A Doll's House {the beginning}

I'm a doll girl...well woman, now.  Some people get freaked out by dolls...and while I can attest to the fact that some pretty scary dolls are out there, I generally love them.

I always, always wanted a doll house when I was a little girl.  And I got one.  I had a Heart Family doll house.  Do you remember the Heart Family?  There was a mom and a dad and twin babies....such an 80's toy.  But, what I really, really wanted was a "real" doll's house.  The 2 or 3 story wooden miniature dolls house that generally cost a fortune even when you buy them as a kit you put together yourself.  And that champagne dream just wasn't going to happen on our family budget.

Now, I fully plan on springing for a fancy schmancy miniature doll house kit one day to put together with Poppy, if she is at all interested in doing something like that.  And if she isn't, then I will buy one for myself someday.  But in the meantime, I found this doll's cottage at a Goodwill in Waco a couple of months back and could. not. pass. her. up.

 I have drooled over a few dollhouses lately, and thought excitedly of doing something similar for my little ones.  I love the Haute Dollhouse, and the mousehouse Doll's House it inspired.  And I also like the version they created over at Young House Love last year.  So when I saw this little nugget I knew I could "save" it {which is what I imagine I'm doing when I go thrifiting...saving little treasures from the dump hahaha!} and make it a beloved toy once again.

I originally planned on fixing it up and putting it on display in Poppy's nursery, but then the Kiddo discovered it and would hide it in various corners of the house, playing with imaginary people who live in the tiny house.  I love his creativity and I love listening to the very detailed stories and play-schemes he comes up with.  So this doll's cottage will be for him.

All for $2.99!  Yes, it was in incredibly rough condition.  Very, very, very dirty.  I had a moment where I realized I should probably put it back for that reason alone.  But I was sure some Mrs. Meyer's spray and elbow grease would cut through most of the grime.  And it did!  The Hubster gave it a once over with some leftover spray lacquer from our chairs yesterday, and now we have this.

It probably needs one more light coat, but I cannot wait to get started decorating this bad boy!

I'll keep y'all posted as it all comes together.  :)