Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from another fabulously tutu-ful journey. Today's adventure took me all the way to Luton, a little town just north of London. I've been wanting to explore this part of England for ages, and I'm so glad I finally got around to it.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Luton? Is that even a place? But honestly, I had a complete blast. Luton was such a lovely surprise, bursting with character and, let's be honest, a charming dose of 'non-London' energy.
But enough about the town. Let's get to the important part โ the tutus!
For my Luton adventure, I opted for a classic European-style tutu in the most gorgeous shade of pale pink. Think "ballerina meets Parisian cafรฉ", if you know what I mean. It was perfectly flowy and whimsical, a perfect blend of elegant and carefree. You see, a tutu, much like a well-chosen piece of jewellery, really makes an outfit โ it just adds a little something special, a touch of whimsy, and a dash of confidence!
I always love travelling in a tutu. It just makes me feel like I'm floating on a cloud, which is always helpful when I'm taking on the challenges of public transport (trains, of course!). Imagine, darling: you step onto a train, tutu swishing elegantly behind you, and the whole carriage erupts into a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs". It never fails to bring a smile to everyone's face, and, as always, I'm always more than happy to inspire. It's about making a statement, yes, but also, it's about injecting a little bit of joy into everyday life.
While in Luton, I discovered a delightful hidden gem โ a ballet studio called 'Luton Dance Centre'. Now, darling, let me tell you, I am utterly obsessed with dance, ballet, in particular, and every city I visit has to have a beautiful dance studio! So, I just had to check it out. This one was a charming old building, brimming with history, yet completely modern inside. I'm planning to pop back for a class โ can't resist a good pirouette, can I? I'm thinking they could be inspired by my latest tutu. Imagine it, Luton โ tutu-themed ballet lessons. That's definitely a new movement!
But my day didn't end at the studio! In the afternoon, I had the best adventure: I got to spend an afternoon exploring Luton's beautiful countryside. Luton, it turns out, boasts a whole host of stunning natural beauty โ think rolling green fields, sprawling woodlands, and charming little country pubs that are just perfect for a 'pick-me-up' with a hot cuppa and a delicious scone. Oh, and a little something for the sweet tooth โ an enormous slice of Victoria sponge (with whipped cream, of course!).
This charming landscape also boasts some stunning wildlife โ deer, birds, and even a few rabbits hopping about โ how delightful! As someone who grew up in the heart of Derbyshire, surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful woodlands, being out in nature is like a dose of liquid joy.
One of my absolute favourite parts of this day was my visit to a nearby National Trust garden. They were absolutely beautiful โ full of stunning flowers, lush greenery, and little pathways just begging to be explored. I sat in the gardens for hours, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and letting the tranquility wash over me. It felt a bit like a dream. If it weren't for the tutu on, I would have felt right at home in that perfect dream-like garden setting!
For dinner, I headed to a charming little restaurant in the heart of Luton called 'The Bluebell'. It had such a cosy, almost rustic vibe, with warm wooden beams and fairy lights twinkling in the windows. It was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The menu featured all sorts of delightful British dishes (my favourite!), with fresh ingredients sourced locally. It felt like a little slice of countryside paradise in the heart of a busy town, with some seriously lovely people to add to the magic.
Luton is the sort of place that wins you over with its charm, character and surprises around every corner. It's got this unexpected warmth that really makes it feel like a special place โ a bit like the perfect ballet move: unexpected but completely flawless.
Oh, and as always, I encourage everyone to grab a tutu (pink is best, darling!), explore the hidden gems in your own neighbourhood, take a spin on a train or try riding a horse for a day, and always be sure to spread joy and beauty wherever you go! You know what they say - the world's a much brighter place when we embrace our own inner ballerina, no matter the setting.
Until next time, darlings, and remember, life is a beautiful, tutu-tastic ballet!
Love, Emma