Hey darlings, it's Emma here from Derbyshire! I’m back on your screens after a fabulously frivolous weekend in Hornchurch! It wasn’t the fanciest of destinations, I admit, but sometimes a change of scenery, especially when you're travelling in style, can be exactly what you need! 😉
As you know, I live for the thrill of a good train journey - there’s something so romantic about watching the countryside blur past your window. This time, my companion wasn’t my usual travelling partner, Percy the horse - although wouldn’t that be a sight? Picture it! - instead, it was a rather delightful gentleman called Derek (yes, really!), a friend of my ballet teacher, who also has an impeccable sense of style! We sat in first class and, with my pink and glitter-covered trolley case, we definitely added a dash of glamour to the journey.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the charm of Hornchurch – imagine, darling, a bustling high street full of characterful shops and a stunning, red-brick library that wouldn't look out of place in a fairytale! (Okay, maybe it was slightly faded, but you get the picture, right?)
Our aim: to see a performance by the “Hornchurch Ballet Academy” (rather unimaginative name, but we were after the magic, not the branding!) at the local theatre, which felt delightfully intimate. But first, dear reader, the true reason I was in Hornchurch - a quest for the perfect, oh-so-pink tutu!
I swear, I have this insatiable urge to find a perfect tutu in every corner of the country. Some days, I simply can’t leave the house without the magical tulle embrace! I mean, have you ever felt a soft tulle skirt billowing around you? It's pure delight!
So, in we waltzed into a delightful little shop - it was named "Twinkle Toes" and adorned with sequins and an array of fluffy, pink ballet shoes! I instantly felt at home, as though the universe had conspired to bless me with this joyous encounter.
After trying on, quite literally, every single tutu they had – there was a beautiful cherry red, one with little butterflies, another in emerald green! I mean, they all whispered romance and whispered ‘Emma’ – I eventually found ‘the one’.
Yes, you’ve guessed it. A PINK tutu. The color, my darlings, was simply exquisite! It had the softest blush pink hue and had these intricate, delicate embellishments that sparkled under the soft light of the shop. It had that perfect “I'm dancing through a magical meadow” feel, don't you think? It cost all of £15 and, with a grin so wide it could've split my face in two, I was practically giddy with excitement!
Now, let me tell you about the performance - a breathtaking ballet adaptation of ‘The Wind in the Willows' set to Tchaikovsky! A perfect pairing, if you ask me! It was an absolute dream. We saw graceful, elegant swans glide across the stage, rabbits in elegant, velvet costumes hopping about, and the beautiful rat – played with a mischievous spark that was simply adorable. And all I could think about was that new, perfect, pink tutu I’d be wearing the very next day!
After the performance, Derek treated us to the most scrumptious afternoon tea - tiny finger sandwiches, beautifully layered cakes, and, of course, steaming cups of Earl Grey! We dined in a little tea room, filled with charming floral wallpaper and crystal chandeliers - a definite nod to the old-world charm of the town.
You know how much I adore wildlife, darling, and what would a trip to Hornchurch be without a visit to the lovely “Havering Country Park?” There were majestic swans on the pond, frolicking ducks, squirrels scampering through the trees and an enchanting butterfly house! You could say the air was positively humming with magic.
But my trip wouldn't be complete without a quick trip to the theatre costume shop. My dear friends know - my tutu collection is ever-growing - I’ve collected enough tulle to drape the whole country in pink and lavender hues! And I simply can’t resist a little bargain, can I? Well, it turns out that a vintage, pastel green, ballerina outfit caught my eye – something with feathers, velvet ribbons and the most delicate silk skirt - It would be perfect for a waltz in the moonlight, wouldn’t you agree?
After bidding farewell to Derek and packing my treasures (new pink tutu, ballerina outfit, a few more beautiful feathers for my collection and a book on bird watching – of course!) we were back on the train, with my dear Percy the horse already waiting to take me home to Derbyshire, the wind whistling through his mane as I held his reins. He was, as usual, utterly charming and patient - even with the overflowing pink tutu in my bag.
I tell you, the excitement of this trip still tingles in my fingertips. Every moment was just so...perfect! So, darling, remember my mantra: “Always keep your tutu close. And always strive to spread pink magic wherever you go!” Until next time!
Yours always, Emma.
P.S. If you're reading this, I dare you to join the #PinkTutuChallenge. I bet it'll bring joy to everyone around you! 💗🌸💖
