Sightseer project

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Just in time for summer! Remember those classic family vacations from childhood? You know, those long car trips where your parents would stop at every historical marker and make you pose for cheesy photos (National Lampoon's Vacation, anyone...)? Well, now you can relive those glory days thanks to photographer Roger Minick. For his Sightseer project, he captured photos of tourists at popular U.S. landmarks from the early '80s into the 2000s. "When I approached people for a portrait..I explained that my wife and I were traveling around the country visiting most of the major tourist destinations so that I could photograph the activity of sightseeing," says Minick. "I would quickly add that I hoped the project would have cultural value and might be seen in years to come as a kind of time capsule of what Americans looked like at the end of the Twentieth Century; at which, to my surprise, I would see people often begin to nod their heads as if they knew what I was talking about."

It looked like it worked based on the variety of photos in the project, including the family above at the Grand Tetons National Park in 1980. A few more of my favorites...

The Statue of Liberty in 2000

Twins at Yellowstone National Park in 1980

Couple at Mount Rushmore in 1998

Family at the United States Capitol in 1998

Kissing couple atop the Empire State Building in 2000

Father and son at Crazy Horse Monument in 1999

Family with Grandpa at the Grand Canyon in 1980

Family at Disney World in 2000

How interesting is that, friends? Who doesn't have a scrapbook full of photos like this? Do you have these sorts of photos from your childhood? Any horror stories of family vacations past? What's your favorite vacation from your childhood?

P.S. My own childhood vacations, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Dixie, the Wild West, the woods and California.

[Via Kottke]

Must-watch: Mad Men season premiere!

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Woohoo!!! We're only two days away from the two-hour season premier of Mad Men. Who's excited for the return of afternoon cocktails in the office, the Women's Movement and Betty Draper's ice-cold stare? I'm digging these black-and-white photos...

Will you be watching, friends? Who's your favorite character? Anyone you love to hate? xoxo

P.S. Look, it's Don and Megan on the beach!

Fashion Friday: Banana Republic's Mad Men spring collection

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Even though it's completely out of my price range, I'm still in love with Banana Republic's newest Mad Men collection. The collection, inspired by the show's characters, is a clever nod to the classic fashion and style of the late '60s.

The colors. The patterns. It all comes together so perfectly, doesn't it? You can shop the collection here.

 

P.S. The history of my Mad Men obsession.

Dance marathons

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How intense do these dance marathons look? The object? Be the last couple on the dance floor. Apparently, these competitions gained popularity in the '20s and '30s as a way for people to achieve fame or win prizes. And, I love that they used to call them "dance endurance contests." How long do you think you could keep your dancing shoes on, friends? xoxo

[Via Retronaut]

Must-watch: Downton Abbey

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Awhile ago, my friend Grace was telling me about this new show she was watching -- Downton Abbey. She'd tell me how it was so addicting and that I needed to watch it. I could never seem to get around to it, but, thankfully, she kept pestering me. "Have you watched it yet?" she'd ask.

Well, I finally started watching season one last week, and needless to say, I'm already hooked. The PBS period drama centers on the high-society Crawley family and their servants. Things kick off right after the sinking of the Titanic, and it's fun to watch the dynamics between everyone. As the drama unfolds -- and we learn that the family may be forced to hand over the estate to a new heir -- I'm constantly...on..the...edge...of...my...seat. Plus, you know I'm a sucker for a good period drama -- Mad Men, anyone?

Have you seen Downton Abbey, friends? Are you a big fan? I'm almost done with season one, and can't wait to start season two! xoxo

P.S. Which Downton Abbey job is right for you?

P.P.S. Also a must-watch? Portlandia. :)

Children of the 90s I Internet Explorer

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Nerdy question: What Internet browser do you use? I'm an Internet Explorer gal myself, so naturally my heart did a little happy dance when I came across this video from Microsoft. It looks like Internet Explorer is poised to make a comeback, though for me, it never left -- the same can be said of the 90s too! And, how cool is The Browser You Loved To Hate?

P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming up this afternoon! :)

P.P.S. In case you didn't see my announcement on So About What I Said's Facebook page, I've sent all my blog redesign info to the designers! I'm working with Savannah and the lovely ladies of Maiedae, and I can't wait to unveil the blog's new look. Stay tuned, friends!

Tonight: The Carrie Diaries premiere

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Confession: Ever since I heard The CW was bringing Carrie Bradshaw's teenage adventures and misadventures to the small screen, I've been counting down the days until the premiere. Well, tonight's the night!

Warning: Expect big '80s fashion! Will you be watching, friends? xoxo

Fashion Friday: Rolling Stones style

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Let's take a little trip back in time on this first Friday of 2013, shall we, friends? Start Me Up by the Rolling Stones has always been one of my all-time favorite songs. The British lads recently celebrated 50 years of rocking and rolling, so I immediately smiled when I came across this New York Times slide show of some of their most stylish looks...

...and they just keep on rocking, don't they? Are you a fan of Mick and co., friends? Have a favorite song or a favorite style moment? xoxo