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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, April 17, 2015

Sweet Memories

It's been a busy week here at the chateau.  A week of sorting and purging, cleaning and house showings. We listed our home for sale just over a week ago, and already have had quite a few showings.
It's been a challenging time for me, full of all sorts of emotions and stresses.
The good news is that I've had alot of luck selling quite a few items on Craig's List.
I could hardly believe we even managed to sell hubby's ice fishing shanty 
(that he's not used in the 15 years that I've known him!) this morning.  I didn't think anyone would be interested in it this time of year!!
I also decided that my three remaining favorite dolls from when I was a little girl needed to find new homes.  Unfortunately, I never had little girls of my own, like I always dreamed of.
Well actually I decided to keep the first that I'm about to show you, I just couldn't bare the thought of parting with her!  The other two will go to my sweet little great nieces, who I know will love them as much as I did.
So, I gave them all baths and shampoos today, and even used conditioner on their hair!
Then of course I had to wash and iron their little outfits.
Meet Kissie.
Just look at this sweet face!
I can't remember if I received her for Christmas or my birthday, but I think I was about 5 years old when my parents gave her to me.
Did any of you have one just like her?
Poor thing, it looks like I gave her a bang trim at one point!
I really love her adorable face, and she still wears her original outfit that she came in.


 During our little photo shoot, Katie was quite inquisitive!!
 I wish that I'd gotten a close up of her dress.  It has the cutest navy blue rick rac, and nautical anchor and boat wheel trim.
 Squeeze her arms together, and she actually puckers up her lips and makes a kissing sound!
Even after all these years:)
So for now I will keep and enjoy her, before I give her to one of my little nieces to love.
 But I know they will love Mia and Velvet.  
I was a girly girl by all means, and spent many many hours playing with my dolls.
The youngest in our family (there was a large age difference between me and my other siblings), I spent most of my time playing alone.  My dolls were my friends!
 Velvet, the blonde, was my very favorite.  The purple dress (made of velvet!!) is original.
One year for Christmas, my mom surprised me with a big box full of outfits that she made for Mia and Velvet.  I don't know how she managed to keep it a secret. She sewed her heart out while I was at school.
I remember that the clothes were one of my very favorite gifts ever!
And she made the oh so mod lavender and white polyester outfit, above.
Ever the resourceful one, my mom never threw anything out!  She saved every little bit of fabric, lace, and more, from clothes she sewed for us, and fashioned the scraps into doll clothes.
She made flannel pjs, party dresses, and even faux fur coats for the dolls!
 These two girls have a little secret!  Push in their "belly buttons", and their hair gets longer!
 Want a shorter do?  Just turn the knob on their backs for a brand new look!
 It was fun to have these sweet memories today.  It was a much needed break from the selling/moving stress!
Hope you have a good weekend!

14 comments:

Susie said...

Donna, I love your dolls. You should keep your first doll. Mia and Velvet are adorable. My daughters had Chrissy and Velvet. They had them for years. I think Karen's daughter has them now. Hugs to you...stay strong. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Debbie said...

I remember the Kissie doll! I can't believe how you kept your dolls in such good shape, Donna! what nice memories for you.
I'm happy to hear you've been having lots of showings of the house. Hang in there, honey!
Have a great weekend!
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

BeachGypsy said...

I remember those dolls! I STILL love dolls! Yours are in great shape

Jan Hermann said...

I love your dolls! So cute. I was into teddy bears and stuffed dogs...rather than dolls. It was a comfort thing for me. Good luck with your house selling. Hope you sell it this time!!!

Hugs,
Jan ♥

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I loved dolls also and was a only child and played by the hours under the Weeping Willow Tree with my dollies.

Katie looks like she would like to be friends with your doll.
Have fun sorting your treasures.
Mary

Tete said...

The first kissie doll has the same face as mine, so she was probably made by mattel. ;)
I had a Velvet, too, and it was my grandma that made her clothes for me. Mom made the barbie clothes. ;)
Isn't it so much fun to have them? How goes the purging and cleaning and selling off? I am so glad I am not doing that. I think I am too old.
Have a good weekend and glad you got rid to the ice fishing thingy. Who would have thought?

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Very sweet dolls and I think it's great to pass on two of them!
hugs,
Linda

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, Your dolls are beautiful and in such wonderful condition. It is easy to see you loved them and took very good care. It is very special that your mother made doll clothes for them.
I loved my dolls too but never had any of these three. Mine were Tiny Tears, Patty Playpal, Barbie and a wedding doll. Still baby dolls were my favorite. All passed down to family long ago.
How special you will give them to your nieces to love.

Glad you are busy showing the house and selling a bunch on Craig's list.
My dad and hubby also built a ice fishing shanty and I remember the first time they took it out in Michigan they nearly froze to death. LOL It was windy and the shanty was moving on the ice.

Thanks for sharing the memories Donna.
Enjoy your three till they go to their new homes.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs, CM

Musings from Kim K. said...

Best wishes with all the house showings. I had the same hair growing dolls too. What special treasures to pass along. I loved hearing about all the handmade clothes too.

Unknown said...

Katie loves Kissie! How darling! I love dolls--yours are precious. Sure am happy to hear you were so lucky on Craig's List. Good luck with everything!
Laura and Bow-Wows

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I think you need to keep Kissie, too...such sweet memories. It's bittersweet, selling and cleaning out!

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

I love your dolls! I didn't have one like Kissie but my sister had Velvet and I had her sister, Crissy, Kristy, Cristy? I can't remember exactly her name but she was just like your Mia only with red hair. I still have her in her original box and outfit - an orange lace dress and orange shoes - so 60's! Fun to see your collection. Hope that the move goes well! Hugs, Leena

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh moving....Yuk, but it will be great when you are all sold and moved. Where are you going, do you have another house picked out, did I miss that? I love that you are giving your dolls to your nieces...You had fancier dolls then me. I loved when my mom made me doll clothes too! Great to see sweet Katie!

Carol

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Those are adorable. It's amazing that her lips pucker!