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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Window Seat

American Girl has come up with some adorable outfits over the years, but this one was never my favorite.  I mean, purple with blue spots and a bright pink hat paired up against greyish-blue corduroy pants?  Wow.  I suppose it could make a statement for those out of the box thinkers.  I, however, have always had more of a close minded brain, and this hurricane of clothing never even registered as 'cute' up there.  I would never wear it.  My dolls would never wear it.  Okay swell.  Why are we still discussing it?

Because, my friends, I payed cold, hard cash for this delightful ensemble.  What in blazers was I thinking?
Oh come on guys.  Don't you get it?  It's obviously Sulley and Boo.


The colors are just inverted.  Suddenly it's turned into the most adorable thing I could ever imagine.  From the darling knit cap to the sweet little sweater of Sulley.  

And it just so happens Gypsie is a ginormagantic fan of Monsters Inc.  What a crazy random happenstance. 


Poor Mike.  Maybe I could get her green necklace.  Something to match her stunning eyes.


Friday, May 9, 2014

So Close to Summer

Well, I'm tired.  This week has been extremely emotionally stressful as I journey through these last remaining days of school.  It's not that the work is so hard, but my deep fear of finals and testing has led me to have several light anxiety attacks.  
For some reason, I've always had an extreme aversion to any sort of academic drills.  The symptoms include headaches, nausea, anger towards myself, and excessive crying and basic panicking.  This obviously isn't the most ideal way to start a quiz or, much less, a final for your school year.  However, I'm working on the problem.  Slowly.  

To cheer myself (and you all, of course) up, I'm sharing some photographs of my lovely custom girl, Gypsie.  Her parts include a scalped Marie Grace, a Ruthie wig, and a smattering of freckles, because freckles are much more fun to say when paired up with smattering.  


Her character started formulating shortly after her arrival.  I nabbed Molly's Bike of craigslist and she instantly claimed it as her own.  



Her outfit was completely designed and made by Clarisse's Closet on Etsy.  I'm in love with the soft turquoise cardigan and spring dress.  

The hat adds a wonderfully unique touch too, don't you agree?


She also has a twin brother who'll show up on here one of these days.  After I give him new hair.  Oh dear.  That didn't sound very humane. 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Easters Without Chocolate

Being gluten free, vegan, and sugar free is fine for a homeschooled kid who has chickens and doesn't socialize much.  But when it comes to occasions.  Special occasions...
It's at these points in history where I imagine myself cramming waffles drenched in sugary syrup and whipped cream into my mouth relished with cherries and sprinkles on top.  
But who needs imagination when your brother's so kindly acting it out?  Thank you, dearest sibling.  I appreciate it.  
Special occasions have been labeled "experimental food day" where I'm concerned.  Mom whips up fluffy, creamy pancakes and muffins as I flip through pintrest, frantically clicking on photos taken by professional photographers.  It has to taste good right?  The picture's so pretty!  
Well, my lemon blueberry waffles happened to agree with the taste buds yesterday morning.  Yes, they weren't half bad.  

There's no graceful way to transition the last paragraph into this one, so let me just present with you my newest doll.  

Of course, she doesn't know she's vinyl.  She thinks she lived in an HBC fur trading fort during the 1850s.


Her spring dress was just finished last week.  I hand pleated the skirt, and my mom piped all the seams.  


I haven't decided on a name yet, and she's quite confused over the matter.  I should probably find one soon so as to put her mind at ease.  

How did you celebrate Easter?  My mom and I ended the day with The Waltons, because you can't get any better than that...although my brother may tell you differently, so don't talk to him.  





Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Clarisse's Closet Etsy Orders

For months I've poured through the postings of Clarisse's Closet and drooled over the spectacular fashion and taste of the author.
It amazes me every time.  Here I am, wearing blue jeans and one of my brothers shirts, while Clarisse shows off her vintage hats, skirts, sweaters, and shoes.
When her etsy shop debuted two weeks ago, I stared with mouse in hand, ready to click my order before my favorites were sold out.


Honestly, I was extremely impressed with the design and finished look of each individual piece.  The cropped pants have working pockets and adorable pleats.  The slouchy sweater has the tiniest ribbing around the neck, sleeves, and waist.


The sequins and seed beads are all delicately hand sewn on.

 
And aren't the pants darling?  Paired up with the blue and grey saddle shoes, Maggie's all ready for spring to come.


I bought a turquoise cardigan from her, but don't have any photos of it at this time.  

So if you'd like to look awesome and stylish too, check out Clarisse's Closet on Etsy and mix and match your own fantabulous wardrobe!  




Tuesday, March 18, 2014

A Girl and Her Dog (and one more nomination)

Some days I'm actually thankful for living in the Northwest.  Usually it's just rain and gloom, but if I'm lucky, while everyone else is shivering next to their gas fires, I get to run barefoot through our green grass, take pictures of budding leaves, and laugh at you all.
Actually I just get jealous because we never get snow.

Then again, sometimes I can catch a sliver of time.  Like when the sun is setting, and a girl and her dog are out for a summer stroll.  Winter may still be hanging around, but that doesn't mean I have to comply.

In other news, I was shocked to see that someone else (Audra's Elements) also nominated me for the Liebster award!  She has such an awesome blog, and I'd love it if you'd check it out.  
Her questions are: 
1. If you could visit any country that you've never visited before, which one would it be?
This is so very difficult!  I've always wanted to travel the world, but especially Europe.  I think I'd choose England because of my interest in its history.  Next, I'd take a trip south and explore New Zealand. 
2. What is one thing that you're afraid of?
Being alone and never measuring up to higher standards.  I'm very competitive, but without people to keep me on my toes, I tend to get distracted and lose interest in the more important things of life.  I hope to always have my friends to push and stretch me beyond my limits.  
3. Who are your top 3 favorite musicians right now?
You know, I've never (intentionally) listened to much pop, and my  Pandora is primarily movie scores and big band music!  My all time favorite singer is Frank Sinatra, but Harry Connick Jr makes me swoon too :)  
4. How would you feel about wearing an outfit that was made up of really bright colors and patterns, that would make people turn and look at you?
That depends.  Would the people be smiling or raising an eyebrow? ;)  I would feel a bit sheepish, but if I loved the outfit, I'd parade it proudly. 
5. What is your favorite kind of clothing to wear?
Classic or vintage.  Anything with a timeless touch.  I'll wear something trendy, but add a some sort of accessory to make it original.
6. What is (or was) your favorite school subject?
History!  Ever since I got my hands on the first AG books, I checked out every story I could find from their time periods.  History is extremely important to me, and I'm learning that the more I know about a certain era, the more I grow to love it.7. What are your feelings about broccoli? Pick 3 words you'd use to describe your feelings.
Summer, happy, childhood
Yep, those are probably as abstract as you can get, but I can still hear mom calling my brother and I inside for dinner on a hot summer afternoon.  We'd grow broccoli in our garden, and she'd boil it and we'd eat it with our freshly dug potatoes.  
Now, if I were to eat it raw? Gross. Gag. Nope.
8. Would you rather spend an afternoon at a museum, at an ice-skating rink, at the seaside, or in your room with a book?
You have the best questions!  This is the hardest yet.  I re-enact at a living history museum (an 1850s fort), and most of the time I couldn't imagine being happier.  But then, I took ice skating for a few years right after Mia came out in 2008, and gosh, that's always going to be my favorite sport.  My dream is to someday skate on a real pond out in the open.  The seaside is more of an illusion for me, as I've only been to a shore on a cold, blustery day.  However, if I were given the sun, some sand, and some clear water, I'm in!  And then last, my room with a book.  With the window open on a late summer evening, I think there's nothing more relaxing.  It's a four way tie, I suppose :)
9. What is your favorite place that you've ever visited?
American Girl Place, LA in 2008.  I don't think I'll ever match the excitement I had that day ever again.
10. If you had a time machine, when and where would you go?
1931, Minnesota.  My mom's dad would be 16-- my age.  I never got to meet him; he died of cancer long before I was born.  I just wish I could spend a day with him and talk.  What were his dreams?  What did he want to accomplish?  Maybe we'd go ice skating together on a frozen lake.  Who knows? 
11. Who is your best friend and how would you describe her/him?
My best friend...several people came to mind, but I think my very best friend would have to be my brother.  
Kinda.  Sibling relationships are so fickle on the outside.  Especially considering that we use to fight nonstop when I was a really small person.  But he's my favorite person to hang out with I think.  We know each other so well, and it's just nice to be together.

Thank you so much, Audra!  These were fantastic questions, and I had so much fun answering them.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

A Major Award

It's quite thrilling to know that someone reads your ramblings.  I was nominated by two marvelous blogs (Dolly Dorm Diaries and Among the Dolls) for the "Prestigious Liebster Award."  
Oh yeah.  


The questions asked by Dolly Dorm Diaries are:

1.  What part of doll collecting to you love most?
A: Learning about the history from each time period.   And spending all my money on clothes for my vinyl companions. 
2.  What are you to your doll(s)?  Mom? Caretaker? Friend?
A: Caretaker, I suppose.  I don't exactly enter into their world at all.  
3.  What doll is your mini me?
A: #24 is the closest AG has come, but if Isabelle had brown eyes, she'd probably be the closest. 
4.  What is your favorite AG pet?
A: Josefina's chickens, of course! 
5.  Ever been to an AG Place?  If so, where?
A: Seattle and Los Angelus 
6.  Take your dolls out in public?
A: Somewhat.  More rural public than the city.  
7.  Beach or mountain vacation?
A: I'd like to say mountain, but there's no way.  Beach.
8.  Favorite vacation spot?
A: Lake house in really hot weather.  
9.  Favorite AG Horse?
A: Steps High
10. Early riser or night owl?
A: Early riser
11. Own an AG boy doll?  Name?
A: I'm glad you asked!  He will be joining us shortly, but there's no name yet.  


Among the Dolls Questions:

1. How long have you collected AG dolls?
A: Since Christmas of 2004  2. Who was your first AG doll?
A: My Grandma gave me Kirsten because I loved "the pioneer doll." 
3. How many AG dolls do you have?
A: Oh goodness.  30, I think, but I haven't counted in awhile.  I'm hoping to sell a couple soon.
4. Do you have any customs? How many?
A: Yes; one at the moment.  Jaikey, who's parts consist of Ivy's face and eyes, Saige's hair, and a smattering of freckles.
5. Who's your next doll?
A:  Marie Grace custom!  Fingers crossed at the moment; I'm hoping to find a Ruthie wig to trade with her old one.  We'll see.
6. What's your favorite song?
A:  There's never only one.  Oh, That Thing You Do (by the Oneders), Anything Goes, Come Fly With Me, and The Way You Look Tonight (all sung by Frank Sinatra).  I'm a big fan of Swing.
7. What's your favorite book?
A: To Kill a Mockingbird is up there.  I have three favorite series', however.  Little House on the Prairie, Little Britches, and The Chronicles of Narnia.   Mom always read those books to us at night.
8. What's your favorite t.v. show?
A: When I'm with my mom, The Brady Bunch and The Donna Reed Show.  When with my brother, Sherlock and Firefly.
9. What's your favorite movie?
A:  Back to the Future and Catch Me if You Can 
10. What's your favorite food?
A: A huge taco salad from "Mucho Burrito." 
11. What's your favorite color?
A: Seafoam Green

Now, for MY questions:

1. If you could go back and live in AG time period, which one would you choose?
2. What's your favorite smell?
3. What's your favorite summer activity?
4. What homework do you wish your dog would eat?
5. How many times have you camped outside?
6. If you could live in any kind of house, what would you choose (for the record, I'd live in a treehouse)?
7. City or country?
8. What magical skill do you wish you had?
9. Where would you travel if you could go anywhere in the world, and why?
10. What would you travel by?  Mule?  Boat?  Wagon? 
11. If you could jump into any painting, which one would you choose, and why?

Lissie and Lilly
A Doll in Time
Quinny and Co
Super Inky!
From Echo with Love
Clarisse's Closet
Sabine the Great
Pippaloo for Dolls

Go check out these fantabulous blogs!  
And thank you ever so much for the nominations.  








Friday, March 7, 2014

1910s Proposal

While flipping through some old postcards I purchased a few years ago, I came across this one with giddy excitement.  

Annie
Please Say Yes
"Silent"
1910

I can't think of anything quite so fun as to stumble upon an Edwardian proposal written on a postcard that says "Can I play in your Yard," all the while being from this mysterious "Silent."   
Kids mystery novel from the 90s?  Quite.  And it's all mine.  


It doesn't have to be a proposal.  Maybe he's begging her to watch his dog whilst he visits Granny.
But who wants to think that?  It's over 100 years old, and my imagination is entitled to a little fun.  Maybe he was off doing some heroic deed when he wrote these desperate words.  And look at the stunning handwriting!
I'd say yes.