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To: Dolls From: Ebony Nikita For: Easy Fall Baking Recipes Hello Dolls, It's finally autumn and the perfect way to welcome in the fall season is by making a comforting pumpkin dessert. This is a rich and creamy dessert that tastes like the fall time. It has just the right amount of sweetness and spice. This is an easy dessert to make for all levels of bakers. Watch my Fall Housewife Diary Vlog to see me bake this delicious dessert. Ingredients 1 & 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour 2 tsp Baking Powder ½ tsp Salt 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice 3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree 2 Eggs 1 3/4 cups Sugar ½ cup Vegetable Oil For the Cream Cheese Layer 8 oz Cream Cheese softened 1 Egg ½ cup Sugar 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 1.5 tbsp Flour Directions Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, vegetable oil and pumpkin puree until smooth. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the cream cheese layer. You want this layer to be a medium consistency and not too runny. This will ensure you keep the layer of cream cheese visible as it bakes. Lightly coat the loaf pan with oil. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the loaf pan. Add the cream cheese layer into the pan then top with the remaining pumpkin batter. Bake for 65-70 minutes at 325F. Remove from oven & let cool before slicing. Enjoy with a cup of tea or milk with your loved ones! Did you enjoy this fall dessert? What is your favorite autumn sweets? Comment Below & Let's Chat Dolls! Always with Love, Ebony Nikita

The holidays are not complete without a classic, creamy and rich red velvet cake. The cream cheese icing is the only respectable frosting for this family-favorite recipe. This is simple to make & easy to devour in one sitting! Watch my Recipe Video & Bake with Me! Let's Bake. CAKE 3 cups cake flour 2 Tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 4 Large eggs, room temperature 1 cup vegetable oil ( or canola ) 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar liquid red food coloring CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 16 oz cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 4 cups powdered sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract pinch of salt Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until combined. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, oil and vinegar together. Mix together until combined. Add the 1/3 dry ingredients into the the wet mix, then 1/3 of the buttermilk into the wet mix. Mix together. Continue adding 1/3 of the dry mix and buttermilk into the bowl until fully combined. Add in the red food coloring. Continue to mix batter until fully combined. Pour equal amount of batter into 2 cake pans. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes on 350°F Take out of oven, then allow cakes to completely cool before frosting. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, if the toothpick comes out clean, without moist batter, that's a sign the cake is ready! FROSTING In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth Add in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined. The icing should be smooth, slightly thick and not runny. Trim and level the top and bottom of each cakes. You want it to be even & flat. Save the cake crumbles for decorations! Place 1 cake layer on the cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting on the top side. Place the 2nd cake on top of the first cake. Apply an even and smooth layer of frosting on the top and sides. My Icing Decorating Tool: https://amzn.to/3oGfATV *affliate DECORATING: Crumble the leftover cake crumbles into smaller pieces. Gently place crumbles on the sides of the cake. You can fully cover sides or create an ombre design with the crumbles! I also placed more crumbles on the top side edges of the cake. Use a spoon to add cake crumbles to the top of the cake, the smaller, the better. Use an icing tool to decorate the top of the cake and... Voila! A beautiful homemade red velvet cake for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Share your pictures of your cake creation with me & the Dolls! Tag me in your photo @Ebony.Nikita, Post in the blog's Doll Community, or send it through the blog's messenger! What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Comment Below & Let's Chat Dolls

Hello Dolls, I've been feeling like I've discovered a whole new world since perfecting my morning makeup routine within 5 minutes. As a housewife, I'm guilty of having my glamorous 1950s bombshell housewife days AND...my days to wear I don't lift a finger in any attempt to get ready. Those contrasting days are usually dependent on the lengthiness of my To-Do list and my unpredicatable motivation. I developed an unwelcoming tendency of not getting ' dolled up' on my content editing days and my more intensive cleaning days. Overtime, I realized I was feeling extremely sluggish on those days. There is a spark of motivation and confidence when I get fully get ready in the morning. I realized that my morning primping and pampering was a vital part of my everyday self-care. Even if I lack motivation or time to do a 15-minute routine, I should try to come up with a realistic schedule for my lazy or busy days. I decided to challenge myself to create a morning makeup routine to where I could apply minimal makeup, but get an effectively stunning look. So what's stopping me from doing both? Consistently being a jaw-dropping doll of a housewife all while completing my To-Do list with ease every single day. I share my perfected 5-minute Housewife Makeup Routine in my latest video. Watch & follow around my makeup modus operandi . - MY DAILY MAKEUP PRODUCTS - click to shop Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer shade M18 Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Setting Powder Shade Medium Gucci Matte Beauty Powder shade 7 Gucci Blush shade 06 Warm Berry Gucci Éclat Soleil Luminous Bronzer shade 04 tan Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Balm shade Ultra Vixen Here are the major things I learned, which helped me perfect my 5-minute vanity primp : 1. Choose 3 makeup steps that are vital in your final look. By choosing your top 3 makeup steps, you're prioritizing the ones that are most important to you. It should be the biggest necessities that conquer your main concerns or concentrates on your favorite features. Even if you can't finish your full makeup routine, as long as you have these 3 steps completed, your end result should still look polished to your taste. These vital 3 makeup steps should be completed first. When I used to do my makeup, my 3 vital makeup steps would be to apply strip lashes, put on concealer & powder and lastly apply lip gloss. Now, as I shown in my 5-minute housewife makeup video , my 3 vital steps have changed slightly overtime. The concealer helps brighten my dark under-eye circles and blemishes, which helps me look more awake & polished. Filling in my eyebrows helps frame my face and compliments my eyes. Blush adds color and vibrancy to my complexion. Now I do my lip combo lastly or on-the-go. I have shortened my routine tremendously by getting eyelash extensions and they make a world of difference for me! 2. Group together your Everyday Makeup Staples As you've seen countless times in my Housewife Diary vlogs, I display all of my daily makeup on my vanity. Consider doing the same or separating your daily makeup products in your makeup bag. Simplifying your routine allows you to focus on what steps are most important to get done. Hence tip #1 3. Separate your daily makeup brushes. Choose your most essential makeup brushes and group them to the side for easy access. Rummaging through your entire brush collection or searching around for the 'right one', slows down your process and overall costs you more time. As you can tell with tip #2 and #3, simple organization makes the biggest difference. Proper placement and easy access allows for a smoother application process. 4. Minimize the One-hit wonders, Choose Multi-Use Makeup Brushes. Primarily, I use synthetic brushes for my base makeup. I use the same synthetic brush for my concealer & under-eye powder. Also, I use the same Chikohodu goat hair brush for my blush & bronzer. This saves time rather than looking around for different brushes & switching back and forth between makeup brushes. Simply rounding up the multi-use makeup tools & gathering your best ones, optimizes your routine. 5. Don't strive for Hollywood Glamour every single day. As much as I love my full-face soft glam look, its not practical for every day. The natural look is always in and its timeless . This daily 5-min look can ALSO be impactful by blush color and/or lip color. 6. Don't strive for perfection! Practically, we all have imperfections. And that's okay. Just focus on complimenting & enhancing the features you're able to. Eyebrows are sisters & not twins, so don't obsess. If you have a blemish, I promise you it's not as earth-shattering as you think! 7. Some steps can be done on-the-go . I noticed when I'm really on the go, I can choose certain makeup steps to complete later. For me, I can always toss my lip liner & lipstick in my purse. You may be able to apply your blush compact later or maybe your bronzer compact. Prioritize your top 3 makeup steps first. Then choose your next steps based on how much concentration or technic you need to apply it. 8. Practice makes Perfect My makeup skills have vastly improved over the past years. One thing I know is that practice makes perfect . I've learned over the years about which makeup brushes work best for me & my favorite type of daily makeup products. Try practicing your preferred makeup then seeing how long it takes you to finish. After a few times, compress your routine down to the vital steps and time yourself. Getting your makeup routine down to 10 minutes is a great first goal. 9. A Lady Plans A routine is ideal, so it's important to be intentional and implement it into your schedule. Start practicing your routine on the weekends and let it lead into your new week. Creating a morning routine is essential to every feminine elegant lady. Therefore incorporate a curated beauty routine into your morning routine for an easy transition. Dolls, did you enjoy my 5-minute makeup routine ? What's your top 3 vital makeup steps? What video should I do next? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls

Hello, Dolls!

To: Dolls From: Ebony Nikita For: Sharing the Holiday Love Hello Dolls, This Christmas season was me and my husband's first Christmas by ourselves. It was just me, him and a table filled with Caribbean cuisine. I wanted to go back to my roots for this holiday and make my Christmas dinner favorites from when I lived back at home. In my Holiday Housewife Diary Vlog , you'll see me prepare all of my essential food for the feast. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I partook in my festive homemaking ways by decorating, cooking, baking & beautifying! Key Scrapbook Moments 2020 Christmas Day Look I planned my Christmas dress since I purchased it back in July! I bought this on sale and fell in love. I complimented this red puff sleeve midi dress with a red classic lipstick. I also wore a pearl headband (One of my favorite hair accessories of this year!) and my go-to Ana Luisa Earrings. A feminine, festive & classic ensemble. Christmas Tablescape I wanted an ornate tablescape. I chose detailed elements that cultivates a feeling of warmth. My first tablecloth choice was out of stock, as you seen in my vlog, but I opted for my crochet lace table runner. My 'grandmother's' red Royal Staffordshire tea set was ornate, charming and compliment the classic table runner. The scallop edge gold chargers and gold candlestick holders were the perfect decorative pairs. Charming & Elegant Star of the Floral Arrangements I chose the red and white flower theme for my dining room table. I'm in love with this perfect red flower. Flowers truly do liven up any room. I am planning to begin gardening in 2021. A Family Recipe The highlight of my Christmas night was sitting at the dining table with my husband and enjoying a classic slice of red velvet cake. My mother shared her recipe with me and I am truly in love. She created her baking business during the holiday season. Now I understand, more than ever, why her cakes have been selling like hotcakes! Little moments from my Christmas 2020 that made it sweet. Life is composed of those little moments that lead me to look forward to the holiday season again. How was your Christmas? Do you have a favorite Christmas dessert? Comment below! Let's Chat, Dolls.

Hello, Dolls! The day of roses, chocolates, candle lit dinners and romance . Valentine’s Day. The one expected day of the year, where us ladies want to live the day as if we’re in a romance novel. Last year, 2.14.2019, marked my first time actually having a valentine date, my husband. I know there are people out there who have had a Valentines Day days streak since middle school. I’m now 22 years old and I know I’m happy I have shared a lot of my firsts with the man I’m spending the rest of my life with. Any who, one of the most exciting things about getting ready for a date, ESPECIALLY on Valentine’s Day, is...GETTING READY! But before we can ‘primp’ and ‘pretty’, we have to find the perfect outfit! And that’s why I’m here, Doll. Here are my top picks for your Valentine’s Day outfit! - Dressing Tips - The fabric of your dress matters! If you’d like to feel free, like Maria from the Sound of Music, then go for a flowing chiffon dress. Keep it classic! Lace is the epitome of femininity and elegance. It’s a timeless accent to any dress. Go for Floral! The perfect floral pattern and color will compliment you well. Its a safe but bold choice for any lady. A Quick Amazon Buy I get it, you’re a last minute shopper or you might of gotten last minute dinner plans. This is a great elegant, classy and bold dress. Feminine Elegance This dress is whimsical and elegant for your day or evening date. Missy Dress I love this dress for a more casual and flirty date! 4. Red, Red Wine This gown‘s color will set the tone for your romantic night. With this dress, you’re bound to get the bouquet red roses you deserve. 5. Cinderella’s Cousin This dress is whimsical, dainty and sweet. The soft color story will compliment you and your sweet date. 6. Lace Rose This dress is a fun twist on a classic lace dress. The silhouette is elegant and modest while the neckline adds some fun. Makeup Looks for Your Romantic Evening I hope you dolls have the best of luck preparing for your Valentine’s Day date! Do you already have your outfit planned out? Which store are you gravitating to shop at? Go to the comment section & Let’s Chat, Doll.

Hello Dolls,

Hello Dolls, At the end of the day, as a homemaker I find myself searching for a feeling of accomplishment within my daily homemaking tasks. I like to end my day feeling like I was productive and I properly tended to my home. Unfortunately, not every day ends perfectly. Things come up, I forget to do something or my schedule gets moved around. Its those busy days, where there are a million things to do, but so little time. I want to accomplish everything , but by the end of the day it feels like I accomplished SO LITTLE. I know many homemakers could relate to that. This year I want to feel harmony within my homemaking tasks. I want to be able to conquer those PLANNED and UNEXPECTED tasks. Although I have a schedule, many things may stop my planned routine. Being adaptable is an important trait when it comes to being a homemaker. So this year, I made a simplified homemaking routine for those days when life just happens. Make a V.O.W. to your Home. This is my Homemaking acronym that I pivot to, when the day has truly gotten away from me. When unexpected tasks pop up in my day, I shift my schedule to adapt. Whenever I feel like things are not going as planned, I now concentrate on My Homemaking V.O.W. V.O.W. stands for: Vacuum, Organize & Wash dishes . As long as I vacuum the main part of my home, choose one thing to tidy up and organize , and I make sure the dishes are washed at the end of the night, then I've done my homemaking duty for the day. This allows me to simplify a potential overwhelming day . The mindset is, As long as the unexpected task is completed and the basic homemaking tasks are completed by the end of the day, I will still feel accomplished. The concept is, Instead of trying to juggle all of the planned homemaking tasks with the unexpected tasks, you simplify it instead. The plan is, I will clear my pre-planned homemaking schedule for that day. Instead, I will conquer the unexpected task that popped up, then end my day with V.O.W. . The reward is, I won't feel overwhelmed during the day. I won't feel unproductive. I will feel accomplished by the end of the day. It's about prioritizing and working smarter as a homemaker. If I still have time to complete some of my planned tasks, then I will. I switch the priority over and adapt my day to the unexpected task. Usually when something pops up I find myself trying to complete the unexpected task and it competes with my other planned tasks. This could lead me to feel overwhelmed, unaccomplished and I end up putting too much on my plate which leads to me accomplishing nothing . Your Homemaking V.O.W. may stand for different tasks. Choose the basic necessity tasks within your home that will help you feel accomplished at the end of the day. V.(O).W. ORGANIZING Task Examples organize the... Closet Pantry Bookshelf Cabinets Common Areas Office Playroom OTHER V.O.W. Examples Sweep Mop Dust Laundry Feel Free to switch out the V.O.W. tasks for ones you find fit for your homemaking needs! This simplified homemaking schedule has truly saved my days. Learning to adapt to changes is an important part about being a homemaker. I'm happy that I found a solution that allows me to be productive and feel accomplished as a homemaker. What does YOUR V.O.W. stand for? Try your Homemaking V.O.W. this week and share your experience with us. I'll be sharing my homemaking schedule and talking about V.O.W. in my upcoming Housewife Diary Vlog . I'd love to share some of YOUR experiences with V.O.W. in the vlog! Comment your V.O.W. and your experience below! Let's Chat, Dolls. Always with Love, Ebony Nikita

Hello Dolls, It is time to refresh our Autumn & Winter wardrobes. One of the best sources of inspiration, is to go through the latest issues of Vogue & pinpoint your favorite trends. Luckily for us feminine Dolls, this season's trends has many CLASSIC STYLES. I've picked out the TOP 5 Feminine & Elegant Trends for this Fall & Winter season. I have some darling options if you'd like to update your wardrobe with any of these trends. Majority of these options are timeless classics that will have longevity in your femme classic wardrobe. Watch my latest Feminine Trend Report to get more ideas, views & my colorful commentary of course ; ) on these trends. trend 1 TWEED The sophisticated fabric of Fall & Winter. A Timeless Classic. More Darling Tweed Outfits & Options in My Chanel Inspired Outfit Lookbook trend 2 Feminine Pieces A softer, dreamier Fall Winter Look. Incorporate Feminine Accents. Lace, Satin & Silk, Feminine Necklines trend 3 Feathers FABULOUS FEATHERS. A trend that excites any basic look. Update your Party Dress Collection with this Statement Trend. trend 4 Y2K Prep Channel your Inner Blair Waldorf & Your Inner Country Club Brat ( style wise, of course ) Sweater vests. Collared Pieces. Plaid. Turtlenecks. Blazers. Pleated Skirts. trend 5 Back to Classics Grab your ballet flats from the back of your closet. They're back & ready to add the feminine classic style to your casual outfits. - Knee-High & Thigh-High boots are forever classics for fall & winter. Pair with maxi skirts & your trusty trousers to get the EQUESTRIAN look. Dolls, what is YOUR FAVORITE Trending Classic? Whats YOUR go-to styles & outfits for the Fall & Winter Season? Comment Below! Let's Chat Dolls

Hello Dolls, Usually around this time of year, the cutesy, wicker & rattan handbags get pushed to the back of the closet. Then it's time to pick out the most suitable handbags for the fall and winter season. A good handbag is stylish and functional. There are the cult classics and undeniable timeless purses in the luxury world of handbags. Yet, for everyday wear and comfortability, I prefer a high-end purse that can be worn with casual and dressy outfits. From luxury to high-end, I've picked out timeless styles that will help your outfit shine for this fall & winter season. A BURBERRY WINTER Theres something about that ICONIC Burberry check that makes my heart sing in the colder seasons. Get an instantly classic look by pairing your outfit with this Leather & Vintage Check Note Crossbody Bag . Crossbody bags are so functional as they can be worn crossbody or as shoulder bags. This one has a removable strap, so you can add a chunky gold strap to achieve that classic cool girl look. The Winter Burch The Kira Quilted Small Satchel from Tory Burch has a classic envelope opening. The top handle is ladylike & it comes with a chain strap to expand your styles of wear. The complimentary quilting softens the overlook. Such a beauty that you can dress up or down. It comes in yummy fall tones like burgundy, cream, sage & army green to name a few. A beautiful, everyday alternative to the Chanel Coco Handle. It reminds me of a vintage Chanel top handle that I've had my eyes on. THE LV ALLURE This pouch was originally made popular by the one & only Princess Diana. She wore it as a handbag & its been an alluring choice from Louis Vuitton ever since. This is a good option if you want to dabble in the world of Louis Vuitton. Many clever ladies have added a bag insert with holes that allows you to attach a strap. Which turns this pouch into a little handbag to hold your basic necessities. Since then Louis Vuitton caught on & charged an EXTRA $700 just to add the chain & a smaller pouch to go with it. So now for a more a reasonable price, many look forward to this POCHE TOILETTE NM or you can get the LV Toiletry Pouch on the Pre-loved market. (FALL)ing for Spade . Kate Spade handbags always catch my eye. So many different styles that are stylish, feminine, & functional. Perfect for daily use. Here are some eye-catching & fresh handbag styles. Autumn + Staud The ever so chic, Tellie Leather Top Handle Bag . A chic, contemporary brand that has caught my eyes. I love adding chic accessories to my more feminine outfits for a more modern look. A simple bag design with a drawstring opening. Can be worn crossbody. Also a great choice for the spring, summer & autumn seasons. Dolls, all of these handbags excite me for this Fall & Winter season! I'm truly contemplating the Kate Spade Houndstooth tote or the Burberry Check Crossbody! Often times I wear solid colors, so I would love to add one of these classic prints in my handbag wardrobe. Which handbag are you falling for? Comment Below! Let's Chat Dolls.

Hello Dolls, Now I'm a southern belle, so I love me some peach cobbler. Yet, when it's not peach season, this is the next best thing . In my Peaceful Days in Fall - Autumn Housewife Diary Vlog , I shared my new favorite autumn dessert. This Apple Cobbler recipe is sweet, rich and deliciously paired with vanilla ice cream, topped with a caramel drizzle. This is a beginner-friendly recipe and I find it to be quicker and easier than ruffling together a homemade apple pie. I find it admirable to make a homemade dessert for guests or bring a homemade dessert to holiday events. This recipe is simple, doesn't require too many ingredients or steps and it would be a fantastic crowd-pleaser. Let's Bake! Apple Filling 4 honey crisp apples 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon A pinch of nutmeg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Cobbler Topping 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup whole milk 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1. Preheat the Oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9x6 baking casserole dish or 6 ramekins. Set aside. I used both dishes for this apple cobbler recipe in the 2022 Autumn Housewife Diary Vlog. To Make the Apple Filling 2. Peel, core and slice apples into eighths. If you're using ramekins, be sure to dice the apples. 3. In a bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Then mix. 4. Add in the sliced apples and toss together. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. 5. Add the apple filling into the buttered baking dish. To Make the Cobbler Topping 5. In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk together. 6. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. 7. Pour the cobbler topping on top of the apple filling. 8. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown. 9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla icecream and a drizzle of caramel. et Voila! A delicious and warm Southern Apple Cobbler dessert! Share your Apple Cobbler creations with me! Send me a pictures of your dessert or Tag me on Instagram! @Ebony.Nikita What is your favorite autumn dessert? What recipe should we bake next? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls.

Hello Dolls, This simple and delectable butternut squash soup soothes my eager autumnal tastebuds. In my Autumn Homemaking Vlog , I shared 3, yes 3, autumn recipes. This recipe was simplest to make and you can see that step-by-step in my Autumn Housewife Diary vlog. Let's Start Cooking! 1 large butternut squash 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 tablespoon salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil Whole milk for drizzle, optional Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut butternut squash in half. Place the butternut squash on the pan and lightly drizzle each half with olive oil. Rub in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn the squash face down and roast for 40-50 minutes. It should be fork-tender. Let cool for about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, add chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, ground nutmeg, maple syrup and butter. Bring to simmer. Scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Toss away the outer layer skin. Add the chicken broth mixture into blender and pulse blend until smooth. Taste & stir in more salt and pepper, if needed. Drizzle whole milk on top. Garnish with dried parsley. et voila! A warm & creamy bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup! Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or make it a soup & sandwich duo. Share your Butternut Squash Soup Recreation with me! Send me a pictures of your meal or Tag me on Instagram! @Ebony.Nikita What is your favorite fall comfort meal? What recipe should we cook next? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls.