Pinup Girl of the Month: April: Janye Mansfield

I have been meaning to post about the alluring and simply gorgeous Jayne Mansfield as my pinup of the month for April and ironically her birthday is tomorrow as well!!! So Happy Birthday Miss Mansfield!!!!!!!

Jayne Mansfield was born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19th, 1933 and was the only child to parents who were of German and English descent respectively. She grew up mostly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey but it was in Texas where she began studying acting with Sidney Lumet's son Baruch Lumet. By 1950, she married Paul Mansfield and she had her first child, Jayne Marie Mansfield.

Jayne with her first husband Paul Mansfield.

She was a mild mannered devoted housewife and

mother who later would become a pinup icon!

She not only attended the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA as well. There at UCLA she entered beauty contests but found her ample breasts often helped her lose modeling and acting jobs. In 1954, she auditioned for a part in "The Seven Year Itch" starring Marilyn Monroe. How ironic because the years following her looks were often compared to that of Miss Monroe's.

Alluring and utterly tasteful-prime 

example of  pinup work done well!!

Can you imagine a women in the 1950's who is already married and a mother to one child going against the grain of society and working towards a career outside of the home! Shocking isn't it? My Miss Mansfield sure was a gusty lady!

In 1954, she decided to pose nude for Playboy which did indeed help launch her acting career (something many modern actress after her time would do to boost or begin their careers as well!!). Before all of this she did some acting in theatre but it was the Hollywood big screens that she was yearning to be on and hat goal was achieved in her first film in 1955 called Female Jungle

She eventually would come to be in over thirty films such as; Hell on Frisco Bay (1955), Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957), Too Hot to Handle (1960), and Promises! Promises! (1963). It was in this film "Promises! Promises! that Jayne became the first American actress to ever be nude on the big screen. Think about that one for a moment....

Just beautiful! Don't you think?

By 1958, she divorced Paul Mansfield and in 1958 married Mickey Hargitay (Mr. Universe-bodybuilder) just days after the divorce was finalized. They would have three children together; Miklos in 1958, Zolton in 1960, and Mariska in 1964. Technically they were already divorced when Mariska was born but they played it out as if they were reconciling due to the damage a pregnancy of a unwed mother would do to her career. Ironically there is gossip that she was pregnant before she married Paul Mansfield and later after her death her eldest daughter went to live with a Mr. William Pigue who was Paul's uncle because he was stated as being the natural father.

Jayne Mansfield's life was not without drama or scandal or potential scandal. Today, many of these things are not too shocking but that is because our morals and values have been altered dramatically in our modern world but that's a whole other blog post hehehe

Jayne was famous for her publicity stunts especially exposing

her ample breasts (as seen here with Sophia Loren) in public places in 

order to get a scandalous photo in the newspaper. 

Goodness she knew how to work the media!

Throughout the 1960's she worked steadily but in low budget films due to her decline in popularity. I find B movies to be interesting and fun to watch--I don't believe ever film should be a contender for an Oscar. LOL In 1964, she married Matt Climber and had her fifth (omg! amazing!) child named Antonio in 1965. Unfortunately, in 1967 Miss Mansfield lost her life in a horrific car accident with her lawyer/lover Sam Brody and the driver as well. Three of her children were in the car as well but they were unharmed. She was only 34 years old!!!!

Jayne Mansfield was truly ahead of her time. The things she did with her life most women didn't dare to dream after marriage and children. But she went after it anyway. I have mixed feelings about Miss Mansfield-in some ways I admire her and in other ways I am utterly confused by her. I mean who would love to learn her exercise regime after looking incredibly gorgeous and sexy after giving birth to FIVE children and breast feeding all of them as well! I truly admire that she celebrated her physical beauty all the while being a mother. She showed the world that mothers can still be desirable. I suppose I don't admire how chaotic she made her life to be and although the public wanted to see more of her body she used her physical attributes in a way that eventually diminished her image.

I love this photo of Miss Mansfield!

She was a pinup that modern women can admire and look to for inspiration because what she did was not mainstream or popular at the time. She is an example of what can be done when society says you cannot. And she was more than just a beautiful curvy women but she was intelligent, savvy, and inventive. 

So, Happy Birthday to you, Miss Janye Mansfield! You left behind a heck of a legacy and you will not be forgotten!

xox

NINE days to go? What??!! OMG!!

Oh my! Let me begin by saying how sorry I am that I haven't posted in a week! So not like me at all. And that's because it really wasn't me doing it but rather my trusty computer that has been acting up. I think its all better now, not sure. I am just happy that I can post to you all and hoping you are all well after all the Easter celebrations, Spring Breaks, and Viva Las Vegas trips!

Well my dears, I have NINE days left until I board my plane and head out to St. Louis, Missouri. I never thought I would ever see that part of the my country and I am terribly excited to be able to. Best part will be to meet my friends Brittany and Kay in person and give them each a super duper huge hug!

The past week has been a tad bit crazy but things are slowly (very) moving along. I do still have about a zillion things to tend to before I leave and just hope I can get it all done in time. Of course like with any activity I have for the week or month I have my trusty "to-do" list to encourage me to get things done.

On my to-do list is:

1. Mail a few boxes to Brittany's house which includes my toiletries because I will be only taking a carry-on. I also have my Tardis to mail out as well for my "Doctor Who" shoot!
2. Make sure the house is in order as well as prepare activities for my husband to do with the children. I think we need more playdoh and a few other little things to break up the days for them. *smile*
3. Of course I have to pack my luggage and also make sure its under the weight limit. I have been throwing a few things in there throughout the days to ensure I don't forget thing.
4. My grooming-which will take place this coming weekend. I have to so my semi-dye for my hair which hides most of my white hair. Its my first time doing it alone so this should be interesting for sure hehe I also will get my eyebrows threaded and get a manicure-I will take along my bunny girl with me and perhaps treat her to a little manicure too. I love doing mommy and me things with her!
5. I cannot  forget to take my shopping $ and such with me :)
6. Head over to Carters because my children needs spring type pjs as well as a few other things. I cannot leave my home knowing they need things and afterwards I have to set up a few days worth of outfits for my husband. As well as pack an overnight bag for my father because they will all stay over papa's house for a night in order to allow my husband to work some hours at his second job.
7. Get my 1940's outfits together. Brittany and I have been doing the impossible which is getting a pair of 1940's trousers done without her actually seeing me to ensure it fits etc can be tricky but well worth it. I  cannot wait to get them! 
8. I have an unexpected medical procedure being performed on Wednesday morning as well as another much needed doctors appointment right after. Wednesday will be a tough day for me but it will help me be at my best during my trip.
9. Purchase our new camera. This is very important and not just for my trip but because I need to have it handy to capture kodak moments with my kiddies.
10. Activate my cell phone and add all the important phone numbers! Omg I cannot forget to do that!!

So nine days to go and ten (or more) important things to take care of before I leave. Trust me when I say most of these things would have been taken care of a lot sooner but patience is a virtue right?

I'm so happy to be able to post again! Ahhh technology is such a wonderful and crazy thing!!! hehee

xox

The Easter Bunny ROCKS!!

A rare look at me with my lil family!

Easter was a blast! I hope it was for all of you! Its a beautiful time of year and my favorite of the seasons. My husband actually proposed to me on Easter 2005 because he knew how special that time of year was for me.

My children were all terribly excited and while we awaited the arrival of Papa (my dad) I set up their Easter treats and baskets and we got them all dressed up. I was especially excited for this year because my youngest would be able to participate as last year he was just a wee babe.

The baskets in the back are from my dad and ours are in front. They loved their books and cars and doll. I love watching my children get excited about simple little things. Now about the chocolate...let's just say they has enough to last them until next Easter! My youngest was even biting through the chocolates with the wrapper on! heheh Good grief!

My sister n law and I decided to swap vintage inspired baskets to one another. I would have taken photos of what it looked like before but I didn't have my dads camera with me. Luckily he lent me his for a few days so I took some photos of some of the things she gave me. She stuffed these in large Easter eggs-so cute!

Sorry about the fuzzy photo-this is a cream colored carved bracelet-I think it may be Lucite! So pretty!

Now this is the piece that I am still going gaga over! She told me it is Bakelite but I am unsure. It looks anywhere from 1930's to 1940's and the unique part is that it has an actual photo inside of it! It is of a cowboy actor/singer..I don't know who it is. It is defiantly not someone who was a mainstream actor so I am thinking it may be a singer. I love it-I treasure unique pieces like these!! So happy with my Easter basket!

After our Second Annual Egg Hunt and our basket giving we hung out a bit more with my dad until he left. Afterwards we just relaxed and then I cooked-nothing fancy but the best part of the day was that the FIVE of us were all together....ALL day long!!! It is something that is very very rare for us and I enjoyed every second of it as did the kids.

I leave you with a photo of me with my littlest bunny. Now that Easter has come and gone, dare I say it...almost two weeks until my trip!!!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Harvey

"Harvey" (1950)

Imagine a 6"3 bunny following you around and talking to you? Okay, when I think about it I kind of feel a tad bit scared, but Jimmy Stewart was the brave one! Not only did he take this role head on but he made friend with an invisible bunny rabbit!!! LOL

Harvey is about man named Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) whose best friend is a six foot invisible bunny rabbit named Harvey. He introduces everyone to Harvey and after some time his family becomes concerned about his mental state. His sister tries to have him place in a sanatorium but it is that action that leads to everyone around Elwood to grow accustomed to hearing about Harvey and some even truly believing that he is real-including his own doctor!

The true nature of the Easter season is having faith that a man named Jesus who was God's only son was born into our world so we can learn to be better human beings. Because of those lessons that he taught he would eventually sacrifice himself for the better of mankind. The belief is that if you believe in him that you receive eternal life. Now, I am not giving you this brief religious lesson to preach or to even share my own personal beliefs. But to acknowledge that it is during this season and many others that people hold their faith in the impossible.

The fact that Elwood truly believes that this six foot bunny is real is a testament to ones ability to have faith in the impossible. I have to tell you, I even questioned whether Harvey was real throughout the film but I realized towards the end of the film that it doesn't matter whether or not I believe he is really there. The character of Elwood believed it and because of that it made him a better person. He brought no harm to others and in fact inspired others to attempt in believing in what they cannot see.

Elwood had faith in Harvey just as we should have faith in ourselves and others...just as those during this Easter season have their faith as well.

On that note, I hope you watch this film one day. Stewart is charming and the cast really holds their own.

Happy Easter!!

xox

Three weeks to go!!!!!

Just envision me screaming (with joy)

and doing the happy dance! hehehe

Literally three weeks from now I will be heading out to visit my friend Brittany from Va-Voom Vintage and will also be working with the amazing photographer Kay Murray from Reverie Revel. Kay also has a beautiful blog called Vintage Reveries.

I am still not prepared of course. Honestly, if I wasn't so busy I probably would have everything done already but such is life. Tomorrow I am taking care of some trip business--getting some paperwork in order, going to Target for some toiletries, and purchasing a few other little things from Etsy.

I also need to get a new camera which happily is not that expensive. My old one has gone through four years of hard labor, working everyday taking photos of my growing little ones. Its time for a new one. I also have to finish my spring cleaning, which began today because if my house is not in order before I leave it will bother me.

Yes, I am one of those women who will not feel good if I leave my family unorganized and in a messy home! I take my housewife duties seriously and although I don't beat myself about it if it doesn't get done right away. I do feel I want to leave my family in a good state of being before I leave to have my vintage fun with Brittany.

And boy will it be fun!!! I cannot share all of our plans because I do want to surprise you all but lets just say Brittany and I will have four days of jammed packed vintage events. Many folks are leaving for Viva Las Vegas right now and I hope they all have a blast. For me I find doing a more low key and personal trip far more enjoyable. I also am more of a 1940's gal and VLV is geared towards the 1950's, in particular the rockabilly scene.

With that said, I am looking forward to getting all my things put together and yet still in awe that I am traveling on my own to a state I have never been to! Its been a long, long time since I have traveled on my own so this is all very new for me.  It will be my official first time traveling alone as a mother. I hope I do a good job holding it together. Luckily Brittany totally understands how I feel so I plan to skype with my family at least once while I am away.

So, the countdown begins! I cannot wait to share all the neat things I see and do with all of you!!

xox