tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130155467839807582024-03-13T11:20:06.957-07:00Sparrows & Sparklesharings and snapshots of a mom-of-three's adventures shopping, traveling, and cookingsparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.comBlogger772125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-75862458714271887672014-07-23T13:42:00.001-07:002014-07-24T07:26:36.497-07:00Suede SneakersI haven't shopped the Nordstrom sale very seriously like many people out there. I'm still enjoying summer and not very interested in getting ready for fall and back to school at this point but I did see a pair of newer shoes walking through recently (not part of the sale) -- which I noticed because they remind me of some gray suede plimsolls by Mint Velvet I saw in pics of the Duchess of Cambridge awhile back and really, really liked. I've never worn Mint Velvet so wasn't sure of the fit (I do see a good range of sizes available on their site right now) but I like the idea of some grey suede sneakers for fall. (You can see the Mint Velvet ones on Kate <a href="http://katemiddletonstyle.org/item/mint-velvet-taupe-grey-suede-plimsolls/">here</a>. The "click to buy" link will take you to the Mint Velvet website - the shoe is called the Bibi.)<br />
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Today I received an email that ebates is currently 10% for Nordstrom so I went ahead and ordered these. I'll instagram a pic when they get here.<br />
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<iframe height="425px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A1%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Atrue%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A%22350%22%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid7689-6404867-23%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B452671749%5D%7D" style="border: 0;" width="425px"></iframe><br />
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Ugg Australia 'Tomi' Suede Water Resistant Sneaker in Pewter</div>
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You can find them at Nordstrom <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455058494&pid=uid7689-6404867-23">here</a>. Don't forget ebates!</div>
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Happy Wednesday!<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-87573062094258662602014-06-12T07:04:00.000-07:002014-06-12T07:04:22.094-07:00Boston Outfits<br />
I'm jumping around a bit here but we are just back from a school reunion weekend in Boston and I snapped a few outfit pics. I packed more than I normally would have for three nights away (five pairs of shoes along) but we had classes and lectures and fun for the kids during the day and dinners and parties at night so I wore them all.<br />
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Here are some quick pics:<br />
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Ann Taylor <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=450065533&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Dot Textured Tie Front Dress</a>, Stuart Weitzman <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376004277&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Minx</a> wedges, Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes ring</div>
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Banana Republic <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=446978910&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Gingham Shirt</a>, F21 camisole, F21 denim, Tory Burch Filipa wedge espadrille in navy</div>
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Zara Blazer with Gathered Shoulders in black, Zara Printed Lace Camisole Top, F21 denim, Christian Louboutin <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=436371944&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Pigalle</a>, YSL clutch</div>
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Zara dress (2012), Zara <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/accessories/jewellery/sparkly-crystal-bead-necklace-c589501p1772727.html">Sparkly Crystal Bead Necklace</a> (Duchess of Cambridge wore it so it's sold out), essie Mademoiselle polish</div>
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(dress also worn <a href="http://sparrowsandsparkles.blogspot.com/2012/10/ozone-and-tosca-hong-kong.html">here</a>)</div>
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xoxosparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-76628976627451210722014-06-11T08:13:00.000-07:002014-06-11T08:16:12.664-07:00Kyoto<br />
I'd been to Kyoto once before, but it was only a day trip from Nagoya. A couple weeks ago I spent three nights there and it was amazing. I also managed not to get on the wrong bullet train on the return this time so I would say things went very smoothly.<br />
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I especially enjoyed seeing the Arashiyama district where there is a large bamboo forest. Public transportation was pretty easy to use around Kyoto and you can purchase all day bus passes for 500 yen (about $5). Much easier than counting out your change as you exit the bus. After the first ride when it is stamped with the date, just show it to the driver as you leave. It's paid for after about two rides (230 yen per ride).<br />
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Here are some snapshots. I'll post some from Tokyo and then back to Oahu and our recent trip to Boston next before getting back to shopping and shoes.<br />
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You should be able to click on the pictures to enlarge.<br />
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at Nijo Castle</div>
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at the Golden Pavilion:</div>
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Gion District (parts of Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed here):</div>
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Arashiyama District:</div>
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xoxosparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-16288919529028018382014-05-22T06:37:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:43:51.519-07:00Wearing Lately {the pink Zara blazer, etc}<br />
The two Zara blazers I mentioned in the last post arrived and they are great - just as I expected. I took my usual size Medium.<br />
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I wore the pink one on Mother's Day for an early dinner with some black pants, a lacy tank and LK Bennett wedges. Pics of the jacket are below. I like the pleat in the back giving it a bit of a flare - makes me think 1960's. The blue one I like also and plan to take to Boston next month.<br />
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Another recent purchase I'm really (really) happy with is <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=447191385&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">this dress</a> from Banana Republic. Nice weight to the comfy, stretchy fabric, classic neckline, 3/4 sleeves, swingy skirt, and pockets. I wish it came in five more colors.<br />
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I'm flying to Tokyo today and then have a couple trips soon after, so posts will continue to be sparse for a little while! I'm on Instagram at seaandtea and will be posting more there. <br />
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Banana Republic <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=447191385&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Ponte Fit and Flare dress</a>, Stuart Weitzman <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376004277&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Minx sandals</a></div>
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Tiffany necklace</div>
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OPI Charged Up Cherry polish</div>
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the Zara jacket out for Mother's Day</div>
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<a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=435061377&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">Prada Saffiano Medium Double Zip Tote</a> in Sabbia, <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=447084881&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Individual+Product+Widget">LK Bennett Maddox wedges</a></div>
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Happy Thursday!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-11019731027306917862014-05-02T11:19:00.000-07:002014-05-02T11:19:11.294-07:00Zara Blazer ShoppingBefore I post more travel pictures from Denmark (and some from Oahu)… I've been Zara blazer shopping again. I have the gathered shoulder blazer in two colors and a linen-y one from last year in three, so it's safe to say I like their outerwear. I've just ordered these two from new arrivals and they've already shipped so I will have some photos and reviews soon:<br />
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<a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-this-week/woman/blazer-with-peter-pan-collar-c363008p1769660.html">Blazer with Peter Pan Collar</a> in Pink<br />
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<a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-this-week/woman/-c363008p1956001.html">Blazer</a> in Ecru/Blue<br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/untitled_306/set?.embedder=646385&.svc=copypaste&id=120908783" target="_blank">Untitled #306</a> by <a href="http://seaandtea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=646385&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">seaandtea</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pink_blazer/shop?query=pink+blazer" target="_blank">pink blazer</a></small></div>
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xoxosparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-33875799579799249762014-04-24T15:04:00.000-07:002014-04-24T15:05:25.345-07:00Denmark Vacation 2013 {part 1}Last summer we were in Denmark two separate times - we left to fly to London, then took the Eurostar to France, and -- after a visit there -- flew back to Copenhagen from Paris. During our first stay, we walked and shopped along busy, touristy Stroget (Illum is one of my favorites) and had breakfast outside again at <a href="http://europa1989.dk/en/">Cafe Europa 1989</a>, strolled along the harbor, visited Frederiksberg to walk around Frederiksberg Have and tour Carlsberg, and spent a day at Tivoli. <br />
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We usually go to Tivoli (website with information <a href="https://www.tivoli.dk/en/">here</a>) and the rest, but this was my first time touring Carlsberg. They have stables and some beautiful horses, along with all the other displays about the history of the company, and are located in a beautiful area. If you'd like to go, you can get started planning a trip on their website <a href="http://www.visitcarlsberg.dk/visitcarlsberg/Pages/default.aspx">here</a>.<br />
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If you like beer, I recommend trying Tuborg. Can't get it in the US.</div>
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bikes, bikes, everywhere bikes</div>
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Nyhavn</div>
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"Be yourself. Everyone else is taken." - Oscar Wilde</div>
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in Frederiksberg</div>
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We bought pastries and coffee from Lagkagehuset (these are all around, including the airport) and enjoyed them sitting on benches with this view.</div>
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pastries at Lagkagehuset</div>
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Frederiksberg Have</div>
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poster at Carlsberg</div>
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the other little mermaid - at Carlsberg</div>
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largest collection of beer bottles in the world</div>
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at Tivoli</div>
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boat rides at Tivoli</div>
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Madklubben inside Tivoli for lunch</div>
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shopping at Illum</div>
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I love the clothing designs for children found here. I bought that pink sequined ruffled skirt for one of my daughters.</div>
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The brand Wheat is another of our favorites.</div>
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at Royal Copenhagen</div>
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dinner at cafe Oscar</div>
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The well known <a href="http://www.dangleterre.com/">Hotel d'Anglterre</a> (est. 1755) has recently undergone a huge renovation. It is an absolutely beautiful hotel. Right across the street vendors were set up with tables full of old Danish silver, jewelry, Christmas plates and much more (I don't know the days or hours for this). I brought back three blue plates to add to my collection.</div>
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Some pictures from the second half of our Denmark vacation in the next post (Legoland, the Viking Ship Museum, and dinner at PONY).</div>
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-1978537081805412452014-04-22T13:56:00.000-07:002014-04-22T14:01:37.111-07:00France {last summer}I've posted about our stay at <a href="http://sparrowsandsparkles.blogspot.com/2013/12/france-chateau-desclimont.html">Chateau d'Esclimont</a> when we visited Versailles, and here are some from the rest of our time in France. We didn't stay in Paris at all - we were in the Dordogne region with family, where we spent half a day in the very charming town of Brantome and also toured some prehistoric cave paintings at <a href="http://grotte-villars.com/en/">Grotte de Villars</a>. We had a rental car and took a drive down to Bordeaux to spend one night, stopping to see just a little bit of St Andre de Cubzac and Limoges along the way. We found driving and directions to be very easy here and did not run into any of the issues as we did in Italy (if you've followed my blog for awhile, you may have already seen <a href="http://sparrowsandsparkles.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-which-we-get-stuck-in-alley-in-italy.html">this video</a>…. what a mess that was.) <br />
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Here are some snapshots from France:<br />
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Brantome:</div>
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Grotte de Villars:</div>
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(no photos inside the cave but the tour was amazing and well worth the time to see the blue horse and all the beautiful formations)</div>
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Versailles:</div>
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Bordeaux:</div>
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a kir peche at Cafe Napolean 3</div>
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loved these chairs</div>
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a quick stop in Limoges for some plates:</div>
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I always like to visit grocery stores when we travel. From France, I brought home some mustard and salt and one bottle of wine. They have such great selections of mustard, salt and wine.</div>
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Denmark photos up next.<br />
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xoxo<br />
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-22453785854243800122014-04-12T11:48:00.002-07:002014-04-12T11:48:55.442-07:00InstagramWe are on the road again and my attempts to post with pictures to Blogger have not worked out so well. If you follow me on Instagram @seaandtea I am posting some Hawaii pics and I'll sort out the European travel posts and shopping updates shortly when we return!<br />
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Aloha!<br />
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xoxosparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-20590057883793283622014-02-12T13:51:00.001-08:002014-02-12T13:54:28.085-08:00Zara Sparkly Crystal Bead Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Zara Sparkly Crystal Bead Necklace Ref. 1856/240</div>
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Before I get back to the travel posts, I have some snapshots of this great necklace that I was happy to be able to order online when it came back in stock.<br />
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If you google Duchess of Cambridge and Zara necklace, you can find some shots of the Duchess wearing this one not too long ago. It sold out pretty quickly but then appeared under women's accessories though it was not available. I filled in my email to be notified when available and did receive an email that it was back in stock - though when I tried to order it wouldn't work. I tried later on in the day and it went through, and the necklace arrived via FedEx pretty quickly. There are also some images online of Princess Beatrice and Mary Berry wearing this same necklace.</div>
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I don't see it online anymore, but I do like the looks of the Necklace with Metallic Flowers for a similar feel. There are some other very pretty statement necklaces available too.</div>
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It seems very glam but I've already been able to incorporate it into my more casual wardrobe a couple of times. Here are some close-up pics, and how I've worn it so far:</div>
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the back</div>
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brown herringbone jacket (Gap, couple years ago), cashmere shell</div>
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Essie "Fifth Avenue" nail polish</div>
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Zara plaid jacket (last year), plain white shirt</div>
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xoxo<br />
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-17135145844404600252013-12-06T14:48:00.003-08:002013-12-06T14:48:47.475-08:00France {Chateau d'Esclimont}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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my eight year old at Chateau d'Esclimont this past summer</div>
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On our last trip to France with the children we were only in Paris. This time, we just travelled through. We were with family in the southwest of France, then spent one night in Bordeaux, and two nights outside of Versailles to see the palace. For the Versailles part of the trip, I found a castle-hotel online (a little over 30 minutes away) that looked interesting. It turned out to be one of the most memorable, magical places we've stayed: Chateau d'Esclimont.<br />
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We had two rooms in one of the outer buildings next to the castle, where we had dinner one of the evenings.<br />
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Not long after we returned home, I read that Phillipe Cousteau, Jr had <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/fashion/weddings/across-a-crowded-room.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=2&adxnnlx=1383670132-9fhcy2TdILREX/Uw3SyeVg&">his wedding ceremony at the chateau in September</a>. My daughter had just been working on a project about Jacques Cousteau in 5th grade and we had made a detour on our way to Bordeaux in order to visit his birthplace, St. Andre de Cubzac. It was fun to find out that his grandson was married at this place where we stayed shortly thereafter.<br />
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Here are some photos:<br />
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our rooms</div>
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dinner outside</div>
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the mosquitos were pesky, so they moved us indoors</div>
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walking back to our rooms after dinner</div>
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Turns out my son's new wand from Harry Potter in Leavesden works well at castles.</div>
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black swan by the moat</div>
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Upon entering the town of St Andre de Cubzac is this statue of a leaping dolphin holding Jacques Cousteau's red watch cap:</div>
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I'll post a few pictures from Versailles and Bordeaux before moving on to Denmark, where we spent most of our time. Also, a few shopping/OOTD posts. Have been doing quite a bit of shopping with all these sales.</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-33342175220782830702013-11-06T14:58:00.000-08:002013-11-06T14:58:13.792-08:00Target Gray + New Boots (+ dessert)<br />
I'm slipping in one quick post on Target shopping again before I work on my France recap. My new <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=433278878&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Cole Haan Air Cara boots</a> arrived from Nordstrom the other day so of course I've been thinking about how I will wear them... I decided I wanted some gray tights to wear with them with black skirts and a navy sweater dress I have -- so made a trip to Target and ended up with a little more gray. I love gray with camel, gray with navy, gray with yellow, gray with orange. I don't really think of myself as wearing a lot of gray but it looks like I may be this season.<br />
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Here are my purchases and some snapshots of the Air Caras:<br />
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Mossimo <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=439309367&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">tunic sweater</a> in Gray, Mossimo <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=436747033&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">sweater leggings</a> in Grey, and Merona <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=388505498&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">opaque tights</a></div>
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Cole Haan <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=433278878&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Air Cara</a> in Chestnut</div>
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Also, my husband and children made some chocolate mousse the other night for dessert when we had some friends over. I love the presentation in martini glasses with raspberry and mint leaf garnish (idea from family in Denmark this summer). The glasses looked so pretty lined up I had to take some pictures:</div>
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xoxo</div>
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-23973086820928582682013-10-29T14:53:00.000-07:002013-11-06T08:14:12.454-08:00Some London Shopping {& an app}<br />
I set aside our last full day in London for this. Had a fantastic time. From the pictures I took, it looks like we spent the whole day at the food hall at Selfridges... which I must say is amazing. We did also make it to Liberty and I have a few snapshots from that. Also visited Jigsaw, Jack Wills, Penhaligon's, Partridges, a couple of Zaras and Next. Most of our purchases were back-to-school clothes for the children, but I did also find some pretty Pip Studio porcelain and a few things from Cath Kidston at Selfridges.<br />
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I ate one of those slices of the Carry On Caramel Cheesecake.</div>
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My children each chose a Lola's cupcake.</div>
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"perfect pies for picnics"</div>
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pretty chocolate boxes at Selfridges</div>
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still looking at food at Selfridges</div>
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Liberty of London</div>
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flowers outside Liberty</div>
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strawberry elderberry Bellini at Liberty Cafe </div>
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back home with coffee in my new Pip Studio Lovebirds mug</div>
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(www.pipstudio.com)</div>
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I found the Citymapper London app to be very useful for directions. I planned routes and took screenshots to use as we were out as I didn't find wifi that often. I like how the app let me know our walk along Oxford Street used up .4 macarons in calories (at the bottom of the second screen shot below). Not even close to covering my morning snack, but a start.</div>
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France up next.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-36958750027225329232013-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:002013-10-27T12:09:04.540-07:00Target Sweaters<br />
I'll post about London shopping next (which, going through my pictures, I mostly have the food hall at Selfridges documented) but first a little local shopping. I went to Target for laundry soap and came home with some sweaters. Isn't that how it is.<br />
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These v-necks are super soft and promo'd for $15 <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=435611423&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">online</a>. I don't usually buy a lot of purple but I really like this one and the oatmeal will be a great neutral with scarves. I sized up to large to be a little roomy over skinny jeans and those black ponte legging-pants. (Update: I think these run a little small as a large fits more like I'd expect a medium.) Also brought home a casual cowl neck tunic, in my regular size small.<br />
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Merona Cowl Neck Tunic Pullover in Oatmeal and <a href="http://shopsense.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=435611423&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Mossimo V Neck Sweater</a> in Purple Heather and in Oatmeal Heather</div>
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Back to the UK in the next post. Happy Saturday!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-15722318388780768982013-10-20T12:59:00.001-07:002013-10-27T12:09:52.227-07:00Warner Brothers Studio Tour London {Harry Potter}<br />
Our second day in London we spent late afternoon/early evening at the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden, to see the Harry Potter exhibit. I haven't read the books, though my children have, and we watched the movies (again) in preparation for our visit. If I wasn't a fan before this tour, I am now. The creativity and effort employed for the sets, props, and special effects is amazing. This tour gives a very up-close and detailed experience of the art and engineering that went into these movies and celebrates the incredible talent of the people who spent many years working at this movie studio. Truly impressive and worth the journey from London. We took the train to Watford Junction where you can catch a shuttle bus to the studio (2 GBP return trip for the shuttle). Make sure to give yourselves enough time. There are excellent directions and instructions <a href="http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/en/your-visit/getting-here">on the studio tour website</a>.<br />
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I purchased well in advance online. No tickets are available for purchase at the venue. They are timed entry tickets so require a little planning. We started our tour around 5:00 pm, which worked really well as we had such limited time in London and were able to spend most of the day in the city, and then venture out and have the whole late afternoon/evening at this exhibit.<br />
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Photography is encouraged, except in the green screen area where they make souvenir photographs and videos for purchase. From the lobby (where you can see the cupboard under the stairs), through the Great Hall, big room (I thought Dumbledore's office was especially interesting), backlot (see the house on Privet Drive, the bus, the bridge and have a snack), Diagon Alley, to the model of Hogwarts, the scenes are impressive. There are interactive exhibits/activities my children really enjoyed, and plenty to read up on about the making of the eight movies. The website has a great map <a href="http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/en/tour/tour">here</a> where you can click on each area to get more detailed information and interesting facts. Here are a few pictures from our visit:<br />
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London shopping day up next and then I'll start my recap of Denmark and France.<br />
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xoxo<br />
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-55686786800588212562013-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:002013-10-27T12:09:38.880-07:00Outfits {London}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Before I start sifting through my many, many pictures from Harry Potter in Leavesden - and a few shopping ones - I thought I'd post some quick pics I took of outfits from the London part of the trip (this was August):</div>
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for our Copenhagen - London flight</div>
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Hermes Casques et Plumets scarf, Zara Oversize Sweater in Natural</div>
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My son was ready for the flight to London with his "Street of London" tee from Zara and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=431603759&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Union Flag Converse</a> (my 11 yr old has these too).</div>
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for tea at The Goring</div>
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Loft dress, Zara blazer with gathered shoulders (I also have this in red), <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=406831210&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">LK Bennett Maddox</a> wedges, scarf tied on handbag</div>
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This is not actually what I had planned to wear. I had a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress folded up next to my husband's carry-on since I didn't want to check it. After an exhaustive search of all the luggage when we arrived at our hotel, we determined there was a miscommunication - and when we returned home, yes, it was sitting right there next to the bathtub where his carry-on had been. This is the dress and jacket I wore on the flight from the US to Copenhagen. They held up well.</div>
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for Buckingham Palace tour and lunch</div>
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Gap dress, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376004277&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Stuart Weitzman Minx</a> wedge sandals</div>
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The rain made me a little chilly so I added a Loft cardigan (last year).</div>
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OPI Charged Up Cherry polish</div>
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for our London shopping day</div>
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Zara Multicolor Woven Fabric Jacket, F21 lace tank, F21 denim, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=298336348&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Mulberry Bayswater</a></div>
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for checking out and catching the Eurostar to Paris</div>
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J Crew cardigan, striped tank from Urban Outfitters a few years back, F21 denim, Tory Burch Millers in silver</div>
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xoxo</div>
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-12224864357061402512013-10-16T12:57:00.002-07:002013-10-27T12:10:03.466-07:00London Sightseeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This trip was a quick three night visit, so I packed as much as I could into our first full day in London.<br />
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We stayed at St. Ermin's in Westminster which is an historic hotel with an ideal location for sightseeing. It's just a minute or so from St. James's Park and right near Scotland Yard. We walked to The Goring for afternoon tea the day we flew in, and enjoyed nice walks to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament the next two days. We found the St. Ermin's staff to be warm, welcoming, and very helpful - and we were able to book a family room for five. The history of the place is quite interesting - you can read a little about its past involving spies and covert operations during WWII <a href="http://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/about-st-ermin's/history/">here</a>.<br />
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In the morning we toured the state rooms at Buckingham Palace and saw the special exhibition of the Queen's coronation. Buckingham Palace is only open certain dates in the summer and the Royal Collection Trust website says 2014 dates will be announced shortly. I see there will also be a special winter guided tour December 6th - February 2nd - information <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace/plan-your-visit">here</a>. I did not reserve tickets in advance and our hotel did not have any available the morning we wanted to go. They advised us however to try the walk-up and happily we were able to get tickets that way.<br />
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After the state rooms and coronation exhibit (and cappuccino, profiteroles, and a pricey gift shop visit), we found a cozy English lunch at The Colonies. It was a classic English rainy day and this was a great spot to dry out and warm up. I had fish and chips, of course, and also had to try the special "It's a Boy!" celebration IPA they had on offer. After lunch, we were on to the Royal Mews. Snapshots below. We went out to Leavesden for the Harry Potter tour in the afternoon. That post up next.<br />
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in the hotel lobby</div>
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perfect, rainy London</div>
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No photographs in the state rooms but here are some profiteroles and my son's hot chocolate from the outdoor</div>
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Buckingham Palace cafe.</div>
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fish and chips</div>
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My 10 year old had them with the mushy peas and she is now a fan.</div>
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"It's a Boy!" celebration IPA.</div>
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one of the signs posted around town</div>
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My son's new souvenir bear "George" joins his Danish friend, "Soren".</div>
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This sign rotates. We had fun doing spy poses and taking pictures in front of it.</div>
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audio tour at The Royal Mews</div>
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I liked these framed maps folded into a dress and shirt at St. Ermin's.</div>
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A St. Ermin's signature cocktail at The Caxton at the hotel.</div>
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-84439749546341768372013-10-09T09:25:00.000-07:002013-10-27T12:10:15.630-07:00Afternoon Tea at The Goring Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I first heard of The Goring Hotel when photographs of the Middleton family emerging from the front door the day after the Cambridge royal wedding were published. At that point I was focused on Pippa's gray handbag, which turned out to be the <a href="http://sparrowsandsparkles.blogspot.com/2011/05/bristol-medium-grab-in-shark-modalu.html">Modalu Bristol</a> (now the Pippa). <br />
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When we added a flight to London from Copenhagen to our summer itinerary, I started thinking about afternoon tea. The Goring has been serving an English afternoon tea since 1910 and was awarded the 2013 Top London Afternoon Tea Award by the UK Tea Guild not long before we began looking into reservations. As you can imagine, it's a popular spot. A local friend helped make arrangements and secured a reservation for us. You can also book <a href="http://www.thegoring.com/home.aspx">online</a>.<br />
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Every staff member we encountered was warm and welcoming and set out to make us feel at home. The room where we sat was painted<br />
a sunny yellow to match the teacups and we had a beautiful view of the back garden. The scones were some of the best I've had. <br />
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Here are some snapshots:<br />
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gold raspberries = gold lips</div>
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my son chose the hot chocolate</div>
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More pictures from around London, and the World of Harry Potter in Leavesden, up next.</div>
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xoxo</div>
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sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-50189810056968589672013-10-08T08:07:00.003-07:002013-10-08T08:07:56.224-07:00Travel Posts Coming UpWell, it's been quite a break between posts... my last one was July on packing for our summer vacation. We had a wonderful summer and school, activities, and office responsibilities are in full swing. My closet is a mess and my house is far from perfect but I've got the rhythm of our schedule and the kids are happy, fed, and getting where they need to be on time so I'm going to get to work on some travel and shopping posts. Not much in the way of exciting cooking has been happening lately but I'm inspired by some new recipes out there so I'll try some new things soon.<br />
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This summer we were in Denmark, France, and London and were able to see and do quite a bit. One of the highlights of London was tea at The Goring, so I'll begin my posts with details on that tomorrow.<br />
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Happy October!<br />
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xoxosparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-2435551793486025002013-07-18T06:58:00.000-07:002013-07-18T11:24:33.417-07:00Packing<br />
My children's outfits are sorted for our next trip. Elliott loves my packing piles. Max does too, but when I snapped this picture he stayed graciously off to the side, while Ell plops himself in the middle of everything. Love how he has his foot tucked in between two of my eleven year old's blouses.<br />
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I'm still in process, but packing for myself is about decided. I started with a shoe line-up:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=333495521&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">LK Bennett Maddox</a>, Chanel ballerines, Banana Republic Ashley, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376902153&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Stuart Weitzman Minx</a>, Soludos for J Crew, Tory Burch Miller</span></div>
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Then for the clothes... I started with a scarf again - my newest printed silk - and added two more big, light, and gauzy ones.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">scarves by Hermes, H&M, Target</span></div>
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I then added two cardigans - bright green and camel - and a patterned jacket (I'll wear a plain black blazer on the way). <br />
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With the bright printed scarf and the colorful jacket, I'm keeping everything else very neutral - white, cream, navy, black. I'll pair everything with dark denim or black cropped pants. Also bringing along a couple of casual dresses (the Gap <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=429823273&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">polka-dot tie waist shirtdress</a> and a navy striped one from Loft), and a DvF wrap.<br />
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Definitely still in process. Haven't tried to put anything in suitcases yet. Also still without a hotel for a couple of nights before we fly Paris-Copenhagen and working on our itinerary... but it's coming together.<br />
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I usually tweet here and there while we're traveling and as of yesterday I'm back on Instagram so I'll likely use that too. I'm at <i><b>seaandtea</b></i> on both.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-39579983859465939222013-07-17T09:43:00.003-07:002013-07-17T10:53:40.831-07:00Qingyan Ancient Town<div>
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Our last day in Guiyang - on the way to our flight back to Hong Kong - our friends took us to Qingyan Ancient Town for sightseeing, shopping, and lunch. This amazing gated village dates back to 1378 (Ming Dynasty) and is about 18 miles south of Guiyang city.<br />
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my seven-year-old walking up to the town</div>
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rice drying</div>
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a cat on the roof</div>
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we dressed up and bought some pictures</div>
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a silver shop</div>
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I bought some beautiful hand made earrings that are made from thin strips of silver rolled to form flowers and dragonflies.</div>
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lunch (more dishes arrived shortly)</div>
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The plastic gloves on our hands are for the pig feet at the center of the table - the local specialty - which you eat with a gloved hand. Only two of us (my husband and son) actually gave them a try but we all donned the gloves.</div>
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this was very, very, very good - a sort of mashed potato dish</div>
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we received many photo requests here also</div>
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Waiting for our flight back to Hong Kong I was a little concerned we might not be in the right place because very few other people were there. Turns out there were only eight or nine passengers on this flight - and we were five of them. It felt a little eerie at first for some reason. They sat us all together in the center of the plane.</div>
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xoxo</div>
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sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-43451253676800244112013-07-15T12:35:00.000-07:002013-07-15T12:40:40.343-07:00Huangguoshu WaterfallI <a href="http://sparrowsandsparkles.blogspot.com/2013/05/china-tianxingqiao-scenic-area.html">posted back in May</a> about our visit to a beautiful scenic area southwest of Anshun in Guizhou, China. After lunch that day we saw Huangguoshu Waterfall. Here are a few snapshots:<br />
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We were able to walk behind the waterfall and there is a place where you can reach out and touch the running water.</div>
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Since I started working yesterday on my packing for our upcoming trip to a few places in Europe, I thought I should get the rest of my China pictures posted (these are from this past October)... an ancient village visit and a some pictures from around Guiyang will wrap it up before I post about the latest shopping and packing.<br />
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Hope your Monday is going well.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-15541904650454528862013-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:002013-10-27T12:10:40.474-07:00A Peony and a Scarf<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hermes Casques et Plumets</span></div>
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I finally took my new DSLR camera out of the box and took off the lens cap. I had been a little intimidated. On the automatic setting, however, things are working out and I've captured some great pictures at my children's events, even with a little fumbling. I'm looking forward to learning more about the camera settings and taking it on vacation.<br />
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I wanted to capture some images of detail - I had some beautiful peonies in the house, and unboxed a scarf:<br />
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I haven't forgotten about China. We are easing into a summer pace around here and I'm going to post more travel pictures soon.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4002321/?claim=dkx9wxaptes">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-16436406326414865802013-06-15T16:38:00.000-07:002013-06-15T23:09:43.028-07:00OOTD 6.12.13<br />
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Zara blouse, F21 denim, Target scarf, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=376004277&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Stuart Weitzman Minx sandal</a></div>
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Nice detail on the blouse. I had to return the first one I ordered (by mail) because it arrived with a mark on the fabric and I found Zara's return process to be easy and efficient. In order to exchange by mail, you have to place a separate, second order. My second blouse arrived quickly and I have already been refunded for the first one. Return shipping is free with the included FedEx label and Zara requests original packaging be used and the red "security" sticker be affixed on the box (I had wondered what those were for, having not returned anything to Zara before).</div>
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These sandals are pretty high but are so comfortable. I think I'm going to take them to Europe with me this summer. I'm going to feel so tall.</div>
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-41045487909943011902013-06-10T07:08:00.002-07:002013-06-10T07:20:43.424-07:00Zara Shopping and Books<br />
I've been online Zara shopping again. It is now my go-to for dresses for my girls. Quite a selection of fun, pretty, appropriate, and 10-11 yr old approved dresses. From very casual everyday to lacy fancy. I recently ordered the <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/kids/girl/dresses/embroidered-dress-c358082p1199064.html">embroidered dress</a> in midnight blue and <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/kids/girl/dresses/striped-dress-with-zip-c358082p1218007.html">striped dress with zip</a> in bluish for my youngest, and the <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/kids/girl/dresses/ponte-di-roma-jacquard-dress-c358082p1142020.html">ponte di roma jacquard dress</a> and <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/kids/girl/dresses/dress-with-collar-detailing-c358082p1151557.html">dress with collar detailing</a> for my oldest. She is excited to do some in-store Zara shopping in Spain this summer, where the retailer originated. We are only going to be very close to the French border but I looked up store locations around San Sebastian and it looks like there are a few Zaras to choose from in the area.<br />
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For myself, I've just received an order of some black and neutral tops, thinking of summer vacation packing already (Copenhagen, London, Paris). I wore this one the other day. I think it will be nice neutral background for colorful scarves:<br />
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Zara <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/knitwear/oversize-sweater-c358007p1081505.html">Oversize Sweater</a> in Natural over an ON tank, F21 denim, Tiffany Keys three-key pendant, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=214665993&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">kate spade London Calling bangle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=426909839&pid=uid7689-6404867-23&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget">Tory Burch Karissa Espadrille Wedge</a></div>
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I find the leather strap on these rubs at the back of the heel and I use Dr. Scholls rub relief or a little bandaid. I bought a Dr. Scholls moleskin roll to try with rubby shoes too (Target).</div>
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So, these are iPhone snaps. I now have a new digital SLR camera - my first - which I just started working with yesterday. I am hoping I will be getting some great photos of my children's activities, on travels, and for the blog very soon.<br />
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As for reading, I finished <u>Sharp Objects</u> by Jillian Flynn a week or so ago. Great writing and could barely put it down, but so very creepy and disturbing. I'm looking forward to reading <u>Dark Places</u>, but I needed an emotional break after that one, so I'm currently on <u>Habits of the House</u> by Fay Wheldon. A much lighter novel set in turn of the century London (very Downton Abbey-ish if you are a fan).<br />
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Any great summer reading recommendations?<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613015546783980758.post-60264762356409160912013-05-24T15:37:00.000-07:002013-05-24T15:50:19.839-07:00Tulips and Travel Plans {and a couple books}<br />
We made it up to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival last month on the last day of the event. It'd been a couple years since we'd been and I don't know why because the scenery is absolutely amazing and worth the trip. This is also close to where last night's bridge collapse happened. Thank goodness no casualties but how incredibly frightening. Two cars and three people fell into the water but it sounds like no serious injuries. We've driven over that one ourselves.<br />
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We sorted out a little more of our summer travel last night. We'd had our Seattle to Copenhagen round-trips squared away but have now added some one-ways to *London* (I'm thrilled!) and a Eurostar ride to Paris. We'll also be in Bordeaux and are planning an excursion to Spain. Very excited how things are shaping up!<br />
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Here are some pics of the tulips from April:<br />
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I haven't been cooking much lately but I have been reading a little. Just finished A Corpse in The Koryo by James Church - very interesting mystery set in North Korea - and have started The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Alder-Olsen. This is another Nordic crime novel set in Denmark. If you like Sara Blaedel's work or Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-type reading, I definitely recommend.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<br />sparrowsandsparkleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08178796147098115616noreply@blogger.com2