China Doll from Oz

This is the first doll I bought for myself.  The doll that made me realize that it was OK to buy dolls for myself.  Me being an adult woman.  This was a turning point for me as I have now begun my 1st doll collection since childhood and I never realized how fun it is to have my OWN dolls, ones I truly enjoy..free from little hands ;). 

As for China Doll...I just couldn't resist her cute face. 

This doll is made by Jakks Pacific and she stands about 14" tall.  She's made to look just like her character from the move "Oz, the Great and Powerful".  There are a few other China Dolls out there, but this one is my favorite.

While I wasn't a huge fan of this particular movie (I literally fell asleep about 2/3rd of the way through..yikes!) I am a HUGE fan of the Wizard of Oz.  Even though this is a new character to me, I thought she was was very charming and likable.  Besides the amazing special effects, she was the best part about the movie. 

"CG" is made out of plastic, but meant to look like a porcelain doll.  She has subtle "cracks" all over her hair and body.  She has bright blue eyes and a beautifully painted mouth.  I love the contrast of colors against her light skin.  

She has 13 points of articulation (bendy joints) and she can stand and sit on her own.  She comes with a cute blue and white dress (not exactly true to the movie though) and little black shoes which do not come off.

The dress appears well made with nice details.  I thought it was stitched very well. 

The back closes with a Velcro tab. 

Here's a closer look at her profile. 

 

Her eyes are a little askew in certain angles, but my 2 little ones could care less and since this is a child's toy, I guess we can let it slide :}

  Here's a closer look at the detail in her eyes.

Her coloring in photos is coming off a little on the pink side, but she has less pink tones in real life. 

I really enjoy playing around with her articulation...she's not extremely flexible (like those lovely Liv girls!), but she still can be quite fun to play with. 

And here she is compared to a few of our other dolls for a size comparison: 

 (nude doll photos to follow, just so you are aware)

 CG and "It's My Nature" Hayden Liv Doll (one of my favs!) 

 CG with Misha Tebya Lyublyu Blythe Doll

Disney Store Anna, CG and La Dee Da Garden Tea Party Sloane

Overall, she is a lovely little doll.  I found her in Walmart for $19.99, she was in the clearance section, so I am not aware what her original price was (if it was indeed any different.)  We've come to call her "Lucy" in this house and both Pumpkin Pie (age 5) and Little Button (age 2) really adore her.  She is very durable and has no hair to mess up (my biggest pet peeve!) so they are free to enjoy her anytime. ;}

 Here are a few more photos I took with her outside. 

"Pleeeeeeeeeease take me with you!!!"

 

Little Button threw a snail on her head while I wasn't looking...Lucy looks a little unsure....

Ultimately the snail's charm won her over (did I mention I have my BS degree in Zoology?)  We love all sorts of creepy crawlies in this house :}

 

Lucy, feeling relieved after being rescued by Pumpkin Pie. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and check out my blog.  I hope you enjoyed this post and please stop by again!

ADK love

This past week, my family and I were able to vacation in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of Upstate NY.  I have been going to a quaint little place called Long Lake for as long as I can remember.  My grandfather was born there so it holds some very special memories for my family and me.
We had such a great time- lots of family, friends, campfire stories, PERFECT weather and it was very hard to leave!

This is where we stay each year.  Motel Long Lake and Cottages-it is family owned and highly recommended!  They are such a lovely family.  

 

Here is a few from our beach at night.  

 

That tell-tale red Motel sign lights up the beach each night to create a beautiful crimson glow.  

 

Gorgeous flowers everywhere....

 

Millions of stars in that crisp, dark Adirondack sky!

                                              It is such a pleasant place to be, even in the rain. 

Thanks so much for checking my blog out today.  More posts to come of some toy/doll reviews, travel and recipes!  I have WIP crochet project to share as well.  Just trying to get the hang of this blogging thing!

Back to work tomorrow...boo!  :}

Summer

I don't know why, but I just love the idea of summer. 
Ahhh, my favorite season.
I must've lived in the tropics during a past life, because nothing makes me happier then a balmy breeze, the warm sun and blue skies.
I grew up in New York State (not the city...far from it, actually!), which is where my family and I still reside so we get a full range of seasons here.    
 

 

 The beginning of each season is always exciting, but summer is the one time of year that I love every single day and am always sad to see it go.

 

Fancy male cardinal posing for his photo shoot :)

 

Huge delish ruby-red strawberries Pumpkin Pie and I picked at a local farm near us.  

 

 One of my biggest pleasures is waking up and sitting outside in the sun with my coffee.. the Littles are still sleeping...hubby is puttering around the house and it's this quiet time that is so elusive (and appreciated!)

 

Outdoor painting is always such a treat.  

 

Daisies...my favorite flowers!

 

Beautiful rock garden at my mom's abode...so in love with that purple thyme!

There is only a short time out of the whole year where it's cozy and warm so early in the AM and it makes me take a deep breath and feel like I am enjoying that particular present moment...something that I strive to do more of each day.

 

Current WIP crochet blanket...this will be Little Button's "Frozen-inspired" Anna blanket...more about that later!

        Millions of these guys all along the shore of the pond.  Super cute!

 

Three baby ducks at my mom's pond.  One night, during a particularly bad rainstorm, these little ones seem to have been left behind. 

Growing every day and so quickly...even as little squeaks they seem to stick together and survive.   

Even cuter than the tadpoles.  

Pumpkin Pie, Little Button (lugging along her pistacio pudding) and me (bunion and all!) :}...enjoying our after dinner stroll along our own little nature trail..happy for the long stretch of evening sun, happy for each other and happy for summer!

Each season has it's moments, but I can say that summer is just my absolute favorite time of year. 

Hello!

Hello!

This past year, I've discovered blogs.  Lots of different blogs! Maybe a little late to the scene, but I am here nonetheless.   Craft blogs, crochet blogs, travel blogs, vintage clothes blogs...and now, toy/doll blogs.  I have been so inspired by so many of you in the blogging community that I thought it might be fun to start one of my own and share some of my life and the little things that make me happy.  Thank you again for visiting :)

 

(I took this shot while kayaking on Long Lake, NY a few years ago) :}