Doll Collecting at About.com Free Newsletter

Autumn is here! Doll Events Abound This past couple of weeks alone, there was  a Pullip Convention, two Theriault's Rendezvous auctions with another this Monday, many art fairs, and new dolls like Disney Descendant's, more Halloween and Fall dolls, including Annalee at Marshall's, Holiday Barbies 2015, and new promotions from Madame Alexander, Tonner, and American Girl. Think about scarecrows and dried apple faced dolls as you doll shop for new additions.  What was your best yard sale find of this past season?  Let me know for a series of new posts.  Happy collecting! Ellen Tsagaris Doll Collecting Expert

A 300+ Year Old Doll House Still with its Family Ann Sharp's Baby House may be my all time favorite doll house, except for mine, of course! Read about Ann's house, and the micromini room it inspired. READ NOW

An Eclectic Collection; It Really is a Small, Doll World My friend Caroline is an artist, weaver, and doll collector.  She has one of the most eclectic collections I have ever seen, and she is very generous with them, too.  Next week, I'll share a gallery of her dolls. READ NOW

Bright, Shiny Objects and Doll Bling Idols and dolls of many type existed in ancient America, as toys, art, precious gold/silver objects, and religious statues. Here is an update, just in time for fall and September, still doll collecting month. READ NOW

Dolls by Marian Hu Designs and Seymour Mann A reader inspire me to create this post, about two very popular lines of collectible dolls of the 90s and novelist Erica Jong's parents!

Orchids from Dr. E's Greening Tips Blog, too

Cut off a bit, but very nice tips and photos. Stormy night goofing up everything, and lots of weather drama.

Fruiting, Rare and Tropical Plants Growers Since 1892

Grow Easy Blooming Orchids - on Sale Now Greetings! Orchid growing has become a popular gardening hobby since many varieties of orchids have unusual bloom colors and long-lasting flowers. Some are highly fragrant as well. Hurry! Sale ends Sept 23, 2015.  Note: To receive these special prices you must put the first item into your shopping cart, then enter "EMAIL" as the promotional code and click "Apply Key Code". Blc Orchid Blanche Aisaka 'Yuki' FCC/AOS   (Brassavola x Laelia x Cattleya hybrid) These spectacular blooms are very large and have a fragrance that's reminiscent of gardenia. The white flowers have attractive red-lavender lips, and they received the First Class Certificate (FCC) from the American Orchid Society.  This is the highest flower quality award given to an orchid. See for yourself!   A2623-4 Reg. $24.95         Sale: $19.95  Order Now Orchid Myst This ready-to-use nutrient solution replicates how an orchid receives fertilizer in the natural environment. Simply mist the leaves and exposed roots once or twice a week. It acts as a fertilizer, growth enhancer and plant tonic. Includes mineral and organic nutrients, marine plant extracts, humic and fulvic acids and pure plant oils. 300 ml bottle.  K7267 Reg. $14.95           Sale: $12.95 Order Now Cattleya Orchid Hagan's Ace 'Mandarin Orange'  (Cattleya hybrid) This exclusive George Hausermann cattleya orchid was bred as a cut flower variety for maximum bloom size and "wow" factor. The large 5-6" fragrant flowers have salmon-orange petals and vibrant magenta lips.  There are often 4-5 large flowers on the initial spike with flowers lasting 3-4 weeks. Tends to bloom in spring and fall.  4" pot. A2617-4  Reg. $29.95         Sale: $24.95 Order Now Potinara Orchid (San Damaino x C. Chocolate Drop) 'Doris' (Potinara hybrid) Fragrant, red-orange flowers have thick, waxy petals and 5-7 blooms per spike. The flowers usually last 4 weeks. It blooms in both spring and fall if grown in good light. This new introduction is award quality. 4" pot.  A2615-4 Reg. $19.95    Sale: $14.95 Order Now Lc Orchid Mari's Song 'CTM 217' HCC/AOS (Laelia x Cattleya hybrid) Attractive splash petals are light lavender with purple and light yellow flares. The 4" blooms are fragrant and usually last 4 weeks.  This fall bloomer has 3-5 flowers per spike on compact plants that are ideal for a windowsill or light garden.  4" pot. A2608-4  Reg. $24.95   Sale: $19.95 Order Now Coconut Orchid  (Maxillaria tenuifolia) Transport yourself to the tropics with the intense coconut fragrance emanating from the Maxillaria flowers. The spring bloom season is February to May. Star-shaped, rust-orange blossoms appear within the foliage, not on flower spikes. This easy-to-grow orchid is a must for orchid collectors.  4" pot. A2583-4  Reg. $19.95   Sale: $14.95 Order Now Potinara Orchid Twenty First Century 'New Generation'  (Potinara hybrid) Large, 5-6" flower are lavender with a vibrant red lip adorned with yellow highlights. This compact cattleya hybrid only grows 12" tall and the flowers have a pleasing fragrance. 'New Generation' usually blooms in spring with 2-3 large flowers per spike.  4" pot. A2613-4 Reg. $19.95      Sale: $14.95 Order Now Variegated Phalaenopsis 'Coffey' (Phalaenopsis hybrid)  This rare mini orchid has unusual variegated leaves with green centers and creamy yellow edges.  Spikes of pinkish-purple flowers often have 7-10 blooms per spike once the plant is mature.  It has a tendency to double spike, which creates a sensational floral show.  2.5" pot. A2601-2  Reg. $29.95    Sale: 24.95 Order Now Potinara Orchid Coral Gold 'Pacific Rainbow' CR/HOS  (Potinara hybrid) The tri-colored, splash flowers have white and yellow petals edged in pink with contrasting red lips and yellow highlights. The 4" flowers have a light cattleya fragrance and usually bloom in both spring and fall if grown in good light. 4" pot. A2604-4 Reg. $24.95     Sale: $19.95 Order Now Large and Small Humidity Trays Orchids need added humidity to grow and thrive. These Humidity Trays are an easy solution. Excess water drains into the tray below and as it evaporates, it generates added humidity to keep plants healthy.  The Small Humidity Tray measures 10" x 13" x 2" deep. The Large Humidity Tray measures 10" x 26" x 2" deep. KS7399 Small Tray Reg. $24.95 Sale: $19.95 KS7375 Large Tray Reg. $39.95  Sale: $34.95  Order Now  Dyna-Gro GROW Plant Food This liquid formulation is a fully balanced (7-9-5) fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and several trace minerals.  Easy-to-use, just add to water and apply. Helps plants grow and bloom to their fullest potential. 16 fl oz bottle K7348 Reg. $14.95   Sale: $12.95  Order Now Dtps Orchid Didier Beaullit (Phalaenopsis hybrid) Vibrant yellow blooms have deep burgundy spots on the petals and lip. Like all Phalaenopsis, it's a reliable bloomer for even beginning orchid growers. Flowering spikes often have 7-9 long-lasting blooms that hold on the plant for 2-3 months.  4" pot. A2619-4 Reg. $19.95   Sale: $14.95  Order Now Odcdm Orchid Catatante 'Pacific Sunspots'  (Odontoglossum x Oncidium hybrid) Easy-to-grow for even beginning orchid enthusiasts, 'Pacific Sunspots' has long, branching spikes of 2" pumpkin-orange flowers. There are dozens of flowers per spike and flower often last 4-6 weeks.  4" pot. A2622-4 Reg. $24.95    Sale: $19.95 Order Now Windowsill Humidity Tray Ideal for small orchids that need extra humidity to thrive.  Plants sit on the upper grid platform and excess water drains into the tray below.  As the water evaporates, it generates humidity for plants. Brown polystyrene tray measures 26" L x 6.5" W x 2.25" deep. Base of the tray measures 3.5" so it fits on most windowsills. K7315 Reg. $24.95 Sale: $19.95 Order Now Potinara Orchid Hsiying Pachi Pachi 'Carmela' HCC/AOS  (Potinara hybrid) Large, 6" flowers are clear yellow with orange highlights in the fringed yellow lip. Blooms have a delightful rose fragrance. This compact cattleya grows 10" tall and performs well on a windowsill or light garden. Blooms in spring and summer.  4" pot. A2612-4 Reg. $24.95   Sale: $19.95 Order Now Grow Chamber Here's a product to protect plants from cold weather and provide over 18 sq ft of additional growing space. Four tiers of wire shelves have approximately 15" of headroom between shelves. The tubular steel frame assembles easily without tools. Includes 3 removable covers: a clear plastic cover with double zipper for easy access to plants, a shade cover for summer growing and a flower forcing cover. Overall measurements: 63" h x 27" w x 19" deep. KS7400 Reg. $69.95   Sale: $59.95 Order Now Blc Orchid Hawaii Stars 'Pink Lace' (Brassavola x Laelia x Cattleya hybrid) One of the most fragrant orchids we grow, 'Pink Lace' has a pronounced, pastel pink, decorative lip highlighting the white petals. The 3-4" flowers appear in clusters on the spike. It tends to bloom in both fall and spring if grown in good light.  This compact cattleya hybrid is a good candidate for a windowsill or light garden.  4" pot. A2618-4 Reg. $24.95     Sale: $19.95 Order Now Oxford Plant Stand Tall and dramatic, this filigreed metal plant stand has 3 hinged panels (52" tall, 48" tall and 42" tall) that provide 6 tiers of plants spaced in a graceful flowing pattern. Each panel holds 2 large pot holders for 6" pots. The Oxford Plant Stand has a powder-coated antique finish and metal feet for stability.  KS7387 Reg. $169.95    Sale: $159.95 Order Now Tips to Re-Bloom your Cattleya hybrid Orchids   * Cattleya orchids grow from rhizomes with the newest growth creating the next flowers.   * Grow in some direct sunlight or provide high lumen, orchid specific indoor lighting. High light levels are essential to the formation of new flower buds.   * Allow the potting media to dry between waterings then thoroughly saturate the media and allow it to drain.  Do not allow an orchid plant to sit in a saucer of water.  Orchids should be grown on humidity trays for best results.

Doll Museum: About.com Free Newsletter Week of Sept. 14th

Doll Museum: About.com Free Newsletter Week of Sept. 14th: Fall is Nearly Here! Newsletter Week of Sept. 14th ...

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Remember 9/11; On this Date, they are Our Families...

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Remember 9/11; On this Date, they are Our Families...: Today is the 14th Anniversary of 9/11.  That year brought a lot of police and firefighter dolls home for Christmas. To top it off, we have t...

Cool as a Cucumber, also for Dr. E's Greening Tips for the Common Person

Cucumber Lime Water

I first had this drink New Year's Eve at my friend Angel's.  She is a DC and knows a lot about homeopathy and science of all types.  It is refreshing, and great for acid reflux.  Since I started making it and drinking it, I have had hardly any reflux. It is good for IBS, gall bladder, bloating, and other stomach issues, even those caused by stress and nerves.

Here is the recipe: Sliced fresh strawberries, optional

Fresh sprigs of mint, optional

Sliced orange with peel, optional

Layer the fruit and mint leaves in the bottom of the pitcher.  Cover with about 5 ice cubes.  Pour water to the rim, and let sit in the fridge about an hour so the flavors can blend.  The longer the pitcher is in the fridge, the longer it blends.

Drink as much as you want, and include slices of fruit in your water bottle.  The strawberries sweeten the water.

I change the fruit and cucumbers every couple of days. 

Very nice on a hot day!