Racing against the clock

Momma and Aunt Heidi* and I took a whirlwind field trip today to the AG store in Scottsdale to see GOTY Blaire Wilson for ourselves. We arrived only to discover they were closing in 15 minutes.

*sigh*

We quickly checked out Blaire's Family Farm Restaurant, which is fabulous and we could see lots of play value in it. However, we were disappointed by all the plastic - especially for $300.

Blaire's Party Décor ($85) did nothing for us. It was pretty, but it was pink and plastic. 

We had to check out Blaire's farm animals so we raced over to see them. Blaire's Silkie chicken, Dandelion, is adorable but you have to buy Blaire's Garden for $50 to get it. Not this trip. 

Aunt Heidi was a wee bit disappointed because she really wanted Dandy, so she comforted herself with Blaire's Piglet instead for $20. That is some pig. 

Momma and I really liked Blaire's Lamb ($25). It's soft and huggable, which is an improvement on Felicity's Posie. We never liked that heavy, hard body of Posie's. The neck ribbon is sewn into the back seam. 

Blaire herself is cute, but Momma always loves dolls with the Josefina face mold. Blaire's clothes were cute and we agreed we liked the color palette of lavender, mauve, and green. 

Overall? Blaire's collection was such a letdown after last year's Luciana and her emphasis on S.T.E.M. We also agreed, who lets a 10-year-old plan a wedding?!

Employees were politely standing around so we headed to the registers, but got sidetracked by the new $100 American Girl® Swimming Pool. It is really cute, but flat and one dimensional. However, I could practice walking on water. 

Finally, we saw the new AG Scottsdale T-shirt which was pretty, but you now have to buy it as a set with a child's matching T-shirt. 

Bummer.

Momma, Aunt Heidi, and I agreed that we prefer the historic dolls. We especially liked the quality and attention to detail in the original Pleasant Company dolls. 

Come on American Girl and Mattel! Why should we pay top dollar for plastic? We can pay much less for plastic toys and accessories at Target and Walmart. 

Our Generation and My Life As are rapidly introducing better face molds and better items for 18" Vinyl Americans such as me. 

They're stepping up. American Girl? Will you?

*fromauntheidi on instagram

Frankendolly

I honestly don't know what to do. 

Should I laugh or cry?

Poor Momma sent her Lea into the American Girl Doll Hospital for total replacement. (Clementine and I were the only dolls to survive The Fire - all the others were either melted or unsalvageable.) 

Lea was the only doll Momma found that was recognizable. She decided to replace only Lea due to the happy memories of attending Lea's Jan. 1, 2016 release at the AG Scottsdale store with my Big Sister and I. 

So off Lea went last month after Momma got her Income Tax refund. 

Lea returned home today.

Snigger.

Someone at the Doll Hospital put Leah's lovely medium skin-toned head on a light skin-toned body. Poor Leah looks like she has a farmer's tan!

Momma called the Doll Hospital and Leah 1.3 is on her way.

I don't know who I feel sorrier for: Lea or Momma. 

He's an American Girl!

Whee! It's a Boy!

Momma, my Big Sister, and I rushed up to American Girl - Scottsdale this evening ... and made it with about five minutes to spare. 

That didn't give us much time to look, admire, and review but we did our best. 

Momma is flipping over Julie's Groovy Bathroom for $175. I have to admit the Allure of Indoor Plumbing is Pretty Exciting. The pink toilet is to die for (complete with blue "water"), and the tiny Love's Baby Soft brought back many grade school memories for Momma.  

Tenney is cute, but I doubt she'll be joining our Vinyl-American family. However, Tenney's Banjo ($28) is a must have for Me though. (Or maybe two so Clementine and I can Duel? Hmm....)

But let's hear it for the Boy!

Logan Everett ($115) is a real doll and long overdue. I was thrilled to see Kaya's face mold used again (finally) and with a different skin tone.

I was surprised to hear the Scottsdale store had only sold 10 Logan dolls, but they expect more crowds this weekend. 

My Big Sister's favorite was Logan's Rhythmic Drum Set ($68) and I expect it'll be making its way home with us eventually. 

Now to start thinking of band names. 

Any suggestions?

Living the dream

Dear Not-so-Gentle Reader,

Happy New Year! I am Sincerely Sorry it has taken me So Long to post again, but we still don't have regular access to the internet, and long, wordy posts are sometimes more than either Momma or I want to do on her iPhone.

Grandmomma and Grandpoppa are settled in the new apartment in an independent living facility, and Momma, my Big Sister and I are loving our New Apartment.  We all have good and bad days, but the Good Days are outnumbering the Bad Days now.

Today, Momma, my Big Sister and I went to the American Girl - Scottsdale store for the unveiling of Gabriela McBride™. A friend of Momma's gave my Big Sister an AG gift certificate for Christmas so Gabby came home with us! (The in-store giveaway for kids was a tasty cookie and a small blank journal that looks like Gabriela's boombox.

I can't tell you how excited Momma and I are about the release this year of both Melody Ellison™ and Gabby - two Girls of Color in Six Months!

Momma and I did come away with mixed feelings about Gabby and her collection.

• Finally - an African American Girl of the Year!

• She is not a new doll - AG retired #46 earlier this year and she became Gabriele. AG is even offering Gabby's Meet outfit to some of the people who previously purchased #46.

• An African American Girl of the Year!

• A lot of her collection seemed to be reruns. A dancer? Marisol. Isabelle. Marisol had the trunk and cat. Isabelle the barre. The arts? Isabelle. Saige.

• An African American Girl of the Year!

• Theft must becoming more of a problem since Gabby's Meet box is different and a little more difficult to open and all the World pieces seemed to be sealed shut, unlike previous boxes that opened easily and had tissue inside.

• An African American Girl of the Year!

• The Crowds that people associate with new Girl of the Year releases were not there or at other stores. We got there a few minutes after the store opened and everyone was inside. Comfortably. However, there did seem to be more People of Color in the store. 

• Did I mention AG finally made an African American Girl of the Year?!

We are delighted to welcome Gabby into our Vinyl American family since both Sonali and Cecile perished in The Fire. We just wish AG had put more effort into a creative doll launch. We're also wondering about the statement on the box:

The 18" Gabriela doll is available throughout 2017 and beyond.

So now they're not even limited editions? My prediction is poor Gabby is going to sell poorly since she has a smaller collection with lots of duplicates, and isn't limited.

Time shall tell.

What do you think?

Hats. Why did it have to be hats?

I can see already that Lea is going to be trouble.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Momma got Me a Fun Fedora yesterday at the American Girl Scottsdale store, but what did Lea do last night?

She stole it.

I admit she wears My Fedora with panache, but really.

The word fedora comes from the title of an 1882 play by dramatist Victorien Sardou, Fédora being written for Sarah Bernhard. Bernhardt played Princess Fédora and wore a center-creased, soft brimmed hat. The hat became fashionable for women, and the women's rights movement adopted it as a symbol.

It dropped in popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but Indiana Jones re-popularized the fedora in the Indiana Jones moving picture franchise.

No one messes with Indiana's hat, and they better not mess with mine.

Karma chameleon

Checking out Lea's Rainforest House ($395). The Lea
slumped in the chair is the newest member of our Vinyl American family.

Boy, talk about what goes around, comes around.

Momma's wallet was stolen in November. The banks were quick to replace what was stolen from her accounts, but her gift cards?

Gone.

All the stores said there was no way to replace them since Momma had not bothered to write down any of the numbers on any of the gift cards.

Sadly, that included the more than $100 in American Girl gifts cards that Momma was planning on giving my Big Sister for Christmas so she could choose her own 2016 Girl of the Year Lea Clark on the release date.

Momma was devastated and told people on Facebook of her loss and disappointment.

That was when her friends (and some fans of My Blog!) stepped in and sent Momma more than enough cash and American Girl gift cards to cover the stolen AG gift cards.

So off we went early this morning for the 10 a.m. opening of the American Girl Scottsdale store and Lea's release.

After paying for Lea, we went to get her ears pierced at the doll salon.

That's when Momma spotted a small wallet on the ground at her feet. Thinking it was an American Girl accessory, Momma picked it up and casually glanced in it - only to discover is was stuffed with currency. Leaving my Big Sister and I in line, she went to find an employee.

Just as Momma started telling an employee what she had found, an emotional young girl rushed up saying, "That's mine!"

Boy, that felt good and one of the few times Momma could honestly say, "I know how you feel."

American Girl Scottsdale: Grand Opening

At long last, the Grand Opening for American Girl Scottsdale was Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23.

We were told during the soft opening tour that about 9,000 people were expected to attend the two-day Grand Opening. 

Scottsdale Quarter responded well to the demand. Free crafts, activities, photo ops, free chilled water, doll drawings, and entertainment were generously provided during the entire Grand Opening weekend.

A ticket system was used for the AGS Grand-Opening to manage guests' waiting times and observe fire-safety regulations. Each person (including children) who wished to enter the store received a ticket with an assigned group number.

We couldn't go Saturday because Momma had to work (phooey!) but we monitored the progress throughout the day. Ticket distribution began Saturday at 7 a.m. One grandmother (who began the line at 2 a.m.!) was the first and both her granddaughters received a free doll.

Group one entered the store at 9 a.m. Each person who entered the store got a free gift. (We got a book on Sunday, but I don't know if everyone got the same thing.)

Those who had higher numbered tickets could leave or shop elsewhere. Text alerts were sent out telling people when their group was up. To the best of my knowledge, 66 groups made it through the doors on Saturday before the crowd diminished enough for the ticketing system to be abandoned for the day.

Finally, Sunday was our turn!

We awoke early and made the 20 minute drive to Scottsdale Quarter. We arrived after the 8 a.m. ticketing began, but we still got group nine tickets!

We had our photo taken then Momma and My Big Sister played on the splash pad while I made friends. It wasn't long before it was 10 a.m. and first group was allowed in! After another 30-40 minutes it was our turn!

We were familiar with the store because we were there Wednesday, so we headed straight for Maryellen - which wasn't hard since she had the place of honor up front. (We were spoiled after practically having the place to ourselves on Wednesday, but it was exhilarating to be surrounded by other doll enthusiasts.)

We spent nearly an hour looking things (Maryellen) over and noting future purchases (Maryellen) before we decided to leave and make room for others.

We continued to monitor the store's progress, but the crowds were significantly reduced on Sunday. As far as I know, the tickets were abandoned after group 16 went in!

In conclusion, we love having an AG store so close to us. Yes, it's smaller but it has a nice assortment and we definitely like the emphasis on the historic/BeForever dolls.   

Well done, Scottsdale Quarter and American Girl Scottsdale. Well done.

You can Rest Assured we'll be back soon!!! 

American Girl Scottsdale: Soft Opening

What a day!

After an Exhausting couple of months with a job change for Momma and a month of illness for Grandmomma (including six surgeries!) we took a day for ourselves on Wednesday, August 19 and went to the Soft Opening for the new American Girl Scottsdale store!

The Grand Opening was Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, but they quietly opened the store three days earlier for friends, family, and the media ... and for the new staff to get used to the computers and software before the hoards descend Saturday morning.

Whee! Talk about a kid in the proverbial candy store!

Momma and I met Susan, an American Girl public relations person who flew in from Wisconsin that morning. She asked if we had ever been to an American Girl store (yes, AGPLA), and gave us a tour of the new 12,000 square foot facility.

We were both Very Pleased to find the BeForever section at the very front of the store. Heading clockwise you got to see each doll displayed with her collection. Some were in cases but some were out for people to touch and feel.

The bistro was closed to the public, but the staff was serving the family and friends of employees for experience. (When Momma returned later with my Big Sister it was empty.) The bistro does include a teeny-tiny private dining room for parties - how fun!

The rest room has the doll hangers in both the stalls and by the sink. Momma insisted she take my photo there. How rude.

We checked out the Hair Salon where my Dear Friend Emily was getting her hair done, and saw the Creativi-Tees area. I want the "Stand Tall" T-shirt!

Can I tell you how much I want the Bride of Frankenstein costume wig?! It was even better in person!

We checked out Girl of the Year Grace. Grace's Pâtisserie is to die for, and Grace and BonBon will definitely be joining us later this year.

Having the new store Finally Open was exciting, but we could not wait for the Grand Opening and to meet Maryellen!

American Girl Scottsdale: Grand Opening to come!

We came, We shopped. We dropped.

The One and Only

Don't you think I deserve a my own spot?

What a day!

After an exhausting couple of months with a job change for Momma and a month of illness for Grandmomma (including six surgeries!) we took a day for ourselves and went to the soft opening for the new American Girl Scottsdale store!

The Grand Opening is Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, but they opened the store three days early for friends, family, and the media ... and for the new staff to get used to the computers and software before the hordes descend Saturday morning.

Whee! Talk about a kid in the proverbial candy store!

I'll write more (photographs, too!) over the next few days, but I had to tell you the Inside Scoop!

Maryellen, the newest BeForever girl, will be available this weekend in Scottsdale - five days before the national debut!

Maryellen wants to stand out, but with five brothers and sisters, it's not so easy. Giving herself a haircut doesn't go quite the way she expects—and when she draws a cartoon of her teacher on the first day of fourth grade, she draws more attention than she wants! At least her drawing skills help her make an interesting new friend. Together they might be able to win the Geography Bee—but only if Maryellen can find a way to make her old friends overcome their prejudice.

The One and Only, the first volume of the Maryellen's stories about growing up in the 1950s, tells how Maryellen learns to stand out and be her own person.

American Girl Scottsdale Grand-Opening Celebration
August 22: 9 a.m.
August 23: 10 a.m.

Discover the newest American Girl store, coming soon to Scottsdale Quarter! You and your girl are invited to join in the fun during our grand-opening weekend. She’ll enjoy free crafts, exciting activities, and doll drawings, and receive a FREE gift—just for attending! Gift available while supplies last. Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale AZ - Grand Opening Ticket Entry Process:

• To manage guests’ waiting times and observe fire-safety regulations, a ticket system will be used for the American Girl Scottsdale – Scottsdale Quarter Grand-Opening Weekend.
• Each person (including children) who wishes to enter the store will receive a ticket with an assigned group number.
• We recommend parking in the Scottsdale Quarter parking structures: South Garage, East entrance.
• A-frame signs will be set out to assist customers
• American Girl guests are recommended to visit the Quad at the shopping center located by the fountain as their first stop to obtain tickets for entrance into the store.
• Ticket distribution for Saturday admittance begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 22nd.
• Saturday tickets are valid for Saturday only.
• Ticket distribution for Sunday admittance begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, August 23rd.
• Sunday tickets are valid for Sunday only.
• Overnight camping is not allowed on property.
• When the store opens each day, groups will be announced in numerical order for admittance through the American Girl entrance adjacent to the main entrance on 73rd.
• You can shop or dine in Scottsdale Quarter until your group number is called. If you have a Bistro reservation, you can come directly to the ticket-distribution table, as check-in is allowed up to two hours prior to your Bistro reservation time. The ticket-distribution table will be located outside the store.
• Facebook message alerts will be available, providing updates on group numbers being admitted; details below.
• Access the event page starting Saturday, August 22nd on your mobile device
• Once Facebook is open, search “American Girl”
• When on the page, scroll down until “Upcoming Events” section appears on the American Girl Facebook page.
• The Scottsdale events will be the most recent posting, make sure to look at the correct date.
• Simply hit “Join” right there on the page.
• Check Facebook settings to make sure notifications are on otherwise check back on event page for live updates
• Text Message alerts will be available as well, providing updates on group numbers being admitted; details below.
• You may sign up for text alerts by texting AGSQ to 444222 (message and data rates may apply). For SMS Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy visit pocketstop.com/ag-scottsdale-quarter
• You can also follow Scottsdale Quarter on Facebook at Facebook/Scottsdale Quarter
• American Girl is not responsible for compatibility issues or technical difficulties with technological devices.
• Event staff and security officers will also be able to assist with information on what group numbers are being called.
• American Girl reserves the right to stop ticket distribution at any time based on space and time-frame constraints.

Also, Valerie Tripp is scheduled to appear in Scottsdale from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Tripp is best known for her American Girl historical/BeForever characters: Felicity, Elizabeth, Josefina, Samantha, Nellie, Kit, Ruthie, Molly, Emily, and Maryellen.