One small step

Fifty years ago Momma was 5-years-old and annoyed because she had to watch the boring “Men on the Moon.” She was up too late, and Captain Kirk did it weekly.

In color.

Congratulations Apollo 11! 

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

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

Dr. Frankendolly, I presume

I am pleased to report that Lea 1.3 is Finally Here - safe and sound. 

Momma had to call American Girl last week when Lea 1.3 hadn't arrived yet. Apparently she hadn't even left yet!

Sigh. 

Lea 1.3 was sent out immediately and she arrived today. Thankfully her head now matches her body. No more farmer's tan!

Lea 1.2 will begin her sad journey back to Wisconsin tomorrow. 

Now, a quick observation on the AG Hospital and its recent quality control. 

Lea 1.2 arrived with the right head with pierced ears, but wrong body and limbs. She arrived with the standard hospital gown, socks, certificate, and doll-sized Get Well Card. Lea 1.2 also arrived with a tiny little hospital wristband. 

Lea 1.3 arrived with the correct head with pierced ears, body and limbs - phew! She also arrived with the standard hospital gown, socks, certificate, and doll-sized Get Well Card.

However, Lea 1.3 did NOT have the tiny little hospital wristband, but she did arrive with Lea's earring set which Lea 1.2 did not! 

Now, Momma and Lea 1.3 both prefer the earring set to the plastic hospital wristband, but come on AG. Little girls are counting in you to return their Vinyl American friends home safe and sound.

Please take a minute to double check before sending dolls such as Lea home. 

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?

Life is like a beautiful Melody

American Girl

I honestly don't know how I'm going to survive until this summer when Melody Ellison is released.

American Girl has been doing an excellent job this week promoting Melody because of Black History Month.

Because February is Black History Month, your daughter may be learning about Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement in school. But even in our own changing times, civil rights issues and the social climate of the 1960s may be difficult for her to fully understand. That is why we are so proud to introduce our compelling new BeForever™ character, Melody, whose story reflects the changing face and history of the nation during that important era.

Nine-year-old Melody is growing up in Detroit in the mid-1960s, a time of great energy, optimism, and change for the African American community. She is a singer and loves to perform in church, with her family, and in her community. Her stories are set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, which was gathering momentum, and the music scene, including the success and popularity of Motown Records and its artists.

As Melody gains more awareness of racial inequality and her sense of community grows from her extended family to include her neighborhood and, ultimately, all African Americans, she is inspired by Dr. King to have a dream of her own: to lift her voice for fairness and equality.

Because many girls are interested in music and performing, as well as starting to find their own "voice" and express their opinions, they'll find Melody's stories engaging and entertaining. You'll love that they're educational, too, helping your girl connect with the past on a more personal level. Come meet Melody Ellison and introduce her to your girl today!

But what is Momma most excited about? Vernors. Melody constantly drinks ginger ale in her first book, especially Vernors - a Detroit invention and midwestern favorite. And what did Momma spot on the table during yesterday's CBS This Morning broadcast? A teeny-tiny bottle of Vernors!

So what's the deal about Vernors? That will be a lesson for another day.

Sentimental journey

Momma has been mourning the death of her one and only aunt.

Aunt Barbara was a childhood doll collector who shared her love with dolls with Momma. She gave Momma one of Momma's most prized dolls, Belinda, and they spent many delightful hours talking about dolls.

Momma and Aunt Barbara loved to peruse the early Pleasant Company catalogues featuring the original trio, Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly.

Aunt Barbara (who was born in 1928) particularly liked Molly. (Heck, she even looked like Molly - down to the braids and glasses!) Each item in Molly's collection could trigger a flood of memories and hours of conversation.

So which American Girl doll was Momma's first?

My Big Sister got Kirsten and Addy for Christmas 2006. It was the first time Momma had actually seen and held an American Girl doll, and she fell in love.

Momma quickly found some online groups dedicated to Pleasant Company/American Girl dolls where several people mentioned finding used dolls at Goodwill. Skeptical, Momma stopped by after work and found a beautiful Pleasant Company Molly for only $9.95! (Her one and only time, I might add.)

Goodwill Molly has become a mini Aunt Barbara over the past eight years. She has her drop-leaf kitchen table like we have, Kit's roll-top desk and typewriter, and other goodies that remind her of Aunt Barbara and other family stories.

RIP, Aunt Barbara. We shall meet again in the giant dollhouse in the sky.

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.

Be a doll

My friend Ahmie has passed, but her suffering little sister is still here and needs our help.

Apparently Aishah's 18 inch doll is in desperate need of clothes and shoes. 

Can you help? If so, please email me at steampunkaddie (at) gmail dot com.

Thank you, from the bottom of my Build-a-Bear heart, thank you.

Where should we go next?

"Where should we go next?"!

Scottsdale, of course! It's coming soon!

I. Can't. Wait!

A hazy shade of winter

Oh. My. Goodness.

An American Girl representative announced today on Facebook that there will be a new African American BeForever doll in 2016!!!

First, the new American Girl store opening in Scottsdale this summer, and now, a new AA companion!

How is a Vinyl-American AA girl supposed to wait?!

Let it sew! Let it sew! Let it sew!

Look at what Grandmomma gave Me and Momma as an early Christmas present!

1930'S AMERICAN STYLE SEWING MACHINE, ACCESSORIES & STOOL FITS 18" GIRL DOLL 

The essential tool for style makers of any era. Sized perfectly for historic 18" dolls. 

Sewing Table and Stool are crafted with outstanding quality in wood, authentically painted and sized for 18" dolls. 

Table features working drawers for storage and an elasticized treadle to simulate pumping. All pieces sized to fit 18" dolls. 

Machine measures 12.25"L X 6"W X 12.25"H. Adorable accessory set included too! 

Exclusively made by The Queen's Treasures®, offering the highest quality 18" Doll Furniture, 18" Doll Clothes, 18" Doll Shoes & 18" Doll Accessories! 

© 2014 The Queen's Treasures ®. All Rights Reserved. Not affiliated with American Girl®, Reg. Trademark of American Girl, LLC.

Inspiring imagination

Momma and I are proud to reveal Momma's contribution for the upcoming Dolls for a Cause auction benefitting Kids Need to Read.  

(Please forgive the quality of the photographs, but Momma was in a terrible rush.)

Founded by Nathan Fillion, Kids Need to Read works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.

The inspiration for Momma's donation came from one of Momma's favorite books. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. Originally published on May 17, 1900, it has been described as the original American fairy tale.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has since been reprinted many times, most often under the name The Wizard of Oz, which is the name of the well-known 1939 moving picture.

"Dorothy had only one other dress, but that happened to be clean and was hanging on a peg beside her bed. It was gingham, with checks of white and blue; and although the blue was somewhat faded with many washings, it was still a pretty frock. The girl washed herself carefully, dressed herself in the clean gingham, and tied her pink sunbonnet on her head. She took a little basket and filled it with bread from the cupboard, laying a white cloth over the top. Then she looked down at her feet and noticed how old and worn her shoes were. 

"At that moment Dorothy saw lying on the table the silver shoes that had belonged to the Witch of the East. 

"She took off her old leather shoes and tried on the silver ones, which fitted her as well as if they had been made for her."

Based upon the original book description and illustrations, this auction includes:

• Dorothy's faded blue gingham dress
• white petticoat
• pink sunbonnet
• silver shoes  (purchased)
• mini basket and and a white cloth
• loaf of bread (by Pippaloo)
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz paperback (purchased)
• miniature copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by American Girl
• Susan Winget red poppies storage box (purchased)
• Toto, too!
• buttons and bookmarks from Kids Need to Read

A pair of ruby shoes (purchased) is also included to honor the 75th anniversary of the epic 1939 movie!

Everything will be carefully packed in a collectable red poppy box before being packed inside another box for mailing.

The auction starts on Nov. 9, 2014 and ends Nov. 16, 2014.

Happy bidding!

Winona and her friends

We also have Betsy-Tacy and Tib's friend Winona, but she's an unaltered American Girl #25 wearing Addy's stilting outfit.

(Winona's a bit smug that she's the only unaltered girl in the group.) 

The dress is a bit long for the period but since Winona's a tomboy and loves bright colors such as red and purple so it seems appropriate for her. 

Momma got Winona a little pug to be her faithful companion, Toodles.

Queen of Summer

Naifi, a rewigged Josefina with knee-length braids, is a Syrian girl who moved to Deep Valley and was befriended by Betsy-Tacy and Tib in Betsy-Tacy Go Over the Big Hill.

When they first meet Naifi "her (Syrian) dress had a long skirt, like a woman's, very full, made of faded flowered cloth. She wore earrings like a woman's too. A scarf was tied over her head. From a rosy-brown face very bright brown eyes darted from Tib to Betsy and Tacy . . . her hair hung in long black braids tied in red at the ends. Her shoes were red too, and under her dress she wore (blue) bloomers down to her ankles."

Later they save Naifi from a group of taunting boys. When they next see her "... At first they did not think it was Naifi, for she wore quite an ordinary short dress like their own and ordinary shoes and stockings. ..."

Naifi has both traditional Syrian clothes (based upon the book's descriptions and illustrations) as well as contemporary 1904 clothes. Momma found handmade Afghan costumes for American Girl dolls at a local coffee shop and got two for Naifi since they are very similar to what she wears in the books.

When they discover she's a Syrian emeera (princess) they crown Naifi the Queen of Summer and she arrives in formal Syrian costume of "soft rich cashmere (skirt), purple in color and embroidered in gold, ... the short jacket was gold- embroidered too. Bloomers were tied at her ankles above little slippers of gold. ... and she was laden with jewelry ... bracelets, rings, earrings.... " Momma has the fabric and will make this for her someday.

When Irish eyes are smiling

Tacy Kelly has big blue Irish eyes, 10 red ringlets (the wig isn't perfect but it will do), and freckles. (She's a re-wigged Kit.) Tacy is painfully shy. She has a huge family so she doesn't have as much to spend as the other two. Tacy is based upon Maud's best friend Bick.

Momma thought about re-wigging a Kit since she has the blue eyes and freckles she wanted, but had purchased a re-wigged doll thinking she was Tacy. However, when Momma got her she knew she wasn't Tacy, but Tib wearing Tacy's hair! Thankfully, that wig peeled off.