Ciao bella! 👋
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink, fabulous and, of course, ballet! It's Wednesday, the sun is shining here in Milan, and my pink tutu is shimmering like a dream. Today, my darlings, I'm whisking you away with me on a whirl through the Milanese fashion scene, a dose of divine ballet, and a pinch of gelato magic, all wrapped up in a big pink bow. 🎀
As a self-proclaimed "tutu-ist" - yes, I made that up, feel free to borrow it - it wouldn't be right to start this post without a confession. Today, my darling readers, my tulle wardrobe has been graced with a new addition. You know, there's just something about a pristine, fluffy pink tutu, all ready to swirl and twirl, that makes my heart skip a beat! This new creation, an ethereal concoction of silk and tulle, is going to make a grand entrance at the "Ballet and Beauty" charity ball this weekend. Can't wait! ✨
The Milanese Tram and A Trip to La Scala
So, this week's adventure kicked off with a morning spent exploring Milan via tram. For a girl who loves the elegance and history of public transport, trams have a special place in my heart. It's the little things, right? Like the gentle rumble of the tracks, the rush of air as the tram speeds through the bustling city streets, the fleeting glimpses of magnificent architecture flashing by the windows… Ah, a dream for a tutu-wearing blogger like myself!
This tram journey took me directly to the heart of Milan's artistic pulse, the Teatro alla Scala. I must confess, I had been waiting with bated breath to visit this majestic opera house. The architecture is mind-blowingly stunning – you feel as though you've stepped into another time! Inside, the sheer scale and opulence is simply breathtaking. My camera snapped away like crazy – apologies for the over-sharing on my Instagram, but the pictures simply have to be shared with you all! 💖
The afternoon brought a divine treat: an afternoon ballet class at the renowned Scuola di Ballo, tucked away in a quaint alley near the Duomo. You know how much I love my regular ballet lessons in Derbyshire, but this class was different. There was such a special energy, an air of passion and dedication, that I simply soaked it all in like a sponge!
A Dash of Glamour - Via Monte Napoleone and A Chic Coffee
And no trip to Milan would be complete without a spot of luxury shopping, right? So, after class, I embarked on a delightful jaunt along the famed Via Monte Napoleone, my pink tutu practically twirling with excitement. It was heaven for any fashionista! I confess, I was mesmerized by the dazzling shop windows displaying the latest creations of some of Italy’s top designers – oh, to own even a single piece of this exquisite craftsmanship!
I rewarded myself with a glamorous caffeine boost at a chic café with stunningly decorated outdoor seating, watching the world go by with a delectable cappuccino. If anyone had asked me where heaven is, I would have shown them this very moment - a perfectly frothed cappuccino in a sunny Italian piazza, my favourite tutu trailing behind me… it truly was magic! 💫
A Night of Cultural Splendor
The evening brought another exquisite ballet treat - the highlight of the week! The ballet performance at La Scala was something I had been looking forward to for weeks. A captivating production of Giselle - the ethereal and romantic storyline, the delicate choreography, and the raw talent of the dancers transported me completely.
I must admit, even as a ballerina, I was simply in awe. It was inspiring to watch the passion and the precision of these artists on stage. They seemed to defy gravity and melt into the characters, their movements flowing effortlessly with a breathtaking blend of grace and power. After the final curtain, I felt as though I had flown across the moonlit sky and landed back down to earth… Such is the power of a good ballet performance! 🌕
Sharing the Love - A Parisian Treat
Tomorrow, I'll be boarding a high-speed train for a Parisian adventure! The lure of Parisian elegance and the joy of ballet in the City of Lights have beckoned me like a siren's call. I'm determined to find some more lovely Parisian treasures to add to my already extensive pink tutu collection! But before I embark on my French escapade, I thought it only fitting to share with you a delicious, Parisian-inspired recipe for a strawberry tart! It's simple enough for even the least experienced baker, and it's perfect for a delightful afternoon treat, paired with a lovely cup of Earl Grey.
Strawberry Tart - Pink Tutu Approved! 🍓
Ingredients:
- 1 pack ready-made shortcrust pastry
- 1 punnet of strawberries
- 1 cup double cream
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles, optional (but highly encouraged! )
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
- Line a loose-bottomed tart tin with the pastry, pressing it gently into the sides and pricking the base with a fork.
- Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes. Remove the weights, and bake for another 5 minutes.
- While the pastry is baking, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Fold in the vanilla extract and caster sugar.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice the strawberries into halves and arrange them attractively in the cooled tart.
- Top with the whipped cream and decorate with a generous scattering of sprinkles if you like. (This is the best part! 😜)
- Chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the cream has firmed up.
Fashion is Fun and So is Tutu Love!
You know, when I started this blog a couple of years ago, my biggest dream was to inspire people to see the beauty in pink, to wear a tutu with pride, and to dance like nobody’s watching! It’s incredible to look back on how far we’ve come! I’m so grateful for each of you - my amazing pink-loving community - and for the kindness and support that fuels my love for spreading tutu joy and the magic of ballet around the world.
From the heart of Milan, and soon, from the chic Parisian streets, I wish you all a week brimming with sparkle, joy, and a generous sprinkling of pink tutu love!
Sending you all my biggest hugs and lots of pink sparkles,
Emma x
P.S Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and check in next week for a whole new round of Parisian pink-tastic fun.
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