Everyone Needs Playtime

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing.

When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

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Challenge Meme

Seven years ago I issued a challenge to celebrate 20 years of the modern BJD, that I had also done three years previously. As things have be...

Saturday

Paris - St. Germain and the Latin Quarter

Just a quick update: Today I thought I would give you a preview of "Leg 3" of our proposed overseas trip.

Hotel Lutetia is an iconic landmark situated in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris and the only luxury grand hotel on the city's Left Bank. Originally opened in 1910, the building's design was a daring move from art nouveau to the emerging style of art deco. The Lutetia delivers an authentic Parisian experience and has been at the heart of the local community for more than 100 years.


The hotel now features an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and lounges throughout the historical ground floor including the return of the Lutetia Brasserie under the supervision of three Michelin starred chef Gerald Passedat.

It would have been wonderful to stay here, but at €7,300.00 (approx. AU$11,200) for just eight nights we had to sadly give it a miss. Instead we will be probably staying in the quaint Latin Quarter, at the heart of which is the Université de la Sorbonne, a Parisian badge of pride as one of Europe's oldest college . . . it opened in 1257 as part of the medieval Université de Paris. The institution that gave the Latin Quarter its name (after the theology students, mostly monks and other religious figures, who occupied the then-Christian institution and worked exclusively in Latin).

As yet, we still haven't booked anywhere, but you can bet when we do, it will most definitely not be anywhere that's going to cost AU$1,400 a night!!


There are many amazing districts in which to indulge your passion for fashion in Paris, but the charm of Saint-Germain is hard to beat. On one tree-lined stretch of boulevard between Mabillon and Rue du Bac metro stations, a mere 850 meters or ten-minute walk (if you go at a fair pace), there is a impressive collection of high-end boutiques and flagship stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren. Zadig & Voltaire is one of the trendiest, combining delicate fabrics like cashmere, lace, and washed silk, which achieves an overall look that is wholly rock-chic. This is one place we are planning to look around and perhaps spend some serious money on an unforgettable day or two of shopping.

The Boulevard St. Germain is not only famed for fashion it has wonderful places to indulge your appetite and watch people stroll by . . . one such place we intend visiting is the Café de Flore.


This historic café, former HQ of the Lost Generation, attracts tourists and yes, a few celebrities from time to time.

Well that will have to do for this week as I still have lots to do. More details of our planned holiday will follow when things are more consolidated.
Big hugs,
X

Sunday

Where Does the Time Go?

I cannot believe it's been two weeks since I last posted, but I guess that's because I have been so engrossed in other things . . . like planning an overseas trip for 2020. However, I will post more about that later.

This morning I had a little convo with my friend Musume, and she asked about the posability of my IT dolls. Rather than taking heaps of photos (which I have little patience for right now) I thought it simpler to just show this.


Not all IT dolls have ankles that move like my IT Airways Poppy Parker, some have fixed flat feet, while others have fixed high heeled feet.

Personally, I prefer the flexibility of her feet the best of the three, as it allows me to dress her casually in a feminine ballet flat or a loafer for lazy Sundays, or take it up a notch with stilleto heels and a evening gown making her ready for fine dining or the dance floor.

For those who collect these dolls, I'd be interested in knowing what type of feet you prefer and what type of clothes you prefer your dolls to wear. Well that does it for today . . . back to searching for hotels to stay at!

Big hugs,
X

Friday

Project: Diorama for Mia Mary

For some time now, Mia Mary (Liz Frost's 14" Mia) has been wanting of a room of her own. So it was up to me to provide one for her . . . we can't have unhappy dolls living in this house. :) The diorama is the largest I have done so far . . . measuring 80cm/31.5" wide x 50cm/19.75" deep x 50cm/19.75" high.


This chair, footstool and table was purchased as a raw flat-pack from Le Quak on Etsy, then I assembled, painted and upholstered it all myself.


As this was a bedroom, Mia needed an outfit to sleep in and so I knitted her a set of baby doll pyjamas. They were designed by Jacqueline Gibb of Jacknitss and the pattern is available on Ravelry.


Hubby had made and painted a bed for her some time ago, but I only finished the duvet (using the same fabric as the upholstered chair) just recently. BTW do you remember me showing you these fabrics? Then I made cushions and knitted the throw to co-ordinate.

Had I known when hubby made the bed, that I was going to paint the chair this pretty Spring White (which is really a very pale shade of aqua), I would have told him not to paint it, so all her furniture would be the same colour. But I guess the white bed doesn't look too much out of place, seeing that the pot that the plant is in, is also white.


The fireplace, which you have seen before, also has the mantel painted Spring White. The blue wall and green flooring is fabric stuck to foam-core board. However, I am thinking of re-doing the floor with wood planks and adding a rug to give the room more texture.

I also need to do something about providing a window for her to look out and finish her standard lamp which I am currently working on. The little tea-set is miniature bone china by Wedgwood.

Well that's it for today. Hope your weekend is happy and creative!
Big hugs,