I'm Mad About ...

I'm a bit slammed right now (so much for the lazy days of summer), so I think I'll take a little blog break. And when I come back I'll share a few projects I've been working on.

But I leave you with these fun finds:

• Two of my favorites come together with stunning results: Tim Gunn and Barbie.
• Interesting piece on why journalists aren't investigating the failings of journalism—and why they should.
• These are perfect for the couple with differing political views but similar taste in decor.
• Nails!

Remembering Marilyn

Sunday is the 50th anniversary of the death of Marilyn Monroe, and I'm marking the occasion with some memorable pictures of the icon who's probably more popular now than when she was alive.

The young Norma Jean Dougherty in 1945:

By U.S. army photographer David Conover's shot (Yank, the Army Weekly,
via [1] and [2]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Studio publicity portrait for The Asphalt Jungle, 1950:

By Studio publicity still [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

With Jane Russell, putting signatures in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 1953:

By Los Angeles Times [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Marilyn Monroe receives an escort while in Korea for her 1954 USO tour:

By USMC Archives (Flickr: Marilyn Monroe, Korea, 1954) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Prince and the Showgirl trailer, 1957:

By Trailer screenshot (The Prince and the Showgirl trailer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

With the Kennedy brothers celebrating President Kennedy birthday at Madison Square Garden, 1962:

By w:Cecil W. Stoughton [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

What is your favorite Marilyn Monroe film?

Olympic Overload

Are you devouring the Olympics? I certainly am. What could be better than swimming (and swimmers ;-) and gymnastics in my favorite international city? Add a lot of strength, bit of grace,  some elation and heartbreak, and it equals some dramatic television.

Oh, and did you catch the nail polish on the American female swimmers? Totes adorbs!

So today I'm sharing some glimpses of the festivities. Enjoy!

Olympic Stadium:

By Matt Deegan (London 2012 Olympic Stadium  Uploaded by Kafuffle) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

London's Tower Bridge with 2012 Olympic rings:

By DAVID HOLT from London, England (London 048) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Qiang Shen passes the torch to William Williams on the outskirts of Aberystwyth:

By Shigang Yang (Shigang Yang and Qiang Shen, via email) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Opening ceremony:

By Matt Lancashire (Flickr: P7252755) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Nick Webb from London, United Kingdom (DSC_3212) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Men's road race:

By Paul Wilkinson from London, United Kingdom (Olympics Mens Road Race 2012) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

I'm Mad About ...

By Юкатан (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

OK, I admit it, I have been phoning it in this week (with a nod to the London Olympics). I'm just not feeling it. Must be the lazy days of summer getting to me.

I did manage to find a few things to share, however:

• Nicole's bedroom update has me thinking about re-repainting my room.
• This one's for you, Jana.
• I'm all for clinging to every last bit of summer.

Have a good weekend!

Dining Room Drama

My dining room update is moving along, slowly but surely. I found the perfect curtains. Well, almost perfect. They're a bit short, so I need to either move the rod down or add some trim to bottom of the panels—probably the ladder.

So with that in mind, here are some of my favorite dramatic dining spaces.

Source: sacramentostreet.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: room269.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

The Blue Room on Tumblr

I've started a Tumblr. It's very new for me and I'm still learning the ropes, but if I like it I might move The Blue Room over there entirely. The blog just takes too much time and doesn't seem to be gaining much traction, and I think the way Tumblr works might be a better fit.

I hope you'll check it out and follow if you like it.

I'm Mad About...

TGIF! It turned out to be such a crazy, busy week. I'm so looking forward to letting loose this weekend.

I did manage to find the time to scope a few things worth sharing:

By Ilpo's Sojourn (Miller House in Palm Springs) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

• My birthday is seven months away, but I'm already thinking this would be a fun place to spend it.
• Such a cute idea (and who knew there was such a thing as a cupcake corer?).
• Lonny has a new owner, and it promises exciting new technology for readers.