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.

Featured post

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

Getting Ready for Christmas

Hubby has been bugging me about what I'd like for Christmas this year and wouldn't you know it, I couldn't think of anything I'd like more than dolls. He said go look for them now so you don't miss out, after all shipping from overseas can sometimes take a little while as we get closer to the 25th December.

I had already ordered Carmen as a sibling for Avery and Sophia and she was due to arrive this coming week, so I looked at all my other Gotz dolls to see who might need companions. Clara has Emma and Luisa; my Chosen Kitty has Katie and Ella; that left me thinking about Greta.

So I decided I would like Lea and 75th Jubilee Greta as her siblings, however, the second Greta would need to have her name changed. The dolls themselves are quite different from my first Greta and neither will stay as they are, I want to redo their hair and change their outfits as I'd like all three siblings have a similar look. 


Then I spotted the first Happy Kidz with teeth!! Be still my beating heart, how on earth did I miss seeing this Gotz Anne Elf (Christmas 2024 Signature Edition)??? Hubby said I could have her too, isn't he just a darling? I am so very lucky he is so supportive my dolly addiction.


I noticed in some of the promo photos her teeth looked a bit peculiar, but then I saw a photo on Pinterest where this doll had been repainted . . . she just looked so gorgeous and I knew if I put my mind to it, I could become a fairy godmother to my own little Anne and make her just as lovely.

Are you receiving any dolls for Christmas this year?

Wednesday

A Sister for Katie

My little Gotz Happy Kidz Ella 2022 arrived on Monday. I had really been looking forward to receiving her as I particularly loved the way she was dressed in a pink, lilac, white & gold lurex thread Chanel-type dress, a pair of pink canvas espadrilles and a straw hat.

However, I was very disappointed with her clothing when I removed her from her box as the fabric had been cut slightly crooked and the waistline had also been sewn crooked, but in the opposing direction which emphasised the mistakes in the making of her garment. The saving grace was her lovely espadrilles & hat.

Nevertheless, she was undressed and redressed in no time at all and this is how she looks now.


She most probably won't stay in these clothes as the dress is slightly too big in the chest for her . . . another disappointment. I used the correct ply wool and needle size, so this pattern maybe more suitable for a chubbier doll.

Friday

New Do for Greta

I was very determined this morning when I sat down at the kitchen table. At last I had finally decided to cut Greta's hair . . .  I could stand those messy tangled curls no longer!

STAGE 1 - WASH & DETANGLE

Washing was so much easier than I thought it would be and using a detangler helped to loosen her hair beautifully. It's often the thought of doing something new, the fear of doing it wrong, which stops us from doing things we should do . . . today I am begining to dare!

STAGE 2 - CUT

The new hairdresser's scissors I had purchased to tackle the next scary job were being used at long last . . . once again, this task was easier than I thought it would be.

STAGE 3 - CURL

To curl or simply leave to dry? That was the question that held me up for a bit . . . then I decided to curl.

STAGE 4 - COMPLETION

Now doesn't she look the picture of innocence? I love how soft these curls look and feel, however, I may brush them loose at a later date for a more natural look. Let me know what you think. 😘