Spent Some Time with Ayala!

So, I've decided I'm not up for the ADAD challenge this year after all. It's a little saddening but I'm alright admitting my defeat. I did make it to day 42! (Click here to see all he photos from my ADAD 2015. ^^) I think the reason why I failed was because all I could think about was photographing Ayala. I wanted to give all my girls a turn in the spotlight but Ayala was on my mind the whole time. So it made me very unhappy and I just stopped taking photos all together. 

I couldn't help myself any longer and had a mini photo shoot with Ayala this past weekend and thanks to my amazing 14yo daughter, I now have a café/bakery/bistro/etc. for Ayala too! (n.n) 

We are still working on it but I LOVE it! I chose the colors and I'm so happy with how it turned out because not only can it serve as bakery but a bedroom too! This will be Ayala's bedroom when not in bakery/café mode. (^_^) I hope to get better pictures when the sun is in the right position for indoor photos but enjoy the sneak peek of Ayala's space.

ADAD 2015 - 36/365

Throwback to when I first welcomed Zoë to my doll family and she meet her sister, Saleen. Love these girls!

ADAD 2015 - 35/365

"A Great Attitude becomes a great day which becomes a great month which becomes a great year which becomes a Great Life." - Mandy Hale

So very true! Always keep a positive attitude and you'll attract positivity to you.  (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 33 & 34/365

Let the sunshine in.

Keep going. Everything comes at the perfect time.

I really have been posting every day even if I missed posting here. You can check my Flickr or Instagram or even Tumblr feeds, if a day goes by without a post from me. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 32/365

New week, new month and new girl. Well, Zoë really isn't a new girl since I got her last year for my birthday in May but she is the new girl of the week. (^_^) I hope to use props in this week's photos but I'm waiting on my order from Amazon right now, it's suppose to arrive tomorrow. ^^;

ADAD 2015 - 30 & 31/365

Since I forgot to post here yesterday, I've decided to do both at the same time. (^_^)

Day 29: This is only the beginning.

Day 31: My 1st month (31 days) are now in the book for the 2015 ADAD (A Doll A Day) challenge, only 331 days to go.

On a non-doll but photography related note, I've been wanting to try film photography. *gasp* No DSLR and no instant gratification. I think it will help me grow as photographer because it'll cause me to SLOW down and think out my shoots because each photo will cost money instead of taking a whole bunch of shots to only pick one. That photography will be more of my personal life but from time to time I will share photos of my dolls here BECAUSE they ARE part of my life. 

Hope everyone is having an amazing weekend! 

ADAD 2015 - 29/365

Dance like no ones watching.

In other words, make sure to have even when things seem to be too tough. 

ADAD 2015 - 28/365

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James 

Can you believe it's Wednesday already? January is almost over! Is is just me or does it seem like time seems to go quicker each year? (^_^) Hope everyone is having an amazing week so far. 

ADAD 2015 - 27/365

Simplicity. (^_^)

Often times the focus on photos are on how brilliant are the colors but today I felt like taking away ALL the color. I wanted to focus on the composition and the feel. 

ADAD 2015 - 26/365

"Do small things with great love and the world will be a better place." 

ADAD 2015 - 25/365

Maisie is the new girl for this week. I think she has the sweetest expression. I know all the Jess mold dolls essentially look the same but I love the look of my girl best. LOL It's funny because I'm not too much into short hair and bangs on my girls but this sweetie pie stole my heart. Glad I got her before they "archived" her.

ADAD 2015 - 24/365

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy." - Dalai Lama

ADAD 2015 - 23/365

Happy Friday! (^_^)

The weekend is here and it's suppose to be a warm one too. I think we're going to be in the high 70s- low 80s. Talk about a warm Winter. What's the weather like where you are?

Building Ayala's Sweet Shop

I think the newness of Grace's collection may have worn off. Yes I really want the baking set and her Bakery. I will keep my fingers crossed that I'm able to get the Bakery before the end of the year or it sells out. In the mean time I still want to have fun with my girls, so I've started picking stuff up to make my own sweet shop. (^_^)

Remember when I said I would like to get the bistro set? I've changed my mind after finding this tutorial showing me how to make my own. I've been able to find most of the pieces I needed to create my own bistro set but with 2 chairs because no one wants to dine alone. LOL

So here are the beginnings of Ayala's Sweet Shop. I'll come up with a better name later once it's finished.

The above will be used to create a Bistro Set for Ayala. I do have to sand and paint the chairs, table top and cabinet. All the furniture pieces I purchased from Hobby Lobby. 

* Wooden Cabinet - $6.59 with 40% off coupon

* Chairs - $8.99 each on sale for 40% off.

* Black Candlestick Holder - $7.19 with 40% off coupon

* Circle Wood Plaque - $1.19 with 40% off coupon

Total cost for all furniture - $33

Ayala's cabinet and table top will be this color.

It's showing up darker than in this photo than it will be in real life but you get the idea and the chairs will be either black or white. I'm leaning toward black though. (^_^)

Here is a close up of the ice cream cones, creamsicles, donuts and cupcake erasers I bought from Target in the Valentine's section.

Each pack comes with 2 cupcakes, 1 donut, 1 chocolate ice cream cone, 1 vanilla ice cream cone and 1 creamiscle for $1.50. Not a bad deal at all! The containers on the left came from the Dollar Tree and you get 10 containers for $1.00! Oh the little sign on top is from Hobby Lobby and it also cost $1.00.

Everything (excluding my girls, of course) pictured cost less than $40! I think that's pretty great considering I get to customize everything to my likes and use what I want to create the look for my girls.

ADAD 2015 - 22/365

"There a are soo many beautiful reasons to be happy."

I'm super happy because I stopped by Hobby Lobby and picked up stuff to make Ayala and Saleen a little bistro set. AND bakery counter. (^_^) It's already too dark for photos BUT I will post photos tomorrow of the stuff I'm going to be using to make my own sweet shop/bistro set. 

ADAD 2015 - 21/365

"Taking the first step is often the hardest."

I thought Ocean was going to do a face plant while I took this photo because of the wind. (^_^) 

ADAD 2015 - 20/365

One step at a time.

I have to tell myself that sometimes. Today for instance, I tried to make some doll sized macarons and let's just say they came out very bad. I don't know if it was the Crayola Model Magic because the clays feels dry and brittle even though I only purchased it last night or if it was an error on my part. I'll give it another try later because I have 2.5lbs of clay ready to be turned into doll food. LOL

ADAD 2015 - 19/365

"Only an open heart can catch a dream."

This is going to be an amazing week. No I'm not getting anything new uess you mean stuff from Target like the Valentine's Day food erasers. I picked a couple of packs over the weekend and I also got some of the Out Generation accessory sets too. I'll post my find a little later so you can be on the look out at your local Target. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 18/365

A new week brings a new girl to feature. This week my camera attention will focus on my beautiful Ocean. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 17/365

Live in the sunshine. (^_^)

I'm kinda sad to see Ayala's week come to an end. ;-; I know she'll have many more times to be the center of my photos but it still makes me sad that I have to move on to my next girl to be my superstar for the week considering I just tested a pattern out in her and she looks and she looks so adorable in the new outfit. Guess it'll have to wait until it's her turn again.

How To Make Doll Macarons

If you are anything like me, you have become obsessed with all things AG baking. I was happy to see that My Froggy Stuff came up with how to make macarons for our girls. It looks like a trip to the craft store or even Wal-mart may be in order because I definitely want to make some for Ayala.




These look like they would be so fun to make and I can't wait to give these a try!

ADAD 2015 - 16/365

Time for an adventure.

Have I already told you how much I adore  Ayala? LOL I tell you she's giving Saleen a run for the top spot. I told my hubby today she is definitely one of my best gifts to date. I think I made him blush, he tried to keep the excitement off his face but I could tell he was glowing and proud inside. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 15/365

Finally was able to take Ayala outside for some nature photos BUT it's still very windy out. I tried my best. 😅

ADAD 2015 - 14/365

"The sky is not the limit.. the mind is."

Is 't that the truth? If you say you can't, than you can't. Always try to keep a positive attitude. I know I have days when I feel defeated but the rough patch will pass. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 13/365

"One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."

Did I already say how much I love my Ayala? LOL I actually started reading Grace's first book last night and really enjoying it too. I think I'll do a review once I'm done reading it. 

ADAD 2015 - 12/365

Ayala is such a beautiful doll! I just love her freckles!  I'm very glad she has joined my doll collection. She holds an extra special place in my heart because she's a gift from my hubby PLUS he helped name her too. I couldn't decide which of the 2 names I liked but we both felt Ayala was perfect for her. (^_^) 

I know I told you yesterday to ask me in a few months if I like Ayala better than Haven and I can honestly say that the way I feel about Ayala is how I feel about Saleen. Now don't get me wrong, Saleen still is and will always be my #1 girl but Ayala has already claimed a top spot in my heart to the point where now she needs her own room for Saleen to go over and visit her. LOL Zoë doesn't even have a room it but I'm already planning Ayala's. ^^; 

So due to space constraints, it looks like Saleen and Ayala will have their own rooms. I'm thinking about making portable rooms for the girls instead of making the dollhouse since I've decided to get Grace's Bakery. 

My AGPLA Trip Report

My trip to AGPLA was threatened by it raining all day but I would not let rain stop me. LOL

Looks like the rain didn't stop anyone from visiting The Grove where AGPLA is located. My heart was racing waiting for the people to cross the street. I couldn't wait to park so I could go in and see everything.

Man if I had the space I would love to setup this display in my own home. LOL This display is located in the from window of AGPLA. Isn't this display amazing?

I'm soo smitten with Grace's baking set and can't wait to bring it home. I loved it even more in person.

Grace's traveling set and coat are very cute.

Remember when I said I'd bring home to Pastry Cart. I've changed my mind and will not bring it home after all. It's cute but too much plastic for my taste.

Grace's Bistro Set is adorable and I love everything about it. My thoughts on getting this hasn't changed because I think it would make awesome props for photo shoots.

Now the big ticket item... Grace's Bakery is AMAZING! 

This piece of Grace's collection will DEFINITELY come home. I know I said $500 is a lot of money but you get 60 accessories. Now if you figure that each accessory cost $5 and there are 60 pieces, you're basically getting $300 worth of accessories and the bakery itself is only $200. So after looking at it this way and seeing the bakery in person, I think this is worth every penny. I will have to save up for it but I hope I'll be able to get for my birthday in May. 

Now I know you are thinking, you're really going to spend $500 on a kitchen? Yes and no! LOL Yes I'll be paying $500 for the structure but I have soo many other plans to use it as not only a bakery but a bedroom, clothing store, etc. the usage ideas are infinite. (^_^)

All of the clothing offered in Grace's collection. Like I already said, the only clothing I'll be getting beside her meet outfit are her PJs. Her clothing collection has pieces I like but not complete outfits. For instance, I like the shoes and shorts of the City Outfit but not sweater. The baking outfit has cute shoes but I'm not too fond of the rest of the outfit. So I may have to keep an eye out for the pieces I like but I guess I could just buy the outfit and sell the pieces I don't. At any rate, I have 11 months to figure that out. 

I had an amazing time at AGPLA even though there were a lot of people there but he best part was I got to pick out my sweet Ayala. <3

ADAD 2015 - 11/365 - Meet Ayala

I would like everyone to meet Ayala (fka GOTY 2015 Grace Thomas). A full trip report of my adventure to AGPLA wil be posted soon but I couldn't wait to introduce my beautiful new girl to everyone. She has such a wonderful eye, hair and skin combination. She has definitely ranks high and quickly becoming one of my favorites. Dare I say I like her more than Haven (fka Rebecca) *gasp*? I'll reserve that statement until after her newness wears off. So we'll see in say 3 months. ^^; I absolutely love her right now though. XD

Anyone else gettingn or have Grace? What do you think about her?

ADAD 2015 - 10/365

Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!

Today I get to go AGPLA! So excited and can't wait to see everything, even though it's now raining. (^_^)

GOTY Grace Thomas DIY Projects

With Grace Thomas and her collection out for a week now, everyone has had time to drool over her collection and try to digest the prices. Like a lot of people, I love EVERYTHING but some of the items like her Bakery for instance are quite a bit of money... okay $500 is A LOT of money. So I am grateful for the people who have taken to making their own versions of these highly sought after pieces of her collection and sharing how they did it.

Have you guys seen the DIY Grace Thomas Bakery by AG Doll Play?

Doesn't this look amazing! You can check out the inside and how they did it here... http://agdollplay.blogspot.com/2015/01/creating-french-bakery-of-our-own.html I think this looks a million times better and has a lot more play value than the current AG bakery. While I ABSOLUTELY love the kitchen, I think it would be fun to actually have the girls work, play and eat in the bakery. 

Also, what about DIY Grace's Bistro Set by American Girl Ideas?

She made an amazing replica of Grace's Bistro Set and it only cost here $20 vs $85! Can you say, AMAZING! You can check out all the details on how to make it here... http://www.americangirlideas.com/american-girl-graces-bistro-set/

Now, I bet you are wondering if anyone attempted to re-create the Pastry Cart and I'm happy say yes, PlanetAG4U on YouTube made a fantastic pastry cart!

She explains and shows how to make your own pastry cart here... http://youtu.be/HS_DT--qLK4

Who else is inspired to re-create these amazing projects for their dolls? I sure know I am and will try to make all 3 of them. LOL Now mine may not be exactly like theirs but at least I know it's possible to make my own and save a lot of money doing it! 

ADAD 2015 - 9/365

"Kindness in words creates confidence."

I'm super excited I could scream! Tomorrow I get to visit AGPLA and see American Girl of the Year Grace Thomas and her collection. I don't know if I'm more excited to see the doll herself or her baking goodies... I just love that stand mixer in her Baking Set. Plus I want to see the Bakery and drool over it. LOL Of course I plan to ooh and aah at the Pastry Cart too. Hopefully I remember to take photos but I'm sure everyone is probably tired of seeing pics but I want to share me experience with you too. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 8/365

"Go the extra mile, it's never crowded."

ADAD 2015 - 7/365

"If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else."

Yay!!! 1 week done, only 51 weeks to go. (^_^) I know it'll be easier once it becomes a routine again.

Also, this is going to be an exciting weekend for me. I will have some good news to share come Sunday when it's time to feature another girl in my collection. I figured I'd focus my photography on one girl a week. I know Isabelle didn't get a full week but since my collection doesn't have that many dolls, all of the girls will have repeat and shared appearances. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 6/365

"If you can be anything, be KIND."

In this world where people can be unnecessarily mean, I thought I'd spread a little kindness. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 5/365

"Only an open heart can catch a dream."

What an awesome quote for this wonderful Monday morning. I know some of you are back to school today and hope everyone has an amazing first day back. My kids don't go back to school until next week. (^_^)

ADAD 2015 - 4/365

My sweet Nevaeh got to go outside and enjoy the relatively warm Winter weather. I kinda wish I would've used a hair clip for this photo shoot but oh well. ^^;