Here we are in Edinburgh in January 2019. I celebrated my three year blogging anniversary in December 2018, and now I’m celebrating three years since my original study abroad semester in Edinburgh in January 2016. True serendipity in my book.

I knew I wanted to study abroad from my first day at Furman. Thankfully, I had a great support system through the university who helped me organise my busy music schedule in order to explore adventures on the other side of the pond. Sophomore year was application time, and Edinburgh was at the top of my list. I didn’t know much at the time about the city or about Scotland in general, but when I received my acceptance into the program, I knew it was the right fit.

Fast forward a year to January of junior year, and I was off to Edinburgh for the first time. The first few weeks of a transition are always uncertain, and I wish I could pinpoint the exact time when I became enamoured with this amazing place. From art to books to coffee to photographs to words (my five favourites), Edinburgh had everything I wanted.

Since Furman graduation, my life was in limbo. I think that’s how adulthood feels to many: there are no clear guidelines. That, my dear reader, is the exciting part. I’m here to say that you should EMBRACE THE LIMBO. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to work with some of my favourite Greenville people and ventures (Stone Mural Project, Marquin Campbell, Due South Coffee, and Artisphere), I wouldn’t have moved to West Chester, PA, for the summer to work at URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, and I wouldn’t be here right now, pursuing my MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Edinburgh Business School.

Here to help me celebrate these three year anniversaries is my favorite eteaket! I’ve had an absolutely wonderful time working with eteaket for the past three months through the #eteaketambassador program, drinking lots and lots of different kinds of tea, and even gifting it to family and friends. If you’re ever in Edinburgh, make sure to visit either (or both) the Tea Room on Frederick Street and the Concept Store on Rose Street. You’ll be in for a treat!

Photography: Lexie and Finn, @finnfoxterrier

Tea: eteaket, Winter Baked Apple & Almond (seasonal), Royal Earl Grey

Cheese: I.J. Mellis, Laganory

Biscuits: Stag Bakeries, Stornoway Original Water Biscuits

Gin: Edinburgh Gin, Gin & Tonic can

Pastry: Twelve Triangles, cinnamon bun

***Recipe for the G&Tea coming this week!

Winter Baked Apple & Almond- smells like apple cider!

Edinburgh and Scotland represented here!

Many thanks to eteaket for a great three months! Even more tea content coming your way this week, and I even have a 20% discount code for online orders. Just enter strikesofluckfollower at checkout!

Lucky Strike of the Day: I had an amazing time at the Incounters Instagram meet at The Edinburgh Grand! From fizzy drinks at The Register Club to savoury tastes at Lady Libertine, it was a great opportunity to meet new Instagram friends and reconnect with why I do what I do. Thanks to Zoe for another fabulous event!