Introducing Bear-ry Holidays

Midland is dark and rainy today and the wind sock outside my window is spinning wildly.  Mother Nature is is giving a not so gentle reminder that the seasons are changing and cold weather preparations should begin. With that thought in mind, we have added a holiday doll to our Doll in the Looking Glass boutique. 

Bear-ry Holidays was created using Bailey, one of my personal favorite faces from Apple Valley Dolls.  She has a soulful expression and views the world through hazel eyes.  Light brown hair is styled in a simple bob with multi-color ribbons pulling her hair to one side.  This doll has a fully jointed 22-inch body with a light skin tone.

Bear-ry Holidays is wearing a pink jumper that features colorful applique of bears at play in winter.  This outfit is from a holiday collection of real children's wear.   Here is a close-up of the sweet applique.

Don't you know someone who would love to celebrate the winter season with Bear-ry Holidays?

Ornamental Kale - Fall Landscape Star

Today as I was walking down the path to my front porch I was struck by the beauty of the Ornamental Kale plants.  Now that the crisp fall weather has arrived the magic and true beauty of the plant becomes evident.  All summer long it is basically ruffled green foliage.   It does look like a cabbage plant and people have been asking about it – thinking I planted vegetables between the flowers.  Why do I say magic?  The cooler temperatures change the center of the plant to shades of white, pink or purple.  And these plants are huge.  Each measure about 20-inches tall and the flower heads are about 16-inches wide.  The plants prefer full sun -- those receiving their preferred lighting stand proud and upright. Plants getting more shade tend to become lazy and rest their stems along the ground but are still very showy in this reclining position.

Ornamental Kale is easy to grow from seedlings planted in the Spring.  Adding Ornamental Kale to your garden will assure color in your landscape through the entire season.  Although these are annuals, their vivid colors will still be visible peeking beneath the early snowfalls.  But I am getting ahead of myself – it is just barely Fall and we have lots of nice weather ahead in Midland.

I hope you enjoy these plants as much as I do.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

A Peek at Back Detailing

Are you looking for a special doll to accent that small chair in your bedroom?   For a truly romantic environment, a doll that is dressed in ruffles and lace could offer that vintage charm you are seeking.

Today's spotlight is on two of the dresses currently in available in our boutique that you can select for your custom doll creation.  The front of each dress features a white bib collar with beaded lace down the center and an underlay of pastel satin ribbon.  Gathered lace trims the collar edge and a ribbon rose adds the finishing touch to the delicate bodice.

You really must see the detailing on the back of these dresses.   The collars reach across the shoulders and continue to the waistline.  Their ruffled skirts scoop up in the back to show off a white underskirt that is covered with rows of lace.  To be honest, the back of these dresses may be prettier than the front!

Back of Product G0716 - Rose Dress

Product G0716 as Pictured on Website

Back of Product G0715 - Lavender Floral Dress

Product G0715 as Pictured on Website

Contact Doll in the Looking Glass to see how easy it is to create the doll of your dreams!

Cruise 'N Car Show

Saturday was a perfect day in Midland for strolling Main Street to view cool cars.  Here are a few classics that caught my attention.  Maybe one of these will trigger a special memory for you ...

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Dahlia Hill Virtual Tour

The crispness of Fall is in the air which means it is prime viewing season for Midland's local garden dedicated to showcasing the varied beauty of dahlias.  At Dahlia Hill you will delight in 3,000 plants representing 250 varieties planted on 8 stone terraces.  Dahlia Hill is a not-for-profit with the goal of education on the dahlia species.  Their show quality dahlias in a garden setting are cared for by community volunteers.

So grab your jacket and stroll along with me through the garden.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Hot Air Balloons Are Coming!

Remember to watch the sky September 15-17 as the RE/MAX Balloon Festival marks the official kick-off of the United Way campaign in Midland.

Hot air balloons will be tethered along Main Street on the evening of September 15 with the evening GLOW scheduled for dusk.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning launches are scheduled for 7:30 am.  The Friday and Saturday evening launches begin at 6 pm. 


Even if your weekend schedule doesn't allow you to officially dedicate time to the balloon fest events,  be sure to look up from whatever activity you are enjoying.  You never know where the balloons will appear after they have launched.  Listen for the unmistakable whoosh as the burner releases fuel to keep the balloon inflated.  If you are lucky, the flight plan may take the hot air balloon right over your home. 

Enjoy a few photos from the 2010 event.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

PATRIOT DAY

In Remembrance

September 11, 2001

Vintage Postcard bearing 1911 postmark

CELEBRATING AMERICAN WORKERS

Labor Day has been recognized as a U.S. national holiday since 1894 to honor the everyday working people who helped build American industry.  Celebrate yourself this weekend.  You are the heartbeat of America contributing to the economic recovery of our nation.   

Our ancestors sent holiday greetings to friends and family for every major holiday.  Although somewhat rare, Labor Day cards were also exchanged.  The image shared with you displays the patriotism of the period.  Lady Liberty partners with laborers to express hope for the promise of a better tomorrow -- the American dream.

Labor Day Post Card Series No. 1, Circa 1909

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.