Greetings, my darling darlings! Your favourite pink-tutu-clad queen is back, and this time, Iāve whisked myself off to the fabulous city of Edmonton! I couldnāt resist a trip to this vibrant, bustling place, known for its cultural scene, friendly folks, and of course, its stunning scenery. Now, some of you might be wondering, how did I get here? Did I jet-set off on a fabulous plane? Did I drive my little pink convertible (a girl can dream, canāt she?)?
Well, I can reveal all! My trusty steed of choice for this trip was a rather elegant train. I love those iron horses! So comfy, so romantic, and they take you to the most amazing places, just like magic. I settled into a plush armchair, ordered myself a cuppa (Earl Grey, of course) and settled in for a long journey through the heartland of Canada. I couldn't resist, I whipped out my sewing kit, donned my fabulous travelling pink tutu (itās my favourite, the one with the pearl trim!) and started stitching a sparkly embellishment onto my signature hat. Youāll just have to wait for a sneak peek at the finished product though, I've got a big reveal planned!
Upon arriving in Edmonton, I couldnāt wait to check out the cityās ballet scene. They've got this incredible troupe, The Alberta Ballet, that just blows my mind! I caught a performance of their "Giselle" production, which I've been hankering to see for ages. The costumes, the set, the dancersā¦everything was simply breath-taking! I sat there mesmerised, completely swept up in the ethereal world of ballet. Seeing all those stunning pink tutus swirling around the stage, well, letās just say, my own little heart went a-flutter!
After the performance, I did something truly decadent. I decided to treat myself to a spot of high tea. Honestly, nothing beats scones with jam and clotted cream, a spot of posh tea, and of course, my obligatory pink cupcake! Thereās nothing like a good dollop of sweetness after a delightful ballet, is there?
And speaking of sweet things, you simply canāt visit Edmonton without paying a visit to their phenomenal chocolatier, Chocolate Art. Think hand-crafted, exquisitely decorated chocolate creations ā from elegant truffles to sculptures. The whole place is a work of art, and they were more than happy to put up a pink-tutu-wearing queen for some snaps with the most spectacular dessert art!
And wouldn't you know it, right around the corner from my delightful sugar haven, there was a charming vintage shop. Now, every seasoned queen knows the importance of a good wardrobe! I must say, I unearthed a few treasures in there, from a gorgeous silk scarf with shimmering sequins to a fetching little cocktail dress in the palest shade of rose (pink, naturally). It's going to be the star of the show in my next performance, thatās for sure!
Now, you wouldnāt expect a pink-tutu queen to venture to a new city without investigating its fabulous theatre scene, would you? And you know me, Iāve always got my eye on the theatrical. In fact, my very first taste of ballet happened at a performance at the local town hall theatre in Derbyshire! There I was, eight years old, sat in the front row, absolutely spellbound, wearing a handmade (and I do mean hand-me-down) princess costume. Little did I know back then that I'd be sharing my passion for the arts with the world!
Edmontonās theatre scene doesnāt disappoint. Their City Centre Theatre is a stunning, heritage-listed building with a history that dates back to 1908! They have this gorgeous Victorian design, all ornate woodwork and balconies. Imagine the history of laughter, drama, and spectacle held within those walls! It gave me goosebumps just stepping inside. Itās no surprise the venue hosts an incredible array of productions, from classic plays to innovative, contemporary work. My visit coincided with a dazzling show called āThe Sound of Musicā. And the best part? The whole show felt very "Pink Tutu" - a message of kindness, bravery, and standing up for whatās right. They even had a sparkly pink piano, how perfect is that?!
No trip to a new city is complete without a little taste of the local culture, is it? Of course, there's the typical "tourist stuff", the iconic landmarks and such. I, however, went off the beaten track a little bit. My mission was to discover Edmontonās artistic pulse, the independent artists, the unique little shops hidden down cobbled streets, the bohemian hangouts with live music. It's those spots that hold the true flavour of a city, you see!
Let me tell you, Edmontonās a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to the arts. I discovered a vibrant street art scene with beautiful murals splashed across the cityās walls. One of my favourites depicts a woman wearing a fabulous pink tutu (just like mine!), gracefully twirling through the air, with her fabulous heels practically reaching the sky! (Whoās to say it wasnāt a secret tribute to yours truly, eh?). Iāve already taken inspiration from this wonderful city and decided to get myself a fabulous mural done for my dressing room, youāll see, a big pink tutu will be featuring prominently. It will just have to wait for my return from a well-deserved (and already planned!) holiday, I have a grand trip on horseback to the Swiss Alps! Now, THATāS a picture postcard of a dream holiday if ever there was one.
You know me, I simply love those creative sparks, those hidden talents waiting to be discovered. I got a real thrill browsing the stalls of Edmonton's City Market. You can find some of the most fabulous hand-crafted jewellery, quirky ceramics, and truly beautiful one-off creations from local artists. It's just that little extra something that really brings a city to life, the individual touches, the stories told through craft, that really touch a heart. And trust me, Edmonton doesnāt disappoint!
Naturally, no trip would be complete without an evening show of my very own, and I simply couldn't wait to meet my beautiful Edmonton fans. And what a welcome I received! The local folks really warmed up to my pink-tutu sparkle. My show was held at a fab little venue with a friendly, fun crowd and an energetic atmosphere. Let's just say, there was more than a sprinkle of magic in the air!
You know me, I've got to share some secrets for staying dazzling when on the go, even after all those decadent treats and delicious scones (pink sprinkles optional).
Firstly, my top tip for fabulous travelling? A great suitcase full of colourful essentials! You're never fully dressed without a magnificent feather boa (the longer, the better!). I always make sure I've got a stunning sequined dress, at least five pink tutus for any occasion (never too many, darling!) and, of course, an arsenal of sparkly eyeshadow palettes.
And of course, the other important aspect is staying hydrated. This little beauty has discovered the secret to the fountain of youth: rose water! You might think this is a bit "frivolous", but trust me, it works. Not only does it make your skin feel lovely, it also has such a calming scent that helps with relaxation. Plus, a splash on the cheeks does wonders when I've been wearing heavy makeup all day! I make sure to carry a travel-sized bottle everywhere I go.
Lastly, don't forget to treat yourself! A little piece of luxurious pampering can really help on a hectic schedule. For me, a soak in the tub with some bath salts and a glass of champagne does the trick.
But hereās the secret to my truly beautiful journey: sharing my joy of pink tutus, glitter, and good vibes with the world. Every day I wake up feeling blessed, truly blessed, to live a life filled with colour and kindness, and sharing this with everyone who wants to sparkle is simply my greatest mission.
As my adventure in Edmonton comes to a close, Iām leaving with a heart brimming with happiness. And remember, you can make every single day feel special, a true, shimmering spectacle, just like a queen! All you need is a little pink tutu (and perhaps a pinch of fabulous). So, get yourself a pink tutu! Wear it proudly, embrace your own personal sparkle, and always remember to live life to the fullest.
Until next time, my dears, stay beautiful, stay vibrant, and always wear a smile!
Pink Tutu Sparkles out! šāØš©°
