UPDATE 2/8/12 – If you go to the American Girl site and look for events, the St. Louis location has events listed for the beginning of May. I am going to guess (operative word guess) that they will be doing their grand opening the first weekend in May. As of now, you cannot book Bistro reservations, but special events are scheduled.

UPDATE 10/11/11 – American Girl posted on their Facebook wall that the St. Louis store will open in the Spring of 2012. And here it is in the St. Louis Business Journal, too.

According to the St. Louis Business Journal, American Girl got the green light from Chesterfield’s Planning Commission this week to open its first doll store in Missouri.

There is no specific timeline for opening the store as of now and American Girl will not confirm this until a lease is signed, the proposed store will take over an existing space in the Chesterfield Mall. Chesterfield Mall is located in a western suburb of St. Louis and has many of the high end stores that already attract the type of shopper American Girl loves.

As always, we’ll keep you posted!

Over the weekend we visited The Toy Shoppe (see our recap here) and of course, we did not come home empty-handed. We added another doll to our collection – a Sonja Hartmann Kidz ‘ n Cats 18″ slim body doll named Galina. The Kidz ‘n Cats dolls come in a wide variety of faces, hair color, and personalities – and there are even boys (the Doll Wardrobe have two on the way). There were some I really did not care for, but Natalie and I just loved Galina – primarily because of her toothy grin. We like happy dolls. The other one I really like is Laura, but she is not available until March.

Galina has long auburn hair that is a side part with peek-a-boo bangs. She has the most amazing eye lashes but her eyes do not open and close. She comes with a cat – we named him Franco – who has a semi-matching denim outfit with white furry collar and a sassy little beret.

This is a better picture of those amazing eyes!

Galina’s hair is very long and smooth which makes it easy to work with. Her meet outfit includes her undies & cami, t-shirt, shorts, tights, boots, a belt (not shown), headband (also not shown) and her furry jacket. Honestly, I am not overwhelmed by her clothes – they are not the quality of fabric and ease of dressing that we have become accustomed to with American Girl, Maplelea, Carpatina and other brands.

The good news is that Galina and our Carpatina Slim Body 18″ doll Erin are very similar in size! The big difference is that the Kidz ‘n Cats dolls are articulated which means they bend at the wrists, elbows and knees as well as the hips, shoulders and head like the Carpatina dolls do. The Kidz ‘n Cats feet are also bigger than the Carpatina feet. Anyhow, Erin was so happy that Galina brought her this super cute ballet set. The set was on sale for $29 and included two ballet outfits, one pair of tights, leg warmers, and two pairs of shoes. The leotard fits Erin, but it is every so slightly short in the torso on her, so she borrowed the purply wrap from the retired American Girl ice skating outfit and it looks perfect!

Erin was so happy to finally get to practice her ballet moves. It’s a good thing McKenna’s bar works well as a ballet barre, too!

Erin and Galina are great friends already and as a thank you for bringing her the new ballet clothes, Erin offered to let Galina wear her Carpatina Afternoon Stroll outfit.

Erin thinks that Galina looks MUCH better now and I have to agree. The only thing is that Galina’s feet are pretty big so she couldn’t wear the Carpatina shoes, but Chrissa’s shoes  fit just fine and match the outfit, too. Galina wanted to go for a little ride on the scooter while Erin went back to ballet class.

On her scooter ride, Galina came across Kit who was happy to welcome her to the doll room.

Galina introduced Kit to her crazy cat Franco. And off they went to introduce Franco to the rest of the pets.

So, what do you think of our new girl? I think she will fit in just fine and will have plenty of adventure with her new friends.

You can get Kidz ‘n Cats dolls in the US through stores like The Toy Shoppe, other Madame Alexander retailers and even Amazon.

I am really loving that Natalie’s swim meets have been in fun places recently and have given us the opportunity to take in some extra doll goodness along with her swim. If you remember, a few weeks ago we ended up at the American Girl store at Tysons after one of her meets and Saturday we realized that The Toy Shoppe was only 15 minutes from the pool she was at.  The Toy Shoppe is a unique store that is owned by award winning doll retailers Danny and Barrie Shapiro and their family since 1975. Their store has collectible dolls and bears for every age and price range – from less than $50 to well into the thousands of dollars. However, that is not what makes The Toy Shoppe special – it is the incredible collection of dolls they select for their customers that is what sets them apart. They don’t work with just any doll maker or artist – they are very selective.

When we arrived at The Toy Shoppe we were greeted by Kathy who welcomed us and instantly made us feel at home. She gave us the basic overview of the store and showed us the Gallery. The dolls in the gallery are so special and so expensive that I know for a fact I will never own one, but they were simply amazing to look at. Some were very life-like and others somewhat artistic and abstract, some you wanted to just scoop up and others Natalie thought were a little creepy, but that is the thing about dolls – their appeal is so individualized and there is something for everyone.

This is a Paddington Bear by R. John Wright that was made in 2000. He is 15″ tall and fully poseable. I have loved Paddington ever since I was a child and this has to be one of the most divine Paddington Bear’s I have seen yet. Most of R. John Wright’s creations are inspired by popular children’s books, illustrations and stories. They are licensed and R. John Wright goes to extreme lengths to capture every last detail in his work.

The Toy Shoppe carries quite a bit of Madame Alexander – from the play doll line up to the most collectible items. I just had to take a picture of the Madame Alexander Wizard of Oz dolls as Natalie just got the miniature versions of these from Aunt Kay last week.

Some of the Madame Alexander Cissy dolls including A Dark Dream Cissy, Envy Cissy and Simply Irresistible Cissy – and of course, an 18″ Favorite Friends doll, too. While Natalie and I were checking out the Madame Alexander’s and the Steiff bears, we met Dana. Dana manages The Toy Shoppe Facebook page and I had left her a note the day before saying we would be down to visit. She was so much fun to talk to and so knowledgeable as well.

We continued to make our way around the store – completely overwhelmed by the diversity of dolls, bears and plush animals – as well as the incredible talent that went into making so many of the dolls. This photo shows that diversity.

Barrie, one of the stores owners, also came out to talk with us and show us around the store. This is a photo of a small piece of Barrie’s desk. Her entire office was DOLLS, DOLL, BEARS, DOLLS, and more, you guessed it, DOLLS. I’m not sure I could work in there – I’d want to play all day, but it did actually inspire me to look at my own desk and how I can rearrange things to showcase more of my own growing collection and have all those sweet little faces keeping me company all day.

Barrie introduced me to the dolls of Helen Kish. This is High Flying Raven, a 14″ ball jointed doll with 13 points of articulation. I just fell in love with this doll – especially her face, but Helen’s version of the aviator outfit on her is just adorable. High Flying Raven is $340, which is a bit out of my price range for the time being, but it is nice to know that The Toy Shoppe can do payment plans in case there is a doll you just have to add to your collection.

Barrie showed us more of the R. John Wright collection and they are truly lifelike renditions of the original – possibly even better. This is Alice in Wonderland. She is not the Disney-fied cartoony version, rather more like the original artist drawings. Every detail – down to the stripes in her socks – are created with care. Isn’t she something?

I forgot to get the name of this lifesize cutie – but she is just another example of what I mean by there is something for everyone at The Toy Shoppe.

The Toy Shoppe carries play dolls too – from the Adora 4 Ever Friends line to the jr. collector line by Sonja Hartmann called Kidz’nCats. This is Tinka from the Kidz’nCats line. They are 18″ slim body dolls very similar to the Carpatina slim body line. They have gorgeous facial features, including the longest eyelashes ever. The Carpatina slim body dolls can move their heads as well as their arms and legs, but the Kidz’nCats dolls are articulated so they can bend in many more places. We fell in love with one of Tinka’s friends – Galina – and brought her home. We will be doing a post just on Galina with some great side by sides of the other 18″ dolls, too.

You can see more photos from our visit on the DollDiaries Facebook page.

I would like to thank Barrie, Danny, Dana and especially Kathy (as she and Natalie did quite a bit of doll talk on their own) for such a warm welcome and tour of their gem of a store! I look forward to our next visit!

This house is Pittsburgh sports crazy! Even the dolls are in on the fun. We are sad that the Pittsburgh Steelers are not in the Super Bowl this year but Gwen is wearing her Pittsburgh cheerleader outfit and showing her team spirit on the Terrible Towel anyway!!

We are having a surprise giveaway for an American Girl Washington DC doll tee at the Doll Diaries Facebook page today (2/5/12) and the winner will be picked at Half Time. Here is the link – you have to submit your entries there to win!

Wow! I love my readers! You all are sending in enough pictures that I can do a weekly post just on you.

Julie sent in this photo her doll Dakota #24 or 26 who is sitting in a chair from Walmart  the same place where the table came from, the lava lamp and the computer are erasers from Walmart also. The fruit, napkin and drink is from the Fiesta set from American Girl same as the outfit. She got a little jar from Target with a few other things and just took the cap off and put print out money in it using it like a piggy bank . She made the binder and the purse was found at a yard sale for  – it is a phone purse but Julie did not have a phone so she tried it on her doll and it fit.

Hayley’s dolls are ready for spring.

Lori’s 6 yr old daughter Janelle’s recently had to make a collection of 100 items for the 100th day of kindergarten.  She used American Girl stickers, pictures from her catalogs, and photos of her own dolls to make this poster.  It really shows her love of American Girl dolls!

Chloe sent in lots of pictures but I like this one of Ruthie and Penny best.

If you have a photo you want featured, send the photo and a description to me at share@dolldiaries.com. Don’t forget to enter the February Reader Photo event – Virtual Valentine’s through February 15.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be the only day where you show your dolls some love! Here are some fun projects for reusable Valentine goodies for your dolls.

Reusable Felt Valentine Envelope with Fun Foam and Sticker Card

You will need:

• Red felt
• White fun foam
• Mini stickers from American Girl ( like the American Girl Crafts – Sticker Pad)
• A ruler
• Craft glue, hot glue or needle and thread/sewing machine

Step 1 Measure your “envelope” out of felt making it 7 inches wide by 12 inches long, then cut out your felt.

Step 2-   Fold your felt so that you leave 1/2 inch. Add a line of glue to the inside edge and press closed or sew the sides shut.

Step 3- Measure a rectangle of 2 1/2 inches long by 1 3/4 inch wide, make sure it will fit inside your envelope

Step4 – Add your stickers and write a message on the fun foam.

Place inside your finished envelope and give to your doll!

*You can decorate the front of your doll’s envelope if you like, or leave it plain.

Valentine Treats for Dolls

Next using Fun Foam shapes and Fun Foam Valentine stickers you can create fun treats for your dolls with very little effort!

You will need:

• Fun Foam Stickers in heart shapes in various colors
• Valentine fun foam stickers in various sizes
• Doll size plates

These fun valentine small heart stickers make perfect sugar cookies with no effort at all, simply arrange them on a doll size plate and enjoy.

To create this very easy Valentines Heart Cake simply layer the same size heart fun foam stickers on top of each other.

Step 1- Start with one heart on the bottom, I started with Red on the bottom

Step 2-Remove the backing from a white heart and place it on top of the red heart, carefully remove the sticker backing from one heart at a time. Your bottom heart should still have the backing on.

Step 3-Repeat with another red heart, then white and finish with red.

Step 4- Using smaller foam stickers create the “cake topper”

Place on a doll size plate and serve to your dolly guests.

I hope you have enjoyed these easy Valentine crafts for your dolls! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you next week!

I love surprises, don’t you?

Yesterday when the mail came there was box…

I was not expecting any packages, so when I read the return label I started doing the happy dance. Remember my visit with Natalie to Aunt Kay’s – the one with the huge Barbie collection? Well out of the blue, Kay had sent us a box!

Kay is a grandmother and her husband passed away a few years ago. Kay was so touched by our visit and seeing the joy that Natalie found in the dolls that she spent the next 10 days rearranging her doll cabinets and displays – 24 of the 28 displays to be exact!! Every doll was removed, looked at and some new ones came out and others found new groupings to be with. She had been re-energized.

In the midst of her rearranging, Kay found some duplicates of her Madame Alexander Wizard of Oz Happy Meal dolls. She knew that Natalie loved the little Kelly size Barbies and thought these little gems would go well with the nine Kelly dolls she gave Natalie when we visited last month. There was a 2007 set and a 2008 set – the one’s Natalie got are from both sets.

Here’s the whole group of the Madame Alexander Oz minis.

The Wicked Witch of the West, the Wicked Witch of the East, Glinda the Good Witch and the Winged Monkey.

The Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy (and Toto in the basket), and the Tin Man.

Cowardly Lion, Dorothy (and Toto in the basket), Tin Man, Lullaby Munchkin and Lollipop Munchkin

Also in the box were some full size Barbies and two MyScene dolls.

In the box were five more dolls. From left to right – Corduroy Cool Teresa from 1999, an unknown Barbie with Polly-Pocket like rubber clothes, MyScene Barbie and her boyfriend River, and the Spot Scene Barbie from 2001.

I am not a fan of the My Scene Barbie line at all, but the other dolls are neat. I especially like Teresa and Kay remembered that when we were there last month I just kept coming back to this Teresa doll – we were trying to figure out which one she was and when we left, I still didn’t know. Teresa was packed in the box with her stand and I happened to notice writing on the bottom of the stand. Smart Kay! She had written the name of the doll and the year on the bottom of the stand! So she is from the Corduroy Cool Barbie set from 1999. She’s not a high-end Barbie, by any means, but I go back to what Kay and Sandi Holder from the Doll Attic have said more than once – “collect the dolls YOU like and the ones that make YOU happy.” This Teresa does just that!

Kay says Teresa reminds her of me. Teresa is going to be a cherished part of my collection for years to come!!

Thank you so much Kay and I can not wait to visit you again!

To keep things a little easier this time through, I am creating this page separately to show off all the entries in the Virtual Valentine’s Reader Photo Event. For entry information and the entry form, go to THIS POST and then come back here to see all the entries.

Click on the photos to view them full size and to leave a Valentine comment.

Happy Valentine’s Weeks! That’s right, we aren’t waiting for Valentine’s Day to have a party, we are going to celebrate from now until February 15!

For the February Reader Photo Event the theme is going to be Valentine’s – but with a little twist.  Read carefully…

Instead of just taking a picture of your dolls dressed up in cute little pink outfits like I did in my last post, why not take it one step further and get creative with it? Once you have taken your Valentine themed photos, turn them into a Valentine card for all to enjoy. How, you ask?

• Picnik.com
• Pixlr.com
• Or you might have another graphics program like Photoshop Effects or something else you prefer

Use one of those tools to make your Valentine’s card (I used Picnik’s fancy collage effects in the one I did above) and save it off to your computer – if you tell the software to save it as 540 pixels wide I will be SO happy!! Then use our handy form below to submit your entry.

The rest of the details:

• Everyone is invited to submit ONE virtual Valentine per day using the guidelines above.
• We will draw 3 entries at random and 2 entries will be picked based on their creativity/excellence to receive an exclusive Doll Diaries Love t-shirt OR tote bag for dolls (it will be your choice).
• The parade will run from February 1 through 15, 2012.
• If you are 13 and under you must have your parent’s permission to enter.
• We will only publish photos that are of good quality and appropriate for viewers of all ages.
• By submitting your photo, you are granting DollDiaries.com permission to publish the photo along with your first name and the description you provide. We will never publish or share your email address or personal information. You are also granting us permission to use your photo on the DollDiaries Facebook page and/or YouTube channel.

What are you waiting for? Fill out the entry form below:

When you are done, go to the Virtual Valentine Gallery to see all the entries (it may take up to 24 hours for entries to appear)! And as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Before I announce this month’s reader photo event, I thought I would share some pictures with you. So many of our readers have asked how many dolls we have and which ones that last night Natalie and I took the time to dress them all in shades of pink, red or purple so I could photograph them all. I already know that I missed our BFC Ink doll Addison, Tender Hearts Emma, our MyTwinn doll Rochelle, and Megan’s first MyAG doll Nicole which  is at my niece’s house, but otherwise this is pretty much it – well, minus all the Barbies, Groovy Girls and Build-a-Bears.

From left to right – Alex (MyAG #21), Olivia (Springfield Dolls), Kailey (LE 2003-2004), Calista (MyAG #39) and Emily (Historical)

From left to right: Nicki (LE 2007), Lily (Terri Lee), and Kit (Historical)

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Ready for a slumber party we have Madison (Springfield Dolls), Sonali (LE 2009) and Marisol (LE 2005).

Madison gets a close up!! Don’t you just LOVE her two ponytails?? I just think she is adorable.

Moving right along we have Chrissa (LE 2009), Erin (Carpatina), Ellowyne (Wilde Imagination) and Gwen (LE 2009).

These photogenic girls asked for a close up. Okay, it was Ellowyne who asked!

Our historical girls – Kirsten, Felicity, Elizabeth, Samantha and Nellie.

Left to right we have Ivy (Historical), Taryn (Maplelea), Emma (Tonner Toys Little Miss Matched), Kanani (LE 2011), Hadley (Tonner Toys Little Miss Matched), Saila (Maplelea) and Julie (Historical).

And finally, we have Daisy (Bitty Baby Twin), Penelope (Bitty Baby) and Fritz (parties all night outside, sleeps all day inside house cat). Our brunette Bitty Twin was still wearing her Halloween costume and didn’t want to be photographed.

So start getting your dolls ready for a Valentine’s Party and take pictures because the February Reader Photo Event will be a Virtual Valentine Party for Dolls!