Redecorating

You know it's bad when a big package arrives at your house looking like this:

Or this:

Or this.So it seems like somewhat of a miracle when the contents
turn out to be undamaged bookcases for my office.
I put these babies together myself.

I may be a doll collector, but I know my way around a power drill.

I unpacked my collection after a 4-month hiatus.

I will probably be donating some dolls to Goodwill
or trading with other members to thin down my collection
to just the ones that I really enjoy. Quality over quantity!

I finally get to use this display case again, yeah!

This print was given to my for my birthday,
and is sooo gorgeous and HUGE in person.

And it's totally okay with me that the frame doesn't match the other one.

Woo-hoo, I got to unpack the doll closet, too!

I still have somewhere in the ballpark of 230+ dolls and/or fashions.
There are a few boxes of dolls packed up that I might
be trading, selling or donating at some point.
For now, I like having the breathing room.

A Stunning Discovery

Mattel released "Stunning in the Spotlight," a Silkstone** Barbie
last year for the horrendous price of $161.
Needless to say, I did not immediately run out and purchase this doll.
No- I scoured every website out there trying to find a price I could stand to pay.
No such price was to be found in the 18 months I have been looking.
Until.
I stopped into a shabby and neglected-looking Tuesday Morning store this week just to see if MAYBE there was some buried treasure, because every once in awhile I have found Barbie bargains there.

Unbelievably, this doll was just sitting there on a dusty shelf in a somewhat scuffed and dirty box. But the doll itself was untouched and perfect. AND it was half price! Still expensive, but that's what gift cards and birthday money are for!

The thing I like most about this doll is her unusual coloring- pale skin, dark eyes, light hair. Remind you of anyone?!?!
(These are pictures taken by another collector, fyi.)

In case the doll looks familiar to Mom, it's because the Silkstone doll is designed to pay homage to this doll, "Solo in the Spotlight," released in the early 60s.
It was part of Barbie's 50th birthday last year.

** Silkstone is a special material used by Mattel that has the look, feel, and weight of porcelain. Their clothing and accessories are generally of better quality and design. Silkstone dolls are substantially more expensive than regular collectible vinyl dolls.

Barbie and Birthdays

It's pretty much been established that Barbies make great birthday presents.
This birthday was no exception: Jeremy gave me Couture Angel Barbie.

I also received a gorgeous limited edition print of a Silkstone Barbie
and will post later once it is framed and on display in my office.
Stay tuned, Barbie fans!