Sparrows & Sparkle

Danish China, Film Noir and Lavender Tea

2012-01-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

We've been a little iced/snowed in around here lately, with most of our usual activities cancelled - including school, which means I've been out of the office - so I've had some time to think about some other things.

I've been window shopping on some Danish websites lately, as my husband is making a biking trip over there this year, and I'm sure he wants some ideas for something to bring back since I won't be going... Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Bing & Grondahl...

...which got me thinking about a pretty set of china that my mother-in-law gave me several years ago that I wanted to learn more about. I found this website: jamerantik.dk which has a wealth of information about marking and dating systems for Royal Copenhagen china and collectibles.

The pieces in my set, I learned, are from a few different years. This cup is from 1957, indicated by the little line under the "N". "E" indicates the artist (the X can be used to indicate "painted by" so this one may just have one intial, not two). The use of upper case letters indicates (with a few exceptions) painting done in 1950 or later.

We have some collectible pieces and old silver I'm looking forward to learning more about also.

So, I've caught up on my DVDs recently and one of the movies I most enjoyed was The Fallen Idol from 1948. If you like British films, film noir, old black and white movies, thrillers, suspense, or looking at pretty interiors or European balconies, I highly recommend it. The Seattle Art Museum is going to be showing it as part of their series "Shadow Street: The Best of British Film Noir" in April.

Hot tea is so soothing on these cold days. Also, when watching suspenseful movies. I recently found this one, and while I wouldn't say I have a "nervous stomach", I sometimes find myself a little anxious or stressed and I think lavender is so incredibly comforting. The combination with chamomile is lovely and it is caffeine-free and organic:

I'll be continuing on with some looking-back-at-vacation-days posts over the next couple of weeks. I haven't been wearing anything remotely interesting lately or doing any clothes or accessories shopping. Once we thaw out and start thinking about Spring (and I get my closet cleaned out and organized) I should have some more dressing and shopping related posts. I have a couple of new recipes I'm going to try too - featuring quinoa and polenta. But tonight, I think it's out for Mexican. Hasta luego and Happy Friday!

xoxo

Orange Suede Shoes + Astounding Art {Positano + Oplontis}

2012-01-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

We only spent an afternoon in Amalfi, mainly eating gelato, with a short walk in the sand, so I don't really have good pics to post, but here are some snapshots from Positano and Oplontis:

Positano is known for its dress shops and I had also heard about the places that will custom assemble sandals for you.

I had some made by Giovanni:

orange suede with gold hardware

my girls had some made also, at another shop

my kids attacking a pizza for lunch

the view

the other view

supper at Ristorante Bruno the night before

A few more pics around the town:

The Canadian Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium was filming. We just may have been extras. I don't think we'll ever know.

And Oplontis... I am so glad we decided to visit Villa Poppaea (thought to be the villa of the second wife of Emperor Nero) in this town that was an aristocratic resort area back in the day. The colors and details on the walls here are astounding. Some of the best preserved Imperial Roman frescoes - and absolutely gorgeous. Just incredible. If you visit Pompeii, I highly recommend a visit here too:

Some pics from our hotel are up next.

xoxo

Pompeii

2012-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't believe how many pictures I have from our Summer vacation. Well, maybe you would. Pompeii has to have its own post as I'd been dreaming of seeing this place since third grade. It was breathtaking. What a tragic day in 79 AD, but what specatcular ruins left behind.

Also, hot and dusty. I saw a woman in white espadrilles and felt for her. Our shoes (and probably a lot more of us) were covered in gray dust when we left.

Here are some snaps from Pompeii, July 2011:

And of course I documented lunch afterward, right outside of the archeological site:

Up next I'll be posting some pics from:

Amalfi, Positano and Oplontis

Castellammare di Stabia + The Medusa Hotel

Rainbow Magic Land + outlet shopping

Arezzo + Badia di Pomaio

and...

Shopping Prada at the Space outlet (this was really, really fun)

xoxo

OOTD and coffee + tea {+ I forgot about Italy}

2012-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

So. I know I'm not the only one who goes over lists, projects, ideas, responsibilities and plans perhaps a little too much and ends up losing sleep. I've been a little too tired or overwhelmed or just busy lately. I know we all have lots to do and I am working on my balance. Hot baths and vitamins help me, I think. As does a good night's sleep which I finally got last night. What helps you keep it all together?

Here is today's OOTD. It's just been so COLD lately. Thanks to the myfitnesspal app and getting back to eating reasonably, I am three pounds down and back in button-and-zip pants again after a lot of stretchy pants and dresses over the holidays.

Loft Lurex Fair Isle V-Neck, ON tank, ON corduroys in gray (couple years ago), Stuart Weitzman Big Buck loafers, Mulberry Bayswater in black, pashmina scarf from ages ago

also wearing pink Versace sunglasses - cold but sunny

I have a new favorite coffee:

And I'm also adding this to my list of favorite hot drinks. I'm always open to suggestions for good teas.

A long weekend ahead and a forecast of probable (possible?) snow! Looking forward to a little time at home. I've also recently been thinking about how I never finished posting travel pics from this past summer. I'm hoping to have a view of snowy trees while putting together a couple posts on the Amalfi Coast and surrounds before too long...

Happy Friday!

xoxo

OOTD 1.4.12 {cooperative weather}

2012-01-04T17:48:00.001-08:00

The weather around here has been extremely cooperative lately... allowing me to wear my new Christmas gifts. Not the silk scarf or the patent, raffia covered wedge LKBs, naturally, but those wonderful wellies.

The more rain-sensitive pieces will see the light of day sometime in July.

I find wrapping up in a blanket-y cardi (Target), Hunter wellies and some stretchy pants (Target, last year) the perfect solution to cold, gray, rainy, and just coming off the holidays.

Hope you're staying warm and dry.

xoxo

Gifting Themes {2011 = tea + shoes}

2011-12-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

Many of our Christmas gifts seem to run in (unplanned) themes around here. One year it was pants (I suppose my husband had worn through most of his that year), or socks, or sweaters -- or (more fun) jewelry. 2011 appears to be the year of tea and shoes, along with some cashmere thrown in owing to a great sale at Lands' End just before Christmas, plus free upgraded two-day shipping that got it here on time.

I gave my mom a Lenox teapot from a pattern she had admired since I was a little girl, and happened to remark on when we were shopping in Atlanta last summer. I love it when I remember something. I also had fun shopping varieties of tea at Teavana, and found pretty tea canisters, tea cups, a glass tumbler and some different blends of tea and German rock sugar there for her and my brother and his girlfriend.

My parents arrived from the airport bearing suitcases of treats - mostly of the homemade cookie, candy and coffee cake varieties (my grandmother's toffee candy was highly requested this year), but also some incredible teas. One of my favorites is this Chinese Green Kiwi Strawberry Tea from The Salt Table in Savannah, Georgia. I haven't been to Savannah in ages, but my parents are closer and can visit more often and this is one of their favorite shops. I'll be perusing their website soon as they do ship (free 3-day on orders over $25. in the lower 48).

On the shoe theme, parcels from John Fluevog (for my brother) and L.K. Bennett (most definitely a happy surprise for me) arrived ahead of my parents, along with a big box which turned out to contain those drizzly-puddly-perfect wellies from Hunter in classic green. I wore them for three days straight. The L.K. Bennett package turned out to hold the nude patent Maddox I've been wishing for since my summer trip to their Atlanta store. It was the last pair in my size, and they sent them out to me with a sweet note. I look forward to popping in again this coming summer.

So. Our houseguests have all flown off, the extra dining table is put away, my husband is back to the office, and I suppose it is time to start taking down the decorations. How long do you leave them up?

xoxo

Wearing at Christmas {featuring the Hermes Nuees Imaginaires (!!) }

2011-12-26T11:37:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!

Do you like to wear new things as soon as you receive them? I sure do:

I think flannel jammies (Target, last year) are perfectly acceptable with Hunter boots just out of the box on Christmas morning. Later in the day my Dad's cousin brought over my great uncle who was up from out of state for a visit. We haven't seen him for seven years, so I did need to get dressed:

Of course I was happy to tie on the gorgeous Hermes Nuees Imaginaires. My eight year old orchestrated this gift... she doesn't know the pricing at that shop -- she just admires the beautiful artwork and fabrics -- and she convinced my husband this exact one, in the light blues with the spring green border, with clouds in the shapes of fancifully colored and detailed imaginary animals, was for me this Christmas. I absolutely love it. My sweater (the Piacenza Top in Gold) is one I bought during the Anthropologie 50% off sweater sale, with an Old Navy tank underneath.

I also wore these beautiful earrings from Kendra Scott. Love her designs:

Kendra Scott Kelli Earrings in Lapis

I'm wearing the scarf again today:

I'm switching out the boots for Ugg slippers soon, as I don't plan on going anywhere today. Tomorrow I do though, and you can bet I'll be carrying this:

Mulberry Bayswater in Black

This is such a great, classic bag and I'm thrilled to have one. I think it deserves a vlog, like I did for the Modalu London Bristol/Pippa. I'll try to get on that soon.

Hope everyone is enjoying the start of the week! I'm off to drink tea and watch a Poirot (that I got too sleepy to finish last night) by the fire with a dog on my lap, while the kids are happily assembling a Harry Potter castle with Hubs. I love when he takes some time off.

xoxo

Christmas Deco 2011

2011-12-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

I've never really gone for particular themes... I like sparkle, silver, gold, and color, and just sort of throw it all out there. We have bits of blue from RC and B&G Christmas drops, and my children sometimes choose animal-themed ornaments, while I often end up adding birds or travel-related decorations. Here are some pics I snapped yesterday:

My husband suggested I just go ahead and order the 2011 Christmas plate from my wishlist, which he didn't have to do twice, so I did. It arrived a few days ago and will be a nice addition to my little collection (all the others were gifts).

Two more nights till Christmas Eve! I need to find a good ris a la mande recipe soon.

On an unrelated note, I'm also looking for a good pair of heeled black suede boots. You know, like the kind you see on Duchess Catherine - which I've seen reported as (the pricey) Stuart Weitzman Zipkins... though in recent pictures in that olive RL sweater dress it really looks like the boots just have a half zip at the ankle, while the SWs zip all the way up... at any rate, that kind of look. J Crew has some nice ones but they have a brown stacked heel and I'm looking for that sleek, all black sort of look. Any suggestions?

xoxo

Some OOTDs...

2011-12-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

Between Christmas events and decorating, school volunteering, cleaning, planning, shopping and office work, I have been snapping a few OOTDs here and there. I'll post some Christmas deco soon... I love seeing everyone's decked out trees on the blogs.

Hermes Grand Manege scarf, Loft camel cardi, ON tank in black, jeans + boots

my polish was OPI All Lacquered Up

Loft sweater dress in Navy (last year), Loft cardi in Gray (last year), Target cable tights in gray, Banana Republic Sophie bootie

Zara Flounced Crossover Dress, black tights, J Crew Brewster Boot in Black, Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

And, the Christmas Ornament of the Day:

1999 Bing & Grondahl Drop "Dancing on Christmas Eve"

xoxo

2011 Christmas Wish List

2011-12-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

I love making lists... but they are usually of the to-do variety. Lately, I've been checking off my Christmas shopping for everyone -- but my husband's asking what might be included on my list. Here it is:

The 2011 Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plate

104th Edition

pic from amazon.com

This looks like the view onto Radhuspladsen from our hotel the first time we took our children to Denmark. I love the cat, the little boy in the sailor suit, the paper woven heart (we make those too)... just everything.

L.K. Bennett Maddox Shoe in Taupe

Talbots Bow Touch Gloves

Kendra Scott Earrings (so many styles and colors)

This is the Yuri in Chalcedony.

iittala Taika Dinnerware

pic from Finnish Design Blog

I bought a coffee cup and saucer in blue in the Copenhagen airport a couple years ago and think it's just beautiful. I'd like to get more pieces in both the blue and the white to use as our breakfast dishes.

The National Trust Complete Traditional Recipe Book from BBC America Shop

Le Creuset Bakeware in Flame

pic from Yahoo Shopping

Mulberry Bayswater in Black

Classic.

Hermes Nuees Imaginaires Silk Twill 90

Gorgeous.

Hermes Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident Silk Twill 90

Beautiful.

I hope everyone's starting off a nice weekend and staying warm if it's feeling icy like it is here!

xoxo

Anthropologie Sweater Sale

2011-12-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wow - 50% off full priced sweaters and outerwear at Anthropologie. I don't recall so many great sales like this in years past...

I have these two on the way:

(The prices changed automatically when I added these items to my cart, no code needed. Runs today and tomorrow.)

Spiraled Shibori Top in Purple

Piacenza Top in Gold

Anthropologie's sweaters, Anthropologie's pics

The Ballard candle sconces for the study (the room I just painted Weimaraner) that were backordered from early November finally arrived yesterday. They are fabulous... love the glow of candlelight. Pics soon.

xoxo

Loft Shopping {+ I Painted}

2011-12-07T07:06:00.001-08:00

The image of treading water comes to mind when I think about my days lately.... getting ready for Christmas and visitors, and extra activities on top of all the usual for children, home and office... It's fun and happy, but it feels a little overwhelming at times. I did recently make time for some quick sale shopping at Loft, and spent an afternoon finally getting the study painted:

Benjamin Moore Weimaraner

(Makes me think exactly of a Weimaraner, really.)

Here's what I bought at the Loft during one of their recent promotions:

Loft Ruffled Boiled Wool 3/4 Sleeve Jacket in Olive

Loft Button Shoulder Sweater with Tipped Detail in Fresh Navy, Loft Bow V-Neck Shell in Tango Red, Loft Lurex Fair Isle V-Neck Sweater

Lucky Magazine likes the red bow blouse, too. I just noticed it in the January issue this morning:

I have been snapping some OOTDs here and there which I'll post before too long. Today I look like I'm going to the gym, but I'm not. I hope nobody asks.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Downton Abbey, Season 2

2011-11-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

So excited we get to see soon in the US! I may have to watch Season 1 again before January:

Watch Downton Abbey Season 2 With or Without You Preview on PBS. See more from MASTERPIECE.

xoxo

Holiday Appetizers

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

Honey Almond Brie and Southern Prize Shrimp Dip are my two go-to super-easy appetizers. This year I added another easy - and really pretty - one that I found in a People Magazine while getting a pedicure the other day. I think it was a special holiday edition - Bethenny Frankel was on the cover.

It's so simple and has a different look to it than my usual dips and cheeses. All you do is thinly slice some bosc pears, brush with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and top them with a slice of Camembert and some fresh oregano leaves. I'll have these out again at Christmas!

So I like to stay home on Black Friday and the only Cyber Monday shopping I did was at The Preppy Princess where I finally ordered one of those fun cases for my iPhone - pink + orange + monogrammed - can't wait. I did find a couple of things at Anthropologie over the weekend and should be able to get some ootds and Polyvores up between all the usual + Christmas shopping and decorating over the next couple weeks.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pics of my Thanksgiving table set up that I mentioned. I haven't decided on plates yet but will probably go with plain white. We'll set up a second smaller table with the same sort of deco next to this one.

Pottery Barn Blue Bird runner and napkins (tied with twine), Pottery Barn acorns, World Market rattan chargers

my dining room paint is Benjamin Moore Audubon Russet

I am grateful to have a house full of family for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a warm and cozy holiday weekend filled with love and thankfulness!

xoxo

Wednesday Random

2011-11-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have one more grocery run this morning (celery for the stuffing, more vegetable broth and the ingredients for the Maple Glazed Carrots that Goop emailed out recently - think I'll try those) and then I think I am ready to host Thanksgiving. I don't go out for Black Friday but I will be checking out the amazing online deals that are starting to fill my inbox. My Thanksgiving table is all ready except for a serious shortage of napkin rings. I'm thinking of using twine or raffia, which I'll do a quick search for this morning and then I'll post a dining room pic or two.

Sephora came through yesterday and lots of exciting new Bobbi Brown was on my front porch. According to some websites, these are the eye, cheek and lip colors used by Duchess Catherine at The Royal Wedding. I think they are going to work for me too.

In other Royal News, I found this great blog through a comment on Faux Fuchsia's blog, featuring Crown Princess Mary's style. My husband is from Denmark and we try to go back every other year, so I've long been aware of the Danish Royals and appreciated Danish design... and just love Mary's style. You'll see her in Danish designers as well as Prada, Chanel, Louboutin... even some Zara: Stylish Mary.

The Benjamin Moore Weimaraner for the study is sadly, still in the can, but I did manage to get the playroom/bonus room upstairs painted. I am really happy with the Kona accent wall against the Morrel:

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Pumpkin Soup

2011-11-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Seems it's often dark and rainy around here this time of year. Makes me feel like soup. I've just started making this one recently, though I've had the cookbook for ages:

Pumpkin Soup, changed up just a little from JLSL's St. Louis Days St. Louis Nights

You need:

1/4 c butter

1 c chopped onion

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground coriander

1/8 tsp curry

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

3 c vegetable broth

1 16 oz can pumpkin

1 c half-and-half

sour cream and green onion

Melt the butter in a large pot and saute onion and garlic. Add the salt, coriander, curry, and cayenne. Add broth and boil uncovered for 15-20 min. Stir in pumpkin and half-and-half and cook for 5 min. Pour into a food processor and blend until creamy. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onion.

In the soup I show in the pictures I added more pumpkin as it didn't look like the recipe was making quite enough, so it may look a little thicker than the usual.

I have my Thanksgiving table planned out - will try to post a pic in the next day or two. We have family flying in from Texas and Japan early this week. So excited! I've been painting too... playroom yesterday and getting to the study today. Hope everyone's starting out a great week.

xoxo

Jammie Time

2011-11-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's already that Christmas-jammies-ordering time of year. Garnet Hill flannels are some of my absolute favorites. The Green Sheep went over really well last year. 2011 will be Green Penguins:

photo from garnethill.com

These are shipping for free through December 6th. Code G1KS142 also takes $20 off orders of $100 or more or code GIVESHOP takes 10% off, also through December 6th. Thank you to retailmenot for the codes.

In makeup news, Sephora's 20% off ends tomorrow (VIBDREAM). I have my first Bobbi Brown shimmer brick on the way, along with some new-to-me BB colors for eyes, cheeks and lips. Anyone else shop the VIB event?

pic from sephora.com

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Pink Quartz

xoxo

A Couple OOTDs {pink coat, blue coat}

2011-11-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

With the recent markdown at Nordstrom I picked up another Tulle Alexa coat (love my pink) in a pretty cobalt sort of blue. I've been alternating between the two:

Tulle Alexa Coat in Fuchsia, Petite LOFT Elongated Pencil Skirt in Black, Lands' End sweater, Loft opaque tights, J Crew Brewster boot, Modalu London Pippa in Shark, pearls (bought on a trip to Tokyo years ago)

Tulle Alexa Coat in Cosmic, Loft Petite Cable Cowl Neck Sweater Dress in Brown Melange, Target leggings in black (last year), Tory Burch Revas in black with gold

I haven't gotten around to buying my Benjamin Moore Weimaraner paint yet but I made a really good pumpkin soup the other night. I'll post the recipe in the next week or so.

xoxo

Pink + Orange + Bows {happy shoes}

2011-11-04T09:35:00.001-07:00

Last month I noticed this fabulous pink and orange shoe posted by shopwithm here on her blog (and her review here). I haven't purchased Talbots shoes for a long while, but I just had to give them a try. I made up a Polyvore before they even arrived:

And wearing here:

J Crew Serengeti tank (while ago), Lands' End cardigan in Navy, ON denim, Anthropologie Bauble Bath Bracelet, Talbots Suede Tuxedo Flat in Autumn Flame/Bright

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm thinking of re-painting our study Benjamin Moore Weimaraner, which I saw in the Pottery Barn catalog. I'll post some pics if I do.

xoxo

Tuesday

2011-11-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning I was feeling like I really had it pretty well together. I did my make-up, curled my hair, and was 5 minutes early for a 7:00am meeting. I even noticed the toothpaste on my sweater and cleaned it off before I left the house.

But then a first grader in my son's class kindly pointed out this to me:

Yes. I rocked the two-different-color-shoes-look to bank, grocery store, office and school yesterday.

Hope everyone's having a nice week. If your shoes match, I'd say you're off to a good start.

xoxo

Some OOTDs, Sale Shopping and Eating Out

2011-10-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

I'm making lots of lists these days, checking off to-dos and trying to get a handle on time management. I don't quite have it yet. I did snap some quick OOTD pics this week:

Diane von Furstenberg New Jeanne wrap dress, Target opaque tights, J Crew Brewster boots (couple years ago), Kendra Scott Rena Linear Pod earrings in green

my polish is OPI Windy City Pretty

Gap jacket (last year), J Crew lace top (last year), Joe's Jeans (few years ago), L.K. Bennett Maddox Shoe in Pink Dusk suede

I like this feminine lace paired with herringbone. I'd really like the LKB Maddox in every color available.

I made a quick run through Ann Taylor Loft with the 40% off promo. Picked up some cozy cables and stripes:

I've already worn most of it. Here's one outfit:

Loft Cabled Elbow Sleeve Open Cardigan in Dark Grey Melange, Loft Stripe Boatneck Tee in Eggplant, ON corduroys in gray (2-3 yrs ago), Banana Republic Sophie Braided Bootie in Cedar Wood

We dined out recently at some places we hadn't tried before because of Restaurant Week . Tried some great things, including:

a beet salad at june

chocolate terrine with caramelized popcorn and Mexican hot chocolate at Mistral Kitchen

These have inspired me to figure out some ways to serve beets at home and also look up that popcorn cake recipe I used to make all the time. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

xoxo

L.K. Bennett London {in Atlanta}

2011-10-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

There's been so much attention paid to the Duchess of Cambridge's clothing choices in blogs, tweets, and magazines. I really like most of what I've been seeing. Ladylike, wearable, and not altogether out-of-reach or exclusive. I've been introduced to some companies I hadn't heard of before all this media coverage and am happy I've found them. One of the brands I was most interested to check out in person was L.K. Bennett. I got the chance this past summer when we were in Atlanta. It was a really great shopping day (I also found a fab DvF wrap dress on supersale at Saks).

The shop was set up beautifully and the sales associates were very helpful.

And just look at this wall of markdowns:

The shipping charges on the website are really expensive - 45 GBP (currently over $71.00!) for the first item, 7.50 GBP for each additional, to the US (and Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.). I had run out of room in my luggage, so had my three pairs of shoes shipped from the Atlanta store to my house and I believe it was around $12 - $15. I would recommend calling one of the US stores to see if they have the stock you are looking for and can ship if you are not near a store. John Lewis has quite a bit of L.K. Bennett on their website and now ships to the U.S. for 15 GBP per order (currently about $24.00)

The three pairs I ended up with are the Maddox in Dusk suede (which I posted on earlier), the Isadora in Navy suede, and the Alessia in Tan. I found the Maddox and Isadora TTS and took a 39 but had to go up to a 40 in the Alessia.

I know I haven't been posting many OOTDs lately (currently I'm wearing ON yoga pants, Uggs and one of my husband's old sweatshirts, circa the mid-90's, as it is cold, rainy, and I just need to pick up this house and do laundry)... but here's an outfit from the ATL trip:

Zara Snakeskin Print Blouse, 7 FAM white denim, orange suede sandals made in Positano, Prada handbag

Polyvore with the Zara blouse, similar everything else, + Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca and Dior Addict gloss

So I've taken on another volunteer opportunity... and added on to everything else my days are feeling a little crazy and I'm trying to get organized and stay calm. I'll still be posting and visiting blogs, but there may be some long stretches in between. I hope everyone is having a great weekend and staying warm if your weather has turned like ours has!

xoxo

Pink & Navy OOTD + Pasta w/ Prawns copied from Ristorante Nettuno

2011-10-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

My pink coat is getting lots of wear I'm happy to report. This color really can work well with so many other colors. I recently wore it over navy + gray:

Lands' End Cashmere Tie Neck Sweater in True Navy, Old Navy corduroys in gray (couple years ago), BR Sophie Braided Bootie in Cedar Wood, pearls, citrine necklace, Tulle Alexa Coat in Fuchsia from Nordstrom

bow detail on sweater

After looking at my last post, I decided I had to try to re-create some version of that pasta dish from Ristorante Nettuno in Paestum at home. It was easy and turned out great.

This is what I used:

Pasta

Mezzetta Pitted Bistro Blend Olives

Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Halves with Italian Herbs

Shrimp

Lots of fresh basil

I sauteed the shrimp, tomatoes and olives in a little olive oil, poured over the cooked pasta and topped with lots of chopped fresh basil. The only thing missing was the view. Oh, and capers... I looked at the menu again and it mentioned capers. I'll add those next time.

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday {Paestum, July 2011}

2011-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

xoxo

In Which We Make Our Way Out from Being Stuck in an Alley in Italy

2011-10-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

For our Italian holiday this summer we had a rental car. It worked well for us, traveling with three children, and for spontaneity purposes (like an unplanned visit to Rainbow Magic Land outside Rome and impromptu shopping stops... more on that later)... but driving in a different country does present its challenges.

We made great use of our tomtom gps system. Truly such a tremendous help. In most cases.

We eventually learned to pick and choose the times we'd follow instructions explicitly, after being led up a couple impossible alleys. (Of course we made mistakes, just trying to deal with it all.) Here is a video I shot of one such case, somewhere between Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. We made our way up an ever narrowing path to a brick wall, and got the car just about turned around... here is the journey out (at the very end that's someone beeping at us to go faster!).

p.s. I recommend the full, extra, super coverage insurance. We used it.

p.p.s. Sorry about the high pitched tone at the beginning... that was tomtom complaining. It ends at 0:40.

xoxo

Today's Target Find {if you missed it last year}

2011-10-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Last year I bought this cardigan at Target and the price per wear has got to be closing in on pennies. By the time I realized how much I liked it, the other colorway was gone (tan/cream). Well... it's back! And I brought one home today. The sizing appears to be the same - I bought Smalls. There is no gray/black this year (that I've seen yet) but there is a nice blue/black version.

I don't see these online, only this, which is out of stock and says Oatmeal/Cream while the tag on mine says Cream/Tan -- so I don't know if it is last year's or the current one just not available online yet.

I'm actually wearing last year's today:

Happy Friday!

xoxo

OOTD 10.3.11 {featuring the BR Sophie Bootie}

2011-10-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

These boots arrived last week and they are great. I found them true-to-size and they are comfortable for the height. The color is called Cedar Wood but I would call it the perfect Caramel for Fall. If you are thinking of buying, watch for one of Banana's 30% off flash sales. The 40% seem to usually exclude shoes but I have bought a couple pairs on a 30% off. There is currently a code out: "48HOURS" - which I haven't tried - but the fine print does not show shoes as one of the BR exclusions. It expires tonight at 11:59 pm ET.

Old Navy Women's Boot-Cut Cords in Jurassic Green, J Crew cardigan (couple years ago), ON tank, Banana Republic Sophie Braided Bootie in Cedar Wood, custom citrine jewelry

The weather around here has turned cool and a rather rainy. I've been finding a little time in the evenings to watch Poirot movies under a cozy throw (and I'm excited to start Downton Abbey, Season 1 soon!), have been making things like chili and vegetable soup in the crockpot, and have been drinking lots of Laduree tea out of pretty English tea cups. I feel like I'm getting into the groove of our our crazy Fall school/activities/volunteer/work schedule and am going to finally get working on some of the posts I've been intending to do since Summer.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

OOTD 9.29.11 {featuring the L.K. Bennett Maddox}

2011-09-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

I had one of the best shopping days the day I bought these shoes at L.K. Bennett in Atlanta. I had been waiting and waiting to see LKB in person and the store at Phipps was delightful in every way... friendly and helpful sales associates, easy to shop, and beautiful merchandise. I bought two more pairs in addition to the Maddox in Pink-Dusk suede and I will get a post up on that shopping trip soon.

Here's their first wearing, today:

J Crew Crocodile Cocktail Jacket (a couple years ago), Loft top in dark gray, Loft pants in black, L.K. Bennett Maddox in Pink-Dusk, custom citrine/gold earrings & necklace, Gucci Oversized Fade sunglasses

Have you checked out or shopped L.K. Bennett in store or online? What did you think?

xoxo

Musei Vaticani, Summer 2011 {Wordless Wednesday}

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

xoxo

New Pink Coat

2011-09-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's probably been decades since I've owned a pink coat and I don't know why. I love pink. Pink cardigans, pink dresses, pink shoes. Really, I'm not usually decked out in pink but I do own it and like wearing it. So, when I saw this coat at Nordstrom, I knew it had a place in my closet.

Tulle "Alexa" Coat from Nordstrom

#J8079N2F, Fuschia

also available in Black, Cream, and Eggplant

I've also just ordered these:

Banana Republic Sophie Braided Bootie in Cedar Wood

Banana's boot, Banana's pic

BRSAVE30 takes 30% off your purchase (including shoes) through tomorrow, 12pm.

(Coats and boots... I've begun my Fall/Winter shopping. Who else?!)

xoxo

Missoni for Target, out and about

2011-09-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

I wore my new long open cardi the other day. I like it a lot.

Missoni for Target Cardigan Sweater, ON tank in black, Target Mossimo ponte leggings (last year), TB Revas, Tiffany & Co. necklace

A few days later, I took the Zig Zag Flats out for a spin.

Sweet Pea ruffled cardigan in charcoal gray (from Nordstrom a year or so ago), ON tank in white, Target Mossimo ponte leggings, Missoni for Target flats

I know this line sold in a flash and is all over eBay. I was looking at some of the completed listings recently and noticed that lots of items priced above retail are closing without selling which makes me wonder if we will be seeing lots of store returns before too long.

xoxo

Vancouver Weekend {OOTDs, Thierry & Taylor Swift}

2011-09-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Vancouver, BC. My nine-year-old is a big Taylor Swift fan... I found out too late about her tour and the Tacoma Dome show was sold out... but I was able to get five seats for the Saturday show in Vancouver, so North we trekked...

Of course we took the opportunity to do a little shopping at Zara and Rocky Mountain Chocolates, as well as Thierry, which I found out about from Rose in her blog post here.

We stayed at The Fairmont downtown and were able to walk to the show at Rogers Arena in the beautiful weather.

Here are some pics from the weekend:

what I wore to dinner (Zefferelli's) and the concert:

Project Alabama tunic (from Anthropologie), Target slip under, Old Navy denim, nude patent flats from Las Scarpa Paris (two yrs ago)

at the concert

(My oldest couldn't believe she was there and was so happy she cried.

Which made me cry.

At a Taylor Swift concert.

At my age.

Uff.)

what I wore the next day

Reiss sweater, Old Navy denim, Tory Burch Revas in black, Ann Taylor scarf (ages ago), Prada bag

suite at the Fairmont

bedroom

Beau, one of The Fairmont Vancouver's canine ambassadors

The kids loved him.

Thierry on Alberni Street

macarons from Thierry (lime and passionfruit)

Thank you again to Rose for alerting me to their existence!

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Coffee This Morning, Missonified

2011-09-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Did you shop it? Was it crazy where you were too?

I'm sure there will be replens, but I did participate a little bit in the craziness that was Missoni for Target opening day, September 13, 2011.

Ended up with the ballet flats and pumps, a cardi for each of my girls, the black long open cardigan for myself, some stationery, two mugs, and the candle votives. The votives are beautiful -- one of my favorite pieces from the collection.

xoxo

My First Zara US Online Purchase

2011-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

boat neck (lower neckline in back), 3/4 sleeves, exposed back zip - love it

Zara "silk lace top" #3658/218

made in Turkey

requires a cami

I placed my first Zara US order on Tuesday evening and my top arrived today, nicely wrapped in tissue, in a not-quite-shipping-box-weight box but the box was wrapped in dark blue plastic and arrived in great condition. Quickly too for free shipping, I think. They included a sweet little bracelet with a Zara charm in a fabric drawstring bag. (It says "Thank you for following us on Facebook", which I don't, so I imagine they are just sending them out with some of their first orders.)

It appears to have shipped out of Massachusetts, and that is the address on the return label. Because of this, and because this is the new US site and prices are listed in US dollars, I was surprised to see "Zara Dublin" on my online card statement, with a foreign transaction fee tacked on.

Anyone else in the US place a Zara order? Received it? What do you think?

little glitch with the sewing at the neckline...

going to try to press to make less noticeable

xoxo

Rome, July 2011 {Wordless Wednesday}

2011-09-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

xoxo

Zara Goes Online for US Shoppers Tomorrow

2011-09-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

**update: Couldn't wait. Just ordered the lace top. Anyone else?**

I'm so excited for this launch! I'm going to be shopping the Vancouver BC Zara later this month, but since I only get there about once a year, I'm sure I'll be utilizing the online store before too long too.

If you're ready to shop and would like to get your order in a little early, visit See Chloe Shop - she has a link to shop six hours before the official launch on her post here. (www.zara.com/dearamerica) (And you get free shipping.)

Here are just a few of my current picks:

dress with elastic waist $89.90 USD

pic from Zara

boat neck top $59.90 USD

pic from Zara

silk lace top $39.90 USD

pic from Zara

xoxo

Olive + Leopard {a little early morning online sale shopping}

2011-09-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've had Banana Republic's Bethel suede platform sandal in my online cart for awhile now but when I saw that today's 30% off code (BRWEEKEND) would apply to shoes online (not in-store), I decided to finally order. As of this morning, all sizes were still available in the olive and they've gotten good reviews. I was also happy to see 10% cash back today for Banana Republic and Gap through ebates.

Originally $140, with the markdown + code these are currently $31.49. Consider the ebates cash back, and they're under $29.

Also, for a while I've admired the Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton (around $700.) leopard stole from afar. For my glamorous days running errands, taking care of the house, spending a little time in the office, and driving carpool, this $12.94 version from Old Navy will do nicely:

Happy Thursday!

xoxo

Peach Blueberry Crisp {+ Funny Things My Kids Say}

2011-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fruit crisps are my new go-to dessert (a couple years ago it was popcorn cake... must look that recipe up again). Most people really like them, they are quick & easy, and I usually have the ingredients on hand to make one sort or the other. I made a couple apple crisps recently - one to serve at home, a few days later one to take to my in-laws. So the next week I decided to change it up with some fresh peaches. Then I bought some organic blueberries at a farmer's market and decided to throw them in too. It turned out wonderfully.

The original recipe is for Apple Crisp from the Junior League of St. Louis' cookbook, p.231. All you do is mix together about:

4 cups of fresh peeled and sliced apples (or here I used peaches and blueberries)

1/4 cup water

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

That all goes in an 8 x 8 in baking pan. For the topping, mix together (with a spoon or your hands):

3/4 c flour

1 c sugar

1/3 c softened butter

Spread the crumbly topping over the fruit and bake uncovered at 400 for about 40-50 minutes.

It is really great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or as my family likes it - both.

On an unrelated note, the other night someone asked what kind of fish were in fish sticks, and without skipping a beat my six-year-old replied: "The ones that are easily tricked." Children are just so funny and clever. Mine keep me laughing and smiling all day (when I'm not exhausted, exasperated, or cleaning up some mess).

Here is another recent exchange:

Me: (hands 6 yr old plate of food)
6 yr old : "Thank you, waitress."

Me: (shakes head no)

6 yr old: "At least I didn't call you waitER."
8 yr old: "Call her Mommy."
6 yr old: "But I'll pay you."
8 yr old: "That would make her seem like even more of a waitress."

I hope everyone is starting out a great week. I have a busy couple weeks ahead but will try to get a few Italy and shopping posts up before too long.

xoxo

Cooking and Shopping

2011-08-24T09:31:00.001-07:00

I've been writing a lot about our summer travels lately (Italy is up next) but there's been some cooking and shopping going on around here too... here's a little update:

I made my first spag bol last night! Well, I've made spaghetti bolognese before but never from a recipe called "Spag Bol" and never calling it "spag bol". This was all inspired by Faux Fuchsia's post here because I didn't even know what spag bol was until I read her post. (She's really fun - you should follow her if you don't already.) My husband had seconds, which he, well, doesn't usually do. The children liked it too, including my six-year-old son who doesn't really go for tomato based sauces. It probably helped that it's rather British - he's become enamored with the UK ever since a wonderful blog/twitter friend sent me several links to the masses of Ben 10 merchandise that is available over there (thank you so much Juliet!).

(I used vegetable broth instead of beef broth and made a separate little batch without the beef for my vegetarian.)

I also made a really good Peach Blueberry Crisp the other day, adapting a recipe for Apple Crisp from one of my fav cookbooks - St. Louis Days St. Louis Nights by the SL Junior League. I bought it a long time ago when I was in JLSL and I hope it is still in print because it is fabulous. I'm going to get that posted in the next week or two.

In shopping news, there was a very exciting delivery from L.K. Bennett at my door not too long ago. I shopped the new Atlanta store in July and had the best time - finding three great pairs of shoes and having them shipped (suitcases too full by this time). That expedition and the shoes deserve their very own post so that will be coming up too.

Our family room has been needing some freshening up... kids and dog can be hard on the cushions. Luckily, the colors of Pottery Barn's Fall collection coordinate perfectly with the older fabrics and furniture we have. Here are the Penelope Kalamakri and Josie Kalamakri fitting right in. I have a Pineapple Bird on the way too (getting monogrammed).

I haven't forgotten about Target. When we got back to the states I found these in Florida:

Merona Collection Eden Skirt

(I bought the tunic in this print too.)

And this in Georgia:

I'm SO excited for the Missoni collaboration coming out next month... having flashbacks to Liberty of London for Target. Anyone else??!!

xoxo

The Orangery, Helsingor & The Sea {Denmark Wrap-Up}

2011-08-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

We managed to fit in quite a bit of sightseeing in Denmark between visits with family and friends. We knew we wouldn't have time for Legoland or Bakken this trip... and we didn't make it to Tivoli this time as planned... but we definitely made it up to the kids later with a spontaneous stop at Rainbow Magicland outside Rome.

Here's a wrap-up of the Danish part of our trip:

Fredensborg palace (official residence of the Danish royal family)

beautiful gardens behind the palace - we took a tour of the kitchen garden also

outside the Orangery at Fredensborg (Crown Prince Frederik's 40th birthday was celebrated here in 2008... see pics here; love Princess Mary's cherry-red dress)

inside the Orangery

the whole arrangement was just filled with beautiful sights

must have a stop for ice cream outside the palace - note the "Royal Twins" in honor of the new prince and princess born on January 8th of this year

(I had a Slotsis.)

"To go or not to go..." is the question at the restaurant at Kronborg Castle (Hamlet's castle) in Helsingor

a beautiful spot for lunch

Danish open-faced sandwiches

path into the Renaissance castle

the famous statue of Holger underneath the castle - legend says if Denmark is threatened he will awake from his slumber and protect the country

(don't know if you can tell, but my children are ready to bolt out of the room)

inside Kronborg

Kronborg's Lego and art room for children

playing at the beach in Southwest Zealand

a beautiful day for a walk along a Danish beach

xoxo

Brushes: What I Use {Real Techniques, MAC, Sephora}

2011-08-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

Sometime before our summer vacation I had a nice long talk with a good friend in another state I hadn't spoken with in a while. When the conversation turned to make-up, we both stated our recent realization: It's. All. About. The. Brushes.

In all the years I've been playing around with cosmetics, I never really gave much thought to brushes. I've had a nice Cargo blush brush for years, but beyond that I'd just used whatever kind of seemed right from the drugstore, or what came with the makeup. How this happened, I don't know. But my recent viewings of fabulous make-up tutorials by Pixiwoo and Raychel Wade (check them out on youtube if you haven't already) have changed all that.

At the beginning of the summer, I bought the Real Techniques Travel Essentials set after hearing the multi-task brush mentioned in a Pixiwoo video (it's Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo's brand). I switched out the foundation brush and eyeshadow brush for others that I already really liked, but kept the multi-task in and really loved using the travel case during our travels in Europe and on the East Coast. I actually still keep the brushes in the case here at home, propped in the standing triangle on my bathroom counter at the ready.

Besides the Real Techniques multi-task (for bronzer and blush), here is what I'm using:

Sephora Professionnel lip - levres retractable #60

MAC #266 (eyeliner)

MAC #217 (eyeshadow)

Sephora Professionnel mineral powder - poudre minerale #45 (the description says this is for loose powder, but a sales associate recommended this to me for use with liquid foundation and I love it)

The look I'm wearing almost daily right now (and wore throughout our summer travels) is adapted from this Pixiwoo video (usually minus the black eyeliner or with just a bit) ...using the brushes above and Chanel foundation, Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Toasted, MAC Shale eyeshadow, and Makeup Forever Smoky Lash mascara. I change up lipsticks and glosses quite a bit.

I'd love to hear of favorite make-up tutorial videos!

xoxo

Trelleborg

2011-08-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Trelleborg is the site of an old Viking fortress (dated to about 980 AD) which covers about 15 acres and possibly housed 500-800 Vikings, just outside of Slagelse, Denmark. Although the site had been known about for ages, excavation only really began in 1933 when a motorcycle club began making plans to turn the circular rampart into a raceway. There is a museum with artifacts and skeletons, a gift shop, and games and activities for children. The large, open, grassy fields and picnic tables also make it a great place to take the kids.

If interested, you can read more about it here, and the museum's website is here. One thing I will tell you, though, that I haven't seen mentioned, is there were quite a lot of sheep roaming the grounds. When there are quite a lot of sheep, there is quite a lot of sheep poo. So if you go through that little wooden gate any time soon, be prepared to tip-toe and dodge your way through with e v e r y s t e p . Also, they don't want you to try to pet the sheep - they run away anyway if you get anywhere near.

old Viking games

site of the fortress (mind your step)

learning to shoot like a Viking

a reconstruction of one of the long houses (now thought to be not quite accurate, but still pretty cool)

more reconstructions

we happily discovered Ben 10 ice cream in the gift shop

I wore my Stuart Weitzman Donuts because of course I had to have my only gladiators along for a trip that included Rome, and they are insanely comforable. Luckily, they also clean up quite easily with Lysol wipes.

xoxo

Copenhagen {City Sights & Some Shopping}

2011-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Modalu "Pippa" on arm, ready to shop Stroget

a cappuccino sitting outside at Cafe Europa...

...and breakfast

the menu

the bakery at Illum (for pastries after breakfast, of course)

walking toward the harbor

I liked these doors

oranges, apples, limes + pineapple

Copenhagen is definitely the place to fill in your Christmas plate collection

sunglass display at Illum

inside one of my favorite department stores

shopping the Wheat (one of our faves) collection with my eight-year-old

what she chose

one of Duchess Kate's dresses at the Reiss boutique inside Illum (they told me they often have pieces that are sold out elsewhere)

my Reiss purchase

some new Zara for my girls

(and for me)

my son preferred the Lego store

I have some pics from the old Viking fortress at Trelleborg in Slagelse I'll post next... and I have some Target buys & a brush review I'll try to get up before Italy pics.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo