Must See TV: Peaky Blinders: Season One

September 30, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows

Peaky Blinders was a little discovery I made when I was searching through ITV for the first episode of Season 5 of Downton Abbey (I use Tunnelbear-safe and legal). I had no clue about this show and haven't heard about it in the vintage circles. So, I took a chance on it and began watching it online on BBC iplayer.

Set in Birmingham in 1919, Peaky Blinders is loosely based on the real life gang by the same name. They are known by that name because the sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps. The show centers around them and around their leader, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy).

You follow the Shelby's as they attempt to outwit Chief Inspector Campbell (Sam Neill) and rival gangs such as the Lee Family. You also follow uncover agent and barmaid to the Shelby's named Grace (Annabelle Wallis). The lead character of Tommy, along with his brothers, Arthur (Paul Anderson) and John (Joe Cole) fight to make a place for their families among the rough streets of Birmingham.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Peaky Blinders, Period TV Shows

I love the dynamic of the brothers. Although there is some rough language, violence, and some sexual content, I found the story line got better with every episode. Cillian Murphy is both striking and terrifying as Tommy Shelby and needless to say I am hooked!

Season One is going to be available on Netflix on September 30th while Season Two will be airing on BBC on October 2nd.

Have you seen this incredible show yet? Have you seen anything with Cillian Murphy in it?

Movie Madness Monday: Dedicated Teachers

September 29, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Teacher Movies


Teacher movies just make me feel so inspired. As a former teacher myself, I remember how it felt to inspired and connect with a student. Ironically I never aspired to become a teacher. Honestly, I sort of went for it and it happened for me. Of course I had a minor in education for my degree but it wasn't something I dreamed of being. I am so glad that I did it. I feel as though I found a part of my calling because even now years later I am still a teacher of sorts to my children and I hope in some ways, through my blog.

Here are some moving portrayals from dedicated teachers:


A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Teacher Movies, The Blackboard Jungle



A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Teacher Movies, The Miracle Worker


A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Teacher Movies, Sandy Dennis Movies, Up The Down Staircase




A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Teacher Movies, Conrack

For me, the ultimate teacher movie is To Sir, With Love.  But there are so many other good ones, both classic and modern. They will leave you a tad bewildered, inspired, moved, and sometimes shaking your head. Dedicated teachers are one of a kind and these films portray them beautifully.

Have you seen any of these? Which is your favorite teacher film? Did you have a teacher who was dedicated and inspirational like these were?

4 Ways To Save Money On Books

September 28, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Book Blog, Ways to Save Money on Books

I love going to bookstores, don't you? Just the experience of being around a slew of new books and the smell of the fresh pages paired with a Starbucks coffee is a bit of heaven for me. But I don't want to spend $30 dollars on a book. Well, I won't spend $30 dollars on just any book. I save that for a book that is rare and usually vintage. I have a few that I am eyeing but waiting for the right time to go for them.

Here are four ways that you can save money on books:

Buying your books Used on Ebay or Amazon.

I constantly search for the books I want on both Ebay and Amazon. I compare prices and try to find free shipping whenever I can. I have no problem buying used books. I used to, but not anymore. I realized that 98% of the time you are going to receive a book that looks just as new as the one in the bookstore. My husband recently purchased 10 books on Amazon, all used, and it cost him $24 dollars and that was because of shipping. If he bought them new it would have cost him at least over $100 dollars. He got his books, he loves them, saved a heap of cash, and recycled!

Finding books at a Flea Market/Thrift Shop/Yard Sale.

You can find all sorts of things in a flea market or second hand store. Best yet, you may even find some vintage books that are treasures. I purchased a copy of The Outsiders while in a thrift shop and it was a rare 1960's copy. I took it to a Chiller Theater event where I met two members of the cast of the film and they never saw a copy like mine. I was super pleased and now its a double treasure because they autographed it. You can see it HERE.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Book Blog, Ways to Save Money on Books

Head to your local library.

Dust off your library card and dash over to your nearest local library. You can score heaps of books all for free! Of course depending on the branch you use you will be limited to quantity and time use but either way it is free and you get to read the books you want. If they don't have the one you are looking for they will order it for you. Doesn't get any better than that.

Swap with like minded book lovers.

The last way you can save money on books is one that I have heard great things about but have yet to try. Why not join a book swap group? You can socialize with other avid readers as well as save by swapping books with one another. You may also get the chance to discuss the book with others who have read it. That is always a nice thing to be able to do. 

Have you tried any of these ways to save money on books? Are you a stickler to owning new books or to owning books in general (ie no library or swapping)?

Self Love Workshop with Gala Darling

September 28, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog

Last Sunday I tried something a little out of the box. I find that sometimes its good to try something new. It can re-energize you in ways you never imagined. It shakes up your thoughts, feelings, and worries and it can help you make sense of a thing or two.

I attended blogger Gala Darling's Radical Self Love Salon. I did it not because I don't love myself but because I wanted to see if there was anything new I could gain or learn to continue to help me on my journey. My journey as a woman, a wife, a mother, a writer....a person.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog

I met the ladies in my group and slowly began hearing their stories and we laughed and some cried. It was a lovely afternoon spent. Why? Because we all tried something different and walked away better for it.

When is the last time you tried something new? What was it? How did you feel afterwards?

Classic Cinema Spotlight: The Legend of Hell House (1973)

September 27, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review

There is something terribly unique about horror films made in the 1970's. Many of them had psychological twists and themes that were just touched upon in 1960's horror films. Today I bring you a neat little film called The Legend of Hell House (1973).

When I first took a peak at it I noticed right away that Roddy McDowell was in it and I knew I had to give it a try. He was a Old Hollywood child actor who acted well into the 1990's. He did not disappoint.

This is a British horror film and I enjoyed the various different approaches to their way of telling a spooky story. It starts with Physicists Lionel Barrett (Clive Revill) meeting with an elderly, wealthy, and eccentric man who asks Barrett to investigate if their is life after death. The site of this investigate is a place called the Belasco House which is known to be the "Mount Everest of haunted houses". Barrett along with his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), Ben Fischer (Roddy McDowell), and Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin) both as mediums.

The film begins with this introduction:

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Horror Movies, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, The Legend of Hell House Review

Barrett and the two mediums attempt to contact whoever is supposedly in the house and madness ensues. Who is the culprit is a mystery that will only be solved until the very end. Tanner's character is really put through the blender by the entity in that home while Ann (Barrett's wife) is affected in another way. Fischer tries to pull it all together and in the end, solves the mystery of life after death and the haunting of Belasco House.

I really enjoyed the creepy music, the camera angles, and the placing of the date and time under a screen while the story played on. It gave it a realistic touch that I believe is used more now that it was used then.

This film made me cover my eyes a few times. It's the not knowing that creeps me out. A definite horror classic that if you enjoy spooky films, you should really see it.

Rainy Days In Style With Boden

September 26, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog

I have been needing a proper raincoat for quite sometime. My kiddies recently got some and I decided to get on the bandwagon finally and find one for myself. As you already know I am a huge fan of Boden clothing. They are a UK based clothing company that is high quality and reminds me a bit of Banana Republic.

One of the things I decided to do for my wardrobe was to include pieces that would last a very long time. That means investing in high quality pieces. Because of my lifestyle I would love to own a vintage raincoat but I needed one that could be worn in an everyday sort of non-vintage way. But it didn't mean that the print couldn't be something fun and kitschy.

I saw the UK printed raincoat on Boden's website and immediately knew that it had to be mine. I mean, come on. This is SO me!

Of course I searched high and low for a online coupon and I scored this beauty on sale with an added coupon! Although Boden is a UK based company they do have a Boden USA site which is where I ordered it from. Can I tell you that I received my raincoat in about three days! Fastest shipping ever!

It was shipped in a large box that said Boden on it and packed with tissue paper. Each button was covered with tissue paper as well. The coats is lined with a soft material on the inside and includes a zipper and button on the front as well as a hood and two large pockets. I am in raincoat heaven!

Ironically the day I went out with the family it started to rain so the children had their raincoats put on and I quickly scooped up mine and my husband kindly took some photos of me in the rain with my new UK inspired raincoat.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Boden Rain Coat, Boden London Rain Coat, Retro Fashion Blog

After it rained I didn't feel sticky or icky in anyway in my new raincoat, It was worth every single penny. I cannot recommend this raincoat or this company enough. I typically shop their pieces on their ebay site HERE, but I loved ordered from their main site. Their clothing is very retro inspired with a flare for the modern. You really must check out their pieces if you are looking for items that will last a long time, made well, and has a 50s or 60s flare to them

This is their Rainy Day Mac Here and their Short Rainy Day Mac (the one I have) HERE.

Have you shopped with Boden before? What do you think of their items on their site?

Vintage New York: The Cable Building

September 24, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage New York, Vintage Blog, Vintage Cable Building,

I thought it was so neat when I found out the workshop I attended this past weekend was going to be at The Cable Building. First of all I didn't even know it was called that and secondly, I must have passed that building hundreds of times in the past twenty years. I found it so ironic that my workshop was going to be inside because although I have been inside the building, I never went inside the office parts of the building.

I started going to Angelika Movie Theater back in 1993 when I was seventeen years old. They show Independent films there and it holds a lot of memories for me. That's how long I have been going into that building, of course not realizing what it was. Angelika is at the side of the building and now Crate & Barrel store is at the front. In between they have heaps of office and conference space. It is huge and incredibly beautiful.

It is located at 611 Broadway by Houston Street. It was built between 1892-1894 and has a steel and iron  frame structure with brick, stone, and terra-cotta facing. The Cable Building was designed by Stanford White, a partner in McKim, Mead & White, the preeminent American architectural firm at the turn of the twentieth century. The Cable Building was originally the headquarters and power station for the Metropolitan Traction Company, one of the city's cable car companies.

$12 million was spent on a cable car railway system to move cars on Broadway from Bowling Green in the Battery to 36th Street. It was the most expensive system on a per-mile basis of any in the nation. When it became operational in the summer of 1893 it included 125 cable cars and served 100,000 daily passengers. The building's basement, which had been excavated 46' under the street surface, housed four 32-foot winding wheels that carried the cables that pulled the cable streetcars.

Here is what a typical cable car looked like in New York:

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage New York, Vintage Blog, Vintage Cable Building, NYC Cable Car

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage New York, Vintage Blog, Vintage Cable Building, NYC Cable Car

The Cable Building as it is now: 

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage New York, Vintage Blog, Vintage Cable Building, NYC Cable Car
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage New York, Vintage Blog, Vintage Cable Building, NYC Cable Car

By 1999 it was designated as part of the NoHo Historic District in 1999 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. So it is now a landmark. 

Have you passed by a building over and over again and wondered about its history? Do you have many landmark buildings where you live?


Lady In Green...

September 24, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress

This past Sunday I attended a lovely workshop in the city, but before I share more about that I want to share with you my outfit for that day. I felt like the lady in green (pun on Lady in Red) and I loved it because green is easily becoming one of my favorite colors.

When I saw this shade of green and the style of the dress on eShakti's website, I knew it had to be mine. And as much as I love and would want more vintage dresses it is very hard to find them in the style, color, and size that I want. I always look for them and keep my eye out for them but I have thankfully found modern clothing that has a vintage flair.

One of the things I have learned about fashion is that you should dress in a way that compliments your lifestyle. Walking around with an 80 year old dress with three children seven and under just wouldn't gel well. So, I make it work for me and add vintage where I can.

This outfit is more of a modern vintagey style. I dyed my hair for the first time ever the day before and it worked out so great. I have my natural hair color back but without those pesky greys and whites. I paired my eShakti dress with a green plastic bow hair clip, a jelly handbag, and a fabulous brooch I purchased from Etsy. Mr. Darcy. I mean what is not to love.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress, Jelly Handbag
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress, Mr. Darcy Brooch
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, eShakti Green Dress, Mr. Darcy Brooch

Lady in Green for the day!
Dress: eShakti
Jelly Handbag: Ebay Shop HERE
Hair Clip: Local Accessory Shop
Mr. Darcy Brooch: By Rose Hudson from happyrose
Moonglow Bracelets: Personal Collection
Makeup: Nail polish by OPI and Lipstick by Revlon Legacy

Movie Madness Monday: Classic Monsters

September 23, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Monster Movies

If you haven't seen a classic monster movie yet and wondered what all the hype is about them, you must see them for yourself to know why they are so good.

About two years ago my husband and I found a slew of classic monster movies available on Netflix and began with watch Dracula. We were immediately hooked and kept watching classic monster movies, one after another. Not one was disappointing! Not ONE!

Usually a scary flick these days is a toss up. Some are okay, one or two are amazing, but most are horrendous with a capital H! One thing you can count on with these classic monster films is that they are iconic for a reason. They broke the mold for horror films and they are so darn good.

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Monster Movies, Dracula

A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Monster Movies, Frankenstein
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Monster Movies, The Invisible Man
A Vintage Nerd, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Monster Movies, The Wolf Man

Have you seen any of these? Which is your favorite? What other classic monster films have you enjoyed?

Magazine Review: Reminisce

September 21, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Reminisce Magazine, Retro Magazines

When you love history and the times of the past like we all do its nice to find sources where you can look and read about it. Reminisce Magazine is a fantastic source for taking a glimpse into the past.

Since its new ownership I have seen nothing but amazing articles and a fresh take on the lives of people from yesteryear. It almost feels like I am reading a really cool history book but without all the neverending paragraphs on one topic and without homework!

Reminisce Magazine taps into each decade of the 20th Century minus the 1980's and 1990's. It includes real life stories but those who lived at a specific time, cheeky cartoons and information about a specific decade, a page dedicated to the slang of a certain year, tidbits on fashion, toys, films, tv shows, and really so much more.

I loved the way Reminisce was a year or two ago but I love it more now. I really like how there is a representation of many years and decades as well as a blend of real life stories as well as reflections from the past.

Reminisce Magazine is bi-monthly but you can also subscribe to Reminisce Extra which is also bi-monthly. That way you get a new issue from them every month jammed pack with vintage goodies to read and look at.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Reminisce Magazine, Retro Magazines
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Reminisce Magazine, Retro Magazines
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Reminisce Magazine, Retro Magazines
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Reminisce Magazine, Retro Magazines

If you are interested in subscribing to Reminisce or would like to take a peak at their website, swing by HERE.

Have you read Reminisce Magazine? Do you like the new format and the type of articles that are included?

Things I Am Looking Forward To This Fall

September 20, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

The first day of  Fall in officially comes to New York this Monday. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to the next few weeks! I love the crisp cool air blowing, wearing my knitted hat, preparing for Halloween, and drinking coffee hot the way it is meant to be.

I have so much to look forward to this Fall and I wanted to share some of them with you. I think its important to have things to look forward because if your days are all about work and laundry and bills then eventually those things can drag you down. Having things to look forward to is a great way to keep yourself focused on something good and joyful.

In the weeks ahead I am going to be meeting one of my favorite bloggers in person, Gala Darling. I plan on grabbing a hot cup of white chocolate mocha from Starbucks, watching a few classic films on the big screen, gathering leaves with the children, prepping for my youngest babies 4th birthday (omg 4!!!), wearing lots of pretty dresses, and a extra special treat of going to Disney.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog

I am excited to see my finished project from Gala's Self Love Bible Class, seeing an end to my final months of my 365 day blog challenge, and going trick or treating with my babies.

I cannot wait to delve more into 1960's hair and makeup because I believe some practice in the two is in order!

I also really, really look forward to working on my blog more. I have over 800 photos to put back into my posts and I am dreading it but I look forward to getting the task done. I am also look forward to sprucing up the blog a bit! 

Most of all, these past few months I have realized that if I want some of my most challenging dreams to come true then I need to make some changes in my life. I need to make changes for myself and with myself in order to bring forth everything that I know I should have. Does that make sense?

What do you look forward to during this change of season? 
 
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