1962 Barbie Dream House

I came across this on eBay the other day, and can't get over how freaking cute it is. This is the original Barbie Dream House - the first one they ever came out with. I don't know about you, but I would have died for one of those Barbie Townhouses in the early 70's - the one with the elevator? My parents got me the Barbie Country House (which is also on eBay) instead one year for Christmas, and I think I probably should have had therapy over the disappointment.

The whole thing is cardboard, so complete ones in good shape are pretty rare. Still, these only cost about $30.

I want my front door to look like that!

Doesn't this look like a Domino spread? *sniffle!* Check out the open top record player. We had one of those - and there are record albums with real titles, and books, and little cardboard pillows. All of the furniture is folded and put together.

here's a longer view - Love the pink interior of Barbie's closet - and that picture on the wall.

Here's a closer look. Cool huh?

Looking for more info, I ran across this great little essay on the subject of the early Dream House - check it out.

P.S. I Love You - Part II

Ah, the Parker. It seems to be a loaded question when you ask people what they think of it. Regardless of how they feel about the decor (which I love, personally) or the service (come on, what guy would want to wear those hot pink pants?) I have never had a bad breakfast in their dining room (as we discussed earlier) and I think virtually anyone would have to agree that the grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

By some sort of landscaping miracle, they are both lush and drought tolerant - with lots of meandering pathways, citrus trees dripping with fruit, and plenty of shady spots, fountains and grassy bits to ameliorate the heat.


After wandering for a little while among the pampas grasses, you come to a cute little "Lemonade Bar" serving lemonade, of course, and other "beverages" too.


A shaded lane between two petanque courts shelters a row of tables and chairs, and just beyond another hedge lies one of the two swimming pools on the grounds.


The sensibility of the Parker is sort of Morocco meets the beach - having a weakness for whimsy myself, I dig the oversized chess set and the peaked umbrellas, though someone with less tolerance for this sort of thing might not...

I also love their huge bougainvilleas that climb up the outside walls of the rooms overlooking the other pool - closer to the center of the complex.

And the vast swaths of grass punctuated by some Moroccan lawn furniture and an ancient olive tree remind me of the even-more-whimsical Delano in Miami Beach.

Since their rates are a little higher than some of the other places in town (around $300 per night) I haven't stayed there yet, but I could definitely be talked into it, despite what some have said. Maybe a girl's weekend this Spring? Who's in?

More photos can be viewed in this set.

On the Red Carpet

I just think these women deserve a little round of applause for rocking some seriously stylish and original outfits on the red carpet last night. The whole prom dress/ball gown/grecian goddess thing is getting kind of old, and it's nice to see celebrities let their personalities show on the runway - without resorting to swan outfits or backwards tuxedos (sorry Celine.) I especially love Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress. It suits her perfectly, and no one else could carry it off like she does.

Hey ladies!

Have you heard? Apparently, the mustache is back in style! If only the rest of them rocked it as well as Clooney does...

And by the way, if you thought Burt Reynolds looked hot with his mustache (somebody must, he was a sex symbol, right?) take a look at him without it. Rawwr!

Images from various sources on the interwebs, including the NY Times, Top10kid.com, and allposters.com

Michelle Style

Michelle Obama has definitely taken some heat for the dress she wore on election night, but I have to give the woman props. She has put on a public face every day for going on what now, two solid years? And for the most part, she's looked absolutely amazing. She has a strong spirit to go along with those upper arms and an absolutely spectacular smile, and I can't wait to see what she wears come January 20, 2009. Whatever it is, I'm sure she'll rock it.

Photos via The New York Times