Vintage New York: Marilyn Monroe and The Big Apple

May 19, 2014

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New York isn't for everyone. I know you may not hear that often but it really isn't. Some people are better suited for the country, some for small towns, and some for mega metropolis's. Taking a bite out of this big apple isn't always an easy task to undertake but for someone like MM. it seemed that loved being here.

She often visited New York and also sat in classes at the Actor's Studio. You can read more about it HERE. Most of the photos on this post are by photographer Sam Shaw with whom she worked with a great deal. Shaw enjoyed trying to capture MM with her guard down and in as much of a natural state as possible ie sans makeup, shopping, reading, etc.

If you ask me, I think he was a wonderful photographer and he saw in her the person she was. What I mean by that is that I feel as though he captured her as a regular person instead of the Hollywood glamour doll that she was created to be. Seeing MM in the subway station, shopping at Tiffany's, reading a newspaper on a city bench-those instances although were slightly arranged or thought out a bit beforehand, were still like looking at a pretty girl enjoying her day in Manhattan.

Marilyn Monroe New York
Sam Shaw
Marilyn Monroe NY
Tiffany & Co
Marilyn Monroe in NY
Marilyn Monroe in New York

All of these photos were taken in the 1950's. If you would like to see more candid shots by Sam Shaw of MM in New York feel free to take a peak at these photos HERE.

I like knowing that MM enjoyed being in the big apple and that she enjoyed being a part of this cantankerous and overpopulated city. Like I mentioned before, it isn't for everyone but I do believe that everyone should visit at least once!

Must See TV: Ripper Street: Season Two

May 18, 2014
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BAM! That basically sums up the second season of Ripper Street. Bam! from beginning to end. This season the writers of this Victorian Era show did not hold back.

I shared with you about the first season HERE recently and my husband and I couldn't find the second season anywhere online so we purchased the dvd set. It is officially my first BBC show dvd purchase and I hope for many, many more!

For this season we are introduced to four new characters that frighten us, intrigue us, and make us say "WHAT!!!!?" I mean, don't you love it when a character does something you don't expect? That happens a few times during this second season and I was delightfully surprised by them.

For this second season we meet Bennet's new wife, a former toffer (prostitute) named Bella who worked for Long Susan (MyAnna Buring). We also meet a new Detective Constable named Albert Flight (Damien Molony-who was also in Being Human UK), a powerful (and slightly crazy) nemesis named Detective Inspector Jedediah Shine (Joseph Shine), and lastly we meet Jane Cobden, a London County Councilor who is Inspector Reid's new love interest.

Ripper Street Season Two
Ripper Street
Ripper Street

I thought every episode was powerful. Did I just say that? I certainly did! I was seriously glued to my screen for every single one. I mean, that is how good this season was! I really don't want to share the twists and surprises because they are sooo worth viewing with your very own eyes. You will NOT be disappointed!

Oddly there has been hearsay that the show ended up with lower ratings than expected. Oh dear. People need to know good tv when they see it, don't you think?

But don't you fret, season three will begin filming this month! And Amazon Prime is picking up the season and it will be aired there first! My husband and I are over the moon and impatiently waiting to hear when season three will be aired!!

A Vintage Nerd Book Club: Make Do and Mend

May 17, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Make Do and Mend, Vintage Books, 1940's Books, Retro Lifestyle Blog, 1940's Resources

Make Do and Mend is a brilliant collection of WWII informational pamphlets that were given out to inform the population on how to cut costs, stretch their food/clothing, and tend to their home.

I love how the author, Jill Norman compiled all of these amazing pamphlets together so that we can see more of how people dealt with the war on the home front, in particular woman. The pamphlets are very detailed and easy to follow so that anyone can save money and stretch out their own resources and in doing so they helped the war effort tremendously.

The book is a small-medium sized hardcover book which includes oodles of color visuals and how-to's for anything and everything. Imagine getting these pamphlets while your husband is away fighting in war and you may not have many family or friends nearby to help. I can only assume they must have helped so many women keep their heads above water and also feel good about being able to take care of themselves especially in such an intense time of sacrifice.

A Vintage Nerd, Make Do and Mend, Vintage Books, 1940's Books, Retro Lifestyle Blog, 1940's Resources
A Vintage Nerd, Make Do and Mend, Vintage Books, 1940's Books, Retro Lifestyle Blog, 1940's Resources
A Vintage Nerd, Make Do and Mend, Vintage Books, 1940's Books, Retro Lifestyle Blog, 1940's Resources

Aren't these pages so beautiful and they are teeming with information that we can still use today. I mean in this bad economy who doesn't want to learn how they can save more and stretch out their resources?

I love this book and I am so happy it is a part of my library. If you are a fan of WWII, the 1940's, or simply want to learn some helpful and useful tips on how to do more with what you have....you must get this book.

Basic Necessities: Learning How To Type Properly

May 16, 2014
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Learn How to Type

Typing skills are not often high on the list of things a person should know when they walk into an interview for a job. Job skills today require you to know a language or two, know how to create programs on a computer, all the while having polished social skills.

Even though it isn't as popular as it was 70 years ago, heck even 20 years ago, knowing how to type properly is still a beneficial skill to have. If you are a writer, a blogger, write emails to your friends/family, work as a receptionist, etc you really should know how to type, the old fashioned way. Why go old school when it comes to typing skills? Because once you learn, you never forget, and once you have this skill, you can basically even type in the dark.

 I was taught starting my freshman year of high school. I had no clue what a keyboarding class was but the teacher was tough yet kind. She really wanted us to learn this skill because she knew that it would be something that we would use for the rest of our lives. Even though technology has changed immensely since 1990, I am still typing on a keyboard! Some things don't change that fast!

As I write to you my dear readers, I am looking at the screen without looking down at my fingers. Is that neat? Actually because of the practicing and learning that I did in high school in those keyboarding classes, I know how exactly where all the keys are without looking at them.

Imagine how much time and energy you can save if you weren't typing with two fingers or better still without looking down once to see the letters. It does take practice but there are so many fantastic vintage manuals out there that you can use at your own leisure. I love how much time I save because I know where the keys are and despite the weaknesses in my hands due to my disability, I feel as though it also gives my fingers some good ole calisthenics.

Truth be told, there is nothing better than having a skill. Although it is a bit dated by today's standards, it is a skill nonetheless. It is something that will make your life as a blogger and writer that more enjoyable.
 
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