Jenna Fifi
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Christmas in London!

Christmas in London is always magical, and the Christmas just gone was no different. My Mum and sister joined me in London for a few days to make the most of the sparkling lights, festive shopping and stunning exhibitions. Zoe arrived in London the day before my mum and we headed to the British museum before slipping on our glittering heels and joining fellow cocktail enthusiasts in Piccadilly. The next day feeling slightly worse for wear we wrapped up in scarves, heavy coats and comfy footwear to brave the cold and explore the city. First stop was South Banks German Christmas festival to really get into the festive mood. Bright colours, cheery gingerbread men and the smell of roasted chestnuts instantly warmed us, but  it was the chocolate fountains that stole our heart. Okay, so not very christmassy but we are a family of chocolate lovers! As expected, they were scrumptious!

The next stop was Covent Garden which really is the christmas wonderland of London. Giant rudolph-red ball balls hung from the ceiling above bustling shoppers buying beautiful trinkets. Outside a topiary reindeer stands dressed in dancing lights overlooking carol singers and magicians entertaining tourists. When the dancing glitterballs emblazon the walls with spiralling spotlights there is a magical atmosphere at Covent garden that wouldn’t look out of place in Diagon Alley. Unsurprisingly it was very busy and finding a place for a quick snack before exploring more of London proved a challenge. 
Through the crowds and camera flashes shone a charming familiarity; Laduree. My sister and I bought some macaroons to take on our Christmas shopping quest and stopped to admire the lustrous golden macaroon trees. Wouldn’t this be the most gloriously, impressive centre piece at a Christmas dinner party? One day please! 🙂
As we strolled underneath giant topiary candy canes we finally found somewhere to have a quick bite to eat and something warm to drink. Le Pain Quotidien was still extremely busy but we found a table and ordered our refreshments. We lunched on freshly baked scones with cream and jam and fresh warm bread with a selection of preserves and belgian hazelnut praline spread which was divine. Our hot chocolates arrived in true belgian style with a bowl of warm frothy milk and a separate jug of the most delectable, luscious, silky smooth melted chocolate I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. You can pour in your own chocolate, I suppose to customise your drink to how chocolaty you want it. Well…I went all in and even scraped out the jug. It was far to good to feel even a little bit guilty!
After refueling I decided a tour around central London was in order to take in some sights and enjoy the fresh winter weather. My faithful companions followed me patiently (and rather naively) as I led them through leicester square, Piccadilly circus and Trafalgar square. However it soon became apparent that Jenna’s guided tour of London was in fact Jenna’s very miss-guided tour of London. But nobody can say they weren’t shown a variety of sights, with a few surprise extras thrown in too.
After an unplanned 360% tour of Trafalgar square (have you seen how many roads there are to choose from?) we headed to South Kensington to visit my favourite haunt, the Victoria and Albert museum. This year’s tree was a sumptuous explosion of colour; vibrant red velvet antler branches adorned in delicate hearts. 
The V&A are currently hosting the ‘Pearls’ exhibition in association with Qatar museum authorities celebrating the coveted pearl. As soon as I found out about the exhibition I was ecstatic, I adore pearls and wear them nearly everyday to add that little bit of class to whatever outfit I am wearing. To me pearls are natures droplets of understated elegance; pure, delicate and radiant. The exhibition was a pearlescent dream exploring the history, process and transformation of the pearl and the jewellery it adorns so exquisitely. The exhibition provides a rare and unique look at some of the worlds most precious pearls worn by royalty and celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor. Its a must see for anyone who’s ever felt that little bit more special after simply putting on some pearl earrings. The exhibition is open until the 19th of January.
Our last stop was Knightsbridge to see Harrods stunning christmas windows. This year passers by were invited on the Harrods express with each window acting as a luxurious train carriage. No expense was spared with this visual feast of decadence and glamour as tables held champagne and Laduree creations. Each enchanting window showcased this seasons glitziest garments with superb attention to detail. An £80,000 Ralph & Russo gown was a particular highlight! 
My mum, sister and I had a brilliant time and it will be sad returning to a much less sparkly London in a few days time. But thank you London for being fabulous and thoroughly indulgent this christmas! I cannot wait for the next! 

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  3. Tiffany
    January 9, 2014 / 1:37 am

    Gorgeous photos! I miss London so much.
    Great blog btw..followed you 🙂

    Reply
  4. Beckerman Girls
    January 9, 2014 / 11:45 am

    U r gorgeous!!! Your blonde hair is perfection! Happy NEW YEAR! Looks like you had the best holidays in London—love the smell of chestnuts..yummmy!
    kisses
    xoThe Beckerman Girls

    http://www.BeckermanBlog.com

    Reply
  5. Teffy Perk
    January 9, 2014 / 11:45 am

    Such gorgeous pictures!! Covent Garden during Christmas is so stunning.
    And that chocolate? Looks so so good.

    {Teffy's Perks} X

    Reply
  6. Jenna Fifi
    January 9, 2014 / 12:32 pm

    Thank you lovely ladies! London is so pretty at Christmas 🙂 Happy New Year to you too Xx

    Reply
  7. Jenna Fifi
    January 9, 2014 / 12:35 pm

    The chocolate was divine! I could've just drank the chocolate alone! Oh dear…Xx

    Reply
  9. Amy Lau
    January 9, 2014 / 12:36 pm

    Absolutely stunning photos!! Christmas in London is so magical indeed.
    I have an unhealthy addiction with laduree macaroons – after seeing your photos you've seduced me into wanting to get more!

    http://www.yummei.com

    Reply
  11. Hola Bambi
    January 9, 2014 / 6:38 pm

    Stunning photos!! Christmas is always beautiful in London xx

    Reply
  12. Victoria Eales
    January 9, 2014 / 6:38 pm

    Love reading other peoples posts about visiting London, sometimes I take it for granted – and fabulous photos too.

    Victoria
    FlorenceandMary.com

    Reply
  13. Jenna Fifi
    January 9, 2014 / 6:50 pm

    Blogs are treasure troves of inspiration aren't they? I've found out about so many restaurants, events and shops through blogs 🙂 Xx

    Reply
  18. Anjaa
    January 10, 2014 / 9:06 pm

    fall in love with your blog, your style and your hair,
    will come here again! xx

    Reply
  20. A Yank In Blighty
    January 11, 2014 / 3:16 pm

    Gosh I love London at Christmas…it's so easy to forget how beautiful it is when you're caught up in the crowds and wishing there weren't so many people in your way…so seeing gorgeous pictures like these sure help! I especially love the Harrods windows…they really do go all out!

    http://www.ayankinblighty.com

    Reply
  21. Anonymous
    January 11, 2014 / 10:22 pm

    London really looks fabulous at Christmas! So lucky to have the pleasure of living there and experiencing it all x

    Reply
  23. Emilie
    January 12, 2014 / 10:41 am

    Aaarghh I love all of these photos, take me there NOW!! :p Ladurée is the best, luckily they have one not too far from here haha so I'm a regular customer 🙂 You look very pretty! xx

    Reply
  26. Rin Handika
    January 12, 2014 / 10:41 am

    Omg so lucky you had a great time in London, and i love all those pictures , you are so beautiful btw 🙂

    Reply
  30. Linderella
    January 12, 2014 / 8:25 pm

    Ah I'm so jealous, it looks like you had an absolutely amazing time in London. I didn't get to go to London this Christmas but I'm hoping to go for Christmas 2014! The macarons look scrumptious!

    IAmLinderella.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  31. onetenzeroseven
    January 12, 2014 / 8:25 pm

    Beautiful photos, the city looks so festive and classy! I must get down again, it's been so long since I spend much time wandering around. I usually pop in and out for a gig without hitting any of my favourite places.

    You look gorgeous in red, by the way :))

    Sophie | Onetenzeroseven

    Reply
  33. Emma Julia
    January 13, 2014 / 12:16 pm

    A London Christmas is the best – especially being able to wander with family. Isn't the pearl exhibitionn fab!?

    Reply
  34. Life's a shoe
    January 13, 2014 / 12:16 pm

    beautiful photos! Wish I could visit London again!

    lifeisashoe.blogspot.com

    Reply
  36. Emma Julia
    January 13, 2014 / 12:16 pm

    London at Christmas really is something special isn't it (and it's a little crazy busy, but that's life!)

    Reply
  37. Valerie
    January 13, 2014 / 8:40 pm

    Looks like winter wonderland to me! You know what, of the 5 years I've been living in England I haven't had a chance to go to London for Christmas. And I go to London pretty much every month apart from December when I usually go back home in France. I do need to make an exception one of these years.. xx

    Reply

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Hello, fancy seeing you here!

I’m Jenna! A photographer, stylist and recipe developer constantly seeking and sharing life’s little tonics. Here is where I share delicious, sparkly stories from Somerset, with my rescue dogs in tow.

In short, I’m usually behind a lens, eat a lot and often lose 4G.

Jenna Fifi is where you’ll find everything from indulgent recipes and hotel reviews to skincare recommendations and interiors inspiration. Life natters are complimentary. It’s a varied mix of late-20s souvenirs, the best bits of course, all jumbled together and served with a sprinkling of humour and a slice of the bright side.

This space is made to be rummaged through, and I hope you find something that leaves you full with life lustre, rippling ideas and hungry for cake and beyond.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and don’t forget to say hello! 😊

Jenna x

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