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

It's a boys life

Greetings and Salutations!

Clementine and I are in a dither. Two Vinyl American boys have joined our family!

Walmart's 18" "My Life As" doll-line has introduced two school boys: an African American and a medium-skinned doll that can pass for many different cultures. 

The My Life As Doll is pose-able with a soft torso. His hair is rooted and can be brushed and styled, providing hours of playtime for your child. Most 18-inch doll clothing and accessories will fit the My Life As Doll. The PVC surface of the doll can be wiped clean, should he ever get dirty. The My Life As Doll is made of PVC.

Much as I love my new beau, he does not have a soft, hug-able torso. What he does have is an adorable face with well-sculpted lips. 

Sigh. 

What should we name him? Please suggest names in the comments below. 

I hope to introduce you to Clementine's also-yet-to-be-named beau tomorrow!