I-Luv-Dolls

SIS Marisa

2012-02-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to show you a little of what I have been up to.
Yes, I have been swapping bodies! Well, that is between
preparing to do another post on Steven. So you Steven fans,
stay tuned! I purchased a SIS Marisa last week. For some
reason she wasn't sell in my local WalMart. I didn't need
another doll with this face mold but I did needed a
doll fix so I got her. Those of you who said that her skin tone
was hard to match were right but I did have a Fashion Fever
Teresa body (you know the ones with the short torso) that
matched well.

So here she is on that body. I am going to make her a character
but I'm not sure who. Maybe Etienne's little sister or
Bea's little sister. She is wearing the AA Star Doll dress. I didn't
like it on that doll but it looks cute on her.
I think it is the complexion.

Thank goodness no sidewards glancing eyes!
That is better for me. I'm not A fan of the side glancing
eyes. I have Trichelle heads I need to sell!

What happen to Marisa body? Well as new dolls go, she did
have a bad body. The legs bended and it was not one of those
hollow leg dolls. I found another doll who because of her body
wasn't getting much play time!

Jakks- Jose and the pussycats Valerie!

She was about the same complexion as Marisa. She had
clothing and shoe limitations because of her body. I do
prefer Mattel bodies and it makes dressing dolls easier!
The belly button body will work for now!

Here she is on her new body. Gone are those sloth feet.

I'll have to find her a new outfit. Bea already has dibs on the
jumpsuit.

She is happy with her new body too!

Bye for now!

Old Photos- My Photo Archives From Before My Blog!

2012-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Today I looked at some old disc of photos I have taking over
the years. Most of them fall in the three categories.
Plants/gardening (there are more of them than anything
else.) Family and dolls.

I thought I would show you where I began. Not that I
have come such a long way but I lot of times you don't get to
see the beginning of things. When I started purchasing dolls,
I had doll couples but not families. I purchased guys to go
with girls or visa versa. The Laurents were my first family in
dolly land. (Although it was a while before they got their last
name. )

Here is a picture of KiKi with the first Terrence. I always
saw KiKi's husband having a beard.

He is now Terrence's best friend Menelik, the father of Malik.
I wasn't taking photos with much background back then.

Here is one of the first shots I took of the new Terrence and
KiKi as a couple. I have to give this new Steven doll a beard and
some gray hair.

I really like what I did with him and he inspired a family
and my blog.

As you can see, I even restyled them and took more pictures.
To me, they looked soo cute together. I could see the chemistry
in the photos even with the very poor camera back then!

I knew I wanted the Happy Family Grandparents as his family.
I thought he looked like a combination of their looks.

Did you know that grandpa had dimples? He is the cutest
thing! I knew he would be a pilot and I purchased this uniform
for him.

I did remove some of Grandma's wrinkles. I thought they
went a bit overboard with them.

Here is a shot of the Laurent men! Two are missing. LL and Termaine
are missing.

Above: Terrence, Toure' Steven, Tre' Grandpa Stephan and Terrell.
this is the first group photo I did. It was before I learned to change
the lighting! LOL!

This is I character haven't introduced really yet. I guest It is a preview.

Rafael DeSante'

Mean While.....

2012-02-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

Mean while over at the college campus, four girls meet at the
Student Union. All four were transfer students and will be sharing
a dorm suite next year. This meeting was planned by email when
the room assignments were posted on the dorm website.

Side note:
This is Phyliss! This is one of her many part-time jobs.

Xia’ was the first to arrive.

Marie saw her sitting there and came over. Marie: Hi, Xia’ right?
I’m Marie. Xia’: Yes, Hi Marie. I guess the others are on their way.

Marie: I’ll take this seat. Xia’ thought Marie looked like fun!
She seemed… as her mother would say-spunky. She had a
great smile. Where are you from?

Bea sashayed in like a model! The two girls turned her
direction. Bea searches their faces as she walked their
way looking for hate. It wasn’t there, just surprise.
Marie had done the southern pageant circuit too long
to let her face give away her smirk. She made her face
blank and smiled. Xia’: Hi! I’m Xia’ and this is Marie.
Bea: Hi, I’m Bea. They both said hello and Xia motion
the seat next to her.

Bea noted that each girl was pretty in very different ways.
She wonders if this was too much beauty for one suite!
Bea: So I guess we are waiting for one more person.

Reecie was the last too arrive. She came from tryouts at
the athletic campus and had to take the bus back to the main
campus. Reecie: Sorry I’m late! She said with a Trinidadian
accent. I had to get the bus after basketball tryouts to get here.

Marie : So you play b-ball. I do too.

Reecie looked at her.
Yes, she was chucky but she had the eye of the tiger
about her. She was not a girl to underestimate!
Reecie: We will have to play

Just then...

He is hot!

Hi Phyliss! What is the soup of the day?
It is chicken noodle Dan.

Reecie: I think it will be interesting going here!

Agreed!

Xia': Alright let's get to it!

Bea: Well...I went by to see the suite, we will all have
our own room but we share the living room, kitchen and
bathroom. Xia’: They let you in? Bea: Well, not exactly. I
talked this guy at the desk into letting me see the room.
The all laughed.

Xia’: A CIA agent in the making. So
what the size of the rooms and the bathroom.

Bea smiled and looked at the rest of the girls. Reecie would
not take too much bathroom time. She could tell she was a
"minimalist". The other two, like her, would want bathroom
time. Bea: The rooms are a good size. The bathroom isn’t
too bad either but the living room and kitchen seems
small.

Xia’: So who is bringing what?

Reecie could tell that Xia’ was a down to business
kind of girl and she liked that.
Reecie: I am coming from Trinidad, so I’m not
lugging a lot on the plane. I will just bring clothes and
my ipod. I might buy a few things to add to the place.

They stayed about an hour working out some of the
details of their living arrangements!

Steven's New Job Part One!

2012-02-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

When Steven left Mr. Kingsley office, he stood there for a
few moments. His mind raced at all the thing he could do,
the people he could showcase and the people he could help.
He was brought back from his thoughts

when Emily said: congratulations!

Steven: You knew?

Emily: Yes, I take the minutes in the executive meetings
but I could not say anything until Mr. Kingsley offered it
to you first. I think it is a great opportunity for you!

Steven: Yes it is! I’m blown away!

Emily: You worked very hard on those pieces last year.
The one thing I know about Mr. Kingsley is that he knows
how to spot talent and how to help talented people in their
career here.

Have you thought about who you wanted to work with on this?

Steven: No, not really.
The first person Steven thought about was his cousin Toure’.
Toure’ helped him do his demo that got him this job. He works
per diem for the station and could always use more hours. Steve
thought he would try to get him as his camera man slot. He
thought he could have his brothers help him too! Then he really
thought about it. Tre’ was just too immature for this but maybe
he could get Louis some work with this. His sister Lisa could
do his makeup too. Hmm, I will have to talk to them.

Emily: If you need any help from me, just let me know.

Steven: Will do! I'm not going to keep you. I have to finish
up this week's story.

OK! I'll see you later.

Steven thought he would have to talk to Malik about this too.
He many need him to cover more at the gallery from time to
time now.

Emily watched Steve as he left her office.
She thought he was soo cute!

He took out his cell phone and called Grams.

Hello Grams! Guess what!
Steven always share is good new with his grandmother first!

A little about Steven-----Steven is one of those great guys! He
is a good son, a great bother and a true friend! For his female
friends, he is the guy they use as a standard. They know that
their family would like him. And many secretly wish for more
than a friendship from Steven. He has the Laurent family charm!

A Week Of Ups And Downs!

2012-01-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

Thus far this week has had some ups and downs! My hubby
has been sick most of the weekend and the beginning of this
week. Thank God, he is much better now! I have also had some
dolly ups and downs too!

Up—I received this jacket in trade for a doll head from blogger
April of April's Sea of Barbie Sweetness. Thanks April!

I have wanted this jacket but not enough to buy the doll it
came on.

Down—Forrest!

That is what I am calling this action figure who will be Collin’s
brother.

Forrest fell! And his leg broke. I will no longer stand
dolls on the self I had him sitting on. I decided to go back to
my area Big Lots in hopes for another figure like him but it
was too late! They were out. I may have to repair him.

Up—they did have a Jean Basic there and a fashion pack there.
So I pick them up!

I like her face but she will need a new body. I have a story for
her. She will be Mr. Kingsley secretary Emily. I would like a
fashionista body. If anyone know a good match, let me know.

Dominique says this is her year and she wants most of the items
in this pack!

She is much happier when she gets her way!

Down—one of the set of chairs I ordered arrived. But one of
the chairs was broken.

I got them for less that five dollars including shipping. I
really could complain too much. I think it happen in travel.
I think I can glue it and I planned on painting it. So I hope
by then it will not show.

Up--Another set of chairs that I order arrive with no problems!

Up—I made one dress, purchase two dresses for.25 and
reconstructed one of them.

Marie got this navy blue tube dress with a jacket to interview
in! I even did some sewing on this dress. The tube was cut to
length and the rest I used for the jacket.

I will have to pull her hair back so that the streak doesn't show.

Siobhan received this dress I purchased from a thrift store for .25.
I was very long and raggedy looking. I washed it, cut it, went over
the seams and made a belt with the extra fabric.

It now looks very Siobhan and it works well with her coloring.

And Ellie got a new dress too! I am not sure about the boots.
Ellie isn't use to wearing heals!

The Roving Reporter Will Rove A Little Less

2012-01-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

When Steven got back from St. Malcolm there was a message
for him telling him that the owner and General Manager of the
WJBS station would like to see him. He went to his office to
find out what was up!

Steven: Hello Mr. Kingsley, you sent for me?

Mr. Kingsley: Yes, I did. How was your vacation and how is
that grandmother of yours?

Steven: It was very nice Sir. It was nice to spend time with my
grandfather and her. She is doing well! I will tell her you asked
about her.

Mr. Kingsley: Have a seat. Somethings have gone on at the station
I would like to talk to you about!

Mr. Kingsley: We are expanding our programing hours next
month. We want to have a interview forum an hour long. Your
human interest segments have done real well! The public seem
to really like you and I think you would be perfect for this
interview forum!

Mr. Kingsley: It will be an hour interview with some local
and maybe some national guests. We were thinking about
someone local for the first interview. We are thinking about
Francesca DeSante for the first interview but we can talk
about that later.

Mr. Kingsley: I know you have the gallery going on so this
will be a recorded piece that will air on Sundays. You can
even interview some of the people you know in the art world.
What do you think about it?

Steven: Wow! It sounds very interesting! Thank you for
thinking of me for this Sir.

Mr. Kingsley: You'll get to pick most of your own subjects but
there will be somethings that the station would like to have
happen surrounding events. You will also get to pick your own
camera team and research help. In addition, you will also have
to sit in on the weekly station meeting.

Steven: Wow! I don't know what to say.

Mr. Kingsley: I want you to sit in on next week's station
meeting to get your feet wet! Of course, this will mean an
increase in pay to go along with the responsibilities. You will
have a meeting in Holly in HR next week too!

Steven: Thanks you very much Sir!

Mr. Kingsley: So, think about all we have talked about here
and we can meet again next week regarding any questions
you might have. Are you up for the challenge?

Steven: Yes, Sir! Thanks you, Sir!

Steven: This is an excellent opportunity
and I won't let you down.

Mr. Kingsley: I have no doubt about that! You have really
proven yourself here.

Steven: Thanks you for this opportunity. I have to record
them to send to my grandmother. She will burst with pride.

Mr. Kingsley: I'm sure she will.

Mr. Kingsley: I really feel good about that decision!

Thrift Store 2012!

2012-01-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

The President said that it time to become fiscally responsible!
So, I am back at my favorite thrift store. This is a good time for
thrift store find because people are donating for tax deductions
and to thin out things after all the new stuff they received for
Christmas.

I came looking for articulated bodies! That is my quest this year,
to pay as little as possible for replacement bodies and get as many
of them that I can from the secondary market. Thank you
limbe dolls! I didn't see any bodies this time.
I scored some nice things though!

I find two bags full of items that I almost didn't see. It pays to dig
down deep at the thrift store. They were $3.00.

The first contained some Bratz items.

I will use the clothing for some of my smaller dolls.I liked
the mannequin because it can be used in Laurent's.

I don't think this dress are Bratz but I can use them. They are
too large to be Bratz...maybe High School Musical. There was
a hanger too large for even Barbie, Bratz feet (which will be sold)
some shoes, books and other odds and ends.

I liked this cut top!

The second bag had mostly shoes. There was a mini Bratz
inside. She will be used as a doll for someone soon.
Then...but wait ...is that....yes it is!

It is ...the happy family baby! Now that is a score!

And she even has a dolly! Soo cute!

Close-up!

I guess this is a diaper bag but I have never seen a silver one.
She must be a very stylish mother.

There were also alot of shoes! I have to look at my other shoes
to see if these are dups. All dups will be sold! That is the project
for the new year. Also there are some handbags, jacket, water
bottle, baby stuff and flippers. I will sent the flipper to
St. Malcolm.

There is tooth paste, sticker and other odds and ends

Mini Bratz doll with extra feet and brush!

As a mini, she is not bad but I don't like the full size dolls.

She comes with a mic!

St. Malcolm Will Get An Upgrade!

2012-01-16T04:03:00.000-08:00

St. Malcolm Will Get An Upgrade!

I am working on bringing St Malcolm to life.

This is Camille, the owner of the Villa enjoying breakfast
there seaside.

To that end, I purchased one of my Holy Grail items-
The Mattel Cali Girl Hawaiian Hotel Resort.
It completes the other topical sets I have that I plan to use in
St. Malcolm. I purchased it from Bex at philosophy_shop.
who has a customized set posted on thedollpage for sale.
I do plan to customized this set (Harold will have to make
his way there) but for now I would like to show you the set.

It is not the complete original set but it does have all the key
pieces that I loved. Bex at philosophy_shop included a few
additional items for me so that I could customize this one.

As you can see from the two pictures above, it has a table and
chair set with an umbrella. Bex include the suitcases with the
swimsuits in them. There are tropical drinks too!

suit one!

...and suit two!

The two things you need in any hotel...coffee and a phone.

The room has a door that opens! See the room number.

You can enjoy the view from the balcony.

Map of the hotel on the inside door.

Purse, cart and chair.

I got some sodas. There is a window with a view too!

Camille check each room before guest check in!

She has to call the desk. They need more towels in this room.
Thanks for looking.

Raquelle New Body!

2012-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

After I gave Siobhan Raquelle's body I still wanted to use her head.
So I took a tip from Miss_Lola_77 (She is a great new blogger!) at
"I cant quit at any time...musings of a collector and rebodied it!
Here is her second post on the subject. It was her first that got
my attention.

Following her advice I rebodied my doll.

It is import to have a big girl on the scene!
I wanted a younger full figured doll. So this is
Marie! Smart, fun loving and full of life!

She loves: jean, jazz, and jelly beans.

What she hates!:
When people say: you have such a pretty face!

Thanks Miss_Lola_77 and don't be sad now Marta!

My First Head Swap for 2012

2012-01-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

My first head swap for 2012...

First let me say that I am so far behind. I lost my charger to
my camera on the 2nd and could find it until today! I was
crazy trying to find it. So with it in a good place now I can
catch up on posts and reading blogs.

My first head swap for 2012 is Siobhan.

Like her sister, Fiona, this is Siobhan’s second body swap
and she is on a Fashionista Raquelle body. You don't want
to know how scary their first body was.

Hey, what about me? Thanks to Miss_Lola_77, I have
a plan for you!

Her sister is glad to see her on an articulated body. I means
that they will have more sister time together.

The first thing she told me is this outfit is really not her.
" This outfit is ghastly!" Fiona didn't like it either.

I quickly found something more to her liking.

This is her favorite suit!

She is happy now! And her sister approves!

Next she informed me that Dominique was not happy with
some my decorating ideas. She suggested it would be better
for Dominique and me if she took over that project.

At first I was a little miffed. But I knew they had been
good friends a long time, Dominique felt she better
understood her taste, she was starting her business in
Johnston and Ms. D was getting on my nerves with all
her demands. It would be best!

Thank you! You saved my sanity!

There is enough business in Johnston for Siobhan and I.

Siobhan said I had some good ideas but that she thought it
was a little too dark for Dominique.

She made some changes that Ms. D seem to really like!

Ms. D is a little more relaxed now. Siobhan had Harold paint
the top part of the wall cream. She replaced the coffee table and
added a lamp, chest, standing vase and topiary. She also found
fireplace tools.

She even worked in that window. She also ordered her this
tea set so she can relax and have a cup of tea.

Ms. D: Do you think I can get another lamp for the mantel?
Siobhan: No, problem. I will need those family pictures so
that I can have them properly framed. I am ordering the
dining room chairs. After that, we will start on the upstairs.

Siobhan replaced the cabinet I order with a custom cabinet
in cream. I am started to dislike have competition!

Siobhan: We have had this much fun since Paris!

Dominique: Paris was soo much fun! Oh, I hear the guys.

Harold: I was starting to get worried about this job until
Siobhan signed on. No offence Ms. Leo but Dominique seems
to really like what she has done.

And she and I really work well together too!

Siobhan is a real pro!
I guess I'm just chopped liver?

Etienne to himself: I'm real glad this is working out! I dodged
another one! This women really knows her stuff
Etienne: Will there be more seating here?

I am ordering custom chairs as we speak. Dee, you are going
to love them! They are soo you!

I'm looking at Harold's blueprints and we are working on it
together.
Harold to himself: Too bad she married!

Ms. D is happy with the whole thing!

This feels right!

Laurent’s Formal Wear Boutique

2012-01-08T01:43:00.000-08:00

Laurent’s Formal Wear Boutique
Here are the prints from the ad for Laurent’s Formal Wear
Boutique. It is the formal wear shop inside the department
store.

I will show the photo shoot later. Kiki’s public relation
company said she needed more advertisement for the store.
They were surprised and happy to learn that Kiki could
bring in some heavy hitter for the ad.

Kiki made a call to her good friend Dominique. She was just
rapping up her first movie and was flying home.

Dominique said that she might be able to persuade one of
the stars of the movie, Grant Morgan, to do the commercial
with her. They had become good friends while working on the
film.

Grant Morgan-Actor, Philanthropist, new father.

Kiki new that her father-in-law always look very
distinguished in a tux, so she talked him into doing the
commercial too.

Stephan told Grant all about St. Malcolm and the resort
there. Now Grant plans to take a vacation with with his
wife and new family there soon.

The photos came out just like they wanted them to. Oh, and
by the way, Ms. D is wearing the necklace and the fantastic
pumps from Cat under the dress!

I want to thank edmondlives from thedollpage for these
two tuxes! Please check out his site!

I am getting a few new dolly things in, so I will have to make
space by letting a few dolly things go. I will be posting new
things on my sell and trade tab and on my dollpage site
starting on the 9th. Please give them a look also!

Just A Few Shots Of Ellie On New Year's Eve!

2012-01-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hi! I took a few shots of Ellie before she and her friends
went out for New Year's Eve!

Here skin is radiant and hair shines!

She very excited about going out for the first time on
the eve.

She got this new top to wear with her jean skirt.

She was told no drinking!

No riding with people who were drinking.

And have a good time.

Be in by 2.00 AM.

She said: I will!

Xia'-From Punk to Parisian !

2011-12-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

After seeing Vanessa post of a male sweater and a hat on
Fashion Dolls at Van’s Doll Treasures I tried my hand
at the hat.

I made it a little small. I will probably do it again a bit larger.
The combination of this hat and this top from the dollar store
takes Xia’ in a new direction. She has gone from Xia’
street punk/graffiti artist to Xia’ art student with Parisian style.

close-up

Dolls for Christmas!

2011-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
I just want to share with you two dolls I received for Christmas.
Arctic Barbie and AA Birthday Wishes Barbie! I received them form
my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. I was very happy!

Here they are together.

The Birthday Wishes Barbie I don't remember seeing. I was
told she came out in 1997? She has a beautiful pink gown. She
has the Asha head mold.

Very sweet face!

Arctic Barbie who came out in 1981 from what I read
online. The box says her people are call the Inuits and live
in Canada and Alaska. I like the fact the that didn't call her
"Eskimo" Barbie. I had learned as a youth that the term
"Eskimo" means "eaters of raw meat". It came about by ask
the people to the south of them what do you call those people
up there. "Oh, we call them the raw meat eaters." It is like asking
neighbors what they call each other. "Oh, they are called never
mows their lawn, or puts the trash out too early, or parks in
other peoples spot. I strongly believe in defining yourself and not
letting others define you. (getting of soap box now)

I had this doll on my wish list. I really want to
debox her. You know I am not really one for keeping
a doll in the box. She really has a nice face. I have two
other Kira face mold doll but they are not as nice as she
is. Maybe I buy another to keep in the box.

Merry Christmas! Dominique's Digs!

2011-12-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

Harold Hall and I are here to explain to Dominique about
the progress of her home. I like working with Harold he is
a very good general contractor. He and his building company
have their fingers in most of the construction in Johnston.

We have worked on the living room and have try to have it
almost there by Christmas. Dominique is still not pleased.
Etienne knows Harold from a mutual acquaintance. Etienne
is there to make sure Harold doesn't get to much of a beating.

Ms. D is not happy about the lack of seating. Etienne explains
that this is not Harold fault. Her bedroom is still not ready.

Harold has the patience of Job and a good disposition too!
He tell her that the bed room and kitchen will be started
next week. (that my jeans in the mirror) Etienne says, you
can hold off on the kitchen. The won't be much cooking going
on around here. His comment is meet with a nudge in the ribs.

Dominique also comment on the lack of art work and
finishing touches to the room.

Harold tell her that the the final carpentry will be done next
week along with some minor painting.

Etienne reminds Dominique that art work and decor is not
Harold's job.

Dominique asks who's job is it?

Oh, I think is time for me to go!

Have a Merry Christmas!

See you all next week!

Thanks Cat!

2011-12-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
Here is the lovely outfit I received from Cat at A Doll Affinity!
I am letting Ms. D model it today. She is pleased that she is
getting blog time and first crack at a new outfit.

It is a beautiful pink and silver dress. It has heels, a purse and
a necklace. Great for a special Holiday outing!

Ms. D especially loves the bling!

She feel if anyone should have these, it should be her!

Thanks Again Cat!

Monster High OOAK!

2011-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Monster High OOAK!
Well, I not a fan of Monster High doll but many of you are.
I thought you might appreciate these OOAK homes available
for sale on Ebay. They might not be up for long!
Enjoy!
Number one!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Monster-High-Doll-House-/270877611216?_trksid=p3286.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5048921291060525813

Number two
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OOAK-Custom-Re-paint-Monster-High-School-House-TONS-EXTRAS-FURNITURE-/150722694212?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2317c5cc44

This Week In Projects!

2011-12-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

This Week!
Well, after purchasing my Stardoll-Fallen Angel known as
Xia', I realized that I didn't have any great dolly purchase left
for the rest of this year. ( yeah, I now it is the 19th of Dec.)
I can now concentrate on dolly projects, of which there
are many.

First up!

Miss Dominique is quite miffed with me.

She feels as one of the star characters of this blog, she has
not been getting her just do! She asked...no she demanded
certain things be taken care of to make her feel more
comfortable and respected in her position on my blog.

First, she needed a living space. Her character can be more
developed If she had a home and a place to entertain! She picked
out a few things she wanted and asked me to expand on them.

This sofa for one. She said she would also like chairs to go along
with it. I told her I have never done chairs but she insisted.

She wants this fireplace and window worked into the decor
of her new home.

She also wanted this as her wardrobe.

It is very nice and has just been sitting around not being used.
I Thought that the scale was too large but she said it just needed
mirrors. She would also like a Queen size bed with a duvet cover,
a matching dresser and a settee. She informed me she is keeping
the Stardoll dress. Her projects may take more than a week!

Next, I also rebodied my last dolls for 2011!
No new ones until 2012.

I gave Edwige (Alvin Ailey) and Live Action Christie new
Chandra bodies. They can now be add to the cast of
characters. I haven't decided if they are sisters but
Edwige will Chanda's sister. I not sure if Chandra's name
will remain.

The complexion works pretty well for both. The body on the
Live Action Christie is a little fragile so I just replaced it before
any thing happen to it.

I did pick up these to dresses at the Dollar Store. The Black and
white one will be Edwige's work uniform. the orange dress
needs a little help.

Then there is a little painting and repair.

I plan to paint and repair a few things I purchased so that they
can get some use.

This chandelier

You remember this dresser. Well, I have started on it.

I have removed the heart shape draw pulls and I have no idea
what I will replace them with. I not sure what color this will be
in the end either.

Next is this chair!

Diorama set up!
I plan to work on my benches like this one for the home of
Iroquois and Native American Settlement.
then-
I will also begin my work on the Laurent Department store.

Finally,
I will need to list several things for sale on my blog
and thedollpage.

My Stardoll-Fallen Angel--Xia'

2011-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

So, here she is! My Stardoll.
Her name is Xia'.

Her Photo Video

Enjoy!

Stardoll Fallen Angel!

2011-12-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I just purchase my Stardoll, Fallen Angel after see all
the post that Tracy did on her blog. She has so really nice photos.
It what put me over the edge with this doll is a photo of her that I
saw on another blogger's post. Helen's Doll Saga (blog) posted a
picture of her doll that she add her personal touch to.

I also check out her web page Dollnut.com there is a great
video of some of her other dolls. I like how the links form her
banner take you to other site locations. I wonder if that can be done
with blogspot.

I hope you enjoy it! :)

Reboding Dolls!

2011-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was looking over my dolls and looking over the websites of
my favorite blogger. It looks like we've spent a pretty
penny on reboding dolls. To date I have rebodied 20 dolls
onto articulated bodies. I have many more that may
receive one in the new year. I have found one or
two bodies in the thrift store but most I purchase
on average between 7-9 dollars and a few as much
as 18 dollars. That's about $200 on new
bodies( it could be more).

What would you estimate is the the number of dolls
you rebodied this year? Should we be doing something
about that? Do we need a letter writing campaign?

My Faces Of Lea!--Edited Post OOPS! I forgot one!

2011-12-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

Oops! I forgot a Doll! So I'm editing my post and placing her
picture at the top!

This is Akira!

She and her husband Hiroshi own the local Asian restaurant
The Pacific Rim. Their daughter Mari attends the high school.

Original post.
I think that Lea is one of the most beautiful Asian
doll faces that Mattel has done. There have been other
doll's whose faces were made Asian but Lea and Kira
the two Asian face molds.

I have a few dolls with the Lea face mold in my collection.
Bling was not the first. My first was this doll!

I call her Thuy (twee) and she is Jin's "Bling" older sister.

She is more traditional than Bling and more serious than her
sister. She has a more demure look to her than Bling.

As the big sister, see must look out for Bling which is not an
easy job.

You met their cousin Ing. She is half Vietnamese and French.

She and her cousins are close.

She finds the differences between Thuy and Bling amusing.
Ing is not as traditional as Thuy but not as Americanized
as Bling.

You met Tia Holmes.

She is newly married to Matt Holmes who is a Captain
in the Air Force stationed here in Johnston.

She is a Flight Attendant and travels from Europe to the US
regularly. That is how she met Matt while on a layover in
an airport.

This is Tia's sister Sonya. She move here from the
Philippines to be with her sister. She worked in an
insurance company there and hopes to work for one
here.

Thuy and Bling!

Ing, Thuy and Bling.

Sonya and Tia!

Sonya and Tia are different too. Tia has see the world.
Sonya has been a local girl.

New Dress for Bling!

2011-12-01T02:49:00.000-08:00

Bling's New Dress!
I wanted a Asian inspired dress for Ms. Bling. So here she is
in her Qi Pao!

Bling has to break away from the traditional red! She
wanted a more girly pink.

This is great for going out and to wear for Chinese New Years.

She glad she found this dress!

She is wearing it as a dress but it can be worn with pants too!

Ready to party!

I love her face!

Thanks for looking!

Star Body vs. Model Muse Body

2011-11-30T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Star body (SB) has the same small frame with long legs
as the Model Muse body (MMB). Neither dolls’ legs bend!
The Star body comes with painted on underwear. I find this
not unusual for a playline doll but for a fashion doll made
for collectors, I think that his is unusual.

The Star Body

Star has smaller neck knob that most Barbies!

Side by side

long legs

The Model Muse body can sit. The Star body can not. Star
doll legs fit into the torso and not along side it. A
reconstruction of the body would have to be done it
the future for these dolls to sit.

The arms of the Star doll about the same length.

The hands on the star seem a little more graceful.

Bootee'
The Star doll has more junk in the trunk than the model muse.

This may mean that the pants for this doll may fit the
Belly button bodies… I don’t know this for sure yet.

Finally the Star doll has larger feet (similar to the old Jakks feet) that most of the Mattel fashion dolls I have seen. So what does this mean for the Star shoes? I don’t know yet but I’ll keep you informed!

Thanks for looking! :)

AA Star Doll!

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

She Is A Star!
I purchased an AA Star Barbie after seeing them on Dolls
in the City’s blog. They are 16.99 at TRU. She is a very pretty
doll! I’m not sure if this doll is considered “playline”. She
doesn’t have the larger head that most of the playline dolls
do (except the SIS). I do think she looks like Beyonce’
without the smile. She looks like what Mattel should
have done with the doll they produced of her. The doll
that they did, in my opinion, the nose was off in proportion
to the eyes and the face. On the AA Star doll the proportions
are correct. I love that they have eyelashes too. They are just
the right length. I do wish she had an articulated body but
Mattel is not taking the hint. I put her head on a Barbie
So In Style Stylin Hair Trichelle. The body matched perfectly!
I gave her a new more hip hop outfit and she would ready
to hit the dolly town but first she got to paint the wall!

I'm crazy in love with this doll!

Greater Philadephia Area Fashion Doll Club!

2011-11-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping to start a fashion doll club in the Philly area in the
new year. Hopefully we can meet at least 4 to 6 times a year
to share our dolls, take some trips and do doll related things.
If you are in the Greater Philly area and would like to be in
a club too let me know by posting below.

While Getting The Fixings For Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was out getting some last minute things for
Thanksgiving dinner. My market was out of
sharp cheese. Can you believe that, they were
all out. Well, what puts the real favor in the
cheese mix of baked macaroni than sharp cheese.
So now I'm driving out of my normal area. I come
to an intersection where this guy is selling odds and
ends on the corner. I hit the brakes
when I saw something big and pink in the corner.
I looked quickly in the back of the car, the eggs are OK.
I parked the car and casually walked over. As I get closer,
I can see it is what I thought. I walked over and
tried to look cool and not excited. I looked at everything
first and then walked over to this.
2001 Grand Hotel!

Front View
I doesn't have the furniture or front doors. Still not too
bad. It doesn't have the second bed/bathroom thingie. Still
not too bad. It doesn't have the check in desk. That would be
too much to hope for. There aren't any cracks and nothing
is broken. So, I ask him how much. He say $4.00.
Now, do I need another structure? No! Do I have
space for another structure? Not really! Should
I buy it anyway? Yes! I almost tore my pocket off given
him the money. Check out the redo of the front of the Grand
Hotel in Roville. The windows are also used. In Circlez
City Women's Conference the hotel was also used.
These are both good sites if you like clothing, props, and dolls!

Inside View
It is in need of a good cleaning. I will do that next week.
This week will be too crazy.

I have seen the hotel re-done by a few people and have
seen bits and pieces of in used in dioramas. I have seen the
front of the house in Roville as a the Lilac Bakery. (see above)
So for me the question is do I keep it whole or in pieces.

I have to find out what can be taken out. I don't think
I would want a salon where it is. Should I try to chase down
the missing pieces for the hotel? I have seen item time to
time on ebay. I read a post (you most check it out) on
A Doll Affinity of a women who has been working on
her doll room for 17 years. Slowly collecting pieces.
That makes me a baby at it.

I always love this horse shoe shaped sectional about
the hotel.

I love the windows too!

It has one of the beds. The purple thing fits in the slots
and joins the parts of the house together.

Both the phones are there. This one has the stool.

The bathtub/bed should have been here. It may be
hard to find. I might have to come up with something
new for this spot.

I plan to start my house painting of my houses in the new year.
I guess I need a big can of primer in.

Edward Running Bear

2011-11-16T03:22:00.000-08:00

This is Edward Running Bear,PHD. He came to
Johnston for several reasons. There was some
controversy over part of the land that the military
base was built on. Because of this, the base had
been closed for over 80 years. In a Supreme Court
decision, this portion of land was returned to the
Iroquois Nation and a settlement was to be paid.
One part of the settlement, a Native American
Museum was to be established. It was decided by
the Iroquois the museum would be in Johnston.
The second part of the settlement was the
establishment of a scholarship for people of
Native American decent. Chief Running Bear was
here to make sure these things happened.

Another reason for his move was that a university
was to be establish here. Johnston University a
divisionof the University of Penn. Edward was
offered a Deans position teaching American
history from a multicultural point of few without
calling it anything else but "American History".
This was consider too controversial for many
other colleges.

Finally he moved here because the Iroquois and
Native American settlement was large enough
to have horses!

Here he is with his horses!
(I found these guys for a dollar at the thrift store.
I knew I could work them into this story.)
The black one is Coal and the tan one Rain
Dancer.

He would have hated to have to leave his horses
behind.

Stay tuned for more!

The Forces Collided For Johnston

2011-11-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

You might remember that Johnston was deserted just two
years ago. Forces collided to jump start this town. So how did
this happen? When a Supreme Court decision came down that
part of the land the base was on belongs to the Iroquois, the
President was contacted.

Yes,...Thank you for calling me before you published your decision.

He saw this as a chance to right a wrong. He contacted the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to get things done!

Hello General Powell.

Hello Mr. President.

General, the Supreme Court has decided in favor of the
Iroquois. This is a great opportunity to right a wrong
and to give the Iroquois back their land. We can open
the base on the rest of the land and work with the
Iroquois to build a new community based on trust
and respect. I want you, General, to put your best man
on making this happen. I want this base brought back
as a multi use technical training facility for the
military. I want some there who can build the type
of consensus that this town will need. I need
a “soldier” General!

I understand Mr. President and I will put my best man on it!

Thank you General Powell!
The President then made another call!

It is the President of the United States.

He wants to talk to you!

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff made his own call!

This is General Powell. We are reactivating Base Johnston!
It will be a multi military multi use technical training facility.
It will happen in six months.

General Lee: That soon!

Yes! I have an man from the army for this site. He will
come along later. Right now from your branch I need a stand-up
guy for this, I need a "soldier". I think we both know who we need
there! His father and I have talked about this for a long time.
It's his time. Make it happen!
General Lee: Yes Sir!
General Powell: Thank you!

Well...I'll have to tell him that looks like your fun in Paris
will be over son.

Tooling Around on Saturday!

2011-11-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hey gang! I was off on Friday. I spent the day with my
Honey. He wanted to take advantage of all the Vets eat
free offers. That man can eat! We ate at a few places and went
to the movies. So today, Saturday, is my day to myself. He has
to work today. American needs its' mail.

I started out at my favorite thrift store. I found this and a Barbie there.

This soda machine will make a great addition to a set I will do
in the future. Next, I went to Big Lots. I am looking for a few
AA guys but there were none to be had. I did find this guy
there. I had seen him before on smidge girls site
as Aaron.

I remember them being 9.99 then 10.99. Now they are 12.00.

I already have a few Asian guys but I guess what is one more.
He has a really great face.

It has interesting angles that
photographs well.

He has compassionate eyes. I had to take a few shots of him
out of his packaging to show you. Off to the park.

Walking the park on a fall day.

I like his hair too. He has a great haircut for sculpted hair.

Fall sunshine on his face.

I am working on his name but I think he will be Collin's
brother.

I really had to stop myself from taking more pictures.

I went to a discount store and find this doll out of her box
and on sale for $2.00. She has one of the new cheap bodies
that the legs doesn't bend. She has a good face and a
cute dress.

Preparing for next year! I found these dolls on sale for 40 cents
in Target. The crunching sound you hear is Ms. Leo eating the
candy! The sweater will work well for next year.

The sweaters were sewn on the bears but a seam ripper will
aid in the claiming of the sweater.

Francie and the new thrift store doll in the Halloween sweaters.

Pumpkin and witch.

Frugal Dolly Finds!

2011-11-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Dolly Finds!
As we come into the Holiday season there are things
out there that make great diorama items! See keep
your eyes open and have an open mind!

This little bath set case would make a lovely closet or
cabinet for you Barbie rooms. I would do what I am
now lovingly calling a "William" with this. I would repackage
the items into a nice bag or basket for gift giving. With a little
paint I can then make it a fancy closet for one of my Barbies.
Everybody wins with this. FYI this case is about 10 1/2 inches
high by 7 inches wide and 3 inches deep. I may put feet on it
to give it just a little more height.

Who doesn't like bath items?
I think this type of thing happens alot but it may not be
admitted to. We have all seen those sales where you buy
one thing at Xmas and get the other for free. Does one
person get both presents? Do you crosses two people of
the list. Or is it one for them and one for me?

I see a lot of this type of bath sets around.

It can be a great plant stand. OK this was a quick set up

but you get the idea. So keep looking.

Sweater Play!

2011-11-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

Fall Sweater Play!

I sill have yarn from the poncho, scarfs and hats. I have
not seen many Barbie size crochet sweater patterns so I
have had to try and make my own. I am playing around
with size and shape.

I also have a new background. I think it doesn't allow
my camera to focus well. I playing around with it too.
I'm calling it a misty fall morning!

So, here is what I came up with.

I made two sweaters.

My small sweater.

The Clones Are Coming!

2011-10-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Clones!

As we get closer to the Holidays, we are seeing more
clone dolls. Thrift Store dolls posted about them and
so did Niel's Doll Room. It can be a good thing or a bad
thing. Some clones are interesting with great clothing
or accessories and give us a chance to get a doll... or just maybe
a head or body that we want or need. Others remind us that it
is Halloween and are scary. So here are a few things I
have seen on my travels!

I saw these cars in Family Dollar. Not a bad price but dolls
sits a little high in the car. They will be taller than the
windshield. I don't know if this is true of Barbie cars and
is no big deal. So, let me know. I know it is true of putting
Barbie in other cars. Ex. Bling in Bratz car. It looks like
a two seater but the seats are small. I think that is why
one doll is pictured on the box.

I found these clones of Lalaloopsy Dolls . I had to look twice to
know that they were clones because I am not familiar with
the doll. Note doll in the middle has an "O" mouth.

True doll!

This girls are AA Barbie clones. For as much as we all complain
about some barbies bodies, almost all clones sadly have
poor body construction. I purchased a similar doll 2 years ago just
for the head and the clothing. I will show her to you in the future

Here is some of the scary! This girl is a Barbie clone who's
face was painted by someone who had a little to much to
drink or who hasn't learned to paint within the lines!

Trick or Treat! Oh yes...trick! If you needed a few
new outfits, she might work. Often too, the quality
of clone clothing is not as good as Barbie but you
don't get everything pink either. I think this was
a Jomar's doll.

This doll looks like Summer. It is the first time that
I haveseen a Summer clone but maybe one of you have see
herbefore.

Not the best face paint but a good likeness!

The real Summer!

Note that the legs on the clone are super slim and
I would bet you has a pancake but too!

Does this logo on the box look strangely familiar too!
I found this doll at one of the Wright stores. One of the dolls
I did purchase is the next doll.

All the boxes of these dolls were beat up! Many were open
with items removed. I found this one intact. I purchased it
for the baby! All the other boxes the babies were removed.
Ifound the only "good" one in the store. By the way,
has anyone else notice the removal of kid dolls from sets?
It seems to be happening a lot here! I'm not sure if it is
a child or adults going this.

The baby is really cute and I would have paid alot to get one
on eBay.

I will have to find the baby some clothing. The doll
is nude in the carrier.

That is it! Happy Hunting!

Check out This Tutorial!

2011-10-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

My buddy Alrunia did this tutorial of Flickr!
It is on how to make a simple halter.
Please check it out!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alru/6263200125/sizes/l/in/photostream/

My Pre-Halloween Leg Transplant!

2011-10-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Leg Transplant!
I promised you guys I would post Brenda's leg transplant
once it was complete. So her it is.

When I first post Brenda last year at Christmas, She was
on her original body. She didn't have articulation. Now that
she is going to be in stories, she needs to be able to move. I
had been looking for a new body for her.

Another picture of her on her old body.

I loved the graceful hand of this doll I received in trade
form Anika at Dollz4Moi. Thanks again Anika!
They are "prettier" than the hand of the Fashionista dolls
and many of the other dolls with articulation. I swapped
Brenda's head to this body!

The only problem was that she had flat feet! This means
no high heals! She has to have heels! So I remembered a
post from Alrunia where she talked about transferring
the legs from certain types of Barbie dolls. So that is
what I did. The site Alrunia referred to no longer exists
but her comment suggests how.
http://i-luv-dolls.blogspot.com/2010/11/best-body.html?showComment=1288983113415#c5564143468338254418

Thanks Alrunia! This post is for you!

NOTE PICTURES BELOW ARE A LITTLE GRAPHIC!

It works best on dolls that have their legs attached with the
black rubber band style attachment or elastic. I checked to
see if the ballerina had that type of leg joint and she did.

Next I had a donor leg body. It was the Dancing Brandy doll.
She was the first brandy they did. The neck on this doll
was strange but the legs were what I wanted.

They too had the black rubber attachment at the legs.

I cut the legs from the body and removed all black rubber
pieces that had held the legs together on both sets of legs.

I then used elastic to re-attach the legs to the body.

I used 1/4 inch elastic. I would had preferred black but
white was the only color my local WalMark had.

I restring the legs making them tight and knotting them.

I them cut off the extra elastic from the joint.

So her she is! My new and improved Brenda!

I hope this inspires others to do the same and have the
doll of your dreams. If you try it, please let me know.
Thanks for looking!

The Twins Lisa and Keisha

2011-10-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Twins!
Here is the other Laurent sibling that you have not met.

Keisha and Lisa. They are fraternal twins. Maybe it was
because there were two of them or maybe is was because
they are so vivacious but ever since they were born they
really turned up the volume and excitement in the
Laurent home. These two really love color but in
different ways.

Lisa is the oldest by two minutes! she really loves
colorful makeup. She went to school to be a
makeup artist. She is the more outgoing of the two.

Keisha is the younger of the two. She is taller and and
a little heavier. she loves wearing colorful clothing.
Sometimes little too colorful. Keisha went to secretarial
school. She is not as outgoing as her sister. She is very
honest and trusting. Lisa and the rest of their sibling are
always making sure that Keisha isn't taken advantage
of. Keisha can also be stubborn.

They are very close as most twins are. They are also
close with their brother Tre'.

Meet The Greens!

2011-10-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the Greens!
This is Grant Green and his wife Adallah.

Grant is the owner of the Green Fund. The Green Fund
finds investment businesses in emerging markets. He met
Adallah while she was studying and working as a translator.
Grant is Camille's younger brother.

Sister and Brother!

Grant has moved to the U.S. so that his families can get to
know each other better and so his wife won't be alone when
he is on business trips.

Grants' daughters, The Green Girls!

A Moring of Mixing and Matching!

2011-10-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent de-boxing and mixing and matching.
so let me show you a little of what I did. You remember
this guy. Well I found him some hands.

They are not the best match but they are much better than
the black gloves. I'm calling him Victor. I haven't got a bio
or story for him so he won't be in characters yet.

He says hi!

Next is Trichelle! You remember her too don't you?

Well parts went everywhere! Her body went to AA Diva
Barbie. I love her face and want to add her as a character.

Her name is Sierra. I will be posting her bio this week
so stay tuned!

Sierra has a younger sister and her name is Sienna.

Francie has Trichelle's jacket! It looks so cute on her. She will
be receiving her story and her family too very soon.

I found this doll in a thrift store.She is by
Kodansha (the writing on the back of dolls is getting smaller
and smaller :)) and I have seen her sold in Kmart. I didn't
like her body and she is now on a HSM body. Can you
guess which one?

She is Aya's little sister Annie!

I tried Trichelles head on the same HSM doll. This one
has a slightly darker skin tone. The head works but the
makeup is a little to extreme for a teen. Should she stay
with a makeup change? Should she be left the way she is
with a story explaining the makeup? I take votes on
that too!

Finally, you remember Brenda as a child. Well it took some
head swapping to get her. Remember in the picture she was
bigger than Steven but smaller than Maya.

Here is the final swap! I had a mermaid Kelly who's hair turns
pink in hot water. You know I didn't need that but I liked and
need the body. I also received a AA Ballerina Barbie and Kelly
from Dollz4Moi. Thanks!!!

I like the head of the Kelly but not the feet.
So the Mermaid Kelly head is now of the ballerina body.
I purchase a SIS Kianna. Her head is on the mermaid Kelly's
body. The AA smug face Kelly body and the ballerina head
are together as young Brenda! Wow! you can't tell
the players without a score card or should I say picture. BTW
Grown up Brenda has the AA ballerina body. I just love her
hands and arms. I am planning a leg transplant on her. Stay
tuned for that too!

My Trip To Big Lot

2011-10-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Big Lot
Sorry guys, I've been very busy the last 10 days and have
not had much time to post. I will try and make up for that.
I went to Big Lots hoping for an AA guy or maybe a
Asian but no luck! I did get these.

I hate the gloved hands!

I think I have a pair of extra hands around.

And Her! I don't need the face but I can use the body.
I notice the newer versions of this doll are darker.

Fall Knits!

2011-10-08T06:34:00.001-07:00

It's fall and my dolls needed new outfits so I made a few!

This is Sioux, our model for today!

I also made this hat and scarf.

It is a "Apple" hat and scarf set.

Warm and toasty!

This one too!
In Beige!

Ready for the fall!

Both hat and scarf set are for sale or trade!

More Thift Store Finds!

2011-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

My Score!
I wanted to show you what I found on my latest trip to the
thrift store. I really think I did well! First the big score!
Barbie VW van.

I didn't see this at first because it was in a corner. First
rule of thrift store shopping, leave no stone unturned!

It is the second VW barbie vehicle I own. I may have to
show my vehicle some time soon.

It was $2.00. Although I might paint it. I do hope the price
will come of with the use of some solvent. My dolls may need
to ride before I get around to painting it.

I really love that it seats six! Can you say family vacation?

All in all it is not in bad shape. The seats move so I can
turn some seats backwards.

There is even a TV to watch on those long trips.

I have the passenger mirror but

the driver's mirror is missing. But that is the only
major flaw.

Next are miniatures that I can use for dioramas!

I found this chair, basket and vegetables.

I wish I had two of these but one will have to do!

You can always use a basket...so it got this too!

Theses veggie were in a bag and I know I could use them
this time of year! They can be Halloween , thanksgiving and
Kwanzaa!

I just love the corn!

It is all in the basket!

I found these in the case!

I got these too! The lion and

horse! They are great items for a shelve. There were more.
I should have gotten them. What was I thinking? Oh, that I only
had $10.00.

The Dolls!

You cant leave without checking out the dolls! The blonds
I purchased for the bodies. The blond seat is already on her
new body. Her face was the same as the other blond in the
Ken outfit.

I had this head for a while looking for a body. I don't have
to have articulation legs but I must have arms. I'm calling
her Amy.

I've seen this girl on a few other blogs. She is by Remco.
She was nude and I put this Stacie dress on her. You can see
it is a little big on her. She is not as tall as the old Stacie
and she is taller than the SIS Doll Kids. She has a cute
face and that what I liked. She does have the chunkier body
of the old Stacie type dolls and her feet are the same size.
She is being called Claire.

I couldn't pass up this sweetie. I don't know who
she is. This is the outfit she came with. She is
Mary.

Well I found this doll there too. If you read my blog, you
know that I'm not a fan of the oversize Desiree heads. She
had the dress and

the shoes. I just love the shoes so I got her. Her legs don't
bend...Bad Mattel, Bad, Bad! She does had free moving legs???
I don't know what they are called but they are kind you
normally see on jointed dolls. So I plan to practice leg
transplants with her.
Insert ghoulish organ music here!

This doll really need rescuing!

She is in a Ken outfit. OK! This outfit is why Mattel's menswear
is so sad. Who thought this looked good, were they paid
and why didn't they just give the money to me? You really
have to look to other manufactures for great men's clothing.
Anyway, I'm keeping the body for another doll and the head will go
into the bag of heads! Ghoulish music her too!The outfit
will go on a male to be sentto a flea market.

More on Trina

2011-10-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

More on Trina!

If you have been following my blog, you will know that
Trina Trent is a reservist stationed at Johnston
Military Base. Here she is in the local park on her lunch.

She followed Etienne here
to be in charge of the reservist Unit.

Etienne wanted some he trusted in
this position. He talked her into it.

When she is not serving as a reservist
Trina still wears a uniform.

She is Police Chief/Commissioner of
Johnston police department (JPD). Etienne wrote her
a letter of recommendation and told the Mayor he would be
a darn fool if he didn't hire her for the position.
Let's see...one part praise and two parts intimidation.
That's Etienne and that why he is her friend!

Policing isn't new to her. Her father was the chief of police
in the town she grew up in and

she started her military career as an MP.

This is Collin Kashiwahara and Miles Miller.
They are Trina's number 2 and 3.

Trina always loved Charlie’s Angels as a child.

Collin is also a reservist. He is a member of Trina unit. He
is also her number 1 in the unit. He is the get it done guy.

Miles is not military. He joined the force because they paid
for your college degree. He has enrolled in Johnston
University. He is majoring in Criminal Justice/Pre-Law.
He likes to make sure all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are
crossed. She likes having that end of things taken care of.
That makes everything neat and tidy if the Mayor has any
questions.

Being a reservist and Chief of police keeps Trina busy.

OK, lunch is over and it is back to work.

Until next time!

Whoa, Mrs. Woo!

2011-10-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Whoa, it is Mrs. Woo!
Luci Woo will join her husband for the weekend in DC when
he has to stay there especially long.

Watch out DC!

They have been married a long time but she is a firm
believer in keeping the home fires…burning.

She says“ the show ain't over!”

She has check into the Grand Hotel and is waiting for him
to join her there for dinner.

She dresses in the types of things she knows her husband
like to see like this little black number.

He misses her too.

Thomas is glad she came!

Well, it is off to dinner!

Welcome The Fall!

2011-09-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome The Fall!
After seeing Dolls on Top's post of rebodied BFF Calista,
I decide to post some pictured of my rebodied Calista.
So here she is!

I wanted to keep her a teen so she is on a HSM Taylor body.

The complexion isn't to bad either. This is her back to
school outfit! There is alot more clothes for her with
this body. I think a have a boyfriend for her too! Zeke!

Here name is now Alicia Locks

Oh! I think I here the school bell!

Renee to the Rescue!

2011-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

So if you want to know hat is up with Etienne, Matt,
and Trina... here is my video update!

I hope you enjoy it.

The Deveaux and Johnsons'

2011-09-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Here are the Deveaux &Johnsons'

Standing-Etienne Johnson, seated-Renee Deveaux-Johnson and
Dominique Deveaux on the rug-Macy

Etienne: I'm the head of this family!

Macy: He is dreaming! They let him think so.
Two sisters and he is the head? I fare better than he
does. At least my cute look works on the both of them.

Dominique: So, you couldn't get him out of his uniform
for this picture?

Renee: We were all out of ex-lax!
The sisters: laugh, laugh laugh, snicker snicker.

Naji's Family

2011-09-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Come meet Naji's Family!

As you might expect, a young man like Naji comes from a
strong and loving family.

Naji's father is Solomon Uqhad. He was born in Sudan and
moved to the US as a boy. He is a loving father and husband.
He has always encouraged Naji to be the best that he can be.
He expect nothing less from him. His father is a pastor and
they have traveled the world as part of his pastoral mission
in the church. Traveling has give Solomon a very global point
of view. Presently he has been assigned to Johnsonton, which
is a new area without a church.

This is Naji's mother Amenia. Her parent were
from Eritrea and immigrated here as college students.
She was born in the state but has traveled back to
African many times. She even attended the same girls
school Rouba as KiKi but was a few years behind her.
She has been working as an administrative assistant in many
companies and hopes to land a job here.

The family believes that this is a good move for them.
Amenia like that fact that she knows someone here!

They plan to become active in the town.

More Laurent Girls!

2011-09-15T03:15:00.000-07:00

I'm sharing some more of the tops I received in my trade
with Dollz4Moi. I am introducing a few more characters
too. I love the black and white combo, so I had to show it.
The pink and cream looks great with the Harley leather
pants and the strawberry to just looks sweet with the green
bow on the shoulder.
Maya Laurent

This is Maya Laurent. She is “Una” (pronounced you- na)
or first born in Roubanese. She is named after KiKi’s mother and her
grandmother Maya Falou. She bares a strong resemblance
to KiKi’s side of the family.

Being the oldest, Maya is very serious and was always a
studious child. It is not surprising that she went to law
school and became a lawyer. She works for a center city
law firm but has started her own practice.

At work Maya is kinda quiet, and shy, but very, very smart!
But Maya is not shy around her family. Being the oldest of
such a large family you have to be heard. He siblings even
think of her as wisecracking and a jokester.

Brenda Laurent

This is Brenda Laurent. If you follow my blog, then you met
her at Christmas and...

spending time with her grandmother in St. Malcolm.

She is number two or Tini (pronounced tin-nee) in the
Laurent clan. She and Maya are very close and share each
others secretes. Maya was first to know when Brenda first
kissed a boy! There are always alot of giggles betwen then.

Brenda is outgoing and makes friend easily.
She looks like a Laurent! She looks like Stephan's mother,
her great grandmother, especially when she smiles.
She always loved looking at pictures of her mother
and grandmothers when they were younger. She loves
their styles from that time. She especially loves
their hairstyles through the years and became a
beautician. She too had worked in center city at a hair
salon. She has since opened her own shop,Hairatage,and
she has also just completed a real estate
course. She is nerves about taking the test. Maya
helps her and preps her for the test.

Mariam Laurent

All other children are normally refer to as bini in Roubanese.
She is the four child and is behind Steve in birth order. She
and Steve are close. Right now she is getting extra Dad time!
Out of all the Laurent children she is the only one who has
expressed and interest in medicine. She is preparing to go to
dental school. Her father has her with him as much as possible
to prepare her.

The girls together.

The Green Girls

2011-09-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing The Green Girls!

The three sister move to town with their parents.
They are wearing three of the tops that I received in a swap
from Dollz4Moi. Big thanks Anika!
If you follow my blog, two of these girls you have met!

Khadijah

Is wear a pretty pink and white flowered top with a
bow on one shoulder. You met her on
Valentines' Day

Jameelah

You met on her first day at work.
She is the baby sister. She wears cute
pink top with a picture of a girl smiling.
It is a great top for her because she love to smile!

Fatimah

She wears a light and dark blue with white graphic top.
It has cute neckline and shoulders. She is the oldest
of the sisters..

Mom and daughters!

Here they are with their mom Adallah Green. They look
like their dad's side of the family but the they have their
mother's exotic baring.

The Rizzo's

2011-09-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

Meet the Rizzo's

They met in grad school and have been together
ever since.

Joseph
Has move here to open his own Home Depot Franchise.
In a town with this much building going on, he is
doing well!

Angelina
Dr. Angelina Rizzo has move here to head the Women's
department at Johnsonton hospital. Her husband
decided to open the franchise when she got the job offer.

They have a son, Joseph Jr., known as Joey.

How did I get here? They are both over achievers and I'm
...just Joey!

Angelina: Stand up straight during your soliloquy son.
Joey: Oh, no!

The Heart Family Grandpa!

2011-09-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

Before there was Happy Family Grandpa in 2003, before
there was the Mad Men Rodger Sterling doll, there was
Heart Family Grandpa.

He was the first 12" male doll in the
Barbie/Mattel line with gray hair. He was not the first doll
with gray hair. The first Happy Family Grandparents(1976)
had a gray haired but they were 9 1/2 " African American
dolls. Strangely enough when Mattel did a new line of
family dolls, they reused the name Happy Family for this
new 12 " dolls. I use the phrase Barbie/Mattel
because the Heart Family was not said to be Barbies but
"friends" of Barbie. These dolls did use the Barbie bodies,
some of the accessories, and clothes.

The Heart Family dolls were produced from 1985 till 1990.
They featured a father, mother and two children. The
parents and children were produced in both Caucasian and
African American dolls. There was a full line of items
produced for these doll including many kinds
of fashions, a house, car, playground, bike,school and they
even went to Disneyland! It was an extensive line.

In 1987 the Heart Family Grandparents were added.
These doll are the predecessors to the Happy Family dolls
of 2003. A grandpa face mold was produced for this dolls
with wrinkles molded in , not painted in. The head mold of
the grandfather was later used for Davy Crockett doll with
the hair changed to brown. Above he is in his original outfit
of purple and white shirt with a purple tie, gray pants. He
also has a white sweater. (I can't find it.) FYI out of all of
the heart family dolls the grandmother is the hardest to find.

Unlike the Happy family dolls of 2003, the Heart Family
grandparent dolls were only produced in Caucasian dolls.
I have redress my doll and his is nowliving in dolly world as
Joseph Russo manager/owner of the local Home Depot.

His is married and has a son.

The Woos'

2011-09-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Woos'

This is Thomas J. and Luci Woo. As you might remember,
Agent Woo is assigned to the Secret Service as one of the
President's body guards. He and his partner Dallas is one
of them teams that guard the president.

Having a strong home live helps him to do his job.
Luci is his rock! She keeps the home fires burning while
he is away. Since his time in the military they have always
lived on military bases and in military towns. Johnsonton
does seem like the prefect home to them.

Being on the Presidential detail takes him many places far
away from home. He needs to know that his wife is OK and
well taken care of when he is not there. Johnsonton does
that for him.

Luci is a member of the Daughters of the Pacific Rim
and the Military Wives Club.

My latest purchase!

2011-09-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

My latest purchase!
I had to go to a meeting out my area, so I decided while
there to check out the local TRU. They had a Basic male
accessory set. .. for 23.00. Outrageous! I already have a
black shirt, the key item in the set (for much cheaper off
one of the website for action figures), and enough Ken
sneaker for the free world. So I didn’t really need this set.
So, let’s keep looking around. What do you know, they had
a Liv Spa Playset! I haven’t seen one near me. It was
marked $19.99 but when I scanned it, it came up $25.00.
If you want to be make me buy something, let is scan higher
that the price on the shelf! So they adjusted the price and I
purchased it. Bling needs a work station and this should be
the right size for her. What is in the set? Here are some
pictures! Pardon the glare!

Her is what you get!

The hair dryer is clear. I like that!

The one pictured is opaque.

Face mask (may be too big), make-up, flat irons, a tubes &
bottle, and a file.

A chair , sink, blow dryer, towel's and

a stand. Sorry about the glare. A foot & hand basins.

You don't get the pretty robe pictured!

Since Bling is going to be a manicurist, I think this
works for her! I did some test shots to see.

Sooo, you work at the museum? Do you know a
guy named Brice?

The Beckers

2011-09-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

Becker is one of the well known names in music. The
town of Johnsonton is luck to have two of them living
there.

Cyrus isn't as well know to people outside of the
music business. He is more of a background guy. He
writes, arranges, and produces but what he enjoys the
most is teaching. That is why he moved to Johnsonton.
“To inspire new minds to music”.

His cousin Dupree is better known outside the music world.
He has recorded several CD’s and has a Grammy nomination.
He was given the nick-name Blues as a child. This name came
from his love of the blues and jazz but also the moodiness he
sometimes exhibited.

His moodiness can be a block to his music.
But he learned that spending time with family helps get him
out of his funk.

He decided to helps is cousin unpack the instruments
for the beginning of the school year. They mess around on
them too. The time they spend together inspires them both!

Hey, this is like grandma's piano!
Cyrus without uncle Leon sayin' "Babah canya
bring me a beer". Laughter!

Dupree: I wrote this last night!

Dupree: Ok, listen the this!

Cyrus: You need some strings man.

Cyrus: Alright, help me with the rest of these instruments.

New Characters!

2011-09-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

So I want to develop my stories and add some new
character to the town of Johnsonton. This is
military town and many of the occupants are
full-time and part-time military.

Etienne is Commander of the Air Force side of the
base. You met his right hand Matt Holmes but you
didn't meet his left hand. Captain Trina Trent. She
is his third in command. He request her here
personly when he was assigned this base.

Etienne says if there is any woman he would
wanted at his back in a war... it would be Trent.

Trent: This is what is known as a left handed
compliment!

Etienne:She can shoot, great at hand to hand fight,
hold her liquor and is good with computers.
Etienne sucks at computers.

Tent and Holmes have a bit of a "friendly" rivalry.
Holmes: You hear that Trent, third...your third in
line!

Trent: that is only because I'm a reservist now and
not active.

Trent: I can take you... right here, right now!

Can I hit her? I don't like hitting women but she's
not a woman.

Trent: Oh, now you're an expert on women just
because you got married! Right!

Etienne: we are supposed to be taking a picture!
Alright hold it both of you!

I might have to hurt the both of you!

Etienne: Jesus!
They use to get along well!

Learning and Laughter!

2011-09-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Learning and Laughter!
I've learned a lot about dolls and diorama for others on
the web. I try to make time to look at what everyone
I subscribe to has posted and to do some general looking.
And I get a chuckle from time to time too.
So I'm just popping in to share with you some things
I found on the web today.

These links are from Flickr. First...informative!
Here is a comparison of doll bodies I thought
you might find interesting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/requiemart/4769362680/in/photostream/

This one just cracked me up. It is a online tag game
played on Flickr too. You can do your own caption
to this photo!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilmissvixen/6101423079/in/photostream/

I hope you enjoy them!

First Day At Work!-Teenage Angst and Antics

2011-08-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

So, it is Naji's first day at work!Check him out!

Thanks for watching!

Introducing ...Brice Lee

2011-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Introducing Brice.
This is Brice Lee. He is my new Asian male that I got as
a swap! I am lovin’ the swaps.

He is a Joe!

About Brice:
He is new to town. He just started at the museum as the
lighting specialist. He is also a military reservist. He
moved to town for the job and to not have to travel so
long to a base for his reserve weekends. He is very
organized in what he does!

He is trying out the salon Hairatage. This is where Bling
works along with her friend Michael.

She is outside sitting on her car passing the time
before her shift starts.

She sees Brice head for the salon.

She texts Michael to get the 411 on him. Michael does most
of the male haircuts. Bling know Michael will work on him.

She can always count on Michael for help. That is part
of the reason she moved her.

In a small town a girl can't afford to be slow.

Latest Doll Crush!

2011-08-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is my latest Doll Crush! I say latest because when we get a new doll, some others get ignored. So here she is and here my first video! I am not going to tell you the amount of work that went into such a short clip but WOW! I need a nap!

Jin Loung
So please take a look at my video. Click below for video!

When The Music Stopped ,This Is What I Had!-Update!

2011-08-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

OK, you know they say everything you needed to know
you learned in kindergarten. Well I think that is true!
When I was a child, there were three popular games.
One, two, three red light, hide and go seek and musical
chairs! These games really got everyone going!
So I play some musical chairs today... or should I say musical bodies!
Here are our candidates

Barbie Basics #15

And of course we add....
Fashionista Ken brunette. You guessed that.

What you didn't expect is....Finally we add Liv Jake

And we start the music. Insert your favorite song
here.
What we end up with is

Jake's head on Barbie Basic #15, #15 head
on Fashionista Ken and Fashionista's head on Jake!

What do you think?

Update!--As requested.

I hope this pictures gives you a better look!

I asked KiKi to step in for scale! She wanted to
show off her new dress!

KiKi: Honey your head is soo big it's gotta hurt!

You head even blocks out the light. See
how dark these photos are.

Fashionista Ken and re-bodied Barbie Basic#15.
The little bit of neck on the fashionista's head
make him taller.

Fashionistas!
Original Fashionista and rebodied and re-styled
Fashionista. There is about an inch difference.
So he will be the little brother.

Barbie Basic #15 Swapped With Fashionista Ken!

2011-08-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

OK! So I tried it. Not too bad. If the fashionista neck
was a little longer, it would have been perfect.
But hey, it will do!

Bowling anyone?

Now he need a story!

Things I Swapped For!

2011-08-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

I recently did some swapping!
Here are picture of the first thing I received in a swap.
They are from Alrunia, one of my favorite people on
Flickr.
First this triple strand necklace

Dominique loves theses!

And this one too!

Some fun stuff for Aya too

She love bracelets!

Both arms for balance!

Reecie loves the drama of this jacket and stockings.

Reecie: Are you sure this thing is safe?

Ms. Leo: You are plastic right?

Reecie: I'm not doing is again!

Finally!

It is tea time! I wonder who will get these!

Fashionista Ken

2011-08-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

I went to WalMart last night to get one of the
Fashionista Ken dolls to do some head swapping.
FYI, Fashionista Kens are cheaper at Walmart
than Target!

Vanessa of Van's Doll Treasures said that she didn't
think the body worked for the Barbie Basic Ken doll.
So if I was going to get one, it better be one that I
liked. I wanted the brunette Ken from last year.
I like him better than the blond. If it worked, then
I could buy a new blond just for the swap. If not,
at least I had a doll I liked.

WalMart had the new Fashionista Ken dolls in and
just the blond from the last years' Fashionista Kens.
I wasn't really happy with the clothes of last years'
Fashionista Ken doll. I was just OK with the brunette
doll's clothing of last year. I didn't like the blond dolls
outfit. Hey Mattel, lay off the pink for guys thing will ya!
I really hate this years' outfits. They really look cheesy!
Like bad 70's throwbacks! I really wanted the last years
brunette Ken. Now, I can buy a doll just for the body or
the clothes. I prefer to get both that I like but lately that
is rare. The lines were soo long in Walmart that I walked
out with nothing remembering why I don't go there too
much. OK, mumble, mumble, mumble and
gripe, gripe, gripe.

Anyway, I took a few pictures while there to share
with you.

This is bad 70's. Do you remember those tuxedo shirts?
Oosp! Dating myself!

It doesn't look better close up. Pink top stitching
and plaid vest.

This outfit isn't much better. You can't see the
silver sneakers that comes with this jacket/top.
I thought this was interesting though. The same
doll with a slight different face. The eyes are different
on the second one. The lips are a little darker too.

First

second-sad eyes!
FYI- The Fashionista heads are on sale for $3.50 at Walmart.
I may get a few for background dolls.

WalMart is Finally Putting Liv Items On Sale!

2011-08-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Can You Believe It!
Almost two months after Target's Sale, WalMart
is finally putting Liv Playsets and clothing on sale.

Clothing- This set and others on sale for $5.00 and
coats are also on sale for $3.00

Playsets too! Playset $7.00.
Dolls are still not on sale but we can hope!

Torn Between Versions of the Same Doll!

2011-08-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have three versions of
High School Musical Gabriella.

The first is HSM 1 Gabriella –first issue if the doll,

the second is HSM 3 Graduation Gabriella

and third is prom date Gabriella.

Yes they all need their fly-aways handled but
I am in a hurry.

The last two both came out the same year. The first issue
doll is beige-ish complexion as more dolls were issued,
the Gabriella dolls for some reason got darker! The
last two dolls the Grad and the Prom dolls are darkest
with Prom being darker than Grad. Now I never saw
the movies so maybe there is something in them
that explains it like she was in South America for a
while but I don’t know why she kept getting darker.
I thought about that while reading
Black Doll Collecting's blog on the Liv Alexis.

My dilemma-
I only need to keep one doll but which one.
I have narrowed it to Prom and Grad. They do look
different. I love the complexion on the Grad and the
Prom date dolls. She is a caramel color on both but
Prom is a little darker with darker lip color. I love the
hair on the Prom too. It is not an everyday hairstyle…
the up do…so she does stand out. It harder for her to be
just one of the girls with that do! The complexions make
it harder than just keeping the head too or maybe I’m
being too picky . Decisions, decisions, decisions!
What would you do?

Purchase Barbie Basic # 15!

2011-08-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

#15 Barbie Basics!
I purchased Barbie Basics #15 with hopes of redoing
him soon. He is a very cute guy but first thing I’ll have
to do is find him a new body! I can’t stand those poser
MM bodies of the Barbie Basics dolls! Come on Mattel,
get it together! Make the Basics with articulation will ya!

I am thinking about make him Asian. I already have this
face as a blond. I saw him as an OOAK Asian doll on the
doll page. I also so him redone as a Johnny Depp lookalike
too! I really liked them both. I will be looking for the right
outfits too. When he is done I will post him. Here
are a few pictures for now!

close-up

I may purchase #16 too but I’m not sure yet.

Flea Market Finds!

2011-08-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Flea Market Items!
I went to a flea market this weekend and I found these
items and I also got a great recipe while there to try. You
will see my finds now and I'll tell you how the recipe came
out later.

First!

This bike
It is all metal and a great size for my dolls on Liv bodies
or my teen dolls.

Fi at the park!
Fiona is getting in some exercise. She knows she
should eat right and exercise to stay youthful!
Then!

This doll?
I think she is Wizards of Waverly Place
Alex Russo/Selena Gomez. I thought she was a HSM
Gabriella doll when I saw her in the toy bin but she is not.
Which is good because I already have one.

Alex and Gabriella
Warning Nude Dolls!

She is the same size as female HMS dolls but the
body is a little different.

The hip joint is different

and the right hand is the same while...

the left hand is different. Finger aren't as curved!

If you are interested in a Gabriella doll, just look on
my dollpage site.

Lastly this!

I am not sure what it was supposed to be
but it looked like a great fireplace to me!

I took out the insert and will make it
a window or maybe a piece of art work.

As a fireplace!
They all
were .50¢. It was a great day for my doll budget!

Early Morning Meeting-Teenage Angst and Antics

2011-07-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

This post is to honor Mrs Fagon, who gave me my
first job at 14. I learned alot from her

After making this post, I realized it was a bit long and
it should have been a video. I guess I will have to work
on that. Here it is anyway.

Franklin Institute Academy of Science Museum is very
busy during the summer. They have a new Dinosaur
exhibit which is really bringing visitors in. To supplement
their staff, the museum hired high school students from
the Leads Program to work as summer interns. The best
Lead Program candidates get to work one weekend a month
during the school year. For most of the students, this is
their first job. Midge is the assistant curator for the
museum. She has also been tasked with the summer intern.
The Lead Program suggests and Midge finds it helpful to start
each day with the interns with the morning meeting. Let’s
listen in as she starts her first morning meeting.

Good Morning inters! Midge laughs to herself because she
sounds so formal but this is her job now.
Interns: Good Morning.

Midge: I would like us to introduce ourselves and tell a
little about yourself like what grade you are in, what is your
favorite subject in school is. You may also mention what
you are thinking about being when you graduate from
school. I’ll start first!

My name is Mrs. Margaret Hill but you can call me
Mrs. Hall. I am the assistant curator here at the museum and
I have been working here for two years. I worked at the
Mount Clay Museum for eight years before coming here.
I graduated from Mount Clay University with degrees art
and history. I worked as a docent or guide while in college.

I love art and it was my favorite subject in school. I wanted
to be a painter but they only make money when they are
dead. Everyone laughs.

Working at the museum allows me to work in an area I love
without having to starve! They all laugh again. Would you
like to go next?

My name is Brianna Morgan and I am a freshman. I too like
art and it is my favorite subject.

I though it would be great fun to work in a museum. I’m not
sure what I want to do when I’m out of school. I am still
thinking about that.

Midge: Thanks Brianna. You might find working here gives
you a deeper appreciation for art. Ok, would you like to
go next?

Ok. My name is Joey Rizzo and I am a freshman. I like
sports, cars and anything Indiana Jones. I thought it would
be cool to work in a museum.

I would like to be a reporter when I’m done school.
Oh, my favorite subject is gym.

Midge: Thanks Joey. There aren’t any adventures here like
in the Indian Jones movies but you might find it interesting
to see the history from the movie. We see a lot of people
here. You will learn to talk to people here. That may help
you when you are a reporter. Why don't you go next?

My name is Naji Uqdah and I am a sophomore. I like
computers and photography. I am especially interested in
lighting. I play around with lighting in photos.

I also use it to decorate my room. I know that lighting is
important in museums and was interested in the whys and
hows of museum lighting. I am not sure of what I want to
do when I graduate but with will have to do with
computers and lighting.

Midge: Well Naji , you have come to the right place to learn.
I will make sure you spend some time with our lighting
specialist Brice Lee while you are here. It is your turn
now.

Hi! My name is Jameelah Laurent and I am a sophomore
too!

looks at Naji and smiles. (When she smiles at him, Naji feel
his heart jump.) My favorite subjects are English and
writing. I plan to work at a hotel as a tour guide (she smiles
at Midge) or as a concierge when I graduate.

Joey: What is a concierge?

Jameelah: It is a person that makes arrangements for
you at a hotel.

Joey: You mean a desk clerk?

Jameelah: A desk clerk checks you in or out and can help
with thing at the hotel. A concierge makes arrangements
for you outside of the hotel. They book theater ticket and
tours, and restaurants too.

Midge notes a confidence to this young lady.

Joey: You know a lot about hotels?

Jameelah: My family owns a hotel.

Joey: sounding a little incredulous “Then why are you
working here?”

Naji elbows Joey. Ouch!

Jameelah: I want to have well rounded experiences. I will
work for my family during break or next year.

Midge notes she grace under pressure….good to know.
Midge: Ok, and now for you.

Megan: My name is Megan and I am a junior. My favorite
subject is world history and when I graduate I want
to have a job where I travel the world.

I thought it would be nice to learn about places
working at the museum.

Midge: Well, Megan you will learn about places here. We
have exhibits from all over the world.

Interns! You will get a chance to work in most of the
positions throughout the museum while you are here.
I will now give you your assignments for this week.
OK interns, few quick notes for all you, we start on time
at the museum. If you are going to be late call the main
desk and ask for me. You have an hour for lunch. You
can bring your lunch or eat in the commissary.

We are not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts here at the
museum. Joey, you may not have known that, so it is
alright for today.

Megan your shoes need to be black…totally. No
other colors along with the black.

Brianna you skirt is OK, but ladies no short skirts and no
short shorts on any intern. Please remember to wear your
Kaki bottoms and white shirt with sleeves from now on.
It is important here at the Franklin Institute Academy
of Science Museum to follow the dress code. We have a
very busy day today. We have a group of children coming
from the Seeds of Learning day camp this morning.

Joey says to himself: Wow, I never had a dress code

before, I don’t know how I feel about that.

Brianna: How many kids are coming?

Midge: Twenty to twenty-five. Joey, you’ll be in the gift shop.

Joey : Wow 20-25 kids! Joey says to himself…And I’ve
got the gift shop today. Kids never know what they
want in the gift shop. Bummer!

Megan says to herself, I didn’t think these shoes were that
bad. I can’t imagine that I would need different shoes for
work than I did for school. Who does that?

Midge: Brianna, you will be at the helpdesk.

Brianna: I wonder if I will see Aya?
Jameelah: She is working at Seeds of Learning this
summer. She applied at Leads when I did. They
have three interns.

Midge: Naji, you’ll be in audio/visual.
Joey: Can I go to audio/visual too?
Midge: No, you have your assignment. That is your job.

Megan, you’ll be in the
commissary. Jameelah, you’ll be with me.

Naji is happy that he and Joey aren’t together.

Naji can tell he is trouble
and complainer.

Midge: Alright, Let’s start the day!

Stay tuned for The Museum Trip

High School Musical Zeke

2011-07-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Zeke!

If you read my post on Mattel Black Male Dolls, you
would know that one doll missing for my collection of
Black male dolls and on my wish list was High School
Musical 3 Prom Date Zeke. As a fugal doll purchaser, the
Zeke doll never really went down in price in retail stores.
That may be because he only showed up as part of a set.

Sales version of the doll set

Still the set never went down in price. I don't think that
many were produced either. It was one of the first times
that I saw a young blond female Caucasian doll (Sharpay)
paired with a young black male doll (Zeke) in a toy series.
(I may be wrong, so let me know). It was the first and only
set that contained Zeke. I found him on EBay recently
for a great price. The clothing was in bad condition but
the doll was not.

A little about HSM AA male dolls
One of the great things about the High School Musical series
is that the series produced two AA characters and three AA dolls.

Chad #1
Side Note--This shirt was too short even for a smaller doll.
I use it for the girl dolls.

This is the first version of Chad Mattel uses the
Jamal/Steven head mold for this doll. The gave him rooted
two tone curly hair and the complexion was lighter many
of the Jamal/Steven dolls.

Chad #2
The second version of the chad doll received it own face.
I am not sure it looked much like the actor either but very
few celebrity dolls do. The hair didn't have as much of the
two toned look but hair color does differ from doll to doll.

Now that chad had a new look Mattel was free to use the
Steven/Jamal head again for another doll in the the series.

Zeke-

For the Zeke character who appeared in all three movies they
gave the Jamal Steven doll a darker complexion than Chad
in keeping with the character of Zeke in the movies
and he was darker than the Zeke from the promotion shots.

This version of the doll looks lighter and more neutral than
the actual sales doll. the one thing that can be said is these
three dolls, Chad 1, Chad 2 and Zeke were the first time that
Mattel did a doll this size (Kevin size) in an African American
doll. Poor AA teen Skipper. Both AA Teen Skipper
(Prom teen and Pizza Party AA dolls) and AA teen Nikki
never had a male counterpart. There were some promo
pictures of an AA doll (on the box of school desks) but he
never made it to production. They are the only AA Todd
size dolls. The HSM dolls also gave us more Kevin size
fashions.

Alexis At Target On sale!

2011-07-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Finally, I found the Alexis from Target on sale! It wasn’t
the lowest price I’ve seen but Alexis doesn’t stay around
long enough to make the first( $9.79) mark down let
alone the second markdown in my area. I had to drive
a good ways out to find a Target that had her on sale.

Strange, there are two version of this doll. One is a lighter
complexion and the other is darker. Maybe it the beginning
and end of summer look. I don’t know why but I purchase
the darker one in hopes that she was closer in complexion
to the doll that I have. Most of my dolls are a medium
brown or dark brown. They are between Grace and Kara…
strange too. The store had two so I bought them both.
If I did like them, I could sell them but I didn’t want to
kick my self for not buying both later on.

I also got a shoe set with heels. I needed heels
for these Liv bodies. They were marked down to $2.98.

When I got her home, poor Alexis got "The Borg"
treatment. Her body went to….

Wild Bunch Francie.

She is one of my favorite dolls and needed a possible
body for play. I will keep my original Francie bodies.
One never knows. If you are counting, that is two
Francies with Liv bodies. One to go.

The body is slightly lighter but it will work!

Francie and Puddin' in the park!

Francie can now move around and sit like a lady now.
The Liv swimsuit
went to …

Fiona. She needed a more matures looking swimsuit
and this one fit the build. The wig? Well that is up in
the air.

Dominique grabbed the wig for the
Sports Mag Swimsuit Issue shoot.

This shot made the cover!

The head will go on the dollpage soon.

The Heels!
Fi in heals.

She is going to a wedding!

She loves that now she can wear heels. She loves heels and
couldn’t wear them before.

Wonder what Ian will think of these.
OK! That is it for my budget for now!

My First Attempt At Dreadlocks!

2011-07-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at Dreadlocks! It was not
the first look that I thought about for this doll but
it was something I could try without too much expense.
Also the Cali line of dolls are the same complexion as the
light AA dolls in the Barbie line. He has the same
complexion as the AA happy family father. I guess you
can say that the Cali line was Jerseylious! :)

Cali Blaine

Jake Belle

I gave him a little mustache too! I like the way he
turned out. There are something I would do differently
next time. Not bad for my first attempt.

I will probably taper the ends of his hair.

He has a different look than before.

StudMuffin! I think will be Dr. Jake Belle. He is one

of those doctors without borders types.

Liv Sale At Target!

2011-07-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

I found these items on sale at Target!
First, is the Spin Master Making Waves Cabana. I had my
eye on this one for a while but didn’t like the price. Good
things do come to those who wait. It was on sale for $6.44.
Sweet huh! This will get added to my St. Malcolm props!

Also the Making Waves dolls, the ones they had left
were on sale for $6.89 at the second mark down. The first
was $9.98. I got another Hayden for my Smashin' Satin
Francie. I still need a Katie for my Glad About Francie.
Finally, these Liv coats were on sale for $2.98. I
stocked up!

The claiming started the moment they came out of the bag!

What I have noticed is that different things are on sale at
different Targets. I can't figure out why. In one target store I
found summer play sets (cabana and others), some clothing
(KiKi’s dress from previous post) and swimsuit dolls on sale.
I picked them up and I am glad I did. At another store I
found only coats on sale. So, I picked up 3 coat sets. Coats
were on sale at my local store yet but play set weren't on
sale at other store. I guess I need to make the rounds!
Alexis wasn’t on sale at either store. She is who I’m really
looking forward to get a hold of on sale.

Temporary Head Swap!

2011-07-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Temporary Head Swap
I just tried this temporarily to see how it would look.

Steven/Jamal doll and Twilight New Moon Jacob doll.
The complexion is not bad and it could be done
permanently if you had to/needed to.

Unfortunately Mattel never did a Steven doll with
a swivel neck in the same complexion as Barbie
Basics #17. Doesn't that just burn you up. I guess
we will still be waiting for a body to swap his head
with. :(

Backgrounds and Artwork!

2011-07-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

In my last post- Experiments And Test Shots!-Updated, I
used a few different backgrounds for my shots. It gave each
set of pictures a different feel and was different from the white
background I sometimes use when I am comparing dolls.

I got some comments about the backgrounds and it was
taking up far too much space to answer the comments,
so I decided to blog about it. Thank you Tracy India,
Karina, dbg of Black Doll Enthusiast and Frannie for
inspiring this post.

Here is what I used and my sources:
Beach scene is a poster I got from Big Lot for $2.99 last
summer. They may still have some. I haven’t been there
in a while. I got that one and

He autographed this one for the family.

Beach is used a lot for St. Malcolm scenes.

the mountain scene one in Tour of the Pacific Rim Dress
Rehearsal. It was some of the best money I’ve spent.

Café is a picture/poster I purchased from Wal-Mart a week
ago for $1.00. I just love it! I have stores worked around
this French Café’.

Now Ms. Leo is cheap and believes in using what is free
or what you already have. The azalea scene and the garden
beach scenes are calendars!

Careful placement of doll and furniture keeps you from
seeing the date and month!

This is a calendar....

this too!

I have even cut the small pictures of what each month is and
used them as calendars or art. In Khadijah’s first Valentine’s
Day and My Sewing Project I used thumbnail month pictures in
the scene. I also use post cards as artwork if I like the pictures.

Artwork is from the back of calendars thumbnails
and postcards.

Finally the brick background is scrapbook paper that I
purchased from Joann’s fabric for .25 a 12 x12 sheet. I
purchased 8 (should got more) and have used them for
everything from Renee and Etienne’s home (all 8),
background for Barbie Basics #17 to the backstage
for Woo and Dallas. It is a must have!

So cute... all he needs is a wall!

Not used in the test shot post but used often is a roll
(like gift wrap) of paper with a blue background and clouds
use for all my sunny day shots! I got that at Michael’s for
about 4.99 and have only used about 3o inches of a 4 foot roll.

Sun comes out after the snow!

Kids play on a sunny day!

So there you have it! Go out and look for interesting
backgrounds for your pictures. Almost anything could be a
background or artwork!

Experiments And Test Shots!-Updated

2011-07-10T17:55:00.001-07:00

No words. Just pictures!