Wednesday, November 26, 2014

In the Meantime

I’m on vacation this week. And while I await the arrival of more new residents, I’ve been keeping busy with other projects. Click on images to make them larger.

Last summer, I started collecting inexpensive items for Lena’s patio. When I went into Pier 1 to get the Papasan chair for Emerald’s apartment, I decided to grab the Swingasan as well. I knew it would look great on the patio with Lena’s containers and bistro set. I was disappointed to find that there isn’t enough vertical space for Lena to use the swing. Still, I couldn’t resist taking a picture of sweet little Zahara giving it a try before I return it. I should mention that the chairs (cell phone holders really) were not prominently displayed. In fact, they were on the bottom shelf of one of those stand-alone displays that had other decorative doodads on top. If you happen to pop in to your local Pier 1, be on the lookout for a bin of small decorative mirrors near the cash register. Each mirror is decorated with either colored jewels or pearls and they’re priced at $1 each. I will be picking up a couple when I return the swing. (What do you mean *if* I return the swing?) Oh, sorry… Zahara and Faith are now sitting in the swing together and trying to convince me to let them keep it so they have some seating of their own on Mommy’s patio.



I also started working on the setting for a photo story that’s written but not yet photographed, so I spray painted and assembled Tastries bakery (formerly the Malibu bakery). I’m going with a pink and brown color scheme, hence the espresso colored seat cushions etc. When these sets go on clearance, I’m buying another one, so I can have two sets of the cute table and chairs. I’ve got more stuff for the bakery on the way as I’m considering making this a permanent dio. I'm not crazy about the walls, but I'm unsure what to do about it at the moment. While at Dollar Tree looking for flooring and wall covering for the bakery, I spotted this drawer liner that I thought might look good in Chandra’s boutique. I know it’s a bit much in combination with the wardrobe background, but I like it. If you're wondering what's up with the empty picture frame, I'm turning it into a mirror sooner or later...okay, most likely later.




Since my shopping excursions led me within a few miles of the Kmart store that is closing, I stopped in for a look-see. Here’s a photo of some Barbie Look dolls (long ago sold out at most Walmart and Target stores) sitting on a shelf. There were three or more of each doll pictured and a couple of the newer Dolls of the World, and if you look closely at the price tag, you’ll see why. I wasn’t even mildly tempted by the prices. On sale, everything was the same price or more expensive than what I’d pay elsewhere. They will have to mark the merchandise down at least 60% before my interest will be piqued.



On days like today (days on which I have nowhere I have to be and the toddler is in the capable hands of another), I like to visit the local thrift stores and antique shops. Actually, I’ve all but given up on thrifting because I’m just no good at it. I lack the patience to dig through the crap in search of that unexpected treasure. However, antique shops and flea markets are usually fun for me. I’ve purchased 3 dolls and a pair of miniature brass urns from the antique mall near Mara’s ballet school. Today, I visited a shop I hadn’t been in before and what should I find on a shelf NIB and reasonably priced but a Fashionistas Artsy. Robyn is so relieved that she won’t have to wait until next month for an articulated body.



Oh, and just for fun I want to add these pics I took a while ago. The first one is Matthew and Amber's twin daughters, Macee and Makenna. Yes, I'm one of *those* people who insist on dressing twins alike. Heck, I dress my daughters alike whenever I can and they aren't even twins. The second one is Grace rockin' the heck out of the dress and heels from the new fashion pack. As you can see, Darren took one look and had to pull her in close for another kiss before they parted ways.




I’ve also been reorganizing the doll room. Eventually I will take pictures so you all can see our play space. It will most likely be after Christmas since Santa will be bringing Mara the KidKraft Majestic Mansion, and it will likely necessitate another rearrange.

Happy Thanksgiving to those in the U.S.!

14 comments:

  1. Hi, the bakery looks great. Mmm... these sale prices are way to high indeed! I love your Pier 1 chairs too. Great picture of the couple :-). I look forward to your photo story, and also to your Lammily girl review! Have a happy Thanksgiving, we don't celebrate it here in Belgium of course, but it's a great Holiday.

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    1. Thanks, Night Owl! My Lammily dolls is scheduled to be delivered next Thursday. I'll be rushing home from work to check her out.

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  2. Wow, you have been busy! Looks like I will have to stop at Pier 1. Looking forward to seeing your photo story. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks, Phyllis! I also picked up some fabric and other craft supplies during a sale at Joann's. Your pictures of the Gordon's home and the furniture you made inspired me to work on Thomas and Camille's place.

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  3. Happy Thanksgiving! Lookin good. CM

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  4. Hi Jewell, thanks for the review of the Swingasan, I was highly tempted by it, too bad it is not the right scale! I like very much how the patisserie is coming out, the pic of Darren and Grace is beautiful, I love her new dress and shoes!

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    1. It's really a lovely and well-made swing, so definitely too bad that it's not to scale. Thanks for stopping by...which reminds me I need to hop back over to your blog to see if you ever got the new beau's hair worked out.

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving!!

    I look forward to seeing the bakery. I have have been toying with the idea as to buy or not to buy. I also do this and when it sells out, I have major regrets. The Nikki doll was a great find. You can't find them anyone anymore. I like that version more than the new ones. She had bigger legs. Lol!

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    1. Georgia Girl, you are so right about that Nikki/Artsy doll being hard to find at a reasonable price. When I saw her there I said, "No way!" She does have bigger legs- Lol...I like her body style very much.

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  6. Hello from Spain: I just discovered your blog and really like. I also collect Barbies and furniture in 1:06 scale. I love your collection. Great job. I invite you to visit my blog: all4barbie.blogspot.com If you want to keep in touch. I became a follower of your blog.

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    1. Hi, Marta! I think I visited your fabulous blog once before. I just figured out how to translate the pages, so I've signed up to follow you. I will definitely keep in touch.

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  7. I laughed out loud at the Kmart prices for those Now Look Barbies. And they wonder why they're going out of business?

    Congrats on you Fashionistas Artsy find.

    Photos of your doll room to come. Oh boy oh boy ;-D

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    1. D7ana, I have wondered for the longest time how Kmart thought they could stay in business with their prices. It's like the people who set the prices live in an alternate universe in which the competition (Target and Walmart) does not exist. I should have taken before pictures to post with the after pictures of the doll room. It's nearly done and I just love the changes.

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