Barbies Enchanted evening!
I collect for different reasons, and during different seasons of my life, as I’m sure you do, too. Some times I’m able to seek and spend more, other times it takes more careful planning. I don’t have a physical list of grail dolls like some of you, but I do know in my head what I like. This doll, this outfit-well, they were a part of me from the very beginning 10 years ago. You see, I enjoyed sewing- mostly gowns, of course!- and I made this one in several colors: cream satin, red satin and of course, pink satin. I’d never seen the doll in person, but I recreated this iconic outfit, right down to the fur stole. Something about it made me starry eyed with girly dreams. Imagine, then, finding this doll, the outfit, the sweet pieces so darling and lovely- it didn’t and doesn’t matter to me that it’s a reproduction doll, that I had to fix her hair after our move, that she’s not quite perfect- to me, she is, and always will be. That’s the magic of Barbie, my dear friends- the beauty, intelligence and history she brings brings us joy, soothes our souls and fills something inside of us that we didn’t even know was there. Sometimes I go into my Barbie space and simply look- at all I’ve acquired, at the beauty , at how far I’ve come. She makes my life feel special and full of wonder. Spreading Barbie love isn’t a whim- it’s a joy. If I can lead one person to that feeling, I’ll consider us both the better for it. Enchanted, indeed! Stay safe dolls, and know you are loved!
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#vintagebarbie #dollcommunity #dollcollectors #dollcollecting
My Barbie dreams, COME TRUE!
Let’s talk about these incredible gifts from @mattel and @barbie !
As a college professor and mom I’m always telling people to dream big, because if you can dream it, you can achieve it. I believe this with all of my heart and so after the last year of huge highs and lows, my goal this year was to connect more-with my family and students, with Barbie, and with YOU! I wanted to learn more, live more, spread joy more. The past month has seen so many of my dreams come true-connecting with you all thru my lives has been wonderful, the generosity of Mattel and Barbie have been incredible and my goal for connection with more of you? A real dream come true. I’m so grateful and blessed by all of this, and I’m not going to stop saying that because Barbie has literally made my dreams come true. I promise if you spread love and joy thru Barbie, your life will be richer than you ever imagined!
Thank you again for these gifts, Mattel and Barbie. I love you you much!
Stay safe, and know you are loved!
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#barbie65 #barbiecollector #dollcommunity #dollcollectors #dollcollecting
That Iconic Barbie swimsuit….
Have you ever suddenly seen things that were always there, but you didn’t notice? Let me explain! I knew I wanted to make a reel about my new Barbie fashionista 213 (thank you for the gift, @barbie and @mattel !) and then thought- what else do I have with her wearing the striped swimsuit? Well…. I had LOTS of dolls, from original size down to the teeny tiniest barely an inch size. How is it possible that I had so many but never really SAW them? That’s life, really. How many blessings and wonderful things do we have but some days, just can’t SEE? I know for me, it’s many, many things. It takes intentional effort to constantly be grateful, but when we have so much to be grateful for- when we look, we see so much that we take for granted every day. I’ve been challenging myself lately- to be grateful for all I have, and for our connection here. I bet if you look around you’ll see many things that you had forgotten you had- including, perhaps, an iconic Barbie swimsuit! Stay safe, dear friends, and know you are loved.
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#barbie65 #dollcommunity #dollcollecting #dollcollections #dollstagram #countingmyblessings #countingmyblessings🙏
Marilyn Monroe Barbie!
Dolls, who doesn’t love Marilyn Monroe Barbie? She’s sooooo pretty, from her beauty spot to her lovely (held on with my elastics ) shoes. Since she’s on the bottom shelf, I rarely see her and I had so much fun pulling her out to a more prominent spot.
Dropped in 1997, this doll gives us everything we want in a Marilyn Doll – sparkly rhinestones, feathers, and glorious fabrics that duplicate her own. A reproduction of her own costume from the movie Gentlemen prefer blondes, this look is iconic, and says Marilyn in every stitch! My doll was purchased on Facebook marketplace in box but her feathers had disintegrated, but you can imagine.
We have three more days until we are home from our epic road trip- keep your eyes on my stories for continuing posts about our fun. I’ve so appreciated you being here with us!
Stay safe, dolls, and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator #dollcollectors
South Dakota, all day long!
One of the reasons that’s it’s vital to travel by car is that it takes time- the miles fly by, but slowly, and you get to truly experience the beautiful country we live in. Yesterday was all South Dakota, and did we pack it in!
Mt Rushmore- gorgeous and awe inspiring! The Black Hills National forest is not to be missed.
A statue of a quarter pounder-unreal!
Our newest @starbucks mug, love the new design.
Wall Drug- signs for miles, and the cutest place, a true depression era success story!
The Badlands National Park- I’ve never seen anything like it, and I was driving!!
A tiny chapel at a rest stop heading to Sioux Falls- we signed their guest book with people from all over the world.
We are tired, but having a blast. Mini me loved the scenery, too- she’s been the best companion.
Today we go onward thru Minnesota to Wisconsin-bring on the cheese! Thank you for coming along with us as I make the memories of a lifetime with our son. Anyone live out here? Tell me everything! In the meantime, stay safe and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Goodbye Montana, hello Wyoming!
Our epic cross country road trip continues with Mini being very excited about the big sky country of Montana and Wyoming.
Highlights of yesterday included taping a couple of panels on my car as the wind was literally ripping them off over the mountain passes, acquiring our Wyoming mug and……. Drumroll….. seeing Devils Tower up close and personal.
Remember the movie Close Encounters of the Third kind? Seems like we are still having those, but i remember seeing that movie and thinking- some day, i want to see that amazing place. You can just feel the sacredness of it, no doubt about it. It was definitely a trip highlight.
We crossed over into South Dakota and will spend the day exploring here as we make our way East. This part of our country is so different and beautiful, but our butts are sore. Days with less driving are ahead!
Thanks for coming along with us, I appreciate that so much. Barbie content returns shortly!
Stay safe, and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcollectors #crosscountryroadtrip
Cross country road trip, 2026!
This road trip isn’t about Barbie, altho she is with me every step of the way- I hope you’ll ride along, too, as I take the once in a lifetime chance to drive across America with my son as he returns home after graduating from college!
Monday we left from Tacoma and drove across Washington to Spokane, stopping along the way to eat, drink, and take photos. Yesterday we drove thru Idaho and Montana, spending the night outside of Bozeman. Along the way we’ve stopped at a Fruit store/antique mall, eaten lots of great Mexican food, visited a store/casino/cafe called 50,000 silver $, seen the most amazing mountains and driven over 700 miles. We found 2 different Starbucks state mugs, as we collect those too-the only rule is that you have to have visited the state yourself. We are tired but exhilarated, using the time to catch up on life, eat fun things, and sleep as much as we can.
I feel so blessed to be here, and I wanted to share some of it with you.
I’ve bought lots of Barbie size trinkets to add to my dioramas, which is so fun. I know that every time I see one, it’ll remind me of this sweet time.
Send me your road trip secrets! Im all ears.
Stay safe, and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Millennium Bride Barbie!
Our back of the shelf series continues with a doll you literally cannot see in the case- and she’s a beauty!
Millennium Bride Barbie dropped in 1999 and for those of us old enough to remember, it was quite the time. I sang a gala recital on New Years Eve and crossed my fingers that all would be well when the ball dropped us into the year 2000. Those days seem like child’s play now, but this Barbie- she’s so stylish that 27 years late, I’d still choose this gorgeous gown. And THE POOF!! She’s got it going on, for sure.
Do you own this or any of the other Millennium dolls? I don’t own many bride dolls, but this one is special because I truly do love the Theresa face sculpt. Let’s talk!
Stay safe, my friends, and know you are loved!
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Happy Mother’s Day !
Welcome to Mother’s Day, dear friends! I happen to think every day is Mother’s Day, but it sure is nice to feel so celebrated, no matter where you are in your journey- whether you’re in the tiny sticky fingers phase, the mostly adult phase or the definitely adult phase. All are beautiful, and all have their challenges and their beauty.
I happen to be waaaaaay far away this year, but as always, it’s the perfect place- watching our son graduate from his beloved college. He’s been a Chinese language and culture major and has thrived there. What more could a mother ask for?
Life is messy, and so this day can be, too- so I encourage you to put Hollywood movie perfection aside and to just be in the real. I’ll be trying my hardest to do the same!
Tomorrow begins our road trip back across the country, something we are both excited for. Again, it won’t be perfect but it will be….perfect. I hope- with my lovely mini me- to show you some of that along the way.
In the meantime, enjoy today- stay safe, and know you are loved!
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Promenade in the park Barbie!
Have you ever purchased a doll for your collection without really thinking about how beautiful she is? This doll is like that for me. I purchased her out of box from a collector at convention last year, had never seen her before, got her home and she went on the shelf with little fanfare. Every once in awhile I’d stop and admire her- I LOVE the Mackie sculpt- but that was about it.
She’s the perfect candidate for our what’s on the back of the shelf series, isn’t she? She lovely of course, but it’s the details- the hair style, the jewelry, the oh so tiny buttons- that make her a sweet part of my collection.
As I write this I’m far away from my dolls, preparing for a full day of department receptions we are attending with our son as his college graduation is tomorrow. Spending time with him, noticing the tiny details of his college life has been a joy, altho a rushed one. It’s hard during times like this to slow down and really see the small things, but we know that’s where the sweetness love is found. Like this doll, I want to appreciate it all!
Do you have this doll? Or, have you seen her before? If so, let’s talk! Stay safe, and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Barbie mini me- travel edition!
Traveling is so much fun, but you know what makes it even more fun? Traveling with those you love!
So of course, when I knew we would be flying cross country for our son’s college graduation I also knew what I had to pack- my sweet mini.
Barbie has a way of bringing people together-so many people are curious about her and she’s a great conversation starter. When they see she truly looks like me- well, they love that part! I tell them how @dawsondigsdolls gifted her to me in 2024, and the work he did to bring her to life. It’s fun to see how others react to her, and how it breaks thru barriers. I have never- not even once- been ridiculed while photographing her, so if you’re waiting for a sign-this is it!
More travel musings with Barbie as we go thru the next 12 days but I wanted to reach out because we all know- joy shared is joy multiplied!
Tell me about your mini- do you travel together? Does the doll look like you? Are you comfortable photographing them in public?
Stay safe, and know you are loved!
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
Graduation time !!
One of my favorite parts of being a college professor is graduation day. Teaching voice is quite different than classroom teaching in that we spend many hours of one on one time with students, who make a place in our hearts. Many students have told me that I am their “Boston mom“, and that makes me happy because from the moment I stepped foot on the Berklee campus in 2021, I’ve been thinking, how would I want my son to be treated by his professors? I followed that rule, mixed in equal parts of kindness, love, and expectation, and then when it’s time, I take photos and wave goodbye to them.
It’s very hard to do that, but I’ve learned that most of them will return in some way or another, either by email, FaceTime, or a simple hello here on Instagram. It makes the parting a little bit easier, and I am always so proud of their success.
This year is different as I won’t be attending their graduation, I’ll be attending my son’s college graduation! His college is all the way across the country, so I’m flying today with my husband and my mother to be there for the last few big days. These times will be full – full of fun, full of expectation, and at some point, full of tears of pride.
Directly after graduation, he and I will be heading out for our cross country trip – more than 3000 miles of driving his things home, and seeing states together that we haven’t seen before. Given the price of gas that will not be an inexpensive adventure, but it’s a gift – to him, and to me, to be able to spend time together. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
REMEMBER: commencement means the beginning, not the end. The world is a wild place, but we’ve got this – we’ve got each other.
Stay safe, and know you are loved.
#dollcommunity #dollcontentcreator
