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Monday, February 20, 2017

Thank you :)

Hey guys,
Thank you so much for your great feedback regarding my post about what you would like to see here on the blog.  
It seems like most of you were happy with the variety I was already doing, so that's good!

I'd say the most favorite dolls mentioned were the American Girl and Hearts for Hearts play scale, followed by Barbie and Disney.




It was split pretty much down the middle when it comes to videos, most of you enjoy them and some of you prefer to read the blog so I will probably just keep the videos in the post as I do them.

So going forward, I will be happy to focus more on the larger scale 18 inch dolls, Barbie and Disney reviews.  

I still love to photograph my Monster High and Ever After High dolls so I'll skip the reviews on those and just do fun quick photo shoots.



Most of you enjoyed the more personal posts that include the brief photos of our family and life on the farm, so I'll add those in now and again (remember my monthly round-ups?  lol.)  If I had more time, I'd just create a separate blog for that (thanks for the suggestion, Barb!), but I don't think I could keep up!


And lastly, all of you wanted to see crafts! 


Right now I love to crochet, cross-stitch and paint as my main hobbies so I will share whatever I can get to!  I would love to try out some polymer clay mini food and doll reroots or repaint touch-ups at some point as well. I'm not really good at making up "stuff to craft" as I just prefer to watch other people's videos (My Froggy Stuff, etc) and create stuff based on that so unfortunately it won't really be crafting ideas, but instead stuff that I make from other people's tutorials, haha!

Thanks again for your wonderful and kind feedback.
What a great group of bloggers and followers that we have here in blogland. I love sharing this hobby with you all! :)


Thursday, February 16, 2017

All the AG drama-an opinionated post!

Hey guys,
Thank you so much for your feedback already regarding my last post about what you would like to see on my blog!  I'm finding it so helpful and I'll share the results with you later this week. :)
Someone who commented said that they enjoyed reading different opinions about doll lines or new stuff in general, which was really cool because I have never done an info or opinionated post before.
I figured with all of this American Girl drama centered around the recent controversy that is surrounding this brand, this would be a good place to start.

There are a couple of different topics that I wanted to share my thoughts about, but we'll start with Gabriela McBride, the 2017 Girl of the Year (who's around longer than just the year.)

GABRIELA MCBRIDE
As for Gabby's release, I'm a bit underwhelmed by her story and collection.  The doll itself is gorgeous.  The fact that she's basically a reissued Truly Me doll, though is pretty disappointing.  They could've added freckles or a beauty mark or maybe changed her hair parting, or something to make her a little more unique and special.



Gabby McBride 

They also could've given her a more interesting story-line, in my opinion, but I do have to remember that these are made for younger girls so I understand that it's always going to be watered down and generalized in a way that would appeal more for an 8 year old.

It would've been great though, to see her interested in health, or teaching, or something to do with a traditional male dominated profession (like IT or criminal justice.) Getting girls into science, engineering or computer programming seems to be all the rage right now.  Oh well, gotta do what sells and little girls love dance stuff.

To me, at this point, I'm not sure what the different is between the GOTY and the Contemporary Line.  I am pretty bothered by the fact that they couldn't give Gabby more time in the spotlight.  Having the very first doll of color as the GOTY is a very big deal and should've been handled a bit more respectfully.

To plan a release of a new contemporary doll only a month after Gabby's debut feels like a big old slap in the face.
I don't know why I am so bothered by it, but I just am.
Tenney feels more involved and put together and feels like more thought was put into her design, her collection and her stories and I believe they are also making a movie. (Which they are not for Gabby.)
And to put a cherry on top, they also released a boy doll, which doubly steals the spotlight.

Logan Everett

I do agree that it's great to have listened to customers and finally come out with a boy doll and I think it's great that little boys that want an AG doll now have an option, but again, it feels like a slap in the face. Again, it's just the timing that bothers me.

I personally am not a fan of boy dolls in this doll scale, but maybe it's because I have seen too many Instagram posts of custom AG boys with their little AG doll girlfriends and it sort of creeps me out because they all look like toddlers. ;)
I think they did a nice job on the design, but I sort of wish they had used a Jess mold or Marie Grace rather than Kaya's mold as I thought that mold was supposed to be special for only her.

Poor Gabby.  I definitely want to get her regardless, because I feel she marks AG history and that she is a very important doll, at least in my heart.
I will probably only get her PJs due to budget reason, although the poetry and dance theme just isn't really my thing anyway.  She's a gorgeous doll and I don't have any like her yet in my collection so I do hope to add her some day!

TENNEY GRANT:
Here are my thoughts on Tenney apart from my overall opinion of AG's poor timing to releases her.



She's pretty cute, but she sort of looks like Caroline with a side part and brown eyes.  I'm not the hugest fan of the freckle design, but I do appreciate that they tried a new design and put the freckles on a doll other than a redhead.
Her meet outfit is pretty nice and her overall outfit collection is really, really cute.
I showed her to Pumpkin Pie (who will turn 8 in June) and she LOVED all of it.  She loved the doll and she said her favorite thing about her was her hair.  AG definitely knows what they are doing in terms of designing these dolls for young girls. She loved every outfit, the stage, the PJs, everything.  Genuis designing on AG's part.

Probably MY favorite part of her collection is her banjo.  I love miniature instruments!
Most likely I will not be getting this doll for my collection as I already have Caroline and she looks too similar for me to warrant getting Tenney.  Pumpkin Pie has already asked for her for her birthday so we'll see what happens between now and then.
I can't help it, but I think they did a great job with this doll and her entire collection.
Again, I just don't like how they timed it!!

FELICITY MERRIMAN (BEFOREVER VERSION) :


I like the original version better.
Maybe someday I'll find her at a good price.  Just not interested in the newer one at this time, but her book art is so cute.




NANEA MITCHELL:
I don't want to spend too much time talking about her since we don't know a lot yet, but she is set in Hawaii during World War II and I LOVE HER.  I LOVE HER.  I LOVE HER. It sounds like she will be set to release some time this fall.
I think she's totally adorable and I love the concept. Look at those high-waisted nautical shorts!
She looks like a big Wellie Wisher and I have no problem with that.  She's just so cute.



PERMAPANTIES:


I know most of you are aware of AG's decision to start releasing Truly Me dolls, Contemporary characters and some select BeForever dolls (Julie, Melody and Mary Ellen) with sewn on underwear that is not removable and to be honest, I wasn't too bothered by it at first.  I've only been collecting AG dolls since 2015 so I don't have a huge history with this company so from a "change" perspective, it wasn't that big of a deal to me. I would prefer the regular bodies, but it wasn't a deal breaker.
My main issue now is just the overall way AG has handled this information release as well as how they are dealing with feedback.
Basically their reasoning for changing to this new style is so the panties don't get lost during play.
Like, what????  Are you serious??
That is the lamest reason!  If they would be up front and honest, that it was due to cost or they needed to redesign the bodies in regards to certain copyright issues with Pleasant Company, I'd be ok with that.
My other concern is the fact that they block and ban people that express opinions that they don't agree with from their Facebook info page.  I get it if people are being downright nasty or profane, but I don't think that is always the case. If I hung up on every person that had an opinion at MY job, I'd be fired.  They should be taking this feedback and really considering if these proposed changes are worth it.
It makes me sad the way the company has changed in quality and integrity.  Even sadder that despite this, their items become more and more expensive.
Thank goodness for Our Generation and their amazingly cute and well priced clothes and accessories! I'm glad that there are other options in this play scale.

It's just never going to be the same American Girl that I used to droll over as a preteen in the 90s and I guess that's that.

I think American Girl has marketed these changes brilliantly to coincide with their new releases. They sort of dropped this "permapanty" bomb on everyone, but then quickly distracted us with the colorful and shiny new release of several amazing new dolls and items.

Besides the new dolls, the most attractive things to me are the new items they added to the BeForever Line.  I don't have a Kit doll, but her collection is very cute and you guys know I love my Julie and the 70s in general. :)
These in particular are at the top my wish list:
Julie's Bastketball Outfit
Julie's Peasant Top Outfit
Julie's Bathroom (my grandmother had a pink toliet and sink)
Mary Ellen's Flamingo Swimsuit

At this point in time, I have one last AG order on the way (I finally ordered Addy and her accessories last week!).
As much as I like a lot of their products and want to collect it all, I'm not sure if I want to support buying from this company right at this particular moment due to some of these drastic changes and the downright disappointment with some of their decisions.  I may change my mind down the road, but for now, I'd rather just get my items from eBay or support people that make handmade clothing (or *gasp* actually try to make my own!)

Plus, I need to be saving my money and AG stuff is expensive, haha!

What do you guys think about all of this drama?  No big deal?  Are you ok with the changes and the way they handled all of these new releases?  Just curious to hear your thoughts.
Have a good week!

xo Farrah





Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Quick Poll: Favorite dolls to see here??

Hey guys,
Now that I have been collecting for a few years, I'm sort of lost direction and momentum of keeping up with what I buy and what I have time to review.




I follow lots of different blogs that review all sorts of dolls so I just wondered what it is YOU guys like to read about.

I wanted to just get your feedback about what you would be most interested in seeing reviews and posts about since I am just overwhelmed with all the dolls I still have laying around in boxes, waiting for reviews.

If you could take a second to comment on maybe your favorite type of doll as well as let me know if you enjoy the more personal family/nature type of posts that would be great.  :)
This will not affect my personal collecting, but will just give me some direction on what to review!

I WILL KEEP COMMENTS ANONYMOUS AND NOT POST THEM

1.  The types of things I'm currently collecting are below are so please let me know what you like to see reviews and photos of:

Barbie
Ever After High
Monster High
Disney Dolls
American Girl and other larger dolls like Hearts for Hearts, Our Generation and minis
Younger style dolls such as Shopkins/Shoppies and blind bags
80s Toys
More expensive dolls like Hot Toys, Tonner and Disney Limited Edition Dolls

2.  Would you like to see family blog posts as well (like photos of daily life, my sister's wedding, the kids, our farm, etc.) ?

3. Are you interested in seeing videos as well or do you usually skip over them?  (if you prefer to skip them then I'll just keep them on my YT channel. :)

4.  Are you interested in seeing crafts that I am doing as well?

Thanks so much for your help and feedback!
I really appreciate it.
xo


UPDATE:  I am keeping comments private so you guys won't see them, but thanks so much for the feedback already!! :)



Monday, February 13, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day- C.A. Cupid from Ever After High

Happy Valentine's Day to my fellow doll bloggers!
What better day to share with you all some photos of one of my favorite Ever After High dolls, C.A. Cupid!  

I took a few photos of her in her box and right after I took her out so I could remember what she looked like before we lost accessories and her hair got wrecked.  #reallife



In Greek mythology, Eros was the Greek god of love, but his better known name in Roman mythology was Cupid.   C.A. Cupid is supposed to be the (adopted) daughter of Eros.
I just found out that her initials stand for Chariclo Arganthone.  :)

So, yeah...I'm just going to stop right here and do a big sigh because this is why I first fell in love with Ever After High.  Look at this design and packaging!!
Sadly, the quality of EAH has gone way down so I have pretty much finished collecting EAH for now.


I really love the way they used to design these doll boxes. 


On the back of the box there are some additional details about her personality (which little kids won't read, but older may find interesting).


I seriously did not want to take this doll out of her box because I liked her so much the way she was, but the girls were pressuring me.  We lost the little black ring within 5 minutes so eventually I ended up getting a second doll to keep in the box (for me)!




She's such a beautiful doll and I'm so happy to have her in my collection!  I really need to dig her out of the storage bin she's been hiding in and give her a proper makeover and place on the shelf soon.

I really hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
I am a huge fan of self-love and finding happiness and joy from within yourself so Valentine's Day has always annoyed me a teeny, tiny bit, even when I've had someone to celebrate with.
My husband and I have always felt it to be a bit forced and cheesy, so we didn't used to really celebrate it in the past.
Now that we have the girls, though, they just eat it up and love making cards and celebrating with us, so it's much more fun now. ;)

I hope you all have a great rest of your week!
xo Farrah 

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Care Bear Blind Bags Series 4




One of the blind bags series that I currently love to collect are these adorable Care Bears, which are from a cartoon series I used to love as a child.  

These can usually be found at Target, Walmart and Toys 'R' Us and retail for just under $3.00. 

They are currently on Series 4 of this line and this is the first line that features the Care Bears as well as the Care Bear Cousins, which are a group of colorful, caring woodland creatures of different animals species that are directly related to the bears. The live in a different place then the regular Care Bears called The Forest of Feelings.


Related image
Looks pretty nice there. 

The Care Bears in general, have had a few different come-backs over the years, but recently the Cousins finally got some attention in the new Care Bears cartoon series on Netflix. 

Image from Care Bear Wiki

It seems as though only 4 of the Cousins made it onto the show, which is disappointing as there were so many other cute characters I used to love. 

It's funny how there are so many bears, but only one each of the other animals.  
I love the 80s when it comes to stuff like that. We never questioned it as kids, of course. 


I put together a detailed review of each figure for any of you Care Bear fans out there as well as the codes assigned to each on on the back of the packaging if any of you are interested in collecting these cuties.

Below are some photos of each one that we got!

Brave Heart Lion

He is the assumed leader of the Care Bear Cousins with a loud and boisterous personality.  
His belly badge can give anyone courage and confidence to believe in themselves
He's a total lovey and loyal Leo. 

Lotsa Heart Elephant 

Back in the 80s, this character was male, but in the newer series, she's now a female. 
Her belly badge can basically just force a whole lotta love into someone if needed, especially if they are kind of being a jerk.   
She can also apparently help plants grow, according to Care Bear Wiki. 
Despite being the strongest cousin, she's actually the most uncoordinated.  
She's totally adorable!!

Cozy Heart Penguin

She is the smallest of the cousins and she is very warm and cuddly.
Her belly badge power can make anyone feel loved and cozy.  Perfect for this blog!
One way that she has really changed from the 80s is that she no longer speaks, and instead she communicates in animal noises which the other cousins interpret.  (Lol, weird.)

Bright Heart Raccoon

He is obviously the brains of the operation and his belly badge helps people receive innovative thoughts and ideas.  It also serves as a built in flashlight, when needed. #handy

I think the actor that voices this character on the Netflix cartoon, Ryan Wiesbrock, does such a great job of making this little guy so adorable.

The remaining figures we got were all Care Bears in their original solid coloring. (Unlike some lines that feature them in a glitter or pearlized finish.)

Bed Time Bear 
Note the sleepy eyes. :) 

Tender Heart Bear
Cutie!  

Secret Bear
She was orange in the 80s. 

Wish Bear
One of my all time faves. 

Friend Bear. 
My sister had this one as a plushie growing up. :) 

Lots of Love Bear
Perfect Instagram pic for Valentine's Day.

As I was playing with these figures, I decided to have a full-on photo shoot which you can see below.  I just couldn't stop as they are so adorable! 

I broke them all out. 


Of course I had to arrange them by pose. 











And then I had to group them by color, lol. 






Overall, these have been so much fun for me to collect as they have such a nostaglic place in my heart.  
I loved these bears and characters growing up so much and it's such a joy to share them with my daughters as they love them as well. 

I hope you enjoyed this colorful post and enjoy the rest of your weekend. 
We have even more snow coming our way so I'm hoping for a good "sleep-in" as well as getting some stuff done around the house.
I am tempted to make a video tour of my horribly messy doll room in an attempt to motivate myself to organize the hoarding, haha. 

Thanks for stopping by! 
xoxo Farrah