Not so long ago one of my barbie dolls arm broke at the shoulder. You know that little contraption in there that keeps the arm attached to the body; the little plastic thingy broke. Naturally I was rather upset. (I hate breaking things) I did what I could to secure the arm in place, but I couldn't work with her anymore (ok, ok... play with her :) )

Then I read about a lady who has a doll 'hospital' in Pretoria (I'm in South Africa), from another lady on one of our doll forums on facebook. I looked at her work and was impressed. Granted, I only saw antique and porcelain dolls, but her work was really good. So I naturally sent her message to find out if she fixes barbie dolls.

She said that she had not done so before, but was willing to give it a try. So off my doll went to the doll hospital. The post didn't take too long and soon she arrived. Within a few days I received a whatsapp from this lady saying she had managed to fix my doll and was posting her back to me. (She was officially discharged from hospital... hehe)

I'm happy to report that she really did a great job with my doll..!! (It was her left arm that broke)

(Sorry about the quality of the pic but it was taken with my phone)

Reflection

Well it's the last few hours of my 49th year. Soon I will be joining the 50's club. I can't wait! For reasons I do not wish to go into, I never really thought I'd see 30, never-mind 50, but here I am. All my gratitude goes to my Heavenly Father. Were it not for Him, I definitely would not be here today. "So thank You Father. Thank You for all that You have done for me and in me and that You will continue to be with me. How very grateful I am to You Lord!"

Till later...

I've added a few dolls to my collection in the last while. Unfortunately I haven't got pics of all of them yet so will post the pics that were used to advertise the dolls....

 This is my big boy, Josh. Isn't he just adorable? And look, he is teething ;)

Mattel Fairy Azura. She's stunning! Love her hair and how different her little face is. Here is a pic of the markings on her legs....



This little Mattel Fairy is smaller than some of the others, but her details are stunning!

 Sparkle Girlz Fairy.

 This is Raquelle with the flat / high heels feet girl. She is as beautiful as ever.

There are other dolls, but I cannot seem to find the pics. Sorry!

Till later xxx

Thank you for the nomination Hannah :)

http://nevergrowupdollguide.blogspot.co.za/

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world without worrying about cost, where would you go? I would go to Israel. Have always wanted to go to the land Jesus was born and raised in.  2. What is your favorite doll/toy in your collection and why? That is a tough one. If I was forced to choose I'd say Tipi, my first Heart 4 Heart girl. These dolls are so beautiful and the sales help children all over the world. I like that. Besides, how could I resist that gorgeous hair of hers :) 3. What was the last book you read? The last book that made a difference is Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann.  4. If you had the ability to make one imaginary animal real (i.e. unicorn, dragon, griffon, etc.), which one would you choose and why?  I'm mad about dinosaurs and dragons, but since they could eat me, I'd go with the unicorn. ;)  5. Which blogger or online friend has inspired you in your own blogging adventures and why? I'd have to say, 'Never grow up: a mom's guide to dolls and more!'. She is an amazing blogger and I love how brave she is, taking her dolls out on photo shoots, etc.  6. What is your biggest dream for the future? At present that would be the house we are planning to build in the country (will even have a dedicated doll room). I can't wait to get out of the city! 7. Is there a doll or toy that was "the one that got away" in your collecting experience? Would you still want it now if you had the opportunity to add it to your collection? Oh yes. Midge barbie 2013.  8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?   Just one? Oh well, then I'd have to go with pistachio nut.  9. Captain America or Iron Man? (Or neither?)   Neither. Superman! Hehe 10. If you had to limit your collection to one type of doll or toy (18 inch, fashion doll, BJD, MLP, Zelfs), which type would you choose?  Oh my goodness! That is an impossible choice. If I HAD to choose though, most likely fashion doll.  11. What is your favorite thing about blogging? You can talk about anything you want to. :)

Oops, nearly forgot! I promised to post  a better photo of Ariel and I hope this qualifies :)

Belle in her box. As you can see, she is displayed in her beautiful yellow dress. It is covered in glitter, so be warned. 

With a twist and some minor adjustments, she transforms into her pink gown. 

Neither of the dresses can be removed.

Both dresses are beautiful, but even though the bodice of the yellow dress is permanent, I just love this one. The roses on the outer skirt and the design on the inner skirt is really lovely. I forgot to take a photo of her shoes, which are gold. 

Whether in yellow or in pink, she is gorgeous. I really like her sweet little face and the hairline matches the movie character. Her crown is much nicer than many of the other princesses crowns. 

Her face is less animated, but somehow she still has the essence of Belle - one of my favourite characters.