Customizing Caroline: Hannah Swensen from 'Murder, She Baked'

We don't watch a lot of new films or TV shows. In fact, our grandfather used to say that we couldn't watch anything in colour -- and wouldn't watch anything with actors who were still living. Not quite true, but old black-and-white films, Westerns, classic musicals, etc., have always been our favorites! But we do, occasionally branch out into newer films or shows (particularly Jane Austen themed British shows). Well, that's been the inspiration for some of our dolls, including Elizabeth's Margaret (Marie-Grace with new hair style) --- styled after the heroine of the 2004 mini-series "North and South", based on Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novel.

Here's Hannah with the first 'Murder, She Baked' novel -- which we haven't actually read yet!

Our newest addition to the family DVD shelf are the five Murder, She Baked TV shows. Mom stumbled on these at the library a couple of weeks ago, and we have really enjoyed them! The main character is Hannah Swensen, a baker in a small Minnesota town. She's very fun, perky and inquisitive. Elizabeth decided that she needed a Hannah doll -- and sooner than later. We played with the idea of using a Kit doll with a Tenney wig, but after some purchases of Tenney wigs fell through it seemed like we should consider other options. For a couple of days, Mom and I had really been suggesting that Elizabeth try a Caroline. Particularly appropriate, since we had a beautiful one who was standing unclaimed in the back of the cupboard. So, we looked at some more pictures of Hannah in the shows, and I assured Elizabeth that removing the wig and putting the part on at the side would make the difference. The eye colour was really the most perfect, so we decided to go for it! She couldn't be more perfect. At a later date, Elizabeth may paint some freckles on her, but we'll see if that happens or not. Here are photos of the doll and photos of Hannah (and Mike) in the shows.

So, Islandshire has a new inhabitant and gives a big welcome to Hannah! She is going to work for Eydie at the island's fanciest eating establishment, Eydie's Gourmets. Eydie will make all the main courses and fancy desserts, and Hannah will handle all the cookies!

Fashion Fun: Emily's Flannel Pajamas

Trudy here. Today we are featuring another Fashion Fun spotlight -- Emily's Flannel PJs! These are a new addition to the Islandshire closet, though they have been out for a long time now in the stores (discontinued, apparently, and now available through that famous doll outlet store -- eBay).

These are old-fashioned flowered flannel pajamas that really suit anyone needing cozy jammies. Bunty is modeling them today in the photos, and she has quite a thin body and still fits in them very well! These are great all-around comfy PJs, since even some of our older and "chunkier" Islandshire inhabitants also fit into these. The quality of the fabric is very nice, and the row of real little buttons down the front keep the shirt nice and snug. The pants are elastic-waisted and very comfortable. Our set didn't come with original slippers, but they seem to pair up with just about any doll-sized slippers or socks that your feet enjoy.

Thanks to Bunty for modelling today, and check back for more fashion fun!

Visiting the Orlando American Girl Place!

We just came home from spending ten days down in Florida with our Gramma! We didn't take any dolls with us this time, as most of our vacation outings centered around pin trading at Disney Springs (six of ten days doing that!), but we did get to check out the Orlando American Girl Place! This was something we've wanted to do before and never seem to get the chance while down there. Well, our Aunt was with us this time, and she knew how to get there -- so we went!

This was a GREAT experience! Let's just say that the grumpy, messy atmosphere of the Columbus store can't even be compared. The Orlando store is a third again as large, being about 15,000 square feet, and the layout is much prettier and easier to walk through than the Ohio store. What is so noticeable from the first moment you walk in is the feeling of being in a real doll store. The displays are all very neat and full of dolls! Instead of just inserting one doll into a closed in display or area, there would be two or more (often four or five) dolls in any case and posed to appear as if they were interacting with their accessories. Display cases for the historical pajamas, pets and play dresses featured all the historical dolls together, which really made you realize that you liked (and probably "needed") more than one character. The same applied to the Truly Me section, where lots of dolls were shown interacting together in scenes and displays. You got the feeling that this was a doll store, that you needed a doll, and that there would be a lot of cool accessories to go with your choice.

Another thing that I didn't put my finger on while there (rather, it dawned on my later) was the fact that they did not waste half their store (as is displayed in Columbus) with displays meant to be seen from outside the window. There were still LOTS of cool set-ups to be seen from outside, but it was definitely geared to be seen at its best from inside. You walked in and felt like there was TONS to look at and that you were definitely going to need something! :)

They did a great job with the boy dolls and had them incorporated in all sorts of displays. Very fun, and it made them appealing to see scenes of the boy and girl dolls in all the new camp clothes and accessories. It was all so cute. They also had the small stand-up displays of each kind of doll or collection spread throughout, so you really got the idea that you have a LOT of options as far as clothes and accessories.

The staff was super friendly and very kind. And the bathroom was spotless and everything worked! (Not the experience at Columbus, as we've never been there that one of the two stalls isn't out of order.) Even the Wellie Wishers and Bitty Baby sections were neat as a pin and appealing. The majority of displays were closed in, though even the open and playable displays were neat and not missing pieces. The display dolls had lovely hair and weren't all dirty and scratched up.

We went on a weekday in the middle of the afternoon, so the Bistro was getting cleaned and no one was actually eating. It looked very nice, though. There weren't many people there when we arrived, but it was definitely picking up later on. The manager was fabulous and very friendly with everyone coming in. All in all, this is a fabulous store and well worth visiting if you're in the area!

We took an absolute TON of photos. I'm posting them here as thumbnails, just click on any photo to see it at full size, and once it is open you should have the option to scroll through all in this entry. They're not really sorted, so if you don't see the area you're looking for --- just keep going. It will be there!