I think it’s a bit of an understatement to say that we’re all in need of a little treat. I mean, the past 18 months has been absolutely nightmarish for everyone, and now that the world is beginning to open back up, it’s been such a joy to get back out and about, and just feel a little bit normal. Never will I ever take meeting friends for drinks or heading out for dinner for granted ever again. Whilst we’re definitely heading in the right direction (fingers crossed), we’re not out the woods, and like most people, my stress levels have been pretty high recently – so when Edinburgh’s favourite independent tea retailer, Eteaket, sent over the loveliest box of goodies, I was giddy.

Tucked in the gift box were two tubes of rather special tea, alongside a stunning pink infuser mug. As someone who works from home, and has to have a cup of something on the go at all times, it was truly the loveliest surprise. What I love about Eteaket is the extra mile they go in making their tea truly something special, and their limited edition Chinese Tea Hearts are an absolute must have. Black Chinese Tea Leaves have been pressed into ‘tea hearts’ which are perfect for pairing with the infuser mug – just add one to the basket, pour over hot water, and voila – a perfect any time drink. Like all of their teas, the hearts are completely plastic free, and you can choose to try them individually, or in packs of 24.

The second tube contained a new-to-me variety of tea – Pu’erh Mini Too Cha Tea Cakes. Each individually packaged tea cake just needs to be unwrapped, and then used in one of Eteaket’s infuser mugs or teapots. Traditionally, the tea has been much sought after – it’s fermented and aged (much like a good wine or whisky) and the leaves are believed to aid digestion. Even after steeping for three or so minutes, the leaves can be used three or four more times, so the tea cakes are a perfect accompaniment to a busy afternoon. I’ve absolutely fallen for the tea’s earthy flavour, and the whole ritual is such a treat to enjoy.

To find out more about Eteaket, or purchase your own infuser mugs and tea cakes online, Eteaket’s website is available here.

When it comes to my favourite tipple, not much matches the perfect G&T. Whether it’s enjoyed as a sundowner after a glorious spring or summer day, or savoured after a busy work day, I like to keep things classic, with a simple tonic, lots of ice and a wedge of lime. Obviously the quality of gin seriously counts, so I’m always on the lookout to find new options to try, and one of my newest favourites comes from the Yorkshire-based Otterbeck distillery – Cotton Gin. The name itself is inspired by the machines which once filled the building it’s now produced in, and their magnificent hand engineered four hundred and fifty litre copper still, has been christened Eliza – named after the mill owners wife!

With the distillery itself nestled in the stunning moors of Yorkshire, Cotton Gin is flavoured with hand-foraged botanicals and distilled slowly to produce the best possible flavour. Scented with delicate floral notes, the gin itself is beautifully smooth, with fresh citrusy notes – making it perfect for seasonal sipping! I love the slight pine notes, and it makes for the most refreshing treat to end to a busy day with! The brand recommend serving alongside a ribbon of fresh lemon peel and with a sprig of rosemary – so it’s looking like my at-home drinks are about to have a bit of an upgrade!

Cotton Gin is priced from £37.95 and is available here.

I’m not sure about you, but I am seriously bored with the handful of dishes I rotate through on a weekly basis. Whether it’s a roast chicken, steak and broccoli or even a crowd-pleasing ragu, I feel like I’ve had it a thousand times over the past few months. I’ve spent hours going through the New York Times recipes as well all my old favourites, but I think I’m just ready to get back out and about to restaurants. So, when an email popped up inviting me to dinner from Loanhead’s famous Radhuni Indian restaurant, I absolutely jumped at the chance.

When it comes to spicing up supper, the team behind The Radhuni certainly know what they’re doing. The restaurant has been named amongst the 100 best UK Indian restaurants, and received numerous awards including Scotland’s Best Restaurant, so to say I was excited to pick up dinner is an understatement. After popping my order in through Facebook (super convenient), I headed through to find out what all the fuss was about.

With easy on-street parking, I popped in at my chosen time to pick up supper – The Radhuni have set up a COVID-19 secure pickup desk, kitted out with screen and santizer and the team decked out in masks, perfect for staying safe during these testing times. After picking up our goodies, we practically raced home so we could get everything plated and tuck in.

Since it’s been a while since our last curry (like, a year while) it was such a thrill to be greeted with the scents of a really fabulous meal, and we plated it all out as quickly as we could. Greeted with a veritable feast, we had decided to go all-out and sample dishes with a bit of a kick, so leaving my normal Butter Chicken behind, we plumped for a Chicken Tikka Badami Korma and a Chicken Tikka Khumbi Dupiaza for our mains, with a Peshwari naan, poppadums and dip, a Murgh Chicken Kebab and Onion Bahjis to share.

Everything came securely packaged, and once it was all plated up, we realised what a feast we’d ordered, and it was a mouth-watering couple of minutes whilst I took photos before we dug right in. Each dish was delicious – absolutely bursting with flavours and spice, and we couldn’t even come close to deciding on favourites.

The Chicken Tikka in the dishes gave a real burst of smoky flavour, and the sauces were bright and full of spice. I loved pairing the soft, sweet naan with the punchy curries, and it was such a treat to enjoy such an indulgence! As you can imagine, we easy had enough leftovers for a delicious lunch the next day.

If you’re in the mood for something a little special, I’d heartily recommend a supper order from The Radhuni. Not only was the food absolutely delicious, but the restaurant has a beautiful outdoor area, which is perfect for summer evenings once we’re allowed back out and about.

Thank you so much to The Radhuni for supper, if you’re tempted, you can find their whole menu here.

This year I feel like Easter has completely sneaked up on me. It’s come from nowhere, and all of a sudden, the shops are full of chicks, lambs and tulips. I don’t mind though – I love the Spring, and I think it’s a holiday which is seriously underrated.

When it comes to celebrating the weekend, I like to keep things low key, but fun, and I’ve fallen in love with Betty’s range of treats. The iconic tearoom always has the prettiest range of goodies, and this year is no exception. Their Milk Chocolate Happy Easter egg is a real showstopper. Whether it’s the crowning glory of your centrepiece, or a fun gift for friends, I just love the traditional detailing, and the chocolate itself is deliciously rich.

If you’re looking for a gift which will really stand out from the pack, I’m obsessed with this box of Champagne Truffle Eggs. The mix of white, milk and dark chocolates means everyone will get to enjoy their favourites, and they’re filled with the most delicious silky smooth champagne ganache.

Decorated with the cutest spring flowers, these make the most stunning gift, or, even table setting, if you’re inviting people round to the garden this weekend. The chocolates themselves are absolutely delicious, and are a fun twist on a seasonal classic.

You can get all your Betty’s eggs here.