The latest line-up from Barbie Collector doll series released by Mattel recently includes the likeness of Grace Kelly in her iconic wedding dress.

“The Grace Kelly bride doll wears a long-sleeve lace wedding gown reminiscent of the one the princess wore. This Barbie, which arrived in stores Friday, also dons a delicate headpiece and veil, and holds a bouquet of white flowers and a prayer book, as Kelly did when she exchanged vows with Prince Rainier III in 1956.” WWD

Another doll part of Grace Kelly – The Romance™ series — blue chiffon dress with flowing scarf from the 1955 Hitchcock movie, “To Catch A Thief”.

“The Romance doll will make its debut in October wearing a black floral dress, a matching headpiece, white gloves and a string of pearls — an ensemble that replicates what the Philadelphia native was wearing when she met the prince at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. That collectible will also have a second outfit — a white blouse, navy skirt and coat, a wide-brimmed hat, long gloves and a floral bouquet — essentially the same look Kelly sported when she arrived in the principality for her nuptials.” WWD

Some pretty illustrated Barbie 16-month 2012 calendars from the Fall 2011 catalog.

Also from the same catalog, a replica of Farrah Fawcett in her red swimsuit, inspired by the best-selling 1976 poster. What a doll!

Speaking of dolls, Nicki Minaj looked like she got her hands on the entire Murakami plush section of Toys “R” Us at the 2011 MTV VMAs recently. Her outfit was designed by Tokyo-based artist Shojono Tomo and was clearly inspired by the Decora girls of Harajuku, Japan.

What do you think? I’ll take soft toys over meat any day. :)

The Dream ball project was developed for the children of Third world countries like Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and  Somalia. Children in these poor nations would typically make a ball out of anything — as long the material creates some sort of projectile when kicked — so why now turn an empty vessel used to contain medical supplies into one?

The Dream Ball is made of a Relife box, which uses  paper that can be recycled and may vary in intensity and elasticity depending on its thickness. Available in both square or cylindrical formats, the containers can be easily disassembled and, by following a few simple instructions, fashioned into a soccer ball.

Besides football, various sized balls such as baseballs or handballs can also be formed from different first aid boxes. A little bit of fun with a life-saving kit. Life’s a ball, indeed.