MY BARBIE DOLL MEMORIES

BARBIE MEMORIES OF A BABY BOOMER

Barbie was invented in 1959, a few years before my sister and I were born and it would be a few more years before we were ready to play Barbie. When we were ready in about 1967, a young neighbor who we barely knew gave us her entire Barbie collection. She had had a few years to amass a small collection and to outgrow it. How lucky for us! That gift was the start of our Barbie collections and provided many, many hours of play. Though I have no idea who she was or where she might be today, I have never forgotten her generosity.

Over the years, we accrued, mostly from Santa Claus, but also on birthdays and with birthday money, a few more Barbie dolls and, of course, a few more Barbie-themed items to go with them. 

As with most familial memories, my sister and I have slightly differing memories but I know that we shared that collection that was passed to us over the fence. What follows is a review of the main Barbie items that I remember us having. I apologize if this list is not 100 percent accurate.

GOIN' CAMPING BREEZY BUGGY CAR AND TENT TRAILER SET (1973)

I had a Barbie convertible and tent trailer set from 1973 known as The Barbie Goin' Camping set with Breezy Buggy and Tent Trailer. The Breezy Buggy “really rolled” and the tent trailer “closed up to tow neat and tidy.” This set came with everything that Barbie needed to go camping with including a sleeping bag, a campfire and grill, a camp stool, a picnic table and cooking accessories.  I turned up a few Goin' Camping sets and items here on eBay. It is interesting to see that people still want this set today.

COUNTRY CAMPER (1970)

My sister had the 1970 Barbie Country Camper, which was known as “a home for Barbie wherever she explores…The swinginest camper on wheels!” It, too, came with a a couple of camp stools and sleeping bags to help Barbie on the go. I found a selection of Country Campers and replacement parts and pieces here on eBay. The picture shown here was used with permission of eBay seller Gameday28 who has other Barbie items and a large selection of vintage toys in his eBay store.  

THE TOWNHOUSE (1973)

My sister also had the three-foot-high Barbie Townhouse that featured a real ‘working’ elevator and a house full of plastic furniture. For whatever reason, I vividly remember the orange couch. 

TALKING BUSY BARBIE (1972)

In terms of dolls, I remember having a Barbie with short curly hair that talked. I think she may have been the Talking Busy Barbie who was released in 1972. This talking doll said things like, "I dig having my own TV," "The new fashions are wild" and "That music is groovy." 

MALIBU BARBIE (1971)

I also remember both of us eventually owning the 1971 Malibu Barbie. She turned out to be one of the most popular Barbies ever made and was produced for quite a few years. She was the ultimate surfer girl, suntanned with long straight blonde hair. Interestingly, she was popular enough that she has even been reissued over the years. If you are curious, you can see all of the new, used and vintage versions of Malibu Barbie here on eBay. My search just now turned up more than 2,300 Malibu Barbie items!

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We did not have a lot of toys when we were growing up, which was the way it was in those days for most children. Being gifted with a Barbie collection was definitely pretty special.

How about you? Did you play with Barbie? Do you have any Barbie memories?

See you 

in Barbie land!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE BARBIE READING:

Barbie's in my eBay store! See what's in store here.

The Andy Warhol Barbie Doll

How to Create a Barbie Mermaid Gift Set

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Barbie Doll

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Addaday Travel Foam Roller Review

Soothe and relax muscles whether travelling locally or afar with this handy travel roller. Small enough to fit in a tote, large purse, workout bag or carryon bag, the Addaday is perfect for travel with its' size and light weight.

Addaday Features

1. Lightweight but still effective
2. Easy to pack in luggage or carryon or a large purse or tote
3. Material is a mix between a pool noodle on the soft side and hard acrylic roller for the hard side comparison
4. Measures seven inches in length
5. Small enough to use in an airplane seat or car
6. Large enough to use on all muscle groups
7. Six sides
8. Hex design with small indentations
9. The indentions in the roller help to massage and find the pressure points
10. Medium density

Warm Up and Recovery

The first purchase I made for a travel roller was too large for ease of travel. I felt that size was just big enough to be bulky and the intent was to find a foam roller for local and long distance travel. I was also looking for a roller that was not too firm. The first attempt was returned and the search continued.

After reading many many reviews I decided upon the Addaday. Overall it has been a positive purchase. Foam rollers of any size are not inexpensive and run the gamut of price. Add that each person is unique in their preference of size, density and design and it can be difficult to find online the first time. If searching for a travel roller I would definitely include the Addaday in your consideration.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Two Years In: Why I Still Love with My Cubii Desk Elliptical

It's been two years since I first introduced the Cubii into my daily routine, and I'm thrilled to report that my enthusiasm for this ingenious under-desk elliptical has only grown stronger with time. 

Reflecting on my journey with this fitness companion, one thing stands out above all else – it's not just a piece of exercise equipment but an integral part of my work and wellness lifestyle. 

Today, I want to share why I'm still head over heels for my Cubii and how it's helped me stay active while sitting at my desk.

My Cubii - I Still Love it!

As They Say: Sitting is the New Smoking - So In Comes the Cubii to Save My Day

I don't smoke, but I do sit - a lot - to write.

1. Unmatched Convenience: The ability to engage in physical movement while working, writing, or even answering emails was a game-changer. 

Two years in, this convenience remains its most exceptional feature. It effortlessly tucks under my desk, waiting to be summoned for action. I'm pedaling right now as I'm writing this article.

Whether I'm deep into writing a blog post, books, riddles, or website building, the Cubii is always at my feet, encouraging me to keep pedaling and stay active.

When I'm not consciously pedaling, I rest my feet on the pedals and find myself mindlessly slow pedaling. Whether it's intended or not, I'm active while sitting.

2. Guilt-Free Productivity: Sitting for prolonged periods used to fill me with guilt, knowing that a sedentary lifestyle can have adverse health effects. 

Thanks to my Cubii, that guilt has been replaced by a sense of accomplishment. I can work diligently and effectively at my desk without sacrificing my physical well-being. 

Two years of using the Cubii has helped me maintain my fitness goals without compromising my productivity. It's a win-win that keeps me motivated day in and day out.

3. Stress Relief and Focus: Beyond the physical benefits, the Cubii has also proven to be an unexpected stress relief tool. When work gets hectic, or stress starts to creep in, a few minutes of pedaling on the Cubii work wonders to clear my mind and regain focus. 

It's like a mini wellness break that refreshes both body and mind, allowing me to tackle tasks with renewed vigor. This aspect of my Cubii experience has undoubtedly contributed to my long-lasting affection for this equipment.

Every Business Should Put One Under Their Employee's Desks

Businesses should consider placing a Cubii under every desk jockey's workstation. 

The health benefits that this innovative device brings are undeniable. Companies can better foster a culture of well-being and productivity by providing employees with the means to stay active while sitting and working. 

It's not just about physical fitness; it's about enhancing mental clarity, reducing stress, and improving job satisfaction. 

When employees can pedal away stress and maintain their health effortlessly during the workday, it's a win-win situation for both the individuals and the organization. 

In pursuing a healthier and happier workforce, integrating Cubii desk ellipticals is a game-changing strategy that businesses should seriously consider. That's my opinion anyway.

In conclusion, after two years of continuous use, my Cubii remains a cherished companion in my daily life. Its convenience, guilt-free productivity, and stress-relief capabilities have made it indispensable to my wellness and work-life journey. 

If you're considering integrating fitness into your work routine or simply want to stay active while sitting at your desk, try the Cubii. It's a small investment with potentially significant returns for your health and productivity - it has helped me.

I would never have a desk without a Cubii underneath - I love pedaling away while I type. It makes me feel like I'm getting somewhere :)

★★★★★

Five stars for the Cubii! - Oh, and it's still quiet - it makes no noise while pedaling. No squeaks, no maintenance required.

The Cubi is Available on Amazon.

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9/11 Memorial – Overland Park, Kansas – Travel Review

 

We Will Never Forget

This granite tile is at the entrance to the Overland Park, Kansas 9/11 Memorial.

It says:

Enter the 9/11 Memorial by walking across the granite flooring from the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, 2977 people lost their lives in the horrendous terrorist attacks on our nation, including 441 first responders.  Many cities around the country have built 9/11 Memorials, both large and small.  I recently discovered one near me located in Overland Park, Kansas ~ a southern suburb in Kansas City.  It tells the story of that fateful day, and specifically honors the 343 firefighters who died that day trying to save others. It is located next to the Overland Park Fire Department Training Center. These Kansas City firefighters are the caretakers of this memorial. 

Visiting there, even 22 years afterwards, brought fresh tears to my eyes as I read the educational panels telling the story of each downed flight on that tragic day. 

Overland Park’s 9/11 Memorial honors those who lost their lives on September 11, remembers their sacrifices, and teaches future generations about a day we will never forget.

At the Overland Park 9/11 Memorial you will experience:

*A 14-foot, 2.5 ton steel beam from ground zero.

Steel Beam from Ground Zero

This was acquired in 2009 by application from Overland Park firefighter Trevor Miller and Capt. Paul Bishoff.

See and touch a real part of the World Trade Center, and memorialize those who are no longer with us. 

*Four educational panels tell the stories of each downed flight.

Educational Panels Depicting the 9/11 Attacks

• American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at  846 A.M. 
• United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 A.M.
• American Airlines Flight 77 left Dulles International Airport in D.C., bound for Los Angeles, and struck the Pentagon in Washington D.C. At 9:37 A.M.
• United Flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey, which was later assumed to have been headed either to the Pentagon or the White House, was brought down in an empty field in Shanksfield, Pennslyvania by the brave passengers who refused to let the highjackers bring about any more destruction in the United States.

At 9:45 A.M., barely one hour after the first attack, US Airspace is shut down under Operation Yellow Ribbon. This operation ordered all civilian aircraft to land at the nearest airport. This Operation prevented any further attacks by aircraft from occurring. 

Medallions mark the time each flight crashed

On September 11 each year, the shadow of the 14 foot artifact crosses these panels and sunlight passing through a hole in the girder which follows that diagonal line, passing over the four medallions at the time they went down.

For a complete timeline, as depicted on the stories of each of these flights, click here.

*A victim’s panel which alphabetically lists all the names of those who died on 9/11. The side of the panel states:

Victim's Panel

No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time   ~Virgil

*A weeping wall fountain that represents those who survived.

Weeping Wall

*Granite tiles pulled from the World Trade Center after the attacks. 

"Honoring Footsteps Gone Silent"

Summary 

I encourage you to seek out  such 9/11 Memorials in your area and help keep the remembrance alive by helping those too young to remember to learn about the terrorist attacks that claimed thousands of lives on September 11, 2001. Because, we SHOULD Never Forget! 

Remember – Honor – Educate

YouTube Video of the 9/11 Memorial @ Overland Park 9/11 Memorial.

Location:

Overland Park 9/11 Memorial is located next to the Overland Park Fire Department Training Center

Address

12401 Hemlock

Overland Park, KS 66213

Phone

913-888-6066

Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission

Free

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+All images are personal photos taken by Wednesday Elf

*Travel Review of the Overland Park, Kansas 9/11 Memorial was written by Wednesday Elf.

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Review of The Last Eligible Bachelor by Ashtyn Newbold

The Last Eligible Bachelor is the third book in the Seasons of Change series

The series is written by several authors who each write separate books in the set.  

Thus far, I have found that these books could easily be read as stand-alone books if a particular story appeals to you.  Since the series is historical Christian romance fiction, which is my favorite genre, I have chosen to read the entire series and I started with the first book.  However, they do not even require being read in order since the characters in the books are all different.  They are related in theme only.

None of the books have had a huge emphasis on religion.  Rather, they are simply clean reading without any violence, gore or explicit sexual content.

I have previously read, and reviewed, books written by Ashtyn Newbold.  I really enjoy the humor and witty conversations in her novels, which has now placed her in a category of favored authors for me.

Synopsis of The Last Eligible Bachelor

When Sophia Sedgwick is invited to a private party of "acceptable" young socialites to vie for one eligible bachelor, she is not interested in going.  However, her parents insist on her attendance.  It is a month long event, requires traveling across England to the hostesses estate, and living there for the duration.  Sophia doesn't know anyone who will be there, including the matchmaking hostess, and they have never met her.  She devises a plan that will allow her to spend the month with her friend, while still satisfying her parents.  After all, they need never know that the "Sophia" in attendance is not her.  She will send her personal maid in her place.

 The Last Eligible Bachelor: A Regency Romance (Seasons of Change Book 3)Check PriceDue to her father's recent arrest, Tillie Sherbrooke and her mother are now household staff on the estate of friends who took pity on them after their downfall from society.  They certainly did not want to see them homeless.  Tillie becomes Sophia Sedgwick's personal maid.  At first, that is a difficult position for Tillie since she had previously known Sophia as an equal.  Sophia seems to have no problem relegating Tillie to the lower class.  She tells Tillie that since she was born and raised a lady, she is the perfect stand-in for her.  When Tillie is hesitant to play along, Sophia threatens to have both her and her mother removed from their positions and home.  Tillie reluctantly agrees to the plan.  Sophia further instructs her to simply attend and make sure she did not appeal to the bachelor.  

Mr. Hill is immediately drawn to Sophia (Tillie) because she is kind and less conceited than the other women he has already met. She makes it clear she is not seeking a husband.  She would suit his purposes perfectly.  She would allow him to distance himself from the match-matching and overtly flirtatious women in attendance.   He devises a plan that will allow him to fulfill his obligations without having to commit to one of the other women.  He proposes that he and Sophia (Tillie) pretend to court each other until the end of this ridiculous party.  Tillie is reluctant to agree.  After all, she is supposed to be Sophia.  Anything she does will be attributed to Sophia.  However, when she discovers that Mr. Hill is related to someone who has the power to change her life drastically, she agrees to his plan.

With this alliance, the two interact with each other without reservation or pretense and they become friends.

 

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As I previously stated,  this is a romance novel,  so you can probably surmise what happens next.  But I assure you, there are surprises.  I found this to be a very enjoyable read.  The witty characters humored me greatly.  I anticipated a happy ending, therefore the novel did not make me feel stressed or overly anxious.  However, when I was 80% of the way through the book, even though I was very sleepy, I refused to give in to rest until I had finished the book.  So, be forewarned, you might not be able to put this book down until you have reached the end.

 

Previously Reviewed from the Seasons of Change Series

• A Forgiving Heart

Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

• The Ace of Hearts 
• The Captain's Confidant  
• With Love, Louisa
• Lord Blackwell's Promise
  

   

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