Downton Abbey

I hopped on the Downton Abbey bandwagon real late (I tend to do that with books and music, too). What can I say? I tend to eschew the hype because I'm generally a skeptical person by nature and usually hype isn't worth the interest (case in point: there's a reason why I haven't watched one second of The Jersey Shore). But sometimes I'm wrong. It took me years to start reading Harry Potter and then once I did, I fell for the books hook, line and sinker. Same goes with the Masterpiece production of Downton Abbey. It has all the makings of compelling television: the high drama, the lavish costumes and decedent set decorations, the intricately-drawn characters, excellent pacing and captivating plotlines, even the time period is fascinating (the series starts on the day the Titanic sank and spans the years leading up to WWI, a period of time that saw dramatic political and social change, and the ushering in of the modern era). The acting is superb; Dame Maggie Smith is a personal favorite, the lady has the best quippy lines. Since I got a late start, I was able to watch the series in its entirety in one go on Netlix. Now I have to wait until the second season airs in January. Boo hoo (lucky Brits get to watch all the drama unfold on the BBC this fall). January can't come soon enough.

{Photos of the ravishing blueblood Crawley sisters via Note to Self}

Gone Swimmin'

If these pictures of literary greats Fitzgerald, Woolf, and Hemingway serve any purpose at all, it is as a reminder that it's ok to step outside every once in awhile and enjoy a little sun. Which admittedly is something this pale-skinned bookworm should indulge in a bit more often. But never, never without high protection sunscreen. Of course.

{Photos via Flavorwire}

50 never looked so good

Today George Clooney turns 50. He's half a century old, and yet still as handsome, charming, graceful and dapper as ever. This man gives new meaning to the maxim "getting better with age". Happy Birthday, big boy.

{Image via here}

A man after my own heart

Just when I thought I couldn't love Cary Grant more, I stumble upon this gem of a photo. I wonder what it is that they are discussing, don't you? Whatever it is looks terribly important and maybe even a little life-altering (ok, perhaps not, but it's fun to imagine).

{Image via Reading is Fashionable}