Beauty Nook

Part of my job is to oversee any filming that takes place where I work. A wonderful, courteous (crews are not always like this) Japanese film crew came last week, and gave me a few small gifts, as is their custom. One of the gifts was one of the nicest mouse pads I have ever seen -- lacquered and lovely. The mouse pad came in a great decorative paper case, which I have cut up and used as the wallpaper here for this scene.

By the way, when I was taking the crew around, I had to *really* resist the temptation to ask them about Re-ment, because then I would risk exposing my obsession -- down comes the professionalism and out comes...an addict.

The wallpaper then led me to turn this into a nook for beauty (and beauty rest, of course) in the K House. Again, I continue to be amazed by the opportunities for contrast and color in this house, especially in natural light. I had to turn the house around to get these shots, but it's worth the effort.

I am attempting to better track Re-ment for 1:12 in preparation for the sizing resource I am developing, so I am starting to include more precise information on what I have used in my posts, under "Re-ment."

Credits: Cowhide daybed from Paris Renfroe; sink is an eBay find; vases, chair and artwork are Bozart; towel rolls under sink are Lundby; laptop is Elf Miniatures; rug is from The House that Jacq Built; accessories are Re-ment, our local toy store, and AG Minis.

Re-ment: The mirrored vanity is from the "Oriental Season" Winter set and the shoes from the Summer set. Both are closer to 1:6, but usable. Most of the makeup items and the black case are from the Cosmetics "Actress" set. The makeup items are good for 1:12, but the makeup case is closer to 1:6. I also used parts from two Megahouse Room sets: Japanese and "Scandinavian." The red Scandinavian chair is best for 1:16 and the Japanese Room light and vase on the floor are also closer to 1:18 or even 1:24, but both are doable for 1:12 as small accents.

Bagel Buffet

We're big on bagels in my house, and miss delicious NYC bagels since moving down to NJ. It's been six years, but we still pine over the nine-grain and everything from Ess-a-Bagel, our carb purveyor of choice. The Re-ment set featured here reminded me of the size of Ess-a-Bagel bagels, which are pretty gigantic. It also makes me think about the "break-fast" after Yom Kippur, when we get together with friends, line up for bagels, top them with just about everything and down the yumminess with coffee. :)

This also got me thinking (again) about how the size of Re-ment pieces varies from set to set -- they are mostly suited to 1:6 (Barbie), but I have found lots of pieces in sets that work in 1:12. But wouldn't it be nice to know the 1:12 possibilities before buying? I'm all for trial and error, and it's how I learned to do most things, but I wish it were easier.

Which leads me to...an idea. Wouldn't it be nice to have a database of information with input from mini aficionados who have bought Re-ment and tested the items and can share what works for different sizes beyond 1:6? I know there are fan clubs and discussion groups out there and some information exists, but not a comprehensive "sizer" that I have found that can help inform your decision to commit funds (likely including shipping from eBay sellers).

So, in the case of the bagel set, I'd recommend that the cream cheese, bagels (Ess-a-Bagel sized, though), corning ware dish, and salt and pepper are good for 1:12, but the canisters are way too large (check out how one measures up against the refrigerator).



My husband is in technology and can help design a database with a range of fields and ways to input information (and pics), so I may work with him to add a gadget to my page and encourage contributions from the mini community. If you know of a source that already exists -- let me know and I'll abandon my idea. Otherwise, it's to the virtual drawing board and perhaps something useful will result!

Credits: Kitchen island is Bozart; chairs are Reac Japan; accessories are Re-ment and Lil' Bratz.