Sparrows & Sparkle

Friday, January 18, 2013

Zara Sweater with Asymmetric Hem {Zara Sale}

I've found some great sweaters recently at the Zara sale online (have branched out from their blazers). I particularly love the color of this one... the Sweater with Asymmetric Hem. I think I've worn it four times since it arrived, which wasn't that long ago. Someone asked me if I knit it. I wish! I need to get my eleven year old to teach me.

Here it is last weekend with some boots I bought at Horse Town in Georgia last summer, and that F21 $10.80 denim that I wear all the time. I'm wearing my usual size in Zara - medium.

also wearing the Judith Jack Eiffel Tower Necklace in sterling/marcasite (Christmas gift from my children)

xoxo

Friday, January 4, 2013

Sailing Hong Kong Harbour on the Aqua Luna

While my younger daughter wanted to see a giant panda, at the top of my seven-year-old son's list for Hong Kong was sailing on a Chinese junk. (He's a big Lego Ninjago fan and I believe this has something to do with "Destiny's Bounty".)

We were happy to discover the Aqua Luna, and enjoyed a wonderful 90 minute one-way sail to Stanley Market (we took a double decker bus back to our hotel). The boat's staff was wonderful, the boat itself just beautiful, and the views amazing. I seem to recall pricing was reasonable, and included one drink. Information (and fabulous photography) on their website here. I would highly recommend and would definitely go again!

waiting...

perfect for lounging

gorgeous red sails

viewing Hong Kong

downstairs from the lounge-y chairs (inside)

Ocean Park as seen from the Aqua Luna

Some pictures after we arrived at Stanley, before we were immersed in the crazy, crowded, fun shopping stalls:

My older daughter wanted to shop Hong Kong. I have pictures from some of those outings too, up next.

xoxo

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year's Eve Buffet Supper

Happy New Year!

I put together a super easy NYE buffet last night for friends. The cheese fondue didn't turn out exactly right (not hot enough maybe? The cheese was too gooey), but still tasted okay, and everything else seemed to turn out fine. Here are some snapshots:

Chopped Holiday Salad

recipe from bhg.com here

smoked salmon with some usual accompaniments

shrimp cocktail courtesy Whole Foods (moved to my own platter and bowl)

baguette slices baked with an olive oil drizzle, then topped with goat cheese and orange marmalade

I also served up small crab cakes from Whole Foods (just fry a few minutes on each side) and a great roasted corn and crab dip (recipe here) with crackers, and a Whole Foods tart. Pretty stress free.

I wish everyone a wonderful 2013!

xoxo

Friday, December 28, 2012

Zara Tartan Blazer

When I saw all these great pictures of some beautiful Black Watch over at What Kate Wore, I was reminded just how much I like tartan. I used to wear it quite a bit - years ago - but haven't in such a long while. Perusing Zara's blazers (again), I came across this one in New Arrivals and thought it might be just the thing.

It crossed my mind that it might be too over-the-top, but once again Zara got it just right. In normal light it is almost - almost - subtle. But it is definitely still Tartan. I have the flash on it in the close-up. The fabric is smooth and feels pricier than it is. The construction and fit are nice. I'm wearing my usual Medium.

Also! I've recently noticed no international transaction fees from my credit card related to my online Zara buys. Zara must have changed something with their banking. It never made sense to me that orders were processed that way, ordering from a US site with the items appearing to ship from a US address. At any rate, looks like it's changed - good news!

Zara Tartan Blazer

Here is how I wore it for our Danish "Little Christmas Eve" (the 23rd):

Zara blazer, ON bank in black, F21 denim, J Crew Brewster Boots (years ago)

xoxo

Austin Outfits

I've only posted my rehearsal dinner outfit... this is what else I wore on our Austin trip...

I have one more new Zara blazer (tartan :) ) to post and then I'll get back on those China pics.

Zara Wool Herringbone Jacket, Loft lace top, F21 denim, Chanel Ballerines (Nordstrom)

Diane von Furstenberg New Julian Two Dress in Little Leaves Teal, bracelets from Georg Jensen (Daisy) and evileyestore.com

Eliza J Belted Lace Sheath Dress (Nordstrom), Christian Louboutin Pigalle (Net-a-Porter)

boots from Horsetown in Marietta, Georgia

xoxo

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Quick Trip to Austin

We went to Austin, Texas this month for the first time for a wedding. I have a few more outfit posts from the weekend, but here are some shots from around town.

We had a great time and enjoyed the in-the-70's weather and change of landscape. The food at Lambert's was definitely a highlight, as well as at Enoteco Vespaio. I was also able to finally make it to the Kendra Scott store on South Congress and also an Amy's Ice Cream. The Driskill was beautifully decorated for Christmas and the food and entertainment at their Santa breakfast were wonderful.