A Peony and a Scarf

Hermes Casques et Plumets

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.

I wanted to capture some images of detail - I had some beautiful peonies in the house, and unboxed a scarf:

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.

xoxo

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OOTD 6.12.13

Zara blouse, F21 denim, Target scarf, Stuart Weitzman Minx sandal

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).

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.

xoxo

Zara Shopping and Books

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 embroidered dress in midnight blue and striped dress with zip in bluish for my youngest, and the ponte di roma jacquard dress and dress with collar detailing 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.

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:

Zara Oversize Sweater in Natural over an ON tank, F21 denim, Tiffany Keys three-key pendant, kate spade London Calling bangle

Tory Burch Karissa Espadrille Wedge

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).

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.

As for reading, I finished Sharp Objects 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 Dark Places, but I needed an emotional break after that one, so I'm currently on Habits of the House by Fay Wheldon.  A much lighter novel set in turn of the century London (very Downton Abbey-ish if you are a fan).

Any great summer reading recommendations?

xoxo

Tulips and Travel Plans {and a couple books}

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.

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!

Here are some pics of the tulips from April:

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.

xoxo

China {Tianxingqiao Scenic Area}

We were so fortunate during our visit to Guizhou this past October to have friends arrange a visit to the Tianxingqiao Scenic Area and Huangguoshu Waterfall.  The natural beauty surrounding us was amazing.  I didn't even mind the cable car ride (much much unlike the one at Hong Kong's Ocean Park).

Here are some pictures from the first part of our excursion that day. You should be able to click to enlarge.

We ate some of these on our walk.

We also bought a hat.

Calmly riding the cable car and calmly taking pictures and video.

lunch outside

We were stopped frequently by people requesting photographs of, or usually with, the children. One nice gentleman even requested "mama and papa" in a picture, so we got a little celebrity treatment too.

Huangguoshu waterfall, an ancient village, and photos out and about in Guiyang up next.

xoxo

More Target Scarves

I picked up a couple more scarves the other day.  These are nicely sized, light and airy.  Will be great for summer travel (currently planning our next trip - Denmark/France/Spain).  Tory Burch has a cute scarf tutorial here.

 061081995 Oblong Kelly Green and 061081944 Pomscarf Orange

xoxo

OOTD 5.15.13 {blue stripes + red shoes}

Target has a great scarf selection out right now.  I just wore this blue striped one two days in a row (the second day over orange).  It's nice and big, lightweight, gauzy, and easy to wear.  The colors are pretty versatile with my wardrobe too.  I may have to stop by the scarf section again today on my way to cleaning supplies and paper products.

 Target Merona scarf (recent purchase) J Crew linen cable sweater in navy (last year), Gap jeans, Tory Burch Karissa espadrilles (on sale at Saks... I'm wearing a 9), Prada bag

xoxo