Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Melody Valerie- Ivy Cape


Melody Valerie Couture- The Ivy Cape

An absolutely wonderful piece of couture, Ruthie quickly claimed it. Melody Valerie does not disappoint! The Ivy Cape is made of lovely, dark green fabric with a shiny silver lining. The clasps are beautiful, pearly white buttons with loop holes, and the hood has amazing detail.

I (Brooke) took Ruthie out into the woods today. We *finally* have a a somewhat substantial amount of snow, and she was glad to have her warm cloak! She is wearing this over her Holiday Dress, if you're wondering.

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Thanks, Melody Valerie!
-Brooke
Walking in the snowRuthie in the snow

Sunday, December 27, 2009

One Year!

Today is our one-year blogoversary, and I almost forgot to post! As I'm typing, it's already 11:32 PM! Just a busy day, and it slipped my mind. Well, the 27th (or was it the 26th?) was met with the first real photo of the Lanie doll! I think she looks very pretty, and her story is nice. Plus, I really like her outfit ;) But Brooke isn't too sure about the wig, she says it looks "funky" from the pictures. In my opinion the sidebangs are cute, but real-life photos will help. Brooke said if the wig was right, she might use her as a base for a custom doll. But the side bangs kind of ruin that plan. I don't know if Brooke would have even went through with the custom doll anyways, though. She says she doesn't think she'll be getting Lanie now, but I don't know how true that is :P But really, we have enough dolls around here, and Brooke is still contemplating whether to order some Chrissa items before the end of the year. Uhhh, I hate the feeling of "I have to have everything". It just makes collecting AG's no fun. The amount of $ is absurd. But I guess this is Brooke getting to my head, and more her words than mine.

Anyways, I can't believe it's been a year since I first started the blog. So many things have changed, it's hard to fathom. 2009 has flown by so fast, in just a few short days we'll be entering 2010! It's so exciting, yet kind of scary.

~Avery~
Blogger of One Year who currently has 33 followers and 178 posts! I thank you, my readers, form the bottom of my heart!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Holiday Loot

Well, here's the mandatory "What I got for Christmas" post! :) I, Avery, got a few presents:
  • snowflake pajamas
  • a hand crafted, needle-felted purple and green dragon

  • a holiday shoe set, consisting of a pair of snowflake tights and a pair of shiny, red shoes
  • an "IM-Me" (an instant messaging thing, LOL, almost like texting)

I had a really good Christmas, I hope everyone else has, too. Uhhh, but I'm so full from eating big meals!


Brooke got a few AG things for Christmas, too:
  • Chrissa's warm-up set
  • Chrissa's sundress
  • Chrissa's PJ's
  • Ruthie's holiday dress
  • JLY Adventure outfit
  • JLY Licorice Play outfit
I don't have any pictures of these outfits just yet, sorry. Brooke also ordered a piece of couture as a "gift to self" kind of deal. I think she ordered something else with her holiday gift money, but she's not admitting it :P

Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday, and Happy New Year! (PS-Tomorrow, the 27th, is our one year blogoversary!)
~Avery~

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve


It is Christmas Eve! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday, I know I am! :)

And, in the spirit of Christmas (not trying to be religious here, sorry), a poem:

Evergreen boughs that fill our homes
With fragrant Christmas scents,
Hearts filled with the loving glow
That Christmas represents;
Christmas cookies, turkeys stuffed,
Festive holly berry,
Little faces bright with joy,
Loved ones being merry;
Parties, songs, be-ribboned gifts,
Silver bells that tinkle,
Christmas trees and ornaments,
Colorful lights that twinkle;
Relatives waiting with open arms
To smile and hug and kiss us;
These are some of the special joys
That come along with Christmas.

-By Joanna Fuchs

Happy holidays, everyone!
~Avery~

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ruthie

Doll Focus: Ruth Anne Smithens

Meet Ruth Anne, more commonly known as Ruthie; a fantasy-loving dreamer from Cincinnati. Ruthie came to live with us in July 2008, much to the delight of her best friend Kit Kittredge. Ruthie loves princesses, fairy tales, and playing pretend. She is known for her great imagination and fun personality. Ruthie is originally from the 1930's, but occasionally time travels. She has curly, red-brown hair and gray eyes. During the holiday season, Ruthie's favorite thing to do is bake cookies, go sledding, and decorate the Christmas tree. This is her second holiday with us, and she is happy to spending time with her friends.


Not a good day

Brooke's American Girl order is seriously messed up. Very complicated. Frustrating. I'm not even going to try to explain.

~Avery~

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Winter Photo Shoot

Today I took Erin, Nellie, Nicki, Avery, Mia, and Ruthie outside in the snow to take some photos! :) They're all dressed for winter! Last night we received a dusting of snow, just in time for the holidays.
Check out the video with all the photos here.
Here's a preview shot:











Happy Holidays, everyone!
-Brooke

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The surprise!

I'm posting this late, but, as promised, a post on our surprise items! Picture heavy post to follow.

The surprise was... couture! Two Heritage Clothesline dresses to be exact. Brooke ordered Samantha her ice cream dress and Jess a lovely, red frock. Both are stunning, and we are so happy to have these two new dresses for the holidays!


First is the ice cream dress, inspired by book illustrations.

It is a lovely, crisp, and white with beautiful black ribbon detailing. Very, very pretty! Amazing quality, and looks just like it does in the book! This has to be one of the prettiest Edwardian-era dresses I've seen, even better than those made by American Girl! Samantha looks so beautiful with her dark hair and eyes against the white dress. This dress seems to work for both winter and spring, which is very nice. Samantha is so happy to have her new dress!














Next is the Toy Soldier red dress, which was promptly claimed by Jess. I think it looks very nice on her, red looks very great with her coloring. The dress is made from a rich, red fabric that has white lace detailing. Everything is absolutely gorgeous! This is a great holiday dress.














Well, these aren't the greatest pictures. Sorry for not posting much these past few days!
-Avery

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Sierra's Snow Day!


This afternoon it warmed up some, so Sierra headed outside to play in the snow! We don't have much snow, just a dusting, but still, she had fun!
We don't have much snow, but yet it is freezing! That's what bugs me the most... If it's going to be this cold, there should at least be more snow.
Anyways, enjoy the pictures! They've had a little picnik magic worked on them to have the "snowing" effect.
~Avery~

Edited to add: The surprise got here sooner than expected! Post coming soon!

Sorry for being some-what absent...

Sorry I haven't posted at all in practically the last week. Life is so busy! We've got a dusting of snow here, everything is really pretty. But it has been absolutely freezing these past few days! The temperature has been in the teens, plus like 20-30 mph winds (not joking). Yesterday I went out to the pond, which had frozen over! Mia will be out there ice skating soon, once the wind dies down. Yeah, it's cold. I've been staying inside for the most part. I wish I had a warm Melody Valerie coat to keep me warm (hint, hint, Brooke!)

Anyways, it's been pretty crazy, but I have a surprise which should be coming in the next few days!

~Avery~

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree!

*picture heavy post!*
Today we set up our doll sized holiday tree! :) It was so much fun. We put on the lights, garland, green and gold bulbs, and other ornaments as well. We couldn't find a star for the topper, so we just used a red bow instead. We also placed a few presents underneath. I think it turned out very nice. We're really in the holiday spirit now!

Brooke has also been working on a project the week or so- a fire place! She just finished it today, and it's perfect for the holidays. It isn't the greatest, but it looks good in the room. It makes everything look so warm and cozy, just like winter! It really finishes the scene, if you know what I mean. Plus, it was really simple to make (if anyone wants to know how to make their own, comment and I'll tell you! It is insanely simple and can be a one day project! All you need is cardboard or wood and some paint!) Us dolls scavenged around the house to find some things to put on the mantle. We came up with two candles, a mirror, a snow globe, and a clock. There's also a nativity scene at the base of the fire place. I told Brooke we need to find a menorah, so we'll have to get that soon. If you don't know, I'm 1/2 Jewish, so I celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah (which starts December 11th)

After everything was done, Erin, Chrissa, Sonali, and Mia put on their holiday dresses and posed for some photos! Don't they look pretty?
Well, without further ado, here is our finished holiday set up!


And here are their Holiday 2009 portraits:
We hope you enjoy!

~Avery~

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Jasmine, and looking back


Beautiful #26... She's been with us almost a year! She came from American Girl Place Chicago, handpicked, on January 2nd, 2009, along with her friend, Sonali Matthews. This poor girl, her name and story have changed so many times... She's been named Noelle, to Sasha, to Jocelyn, and now Jasmine. She hardly has a story, and even so its always changing as well. Lately she's been hanging around with Kit and Ruthie, but now she's becoming modern again. This girl needs to make up her mind! She needs to tell me where she fits.
I've been intimidated by her hair and haven't done much with her, only changing her clothes once every few months. But now she is ready for the holidays! :) This picture was taken in front of our Christmas tree (more holiday portraits coming soon!) She is wearing the Sparkly Plum dress from American Girl. I think the purple color suits her, and really sets off her lovely skin-tone and eye color. #26 really is a beautiful doll, her hair is just a pain! I've hardly touched her (she's been a "sit and look pretty" display doll) and her hair is SO frizzy! I guess I'm just not used to it, but even so, she is my favorite JLY doll. Her look is so unique, and those gorgeous amber eyes are to die for!

Well, that's my spiel about this stunning dollie!
And, guess what, this blog is almost a year old! It was created on December 27th, 2008. Looking back at all the posts, I can see how much myself and my dolls have changed! My photography is loads better (partially thanks to a new camera), my blogging style is different, etc.
It's crazy to think its been a year since I started sharing Avery's story with the world! :) I'll be having a huge post on the 27th to celebrate.

Happy Holidays,
-Brooke

PS- I've added music to the blog. It's Christmas music (Carol of the Bells) and Harry Potter (Hedwig's Theme). I tried to make these appropriate for everyone, but if you wish not to listen to them, most computers have a "mute" button ;)

Friday, December 4, 2009

Winter


Fall has came and went, and we're now heading into winter! 2009 has flown by so fast, it has all been a blur! I've been so busy lately, and haven't had much of a chance to post on the blog. Sorry about that!
Anyways, it is steadily growing colder and snowier, and before you know it Christmas will be here!

Also, I have re-done the blog design (again, I know! Sorry!) Inspired by a snowy winter night!

~Avery~

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

I can't believe its December already!

I just can't believe how fast time has gone by! I'm so busy lately, sorry for not posting. One of the main reasons I'm not posting is because Brooke hasn't had time to take pictures, and I hate posting without pictures.
~Avery~

Thursday, November 26, 2009

I know it's been said, but Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :) I just got home from the parade. We were out to get prime spots at 4:30 this morning. And brrrrr, it was cold! But definitely worth it as there was great floats, balloons, and bands!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family, friends, and food! :P

I do not own the picture.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Melody Valerie's Holiday Line!

I love Melody Valerie's new holiday line! Everything is absolutely gorgeous, it always is! :) Brooke wants so many couture things, it's not even funny!
I am SO sorry for not posting over the last week. I've been very busy, and then Brooke was out of town this weekend. But... guess what? We're going to a Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will be a lot of fun!
~Avery~

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Samantha's new couture coat!


Hello, everyone! I know Avery usually posts on this blog, but today she is letting me! I'm Samantha Parkington, Avery may have mentioned me before.
I have a new coat for this winter season! :) Brooke found it at a craft show this weekend for a great price. It came with a velvet hat, and she added Kirsten's mittens (not shown very well in the photos, sorry).
I'm not sure if this would be considered a couture item or not... The definition of couture, according to dictionary.com is:
Created or produced by a fashion designer; being, having, or suggesting the style, quality, etc., of a fashion designer; very fashionable.
Either way, I think it's very cute! It isn't totally historically accurate, though. It looks fine for the early 1900's, but the body of the coat (red fabric) is made of synthetic polar fleece, which wasn't even around in 1904! The cuffs and collar are made of velvet, and the hat is velvet as well. The coat has real working buttons instead of snaps or velcro.
I'm so glad to have a coat, even if it isn't perfect. Plus, my favorite color is red, so that works out well!

Enjoy the photos! They were took rather quickly, and not edited much :P



Guest Blogger,
-Samantha Parkington

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Craziness at school...

Sorry for not updating much lately! :( I've just been sooooooo busy! At school everyone is excited for the holiday ball. I think I'm going to go. Ivy and Nellie are going, I know that, and I think Erin is too. Anyways, I've had loads of homework, including 2 huge essays. I hate essays. I have one for History and English. The good news is tomorrow we have a 1/2 day of school! But I don't think I'm going to be on the computer much over the weekend.

Just felt the need to update :)
~Avery~

Monday, November 9, 2009

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas... a holiday ball!

Images property of: KATIE (picture of my fictional character "Casey") and LIBERTY JANE (background image on the invitation). Thanks KATIE and LIBERTY JANE for the images! :) The pictures are not mine, and I am not taking credit for them! They are property of KATIE and LIBERTY JANE !!!!!
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The most popular girl in our school is hosting a holiday ball! Her name is Casey Quaine, and I guess you could say she's the perfect, stereotypical image of a popular girl. You know, blond, rich, sort of snotty, etc. Anyways, every year since like 3rd grade, around the week before Christmas she holds a holiday ball for all her closest friends. She starts the preparations early November, that's how big a deal it is! There's dancing and food, and she goes all out with a stunning dress. Last year she wore a gorgeous, sparkly blue gown, shown above.

Usually she only invites her best friends (or minions, I guess you could call them...). Obviously, I've never been invited before. But this year her mom is making her invite the entire 8th grade! She handed out the invitations today at school. Actually, she looked genuinely excited when I told her "I'll try to make it, Casey. Thanks." Still, I can't help but thinking its too good to be true...
Don't the invitations look really nice?



The party is at her house. It's really close to my school, only like 20 minutes away (even though she still boards here at Mondale). It's in a really ritzy area called "English Manor". The places there are huge, really elaborate, Victorian mansions. Some of them are over 100 years old! She supposedly has a ball room (yeah, in her house!) with a crystal chandelier that is decorated for the holidays with giant Christmas trees, lights, etc.
Ivy said her friend Julie went a few years ago, and Julie said that it was absolutely amazing!

I'm not sure if I'm going to go or not... I really don't know. The only reason she invited me is because her mom made her. But Casey's never really been mean to me, she just has a naturally "snotty" attitude, that's just who she is. Today when she gave me the invitation she actually seemed pretty nice, and genuinely glad that I said I might come. Plus, that ball does sound awfully fun. I think practically everyone is going, it's like the social event of the year. I'd have to pick out a dress. Maybe Brooke would even be nice enough to order me a new one! :) I highly doubt that, though.

~Avery~

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Happy Birthday! :)


We're celebrating quite a few birthdays this weekend! Friday was Rose's birthday! Happy Birthday, my blogger friend! =D So, we're celebrating that birthday from afar. But today (Saturday November 7th) is also Erin's birthday! Happy Birthday, Erin! And how many times can I say 'birthday' in a few sentences? Haha :P

Anyways, since Erin has kind of been our Gwen stand in, she had a party with Sonali and Chrissa. (PS- A couple people have asked, and yes, Brooke did get Chrissa in late September but did not post about it, for various, complex reasons I'm not going to get in to.) They had a lot fun at their party, I wish I could have came.



She received a new pair of fancy shoes, a stuffed animal, a camera, and a soccer ball (not pictured!) for her birthday! Plus, they had a yummy heart-shaped cake with strawberries. (Thanks HelloMiss)


Happy Birthday, Erin and Rose! From your friend,
~Avery~

P.S. I changed the template back to my old one, I like this better :)

Friday, November 6, 2009

Contrary to popular belief, I'm still alive!

Ouais, c'est vrai, je suis encore là. Je suis très désolé pour la mise à jour non. Je suis tellement occupé avec l'école! Ce week-end j'ai 2 essais, un rapport de livre, et un peu de leçons de mathématiques à faire. Si tant de travail!

*Yeah, it's true, I'm still here. I am very sorry for not updating. I'm so busy with school! This weekend I have 2 essays, a book report, and a few math lessons to do. So much work!

School is really getting the better of me. It's taking a lot of effort just to keep up with the homework! I have very strict teachers, and they assign a lot of work. Plus, I usually have 2-3 tests or quizzes each week, so I spend a lot of time studying! I'm so tired at the end of the night and just want to relax.

The good news is, I'm still able to keep up my grades. 1st quarter is over, and I have all A's and above a 95% is every class. Yay! :D

I'll try to update more, I really will!

~Avery~

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Updates!


Sorry for not being on much... We've all been very busy! I included a picture of Julie, just because I like to have a picture in every post! Well, just a few things:
  • Brooke has a hopelessly long couture/AG wish list
  • Brooke is playing her trombone quite well now :)
  • Today is Halloween, and I'm being a witch! (post coming Sunday or Monday)
  • I think I may be getting sick (I have a cough)
  • I have a large American History essay due very soon :( Plus a bunch of test...
Once again, sorry for not being on much. School is really keeping me busy!
~Avery~

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Kirsten and Mia out in the forest


Today I took Kirsten and Mia out into the forest for some fall photos. It finally stopped raining, so I took the opportunity to get some pictures outside. Sorry for not the best backgrounds, most of the leaves have already fallen, are still green, or not on "AG level" (not close enough to the ground to get a picture with a doll).
I think they both look so sweet! Mia looks great in Kirsten's school dress, it goes nicely with her coloring. I think she looks really cute as an 1850s doll.

You should have noticed Kirsten is in these photos. She arrived last night, and I couldn't more thrilled, she's absolutely perfect. I read her books when I was 7 or 8, and she's always been my favorite historical character. I don't know what took me so long to get her! She is wonderful, I recommend getting her before she is archived! I can't believe AG is archiving her :( Well I can, but I can't, you know what I mean... But their business ploy (that's all that this archiving junk is) worked like a charm on me.
-Brooke

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Caroline


Ruthie has undergone a name change! Her name is now Caroline. She is the Ruthie character's twin sister, and she still is a historical living in the 1930s. Caroline, also know as Cara, is very practical and logical, not much like her twin Ruthie, who is loves fairy tales and fantasy. She is very smart as well! :)

Sorry for not posting much! Life sure is bussssy! My next post will be me with all of Brooke's musical instruments!

Well, off to do homework! I have an algebra lesson, and a report for American History!

~Avery~

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Kirsten is heading our way!


With the free shipping code (PF99058), Brooke caved and ordered Kirsten! :) The funny thing is, Kirsten has always been her favorite historical character. Kirsten's books were the first she read, and Kirsten was always the doll she liked the most! But, for some reason, she just kept getting pushed farther and farther down the 'want list'. Until now! She will be coming in a little less than a week (hopefully). This whole archiving business scheme worked like a charm.

~Avery~

credit to FarmHouseGirl for the photo!