Still very tired!
Here is the first tree we purchased, now bungee-corded to the railing. We get a lot of wind around here. We added the lights yesterday afternoon. It looks really nice from the street.
Today, we have to make a run to the storage facility to retrieve the missing bin of decorations. Then we’ll decorate the tree. I’m not even sure if I’m going to decorate the doll houses this year. Getting our real tree decorated and buying some presents for Don is about all I can handle. Who knows, though, I might just surprise myself.
It’s unusually warm here this week, but next week, temperatures will plunge back to what is considered normal here in December. I have to grab all my outdoor pots and store them, along with the cushions on the porch furniture, all of which I would have done by now if I hadn’t been away. So warmer temps are welcome as I try to make up for lost time.
Some clothes for the girls arrived while I was away. I’ll show them to you over the next few days so as not to overwhelm you with Blythe photos.
Here is Livvy in an outfit from Ireland:
I love everything about it, especially the knitted headband, which matches her hair.
I’m telling you, these girls have stolen my heart. They’ve sort of stolen Don’s heart, as well!
Hopefully, I’ll have some tree photos for you tomorrow.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
April Baldwin says
Oh my gosh, Claudia! She looks so cute! I meant to comment yesterday. The picture of all the girls together was adorable. Your new little one looks like my daughter when she was young. Their clothes are so well made. I want their wardrobe! Can’t wait to see your indoor tree all decorated. Have a great day.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, April.
Stay safe!
Judy says
I love your dolls! Little Livvy is a treasure…….
Claudia says
She has the sweetest face!
Stay safe, Judy.
Kay+Nickel says
Your outdoor tree is perfect. I bet many people driving by are enjoying it.
Claudia says
I hope so!
Stay safe, Kay.
Marilyn Schmuker says
The outside tree looks really nice. It took me a couple days to get my tree completely decorated.
Livvy….that headband is too cute. Is it me…or does her hair have a slightly pink tinge?
All the girls are so adorable with their cute outfits. They are my fashion inspiration. I like the idea of cute dresses or long tunics with leggings for winter. I used to be a jeans girl but those stretchy leggings are so comfy.
Take care
Claudia says
Her hair is lavender, Marilyn. She’s customized from a base Takara doll that had lavender hair.
I thought the headband was perfect for her because it matches her hair.
Stay safe!
Melanie M says
Love Livvy’s rosy cheeks! Adorable! Glad you are home.
Claudia says
Thank you Melanie!
Stay safe.
Nancy says
Claudia, I need your help. My little grandniece (age 8) wants a Blythe doll for Christmas. The prices on the internet are $250 and up. Where do I start? I didn’t realize that these are discontinued dolls that collectors refashion. My niece thinks her daughter is too young for such an expensive doll. All three of us saw the dolls on your post. That’s when my grandniece begged for one for Christmas. I noticed that some of your dolls are from Europe. What about delivery time and shipping costs?
Thank you for any assistance that you can give us.
Claudia says
There are also new dolls being made but they’re not customized. They have a very different look than the custom dolls. They have to be ordered from a company in Japan – there are a few but the one I know is Junie Moon, so I’m afraid it wouldn’t be here for Christmas. And their prices are $140.00 and over. Also, the customized and uncustomized dolls are considered collectors/art dolls and may not be appropriate for an 8 year old. I’ll try to show a photo of an uncustomized Blythe doll which would most likely be the only affordable doll.
All my dolls are from Russia, Spain, England, and Belarus. Shipping can take a while, especially at this time of year. They aren’t cheap – some run over a $1000.00! That’s what I mean when I say collectible art dolls. To be honest, I think they’re not appropriate for an 8 year old.
You could try eBay using the term Blythe, Takara Blythe or NeoBlythe and see what’s out there.
I hope this helps, Nancy. xoxo
Nancy says
This was very helpful. We have decided that she is too young to appreciate such an expensive collectible. She really wanted Sophie. We are going to try to find something on eBay that will be a good imposter.
Claudia says
Glad to be of help, Nancy. Hopefully, you can find a good substitute for Sophie.
xo
Janice says
Livvy’s new outfit is adorable especially the knee high socks and super cute shoes. Enjoy!
Claudia says
She’s so darned cute, isn’t she?
Thanks, Janice.
Stay safe.
Kelly says
Oh how I love a Christmas tree in an old galvanized bucket!
Merry Christmas!
Claudia says
Me too!
Thanks, Kelly.
Stay safe.
Chris K in WI says
Hope you had a peaceful time decorating your tree today. The outside tree is just lovely!!
We are supposed to have winds of 50-60 mph tomorrow eve. I imagine people with those outdoor inflatables will see them flying in the night. We just have white lights outside on our trees and shrubs. Hoping those will stay put. It is also supposed to be 66*. That is just so crazy for mid December in Wisconsin.
The days seem to be flying by right now! Hope you are enjoying winding down….take care.
Claudia says
Gosh I hope those winds aren’t headed here! What insane weather we are having.
Stay safe, Chris.
jeanie says
That little tree is so cheery outside and I just adore the colored lights. They make me so happy! Yes, we’re getting big winds today. I have two pots left outside and must bring them in today. I’ll also go to Rick’s and tidy up his house (it’s pretty good) and add a few Christmas things to the decor so when he gets back from the trade show next week and has to isolate till he gets a negative test (he’s not sick but will be in an expo environment in a very non-Covid-compliant industry, so we’re keeping him separate for a bit!). At least the house will be a bit cheery! Hopefully, the isolation is just for a couple of days.
You might find decorating the doll houses (or at least one of them) relaxing and a good break. Or not. You’ll know when it happens.
This week Jerry is coming to visit — I’m looking forward to seeing him; it’s been a couple of years!
Claudia says
Yay! You’re going to see Jerry! Please give him my love, Jeanie.
Stay safe.