Have you ever owned a Barbie Doll?

The premiere of the new Barbie movie may have many us thinking back to our own experiences with the world's most famous fashion doll. Today, to honor the iconic Barbie, here are a few fun facts:

~ Ruth Handler was the creator of Barbie. After college, Handler went to work for Mattel, a toy company. She quickly rose through the ranks and became the company's first female vice president.

~ In 1956, Handler was on a trip to Europe with her daughter, Barbara. While they were in Switzerland, Handler saw a German doll called Bild Lilli. Bild Lilliwas a fashion doll for adults, and Handler thought that there was a market for a similar doll for young girls.

~ Handler brought the idea back to Mattel, but her male colleagues were not interested. They thought that a doll with an adult figure would be too controversial. However, Handler was persistent. She worked on the doll for several years, and in 1959, Barbie was born.

~ Barbie was an instant success. She quickly became the most popular doll in the world. A few more fun facts:

1. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. She was named after Ruth Handler's daughter, Barbara.
2. The first Barbie doll was sold in 1959 for $3.00. She was dressed in a black-and-white striped swimsuit and had blonde or brunette hair.
3. Barbie has had over 130 careers over the years. She's been a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a president, and even an astronaut.
4. Barbie is worth over $1 billion. She's one of the most popular and successful toys in the world.
5. Barbie's Dreamhouse is the most popular toy house in the world.

Barbie and I first met in 1963. By then my Barbie had moved on from the original pony tail in favor of the early 60’s Bubble Cut. I also had a Barbie-size steamer trunk where I could keep all her outfits.

But my pride and joy was my Barbie Dreamhouse, a Christmas gift from my grandparents. This version of the Dreamhouse was made completely of cardboard. I remember it being more of a studio apartment, one big room with a Barbie kitchen, a Barbie sofa and a Barbie bed. No, my Ken doll did not visit the Barbie bed! Barbie and Ken demurely dated in my 8-year old adventures, although occasionally Barbie played the field with my brother’s full size GI Joe doll.

Barbie has continued to captivate millions of other young girls ever since. What about you? Did you own a Barbie doll? What do you remember most about her?

Barbie was no slouch when it came to fitness.

But even Barbie, now in her 60's, has had to modify her fitness routine to accommodate her midlife body. Know what Barbie loves to do now? Midlife Yoga! You can join Barbie & me for any Midlife Yoga class by registering here.

Until next time,

~ Rosemary