Cat Is Back!

Cat of Doll Affinity is back to posting on her blog. She is a very talented doll artist. I love her repaints and reroots. She is also back to story telling too. Check out her latest post by clicking here! 

Welcome back to the Blogosphere, Cat. You were missed!

Liebster Award 2016

Farrah Lily of Cozy Comforts And Dolls blog nominated me for the Liebster Award:

Thank you, Farrah Lily! The questions for this award are different from previous Liebster Awards, so I decided I would participate.

The Liebster Award is an award that other bloggers give out to blogs that they enjoy reading and that have fewer than 1,000 followers. If you are chosen for an award and you decide to accept it , there are a few rules to follow:

• Link to the person that gave you the award
• Answer the questions that they have chosen for you
• Pass the award along to more bloggers that have fewer than 1,000 readers/followers
• Ask them to answer 11 questions
• Let them know that you have nominated them for the award

Here are the questions that Farrah asked:

1. Who is your favorite cartoon character?

 I would have to say it is Mulan. I loved first that she was a strong Chinese role model/character that I could show my daughters who are both Chinese. For all, she shows other women that you don't have to fit into the gender roles that society decides you fit into. You can be whatever you want to be!

Mulan: Not my photo.

2. What's your favorite flower (or plant if you're not a flower person)?

The Orchid. My mother loved orchids, they were her favorite flower. I was 15 when she passed away and the orchid always reminds me of her.

3. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?

When I traveled to China in 2001 to get my second daughter, we were in the Yunnan Province in Kunming. Yunnan is noted for having the most recognized ethnic groups in China. Out of 56 recognized ethnic groups, Yunnan Province is home to 26 of them. Because our guide was from the Bai group, she took us to a Bai restaurant. The Bai "minority" was known for their very exotic costumes and spicy noodle cuisine. After watching beautifully dressed dancers in authentic Bai costume, we were brought the first course of our meal. It was chicken soup. This was no ordinary chicken soup though. I was one of the first to be served. The server dipped a very large ladle into the soup to fill my bowl. Much to my surprise and as I looked into my bowl, There was a chicken foot and a chicken head -- yup, with beak eyes and feathers staring back at me. I did take a sip of the broth to be polite, but could not eat the rest of the offering!

4. What was the last movie you saw (at home or in theaters)? 

Kung Fu Panda 3!

5. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

I have been very fortunate in my life to have been able to visit several countries. However, one place I have never been and that I would really like to go is to Australia.

6. How did you meet your best friend?

I would say that my best friend is my sister-in-law. We were friends first, but then I introduced her to my brother. I was not playing matchmaker, but they did hit it off and ended up married! In spite of that, she is still my best friend (lol)!

7. What is your dream job?
Since I am now retired, I would have to say, I am living the dream (LOL)! But if I could have done my dream job, I would have loved to be a marketing consultant for Mattel, especially for the Barbie line. I think I would have tried to steer them in the direction of having more articulated dolls especially in the Fashionista line. Also, to have a more diverse group of male dolls. I mean, don't they think the girls besides Barbie would like to have a beau? 

8. If you could make a custom doll based on any character or real person, who would you make?
Without a doubt, I would have them do Shemar Moore. 

 9. What's your favorite season?
I actually like 2 seasons equally -- Spring and fall. Summer is ok, but I am not good in the heat and winter, well I don't do so well in the cold either. Spring and fall are just so beautiful and fresh! 

10. If you could talk to/understand any one species of animal, what would you choose?
Without hesitation, I would choose dogs. 

This is our dog Carly

11. If you could instantly learn any language, what would you choose?

I think I would want to learn Chinese. That way, when we go back to visit China, we could go to my kids orphanages and learn more about their early years and the Chinese culture.

Since I am getting this out a little late, I am not going to make any new nominations, however, if you have not been nominated before and would like to have a crack at answering the same 11 questions I did, please consider yourself nominated for the award. Here, again are the 11 questions.

1. Who is your favorite cartoon character?

2. What's your favorite flower (or plant if you're not a flower person)?

3. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?

4. What was the last movie you saw (at home or in theaters)? 

5. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

6. How did you meet your best friend?

7. What is your dream job?

8. If you could make a custom doll based on any character or real person, who would you make?

 9. What's your favorite season?

10. If you could talk to/understand any one species of animal, what would you choose?

11. If you could instantly learn any language, what would you choose?

Thank You Brini!

Brini of Brini's Doll Domain had a Birthday Contest in February for her 50th Birthday. She kept the prizes a surprise, but told us it would be something big. Well, as luck would have it (and this time, very good luck for me!), I won the giveaway. Even upon announcing me as the winner, she did not disclose what was in the giveaway so as not to spoil the surprise.

On February 24th, the mailman rang my doorbell and left a huge box on my porch. When I looked at the box, I thought to myself: "Hmm, what did I order now???! I don't remember ordering another doll house or anything that big!"

So, with a little assistance, I brought the box into the house.

Look at this box! Good thing Superman was available to help me!

When I looked more closely at the box, I saw that it was from Brini. I said aloud to my daughter: "Look, this is the box from Brini for the blog giveaway I won!" She asked me if she could help me open it (and of course, I let her help me!)

First, I opened the card that was taped to the front of the box. Much to my surprise, it was a beautiful card with a gift card inside!

Thank you card from Brini and Nordstrom Gift Card for $25!

So Brini sent me a card of thanks for entering in her contests and following her blog! What a sweetheart she is!

Next, we opened the box and removed all of the items from it.

Would you just look at all of the beautifully wrapped items! I felt like it was my birthday!

Excitedly, we unwrapped each item.  I was so surprised and excited to see what she gifted to me!

Would you look at this stuff! A Barbie Glam Getaway House, A Power Team Guy, Ken Clothes, cloth beach chairs, a wooden box and 3 stone bracelets for me to wear!

Look at how pretty these bracelets are!

Then I opened up each of the items. So many nice things!

Folded up so compactly!

It opens up to see a bathroom, bedroom/living area and a kitchen

Giselle, our resident Real Estate agent in Hanaly Corners brings prospective clients through the Getaway. 

Giselle: This little Getaway is the perfect abode to suit those desiring the latest "Tiny House" trend"

These 2 young ladies are sisters and are thinking of buying something together. They want something affordable and have thought that finding a place with multi-purpose areas might be the way for them to go.

Suzy (the little blonde sister): "Cute, but I think I would want to have separation between the bathroom and the living and sleeping areas!"

Stephanie (the redheaded sister): "Plus, there are 2 of us and only 1 single bed."

Giselle: "Well, this is a model. The builder is willing to make changes to accommodate your needs. Shall we keep this on your list?"

Both sisters said they would keep it on the list and would want to talk to a contractor friend to see what he thought could be done with this place.

Here is Calvin, Stephanie and Suzy's contractor friend. He is the Power Team guy from Brini. I dressed him in the Ken outfit she sent. He still has gloved hands, but I will look in my body part stash to give him regular hands. Isn't he handsome in his civilian clothes?  We will see more of him later.

Brini, this was so much more than I expected! You were right when you said I would be suprised and that the prize was big! I am sending cyber-hugs your way! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are such an inspiration to me. Your generosity is amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

New Dolls and Giveaway #4 Winner

Who is faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall building in a single bound and has landed on my doorstep? You guessed it: SUPERMAN!

Superman is ready to come to the aid of any doll in distress!

Hmmm, could there be any dolls in distress in Hanaly Corners??? What about this young lady?

This is a new resort doll for 2016. Unfortunately, she comes with no articulation, so she has been given the "Bambi/Teresa" Made to Move body.

Oops, she fell! I wonder if there is anyone who could help her?

Superman, with his super vision has seen the distressed damsel and swoops in to come to her aid!

The damsel is very grateful for the assist! Thank you Superman!

Ok, now what you have been waiting for! This fourth and final Giveaway had such a great response, that I decided to draw 2 names instead of one! Yes, we have 2 winners!

The first winner is Jawn Pickles:  

The second winner is Ms. Leo: 

Congratulations to you both! No, you don't have to share, you will each be getting a Made to Move Asha! Please send an email to amaphyl526@gmail.com with your name and address for shipping. Jawn, I will also need a phone number because of international shipping requirements. Thank you both for participating! I will get your dolls out as soon as I can after I receive your information.

I want to thank all who entered for participating in my giveaways. There will be other chances in the future as I will definitely be doing this again!

Blog Giveaway #4 - Last But Not Least!

Well people, this is the 4th and final Giveaway of this series. I have really enjoyed doing this. I hope that you have enjoyed participating. I know everyone who entered could not be a winner, but at least I hope you have enjoyed my photos and meeting the new residents of Hanaly Corners. 

For this last Giveaway, some very special girls will be doing the announcement. 

Asha: "Hello everybody, this is Asha Green. I am the AA Made to Move Barbie from Mattel! Phyllis (the human) has previously demonstrated our posing capabilities here: Made to Move Review. BTW, what do you think of my hairstyle? Here let me give you a closer look!"

Asha: "I love it this way! I hope you like it! Now some of my friends are coming to meet you and then we will show you the final Giveaway item!"

Asha: "Hi ladies! Say hello to our friends out their! They are very anxious to meet you and to see why we all have been enlisted to introduce this Giveaway item!"
Girls in Unison: "Hello! So nice to meet you!"
Asha: "Ok, let me tell you who we have here. Some of them don't have names yet, but they will get them at some point. From Left to Right, back row: Brooke, who is the Made to Move Teresa, me (Asha), Mei Lynn who is a Fashionista Lea on the Lea Made to Move body. Left to Right second row: Carter who is a Pretty n' Love Stardoll on a Made to Move Body, the new Wonder Woman doll on a Made to Move Body, Katniss Everdeen Mockingjay doll on a Made to Move Barbie. Finally in front we have LA Girl Fashionista on a Made to Move body! Are you seeing any kind of trend here? This is a hint as to what the Blog Giveaway item is!"

Asha: "OK girls, it is time for the big reveal! Bring in the box!" 
You can hear some shuffling sounds and grunts as the girls push the box into the room.

Brooke: "Without further delay, we would finally like to announce the giveaway item!"

Mei Lynn: "Yes, if you haven't already guessed it, Blog Giveaway item # 4 is the AA Made to Move Barbie!"
Brooke: "Oh, look Asha, she looks a lot like you! Do you have a twin you haven't told us about?"
Asha: "No, but she is one of my sisters! Can't wait to see where her new home will be!"


OK, so if you are interested in receiving this doll, you probably know the rules by now, but I will repeat them to make sure you know how to enter.

• You need to be a follower of this blog to enter.
• You can only enter one time for each Giveaway.
• You will have one week to enter. Drawing will be on Monday February 22, 2016.
• You will need to leave a comment stating you would like to participate.
• Winner will be selected at random. Once you have won a Giveaway, you will not be eligible for the subsequent Giveaways in this series.
• The winner will be announced via blog and will be asked for personal email to communicate through.
• The winner will have one week to respond.
• Your item will be shipped out upon receipt of your shipping information and the postage will be covered by Phyllis.

So don't forget to enter by February 22. Good luck to all who enter! See you soon!

From Phyllis, the human in Hanaly Corners!

Giveaway # 3 Winner and More Introductions!

Wow, the week went by fast. I was supposed to post this yesterday, but better late than never!  We have a winner for Giveaway #3. As with the previous Giveaways, I have once again enlisted the help of some new Hanaly Corners residents to help with the announcement!

So first, I will introduce you to a new family and a friend of their's.

"Hello everybody, let me introduce us! I am the new Campbell's Soup Andy Warhol Barbie. Next to me is my friend, the Claudette Gordon Barbie! I have been renamed Andrea Campbell and my friend here is now Claudette Winston."

 Andrea:  "Here we are close up. Claudette, why don't you say hello to the nice people!"

Claudette: "I will when you give me a chance to talk! Hello everybody! Nice to meet you! I think you should all know that I also have arrived with my family. Let me introduce them to you."

Claudette: "Here I am with my husband and 2 children. My husband is Sam Winston and I am holding my eldest daughter's hand. Her name is Ksenia and she is 6 years old. My husband is holding our youngest daughter. Her name is Jewel and she is 3 years old. We are enjoying getting to know Hanaly Corners."

Andrea has re-entered the room: "OK, girlfriend, more about you guys later. I could go on and on about myself, of course, but we do have a winner to announce." 

In unison, they all say: "The winner of Giveaway #3 is Cat from A Doll Affinity.

Congratulations Cat! Send me an email to amaphyl526@gmail.com with your name and address and I will get your prize shipped as soon as possible. Thanks for entering this Giveaway!

There is one more Giveaway to come in this series, so unless you have already won, you can enter again. I will get that posted later today.

Blog Giveaway #3 Announcement!

Well, it is time for Blog Giveaway #3! I hope you all are enjoying this as much as I am. First, of course, we had to introduce some more new dolls that have moved into Hanaly Corners.

Yes, more Fashion Royalty dolls. Here we have "IT Airways Poppy Parker", "Anthony Julian"-Video Director for Gem and the Holograms and "Power House Ayumi" of the 2015 NuFace collection. You should know that Anthony Julian and Ayumi were ordered in June, but they only just arrived in January 2016. I won the right to purchase Airways Poppy in a W Club lottery.  It should also be noted that I will most likely change Mr. Julian's first name because "Anthony" was my ex-husband's name and it make it hard to relate this fine example of a man to my ex! I am thinking maybe Alexander?? Below is a closeup of these 3:

I love all 3 of these characters, and they are a prime example of why I decided to join the WClub again in 2016. There are still a few more dolls that I ordered from IT in 2015 that will come in the Spring of 2016 or even later. 

So now, these 3 have agreed to help announce Blog Giveaway #3.

Yes, here we go with another fashion pack! I really like this one too! 

Poppy pulled me aside and suggest we take a picture without flash to get rid of the glare from the packaging so you all could see the better. 

Once again, here are the rules for the Giveaway:

• You need to be a follower of this blog to enter.
• You can only enter one time for each Giveaway.
• You will have one week to enter. Drawing will be on Sunday February 14, 2016.
• You will need to leave a comment stating you would like to participate.
• Winner will be selected at random. Once you have won a Giveaway, you will not be eligible for the subsequent Giveaways in this series.
• The winner will be announced via blog and will be asked for personal email to communicate through.
• The winner will have one week to respond.
• Your item will be shipped out upon receipt of your shipping information and the postage will be covered by Phyllis.

 
Ok, that is it for this one! For anyone who is entering, Good Luck!