2018 Wrapup

Has anyone every noticed that “wrapup” is such a weird word? 

Oh wait. There’s supposed to be a dash between “wrap” and “up.”

That makes a lot more sense now.

Hey guys, and welcome back to my blog! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Big thanks to everyone who watched my Christmas AGSM as well – if you haven’t watched it, be sure to do that right now!

I did a 2017 wrapup at the end of last year, and it was really fun so I decided to do it again.

And . . . let’s go!

In January, we were introduced to our awesome GOTY, Luciana Vega (who I even wound up purchasing!)

The other big thing that happened in January was the release of one of my series, Travels With Grace. Grace actually went to Washington State with me for Thanksgiving of 2017, but I didn’t release any of the pictures until January 2018.

 

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She visited her cousins Grace, Lea, and Cara, while I visited my cousins S and M.

In February, I did a hilarious How Much Does AGs in Alaska’s Brother Know About AG? post, which had some great results.

I also posted on The Customization of Tessa Elizabeth, where I showed you all how I created my customized TrulyMe doll.

 

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I also launched another series, “According to Crystal,” with my “Valentines Day According to Crystal” post.

In March, I did my first guest post with my rabbit Moe, who was more popular on blog than I thought was ever possible.

Seriously. You guys went gaga for my little rabbit.

Moe is the best! Carrots, Mmmmm! – Faith

Magosh he’s ADORABLE such a bun wow. Ahem. I WUV HIM. – Tess (blackiesunshine)

Moe is so adorable!!!!! – Sapphire

AWWWW! Moe, I have lots of carrots, come hang out with meeee!!!! – Natalie Therese

Aw, Moe!!! You’re so cute!! – Liz

And for good reason, too – he’s adorable!!!

 

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I also did my first collab with my friend Elysium, from Prompted Pens!

I celebrated two huge milestones in March – first, reaching 1000 likes on American Girls in Alaska, and second, my three-year blogiversary on WordPress (I started blogging long before my AG blog, for those of you who don’t know).

In April, we celebrated Easter . . .

 

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And then went to Texas!

I brought back Travels With Grace for that one.

 

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In May, we celebrated Crystal’s 15th birthday!

 

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Then, I celebrated my one-year blogiversary with a tee-shirt giveaway!

Our winners were Dianne and Faith.

June was fairly boring. I went on a hiatus, so that was pretty much it.

In July, I did a Patriotic Photography collab with Chachel from Wild Sketch, which was super-duper fun!

 

 

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In July, I announced the arrival of our adorable Chihuahua puppies, Jaxon and Callie, who my family had adopted a month earlier.

 

 

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You guys, of course, loved them. 🙂

I also did Take 2 of “A Summer Photoshoot,” which I did the year before as well. This time around, I used Lindsey instead of Crystal, but we went to the same park.

 

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Those two photoshoots are still my favorite (and you can bet you’ll see Take 3 sometime this summer! Which doll should I use this time?)

In August, I welcomed a new doll into the family – Luciana Isadora Vega!

 

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And then came her debut photoshoot.

 

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Crystal made another appearance on “According to Crystal,” this time with a back-to-school version!

I was super lazy in September (I’m kidding, school started so I was a little busy), and I only did two posts – introducing Tessa’s rabbit Mischief into the family, and then a photostory about him.

 

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Then came October, when I did an adorable fall photoshoot, “Pumpkin Pals,” with Molly and Luci.

 

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And we had a family meeting, with interesting results.

 

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In November, I promised you guys that I would have an awesome surprise for Christmas! (And I hope I came through on that one!) 🙂

I also shared some of my best non-doll-related pictures.

 

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On Novemeber 30th, Alaska was shaken by a huge 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck southcentral Alaska, 10 miles north of Anchorage.

That’s when I wrote my post “Please Be Praying.”

 

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We’ve had 6,000 recorded aftershocks since then, the last really big one on Dec. 27th (which was a 4.9 at 5:30 in the morning, waking my entire family up as our house shook back and forth for about five seconds!)

I started December off with a ballet photoshoot of Tessa in my backyard.

 

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Crystal returned once again with “Christmas Shopping According to Crystal.”

And then . . . dun dun dun . . . I revealed my HUGE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!!!

It was a holiday American Girl Stopmotion, which I posted on my brand-new YouTube channel!

Click here to watch it! https://youtube.com/watch?v=VJHUWoYy314&t=47s

And that just about wraps up the year!

But wait – lastly, some stats! (As of December 27th, when I wrote this post.)

5,984 views

1,774 visitors

81 posts published (including this one)

1,162 likes

Views from 10 countries

136 followers

1,064 comments

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH for such an incredible year! You are all AY-MAY-ZING and I can’t wait to have another great year of blogging, and the occasional YouTube video, shared with you guys!

Much love from the AGIA family!

– AGsinAlaska, Crystal, Lindsey, McKenna, Morgan, Emily, Molly, Grace, Tessa, and Luciana

 

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Merry Christmas! + The Big Surprise Reveal

MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS!!!

I cannot believe it’s been another year already! Where did the time go?

Okay, okay, enough of that. I know that you all want me to hurry up and reveal The Big Surprise already, so . . . here you go.

I STARTED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, I MADE A CHRISTMAS STOPMOTION!!!

I have been working for HOURSSSSSS on this project and it’s FINALLY complete. Here’s a link so you can go check it out rightnow.

I know it’s not the best AGSM you guys have ever seen, but PLEASE WATCH IT IN HD TO GET THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE!

Oh yeah, and subscribe while you’re over there. 🙂

Sorry about the caps lock. I’m really, really excited.

Anyway, I hope you guys have an AMAZING Christmas and a very, very happy new year!

P.S. – I made the channel specifically for my stopmotion video, so don’t expect many more videos to follow. I may make some, I may not. 🙂 My blog is, and will continue to be, my main focus. 🙂

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

 

Christmas Shopping According to Crystal (With The Unwelcome Input of Grace)

Disclaimer: This post is written satirically and Crystal’s advice should most definitely NOT be taken – that is, when it comes to Christmas shopping. 

Crystal: Why hello, people of the universe! It is I, Crystal, here to grace your presence-

Grace: Did you say Grace and presents?

Crystal: No, Grace! Now, go away! I’m doing a blog post here!

Grace: *sighs* Fine.

Crystal: Now, where was I? Oh yes, today I’m here to give you a few tips on Christmas shopping. As we all know, the holidays are all about shopping – I mean, what else would they be about? If you’re not planning on spending all your money on yourself at Bath and Body Works-

Grace: *cough* Crystal *cough cough*

Crystal: GRACE!

Grace: Sorry!

Crystal: *sighs* As I was saying, if you’re not going to spend all of your money on yourself, Christmas shopping for others is such a fun thing to do. And when you have eight sisters, they all want presents, for some weird reason.

For your best and most favorite sister – that would be Tessa, in my case – some nice jewelry or a fancy scarf should do the trick. If you have any doubts, follow this helpful tip:

Tip #1: When in doubt, buy the most expensive pair on the rack. 

Expensive clothes always impress girls, whether you’re a guy shopping for you girlfriend or a girl shopping for her sister. Expensive=meaningful!

Grace: That would explain your Tiffany addiction.

Crystal: ARGH, GRACE! GET OUT OF HERE – RIGHT NOW!

Anyway, let’s move on.

When you’re shopping for your least favorite sister – that would be Lindsey, due to some unfortunate shoe-burning – don’t be afraid to give her ketchup packets or pencil stubs.

Tip #2: When in doubt, wrap anything you find lying around your room.

Next up – shopping for your parents/person who writes blog posts about you. Put some thought into this gift – after all, this is the person who spends hours photographing you, writing up cute posts, and then gaining a ton of followers because she did a nice job on your hair – oh yeah, and because AG bloggers are super nice people.

Tip #3: It’s totally okay to copy present ideas! The original person won’t mind, usually.

And, last but not least, shopping for that special someone.

Basically, there’s only one piece of advice I can give you –

Tip #4: Boys are impossible to shop for. Just go to your nearest Safeway and grab any old hoodie off the rack. Since boys don’t care about clothes, it doesn’t matter what it looks like. Hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

And that’s all the time we have for today! I hope this post was helpful and inspiring. May you all have long lives and wear fashionable clothes!

By the way, don’t you just loveeeeee my hair? AGsinAlaska did it, with the assistance of some sparkly twinkle lights! #ThisIsHowISparkle

Grace: Is there no end to your vanity, Crystal?

Crystal: GRACEEEEE!!!!!!!!

TTFN!

On Being Thankful (Poems and Pictures)

Hey, guys! I hope you’re all having a fantastic Thanksgiving. Honestly, I feel like I was just doing this – as each year passes, the time flies faster. If you’re not in too much of a food coma, I hope that you’ll take a few minutes to read this post. The poems are not mine, and I’m not quite sure who wrote them exactly, but I thought they would be appropriate for today.

I’m accompanying the poems with pictures I took of things other than dolls. Quick warning, though – they’re completely unedited (except where I blurred out the info on Jax and Callie’s collars). 🙂 So if you dare to look, go ahead . . .

Mom and Dad and all the folks

Who sit around the table

Railroad tracks in Girdwood, AK

All give thanks to the Lord above

For the fact that we are able

 

Taken from a float plane but I have no idea where we were at the time 🙂

To have the food and shelter 

We all need to survive

And have the love of family

That makes it good to be alive

Lord, as we bow our heads to pray

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day

 

Homer Harbor in Homer, AK

Help us have the right attitude

As we turn to You (sic) in gratitude

 

 

 

Fireweed in Homer, AK

Thank you for our festive food;

Thank you, Lord, for this good food;

On the beach in Homer, AK

Thank for blessings great and small;

Thank you, thank you for it all

 

 

Near Nikiski, AK

So grateful for the whispers

Of loved ones departed

 

Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK

Still here to warm our hearts

As we gather ’round the table

 

Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK

So grateful for the right now

With loved ones by our side

 

For another chance to laugh and share

And speak out loud

 

University of Texas Campus, Austin, TX

Our thanks

For one another

 

 

Let me know what you thought in the comments, and tell me all about your Thanksgiving traditions and feast!

 

 

 

 

Credits: Thanksgiving Blessings by Joanna Fuchs

 

The Most Awesome Christmas Post Ever

Hey guys. Before you begin another yawn-inducing week at school (or incredibly thrilling, if that’s how you feel), please take the time to read this post!

For my big Christmas post this year, I decided to do something a little bit different and very time-consuming. So if you don’t notice many posts from me in your Reader, that’s why.

However, this does NOT mean I’m going on hiatus.

*Again*

Instead, I will be posting maybe once every couple of weeks until my big Christmas spectacular, since I will need lots of time for that.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. I’ll see you all in my Thanksgiving post, if not before that.

To make it up to you, please admire this adorable picture of my Chihuahua.

Have a great week!

P.S. If you have not been reading my posts on my website, please take a minute to hop on over there right now. I made a couple changes to suit the fall season.

Patriotic Photography – A Collab With Chachel @ Wild Sketch

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Today is one of my favorite holidays for several reasons – food, family, fun, freedom – and photography!

That’s why I’m teaming up with Chachel from her awesome art blog, Wild Sketch! Chachel, also known as Rachel, does amazing DIY tutorials, shows her beautiful artwork, and posts pictures of her adorable cat, Gosha. Go follow her lovely blog right now!

It’s actually kind of funny. My first photoshoot was a 4th of July photoshoot I did last year, and here I am with another one. Kind of sentimental, when you think about it!

Chachel and I decided that for our collab, we would take patriotic pictures for the 4th. I dressed up my dolls in red white and blue outfits and took them into the backyard for a patriotic photoshoot. Here you go!

Happy Independence Day! And make sure to check out Chachel’s blog here!

Which picture did you like the most? What are you having for dinner today? Does your town do fireworks? Are you going to check out Chachel’s blog? Let’s chat in the comments!

3 “Explosive” 4th of July Hairstyles

“Explosive” hairstyles! Sorry, I couldn’t help it. It’s hard to think of an Independence Day adjective that lends itself to hairstyles. That’s the best I could do.

These hairstyles are very simple to do and are perfect for Independence Day, as well as all summer! They work great on human hair too, so you can do them on yourself or your friends. I have a short hair hairstyle, an “any length” hairstyle and a long hair hairstyle. Enjoy, and let me know if you try any of these! You can send pictures to me at americangirlsak@gmail.com

Ladder Ponytail (For Long Hair)

This hairstyle is ridiculously simple to do, contrary to its complicated appearance. It’s one of my favorites!

Supplies: Long-haired doll, six hair ties (DO NOT USE THE TINY PLASTIC ONES, THEY ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT!!!), a hairbrush (I know, it’s not AG doll kosher but McKenna needs a new wig anyway, and a spray bottle (optional).

Step 1: Brush your doll’s hair backward, making it so that there is no part.

Step 2: Make a ponytail at the crown of her head.

Step 3: Split the red ponytail in two.

Step 4: Take the left side of the red ponytail and grab a section of hair from the left side of her head, combining them into a white ponytail.

Step 5: Repeat on the other side.

Step 6: Split the white ponytails each in two, then take the inside sections and combine them into a blue ponytail.

Step 7: Take the outside section of the white ponytail and grab a section of hair from the left side of her head, combining them into another blue ponytail.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side.

Ta-da! Beautiful and very patriotic!

Ready for a backyard barbeque!

French Braid Ponytails (For Short Hair)

This hairstyle is totally adorable, and feel free to make it messy and fun! And there will still be hair sticking out of the bottom, if your doll has SUPER short hair like Lindsey. But I like it that way, it’s playful.

Supplies: Short-haired doll, two hair ties, a hairbrush, and a spray bottle (optional).

Step 1: Part her hair down the middle and tie off one section.

Step 2: Take a small section from the front.

Step 3: Split it into three sections and begin French braiding.

Step 4: Tie it off into a ponytail around her ear.

Step 5: Repeat on the other side.

Voilà! Ready to play in the sprinkler!

Dressed-Up Braid (For Any Length)

Guys, there are only three steps in this hairstyle. In fact, it probably shouldn’t even be called a hairstyle. But it’s cute, so I’m putting it in here. 🙂

Supplies: Doll, hair tie (not shown), headband, spray bottle (optional).

Step 1: Separate a small section of hair from the side of her head.

Step 2: Braid it.

Step 3: Slip on the headband, and you’re done!

I hope you enjoyed these hairstyle tutorials! If you try any, make sure to email me at americangirlsak@gmail.com with some pictures! I’d be happy to post them on my blog. Have a fabulous Independence Day!

 

A Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day is not just an extended weekend or time of year when Lower 48-ers go on fun road trips. It’s a special day not to celebrate, but to honor, those who have lost their lives fighting for the freedom of their fellow Americans. I decided to find a Memorial Day poem and add some of my pictures to it.

“I Came To Visit You Today,” by Shauna Ruud.

While you’re reading, please remember the bravery and sacrifice of our men and women who fought and died to protect our great nation!

I came to visit you today
To place this flag next to your grave.

The sacrifices you have made
Will forever be indebted this day.

I came to visit you today
To place this flag next to your grave.

It doesn’t matter if you fought or not
‘Cause with that uniform it doesn’t matter what.

I came to visit you today
To place this flag next to your grave.

The memory of what once was you
Still lingers true for those who knew.

I came to visit you today
To place this flag next to your grave

To just say thank you on this Memorial Day.

For those of you who have lost a grandparent, parent, sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle, or other relative or friend in a war, we thank you as well. 🙂

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/i-came-to-visit-you-today

The Goodbye (Madi Grace’s Easter AGSM)

Hello, everyone! Happy Easter! I hope you all enjoyed my photostory.

I am here to share the link to Madi Grace‘s Easter American Girl Stopmotion, The Goodbye. The Goodbye has reached 625,000 thousand people through YouTube, and Madi is trying to reach 1 million views.

So, will you go watch it?

Like, right now?

Because you totally should!

Here is the video. Enjoy, it’s an amazing AGSM!

Amazing Grace

Hey, guys. I know it’s Friday and not one of my usual posting days, but I have an important message I want to share with all of you.

Did you know that today is Good Friday? Or, more importantly, do you know what Good Friday means?

A looooooooooooong time ago, on this day, Jesus died. He died for you, and He died for me. For all of us.

The great thing about this gift if that no matter what you have ever done, and no matter what you will ever do, Jesus loves you anyway! You need His gift of forgiveness. 

The most amazing this is that this gift is totally free. It’s like when someone gives you a present on your birthday. They aren’t expecting anything in return. This gift is like that, too. Jesus doesn’t expect you to give Him a bunch of things in return – all He asks is that you ask Him for forgiveness (accepting His gift) and admit that you believe He is the Son of God. It’s that simple!

So today, take a minute to pause and thank Jesus for His gift. Put aside your blogging, text conversations, and even your schoolwork. Just for a minute. Thank Jesus for dying for you!

Because what better gift could there be?

I hope all of have an amazing Easter/Resurrection Sunday!

Love,

P.S. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me!