Doll Therapy

The hottest doll for Christmas 2017 hands down has been Luvabella. You've seen the YouTube videos and the craze around the world for the first of its kind animated doll. What is your take on the doll? Please share what you like and dislike about Luvebella. If you haven't purchased her yet...why not? On a scale of 1-10. I give her an 8 because I am blown away by what this doll can do. I am not so crazy about her hair or cheap looking clothing. I think this doll has much more potential for improvement or it be lots of fun to continue customizing her as some of my fellow doll collectors have decided to do. Take a look at me and my first encounter with baby Carter Luvabella!

 Using Recycled Christmas Ornaments You can Create a Floating Doll Centerpiece  Ok so this is a late post but, you still have time to create and enjoy a fun centerpiece using your doll collection.  Since Kwanzaa has already kicked off you have even more reason to create your own fun centerpiece for tables, tea parties or as gifts. Using a glue gun, hot glue, coat hangers, ornaments, embellishments and plate chargers, I created  bright and colorful floating doll centerpieces. Drop your thoughts below and subscribe for more great projects! Happy Kwanzaa!                                                            The History of Kwanzaa                                                                                                                                      Floating Center Pieces Instructions for a Floating Center Pieces

 I guess the question is, why am I so mad. The GOTY 2018 girl was leaked months ago all over social media and still after seeing the reveal the other day on GMA I  felt some kind of way. I had to examine why I was angry when I saw Luciana come out of the sky in an astronaut uniform as little black girls cheered her on, bright eyed and bushy tailed.  I could literally feel steam coming from my nose. It was because American Girl took me back to a dark space, a space I had been before as a young black girl growing up in the 80s. This was a space where diversity was limited and the idea of a little black girl even being in a story book was  just a dream. In fact,  I do not recall any story book from childhood to our reading list in  high school that included a little black girl. I only remember Huck Fin and To  Kill a Mockingbird. No stories of black princess, and certainly of  little black girls.  In 1993, American Girl released Addy Walker  and not only did little black girls now

 As we get ready to say goodbye to 2017, we should spend sometime reflecting on life and setting new goals for 2018. This year was a great year for me spiritually, personally, career wise and of course I acquired some wonderful dolls.  With the year winding down.. I spent some time purchasing some must haves for my collection and thought Id share my top 5 doll purchases of 2017!!! #5  Tales from the Hood OOAK Zombie Dolls  Please check out my September Blog on how I acquired these awesome handmade dolls! I purchased them for $100. Not bad! #4  Antique Reproduction Jumena Doll  I acquired this beauty for less than $50 via Ebay..  I found out about her historical significance by attending the online  Antique Doll Show Hosted by Ruby Lane Dolls in November of 2017 Isn't she gorgeous? She stands about 20 inches tall.  I learned a lot about these very sought after dolls from the Ruby Lane Doll Show. I was even given this custom certificate for participati

 When was the last time you went into an AG store? Did you notice anyone missing? Maybe not... yet . For the past two years, there have been very strong talk  about Addy retiring.. Some of the claims even coming from those who work for AG. Those of us who love Addy have been living on pins and needles for the past two years.. watching her slowly disappear from the catalog and wondering are they telling us the truth. A petition was even created and signed by many of us who feel Addy's story is a necessary part of American History. Well about a month ago. I was able to get some inside information about Addy and if and when she is retiring ..  and of course I feel I should share it with you all...   Well the key word is retire. Everytime I call  AG and ask them if Addy is going to be retired, they tell me NO. That appeases  me for a little bit then a few months later we hear another rumor.   This is what I learned.... American Girl does not typically r etire a doll what they do is a

  This morning marks a significant day for me as a professional doll collector. I think I just acquired the most  unique doll in my collection. I noticed the dolls about a month ago while researching voodoo dolls on Ebay. Since learning I am a descendant from the Benin and Togo area of Africa I have  been researching about their religion and trying to understand it more. I have also learned that my line of work has exposed me to homes where families may openly practice Voodoo or Santeria..  Much to my surprise, I came across this very creepy yet, familiar looking doll set. At first I could not put my finger on it but, after reading the caption .. I quickly remember  this 90s Horror flick that eventually became a  Urban Hit and today.. considered a horror classic.. produced by non other than Spike Lee the 90s horror flick TALES FROM THE HOOD... WAS A CREEPY RENDITION OF TALES FROM THE CREEP..  And Me, Yes Me,  I  have just acquired this awesome doll set!  I was so luck to run across

  On a chilly  Tuesday morning at 3 am,  our family gased up our SUV and headed towards Louisiana  from Houston, TX. Addy accompanied me for what would be her first official road trip and the beginning of new adventures for her and I. Back home, or shall I say in cyberspace awaited about 80 adult collectors who where eager to see where Addy was headed. After 8 hours of swamps and bridges high enough to make you think you where flying, we arrived safely in NOLA. Our first destination being the Everygreen Plantation in NOLA. Recognized as  the most intact slave plantation in the south and the site where many scenes from the movie Django where filmed. We where more than excited to arrive. Its important to note that, everyone in the car was either a  fan of  the movie or a die hard history buff .We anticipated this would be a very fun road trip. We arrived in NOLA about 9 am.. Traveled about ten minutes out from the plantation and found a small Cajun restaurant and decided we would try so

At the time I started this post It was summer and weather was perfect. Since then I have been very busy but, wanted to share and document Addy's visit.   Nothing is more relaxing than finding a space that you enjoy and taking time to just relax. For me being around water does just that. I also enjoy photographing my dolls. Addy is a perfect model and the photos always seem to be effortless. Here she is at her first summer photo shoot at  Emerald Beach. For exclusive pictures of her photoshoot click here . Emerald Beach is located in Corpus Christi, Texas . She is modeling Julies swimsuit in a bright yellow. You can tell Addy really had a great time reflecting and relaxing. Do you have a special place or hobby that helps you relax? A short weekend trip can do wonders. During our short weekend trip to Corpus we  enjoyed the peacefulness of the beach, and the people of Corpus. In the past two weeks Corpus Christi was hit very hard by Hurricane Harvey . There are large clean up effo