A Christmas Present Idea

Ever since I saw Ella enamored with this kitchen set at our local GW, I have been thinking about the possibility of adding one to her bedroom.

 Only 6 months ago I gave up the chance to take this wooden set home for free (it was my moms who owned a daycare) because I thought it'd be a long while before Ella was interested in playing with a kitchen set.

Boy am I kicking myself for that assumption.With a little white or gray paint, love, and some cute accessories that set would have been perfection. But alas, the opportunity has passed and now I am considering purchasing a set (non-wooden, since the wooden ones will run you a minimun of $400-500, who knew?!) and flirting with the idea of DIYing a wooden set like this one from AnaWhite.com by user Jillo27:

How amazingly adorable is that! I'm pretty sure it's the ruffle skirt sink and matching apron and oven mitt that kill me. Textiles always push me over the edge. Also, the knobs are way too cute. I can just picture Ella's version with crystal faceted knobs!

Unfortunately for me (and Ella), I am already on a tight deadline trying to get this dollhouse done before Christmas. The deadline for the I'm a Giant Dollhouse Challenge is Dec. 15th and since we'll be leaving for Cancun the next day, I am on a tight schedule.

There are some cute ready-made play kitchens out there but none that steal my heart like the one above! Either way worst case scenario here are some cuties I can score 'off-the-shelf':

My Little Chef Retro Play Kitchen, about $110

KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen, about $209 with shipping

KidKraft Island Kitchen in Pastel, about $139 with shipping

Educo Gourmet Chef Kitchen, about $96 with free shipping