Vintage Photographs by Frank Worth | 1955

I happened across this site the other day featuring photographs by renowned Hollywood photographer Frank Worth and was just awestruck by the shear beauty and simplicity of it. It really makes me miss shooting in black & white. Who doesn't love a bit of old Hollywood glamour. 

These are some of my favorites featuring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean on the set of "Giant" circa 1955.

Elizabeth Taylor with bustier No 2, on set of 'Giant' 1955

Love this ruffled bikini top!

James Dean taking a brake, on the set of 'Giant' 1955

Chickens! | Adventures in Urban Farming

Ok, so I have to confess - I'm obsessed with the idea of getting chickens. After watching my hostas get devoured by snails last year I was looking at alternative methods for pest control and started tossing ideas around. Then I stumbled upon this article from Charlotte Magazine about the urban farmer and was hooked. The article includes links to helpful sites including this one from "The Garden Coop" which has some pretty sweet coop designs (see below).

Dirt Therapy | Adventures in Urban Farming

A few weeks ago I spent my entire weekend digging up several decade old azaleas in my front yard in an effort to repurpose them in my backyard - talk about work! I'm not even sure if I'm a "good" gardner, I just have fun doing it. Hopefully this spring I will be able to see if the fruits of my labor have paid off (or not).

Here's a shot of last year's garden. It was my first attempt to grow vegetables - not too shabby. Too bad the tomato worms found my plants before I did.

Summer 2010

Spring Fever | Early Bloomers

I've been dying for a little glimpse of spring. I know the winters are mild here in the Queen City, but pleazzzze if it's going to be cold - just snow already! These cold rainy brown days are for the birds. My cabin fever has just been too much to bear lately. So you can imagine my surprise when some clippings  brought inside from my last pruning adventure finally bloomed! Oh glorious spring, how I miss you! Enjoy ;-)

Forsythia Blossoms

Required Reading | "Three Cups of Tea"

I just finished reading a very inspirational book that chronicles the journey of Greg Mortenson from mountaineer to philanthropist. His book "Three Cups of Tea", written by David Oliver Relin, recounts the trials and tribulations Mortenson faced while attempting to build a school in one of the most remote regions of Pakistan. It provides an unbiased look into the lives and families that have been unjustly stereotyped by Westerners in light of the most recent conflicts between the the US and the Middle East. His philosophy that education (and the education of girls) is what will eventually bring peace to the Middle East is brilliant. May the world be blessed by more people like him...(follow the link to check out more about his mission and how you can help).

Searching for inspiration...

I've been working on updating my fashion/lifestyle portfolio and ran across these images took by one of my favorite photographers Mario Testino. His website has this amazing film short by LookFilms featuring Kristen Stewart. Testino has always played with the idea of old Hollywood glamour and you can really see the influence in his work and in this film. 

I'm not sure what ad campaign these (photos below) were taken from but I love the use of color and action. Adding movement to a shot to create interest is something that I've been working on. Now if I could just find that perfect dress...

Photos by Mario Testino