International Barbie Next Top Model Competition

About a month ago, Alex saw a sign that read 'First Ever International BNTM' competition.  She thought about it for a moment and figured win or lose this could really be a fun experience.  So, she entered.  After submitting all recommended photos, she survived the screening process

and is now one of the top 12 finalists.  Wish her luck :)

The competition takes place on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1961351@N22/

Putting a face to a name- Clark Gilbert

Clark is a successful businessman from a well to do family in Texas.  He moved to New York 10 years ago to expand his real estate development business.  Clark met Brandy at a cafe he regularly frequented, where she waitressed.  A few years later they got married, she stopped working at the cafe

and became a desperate house wife.

Sisterly Love - Episode 9 (S3)

Alex pops up at the boutique.

Hope you enjoy :)

Day of Shopping

Today I decided to take a short break (new episode coming soon), soak up
some sun and do a small bit of shopping.

The thrift shop did not disappoint.  I was able to find good usable items like
the shelving, register counter, chair,

an ice cream shop with all the pieces

and two male dolls.  One of the dolls were found with a mark on his face, but BarbieDream has a remedy for removing marks/stains that I may have to try.

Then I made a trip over to Marshall's and TJMaxx.  I was happy to find two of the bottle stoppers recommended by Vanessa.  I also found a cute little cow girl set for the Stacie doll.

Hey, It's Muff gives some really good tips on removing the bottom.

Finally, I made my way to Big Lots and found one of the older basic dolls.  Not sure what I will use her for, but I've always been interested in getting her.  She may end up over on my shop blog as a model...hmmm...we'll see.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Great Sticker Remover

I've been putting some work in on the Lewis's new home and was honestly not looking forward to the sticker removal.  But, that changed while I was in Home Depot and ran across a product called Goo Gone (it was about 5 or 6 bucks).  I had never heard of this product and was looking forward to seeing what it could do, since this house was loaded with stickers.

When I brought it home, I gave each sticker a few sprays and left it to sit over night.  The next morning, I grabbed some soap and water to wipe them off and they literally came right off.

It worked EXCELLENT!  It has become my go to sticker remover.

Before

After

Before

After

** Please get assistance from your parent or guardian if you are under 18. **

The Stardolls

These two beauties will be making an appearance from time to time.

Kelly Johnson is a Dermatology Medical Assistant and works at Melissa's Dermatologist office.

(Appeared in Episode 2) 

Tessa Lancaster is a recent graduate currently looking for employment and a dear friend of Sarisha's.

Meet Mason's daughter and Alicia's husband

Hey everyone! I've been updating the characters page and wanted you all to meet a few people.

Mason would like to introduce his daughter, Bridget. She's 10 years old and the joy of his life. Mason lost his wife when their daughter was 5 and has been raising her as a single dad. She's somewhat of a tom-boy, so you might catch her climbing trees and skateboarding.

I don't know how he got her into that dress!

Alicia is married to a wonderful guy named, Kenneth. Kenneth is a professional photographer and deeply in love with Alicia. Although, the first time Kenneth asked her for her hand in marriage, she said no. Well, her exact words were "I'm not ready". Not because she didn't love him, she really wasn't ready. She wanted to pursue her career without being tied down and having too many limitations would frustrate her and ultimately damage their marriage. Needless to say she became a successful and lonely publicist. After a few years she cut down her client list and made a beautiful commitment of marriage. She just couldn't let this amazing guy get away.

Characters Page

Happy Mother's Day

Melissa and her mom, Vivian.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Olivia gets a surprise visitor in Episode 8 (S3)

Sarisha & Imari get the keys to their First Home!

Sarisha and Imari have been wanting to move out of the city for a few years and have finally gotten their wish. They found a home in a great neighborhood and only about 35 minutes from the city. So, the commute to work won't be so harsh. Their new home is a fixer-upper, but they couldn't let this great deal pass them by. Sarisha's excited not only about the house, but the yard space! There's enough for Milana to play and for an occasional cookout.

First Floor

When you enter the house, you enter directly into this cozy little kitten.

Window seating.

This is the living room with built in shelfs, fireplace and elevator (which may be removed or permanently placed on the second floor).

Second Floor

A half bath with a built in vanity, storage and sink.

The other half is the bedroom. Sarisha will probably convert this into a home office.

This is the right side of the room, where the elevator will fill the hole.

Since the house doesn't offer a lot of rooms, I'll be including

two dioramas to be used for their bedrooms.

Imari and Sarisha talk for a moment.

Sarisha- "So, are you still happy with our purchase?"

Imari- "Yeah, it's a great house and a steal."

Sarisha- "But, there's a lot to be done."

Imari- "Risha, don't worry about that. You know I'm the best handy man around."

Sarisha- *smile* "If you say so."

Imari- "I can get some of the guys to help with the painting. I'll get the floors installed..."

Sarisha- "Babe, maybe you should let a professional handle that."

Imari- *smile* "What?! I got this!"

Sarisha- "Okay. Just please don't have us falling through the floor."

They both laugh.

Sarisha to Milana- "Honey, this is our new home!"

We'll be checking in on their home improvements from time to time :)