#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2023-12-01 Exploring London

Hey lovely tutu-wearing friends! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another magical adventure in the name of pink and pirouettes! Today we’re trading the rolling Derbyshire hills for the bustling heart of London – and oh my, does it feel good to be back in the Big Smoke! 🏙️

It's Friday, the day we get to #EmbraceThePink and indulge in a bit of London charm. For me, London means one thing: a whole heap of ballet and theatre – something I'm eternally grateful for after earning the funds for my little trip with a series of captivating ballet performances back home. As for getting here, what else could I do but hop on a train, a beautiful GWR intercity, and let the journey do its magic? The view from the window is always a delight, a soothing reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

I’ve landed in Covent Garden, a little slice of London heaven. The bustling markets are overflowing with fresh produce, handcrafted delights and artisan treats – making my tummy rumble even before I’ve explored half the stalls! It's the perfect place to get a dose of local life and grab a delicious, veggie-packed lunch before I get into the true highlight of my London visit – ballet at the Royal Opera House! 🩰

Oh, how I love those grand, golden halls, buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the performance tonight! This time it’s “The Nutcracker,” a Christmas classic. There's just something so magical about witnessing the Sugar Plum Fairy twirling and dancing with the Snow Queen under a canopy of glittering lights. It always brings back those cherished childhood memories of dreaming in my pink tutu – an iconic moment captured by a childhood picture my parents framed, the one with a perfectly pink, homemade tutu made by my dear mother, the queen of creative crafting! 💖

Speaking of pink, the Covent Garden floral market was brimming with the most exquisite arrangements, each more beautiful than the last. I found myself drawn to the pinks, the hues of rose quartz and baby pink – oh, to have a bouquet of them as grand as the costumes in tonight’s performance! But alas, a practical shopper has to make choices… So I opted for a delicate rose quartz flower – perfect for adorning my handbag! It reminds me that a little touch of pink goes a long way. 💕

Now, a day of dancing always needs a dose of retail therapy. Liberty London – an iconic fashion haven just moments from Covent Garden – is calling my name. The glorious Victorian building, adorned with a fairytale facade, just oozes with old-world charm. Stepping inside feels like entering a dream. A labyrinth of intricate walkways lead to an eclectic mix of designer labels, beautiful homeware and unique finds. It's a treasure trove for the soul! And if the building wasn’t gorgeous enough, I was in awe of a fabulous window display dedicated to the magic of winter. You can’t go wrong with a little extra sparkle around this time of year!

There’s always a new style I just HAVE TO add to my wardrobe, so this afternoon was no exception. Today, it’s a gorgeous pink scarf that speaks of timeless elegance, perfect for dressing up a simple look. It goes without saying that it pairs beautifully with my signature pink tutu (even though it’s just slightly chilly – who says style has to be seasonal?!). I know exactly what to wear when I go out for a festive hot chocolate and treat this afternoon. ☕️🍫

Before I dash to my date with the magical world of “The Nutcracker,” I couldn't resist stopping by Trafalgar Square. The grand Nelson's Column stood proud, the ever-present symbol of London’s rich history. Around the base, Christmas trees are starting to rise, creating a magical air of festivity. The whole area is teeming with life – artists selling their works, street performers putting on a show, families and friends gathered to soak up the atmosphere – it's pure London magic!

And let's not forget about the National Gallery! I know I'm repeating myself, but these art galleries always offer such amazing views of London and the famous Trafalgar Square fountains. They say "a picture paints a thousand words,” and this view definitely did. 🎨

London, a city that weaves together the past, present and future, just like a beautifully constructed ballet choreography. It’s this harmony that makes London so captivating. The grand old buildings, the modern glass facades and the lively street culture, they all blend seamlessly together, painting a kaleidoscope of experiences. It's a city for all seasons, for all ages, a city to be explored with a wide-eyed sense of wonder, just like my childhood self ✨.

Ah, what would a day in London be without a delicious indulgence? Right across from the Royal Opera House, the market offers up a colourful, tempting array of treats. And today’s treat is a caramel waffle with lashings of whipped cream – perfect for post-ballet delight! 🧇 It just wouldn't be a trip to London without experiencing the delights of Covent Garden’s gastronomic delights. The atmosphere, the smells, and the hustle and bustle – it's pure theatre, and I’m the lucky leading lady! 💖

Oh, don’t forget about my favourite bakery! I may have mentioned it in one of my previous posts, but it simply demands attention. A little Parisian-style bakery tucked away in Covent Garden – with its array of Parisian delights, a rainbow selection of macarons, delicate pastries, freshly-baked breads – It’s my favourite London bakery. If you ever come to Covent Garden, you MUST pay a visit! You’ll fall in love with its sweet magic and, you’ll find me, my dear reader, happily indulging.

It’s time for “The Nutcracker” at the Royal Opera House – I can't wait to lose myself in the ballet's exquisite storytelling. The elegant dancers gracefully bring the magical Christmas story to life with their flowing movements and dramatic expressions, while the opulent set design transports you straight to a winter wonderland. I've always said: ballet, even when it's set in snowy climes, always feels magical to me, it never fails to enchant and inspire me to wear a pink tutu! 😉

And with that, my dears, it’s time for me to slip on my tutu, soak up the magic of London’s vibrant culture and celebrate the beauty of art. This blog is just a little peek into my #PinkTutuBlogLondon adventures. As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be posting another blog soon, a London special showcasing the most spectacular festive window displays! So keep a lookout on my website www.pink-tutu.com! It'll be a feast for the eyes! 💖✨

But for now, I'm off to experience the magical wonder that is "The Nutcracker." Keep spreading pink, and remember,

“Even if life throws you curveballs, a pink tutu can always make things better!” 💕🩰

While I've enjoyed my ballet-filled London escape, I’ve been sure to keep my finger on the pulse of what's happening in the Big Smoke! Here’s what I discovered for those of you who’d like to plan your own pink-tutu-tastic day:

• Art on a grand scale: For lovers of modern and contemporary art, Tate Modern is the place to be today. The Tate is home to a vast collection of works by famous artists like Picasso, Warhol and Matisse – sure to ignite your imagination. It also provides a glimpse into London’s artistic heart, making it one of the best places in the city to celebrate the power of creativity.
• Fashion is on show: There’s so much on offer in the fashion world today, especially with the December fashion extravaganza that comes along with this month’s shopping frenzy! If you’re feeling bold, go check out Liberty London. You might just fall in love with its vibrant atmosphere, stylish designs and exclusive collections 🛍️. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to step out and get into the holiday spirit!
• An exploration of British design: The Victoria and Albert Museum (the V&A), another treasure trove, celebrates design and craftsmanship. With displays ranging from exquisite jewellery to intricate textiles, it's a great way to dive deep into the history and artistry that London boasts.
• Holiday Spirit - Let’s not forget about all the festive charm London is renowned for at this time of year. Winter wonderland vibes abound - festive lights, decorations and magical Christmas markets in spots like Covent Garden. **Soak up the cheer and find some unique, handcrafted gifts that are sure to be a real delight.
• For a good cause: There’s no place better than London to explore a myriad of fundraising events and initiatives. As we inch closer to Christmas, you're likely to bump into charity fairs, festive food drives and carol singers filling the air with sweet holiday cheer. Get involved!
• Experience the world: London has the most wonderful multicultural food scene. Indulge in international cuisine at countless restaurants in Soho, Chinatown and Brick Lane – they all come alive during the weekend! A must-try is the authentic British curry in Brick Lane, guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly London day.

That's it, my lovelies! This week's #PinkTutuBlogLondon is complete! Remember to spread some pink joy throughout the week, and join me next week for a new adventure, in the meantime you can find me exploring Covent Garden. If you see me, feel free to come and say hello! We can dance the night away to a Christmas classic, or enjoy a tasty, treat.

I'll see you next week on www.pink-tutu.com!
💖🩰

Keep it pink, lovely tutu wearers! 💖🩰