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Happy Birthday, Dear LHOAG!
Well, LHOAG, my dear blog – today is the day I celebrate you and the wonderful blog you have grown into. For 4 years now you have been a friend of mine – a place where can I express myself and my love for American Girl dolls.
We’ve come a long way – you and I. We’ve gone through frustrations and fears of losing all our hard work, but we have experienced such joy in the posts we’ve made, the followers we’ve gained, and all the thousands of comments we have received.
Which brings us to something important, doesn’t it, LHOAG?
My blog and I would like to thank you, dear reader, for following LHOAG – whether you’ve been here from the start in 2013 when I was an inexperienced 14 year old, or if you’re a new follower just getting to know the crazy 18 year old and her blog (which is now much more experienced) – we thank YOU for being here today and for every comment and like you have given! Even if you’re just a “behind the scenes” reader, thank you for your interest in my blog! <3
I can’t begin to express how thankful I am to have this blog! I have learned so much, gained so many friends, and reached a following that I didn’t think would ever be possible for me!
Now that I’m 18, undoubtedly a few of you have had the thought come into your head – “I wonder if Jaclynn will stop blogging?”
My answer is…..
NO. I can’t see a time in my future when I won’t be blogging here. I love it so much – it’s like a part of who I am! The only time I could see that as a possibility is maybe when I one day have kids of my own. Because working with 2 year olds makes me realize how crazy life as a mom can be. XD But I’m sure that IF that happens – I will come back. 🙂
So…. As with my past blogiversaries I’ve done giveaways, haven’t I? Well, my friends, just make sure you check back a little later to see what my thank you gift to you will be this year 😉
Before I go, just thank you all so much again! I know I say it every year, I know you hear it all the time, but I mean this so much – I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. You gave LHOAG and I the wings we needed to soar and I couldn’t be more grateful! THANK YOU!!! 😀 <3
When did you start reading LHOAG? What do you love most about my blog?
~Jaclynn~
Guys….. I’m 18.
Yep, you read that right. The 14 year old girl who started a doll blog is 18 today and still happily blogging with her dolls.
It’s been so weird lately thinking that I’m gonna be 18 – that’s when you’re considered an adult! So this is very strange for me. I don’t feel like I should be 18, but I am, and in a way – I can feel that I am. It’s just super strange. XD
It’s also been scary thinking that I’m gonna be an adult now. I know things won’t flip like a switch and the adult thing will be a process, but it is kinda scary thinking of the responsibility and everything. It is exciting, though, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for my future! 😀
I had planned to do a birthday photoshoot today, but I got really distracted this morning and need to get ready to go out with my mom, so I’ll leave you with this picture of the lovely Jocelyn – the doll who looks most like me 🙂
Thank you all for being my friends, for encouraging me, being a huge support and motivation, for just being awesome and sticking with me for all these years! I’m so grateful to have you all as my friends! <3
Love,
~Jaclynn~
WellieWishers Willa Doll Review
Hi everyone!!
I guess the title gives it away, but YES! I got Willa!!! I’ve had her for a few weeks now and just yesterday got around to taking pictures of her (sorry for my absence by the way. I’ve been having trouble with finding time to take pictures…)
Isn’t she too cute! *heart eyes*
Here is a closeup of Willa’s face. She has ADORABLE freckles sprinkled across her nose and stunning hazel eyes! She has orange feathered eyebrows and a sweet little smile with 2 teeth showing.
Willa comes wearing this red and pink hedgehog shirt that velcros in the back. The face is printed on and two little ears stick up at the corners.
I absolutely love her skirt!! THE HEDGEHOGS ARE SO CHUBBY!! There’s a little knot at the side of her skirt and it is trimmed in red.
Her little bunny ears headband is the same print as the skirt with pink trim to match the shirt. The headband is fabric until it reaches the underneath part where it’s just elastic (and has a humongous tag). It’s easy to slip on and off the doll’s head.
Her Wellies are adorable little ladybugs. They’re a little difficult to get on and off.
Of course I had to show a closeup of its cute little face 🙂
Willa’s hair is strawberry blonde and is the exact same color as Maryellen’s hair.
She has several highlights in her hair.
Okay, so I know this is awkward, but I felt it needed to be shown. When you take off her underwear there’s a little Wellie Wishers logo engraved on her. Also, Willa is all vinyl and has a cute little belly button 😉 There is also “American Girl made in China” and some numbers engraved on the back.
The Wellie Wishers are $60 and I think perhaps slightly overpriced. Normally I say AG’s things are worth the money and while I absolutely ADORE Willa, I don’t think she should be a $60 doll 😉 I think $45 might be a better price for them.
AG says they are for ages 5+ and I feel like that’s accurate 🙂
You knew it was coming, didn’t you? XD Time for a PHOTOSHOOT! 😀
I forgot to mention that her head is always in a tilted up position. I think it’s adorable and will probably work well for when she looks up to the AG dolls 😉
I went into the sunlight and used the gold side of my reflector for a different lighting. What do you think?
I don’t know why, but the reflector didn’t shine a golden light in this photo… My mom really liked this pic, so I decided to post it anyway 🙂
Well, there you are! Willa is simply adorable and quite photogenic! I’d like to take her to a park sometime and get more pictures of her 🙂 And yes, the Wellie Wishers are perfect little sisters for AG dolls 😉
What do you think of the Wellie Wishers? Are any of them on your WISHlist? (Haha, get it? XD)
Have a great day everyone! And I hope to start posting more soon! 🙂
~Jaclynn~
Ruby Red~ A Photoshoot
Hey everyone! So today it was kinda cool out and I decided to go out back and take some pictures of Julie who has been requiring some much needed attention 😉
I really love this picture for some reason! The angle and the lighting are just so cool in a way 🙂
I love this one, too! She just looks so pretty! 🙂
You’ll probably notice that all the long grass is gone. It’s sort of bittersweet for me, as I’ll miss the long beautiful grass to take pics in front of, but it’s also nice to have a change 🙂
Oh my gosh, Julie, you’re killing me! XD
And here is when she fell over…
O.o Is it just me or is she like an amazingly beautiful doll?! Maybe I’m just realizing how beautiful she is once again XD
I love this one cause her hair is blowing! 😀
*said in a super dramatic commercial voice* Thus ends this photoshoot entitled Ruby Red featuring the lovely model Julie Albright.
I don’t know where that came from… I’m so tired LOL! I hope you enjoyed the photoshoot! Be sure to let me know which one was your favorite, too! 🙂
Who would you like to see a photoshoot of next?
~Jaclynn~
Masquerade~ Part 7
2 weeks after the proposal of marriage from the prince at my front door, I found myself walking in the palace, my palace gardens with a wedding ring around my finger. How was I supposed to refuse such a generous offer? All I had to do was marry him and my mother and I would be saved from poverty.
So I married the prince. And here I am, a princess.
Any normal girl would feel delighted and honored above all to be a princess, but not me. I didn’t love the prince and, though I knew he was trying, the prince didn’t love me either. All I wanted was to return home with my mother and for everything to go back to the way it was before Frederic began to interfere with our lives. But at least my mother was taken care of. That was the important thing.
“Liesel, may I speak to you for a moment?” The prince, or I should really say, my husband, called from behind me.
I turned to face him and said, “Certainly. What is it?”
He motioned for me to come to him, so I did. “Are you alright, Liesel?” He inquired. I stared at him a moment. I could tell him that I was miserable and felt very alone, but I didn’t. Instead I simply said, “Yes.” Jeremiah raised his eyebrow with concern. “Somehow I feel like that isn’t true.” He said skeptically.
“Please forgive me, but I would really rather be alone.” I said as politely as I could.
“Very well. I will see you at dinner.” He sighed and went back inside.
I closed my eyes, trying so hard not to cry. I couldn’t let anyone see me crying, so I ran far away from any windows or servants.
And I let the tears pour out. I felt so unwanted, but mostly, I felt unloved.
That concludes this installment of Masquerade! The next part will be up soon! 😀
~Jaclynn~
Beautiful In Blue~ A Photoshoot of Cecile
Hi there! How have you all been lately? I’ve been pretty good, but feeling kinda meh today, but I’m not gonna let that stop me from making a post for you 🙂
I took these pictures of Cecile a week or two ago and I just have to say, I love how they turned out! She looks so adorable 😀
Isn’t is so sad that Cecile is retired now? I mean, she is such a gorgeous doll 🙁
She looks so great in Grace’s Travel Coat! I can’t even handle it LOL!
Just wondering, do any of your dolls have this weird eye problem? I think her eyes are too far back or something, cause there’s like some weird green plastic-y thing showing…
Well, that’s all for now! I’ll get another post up soon 🙂
What are your thoughts on Cecile? Do you wish she was still available?
~Jaclynn~
Here’s a bonus picture!
Masquerade~ Part 3
As I was taking a stroll a couple of days after the ball, I noticed Frederic standing not too far away. “I must do anything.” I told myself and mustered up some courage to go speak with him.
“Ahem.” I said to get his attention.
When he faced me, his face lit up. “Ah, Liesel. I’ve been wondering when I would run into you again. What brings you here?” He inquired, trying to sound as kind and polite as he possibly could.
“I’m here to discuss that deal you mentioned at the ball. What do you need me to do?” I asked reluctantly.
Before answering, he looked around as though to make certain that no one else would hear what he was about say.
“It’s not safe to speak here.” He said and looked at a man who was walking by. “I need to know the details, Frederic, although I will do anything to keep my father’s true nature a secret.” I stated firmly.
“I’m glad to hear it.” He said with a grin and reached in his pocket.
“Take this. I need you to meet me at the written destination tonight at midnight.” He issued as he extended his hand out for me to take the paper. I looked down on it and sighed. “How do I know I’m not walking into some sort of trap?” I inquired. “You don’t. But you’ll just have to trust me.” He said sternly.
I hesitantly reached out and took the folded up piece of paper.
“So, it’s a deal? I do what you need me to do and you promise you’ll keep my secret?” I confirmed, still worried that he wouldn’t follow through.
“You have my word. And don’t forget; midnight tonight. I’ll be waiting.” He reminded me and walked away.
I watched him for a moment. Did I really just do the right thing? How did I know I could trust him?
I unfolded the paper and read the note which said, “Wilcott Palace, Ethenia.”
I let out a big sigh. Somehow I knew that I was going to regret this deal for the rest of my life.
To be continued in Part 4! 😀
~Jaclynn~
Masquerade~ Part 1
It was the biggest night of the entire year – the Duke and Duchess’ Annual Springtime Ball. I had not wished to go because I never did too well at large parties, balls, or anything such as that, but I knew I had to. If I hadn’t accepted the generous invitation – which was shocking I’d even received one – My family and I would have been completely disgraced. So at the ball, I did my best to engage with some of the other rich girls, but that didn’t go so well. I ended up listening more than talking.
As I was listening to the young ladies chat away, I had a strange feeling inside. Something wasn’t right.
I looked behind me and saw a young man watching the men and women dance away to the music.
Wait a second. I knew that face.
My heart was racing and I found it hard for me to breathe. “Calm. Stay calm.” I told myself.
“Please excuse me, ladies.” I said politely with a quick curtsy.
As I hurried toward the exit, someone tapped my shoulder.
“May I have this dance?” That horrid man inquired with a bow.
Knowing how improper it would be for me to refuse, I reluctantly said, “You may.”
We danced in silence for a moment. I didn’t dare speak or even look at him in the eye. I completely and utterly despised him.
“You know why I’m here, Liesel.” He whispered with a threatening tone.
“On the contrary, Frederic, I have no idea why you’re here.” I stated, still not even making eye contact.
“I need you to do something for me.” He began, his eyes squinted and cruel. He continued on to say, “And you will do it, because I’ve got a bit of leverage, which is something you’ll never have on me.”
“And what is that?” I questioned with disgust. “I knew your father. I know what he was and what he did. And I also know how you and your family have tried to hide it all your lives, but the truth has a way of coming out one way or another. Get me what I need, and I’ll keep your little secret.” Frederic offered. I was trying so hard to get the tears in my eyes to disappear. I knew that if I didn’t do what he wanted, he would expose the truth to everyone and our family would be shamed for eternity.
Anger and fear boiled up inside of me and I pushed myself away from him and fled from the palace, leaving Frederic standing alone with a scowl on his face.
That concludes part 1!!! 😀 😀
~Jaclynn~
Paper Cut (and Day 21)
Hey guys! Today I got around to making a photostory and then I cleaned my room, so I feel really good right now! Plus, I’m listening to the Tangled soundtrack, so that’s always awesome! 😀
Now, let’s get on with the photostory!
“Samantha? Do you have to do that right now?” Riven-Delle asked her sister who was busy cleaning out the closet.
Without looking up from her work she replied, “Yes! If I don’t do it no one else will and it needs to be done!”
With a sigh and a shake of her head, Riven-Delle leaned back in her chair and tried to concentrate on what to write in her writing journal.
Clara entered the room and spotted Samantha cleaning out the closet. “Um, Samantha? Didn’t you just clean out the closet yesterday?” Clara inquired.
“Yes, but it has to be done again because no one ever puts things away properly!” Samantha stated in frustration. Clara knew very well that the purses at least hadn’t been touched at all since she cleaned the closet last, but she didn’t press the matter for she knew that Samantha loved to clean more than anyone.
“Are you okay, Riven-Delle? You look tired.” Clara observed.
“Oh, no, I’m just having trouble concentrating.” Riven-Delle replied with a slight grin.
“Oh, I see. Well I’m just getting some paper, but I’ll do my best not to distract you.” Clara said with a smile.
As Clara grabbed a sheet of paper, it slipped and lightly scraped her finger.
“Ow!” Clara yelped and then let out a quiet hiss. “What happened?” Samantha asked as she instantly turned her head at Clara’s cry of pain.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a paper cut.” Clara reassured her sister.
As Clara picked the paper off of the floor, she looked at her finger and saw that it was bleeding.
Clara instantly closed her eyes and turned away while taking deep breaths. “Clara, what’s wrong?” Riven-Delle inquired as she jumped out of her chair.
“I’m feeling faint.” Clara said softly.
Riven-Delle and Samantha rushed to their sister and helped her to the chair.
“Alright, put your head down. You’ll be okay.” Riven-Delle comforted as Clara did as she was told.
“What made you get all faint so suddenly?” Samantha asked.
“I looked at my finger and saw that it was bleeding.” Clara explained.
Clara sat up once she was feeling better and said, “You know, Riven-Delle-
-I hate paper cuts.”
THE END
So yeah, this photostory was inspired by the paper cut I got yesterday. When I saw my finger was bleeding I had to instantly look away cause I felt close to faintness. I wasn’t nearly as bad as Clara, but since she faints a lot, I thought it could work with her LOL!
Now, for Day 21 – Favorite recipe:
Hmm…. This is hard. I guess I’ll just go with the Funfetti Cookie recipe! They’re SO good and my brother, Jordan LOVES them! I can’t wait to make them this winter! 😀
Do you ever get faint when you see blood?
~Jaclynn~
Day 15 & A Couple Announcements!
Day 15 – Ten Favorite Foods:
1. Donuts!! Seriously, they are the best 😀
2. Cake Pops! Particularly the Birthday Cake flavor from Starbucks 🙂
3. French Toast! My favorite breakfast food 🙂
4. Shrimp Tacos! Mmmmm….
5. In N Out Burgers! In my opinion, they have the best burgers 😀
6. Garlic Bread
7. Oatmeal Squares!! This is my all time favorite cereal! 😀
8. Oooh!! Strawberry Toaster Strudels!!!
9. Popcorn!! Disneyland has the best popcorn!
10. Okay, I guess I’ll do another meal type food LOL! Hmm… I’ll say Chicken Fettuccine! 🙂
That was hard. I feel like I’m missing so many awesome foods LOLOL! XD
Now for the announcements!
First, I am going to Maryellen’s Debut in LA on August 27th!! EEE! I’m going to the First Look Event, so if you’re going, be sure to look for me there! I will probably be wearing a purple/pinkish tank top with foil gold stars on it and shorts. You should all know what I look like already, but to refresh, I have brown, curly, fluffy hair and brown eyes and freckles! 🙂 I’ll update you all if outfit plans change or something 😀
Second, check out this great giveaway over at AmericanGirlPlace!
If you’d like a chance to win the outfit pictured above, make sure to go enter the giveaway by clicking here! Kaitlyn is such an amazing seamstress 🙂
That’s all for now! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend 🙂
Are you going to Maryellen’s debut? What do you think of her?
~Jaclynn~