The surprise outfit- Liberty Jane duds!

On this dismal, rainy, and blustery day, a small white package arrived on our doorstep, a bright spot against the dark clouds.
"I wonder what this could be?" Jess thought. After a long day of biology and algebra classes, she was relieved to finally be at her dorm. Boy, was she surprised when she opened the box to reveal a lovely Liberty Jane Clothing outfit! A very trendy pair of distressed jeans, lacy white tank, graphic tee, and cute converse sneakers lay inside. She quickly changed into these magnificent duds, and took some pictures.

Presenting the surprise outfit- "our version" of Code Red by Liberty Jane Clothing! Cinnamon was wonderful, and worked with us until we found our perfect outfit. Substituting the skinny jeans for dark destroyed denim, replacing the sparkly silver cons with these new circle ones, and leaving the vest out entirely gives this outfit a whole new look! Originally it was going to be for Sonali, but Jess couldn't resist. It's just her style too.

This outfit is absolutely wonderful. I could swear that it was made for a real girl! The jeans are super cute, and have ripped and bleached areas to give them the destroyed look. They have a perfect fit, but still go on easily. The two shirts are great, and have a lot of mix and match potential! The white tank top has lace accents at the bottom, and looks great with the graphic t-shirt to make the layered look. Speak of that t-shirt, it's amazing! The fabric is adorable, I love the funky print. We also got a pair of circle converse shoes, they're too cute! I can't get over AG shoes, they're the sweetest things.

Amazing quality and attention to detail, I love this outfit!

This outfit gets an A+ from Jess and I! This is my first Liberty Jane outfit, and I couldn't be more thrilled.



Behind the photography with small lesson:
Fashion photography has been an increasing interest of mine, and to get these 3 shots (which, I have to admit, I'm very proud of!) took me about 45 minutes to an hour. First off, you have to get your doll looking perfect. Then, I had to set up the scene. I have an nice spot in my house with decent lighting from a window and sliding glass door (which is why a lot of indoor photos have the same background, sorry!). I also have a table craft light I use to get a nice look. Lighting is everything! Then, I take about 30 pictures, at least. Some with flash, some without, just experiment with everything. I then load them onto the computer and delete the ones I don't like as well. Seeing it on the large monitor helps to see which shots are your best. After deleting some it is narrowed down to about 10 shots. I put them on flickr.com (love this website) and they have an excellent editing program called piknik. I cannot recommend piknik enough! You have to have a good photo to start with, but editing it well on the computer can make all the difference. For these photos I added text, toyed around with brightness levels, sharpened, and enhanced the colors to really make them pop. It helps a lot! You don't have to have the most expensive, fancy camera to get nice looking pictures.

Thanks for reading! We love the new outfit!

-Brooke

Mia the beautiful

*post by Brooke*
Still feel cruddy, but much better than before. Sorry I haven't been updating much. Still in shock over Kirsten's archival announcement. :(

Kirsten is being archived

*post by Brooke, I'm really taking over this blog!*
Yep, she'll be joining Samantha and Nellie in the arvhies. No set date, but it's going to happen.

I'm sad because Kirsten's books were the first ones I've read, and she's my favorite character. I never got around to getting her, so now that this has been announced I might reward myself and get her because I sold a few other dolls.

photo credit to Nibs and myprincessk

Ivy Update

*post by Brooke*
Sick, tired, bored, not much else. I caught some kind of stomach bug. I'm starting to feel better though, but all I've ate today is a cup of dry cereal and a glass of water. My friend B. is getting back from Chicago Friday night, I can't wait to see her. She went on a bus tour, and they took her around to all the tourist-y sites.

Like I said, not much else. Enjoy these pictures of Ivy (I have to make this post worth while!)

Sick

*post by Brooke*
I haven't been feeling well all day, and about an hour ago I threw up, and I feel more comin'. Yuck... so, I definitely won't be on for a while.

Surprises!

Brooke just ordered 2 outfits online! :) One is for Mia and the other is for Sonali, most likely. This girl confuses me... she's been talking about getting rid of AG stuff, not getting more! I don't know... haha!

Just a reminder, there will be a short hiatus today through next Monday! Thanks, and talk to you later.

~Avery~

Attention for Erin

*post by Brooke*

Here are some photos of Erin Yeager. She is a JLY #12. I got her off of eBay, in an auction with a bunch of clothes. I haven't quite"connected" or "bonded" with her. I think it's because the main reason I wanted the lot was because of all the retired clothes, and it was a good price. More of an impulse buy.
Erin's very athletic, but that's basically all I know about her. She plays about every sport under the sun, soccer, volleyball, baseball, etc. Her quirky trait is that she always wears her hair up in a high pony tail, I don't know why, she's just stubborn and doesn't like her hair down.
She wasn't the least bit girly when I first got her, but lately she's been revealing a more feminine side, and saying that she really likes animals (hence Coconut is in the pictures)

For this photo shoot, she wanted to have a "skater" look. She's wearing an American Girl Place Chicago T-Shirt, the blue camo Bermuda shorts from the Skate Boarding outfit (the skate board is from this outfit too), and Nicki's sandals from her Tie Top and Shorts outfit. Can't forget about Coconut either!
Well, I'm still getting to know Erin. If we can't bond, I might end up selling her. But I was thinking last night about if I really wanted to get rid of my dolls, or if I felt I had to get rid of them, for complicated personal reasons I'm not going to share.

Just a note: posts might be sparse this coming week. I may have a few scheduled posts, but just expect a short hiatus Monday through next Monday.
-Brooke

New Layout for Fall

How do you like the new layout? :) I attempted to make a header, it's my first and is kinda bad...

Also, a photo for your amusement:

Some good (and bad) news!

A friend of Brooke's is going to Chicago this week (Monday-Friday I believe) and she is going to stop at the AGP! She said she's going to take lots of pictures while she's there, of all the new items. I don't think she'll be our personal shopper though. Brooke's been trying to sell some AG's, so we really don't need to get any more! I'm still excited, though. And maybe, just maybe, a new friend will come home.

And, for the bad news. You might have noticed above that I typed "Brooke is trying to sell..." instead of "Brooke is thinking about selling..."
Also, some of you may have seen our sidebar with the "Dolls of Mondale", well, Brooke substantially shortened that list.

I'm sad to see these guys go... :( Maybe she won't follow through with it. But, Brooke's already photographed them and typed out most of the info. I think Kaya might already be listed on CL. Adios amigos! ='(


We have a new layout for fall! What do you think? On our computer the background is brown, but it is supposed to be green. What does it look like on your computer?
~Avery~

Beautiful Sonali

It's the weekend, TGIF!

Today I took Sonali out to get some photographs. She is a really pretty doll, but I haven't quite "connected" with her. She doesn't have much a personality outside the book/movies.

I've been debating about selling some dolls, and Sonali is on the "maybe list". I'm apprehensive because she's an LE, but if I regret it I could always get the JLY's that looks like her.

What do you guys think?




Edited to add:
The Melody Valerie Snowflake dress has sold out :( This was my next favorite after the SchoolGirl. Haha, figures!

-Brooke

"Where I'm From"
George Ella Lyon

I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening,
it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush
the Dutch elm
whose long-gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.

I'm from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair.
I'm from the know-it-alls
and the pass-it-ons,
from Perk up! and Pipe down!
I'm from He restoreth my soul
with a cottonball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself.

I'm from Artemus and Billie's Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the auger,
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.

Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures,
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments--
snapped before I budded --
leaf-fall from the family tree.

So, for school I have to write my own version of this poem. I'm not the best at writing poems, so we'll see how well it turns out! And just a note: Tonight it is supposed to get down in the 40's (temperature!) That is freezing! ~Avery~

Being a favorite doll...

Because of my blog, Brooke is almost forced to take lots of pictures of me, develop my personality, etc. I'm the one that Brooke does things with. Where as other dolls hardly get any attention! Jasmine, our #26, isn't "played" with too much, and neither is Ruthie, Julie, Marisol, or Erin (#12). I feel guilty when I'm out every day getting my clothes changed and picture taken, when they've been sitting in the same spot for months. I'm worried that Brooke might start selling some of us. I doubt she'd sell me, but she's been talking about getting rid of some of my friends.
But at the same time, she was watching the QVC show today and said she wanted Gwen, Chrissa, Molly, #23, #27, and #28!!! Uhhhh....

On another note, I have to go back to school tomorrow. I'm having trouble adjusting to my new routine/schedule. Plus, I've been putting off my homework til the last second, so I better go do that now...

~Avery~

9/11

As most of you know, 9/11 was yesterday. It was a sad day, and I remember itso well. I can't believe it's been 8 years already!

September 11th isn't all bad though, I celebrated a family birthday yesterday. I almost felt guilty being so happy, when it is such a tragedy.

My heart goes out to family and friends that lost a loved one on that horrible day! You are not forgotten!

-Brooke

First Day of School

My first day of school was today, and I admit, I was not ready to go back! Yesterday was an unofficial day of school where we got our new dorm rooms, lockers, schedules, uniforms, had school photos, etc. At Mondale we have to wear uniforms, they're not the prettiest things, but I really don't mind much, since we have free dress Fridays and can wear whatever we want outside of school.

I got my schedule, and it's not too bad.

First Hour: Mr. Anders Technology
Mr. Anders is okay, but he's nothing great. I'm worried about tech class, but this blog has helped me learn a lot about computers! At least I can type pretty well and fast.

Second Hour: Ms. Hanson Science
Ms. Hanson is my favorite teacher, she is a lot of fun! I'm very happy about this class because we cover some Biology and Chemistry too. The only down side is I'm at a table with some really annoying, talkative girls.

Third Hour: Mr. Thomas Math
Math is okay, but very easy for me. We're starting Algebra, which I worked on over the summer. I could probably even get up to Geometry, but I wasn't allowed to get into a mixed grade year class. We took a pre-test today and I got everything right! Mr. Thomas is a nice teacher, but he lectures a lot.

Fourth Hour: Mrs. Roulien American History
This is my least favorite class. Mrs. Roulien is very, very strict, and does not allow any talking. She's just plain mean, I don't know how else to say it. She gave us loads of homework about economics, government, and American wars.

B Lunch
Ivy is in my lunch, which I'm happy about! :)

Fifth Hour: Mr. Smith English Language Arts
English is my worst subject, and Mr. Smith is kind of a "blah" teacher. He has a monotone voice, and I will be lucky if I don't fall asleep!

Sixth Hour: Mr. Durham Orchestra/Band
I signed up for band again, this is a great class! I play the flute, but I'm debating about drastically switching instruments. I just don't like the flute that much, and I'm not that good. I'm thinking if I switch, I'll go to French horn or violin.

My school pictures turned out okay though. I got 3 shots, the first is at the top of the post, and the other two are here. I had to wear my glasses for school, you may have noticed I haven't been wearing them much over the summer.



I'm very stressed out about school, and just plain tired! See you later.
~Avery~

P.S. Today is 09/09/09! I love days like that! :)

Project: Felicity and Elizabeth's bed

A week or two ago, I found Felicity's bed at a garage sale for only $1! (I also got her Windsor writing chair and side table for $1 each)
It was missing a lot of things, like the board that goes at the bottom of the bed, the frame where the curtains attach to, mattress, pillows, and bedding.

Here is the before picture of the bed, as you can see, it is basically just the frame.


I made the bottom support out of cardboard, and the frame out of dowel rods.
After getting my sewing machine repaired (I've been meaning to do this for a while...) I started to make the bedding. I started with the mattress, made a few pillows, and a sheet. Then I made a comforter out of dark blue fabric. For the curtains I chose this fabric, which I've had laying around forever.

I think it looks very colonial and old fashioned. It's a pretty blue floral pattern. I made the curtains with a "pocket" to they could slip onto the dowel rods instead of being tied to the frame (this is how AG had it). Then, I made the canopy out of the same dark blue as the comforter/blanket. And, ta da! Here are some pictures of the finished product!









I think it turned out extremely well for someone who barely knows how to work a sewing machine! :) The only thing I think I messed up on was that the curtains should have went to the floor, but they're a little shorter than that.

Felicity and Elizabeth are very happy with their new bed! I'm even happier because it only cost me $1 for the bed, and about $5 for supplies, because all I needed was the blue fabric and dowel rods.

-Brooke ♥

Historical Dolls...

...are quite complex creatures, sometimes I don't fully understand them. I guess it's just because I'm modern, where as a time traveler, or another historical, wouldn't have any trouble adjusting to them. I've been hanging around with Nellie lately, and she's nice, but just so different.
Well, that was completely random! :P

On another note, Brooke has been stressing out. She's overwhelmed by new things... She wants so many of the new AG items, and couture, and she knows she can't possibly get it all, if any of it. AG collecting is a viscous cycle, you think you're happy with your collection, then they have to come out with a bunch of new items that you like. She's completely freaking out over "needing" to get things before they are gone, like Chrissa, her outfits, Gwen, limited edition couture, the 3 JLY's that she thought were retiring, outfits she think might retire, etc. Then AG throws all these new things in, plus her crazy everyday life/problems. It's just insane!

On yet another note, school starts for me on Tuesday! I'll post about it soon!

This post was basically just to update everyone...
~Avery~

Melody Valerie Fall Line! :)

The Melody Valerie fall line launch was today, and everything is gorgeous! I was not disappointed! I have been waiting for this day for a long time, and now it's finally here, with all the new designs for the fall and winter seasons.
It includes the "Statement in Taffeta" elegant blue dress, shown above. This ensemble is gorgeous, I love the fabric colors.

The Fall Line also features the "Wintry Meadows dress", in a lovely dark green wool, and the "School Girl", both pictured below.


The 4th and final "new" design is the stunning white and blue "Snowflake dress"! It is perfect for the holidays.

The fall line also includes 3 designs from the previous fall/winter season.
The gorgeous "Coppery Delight Dress",

"Crimson Bouquet Dress" ,

And the "Fall Colors Dress".

All are beautiful, and I'm glad that Melinda made more since last year!

I like quite a few of these dresses, they're all stunning, and perfect for the colder weather (the dolls are really lacking a fall and winter wardrobe...) Hopefully I'll be able to get some of them, since they're all absolutely stunning!
Great work Melinda, Melody, Lisette, Samantha, and mysterious model of the snowflake dress that looks like Kirsten! (haha, sorry we don't know who you are, but you're stunning!)

Go check out their Etsy shop, and their website!
-Brooke (and Avery)

*Note, the pictures are not mine, they are stock photos from Melody Valerie Couture!

THE NEW ITEMS UP ON WEBSITE!!!

Oh my freaking gosh! Sorry for the language, but there's about 20 new JLY dolls, I'm not even kidding. Plus all the other outfits and accessories. Check out AG's website with all the new items! I'm very overwhelmed right now...

Edited to add: Pictures of the new dolls, look at all the neat skin, hair, and eye color combinations, red heads, and curly hair!

-Brooke

New items and dolls, pictures!!!

I love all the new things! Thanks to luvmytwins02 for the pictures! Sorry they quality isn't that great though, they're the only pictures out right now!
http://s952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/luvmytwins02/

~Avery~

New dolls, clothing, and accessories coming!

The new AG catalog has been sent out, and guess what's in it?

For Julie: A new bike, a fondue set, a kitchen table, and two new outfits
Chrissa: Snow outfit and snow gear
Rebecca: Hanukkah dress, Hanukkah set, phonograph, and love seat
New JLY dolls: light skin, freckles, short red hair, and green eyes
med skin, wavy black brown hair, and blue eyes
light skin, caramel hair, blue eyes
light skin, freckles, straight red hair, hazel eyes
JLY outfits: Sparkly Plum Outfit, robe and penguin PJ's, winter PJ's, bed and bedding, dance outfit, winter coat and pants, something for the pets, skirt outfit, and a new flip chair.

These new items are coming out on Thursday!
Thanks to member sierraandkaylie from American Girl Playthings for this information!

Brooke is really excited for the new JLY dolls, they all sound very pretty, especially the one with medium skin, wavy black/brown hair, and blue eyes. I have a feeling these dollies will make it onto the never ending wish list!
Rebecca's new things sound really neat too, everything sounds great!

~Avery~

Am I Changing?

J'ai l'impression que ma personnalité a beaucoup changé depuis que j'ai commencé ce blog. (I feel that my personality has changed a lot since I started this blog. )

Before, I thought I was a shy, book smart tom-boy. But now, I find myself in modeling competitions and frilly pink dresses? It makes me think, ce qui s'est passé? (what happened?)

I have always been changing, since I came here in January '06. I was French, but my interests came and went, along with last names, etc. I don't think I've ever told anyone, but Brooke thought my original name Avery didn't sound French, so she renamed me Gabrielle! But Avery always stuck. I've had previous last names too, like James, Wilson, Vanderpol, and now Voisin.

But once I started the blog, I was pretty sure that I had my personality and interests figured out. I guess that my blog actually changed me, where I could do new things, like playing the piano, soccer (I wasn't sporty at all before) and modeling.

It's amazing what a year can change!

~Avery~