Autumn in Paris

I've been knee deep in last-minute planning for our upcoming trip to Paris. We finally worked out an itinerary and bought train tickets for a day in Brussels (!), so that's a load off my shoulders. I've been pinning and shopping like crazy (I can't very well go the most stylish city in the world without new clothes, can I?).

My French is very rusty (I studied the language for five years, but that was quite a while ago, and it's not as if I get to use it much in California), so I've been brushing up on that. I just know that no matter how prepared I am, I'm going to freeze the first time someone speaks to me in French. Hopefully I'll get comfortable with it after a day or two.

With all that, doing some work for the election, extra freelance work, and my usual life, it's been pretty crazy around here. Oh, and we're having some work done to the house (mostly outside, but we've done a little inside and plan to do more in the coming months).

Once things slow down a bit I hope to share some pictures here. But for now, a bientot!

Just Checking In

Hi everyone. I really thought I'd be back after Labor Day, rested and recharged and ready to post. But I'm still not feeling it. It isn't writer's block exactly. I know what I want to say and have several posts pretty much written in my head, but I just can't quite bring myself to sit down and type them out.

I started this blog as place to express myself and share things I enjoy, and at first it was fun. I hadn't really written much in years, so it was freeing to finally have a place where I could write what I wanted without having to conform to someone else's standards and expectations. But it started to feel like more of a chore than a joy, and I have so many other things vying for my time and attention.

So my hiatus continues.

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