Your 18 inch doll can gear into Summer Fun with her new trendy Retro flower print Bikini Top with turquish blue swimsuit shorts.   Available at My Pink Planet

Birthday Wishes to Kit, Samantha & Cecile!

Kit Kittredge born May 19th.  Kit is the 7th Historical Character of the American Girl Dolls, representing the Great Depression era. Kit was released in 2000.

Samantha Mary Parkington born  May 26th.  Samantha was one of the first three Historical Characters of the American Girl Dolls, representing the Edwardian Era. Samantha was released in 1986 and was offically archived on May 31, 2009 along with her best friend Nellie O’Malley.   Although, she is not available for sale through American Girl you can still enjoy her books and mini doll at American Girl.

Cecile Rey born  May 28th Cecile was the eleventh Historical Character of the American Girls, representing 1850s New Orleans. Cecile was released in 2011 along with best friend Marie-Grace Gardner.

Great outfits available at My Pink Planet

American Girl is schedule to release their new Historical Doll this September.  They have released her name,  Caroline Abbott.  As of today we have no clue what she looks like or what she is passionate about.  I guess we will wait for clues to come.   I wonder which historical doll are they planning to archive of their new release.

Here are some fun handmade gift ideas for Mom.

Fun Mother’s Day Trivia

• First Mother’s day – May 10, 1908 was founded by Anna Jarvis, in hopes to fulfill her mother’s wish.  She and her friends and supporters began a letter-writing campaign to establish a national holiday in celebration of the importance of motherhood.
• President Woodrow Wilson made an official announcement proclaiming Mother’s Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.
• Mother’s day is celebrated internationally
• Kittens are born both blind and deaf, but the vibration of their mother’s purring is a physical signal that the kittens can feel – it acts like a homing device, signaling them to nurse.
• A mother giraffe often gives birth while standing, so the new born’s first experience outside the womb is a 1.8-meter (6-foot) drop.
• Just like people, mother chimpanzees often develop lifelong relationships with their offspring.

May 1st is Julie Albright birthday.

Here are some trivia facts:

• Julie was the first Historical Character to be simultaneously released with her best friend Ivy Ling.
• Julie is the first Historical Character to wear pants with her Meet Outfit, as fitting the change in attitudes about clothing for women.
• Rumors have been going since 2007 of a Julie musical. This was confirmed in December 2009, with an unknown release date.
• Julie is the first Historical Character to be released with divorced parents.

Here are some cool outfits for Julie

Available at My Pink Planet

Great reads on Julie

• Meet Julie: An American Girl
• Julie Tells Her Story
• Happy New Year, Julie!
• Julie and the Eagles
• Julie’s Journey
• Changes for Julie

Available at American Girl

American Girl fans out there are 2 young actresses to look for coming up this summer.  Jade Pettyjohn and Ysa Penarejo,  jade 11 years old who will play the character McKenna Brooks known as American Girl Doll of the year 2012 and Ysa will play McKenna’s BFF, Toulane in the movie “McKenna Shoots for the Stars”

For those who remember Cathy Rigby back in the 70’s known for being the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics and for competing in the 1972 US Olympic which ended quickly due to prior injury she had experienced which kept her of winning any medals for the 1972 Olympics.   Ms. Rigby will play the role of Coach Isabelle.

There are 2 books available for Mckenna so if you like to get some great read on the character before the movie which is set to air NBC Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 8/7c.  So don’t forget to tivo!  DVD of the movie is planned to be released end on July.

McKenna and McKenna ready to fly! Both books written by author by Mary Casanova.

Here is a slide show created by AGmadeline17 on YouTube.

Earth Day is celebrated around the world and this year the date is set for Sunday, April 22^nd and although some cities start their festivals and or rallies weeks before.    Earth Day was founded back in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, and then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and more than a billion people around the globe participate.   Earth Day is not just a day for celebrating but a day for promoting awareness of growing pollution within our water, air, and soil.  To promote respect for all forms of life on our beautiful and precious planet.   Everyone can pitch in one way or another.

Here are just a few things one can contribute for a safer planet.

• Turn off tap water while brushing your teeth
• Repair any leaking faucets
• Turn off lights and TV when leaving a room
• Try to walk, ride bikes, skateboard if possible  ( This also promotes great health)
• Use public transportation if possible
• Don’t litter, if you do come across garbage pick it up and dispose at nearest garbage can
• Gather your friends and family for a day of picking up litter like at a park, recreational place, beaches, etc…
• Recycle bottles, cans, paper, magazine – That one can that a person throws out  every day in a garbage can rather than recycle,  is 365 cans that person has polluted our soil and precious Earth in a year.
• Unplug your appliances, phone or game chargers when not in use.  Did you know these accounts for about at least 10% of household energy?

• Pink princess dress
• Pink panties
• Pink ballet slippers

Available at My Pink Planet

Ever wonder when is your American Girl birthday???   Here’s a list that my daughter created the last couple of years and some dates we got from our customers.

Ivy     Feb. 28th
Marie-Grace March 3rd
Josefina March 19th
Rebecca April 4th
Addy April 9th
Felicity April 21st
Molly April 22nd
Julie May 1st
Kit May 19th
Samantha May 26th
Cécile May 28th
Kirsten June 8th
Kaya   Aug. 14th
Ruthie August 23rd
Emily Sept. 29th
Nellie Oct. 14th
Elizabeth Nov. 4th

If you have a date you would like to share with us contact us at feedback@mypinkplanet.com

Celebrate and host your doll’s birthday with this adorable complete party birthday Set.

This fun kit contains:

• Colorful balloons

• Birthday candles

• Confetti

• Whistling blow-outs

• Birthday card

• 12 Page Birthday Guide – rules for 2 baloon games and recipe for chocolate birthday cake.

Available at My Pink Planet

Your 18 inch doll will strut in style with her new designer Boho Chic outfit, comes complete!   Includes:

* Eyelet top with gold lace trim
* Denim skirt with eyelet ruffle
* Red panties
* Tan sandals
* Tan purse with a clear band so the doll can hold it
* Matching eyelet fabric hair scrunchy

Available at My Pink Planet

Your doll will score GOAL! In her new soccer complete outfit and soccer ball. White satin poly and color satin trim of your choice. trim. Soccer emblem on chest, cleats and socks. Way to goal. Available in Red, blue, green, purple and yellow.

Includes:

This is truly adorable!  What a fun project to make with your daughter.  I think these are cute gifts for your BFF.  I came across this beautiful project on OneCharmingParty

How to:

1. Using a metal skewer, pierce one side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer (see photo). This will prevent the skewer from slipping off the slick surface of the gumball.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack.

3. The hardest part is stringing the ribbon. Use a large needle to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Thinner ribbon is easier to string. Tie a knot between each gumball as you string it.

Tip: Look for bags of single colored gumballs at your local party supply store.

Mckenna is here!   American Girl Doll of the year 2012  Mckenna, a fourth grader who is a passionate gymnast and like some girls struggles with reading.  Her story how she uses her strength as a gymnast to succeed in challenges she faces with reading.

Mckenna has long, caramel-colored hair and blue eyes.  She comes dressed in a sporty striped dress with flutter sleeves, a dropped waist, and a pleated skirt, teal leggings that stretch for the splits! Strap slide-on shoes,purple cotton underwear and a  hairband to sweep her hair back during gymnastics practice.

Her Starter collection includes the above plus

• McKenna’s Accessories: a gym bag; mini Fantastic Gymnastics book; gym ID card; three faux dollars; a pretend water bottle and healthy snack; a poetry journal, book report, and letter of congratulations; and a special necklace from her grandmother.
• McKenna’s Practice Wardrobe: a sleeveless leotard; twist-front sweater; team tee and velour shorts; ankle brace for extra support; plus a headband, four hairbands, six purple elastics, and a fun hairstyle card with step-by-step instructions for a braided ponytail!
• Exclusive! McKenna’s Warm-Up Outfit: A sporty zip-up sweatshirt and pair of pants she can toss on over her leotard, plus a pair of sneakers and two orange hairbands.
• Two paperback books, McKenna and McKenna: Ready to Fly!

Available at American Girl

Beautiful Classic sweater adorned with sheer organza soft floral along classic crew neckline, button down sweater, and finely ribbed trim. Classic Plaid pattern and pleated skirt. Outfit Includes:

* Classic Sweater
* Plaid Skirt

Designed to fit 18 inch dolls like American Girl®, Springfield Collection ®, Our Generation®, Madame Alexander, Favorite Friends® and other soft body 18 inch dolls.    Available at My Pink Planet

Char of Doll Diaries has been having fabulous giveaways this month for 18 inch dolls.  She is currently having a giveaway for one of my designs, gorgeous Grand Ball Dress perfect for your 18 inch doll special event.   Visit Doll Diaries to enter, you might just be the lucky winner!

How Exciting!  American Girl is having a giveaway on Books On The House Giveaway.   The lucky winner will receive the beautiful Marie-Grace Doll and Marie-Grace book.

All you have to do to enter is click HERE to enter.  Good Luck to all!

Here are just  a few of Artistic Goodies fabulous personalized bracelets for your 18 inch doll.  These adorable bracelets are personalized with doll’s name and colorful glass beads. A great accessory to add to your 18 inch doll’s wardrobe.   All bracelets are free shipping!   These make a great stocking stuffer for your daughter, granddaughter and or niece.  Visit Artistic Goodies for more beautiful choices.

Your 15 inch doll will sleep like a baby in her precious flannel nightgown and cuddle with her plush bunny.    Includes:

* Floral print, flannel nightgown with lace trim
* White panties
* Plush bunny with a clear band so the baby can hold it
* Matching “security” blanket with a clear band so the baby can hold it
* Fuzzy bunny slippers
* Two hair ties

Designed to fit Bitty Baby®, Baby Twins ® and other soft body 15 inch doll

Available at My Pink Planet

Your 18 inch doll will love her new red satin bodice with a double red tulle overlay dress, adorned with flowers and a elegant red satin shawl.  Perfect for the Holidays!  Designed to fit American Girl and other 18 inch doll.   Available at My Pink Planet

Win a coupon for a Free Doll Tea Set.  This giveaway will be for our Musical Notes Tea Set.

How to Enter:

Tell us what’s your favorite Thanksgiving Trimming.

Visit our Facebook Page and Click on LIKE and leave your comment.   You can also increase your chances by leaving a comment on our blog.

This giveaway will close on November 19th at 11:59pm.  A winner will be chosen randomly and receive a coupon for a free Musical Notes Tea Set!

*Coupon valid for one week, one coupon per order. Shipping not included.

While visiting Costco this past week I found that they are selling Madame Alexander 18 inch dolls “Alexander Girlz”  which sells for $29.99.   Although, if you shop online on Costco website the exact dolls are sold for a higher price at $37.99     If you are looking for the alternative of  American Girl doll price tag but an upgrade in quality from My Generation doll here’s an option to consider….

These dolls are attractive, the hair is rooted and they each come with a couple of outfits and accessories.

dolls are attractive, hair is rooted,

Valerie Tripp, well known author of many  American Girl stories is ready to penn a story about an Indian-American boy struggling with whether he should keep playing a sport he has grown up in his entire life and another how one boy struggles with feeling shy and out of place.

Read More http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/11/02/american-boys-to-get-an-american-girl-series-of-their-own/

Order your Doll furniture now and receive in time for the Holidays!

Available at My Pink Planet

Holiday in pink , Pale Pink Beaded Satin Evening Dress &matching  Hair Bow.   Designed to fit 18 inch doll.

Available at My Pink Planet

Hey girls and moms, American Girl is now offering FREE shipping on Cecile and Marie-Grace doll, and any related items such as their books and their clothes.  The free shipping applies to US Addresses only.  Offer expires October 23rd, 2011 11:59 central time.

The very talented Sarah shows how you can make a tutu for your American Girl doll or any 18 inch doll with no sewing involved.  Enjoy!

Wow!  Imagine being the lucky winner of Cecile and Marie-Grace.  Barnes and Noble are having this fabulous giveaway!   You can enter in person at one of Barnes and Noble location or you can enter on line but move quickly.  The contest ends on October 1st, 2011 central daylight time and a random winner will be announced on October 8th, 2011.

Barnes & Noble American Girl Historical Doll Giveaway!

Here are just a few cool ideas for Christmas Stocking Stuffers for your girl and her 18 inch doll.

Available at My Pink PlanetPlanet

Check out this Blue & white check party dress , a fabulous party dress for your 18 inch doll.   Dark blue and white checked cotton, waistline adorned with gorgeous white bow.  Velcro closure on back.   Available at My Pink Planet

Have you planned on what your doll is wearing this Halloween and what about yourself?   Here are some great costume Ideas for your 18 inch doll. For more ideas and selections visit My Planet Pink

Imagine your 18 inch doll sleeping peaceable in her new purple polka dot pajamas, complete with matching slippers, hair accessories and a snuggable precious lamb.

Congrats to Ms. Brandi Knight she is the winner of Peace Diary & Peace Recycle Water Bottle Giveaway selected by random.org       Look out for an email from My Pink Planet on instructions on how to obtain your prize.   Thank you all for participating and look out for our next giveaway.   

Denise Lewis Patrick  is the author of American Girl newest Historical Dolls Cécile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner.   In her six book series, set in 1850s New Orleans, Ms. Patrick writes about two girls that form a unique bond through their shared love for music and their compassion to help their community during the yellow fever epidemic.   Ms. Patrick recently interview by American Girl,  enjoy the Q&A’s:

What did you do to prepare to write Cécile’s stories?

The first thing I did was to read about what New Orleans was like at the time her stories take place. What did the city look like? How did the different people live together? What kinds of work did free people of color do, and where did they live in the city? I found answers to these questions in books, drawings, old newspapers, and in the

narratives, or diaries, of real people who lived in the 1850s. Next, I read about yellow fever, and how that terrible disease affected everyone who lived in the city. I imagined that people must have felt in many ways the same as they did after Hurricane Katrina, or after 9/11 in New York. I decided that I wanted Cécile’s stories to show how something so big touched and changed the lives of real, normal people. But the most important thing I did was to go back and walk the streets of New Orleans, to smell the history in the old buildings and see the wonderful cast iron rails. New Orleans is more than a place to me. It’s a feeling.

What were the most challenging aspects of writing the Cécile books?

I believe the most challenging aspect of writing these books was deciding what to leave out of Cécile’s story! Almost immediately, I began to imagine this lively, smart girl and the family she came from. In my own family, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are very important, and cousins are, too! I even created a family tree for the Rey family, with details such as what Papa’s mother did (she made hats), and how Cécile’s parents met (their fathers were friends). “Building” a life for the Rey family helped me to know Cécile as well as I know any real person.

How would you describe Cécile’s personality?

In my mind, Cécile Amelie Rey is bright, curious, and has a mischievous sense of humor. She loves secrets, of course, and also enjoys learning new things and meeting new people. She’s not quite a “girly-girl,” because unlike most girls of her time, she hates sitting still and being quiet!

How would you describe Cécile’s circumstances in the story?

I would say that she’s a child who grows up fast, because she has to face some very serious events in her family and community. She also outgrows the kind of sheltered life she’s had before, in becoming friends with Marie-Grace and actively helping children who are less fortunate.

Were any of Cécile’s stories based on your own or your family’s personal experiences?

My father and my New Orleans relatives used nicknames for us, the same way her family does. Food is very important to my family, as it is to the Reys — especially when we’re celebrating anything. But on the other hand, maybe Cécile herself is a bit like I was as a girl: always listening to the grownups talk, and always asking questions!

What did you discover about New Orleans in writing the Cécile books?

What I discovered about New Orleans as I was writing these books is that there’s even more to love about this city.

What do you hope girls will learn from Cécile?

I hope that girls learn from Cécile that sometimes, true friendship finds you even when — or especially when — you’re not looking for it. It comes when you need it. She discovers an ability that all girls have — to bravely open their hearts to a bigger world than the one they’ve known.

Artisan Arianna  has been creating 18 inch doll jewelry for American Girl doll and other 18 inch doll.   It started a couple of years ago when she found that there were minimal choice if any jewelry for her American Girl doll.    She started creating her own designs for her dolls and friends dolls.   Upon recieving many compliements from her work, she started to get orders from friends and aquantances.      She later was selling her line on ebay and , My Pink Planet.    She just recently launched her own store on Etsy,  Artistic Goodies.

Arianna has started a clothing line for girls of handpainted apparel.   Come visit her store, her prices are great and her quality is exceptional!   Artistic Goodies

• Black long sleeve top embellished with rhinestones along the neck.
• Zebra print skirt
• Matching zebra print handbag with berry trim
• Jeweled Berry Ballet flat shoes

Your 18 inch doll will strut in fashion this fall!

Available at My Pink Planet

My first day at school and eager to learn in my beautiful red cord jumper dress embroidered flower and button trim.  Floral print blouse.  Includes:

• Floral Print Blouse
• Red Cord Jumper Dress

Designed to fit 18 inch American girl Doll and other 18 inch soft body dolls.

Available at My Pink Planet

One lucky winner will receive this cool peace diary with lock and key and Peace Love Recycle Water Bottle.

• Peace Party Diary with Lock  girl’s just love!   180 color pages with printed peace signs.

Sparkling colorful peace signs on the cover. Includes lock and key.

• Peace Love Recycle Water Bottle -Your girl can help the environment in style !   Ditch the plastic
  bottles for these sleek aluminum   water bottles with carabiner clip for
  easy carrying.      Moms love them cause it’s cost effective no more
  buying water bottles!       Hand wash.       17 oz. (500ml)

Total Retail Value $31.99

How to enter:

Just simply leave a comment here and you can increase your chances by visiting our facebook fan page click on like and leave a comment.   Also, you can post on your website but make sure to link back to us to get credit for comment.      Deadline September 18th 2011 midnight.  One lucky Winner will be chosen by random.org and announce on September 19th.

Fun vibrant colorful stripe lounge wear for your 18 inch doll.   Arrives complete with:

• Embellished tank top

Available at My Pink Planet

Here’s a fun healthy Lady Bug snack mom and kids can make and what an adorable presentation.

What you will need to start:

• Ritz crackers
• Cream cheese
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Black paste food coloring or cut up black olives
• Chives
• Toothpicks

Cooking directions:

In a bowl, have the kids add in a bit of cream cheese and a small amount of black paste coloring, and mix. If you don’t have black food coloring paste, you can cut up tiny pieces of black olives.

Set aside for now.

Next, have the kids spread cream cheese on top of the crackers.

Cut the cherry tomatoes up and have the kids place 2 tomato quarters on top of the cream cheese.

For the Ladybug head, have the kids place an olive at the top of the tomatoes.

For the antennas, have the children stick 2 chive pieces inside the olives.

almost there!    Kids can take a toothpick and dip it into the cream cheese and black paste coloring mixture that’s in the bowl and use it to make dots all over the ladybugs. Or have them place the black olive bits all over.

Thanks to  Kiboomu for sharing!

Arianna & Monique Coleman

Thursday, August 11, 2011  I had the pleasure to escort my daughter Arianna to the United Nations in New York City.   She attended as a delegate for the U.N. International Year Of Youth Culmination Celebration.  Arianna was chosen based on her essay on gender equality, there were 192 delegates ranging from tween to teens ages 11 thru 24 years old.    It was a day of inspiring stories from amazing girls and young women from across the U.S. and around the world.

The event was hosted by the beautiful Monique Coleman which many of you might remember her as Taylor McKessie in the movie High School Musical.

Monique was appointed the first ever United Nation Youth Champion at the UN headquarters in New York City last November.  She has raise awareness on youth issues, encourage young people to use their ability to foster progress in their communities and urge the international community to take responsibility on youth issues. She has visited 26 countries in the last six months.  Monique is also the founder & CEO of GimmeMo, a site she has dedicated to empowering youth and bringing awareness about real issues affecting tween and teens and to spotlight Hollywood’s commitment to giving back.

Arianna & Caroline Sunshine (Tinka)

Arianna & Olivia Bouler

Keynote speaker such as Farah Pandith, Begoña Lasagabaster Olazabal, Moira Forbes, Gina Otto, Ann Shoket, and more just to name a few were truly uplifting and many young girls share their amazing and inspiring stories on how they contributed to a positive world.

The most uplifting story came from a young women by the name of Vivian Thakhuli moved me literally in tears.   She lost her mom when she was 11 years old to aids, no father and the responsibility to raise her 13 siblings.   With difficult challenges that she had endured with the help of The Tomorrow Trust, Vivian an educated young woman and an advocate for empowerment of young girls.

Along with Monique Coleman, let’s not forget the founder and CEO of AllyKatzz, Denise Restuari who created a platform for tween and teens to speak out and together change the world for the better. Denise has created a safe online format where young girls can express and communicate their positive views.

Meet young inspiring tween and teens who have made a difference and touched so many lives.  After the UN, the girls headed over in a chartered bus  to the French Institute Alliance Francaise where the celebration began.  The girls enjoyed a  fun lunch, fun games and activities.   Arianna and the girls helped filled backpacks for girls in need around the globe, filling them with items such as notebooks, sharpies, soaps, towels and much more that were generously donated by sponsors.

WATCH THE EVENT!!!

Finally!  The new American Girl dolls have arrived.   Cecile and Marie-Grace, 2 girls from the 1853 New Orleans era.  These girls are can be pre-ordered at American Girl and available on August 30th, 2011.    Here’s a link to Cecile and Marie-Grace color catalogue, filled their collection of clothing, accessories and more.

American Girl is having a contest, winner will receive the New Historical Girl doll collection.  For more info to enter

So who do you favorite?

Congrats to Anna Ku, the winner of My Pink Planet Giveaway, the adorable  Plush Puppy and Backpack.  You will receive an email with details on how to claim your prize.   Thank you all who participated and look out for our next contest.

Here’s a great 3pcs.  sporting outfit for your 18 inch doll.  Includes:

• Blue Jogging jacket, lined with a hoodie
  

• Matching pant

• Blue and white stripe, crew neck, long sleeve Tee

Designed to fit American Girl doll and other 18 inch soft body doll.

Perfect for a beach and pool party!  Your 18 inch doll will love her new beautiful Shabby Chic Floral Bathing Suit.     Includes:

• bathing suit
• beach ball

Available at My Pink Planet

With the new Harry Potter movie coming to theatre soon I find it bittersweet.   We all watched Harry Potter,  Hermione and Ron blossomed into adults.     Although, I can’t wait to see the final film it saddens me that it will be the last movie.       In  my travels I came across a fun craft  Harry Potter Wand with step by step instructions  and a Harry Potter game.        Enjoy!

This month we are giving away to a lucky winner this adorable Soft Puppy Plush and Backpack.  Perfect for the puppy lover!

Your child will love this ADORABLE puppy AND backpack. Puppy is so cuddly and soft your child can remove the puppy and even take puppy to bed. Puppy can be attached back to backpack so easily with velcro in a like kangaroo belly with a doggy bone. The backpack is just as soft and cuddly.   Opens with zipper, has adjustable strap and a loop for hanging.

The backpack measures 11 1/4′ high x 8 1/2″ w x 6″ d Adorable puppy measures 10″ h

2 products in 1 = so soft backpack and soo soft adorable cudable puppy. Best of all, it’s machine washable and has a loop for easy storage.

Just simply leave a comment here and you can increase your chances by visiting our facebook fan page click on like and leave a comment.   Also, you can post on your webpage but make sure to link back to us to get credit for comment.      Deadline July 23rd 2011 midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and announce on July 24th.

There is an upcoming American Girl movie scheduled to start shooting on July 11th at Winnepeg, Canada.   Starring Nia Varadalo, (some might remember her from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and newcomer Jade Pettyjohn who will play the role of Velma, a strong- willed gymnast with Olympic aspirations whose plans evaporates when she is sidelined by an injury.    Varadalo will play Velma’s mom, the film is planned for  DVD.

The production company are looking for extras in the following:

Female Gymnast between ages 9 -12

Male  and Female urban skateboarders between ages 11-13

Males and Females between ages  8 and into their 60’s

Extras are needed to play students, gymnast, gymnastic spectators, nature  enthusiasts , hikers, horse back riders and street pedestrians.

Extras will be paid $11/hr meal and snacks will be provided.

If you would like to be part of this production and willing to work 1 to 3 days between July 11th and Aug 5th,  register at http://www.extrascastingproductions.com/

More Info on http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2011/06/23/casting-for-american-girl-underway-in-winnepeg/comment-page-1/

Congrats to Vicki Wurgler!  You are the winner of the Chenille Outfit Giveaway for your 18 inch doll.  Look out for our email to you with instructions to claim.

Gorgeous Trendy Boho Chic Outfit, a complete outfit for your American Girl 18 inch doll.   Includes:

* Eyelet top with gold lace trim
* Denim skirt with eyelet ruffle
* Red panties
* Tan sandals
* Tan purse with a clear band so the doll can hold it
* Matching eyelet fabric hair scrunchy

Available at My Pink Planet

Congrats to Terri Mcdonnel winner of this month $25 gift certificate look out for our email with detail instructions.   You can also enter a chance to win, simply write a product review on the product page on My Pink Planet.    Product review must be 30 days from store purchase to be eligible.

Animal Print Purse Bank great gifts for girls like tween. Your girl will love saving her money in this beautiful animal print purse bank.  A great room decor piece.   Makes a great present for the girly animal print lover! Available in 3 styles:

* Black Dot Print
* Leopard Print
* Zebra Print

Measures  appx 4 1/4″ W x 5 1/4″ H x 2 1/4″ D

Available at My Pink Planet

• Floral dress
• Cap
• tassel
• Gown robe

Available at My Pink Planet

Beautiful and yet sturdy doll furniture for your American Girl, Bitty Baby and other 15″ & 18 inch dolls.  Made of Hardwood solid, available in expresso and natural wood color

Samantha Parkington born May 26th 1895,  a bright, loving and compassionate orphan girl who was raised by her wealthy grandmother “GrandMary” in Mount Bedford, NY in 1904.   Samantha’s parent died in a boating accident when she was 5 years old.  Beside having GrandMary, another important figure in her life was Uncle Gardner who was very much a father figure to her.

Samantha learns the realities of her Edwardian world – from her life of luxury to the prejudices and difficulties faced by women and the lower classes.  Samantha’s best friend is Nellie  O’Malley who has also been archived by American Girl.  American Girl first introduced Samantha in 1986 along with Molly and Kirsten.   Samantha is still till this day the most favorable and popular doll.  Her books were written by three different authors, most notably Valerie Tripp, and were the first of the books to be published. The first American Girl TV movie was produced about Samantha. It was called Samantha: An American Girl Holiday and it debuted November 23, 2004 on the WB.

Although, Samantha doll was sold out on February 2009 and officially archived on May 31, 2009, you still might be able to purchase her new or used on sites like Ebay.   Samantha books, movie and mini doll are still available for sale.

Perfect for a Spring Day!

On May 19th many young girls will be celebrating Kit’s Birthday.   Kit is one of my favorite doll, I love her reading her stories.   For those who are not familiar with Kit, Kit Kittredge an amazing  bright ambitious  young girl born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.   Her passion is to become a reporter one day.    During the the height of the Great Depression, Kit and her family experienced financial hardship like many families in that era.  Kit and her mom rented to boarders while her dad left the state to seek for work.   Kit’s best friend is Ruthie Smithens.  Below are some of Kit’s books and are available at American Girl.

We are giving away to one lucky winner this gorgeous outfit.

Your 18 inch doll will walk her loving favorite pooch in this beautiful chic outfit.  Includes:

• Top
• Chenille Vest
• Denim jeans

Designed to fit American Girl® doll and other 18 inch doll.

You can be the lucky winner of this gorgeous outfit that fits American girl doll and other soft body 18 inch doll.   Simply leave a comment here on why you would like to win this outfit or visit us at facebook.  Lucky winner will be selected by random org. on June 12th.

First Holy Communion Dress for your 18 inch doll.  Off white crepe-back satin fabric, displays an overall sheen on dress.  Puff short sleeves and lace around collar neck.  Waistline has embroidery, dress closes in back with Velcro. The veil adorned lace selvage and at the top of veil decorated with flowers and ribbon, veil attaches to the doll’s hair with barrette.   Includes:

• Holy First Communion Dress
• Veil

Accessories available at My Pink Planet  designed to fit 18 inch doll like American Girl Doll

For me the best gifts are the handmade ones from my daughter.  I treasure them and display them proudly.  Here  are some cool HANDMADE gift ideas that your mom will appreciate.  Gifts from the heart are always the best!

Mother’s Day Newspaper – How sweet to bring your Mom great news to read on Mother’s day with your customized newspaper.    Martha Stewart supplies clip art.  made by printing and filling in our clip art.

Photo-Transfer Tote Bag – A wonderful lasting treasure gift and practical for Mom.

Mom I love you because…. Tote Bag – Another lasting treasure gift!

Dreamy Eye Mask – A fun spa gift

Mom Rules Clip Art -  Here are some fun clip arts to create cards, tags, boxes and more!

Blossoming Brooch Pin – These are great and fashionable with the current fabric flowers on clothes.

Coupon Book for Mom -  A great way to set up dates and and outings with your Mom.

Stamped Paper or Cloth Tablecloth -  I love this! Personalized tablecloth, be creative use your own rubber stamp theme.  Not only will you creative a conversation piece but it will be a lasting (cloth) treasure.

This Sunday May 8th  is Mother’s Day.  What do you have planned for your mom?

Hey sewers, here’s are  some links for Free pattern 18 inch doll clothes and Dropped-Waist Dress fits American Girl Doll.

Congratulations!  to Marilyn Couturier, winner of the 18 inch doll gorgeous wedding dress selected by random.org.  Mariyln look out for our email with instructions to claim your dress.

Congratulations!  This month Product review winner is Susan Ponder selected by random.org  has won $25 gift certificate.  Susan, look out for our email.   If you like to enter our monthly Product review contest.  Just simply visit our store at MyPinkPlanet,   go to the product that you have purchase from us within the last 30 days and click on write a review.   A winner will be selected by random.org.

I found these great fun Easter dessert for moms and daughters to make together.   Arianna and I will making these recipes this weekend. Let us know what fun recipe you like to share.

Edible Easter Basket Cupcakes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 dozen cupcakes
• 1 bag jelly beans

• 2 cups white icing
• Sweetened coconut, colored with green food coloring

Instructions

1. First, frost the cupcakes with white icing. Bend a pipe cleaner or a piece of red licorice into an arch and push the ends into the sides of each cupcake.
2. Shake the shredded coconut in a stainless steel bowl. Sprinkle on food coloring bit by bit, mixing vigorously to distribute the color
3. Place a pinch of shredded coconut on each iced cupcake. Now place three jelly beans on the “nest” of coconut.
4. Tie a small ribbon bow on the pipe cleaner or licorice handle at a jaunty angle.
5. Put one cupcake basket by each place setting at Easter brunch or give them as gifts.

Thank you Family Magazine for this fun recipe

Bug Cupcakes

Ingredients Needed
Cake
Icing
Cupcake liners
5 Small bowls
5 tints of food coloring
Serrated knife
Small offset spatula
Gumdrops
Licorice strings
Pastry bags, couplers, and round tips

Prepare: 1 recipe One-Bowl Chocolate Cake in cupcake liners; and 1 recipe Swiss Meringue Buttercream or Simple Sugar Icing. Divide frosting into 5 small bowls, and tint each bowlful a different color with food coloring.
1. Use a serrated knife to cut the domed tops evenly off of each cooled cupcake. Cut each top in half.

2. Use a small offset spatula to evenly spread 1 1/2 tablespoons colored frosting over each flat cupcake top. Then position halved cupcake tops on top of frosted cupcakes, pressing gently to adhere wings to soft frosting. To make bugs, attach tops with the domed side up and points meeting just inside edge of cupcake and extending off the opposite side. To create butterflies, attach pieces, cut side up, with rounded edges in center of cupcake (domed shape will create angled wings). Refrigerate until frosting is firm and wings are secure, about 30 minutes.

3. Prepare gumdrop and licorice heads: Snip licorice strings on a diagonal into 1 1/2-inch lengths. Use a toothpick to make 2 holes in the top of each gumdrop on opposite sides. Insert the pointed end of a licorice strip into each hole to create antennae. Using extra frosting as glue, attach gumdrop head to cupcake.

4. Decorate wings as desired with assorted colored frostings: Place frosting in pastry bags fitted with couplers and round tips, and pipe over surface of wings. Alternatively, gently spread frosting with a small offset spatula over the surface of the wings as desired. For lots of frosting, spread each wing with a base coat of frosting first and pipe out decorations in a different color. For just a touch of frosting, pipe simple decorations onto the bare black wings.

Recipe From Martha Stewart Baby

I love these scrappy eggs!  What a fun project and a beautiful display.  Natalie from Johnny in a dress shares her creative Easter egg decoration.   Simply using paper mache eggs can be found in your local craft store.

Glue scraps of small pieces of fabric   with a hot glue gun, repeatedly until the egg is covered completely.  How about an overlay mixed patterns for a more dramatic effect. viola!

Happy Easter!

Beautiful, elegant and charming First Holy Communion Dress / Wedding Dress made of white crepe back satin for high sheen, Veil with lace selvage, flowers on top, and barette to attach on hair, embroidered in details your doll will love.  Designed to fit American Girl Doll and other 18 inch dolls.  Includes:

• Dress
• Pantaloons
• Veil
• Pearl Necklace
• Pearl Bracelet

You can be the lucky winner of this gorgeous wedding dress fits American girl doll and other soft body 18 inch doll.   Simply lease a comment here on why you would like to win this dress or visit us at facebook.  Lucky winner will be selected by random org. on April 30th.

Monthly $25 Gift Certificate Drawing – Once a month we will randomly select a product review that has been posted in the last 30 days by a customer who purchased a product from our store.  The lucky winner will receive a $25 gift certificate!  Product reviews are a great incentive to all customers like yourself and us at My Pink Planet, allowing customers to read first hand on what other feel about the product.  Every month My Pink Planet will be giving away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner selected by random.org   How to enter:   Visit our store My Pink Planet go to the product that customer had purchased and click on write a review.  Must be an item that customer purchased in our store within 30 days of purchase.  Good Luck!

In my recent trip to Costco, I came across American Girl Pet pack.  They offered 6 different pet pack, each come with either an adorable puppy or cat  with book of puzzles, posters, game and activities. The packaging case comes with handle on top, clear see thru front. Priced at $13.99 each.  Ready for gift giving.  A perfect addition for your 18 inch doll.

1. Ginger Book & Pet Pack includes Ginger’s first title 32 page , and  Ginger plush kitten.

2.  Coconut Book & Pet Pack includes the latest Coconut title 32 page, and Coconut plush puppy.

3.  Honey  Book & Pet Pack includes Ginger’s first title 40 page, and Honey plush kitten.

4.  Pepper Book & Pet Pack includes Pepper’s first title 40 page, and Pepper plush puppy.

5. Praline Book & Pet pack includes Praline’s first title 40 page, plus Praline plush kitten.

6. Sugar Book & Pet pack includes Sugar’s first title32  page, plus Sugar plush puppy.

 Pleasant Rowland  an incredible entrepreneur and a woman of inspirations.   Pleasant  Rowland was born in Chicago and grew up in Bannockburn, suburb of north Chicago.    Ms. Roland taught elementary school for six years and then switched career to a t.v. reporter for a couple of years  and then follow by a career as a textbook writer and finally an entrepreneur. 

One day in the Early 80’s  Ms. Rowland visited colonial Williamsburg, Va and that was the beginning of a phenomenon.    In 1986 Rowland founded the Pleasant Company, which manufactures the famous American Girl dolls, each 18 inch doll from a  different historic era.  She believed what a unique and inspiring opportunity for young girls ages 7 thru 11 to incorporate fun, stimulate imagination while learning history through their dolls.   

Upon locating a German manufacturer and intensive research at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology led to prototype designs for the first three dolls of her collection.   In 1986, the first launched of her American Girl Doll collection was Kirsten, a Swedish pioneer girl in the 1854 era, Samantha, a wealthy Victorian orphan 1904 era, and Molly, a bespectacled nine-year-old in the waning years of World War II era.   Each doll came with a historical era story book, an audio cassette, and a detailed collection of optional accessories.  It was also the year of the first American Girl Catalog.  The American Girl doll were first available thru mail order catalogs.

The company grew immensely and other 18 inch dolls as well as Bitty baby and Girl of the year were added and many other cool accessories.  In 1998 Ms. Rowland sold her company to Mattel, the world’s largest toy company for a whooping $700 Million. 

In 2004, Ms Rowland founded Rowland Reading Foundation to promote Rowland Reading Program such as Superkids Reading Program which my daughter, Arianna  had enjoyed in her first grade class.

Our New Look! Come and visit us and tell us what you think.

• Fresh New Look
• Easier Navigation
• Flat Rate Shipping Rate
• One Page Secure Checkout – For a much quicker and safer transaction
• Gift Registry
• Wishlist
• Updated My Pink Planet Birthday Club – Girls will recieve a birthday card with a code to receive a free gift from our store.
• My Pink Planet has partnered with Bongo International Shipping
• Monthly $25 Gift Certificate Drawing – Once a month we will randomly select a product review that has been posted in the last 30 days by a customer who purchased a product from our store. The lucky winner will recieve a $25 gift certificate! Product reviews are a great incentive to all customers like yourself and us at My Pink Planet, allowing customers to read first hand on what other feel about the product.
• Join our page
• My Pink Planet Customer Reward Program – Coming soon!

Our

Beautiful, elegant and charming First Holy Communion Dress / Wedding Dress made of white crepe back satin for high sheen, Veil with lace selvage, flowers on top, and barette to attach on hair, embroidered in details your doll will love.  Designed to fit American Girl Doll and other 18 inch dolls.  Includes:

• Dress
• Pantaloons
• Veil
• Pearl Necklace
• Pearl Bracelet

Available at our store My Pink planet

Today is Josefina Montoya Birthday!

About Josefina – Josefina Montoya is a nine-year-old growing up on a rancho in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which wasn’t yet a state in 1824 — it was still a part of Mexico. It’s been a year since her mother died, but Josefina, her Papa and her three older sisters — Ana, Francisca and Clara — are all carrying on, coping with their sadness and loss. But things begin to look brighter when Abuelito, Josefina’s grandfather, returns to the Montoya rancho with a surprise: Tia Dolores, Josefina’s aunt.

Suede Coin Drawstring Bag – perfect for Josefina available at My Pink Planet

There are many books about American Girl® Josefina written by Valerie Tripp

MEET JOSEFINA: An American Girl

JOSEFINA LEARNS A LESSON: A School Story

JOSEFINA’S SURPRISE: A Christmas Story

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSEFINA!: A Springtime Story

JOSEFINA SAVES THE DAY: A Summer Story

CHANGES FOR JOSEFINA: A Winter Story

For more games and activities on Josefina Montoya visit American Girl®

I have been working on a new look and many other exciting fun things for our store.  Keep you all posted.  In the meantime,  visit our store check out  the lastest 18 inch outfits and fun girly items at My Pink Planet.

Hey girls, here is  a fun craft , bright and festive rainbow birds.   These are great for a room decor, gift packaging or even a birthday party decoration.

   http://www.thetoymaker.com/Toypages/73Birds/RainbowBirds.pdf

Chenille Vest Outfit – Your doll will walk her loving favorite pooch in this beautiful Chic Chenille Vest Outfit.     Includes:

• Pink Long Sleeve White Top
• Chenille Vest
• Denim Jean Pant
• Available in 2 colors : Vanilla & Pink

Designed to fit American Girl® doll and other soft body 18 inch doll.

Girls, never forget your precious moments and adventure with these fabulous colorful and vibrant diaries. 

While visiting Susan Kramer’s website, I found she offers many patterns that she created herself.   Visit her page to get details on how to create a ballet or dance costume for your American Girl® or other 18 inch doll.  At Susan’s site you will find free patterns for other dolls such as Bitty Baby®, Magic Attic®, Raggedy Ann® and much more.   Susan also offers an Ebook of 18 inch doll clothes patterns that can be purchased for $5.00.   Think of the cool clothes that you can create for your 18 inch doll with your fashion flair!

Make a heart felt friendship card for lasting memories your BFF will treasure.

I came across this great  craft on how to make boots for your 18 inch doll or American Girl doll.   It was submitted to a site by a very talented young girl  name Celine.

What you need:

• 10X12 piece of faux fur, your choice of color
• at least 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 leather piece for boot sole
• sewing scissors
• thread, color your choice
• sewing machine (optional)
• hot glue

Directions:

1. Fold fabric along the 12 side side, furry side up.
2. Pin pattern onto fabric with the back of the boot along the fold.
3. Cut out the boot fabric.
4. Sew boot, starting at the star, along seam A until you get to the toe. Sew up B until you get to the notch.
5. Inside out the boot so the fur is on the inside.
6. At the top, fold over about one inch of fabric. This is the cuff.
7. Handstitch the bottom of the cuff to the boot.
8. Trace your doll’s feet onto paper.
9. Use that as a pattern to cut out the leather boot soles.
10. Cut out the leather and use hot glue to apply the leather piece to the bottom of the boot.

We would love to see your creation,  email us a pic

Considering throwing a tea Party with friends and your doll?   Here are some great tea sets to consider.

Tea Sets for your 18 inch doll

Tea Sets for Girls

Cool Recipes for your Tea Party

Flower Cupcake

1 pkg. (2-layer size) white cake mix 1 cup boiling water 1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed Few drops food coloring, any color 24 JET-PUFFED Marshmallows 24 JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows 1/4 cup colored sugar or colored sprinkles Make It
PREPARE and bake cake batter as directed on package for 24 cupcakes; cool completely in pan. Pierce cupcakes with wooden skewer or large fork at 1/4-inch intervals. Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Spoon over cupcakes, adding about 2 tsp. to each. Refrigerate 3 hours.

TINT COOL WHIP with food coloring; spread onto cupcakes.

CUT each large marshmallow crosswise into 5 pieces with clean kitchen shears. Arrange 5 on top of each cupcake to resemble flower. Place 1 miniature marshmallow in center of each. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Keep refrigerated.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Makes 10 small open-faced sandwiches

1 large cucumber

2-3 tomatoes

5 slices pumpernickel bread

Soft cream cheese

Chopped fresh dill

Salt and Pepper

With adult supervision, carefully cut the cucumber and tomato into thin slices. Cut the pumpernickel

slices in half. Mix the cream cheese with chopped dill to taste. Spread the cream cheese on bread.

Top with cucumber and tomato slice. Garnish with chopped dill, salt and pepper.

Meet the Eco Snooper!

Smile a Lot Bear,  born October 14th a Libra in Canada.  She smiles a lot and is an expert on air pollution.  When there are pollutants in the air her smiles disappears!  She dresses very conservatively and gets teased by Princepeza poodle for the way she dresses.  She sometimes forgets to close the refrigerator door, which makes the rest of the Eco Snoopers angry, but her smile makes them forget.

Plum Fairy Panda, a ballet dancer in China, born December 27th, a Sagittarius.    Plum tells everyone to turn off their lights at night.  Play it again Sam often works very late at night and falls asleep at his work bench with the lights on. Plum goes to his house and turns off the light.  She wants everyone to know that city lights can confuse animals that live near a city and harm their habitats.

Romeo the Kat,  born  March 7th, a Pisces in Sweden.    Romeo whiskers twitch when there are major pollutants in water.   He loves to eat peanuts and sometimes drops the shells on the ground.  Gets yelled at quite often from the others for littering!  

The darling backpacks each come with the detachable character so that your precious can hug her new friend!  These are great from pre-schooler to emerging tweens.

Eco Snoopers® enlighten children on how to become environmentally friendly.   Early on, designers opted to pattern Eco Snoopers® after a wide array of exotic animals, and gave each a quirky human-like personality.  The message being, animals and humans alike are all affected by how we treat the earth.  Back-stories were created for each character and these stories will eventually evolve to include a wider array of green issues.

Eco Snoopers® are also global in their make-up.  In their back-story, Eco Snoopers® originate from Indonesia, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa…even from a distant plant.  Children learn that their relationship to people of varying backgrounds – culturally and environmentally – which highlights the importance of global awareness. 

Visually, Eco Snoopers® are edgy with a puckish cartoon quality.   They’re symmetrically-askew.  They burst with color.  They’re a patchwork of patterns and fabrics.   They are infinitely cuddly and wholly whimsical.

Educationally, their message is subtle, but the fun generated is totally blatant.   Eco Snoopers® do not scare children into environmental awareness.    Rather, the Eco Snoopers® make “going green” loads of fun.   The plush characters and their accompanying line of activity books treat kids to games and craft activities that range from recycling to organic gardening.  

Visit our store for more Eco snooper products, such as diaries and scrapbook kits made from recycled fibers.

As seen on the Bonnie Hunt Show 

Your 18 inch doll welcomes Spring showers in her new Cheerful and Colorful Raincoat . Includes:
Hooded raincoat
Rain Boots available in red and yellow (your choice)
Designed to fit 18 inch doll Available at My Pink PLanet.

Here’s a great way to recycle a mini heart box from Valentine’s day.  Use a small Valentine candy box to make this cute backpack for your 18 inch doll.

You need:

• Empty Valentine Candy Box (about 6″)
• Low Temp Glue Gun
• Scissors
• 15″ scrap of fabric (fleece will work the best since it is stretchy, the ends don’t fray and it is thick enough to cover without seeing through)
• 12″ of Cotton Batting
• Red vinyl tape
• Four pipe cleaners
• Tacky tacky glue ( Arianna and I swear on Fabric Tac we find that it works best for most projects)
  
• Marker

Instructions:

Some boxes will work better than others. The box we used had plastic molded edges that fit nicely together. Boxes with cardboard edges will not work as well.

With the box closed, put a piece or red tape along one edge. This should work like a hinge so the  box opens sideways.

Lay box on batting and trace around the outside. Do this two times and cut out both pieces. Lay box on the wrong side of the fabric and trace around. Remove the box, and draw another line 1/4″ around the outside of the line. Cut out on the outer line. Do this again so you have two pieces. Cut two pieces of fleece 1″ by 9″ for the straps

Glue batting to the box top and box bottom with a thin coat of tacky glue. Center fleece on top and glue in place, folding edges around the lip of the box and hot gluing. On the side that will be the back, glue straps to the inside of the box lip. See photo at right for positioning. Glue pipe cleaners around the box lip on both sides to hide excess glue and raw edges.

Thanks to Making friends for sharing this great craft.   Girls share your creations, email us your photo of completed backpack.  Happy crafting!

FREE OUTFIT GIVEAWAY! How exciting! We are giving away this cool black jacket poodle outfit to a lucky winner. Just visit our facebook page and post your favorite part about Valentine’s day! Lucky winner will be chosen by random.org giveaway will close on 2/8/11 Tuesday Noon ET

Click the Share button and let your friends and family know that My …Pink Planet is giv…ing away a FREE outfit to a lucky winner!

Winner will receive a code valid for one week only from the date issued to winner. Winner responsible for shipping and tax if applicable.

Did you know that Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar?    Chinese year 4709 begins on Feb. 3, 2011,  new year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to clean their home thoroughly fro top to bottom.  It is believe doing so, will ward off any bad luck in the future and rid of any bad luck from the previous year.    The cleaning must be completed by New Year’s eve and ready to receive good luck in the coming year.

Chinese New Year is a time for family, many travel a distance to unite, serving big dinners and celebrate with their family.    Giving good luck gifts is another tradition.   Adults hand out to children little red envelopes “hong bao” filled with money.  This symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the coming year.   Colors of Luck is Red and Gold and it is taboo to wear black and white during the holiday.

It is believe in China, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year.   Twelve  animals came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality.  This year is the year of the rabbit, according to Buddha those born in rabbit years are popular, compassionate, and sincere.

Great site to visit for free Chinese New year cards and  Chinese New Year Red Envelope Card, have fun!

Peggy of  Doll clothes Pattern has emailed us this puzzle game.   It’s pretty cool you can play with friends and see who complete their puzzle first, there’s a built in timer to each puzzle.    Visit Peggy’s site, she offers free doll patterns for your American Girl doll.

Your 18 inch doll fly the friendly skies in her new beautiful 3 pcs stewardess uniform  Includes:

• Navy blue dress embellished with gold trim
• Navy Blue Coat dress
• Navy panties

Here’s another great find!  What a fun project and an addition for your American Girl doll room.

Use pictures from online of your favorite videos and TV shows to make this TV and accessories for 18″ doll.

You need:

• • Kids Craft glue

Styrofoam Packing Scraps Purple, Neon Green, Pink and Yellow craft foam


• Paint Pens or Markers
• Scissors

Instructions for Making the TV:

Ask an adult to cut a chunk of Styrofoam with a serrated knife. You can make the TV almost any size. Ours is 3″ x 3″ x 5-1/2″. Carefully measure and cut purple craft foam to fit on all sides but the front. Glue in place. Cut a piece of neon green for the front with an opening for a picture. Go to your favorite celebrity web site and print a picture for your TV screen. Trim it down and glue to the back of the craft foam piece. Glue to Styrofoam. Let dry. Decorate with punch outs and draw on a design.

Instructions for Making the VCR:

Ask an adult to cut a chunk of Styrofoam with a serrated knife. Our VCR measures is 1″ x 2″ x 3″. Carefully measure and cut pink craft foam to fit on all sides but the front. Glue in place. Cut a piece of yellow for the front. Glue to Styrofoam. Let dry. Decorate with punch outs and foam scraps and draw on a design.

Instructions for Making the Videos:

Go to Blockbuster.com and print out your favorite video covers. Trim the pictures down. Ask an adult to cut pieces of Styrofoam with a serrated knife to fit the pictures.  Color the Styrofoam black on all sides but the front. Glue on the covers.

I came across this cool cupcake bouquet from Amazing Moms  and just knew I had to share it with you.   This would be great for birthday parties, valentine gift, a yummy gift for mom on her birthday or Mother’s day!
Cupcake Bouquet

Ingredients:

• 18 – 24 cupcakes (not frosted, in any flavor your choose)
• flower pot for a 4″ or 6″ plant
• foam ball to fit snuggly into your flower pot
• marbles (used for weight in aquariums or floral arranging)
• wooden sticks 6″ – 8″ long (small dowel rods, or sticks for caramel apples work well)
• pink food coloring
• brown food color
• 4 cups decorator icing
• Wilton #1M decorating tip
• Wilton #32 decorating tip
• 2 pastry bags
• 1 square pink or yellow tissue paper
• Wilton Yellow Pleated Baking Cups (to make the sunflowers)
• floral tape (optional)

Preparation:

1. Pour the marbles into the bottom of the flower pot to add weight and create a stable base for the cupcake bouquet.

2. Cut the bottom off of the foam ball, and insert the top into the flower pot, round side up. The ball should fit tightly; if it doesn’t, you may want to tape it down with some floral tape to keep it stable when you add the cupcakes. The ball MUST be stable so it doesn’t come loose and dump your cupcake bouquet!

3. Cover the ball with a square of pink or yellow tissue paper to hide it, tucking edges of the tissue paper between the ball and the pot.

4. Color 2 cups of your decorator icing pink with the pink food coloring.

5. Color 2 cups of your decorator icing brown with the brown food coloring (or alternately, you can use chocolate frosting).

6. Fill a pastry bag with the pink icing and attach the Wilton #1 decorating tip (or a similar tip) to create rose cupcakes.

7. Decorate half of your cupcakes with the pink icing in a rose petal pattern: using your Wilton #1 decorating tip, squeeze the pink icing in a circular motion from the inside out on the top of the cupcake (see photo).

8. Fill a pastry bag with the brown icing and attach the Wilton #32 decorator tip (or similar tip) to decorate the other half of your cupcakes to look like the seeds in the center of sunflowers.

9. Make the sunflower center: put the tip straight down on top of the cupcake, squeeze and lift up to create a little star. Repeat to fill the top of the cupcake with little stars that look like sunflower seeds. Then slip the cupcakes into the yellow pleated cupcake wraps to complete the sunflower look (see photo).

10. Assemble the cupcake bouquet by insert one wooden stick into the top of the Styrofoam ball. Push the stick into the Styrofoam until it holds firm. Then push a cupcake gently (and carefully) onto the top of the stick. You may want to use the tip of a sharp knife to pierce the cupcake wrapper in the center of the bottom of the cupcake, before you pierce it with the stick.

11. Start inserting more sticks and topping them with cupcake flowers. Be very careful balance the weight as you go by keeping the number of cupcakes on each side of the flower pot as even as possible. If the cupcake bouquet gets too heavy on one side, it might tip over. Keep inserting cupcakes, alternating sides, roses and sunflowers, until the cupcake bouquet is as full all the way around.

Amazing Mom’s Tips

Add floral greenery between the cupcakes to help fill in space if you use fewer cupcakes.

Place the cupcakes closer together or further apart, depending on how many cupcakes you need for your party.

Your 18 inch doll will be singing “Tiny Bubbles” and dancing the hula at her luau party in her new bathing suit.

Includes:

* Bikini Top

* Bikini Bottom

* Grass Skirt

* Lei
Perfect for our Goty 2011 Kanani available at My Pink Planet

I love this ice cream cone made of colorful clay. Imagine what other yummy desserts you can make for your doll with alittle tender rub.

Boy do I have a deal for you!

GroopDealz is showcasing the wonderful SheyB Camera Straps for $15 + $3 shipping. SWEET!

If you’ve got a SLR camera, you certainly want your camera strap to reflect your creative personality. Choose from the 3 straps below for $15! (+$3 shipping)

“You’re not boring, why should your camera be?“

Just click here to purchase.

Hurry, this offer ends on Sunday at midnight

Oooh La La….   A fashionable winter day for Bitty.  Your 15 inch doll would love gorgeous ”Haute Couture“ Parisian Blue coat, white fur trim, decorative buttons and to complete a matching hat adorned with white fur trim.   Available at My Pink Planet, where dreams come true for girls and their dolls.

Every year for Valentine my daughter and I have tons of fun making unique funny Valentine cards.  We embellished them and create funny stories with each card we make.    So she asked one day,  Who invented Valentine Day?   Hmmmm ????      To me Valentine day was a reds and pinks, chocolates, fun loving cards, romantic dinners, flowers, tons of kisses for my daughter and husband, romantic comedies, you get the picture.    Well, I was clueless of the saint part.  Was there such a saint named St. Valentine or was it just just a name for a loving day, a loving month? 

 Well, I did some research and found  many legends.   Here are just  a couple:

 St. Valentine was a  priest in Rome during the third century.  Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than married soldiers with families, he  to outlaw young men to marry.    Valentine believed this was an injustice and continued to preform marriages to young lovers.    When Claudius learned of Valentine secret marriages, he ordered Valentine to be put to death.

It was believed that Valentine actually sent the first “Valentine” while in prison.  Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who was his jail-or’s daughter.  She had visited him during his confinement and before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. 

Again, these are supposedly legends from so many that I came across.  I must say from most of the legends I have read, Valentine seemed to be a romantic, sympathetic and heroic figure.  

Valentine’s Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia in Hamlet (1600–1601):

To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn’d his clothes,
And dupp’d the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

American Girl® is launching a special edition of mini dolls.  They are 6″ in height and come with an abridged mini version of the doll’s book.   Available now is Samantha and Nellie until December 31, 2011 or until supplies last.   A new mini doll will be released every month and they retail for $22.00.     To compliment the collection of mini dolls, American Girl® offers mini doll display shelf which comes with two shelves, 12 mini doll stands, plus spots to place the name stickers that come with each doll.     The shelf retails  for $48.00

American Girl® Celebrates their 25 year anniversary.   For me it seems they debuted not so long ago.   I remember when when friends daughter and niece where so excited to get their first doll Samantha.  Today many of these girls have passed their dolls to their daughter.     So what is American Girl® doing to celebrate?  They have just launched a cruise for Nov. 19th – 26th 2011 which they claim ” once-in-a-lifetime experience”  for the entire family, the American Girl 25th Birthday Cruise!

Sounds exciting!  I wonder why they decide to offer Thanksgiving week or are they just testing the waters to see if this would be a potential family getaway in the future for Spring and Summer months.   Listening to some moms I hear a mixed bags of feed backs.   Some think this cruise is too expensive while others think it’s monetary comparable to other cruises.  Checking their site, some of the stateroom are already booked.     The ship departs from Miami, Fla and sails to the following ports; Puerto Rico, St. Marteen, and St. Kitts.   Here’s a link for more detailed information  http://www.americangirl.com/cruise/.   So what do you think?

Forget about your winter blahs.   Here are 10 ideas to help make your winter fun.

1.  Make a craft, let your creative side flow.

• Snowy Handprint http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=2224
• Snowflake Tee http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=2199
• No Sew Pillowcase skirt http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=1718
• Handbag for your American Girl Doll http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=1410
• Cool Printouts for your doll http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=1373
• Eco Friendly Purse http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=1527

2. Make a yummy chocolate dessert. 

• Chocolate lava cake   http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=2172
• Bring the summer indooe with this fun snorkel cake http://www.mypinkplanetblog.com/?p=1595

3. Have a party with your American Girl Doll.  Create a winter adventure.

4. Play a game board with the family.  There are so many great board games especially the classic such as monopoly, scrabble, life etc….

5.  Make personal pizza with the family.  Everyone can create their pizza by adding their favorite topping.

6.   Watch a movie with the family.  Make popcorn and fun treats.

7.  Snow games -

• Snowman and or igloo competition
• Hike in the snow
• Sledding
• Frisbee

8.  Scrapbook – Here’s a great time to gather all those pictures laying around or sitting on your hard drive.   Have hours of fun, perfect to reminisce with the family while scrap booking.   Makes some hot cocoa with marshmallow to enhance the warm surrounding.

9.  Read a great book.   This is a perfect time to catch up with a book you have been wanting to read.

10. Have an indoor hawaiian luau -  Get your shades, leis hats,  anything tropical out and decorate.  Play family limbo, make virgin pina coladas, have some beach/pool music playing.  Arianna and her cousins did this one year and they had a blast.  
Many of the decoartions were handmade from contruction paper and foam color paper.   Movies were also played like Wizard of Waverly the movie.    Why not get GOTY Kanani book and incorparte her story.

Materials Needed:

• 1 sheet light blue construction paper
• 1 sheet white copy paper
• Brown acrylic craft paint
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to make it:

1. Lay white paper sideways (landscape) and cut the paper in half using a curvy cut. Place paper across the light blue construction paper. Use the glue stick to attach it to the bottom third of the blue paper.  Use scissors to trim off any excess white paper.   
2. Paint child’s palm and fingers with brown paint.
3. Have child spread out his/her fingers then press his/her palm and fingers down onto the paper. Wash off child’s hand.
4. Use finger to paint on a “tree trunk” under the palm print.  
5. Use the glue stick to apply glue to the fingers (branches) and snow (white paper). Sprinkle all glued areas with granulated sugar. Carefully lift paper and tap off excess sugar over the sink or a piece of wax paper.   6.  Use glue stick to draw dots or small circles onto the blue paper, sprinkle with sugar again and tap off excess.

Tips:

1. Construction paper is perfect for impromptu craft projects.
2. Poster paint will work in place of acrylic craft paint.
3. Be sure to wash hand with soap and water before continuing with the project so that the paint will come off easily.

Did you know there’s cool giveaway going on at American Girl?   Visit American Girl website and create an e-card with your family and friends.   Every card you create will automatically enter you a chance to win Kanani goty and her book.  That’s $100 value.  Every card you create is an automatic entry for a chance yo win Kanani™ doll and book.   You can enter as many times as you like.  Imagine you can be the lucky winner.  Good  Luck!   Gotta go, you know what I will be doing. 

• Orange top with embroidery detail around neckline
• Beautiful Layered, print skirt
• Orange Panties
• Detail Beaded Sandals
• Purse with beaded handle and clear band so the doll can hold it
• Beaded necklace
• Beaded bracelet
• Matching hair scrunchie

Designed to fit 18 inch American Girl Doll.

Here’s another fun project for you real American girls on thoses indoor winter blues afternoon.

Material
Permanent marker
Paper
Cardboard
White cotton shirt
Tacky glue
Sponge brush (or a new kitchen sponge)
Fabric paint
Instructions:
Use a permanent marker to draw a thick-lined snowflake template on the paper, or download ours here.

Place the template over the cardboard and slip both inside the shirt, centering them behind the upper front of the garment. You should be able to see the template through the shirt.

Using a thin line of tacky glue (about 1/4-inch wide), trace the snowflake design onto the shirt. Let it dry for 10 minutes, then fill in any gaps with additional glue. Let the glue dry completely, until it is transparent (approximately 3 hours).

Dip the sponge brush in the paint and dab around the snowflake, completely covering the surrounding area. Use less paint toward the outer edge of the design. Let the paint dry overnight.

Soak the tee in warm water for about 10 minutes or until the glue softens. Peel off the glue and let the shirt dry, then follow the package instructions to set the fabric paint.

You can make a matching tee for your American Girl doll just scale your design down.

There’s one thing on the menu at Applebees that Arianna LOVES, it’s their Chocolate Lava Cake.  Yummm……        Well, here’s a recipe that is just as good, easy and fun to make at home.  Perfect treat for those winter blues.

Ingredients

• 1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (6 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate bar broken in pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 1/2cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• Big pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 450°. Use a double boiler or create your own by filling a saucepan with an inch of water, then fitting a heat-safe mixing bowl in the top of the pan. Combine the butter and the chocolate in the bowl over hot (but not boiling) water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
2. When it is completely melted, stir or whisk the chocolate mixture to fully combine the ingredients. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and stir in the vanilla extract. Set it aside.
3. While the chocolate mixture cools, butter six (8-ounce) ceramic ramekins or custard cups (the sides of each cup should measure no taller than 2 1/4 inches). Place 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar inside each one. Tip and turn the cups to coat them with the sugar, then set them aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk. Add the confectioners’ sugar, and whisk again. The mixture will look lumpy at this point, but it will become smooth as more ingredients are added. Whisk in the chocolate mixture, then add the flour and salt, and stir with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter among the 6 baking cups and set 5 of them aside. You’ll use the sixth cake to conduct a trial run of the baking process.
6. Place your trial cake in the coolest part of the oven and bake it until the top is flat (not sunken or bulging), about 9 minutes. Be sure to monitor the baking closely so that the cake does not overbake and become set in the center.
7. Remove the trial cake from the oven — making note of your exact baking time — and place it on a potholder to cool for 5 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the perimeter of the cake to loosen it from the baking cup.
8. Place a dessert plate over the baking cup and, using the potholder, invert the cake onto the plate. Wait 10 to 15 seconds, then carefully lift the cup off the plate. The cake should have a nice, round shape and be slightly sunken in the center. Use a knife to gently poke the middle of the cake to find out if it’s molten and lavalike beneath the surface.
9. Finish baking the cakes in two batches, adjusting your baking time up or down in one-minute increments as needed. Serve the cakes at room temperature (they need about 30 minutes to cool) with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We recommend splitting each cake into two servings, as they are quite rich. Makes 6 mini cakes.
10. Keeping Your Lava Cakes Dormant: As irresistible as these cakes are, you don’t have to eat them all while they’re still warm from the oven. After they cool, you can store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve them, reheat the cakes in the microwave on high power until the centers are soft and flowing, about 25 to 30 seconds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Nutritional Information:
    Per serving (half a cake): Calories 264
    Total Fat 16 g (25% DV)
    Saturated Fat 11 g (53% DV)
    Cholesterol 96 mg (32% DV)
    Sodium 42 mg (2% DV)
    Total Carbohydrate 29 g (10% DV)
    Fiber 1 g (5% DV)
    Sugars 22 g
    Protein 3 g (6% DV)  
    Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.