Check Out Auntie Paulette! Labor Day Cookout Part 2 Video

2The new video is ready.  Auntie Paulette makes an appearance.  I must say she is looking quite stylish.  She even has on a pair of limbe doll sandals.  I picked out the outfit before I knew she would be wearing the sandals.  Of course there was a perfect matching pair. 

You go auntie!

I didn't do a lot of new food.  I just used what I had.  Don't ask me what the yellow item is.  I made it a long time ago and it is a little too big in scale.  I wish I had made corn on the cob.  I knew I had a lot of plastic corn on the cob, but I couldn't bring myself to put it on the table.  It just looked so fake.  I didn't bake the potato salad or the beans.  So I was able to serve the potato salad.  Somehow the beans solidified on their own, so I couldn't put them on the plates.  Potato salad was everywhere!  It was pretty funny.  The next video will feature more of Rod and Danielle.

Double-click to see the video full screen

Daddy's Home!

It was an interesting morning as I attempted to give some of my new doll heads bodies.  It was a very trying experience.  I was trying to use bodies that I had on hand until I get new bodies.  The problem with some of the action figure bodies is the height.  Some of the bodies are shorter than the Barbie bodies.  Spending $20 - $50 on a body that turns out to be shorter is not something I want to do.  So I may have to get real creative to get what I want.  

Racquel's husband has finally arrived in town and we are all thrilled.  What a hunk!  Racquel may have some problems keeping the single ladies in check.  Where's Halle?  Has anyone seen her lately?  Maybe she skipped town.   That could be a good thing.

Here he is in all his glory.  I tried him on several bodies.  None of which really worked.  The body that his head actually fit made him shorter than Racquel.  He is currently on Darius' body, which he will not be keeping.  His head doesn't fit this body.  I have it rigged so that it works.  If I can find an Integrity body that is not so expensive, I will creatively alter the body and/or the head to make this body work.  It is a great height for him.  For now, he and Darius will share this body.  At some point they will need to be in the same scene together.  He will need his own body by then.

These are my new dolls.  The gentleman on the left is the action figure I introduced you to a week ago.  He is really nice looking.  Forgive me for having him in that awkward pose.  He didn't make a great dad for Leslie.  I haven't figured out what role he will play yet. I really like him, but there are a couple of downsides.  First of all, his head is a tad small.  Secondly, his feet and shoes are one and the same.  Sort of like Bratz doll.  This is kind of odd for action figures. 

His feet are incredibly big.  Good thing they are nice shoes since they aren't removable.

I love this face.  I took a chance on buying her head.  I don't like the female action figure bodies, so I wasn't sure what I would do with her.  She is on a LIV body, but I had to cut away parts of her neck in order to make it work.  It turned out really well!  Now I have an Asian teenager.  I love Momoko dolls, but they are not in my budget.  This is my substitute for the Momoko doll.  She is about 18 years old.

Last, but not least. is Grandpa.  This is Leslie's father.  His body is temporary too.  I just had to use something until I can get a body that works better.  I am really excited to incorporate grandparents into the stories.

The Cookout Has Begun. (A New Video)

I finally shot the latest video.  There will be at least 2 more parts to the cookout, and they will be done pretty quickly. A few new characters have made their way into a video.  They are as follows::  Racquel, who is Antoinette's best friend from high school; Naisha, who is Leslie's first cousin; and Jada and her Dad, who plays ball with David and the guys.  The teenager will make her appearance in the next video. 

As you will note in the video, Antoinette's and Tony's house, which is right next door to the Anderson's is in a state of disrepair.  I wanted to complete at least their yard renovation before I shot the video, but that would have taken way too long.  Hopefully, they will get it together soon.  Hope you enjoy the video.

Double-click the video to see it in full screen

If I Believed in Coincidences, This Would Be Incredible!

I used to believe in coincidences when I was much younger.  I now recognize it as divine intervention. 

On Sept 1st, one of my blog readers, Gwen, who is a miniaturist, and now an online friend, forwarded me an email with a picture of a fabric called "Vintage Shabby Rose".  She had been sent the email from one of her online friends, who had passed away over a year ago.  Gwen had received hundreds of emails from this woman that she was still working her way through.  She picked Sept 1st to open and share the rose fabric with me.

Hours later that same day, I got an email from someone who had seen my furniture and wondered if I took commissions.  She was looking for a shabby chic sofa in the same style of my traditional sofas, for her Momoko doll room.  She mentioned "maybe something with a rose that has a beachy feel".   I had never done a shabby chic sofa, but I was very familiar with the style from my interior design days.  I told her I would look for a fabric and get her approval before beginning the project.  I immediately thought about the fabric that Gwen had sent me earlier, but it was about $20 a yard + shipping, just for the one piece. 

That weekend I went to my favorite home decor discount store.  I buy most of my upholstery fabrics there because the fabrics are priced right and I can usually find some really unique fabrics.  I went through the whole store and I only found two fabrics that I thought might work.  I was hoping to find more, so the buyer could have a choice.  If she didn't like either of these, I would have to go to the other upholstery stores that were a lot more expensive.

These are the two fabrics I found.  The scale was perfect for 1/6 scale. I wasn't sure how she would feel about all the yellow.  It wasn't the Vintage Shabby Rose fabric that Gwen sent to me, but there were roses.

So, my new customer loved both fabrics, but was willing to see more, if I had some.  Since I didn't, we moved forward with these two.  I told her I would update her on my progress in a few days.  This past Sunday, I emailed her to say that the sofa was 90% done and that I would finish in a couple of days.  She emailed me back and told me she was sooo excited.  She stated that she had been telling one of her online Momoko friends that she would soon be getting a shabby chic sofa for her dolls.  She emailed her friend a picture of the fabrics, and this is where the magic happens....

Her friend, who she has never met before, immediately sent her the following pictures of her real sofa in her own living room.

Can you believe it!!! It has the same fabrics that I chose for the doll sofa?  It was as though I had walked into this ladies living room and saw her furniture.  My customer and her friend were in disbelief, as am I.  I would have loved to have seen this before I made the doll sofa.  This is a great example of shabby chic. 

So let's play a little game of "What are the odds?"  What are the odds that

1) On Sept 1, Gwen would open the email with shabby chic fabric after it had sat unopened for so long, and then email it to me.  We had never really discussed fabrics before.

2) On Sept 1, I would get a commission for a shabby chic sofa.

3) I would find both these fabrics in a discount fabric store. They weren't even together in the store.  I ran across the second fabric 15 mins after finding the first.

4) She would like these fabrics, which were the first ones I showed her.

5) My customer's online friend, that she never met, or discussed her real furniture with, would have a shabby chic sofa made of this fabric.  I looked at over 100 photos of shabby chic sofas preparing for this project, and never once did I see this fabric, which tells me it is not a common fabric choice.

I immediately got goosebumps and everytime I think about this I get goosebumps all over again and a little teary eyed.  As I always say, God is in the details.  What other explanation can there be?  Of all the fabrics in the world, all the people in the world, all the days in a year, etc, we were connected with a style (shabby chic) and a couple of pieces of fabric.  I always know that God is with me every day.  I just get extra excited when things like this happen because I know that this could be a prelude to something fabulous that he is planning.  It also reminds me of his awesomeness.  Not that I need to be reminded.

It's All About the Running Shoes

I know, I know.  I am supposed to be shooting the cookout video.  I just spent time getting more dolls dressed.  I needed to take a break.  Yesterday, I broke down and bought shoes.  Yes, they came with a doll, but it was the shoes that pulled the $12 out of my purse.

Here is the doll, the latest Trichelle S.I.S Pastry doll.  I didn't need another Trichelle doll, but I needed those shoes and the outfit is really nice, too.  Finding cute running shoes like this for heeled dolls is virtually impossible. 

Leslie and David Give an Update on the Cookout

THE LABOR DAY COOKOUT:  Leslie and David have been working really hard getting everything ready.  They are expecting a big turnout.  David has invited the staff from the gym.  A few of them said they could come. Others said they may stop through, if time permits. Of course some of their regular friends will be there and a few new people, as well.

The patio is suitable for the cookout. They will do more work to it at a later date. 

LESLIE: Hey guys. The kids are both napping, so I thought I would take a moment to update you on our progress.  As you can see we have worked on the patio.  I am using the term "we" very loosely.

 

LESLIE:  I spent the day preparing the baked beans and the potato salad.  David prepped the meat and decided to grill a few ribs to test out his new grill.  Better to make sure it works now than to wait until we have a house full of people.

LESLIE:  Okay.  I have to admit, my honey put his foot in these ribs.  I'm not sure we are going to be serving them on Saturday.  Those folks may be getting chicken instead of these lip-smacking ribs.

DAVID: Uh, darling....my boys are not coming here for the chicken.  They are coming for my special ribs.

LESLIE: Honey, you know your boys will eat anything that isn't moving. 

LESLIE  Anyway, we are excited about the cookout and we can't wait to see you this weekend.  Okay, David doesn't want me to say goodbye without you getting to see his special grilling apron.  I tell you the truth, I worry about him sometimes.  If he wasn't so cute...

David:  Ha ha.  Isn't she funny?

Leslie:  Okay honey, hurry up and show them your apron.  It's getting a little chilly out here.

OTHER UPDATES:  Antoinette was supposed to be giving you an update on her new kitchen remodel, but she was in no mood to talk about it.  They have made progress, but there were a couple of bumps along the way. She had requested they redo the cabinets in antique white with a Tuscany feel.  Apparently, there was a major miscommunication, because when she returned from a catering job (leaving her dear husband in charge), the cabinets where mahogany stained.  As you can imagine, she was less than thrilled.  Tony is still in the dog house for that one.  He says it was just a big mistake, but she is not convinced he didn't have something to do with it.  He has always loved mahogany.  She is rolling with the punches, though, but this means she has to pick a whole new backsplash and countertops.  The french doors she ordered for the family room, arrived, but they are the wrong size.  They are waiting for the right ones to arrive.  Nikaya has been sulking the past few days, because she is concerned about her sleepover.  Antoinette has assured her that the sleepover will happen as planned.

Rod and Danielle have been seeing quite a bit of each other since dinner at Danielle's house.  The boys have really warmed up to Rod.  The cookout will be their first official "couple" outing.  Roderick is thrilled.  He is also working on the weekend getaway plans for him and Danielle.  Danielle has a couple good babysitters lined up, but hasn't decided who will get the job.

Nicole Is Ready For Her Sleepover

And so are Nikaya and Jessica.  They have been plotting and scheming (as my mother used to say) and they have convinced their parents to let them have a sleepover at Nikaya's house after the Labor Day cookout.  So I made all three of them new sleeping bags for the occassion.

Today I finally found brick wallpaper.  It is not the color I wanted, but I have to go with it.  Now I can finish the patio so this cookout can happen.  Labor Day in dolly world is a tad bit later than the real Labor Day.

"Got Milk?" ..... I Do, Finally!

I had a few other titles in mind for this post.  Here are a couple of them.

"I Went to Michael's and Lost My Mind"

"I Really Need to See Someone About This"'

"Put That Back!"

I went to Michael's to buy brick wallpaper.  Well, they didn't have any. I should have turned around and left the store, but I had a 50% off coupon in my pocket that I needed to use.  I perused the store and did very well!  I said "put that back" so many times, I lost count.  I was 3/4 of the way through the store and I had done quite well.  I got to the section with the books and little kid what-nots.  There hanging on an endcap were the Crazyerasers.  I am sure most of you already have these.  Well they have eluded me for months now.  I would see other people's blogs with some really cute erasers.  The only ones I ever saw were the cakes.  Of course, I didn't need those.  I wanted the one with the gallon of milk and the sewing machine.  I now know why they call them Crazerasers.  I felt like I was going crazy as I kept putting them in my basket.

Here is the awesome milk set that I am sure you have seen by now.  The bowl comes with cereal in it.  The cereal just pops in and out.

Here is the milk in the Taylor's new refrigerator.  It is a snug fit, but it sure looks good.

This was the only one they had out of about 50 sets.

Here is the sewing kit.  I bought two thinking that there will be a designer in the group soon.  Of course you could use them in a sewing class, too.  The possibilities are endless.  I probably need a couple more.

This is the cutest kid's set.  The little barn is adorable. I had Julian and Jacob in mind when I bought it.  I treat those fashion doll kids like they are real.  I really do need to see someone about that. LOL.

I only bought this set for the piggy bank.  It will end up in some kid's bedroom. 

I had to buy 2 bowling sets to get one pair of shoes for display. I am planning to do a kid's bowling party sometime in 2012. Yes, I have the bowling pins and ball from the $1 store.

I bought this set for Nicole.  The pink and green little pseudo lamp will look really cute in her room.  She will also get the peace sign.

Couldn't pass up these two.  I don't know if I will open the Princess Tatiana pez.  I will take the Hello Kitty off the Pez and use it for a decoration in someone's room.

"If I Knew Then, What I Know Now, I Would Have....."

I am starting a new "If...then"  monthly post for the next few months.  It requires your participation.  Regarding my doll collection, I often find myself saying "Man, I sure wish I had bought this, or bought that". Like they say, hindsight is 20/20.

So I will tell my dolly regret, and for those doll people, who want to participate, you tell one of your dolly regrets.  Only one per post, please.  You will have another chance next month to give another one.  For the non-dolly readers, feel free to tell one regret from your craft, hobby, or love.  Thanks in advance for participating.

Here's mine.

If I knew then, what I know now, I would have bought every Happy Family item they had available.

What's yours?

Another Fine Specimen for the Ladies

Or as Tracy India would say "FIONE" specimen for the ladies. He is not here yet, but he is in route. I am not sure of his nationality.  He has one of those looks, where you tend to ask the question, "What is he?"  In my world he will be of mixed heritage. My first thought is that he will be Leslie's dad and Naisha's uncle.  Which makes Leslie and Naisha first cousins.  Of course, I never make any decisions until I see the dolls together.  Once he arrives, and his family connection is established, I will post an extended family photo.  He will be another character that operates in both the Barbie family and the Elite world.  I'm trying to get some older people in my stories.  I just love seeing grandparents with their grandkids.  I have had several requests from YouTube fans for a family reunion. This means I need to have some extended family members in order to make this happen one day.

I wonder if he has a special lady in his life?

I am delving more into the confusing world of action figures.  What's so confusing, you ask?  Does this head fit this body? Will it fit another body? Will this color body match? Why don't they have more variety of darker skinned bodies? Wow, that sure is an ugly color for a body. Is this body taller than the Barbie bodies? And the list goes on.  I imagine I will make some costly mistakes as I try to learn more.

By the way, this is NOT the guy I made reference to many posts ago.  That guy is still on my list and nay be there a few more months.  Poor thing.