Showing posts sorted by date for query babies. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query babies. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query babies. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query babies. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Looking for Baby Monitor Reviews?

Keera, Levana's Touch Panel Video Baby Monitor

With a Baby Monitor like the Keera, you can do more knowing your child is safe. The thing we'd do more of is get some sleep! Our babies were into co-sleeping. We never felt safe with them in the other room- if only we had this monitor! Keep reading this review to learn how you can WIN your own. Enjoy!


Looking for Baby Monitor Reviews?
Keera, Levana's Touch Panel Video Baby Monitor.

We really wanted a video monitor. Not only does everyone here at Kids Creative Chaos have babies and small children, some of us have GRAND babies! Our little granddaughter often spends the night at our house. We wanted to feel secure knowing that she is safe and sound, not climbing out of her bed, and not getting squished by a big, fat cat.



But... there were other reasons we wanted a baby monitor...

Our 9 yr. old is very in to detective work. It has been her dream for the last 5 or so years to catch Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy in the act. Mommy wants to know what the cats do when we're gone. I mean, do they sleep all day or do they terrorize the house? AND, what do the cats do when they see the Tooth Fairy? 



You need special software to view your baby monitor videos on your computer. This helps keep them safer from hackers. We wanted to share the soothing music, so we took a video of our video! :) The pictures and videos are high quality, and make great family keepsakes when you download the software.

Full Disclosure: We'd also planned to use the camera to monitor the chicken coop at night, but after receiving this one for review, we quickly decided against that. This is a very NICE camera. Far too good for placement in the chicken coop!
Keera, Levana's Touch Panel Video Baby Monitor
Keera, Levana's Touch Panel Video Baby Monitor.

The Keera, Levana's 3.5" touch panel baby monitor has pan, tilt, and zoom. It can record video and take pictures while viewing the live performance on your monitor. The battery lasts up to 24 hrs. The monitor has a touch panel with simple icons that make selecting the features easy. You can do more knowing your child is safe. Imagine using it as a Nanny Cam while you have an older sibling babysit as you make a run to the store for bread and milk.

All Levana monitors are cordless, eliminating the risk of strangulation. You can keep the charging cords in another room or out of your babies reach.
  • They know their stuff! Levana launched the first-ever wireless handheld baby monitor in 2002.
  • The monitors are state of the art with invisible LED's and ClearVu Digital Wireless Technology (to protect from hackers).
  • They are one of the first movement monitors ever introduced.
  • Smart LED Indicator Ring
  • Sound indicator ring changes color with the sound of your baby’s voice alerting you if she is crying out when you have the volume turned down and features adjustable sensitivity.
Pink - Disconnected
    Blue – Whispers
      Green – Murmurs
        Yellow – Cooing
          Orange – Chatter
            Red – Yelling

            Blah, blah... you want to know how we liked it? More importantly, you want to know how to score your own, right? Loved it. 




            This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Levana. The opinions and text are all mine.

            10 Toy Safety Tips for Babies and Toddlers

            10 Game and Toy Safety Tips for Caregivers

            Toys! Mommy, can I have that toy? Can I, can I, can I? Think before you give in and buy it. All toys are not created equal. Toy safety isn't just for infants and toddlers. Children with special needs are prone to accidents with toys too. Even young, elementary-age children can choke on small toy parts or game pieces. Until about age six, kids have a tendency to put everything in their mouths. So, make yourself familiar with Game and Toy Safety TipsEnjoy!



            This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

            10 Game and Toy Safety Tips for infants, babies, and toddlers.

            Toy Safety Tips and Toy Recall Information:

            1. Toy shopping shouldn't be done on sight alone. When shopping for best infant toys, consider the child's age and ability. Don't waste money on flashy toys the child may not be capable of playing with.
            2. Toy labels give safety warnings and recommended ages for safe toy play.
            3. Children, especially those under the age of three, love to put toys and small objects in their mouth. Small game pieces, broken toys, or loose parts are choking hazards. If something can fit inside the center of a cardboard toilet roll or paper towel tube, consider it a choking hazard.
            4. When putting a toy or game together, always read the instructions. Items put together incorrectly can fall apart and become a choking hazard.
            5. Plastic bags and packaging are dangerous. They can be stuck in the mouth or placed over the nose. It isn't just bags that cause suffocation. A small toddler or infant can suffocate on a piece of plastic stuck over their mouth and nose.
            6. Children, especially infants and babies, must be supervised at all times during toy and game play. Never leave the room and leave a small child unattended.
            7. Don't mix baby toys with those of older children. Small blocks are especially attractive to younger children. Keep older children's toys put away in containers. Teach older siblings to put their toys away.
            8. When toys break, discard them! Don't keep old toys around. Check toys often for broken or loose parts and sharp edges.
            9. Toy storage is essential. Toys on the stairs can cause family members to trip and fall. Toys left out on the floor can be swallowed by a toddler. Keep toys for babies stored separately from toys for older children.
            10. Toys with wheels and motors can pinch fingers or entangle hair. Watch children closely with these types of toys. Even cars designed for toddlers can present a problem.
            For more game and toy safety tips visit safekids.org.



            Recommended Reading:

            Sensory Baby Play: Teach your Baby with Music Play

            Your Baby Can Learn by Playing Music



            Have you ever wondered how a toddler would interact if you put musical instruments in front of her? Babies and toddlers learn through play. Music is sound, rhythm, and more. All of that can translate to music, math, and science. Enjoy!

            This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.

            A great way for a toddler to learn is by hitting a drum, shaking a maraca, a tambourine, or some shaker eggs. You can make your own drum, grab some pots and pans, or buy a baby music set to teach your baby to play music. 

            We’ve experimented with the B. Parum Pum Pum Drum Set. This set is for ages 18 months-24 months, and it is perfect for baby sensory play.



            Sensory Baby Play: Teach your Baby with Music Play
            Music is one of the best forms of baby and toddler sensory play.

            Our baby tester loved playing with this toy. She laughed and mimicked mommy hitting the drum. Beat the drum and count out to ten. This is a great way to introduce counting to a toddler. Practice with them. 
            Will she tap the drum ten times too? Make it a game and practice each day. You can experiment with patterns too. You know, rumpa pum pum. Tap the drum or shake a shaker in a numerical pattern: 3-1-3-1-3-1 or 5-2-5-2-5-2 and so on. If you speak the counting of each beat, the child will begin to learn to count as well: “One- two three- one- one- two- three- one- one- two- three- one.


            Make your own drum, grab some pots and pans,  or buy a baby music set to teach your baby to play music.


            Baby’s favorite toy in the B. Parum Pum Pum Drum Set is the shaker egg. Whenever she shakes it she laughs! Each instrument makes a different sound which is excellent for sensory play. Demonstrate each toy’s sound to your toddler. Can she copy the sound with her voice? “Shh Shh Shh Shh”. Practicing to copy these sounds, and moving her lips to form the sounds, can help her learn to speak.  


            This music play set should entertain your child, keeping her busy for long enough for you to do the dishes! If you have older children, they can join in on the fun too. Let them be a babysitter and play tutor. They will enjoy making music (or just banging and shaking the instruments to make noise). All of the items store inside the drum so it stays together making it easy to put away.


            Baby play with musical Instruments helps a child learn creativity through play. Another way to teach creativity and reduce sensory issues is to paint. Starting art lessons early will aid in color and shape recognition. Check out the recommended reading list below to find more posts and books on sensory play for babies and toddlers.


            Recommended Reading:

            Breast Milk or Formula? What Challenges Defined your Choice?

            Which Infant Formula is Best?

            Here at Kids Creative Chaos, the mommies have nursed over 20 babies. Whenever possible we encourage breastfeeding, but that isn't always the reality of life. Some of us adopted our children as infants, others faced milk allergies, and some just couldn't produce enough milk.
            Infant formula Parent's Choice Walmart
            Walmart infant formula.

            Personally (Lora), faced a child with a rare true milk allergy- not lactose intolerant. What does that mean? Everytime, I had milk in my cereal, a glass of chocolate milk, or ice cream, Jake projectile vomited. At first, the doctor thought it was acid reflux, but we soon realized it was milk! During the time we thought it was acid reflux, we tried forumula. I used Enfamil. Eventually, we had to swtich back to mommy milk. Turns out, Jake was allergic to soy too, so I had to give up my indulegences. We breast fed until Jake was nearly two years old. Yep, I recently discovered there is a name for my parenting style. I practice attachment parenting.

            Anyway, I just went to the Wal-mart website and wow! Look what I could have saved if I had used Parent's Choice formula.


            Another one of our mommies, Jessica, used Parent's Choice Formula. Here's what she had to say about it:

            "I was determined to breastfeed, however (long story), I had to begin supplementing with formula beginning at 8 wks old. We used Parents Choiceformula from 2 mos to 1 year. We even used Parents Choicetoddler formula for about a month. We were always very happy with it - no issues. AND, because we DID supplement, we were able to continue a successful nursing relationship well into toddlerhood!"


            which infant formula is best? Parent's Choice.
            Photo of a happy formula baby.

            Turns out, Parent’s Choice Formulas are clinically proven to be as well tolerated as the national brands.

            It contains DHA and ARA which may support brain and eye development - Just like Enfamil®. It is milk-based which is good for most babies! It also contains prebiotics which support your babies' immune systems. Go check it out so you can give your baby the best and save money too!  Parent's Choice

            We'd love to hear about your challenges. It is always nice to know you aren't alone.

            Sign up for our free newsletter!
            -->

            Baby Carrying Babywearing Mama? What style Sling are you?

            What Style Baby Carrier Sling is Best for You?

            Those cumbersome Baby Slings got little love when I was a babywearing mama. Apparently, I'm too uncoordinated to pull it off. I could never pull off carrying the baby in back. So, what style baby carrying device is best for you? A Sling? A Pouch? Read on and then tell us your favorite. Will your baby be a fashion statement or are you more practical? Enjoy!


            forward baby carrier reversible strap easy
            Wear this baby carrier forward or Reverse.

            So, my babies faced forward- eyes to the world, and not to their babywearing mama. What a lucky baby who gets to snuggle tightly next to his mama and star in her wardrobe as a fashion statement. 


            Cool Fashionable Baby Sling Carrier
            Purple Boa Baby Wrap Sling Carrier

            As a new Aunt again- and a soon to be (ahem) step grandma, I decided to see what kind of baby carrying new moms are wearing these days. I can't believe all the fashionable baby sling options.


            Grandaughter with her Uncle.
            I was always afraid my baby would suffocate, but these fabrics are breathable. The water carriers are mesh. Sure wish I'd had one of those when we went to the beach!


            Maya Baby Wrap Carrier for Babywearing carrying


            I love the MAYA WRAP Baby Carrier it is totally me, but the hip carrier seems more sturdy for baby security. Either way, baby is cuddled and snuggled to his Mama or Papa! So, what style baby sling best fits your personality and fashion style?


            Recommended:

            Sensory Baby Play with Music

            Whimsical Nursery Ideas

            *This post contains affiliate links.







            Disney on Ice World's of Fantasy at Banker's Life Fieldhouse: Tow Mater Steals the Show

            Tow Mater Printable Coloring Page

            We saw Disney on Ice World's of Fantasy at Banker's Life Fieldhouse last night, and Tow Mater stole the show! At least, that's what my eight-year-old son thought. He grinned from ear to ear astonished at seeing Tow Mater in the flesh. It was truly life coming full circle for us.

            Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy Tow Mater



            You see, in 2004, I attended Disney on Ice, Monster's Inc. when he was just a bun in the oven. I'd never seen anything like it. I couldn't wait to take him one day. Well, apparently, I waited one or two days too long. He hated  The Little Mermaid, growled through Tinkerbell, and complained Toy Story was boring and for babies. Good thing I brought his 6-year-old sis along. She loved Cars, endured The Little Mermaid, adored Tinkerbell, and giggled through Toy Story.





            When asked, What was your favorite part? My son said, "The only thing good was Tow Mater, he had a real amber light just like on Daddy's plow." And, my daughter said, "The queen looked real and Tinkerbell really looked like Tinkerbell. Here's what I didn't like about Toy Story: the boy's hair looked like plastic, but the girl's hair (you know, Barbie) looked like real."

            Maybe, I had too many years to build up my anticipation, but I preferred the magic in the Monster's Inc. version. The Little Mermaid was a beautiful display of skating artistry. In kid speak that spells boring. In fact, the daddy slept through it, but to be fair, he'd only had two hours of sleep the night before. My favorite part was also Tow Mater. Who doesn't love him? Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy hosted. As much as I hate to say it, I think they are has-beens. Please don't tell Mickey, I loved him. He was one of the very first dolls in my collection. I guess it happens to the best of us.

            Goofy Disney on Ice

            This show catered to the preschoolers and the princesses. Perfect, if you have either. My little, spirited "Princess" sat still all through Tinkerbell.  Now, that was truly magical!

            Recommended:

            Free Disney Pumpkin Templates

            Tow Mater Blanket and Pillow Set*


            What to Expect When You're Expecting Book Giveaway

            You've probably heard of the book, "What to Expect When You're Expecting", but did you know they have a website with pregnancy and parenting tips? It's a great resource for New-Moms-to-be. You can track your babies growth, see celebrity moms, and find Mommy Blogs about pregnancy and parenting.

            Follow @whattoexpect on Twitter and Facebook/WhatToExpectWhenYoureExpecting 

            Check back next week for your chance to win the trilogy! 
            Pre-Pregnancy

            You're Expecting

            The First Year
            We'll be giving away copies on our next Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest.
            Follow Me on Pinterest

            How to make your own DIY Edible Face paint Ideas & Recipes & Build Self-Esteem: The Thing About Monsters is

            How to make edible face paint and recipes for Toddlers and Kids of all Ages

            Remember, You Can do it with Creative Play and a Can-do Attitude. Recently, we did a post about Monster Trouble (Our first KCC Kids Video) check out the fun here. SCROLL DOWN to see DIY Face Paint Recipes for face paint/makeup, lip gloss, sensory play and Witchy Me.


            Monster Trouble?
            Face Paint for Kids
            Face Paint Kit by Alex Toys.

            In the video in the post, a sneaky monster is made with items from our costume trunk/creative play stash and Alex Toys Face Paint Studio. Not once, have we posted pictures or recipes of our homemade and edible face paints. During our creative play and messy classes playing with face paint has been a staple. So, read on to discover many ways to create self-esteem, a fun day of creative play, how to make less of a mess, and enjoy the little time you have with your littles and not so little ones.


            How to make edible face paint and recipes.
            Sneaky Monster peeks out of the brush.


            DIY Face Paint Recipe and Monster Face
            I see you and your Monster Face paint.
            It's hard to see, but he was modeled after the Connect a giant Monster kits above from Alex Toys. The Monster has a purple and green nose and red and orange eyes. This is a great kit for your older kids. Give them a mirror and a book of silly face ideas and let them go wild! Creative Play is a great self-esteem builder. Let them try out different faces, remove the paint with a little water or vaseline on a cotton ball, and be sure to tell them how great it looks. No buts or maybe ifs allowed.



            Homemade face paint.
            What's that you say? You don't want to have to clean up the mess? Put them in an empty tub the mess will clean itself, but make sure your little Max Factor helps. They might complain, but cleaning up after themselves teaches responsibility and independence. I can do it! Yes, you might have to tidy up- just don't complain about it.  You don't want your child thinking they can't do anything. If they can't even clean up after themselves they'll stop trying! So, count to 10, take a deep breath, and then say, I love how you are learning to clean up after yourself; it makes me so proud!

            Do you want to be remembered as the Mom with the spotless house or the Mom who was so fun and positive? Your choice, you decide.



            how to make your own face paint recipe
            Crazy Blue Face Paint Fairy.

            How to Make your own Face Paint (Recipe):

            Cold cream, Food coloring, Cornstarch, Egg Carton.

            Start with 1 C. of cold cream (Noxzema type)
            Slowly mix in 1/2 to 1 C. cornstarch until it is a smooth, creamy consistency.

            Divide into an egg carton or muffin tin.
            Add 1-2 drops of food coloring. Experiment with more or less and color combinations.

            Use cotton balls or paint brushes to paint a masterpiece on your face.

            Most colors will wear off quickly or wipe off easily with water due to the cold cream. Sometimes, yellow requires a little petroleum jelly to remove all the residue. 

            With experimentation you can get professional results with these ingredients. It does dry and get crackly. Some kids don't like this sensation others think it's cool.

            Homemade Face paint and makeup recipes for Toddlers and Preschool.
            Homemade Face paint and makeup recipes.

            Make your own Edible Face Paint for Preschoolers and Toddlers:

            Caregivers, do you need 20 minutes of me time? This is AMAZING. If you don't want to leave the little alone in the bathroom spread an old, white sheet or vinyl tablecloth on the floor. Cornstarch, food coloring or colored drink mix, water, white flour, big spoons, and mixing bowls.

            Start with 1/4 C. of flour
            Mix in 1/2 C. of cornstarch or powdered sugar (think icing)
            1/2 to 1 C. Cool Whip (Readiwhip doesn't work.)
            Sift with fingers to mix and enjoy the sensory aspects.
            Slowly add 1/4 to 1/2 C. water stir with spatula
            Water and cornstarch make an interesting science experiment so make sure to add the flour and Cool Whip first. Mix to a creamy icing consistency ~ Spreadable.
            Divide into egg carton and add food coloring or Drink Mix powder (Kool-Aid) works best.

            The little will have a blast studying their face and admiring their handiwork  Let them remove their shirt and paint tattoos on their belly or  bugs on their hands. This is a fun way to teach babies eyes, nose, mouth, etc.

            The ingredient measurements are guidelines. Warm water vs. cold, warm house vs. cool all of these can affect the makeup- experimentation is key.

            Mixing paint is great for fine motor skills and sensory learning.
            Mixing paint is great for fine motor skills and sensory learning.


            Kid’s Yummy Lipstick Recipe:

            Petroleum jelly, honey, maple syrup, or non-imitation vanilla, unsweetened drink powder for color and flavor.

            Put Petroleum jelly into microwave safe dish

            Microwave the petroleum jelly for 30 seconds to one minute until 

            warm, remove and stir.

            Add Kool Aid and Honey

            Mix well
            Spoon into gift containers, refrigerate.

            Changing Hair Color:

            Experiment with Conditioner or Petroleum Jelly and unsweetened drink powder, & Baby Powder. Spray Aqua Net to set the color. May take several washings to wash out. We found a YouTube Video here.



            Happy Halloween and Haunting  or Go break a leg!



            Recommended Reading:

            Wordless Wednesday: Things to do with Peanuts: Sensory Play

            Packing Peanuts are Fun for Sensory Play

            Baby Shipment via U.P.S. Baby had so much fun, even though he looks serious. Careful though, playing with packing peanuts makes a fun, sensory experience for babies and toddlers. Make sure you stay close, peanuts are a choking hazard and with this many peanuts baby could sink and get frightened in the pile of peanuts.

             Things to do with Peanuts: Sensory Play
            Baby playing in Packing Peanuts.
            We never left his side, packing peanuts are a serious choking hazard.
            Serious thinking while playing in packing peanuts.
            "I feel like I'm inside a peanut avalanche."
            Chillin' in Peanuts; now that's a fun thing to do with packing peanuts.
            Chillin' in Peanuts; now that's a fun thing to do with packing peanuts.

            Wordless Wednesday: Make a Recycled Pumpkin Snowman

            Need pumpkin decorating ideas? 

            Okay, he's not a recycled pumpkin just a leftover- "Make a Snowman Jack-o-lantern". Jake likes to keep his pumpkin in the house to protect it from would be smashers. He's been doing this since he was one. As long as no one uses them as a kickball or a chair, they last until spring, at which time we toss it in the garden and pray for pumpkin babies. Use Velcro to attach felt/foam shapes, and change his face. Enjoy!

            Need pumpkin decorating ideas? Okay, he's not a recycled pumpkin just a leftover - Make a Snowman Jack-o-lantern
            No Snow, Pumpkin Man, made from a Snowman Kit.



            Pumpkin Decorating Ideas: Snowman Kit.
            Creepy-eyed Pumpkin Man for Halloween.
            A picture is worth a thousand words. One of these days, I'm going to start using my new camera, but it seems like such a chore when my phone is so handy. I guess my phone pictures are only worth five-hundred words! :-)

            Let your picture tell the story, thanks for linking up!

            Recommended: 

            The Biggest Snowman Ever*

            Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

            Creative Snowman Ideas for Preschoolers




            Easy Donut Recipe? Santa's Doughnut Maker Mistake

            Easy Donut Recipe


            In 2010, Santa brought the little one a doughnut maker.  She asked for a cupcake maker, but it was the hot item and hard to find that year.


            Mommy was tired after all of the Christmas doings, so Daddy was in charge of making the doughnuts. I never even saw one. I heard, "They were so good!"  Mommy has been very busy.  Mommy experienced the Easy Bake Oven with the teenager.  It took Mommy over a year to make the doughnuts.

            As a kid, I had a Holly Hobbie, Old-fashioned,  Easy Bake Oven.  What fun I had baking cookies and cakes on the floor of my bedroom...  Wait that seems like an odd memory, true, but odd.  I have no memory of my mother helping with this endeavor.  I do remember my Dad eating the results. As a matter of fact, I remember my Dad eating teenager's Easy Bake Cookies and Cakes.

            Holly Hobbie Easy Bake Oven: Easy Doughnut Recipe
            Remember how the cookies tasted baked in your Holly Hobbie Easy Bake Oven.


            I also had a Baby Alive growing up.  You mixed the baby food  and she pooped and peed.  I liked her food.  I thought. "It was so good!"  Easy Bake and Super Doughnut Factory food tastes exactly like Baby Alive food. My, how my tastes have changed. And, for those of you who read my post on doll collecting, yes, somewhere, I have both of these items.  (Hoarder, Hoarder, Hoarder)

            This year (2011), my son wanted a doughnut maker.  He knew exactly which one he wanted. Grandpa took us shopping and when we explained that we needed to leave the toy aisle and find the small appliance aisle both Daddy and Grandpa were perplexed. My son is very practical.  He also asked Grandpa for a new, winter coat. So, he got this one.


            Mommy has been ridden with guilt. Knowing she should make the little one's doughnuts but not wanting to make the doughnuts. So, I had a brilliant idea.  We'd have a doughnut maker bake-off. Doesn't that sound like fun?

            What I learned from said Doughnut Maker Bake-off:

            Good ideas- aren't always. The genius idea to rid the house of Easy-Bake and Super Doughnut Maker packets would be more genius if I secretly tossed them. Easy-Bake is a Misnomer. Super Doughnut is a Misnomer.  

            What's Super about it?  Doughnuts are tiny.  You mix them in a tiny bowl with a tiny spoon, put them in a "machine" that squeezes  supposedly squeezes them back out into a tiny muffin tray. We are not elfs, we are humans. The extra step is not easy, super, or fun. It works better if you use the tiny spoon to place the batter in the tiny muffin tray. Then you add the filling.  HA ha ha ha ha. Finally you stick it into the microwave for 45 seconds. Voila! Easy.  

            Mommy taught the teenager how to use the microwave with her Easy-Bake supplies when she kept getting the pans stuck in her oven. I should have invented the 'Super Easy Cake Maker', I would be swimming in the dough. Yep, dough.

            If you put something off for an entire year forget the guilt; I'm sure you had a good reason. Someone's got to clean this thing! I've made my last Easy-Bake or Kiddie Baker item ever.

            It might be possible to persuade me into feeding Baby Alive.  Thank goodness the little one doesn't like dolls, especially babies. I've changed enough diapers in my life. After she ate microscopic, microwaved, mini-doughnuts made from year old ingredients, we grabbed a box of cake, followed the recipe for cake-like cookies, spooned them into the practical doughnut maker, popped them out after two minutes, and coated them with powdered sugar. Now that was easy.

            Daddy ate the doughnuts. None of these doughnuts are fat-fried, I guess that's a plus. Here are some of our other Easy doughnut/fun food recipe attempts that really work!

            Refrigerator Biscuit Doughnuts (Powdered Sugar Recipe)
            Cinnamon Donut Recipe (These were made in donut maker. They are good and beautiful)


            Recommended Reading:

            Doughnuts: Simple and Delicious Recipes to Make at Home


            Doll Collections: Are you a Crafter? Collector? Or just a plain, old Hoarder?

            Collecting Dolls and Crissy Babies


            Doing more surfing than crafting for kids lately? After Christmas and year end clearance specials are amazing. We all need to stock up on junk  more craft supplies for the new year. My favorite clearance sale is always the one on Toys and Hobbies. Doll collecting is my downfall. 

            I've been collecting dolls since I was born, literally. Here's a picture of the first doll ever given to me, shortly after my birth in...  1969. (collector, collector, collector)

            This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

            Doll Collecting Habit

            My Grandmother crocheted her a beautiful, new outfit many, many years ago, but I still have her chartreuse and lace dress. (hoarder, hoarder, hoarder)



            Doll Collecting Collections 1969 Horseman




            I also have a jingly, wobbly, Mickey Mouse, baby toy given to me the same year (1969) with perfect tag intact ~ Walt Disney World ~ I think I may have chewed off one of his ears. (Ebay, Ebay, Ebay)
            Then, there's Crissy Baby. I never actually owned one as a child but always wanted one. Now, I have several. (collector, collector, collector)  

            And Barbie... mostly from garage sales. (dumpster diver, dumpster diver, dumpster diver) The Bubble wig 1960's version.

            These girls sit in boxes in my closet sharing space with my most prized possession-  a Dennis Rodman doll with interchangeable heads to showcase his Kool-Aid dyed hair years. That's right, my friends, Dennis Rodman with interchangeable heads.  They even make a Dennis Rodman in Wedding Dress doll.

            Here's an old creepy doll that I dressed up and gave a new wig.

            Michael Jackson is there too with his glove and Grammy glimmer jacket, but he was born a collectible doll. Even though we attended college together, (yes, you read that right, I took a doll to college) but he isn't my favorite doll.




            I mean, you probably know someone else with an MJ, but how many of you know someone with a Dennis Rodman?


            Beautiful Crissy Baby Doll Hair Grows collectable
            Crissy Baby Doll ~ Growing Hair.
            Limited Edition Dennis Rodman Doll with Interchangeable Heads
            Interchangeable heads.
            Dennis Rodman in Wedding Dress
            OMG, I didn't realize this doll existed. Want.


            Want to make your own Kool-Aid hair dye?


            So, when Marie Osmond started designing dolls, I had to have one right up until I found out they were "collectible" and expensive. I don't collect anything considered collectible. In my opinion, that's what separates the collector from the hoarder. It's okay to laugh here.



            Who doesn't love them some Donny and Marie?  I'd dumpster dive for a set of Donny and Marie dolls



            Donny and Marie Osmond Barbie Dolls
            Donny and Marie Osmond Dolls.  Is this TMI?  


            Ahem, I'm surfing browsing the Marie dolls when I come across Marie Osmond Crafts.  She sings. She dances. She dolls. She gains weight. She loses weight. She crafts. Love her!  I'll bet she uses bonding tape to hem those doll clothes.

            Did I already mention how much I adore these cute Russian dolls? I first saw these at a friend's house and I instantly decided to get a set to add to my collections. It wasn't hard finding these dolls because you can now get them online. I got mine from https://nestingdolls.co/ and they look great!


            Cute Animal Nesting Doll Gift Ideas


            I just bought a mini-sewing machine for simple craft projects... Forget about Martha Stewart (Sorry, Martha). I wanna be like Marie. If I design some collectible dolls with Kool-Aid dyed hair would you collect them? (hoarder, hoarder, hoarder)



            Baby Crissy Doll collectible collecting collections
            Crissy doll collecting.


            This Crissy doll looks a little like my son. Okay, a lot. How weird is that? 


            Recommended:

            Follow me on Pinterest 

            How to Make a Doll Purse for a Gift Bag

            More Animal Nesting Dolls

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