Humpday Hottie: Jamie Dornan

Time to say hello to Christian Grey! Ok, admittedly - I got through only a couple chapters of the book, I was just really battling to buy into it. But now that this Irish actor is taking the lead reigns (wink), I miiiight be persuaded otherwise; talk about 50 Shades of Swoon. 

Born James Dornan on 1 May 1982, Jamie grew up in the suburbs of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Whilst at boarding school he played rugby and got stuck-in with the drama department (my favourite combination). He used to be in a folk band called 'Sons of Jim' (serenade session anyone?).

It seems whenever I've had an unknown hot guy swoon moment, it's actually been Jamie Dornan.
Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, he played Count Axel Fersen; do we blame Marie for flirting? No.

Then I saw some very steamy Calvin Klein adverts with Eva Mendes, and boy did I want to be her.

(Let's look at that one a little bit closer...)

Recently, I saw him in the TV series 'Once Upon A Time' as the hot sheriff...

Who was also The Huntsman

Unfortunately dear friends, he is off the market: recently married and expecting his first child! 
(Jamie as a daddy will certainly get me swooning even more...)

But don't despair, here a few more pics to get you weak in the knees

Tuesday Tune: Lou Reed 'Walk on the Wild Side'

American rock legend Lou Reed passed away this weekend. He was the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the Velvet Underground before embarking on a solo career that spanned several decades. 'Walk On The Wild Side' was released in 1973 (a year into solodom) to not much commercial success although deemed a chart hit. 

Holly came from Miami, F.L.A.

Hitch-hiked her way across the U.S.A.

Plucked her eyebrows on the way

Shaved her legs and then he was a she

She says, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

He said, "Hey honey, take a walk on the wild side"

Candy came from out on the island

In the backroom she was everybody's darlin'

But she never lost her head

Even when she was giving head

She says, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

He said, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

And the colored girls go

Doo do doo, doo do doo, doo do doo

Little Joe never once gave it away

Everybody had to pay and pay

A hustle here and a hustle there

New York City's the place where they said

"Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

I said, "Hey Joe, take a walk on the wild side"

Sugar plum fairy came and hit the streets

Lookin' for soul food and a place to eat

Went to the Apollo, you should've seen 'em go go go

They said, "Hey sugar, take a walk on the wild side"

I said, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

Alright, huh

Jackie is just speeding away

Thought she was James Dean for a day

Then I guess she had to crash

Valium would have helped that bash

She said, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"

I said, "Hey honey, take a walk on the wild side"

And the colored girls say

Doo do doo, doo do doo, doo do doo

Map It

Mondays should be (vaguely) educational. I love these maps. I think I should carry around this one particularly with me everywhere, just for those bleh days when one bumps in The Pessimistic South African. There are a few of these sad creatures around (not many in Cape Town, obvs). But next time I'm enduring painful complaining I'll whip this map out and say, 'SEE! We're NOT the leaders in corruption! Nor homicide, nor fascist movements (points dramatically to Britannia), not even deadly shark attacks! So why don't you hop on off to Oudtshoorn, and go for an exhilarating ostrich ride!'

(If you can't see it big enough here's the link: http://thedoghousediaries.com/large/5414.png )

Example of exhilarating ostrich ride:

Tuesday Tune: 'Emmylou' - First Aid Kit

Blue Eyes sent me this song when I was working in India and he in the States, it's a cutie

Oh the bitter winds are coming in,

And I'm already missing the summer.

Stockholm's cold but I've been told

I was born to endure this kind of weather.

When it's you I find like a ghost in my mind,

I am defeated and I gladly wear the crown.

Chorus:

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June

And you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too.

No, I'm not asking much of you

Just sing little darling, sing with me.

Now so much I know, that things just don't grow

If you don't bless them with your patience.

And I've been there before, I held up the door

For every stranger with a promise.

But I'm holding back,

That's the strength that I lack,

Every morning keeps returning at my window.

And it brings me to you,

And I won't just pass through,

But I'm not asking for a storm.

Chorus:

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June

And you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too.

You know I'm not asking much of you,

Just sing little darling, sing with me.

And yes, I might have lied to you,

You wouldn't benefit from knowing the truth.

I was frightened but I held fast,

I need you now at long last.

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June

And you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too.

No, I'm not asking much of you,

Just sing little darling, sing with me.

Lily Meyers - 'Shrinking Women'

When i was 13 and announced I wanted to be a lawyer, my mother told me that female lawyers were too hard and unemotional.

When I ferociously jumped into opinionated debate, I was told to calm & quieten down because I would intimidate boys and no one will want to marry me.

I fear I have started to shrink.