen ends. With a formula including combines the power of Pro-V science, with Biotin and Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, it works to take hair from straw-like to silky (and in the face of hair which desperately needs cut, it’s a god-send). The formulas are lightweight, and leave hair feeling soft and shiny, and I have to say, the scent of the duo (alongside the line as a whole) is absolutely heavenly.

If you’re in the need of a real dose of hydration and strength, the Colour Damage Reverse Shots are the perfect treat. Used weekly in place of your normal conditioner, the formula is rich enough to really nourish tired ends without leaving my hair feeling heavy.

If, like me, you’re well overdue for your hair appointment, keeping brassiness at bay has been a key concern. I’ve not had my colour done since August, so a great purple shampoo has become a regular part of my hair wash routine. Pantene’s Purple Shampoo is fortified with biotin and hydrolysed silk protein, so as well as keeping your colour looking fresh, hair is hydrated and left looking and super healthy.

Last up is the new Pantene Intense Hair Rescue. A gorgeously thick mask designed to leave hair glossy and hydrated. Like the rest of the range, it smells absolutely beautiful, and I like to use it generously twice a week. After shampooing, I smooth it through the lengths and ends, then use a shower brush to make sure it’s evenly distributed. I then let it get to work for a minimum of ten minutes. The result is hair which feels silky and smells gorgeous. It’s an added bonus that the line is so affordable!

Pantene Silky & Glowing Range is available as a set from Superdrug here, and is priced at an incredible £10!

When it comes to products which are seriously hyped up, Pixi’s Glow Tonic has to be up there. By this point, it’s one of the most iconic product on the beauty counter shelves, and like millions of others, I love it. So, when I saw the brand had released a Glow Mist, I couldn’t wait to give it a try – Pixi products really agree with my skin, so finding a new favourite is always so much fun!

With a ‘shake it to wake it’ formula, the Glow Mist mixes an incredible 13 natural oils for a product which gives skin a beautiful hit of moisture. After moisturising, I love a quick blast of it as a dewy primer – it stops foundations from looking or feeling too heavy, and spritzed over a full face of makeup leaves it looking fresh and natural. I especially love it for days when my skin is feeling a touch delicate or sensitive –  the aloe vera and fruit extracts help soothe and heal skin for a smoother complexion. Whilst propolis and Argan Oil help to repair and intensely condition skin, maintaining the natural moisture barrier to defend against environmental aggressors.

Pixi Glow Mist is priced at £20 and is available here (UK) and here (US)