The translation of Mardi Gras is fat Tuesday.  Fat Tuesday falls on the day before Ash Wednesday which is the first day of Lent. Regardless of your culture or religious backgrounds, Mardi Gras is a joyous celebration filled with wild costumes, great foods, and lots of fun! Why not try a recipe for a traditional Louisiana sandwich called a Po’ Boy. This usually includes some kind of meat or for this time of year, fish, and served on French bread, cut to the size of a 5-6 inch sandwich. You can experiment with shrimp, cod, or roast beef. Dress your sandwich with a variety of condiments, some mayo and enjoy! If you are up for a baking challenge, you can try King Cake for dessert. The links for the recipes are just suggestions and lots more are available on line!  Your doll can help when she’s dressed in the Chef’s outfit DRBC!

Since February’s birthstone is amethyst and the flower is a violet, this week’s Outfit of the Week DRPLT-PS will celebrate the color purple!  The long sleeve shirt gives the look of a layered tee; purple screen printed  flowers embellish the body of the white short sleeve shirt  and plain white fabric sleeves extend to the wrist  giving this adorable tee a trendy layered look. A hook and loop closure down the back allows for easy dressing.   The companion skirt is a grape colored cotton with deep purple ruffled trim at the waist, hem and along the sides. These details make this a fun skirt to wear together with the matching shirt or with many other tops your American doll might already have. The elastic waistband is easy to get on and off your 18 inch doll.   FREE WITH PURCHASE is a pair of SLS-PU, white sneakers with purple ribbon trim. Your American doll will be celebrating everything purple in February when she’s wearing this outfit! (good through 2/24/12)

President’s Day is celebrated on February 20th so this week’s Outfit of the Week plus FREE SHOES will celebrate the Red, White and Blue! This 3 piece outfit DRSGU will make your American doll feel very patriotic! The creamy white shirt features long sleeves with real button cuffs. The shirt placket shows 4 buttons and a dainty ruffle that hides the hook and loop closure. A traditional pointed collar can be worn down or “popped” for a more casual look. Over top, is a red ribbed cotton tee with a scooped neckline, embellished with rhinestones. ¾ length sleeves will allow the shirt cuffs to peek out for that layered look.  An “A” line, wrap style skirt is made from a red, white and navy plaid fabric with a hook and loop closure down the side. To complete this “presidential” look, we are adding a pair of red patent bow slip on shoes SUB-RD FREE WITH PURCHASE. (good through February 17, 2012)

If you are looking for a new hobby or interested in learning something new, I have just reviewed a terrific book “Embroider Everything Workshop”, by Diana Rupp, that will springboard you into the fine art of Embroidery. This is a beginner’s guide and starts with an overview of different types of needlework. The accompanying photographs show colorful examples and certainly made me realize how far back this art form has been practiced.  There are four chapters that will take you through what you need, getting started, stitch instruction, and creating designs. The chapters are easy to read and offer clear diagrams, photographs and illustrations. I found it very easy to follow and the diagrams and photographs were very helpful to me when I attempted to reproduce each stitch. Included in the book is a Practice Stitch Card…an awesome, hands on practice guide for folks like me that really need a step-by-step visual experience to learn these stitches. You actually stitch through the card using the illustration guides and text! Before you know it, you have mastered a variety of stitches!

The remainder of the book is dedicated to Projects…tons of them!  There are projects for you and even some that could Continue Reading →

Here are some new leggings SNL-SF that will add a bit of fun to your American doll’s winter wardrobe. White cotton leggings with all over print of a variety of snowflake patterns. It is a bit whimsical and a perfect accessory for under skirts or with tunic sweaters. Why be bothered by the winter doldrums when your 18″ doll can smile and have fun wearing these adorable snowflake leggings!

Cupid’s arrows will be flyin’ because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Your American doll will be sweet as candy in this week’s Outfit of the Week!  DRPJ-HA, a 2 piece pajama set, would make a great Valentine’s Day gift. The soft pink cotton tank top has ribbed trim at the neckline and straps. On the front of the tank is a hot pink heart appliqué bordered in pink satin stitching. The elastic waist pajama pants are made from the same pink cotton interlock and are covered in pink hearts! A self tie bow decorates the waistline. FREE WITH PURCHASE is a pair of cozy white slippers with a pink embroidered flower in the front SSE-PK. If you want your doll to be extra sweet, there is a companion bathrobe, DRNR-PK that is soft pink fleece and decorated with heart appliques, ties at the waist and comes with heart slippers!  Your 18” doll will be the sweetest valentine in these PJ’s.  Happy Valentine’s Day! (good through 2/10/12)

Separates are the utility players of a doll’s wardrobe (I had to make at least one reference to the Super Bowl!)  These are pieces that you can use to mix and match, create new looks and expand on the outfits your 18 inch doll can wear. We have a new skirt that will be a great compliment to your separates collection. SH-TS is a tiered skirt that comes in hot pink, black and white. Two tiers give this skirt some flounce while the dropped waist panel provides a great fit. The cotton interlock fabric makes this a year round piece. So whether you dress your American doll in boots and a fur vest, or a cami and sneakers, these skirts will be the perfect piece to work around.

The Outfit of the Week DRTRS-DJ plus FREE BOOTS is a 2 piece set that features a  layered look without the layers! The denim jeans have slightly flared legs, real belt loops and embroidered details on the back pockets in white, light blue and teal. There is a hook and loop fly with a brass snap closure. The ¾ sleeve shirt is teal ribbed cotton with teal & blue plaid fabric cuffs, collar and placket.  This gives the illusion of being a layered look without the bulk (and expense) of actually having to layer the pieces! A hook and loop closure down the back allows for easy dressing.  FREE WITH PURCHASE is a pair of tan suede ewe boots SEB-TN. These boots compliment a subtle tan stripe in the shirt and are such a versatile color; they can be worn with so many other outfits in your American doll’s wardrobe.  Mix and match or wear all together, this is a great look with FREE BOOTS! (good through 2/3/12)

My Doll’s Life has a new skirt in the separates line SPSK-DG that may be just the perfect utility piece for your American doll. The simple design of this skirt will not compete with her detailed sweaters, leggings and tunics. The deep blue denim is stitched in white.  A hook and loop closure in the back allows for easy dressing. Featured at a great price, this skirt can add versatility to any 18” doll’s wardrobe.

Here’s a trendy look for your 18 inch doll that will keep her warm while looking great! This 3 piece set DRCH-AN-TN features animal print fabric on a coat, hat and muff!  The swing style coat is made from black fleece, has long sleeves and a tan animal print collar. Three buttons adorn the front of the coat, however, a hidden hook and loop closure secures it. The coordinating hat is made of the same fleece with a wide band of the same animal print fabric. To complete the set, an animal print muff can hang gently around your American doll’s neck by the black velvet strap and will keep her hands toasty warm!  To complete your 18” doll’s look, we are adding a pair of tall, tan suede buckle boots SBBS-TN…FREE WITH PURCHASE! Boots are everywhere and will look great not only with this coat but with so many other outfits your 18” dolls have. (good through 1/27/12)