News and Updates for the New Year

I didn’t expect this to be such a long post, so I’m dividing it into sections. That way if you’re not interested in reading it all, you can skip to whichever part interests you.

LOOK WHO’S HERE!

I was online taking advantage of Target’s sale on kids’ denim and found some pants that were out of stock for shipping. Since my only option was in-store pickup, I decided to check the product page for the highly anticipated Made to Move doll in the yellow top. I remembered from my previous searches that she was only available in store, so I figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone if possible. I was thrilled to see that she was in stock in several stores in my area. I called customer service and spoke to an associate in toys. He informed me that the dolls hadn’t been placed on the shelves yet, but he could see that there were four in the stock room. I asked him to leave one at the service desk for me, and here she is. The photo of her with Grace and Kara is so you can see her complexion. She’s not a spot on match to Grace, but she’s closer in coloring to Grace than Kara.

 

MtM (no name yet) with Phoebe

GOALS for 2016:

-I plan to limit my doll purchases to 24. This may sound like a lot, but it’s less than a third of what I bought in 2015. Yikes! This number will include characters needed for existing story lines, dolls purchased for clothes/accessories only, and dolls purchased as body donors. I know action figures aren’t technically dolls, but I’m including them in the limit, too. Why the limit you ask? The number of dolls waiting for their stories to be told just keeps growing and growing. I can’t keep up! I have at least a dozen stories partially written and dozens more that are nothing but seed ideas. That wouldn’t be a problem if this were a full-time job, but it’s not. It’s a hobby. I like the idea of having a hobby. I don’t like the idea of a hobby having me.

-I will focus my spending on furniture and props for my dios. I typically have one big project for each year. For 2014, it was Tastries bakery. For 2015, it was Wedding Belles bridal salon. This year, it’s My Cup of Tea- a tea room owned by one of the new residents.

-I plan to introduce 2 new story lines. One will feature Lena and her immediate family and friends. The other will feature my handsome Hommes and the ladies who love them- lol.

-I plan to prioritize my time better. I was reminded of how precious time is when a dear friend of mine passed away two days before Christmas. She was very ill and had undergone a number of surgeries. She was a primary teacher who adopted two baby girls, because that’s just how much she loved children and wanted to be a mom. She leaves behind those two precious girls (ages 4 and 2). My heart breaks for them, so I pray for them daily and I cherish every moment with my own girls even more than before.

WHAT I BOUGHT/WHAT I PLAN TO BUY:

Here are the dolls I purchased from Black Friday through the end of December.

Claudette Gordon (attorney)

Georgia Mae Belcourt (owner of SpecialTea)

Liam Hawthorne

Dorothy Jean Fisher

Floyd & Phoebe -shown here with their parents

Dr. Jenn Lopez (OB-GYN)

Floyd is on a Life in the Dreamhouse Ken body (found in clearance aisle at Walmart). Phoebe is on a Style Teresa body (2015 version w/ articulated ankles). Jennifer is on a Style Teresa body.

I also ordered Made to Move Bambi and The Barbie Look Urban Jungle with an Amazon gift card I received for Christmas. I didn’t renew my Prime membership for 2015, so I’m still waiting for them to be delivered. L

The following dolls are on my wish list to purchase this year: 

-The Barbie Look Night Out 

-2016 Birthday Wishes Barbie AA + donor body 

-Barbra Streisand (needed for a story line) 

-BFC Ink Calista (needed for a story line). 

I appreciate any and all leads for the two dolls that are no longer available for purchase in stores.

UPDATES:

Don’t forget about the furniture giveaway. It will be posted soon. The Etsy seller offered me free shipping if I held my order until the holiday rush was over. I never turn down free shipping.

I’ve made a few family and job changes that can be seen on the Characters page. None of the dolls affected are major players, so the changes shouldn’t throw anyone off too much.

Here are some storyline previews, teasers, and spoilers for those of you who read my photo stories J

-Lena tries to help her wayward sister. 

-Victor plays with fire by breaking Barb’s number one rule.

-Grace and Darren buy a new house.

-Liam and Allison team up to execute a devious plan.

THANKS, BRINI!

I love Brini’s annual Christmas giveaways. This past year, Brini hosted a moving-themed giveaway with some really cool prizes like doll furniture and appliances. I was the lucky winner of the Barbie Story Starter washer/dryer set. When my package arrived, I decided to wait until Christmas to open it, even though I knew what was inside. Imagine my surprise on Christmas morning when I discovered TWO extra little gifts in the box with my prize. Brini had sent along some bling for me and an outfit for my dolls! She sewed the tunic and pants and knitted the little scarf herself. Jeanine will wear the full outfit when she introduces my final holiday giveaway. I hope you’ll come back to see it.

Image from Barbie.com

Happy New Year! 

I wish you all much health and happiness in 2016!