Movie Quote Quiz!

Hey girls! I recently saw this quiz on Claire's blog and I HAD to put it on here! Here's how it works: Simply choose which movie you think the quote is from and if you can, guess the characters who said it! Then, I will give one point to each correct answer and one bonus point to each correct character guess. Comment with your guesses! I won't publish your comment, but I will comment with your score. Enjoy! (Hint: some quotes may be from the same movie or movie series!)

Quote #1
Character 1: Character 2’s got a sort of wonky cross and that’s trials and suffering and… uh… that there could be the sun and that’s happiness. So, um, you’re gonna suffer… but you’re going to be… happy about it.

Quote #2

Character 1: I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.

Quote #3

Character 1: WHOA! That was so cool! Hey dad, did you see that, did you see that, did you see that? Did you see what I did?! 

Character 2: You so totally rocked, Character 1! So my give some fin (slap), noggin (clunck).

Character 1 and 2: Duuuuude…..

Quote #4

Character 1: Dear friends, fifty years ago I went to Juliet’s house in Verona. I wrote her a letter and I asked her a question. And two months ago, I received a reply.

Quote #5

Character 1: This is bad, this very, very bad, really bad! They just can’t get my nose right! 

Quote #6

Character 1: I will literally rent a camper and we will drive across America with my flashlight on your chest.

Quote #7:

Character 1: This is a waste of time! How could a ship land out here?

Character 2: Well, I’m no expert, but it could be that the hydrothermic properties of this region produce hurricane force ice storms that cause the ocean to freeze and then melt and then refreeze resulting in a semi-solid migrating land mass that would land a ship right around here. 


Quote #8:

Character 1: There are so many things you mustn’t do. You mustn’t walk to quickly, you mustn’t talk too loudly, you mustn’t be impatient… you’re so lucky to be a boy! You can do what ever you like!

Character 2: I can’t do whatever I want, I’m an apprentice- I have no freedom!


Quote #9:

Character 1: Hey, let’s play a game. It’s called “see who can be quiet the longest.”

Character 2: Cool! My mom loves that game!

Quote #10:

Character 1: You all seem to be very anxious about something.
Character 2: It’s the chandelier. It fell down, almost killed us. 

Quote #11:

Character 1: Character 2, you are honestly the most wonderful person I have ever met. If I’m ever rude to you…

Character 2: I’ll know you’ve gone back to normal.

Quote #12:

Character 1: We have thirty seconds to disable the alarm.

Character 2: Go.

(they disable it)

Character 2: You did that in twenty-five seconds.

Character 1: That’s why I tell people to get a dog.

Quote #13:

Character 1: How did you know I would find you?

Character 2: You didn’t find me, you collapsed a building on me.

Quote #14

Character 1: (serious) Excuse me, I have to defuse this bomb!

Character 2: (thinks she’s kidding) Oh, totally. Love is a battlefield!

Have fun!

~Gabby

Official: New AG Historical Character! (I Think I Have the Name and Time Period!))

Hello girls! I was on the web today when I looked and Doll Diaries and found that Kathleen Ernst (author of many AG mysteries like A Runaway Friend) was credited with writing 6 American Girl books that are going to be released this year.

So, I looked at American Girl's trademark site and found there were 3 names copyrighted anywhere from 2009-10 that would make the most sense for a Historical Character name.

Saba   Caroline   Isabel

Now, I looked on Baby Name Wizard- a very cool website where you can track a name's popularity- which works really well if you want to try and find the time period. First, I looked up Caroline.

As you can see, Caroline has been very popular- especially in the late 1800s. However, Caroline is a classic name that has been around forever- it's lowest rank was only #295- so it's hard to judge which time period just this one name. 

So, I looked up Isabel. There are so similarities in both of the names. They both were in the top 300 in the late 1800s and were mildly popular in the 50s. However, I can't fully guess the time period unless I look up the last name- Saba. But I couldn't anything. :-( 

Saba is a very unpopular name and is also unisex- so it's really hard to track it's popularity. 

As for the time period, what could that be? While Caroline and Isabel have been popular in all of the decades, the both experienced rises of popularity in the late 1800s and drop offs in the 50s (although still remained in the top 300). My first guess would be a late 1800s doll, but when a reporter went inside AG headquarters in Middleton, WI, he noticed plenty of 1950s gear.

It makes sense, both names were popular in the fifties, a reporter saw fifties gear, and Molly will most likely be retired this year.

But what do you think?

~Gabby

WINNERS- Design the GOTY Contest 2013!

Edit: Blog awards have been edited and fixed! :-)

Hello! Now it's time for the winners! Please be respectful to all of the winners and don't post any nasty comments- it was so hard to choose!

Honorable Mentions:
Best Edited- Caelen
Sweetest Story- Phoebe
Best Soccer Player- Gracie
Cutest Cheerleader- Emma W.
Best Friend- Bri
Sweetest Ballerina- Danielle
Most Inspiring- Rose
Most Determined- Nina
Most Musical- Alyssa
Best Helper- Georgia
Best Basketball Player- Geridil
Sweetest Skier- Samantha

First place is Priya with Meera. I loved her inspiring and unique story! Great job!

Here's your blog award:

Our first grand prize winner is Emma with Georgiana! I loved her creative story and the fact that she comes with a best friend! Contact me to claim your prize of the Minneapolis AG Place T-Shirt!

Our second grand prize winner is Katelyn with Jade! I loved her determination and funky sense of style! Contact me to claim your prize of the Snowmen Crafts!

Here are your blog awards:

Congrats to everyone who entered! You all did amazing! :-)

~Gabby

Doll School Quizzes! (UPDATED!!!)

EDIT: I recently looked at my Europe Geography test and realized there was a mistake with the Teacher's Key. Sweden IS NOT part of the Baltic Republic. Therefore, the answer to questions number 4 on the the Europe Geography test is FALSE. Thank you! (I will try to get this fixed as soon as possible!)
EDITED AGAIN: Mission complete! The test is edited so it shows the correct answer. :-)

Hey girls! One of my favorite things about the Doll School kit is the fact that it comes with little quizzes that are already filled in- and can be easily passed out and "graded." However, the kit only comes with math and spelling quizzes. What about geography? Having recently participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee at my school (I came in 3rd!), I became very interested in geography. So, I thought, why not create free, printable geography quizzes for dolls?

These quizzes are easy to use. For those of you who don't own the Doll School kit, here's how they work: you give each "student" a test. The test is already filled in, so you can be the teacher! Next, you grade them using the Teacher's Guide or Teacher's Key.

To print out my two doll quizzes, simply click the image, save it to your computer, and print!

United States Geography

European Geography

Do you like these quizzes? If so, I can always make more (however it takes about a half an hour to make one full sheet of quizzes). Please, place your quiz requests in the comment section below as well as feedback!

Thanks!

~Gabby

CONTEST CLOSED!

Hi! I just wanted to ket you all know that my Design the GOTY 2013 contest is now closed. Winners will be announced sometime next week.

Thanks,
Gabby

Week #3: Kaya {AGBC}

Hey girls! We only have one week left for Kaya, and instead of doing trivia this week, I'm going to focus on a fun Kaya online game that you can play- and learn more about Kaya's world. But before, this week we are reading Kaya Shows the Way and Changes for Kaya.

Book Questions
Which is your favorite picture/illustration in the two Kaya books we'll be reading?
Do you like the Looking Back section in each book?

Online Game

Have you ever played Kaya's Catch of the Day? If you haven't (and even if you have!) you should play it right now! It's a really fun-and challenging!- game that teaches you about Kaya's natural world. So, my challenge for you is to play this game, then comment with your high score and your answers to the book questions.

Enjoy and have fun!
~Gabby

Take the Stage ~ Episode 2: Pals and Posters! (350 Posts!)

Hey girls! To celebrate 350 posts, I am giving you the second episode of my Take the Stage series!

 Enjoy! You can view Episode 1 here. What do you think?
~Gabby

ps. Also, I have a contest and the next week of AGBC is posted! Check 'em out!

Week #2: Kaya {AGBC}

Hey girls! Have you finished reading the first two Kaya books yet? It's okay if you haven't but, if you have, be sure to start reading Kaya's Hero and Kaya and the Lone Dog. Once you've finished reading, come back and answer these questions!

Trivia Questions:
What does Swan Circling leave to Kaya? (Hint: there are two answers!)
Who does the Lone Dog save from a bear?

Book Question:
Out of these two books, which is your favorite and why?

Enjoy and be sure to look for updates!
~Gabby

New American Girl Books- Not Sold Yet! (CONTEST 6 POSTS BELOW!)

Hey girls! I was on Amazon.com today when I spotted an American Girl book that caught my eye- because it wasn't on the American Girl site yet! I then raced to the AG Bookseller site and was sweetly surprised to find a whole slew of new titles waiting to be released! Here are some of my favorites:

 A kit filled with accessories from all over the world? Their new Doll Travel book comes with a doll-sized duffel bag, a mini National Geographic map of Paris, and tons of stickers and accessories to create spots from cruises to theme parks! By Trula Magruder, available in March.

Making math fun? Perfect for a girl struggling in school! While Math + Fashion = Fun may be geared towards girls younger than me, I really think a lot of people will like it-my sister included-and I can't wait to see what kind of fashion-themed math puzzles AG comes up with! It's also part of a brand new InnerstarU series to help girls in school. By Aubre Andrus, available in June.

A new Vaudeville-themed AG mystery? Yes, please! In A Rebecca Mystery: The Crystal Ball, Rebecca finds a chilling note attached to one of Mr. Rossi's carrier pigeons and believes him and herself could be in danger. But only a trip to a fortune teller could solve the case! By Jacqueline Dembar Greene, available in March.

An InnerstarU book about a girl who makes videos? In Behind the Scene, readers can imagine themselves a girl who loves making videos and has created her best one for InnerstarU's video contest, but when she realizes something in her video might offend her friend, she second-guesses herself in entering. By Erin Falligant, available in March.

A self-esteem how-to book? Interesting, but I think this is very needed! A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself—Even on the Bad Days includes tips on how to keep your self-esteem up and learning to be your best in any situation. I especially like the cover art- sometimes you need an umbrella on rainy days! By Laurie Zellinger, available in March.

I really am excited for all of the new titles- especially Doll Travel and the new InnerstarU series with helpful puzzles for school. Yay! You can see all of the new books here. What are some of your favorites?

~Gabby

New Series! (CONTEST 5 POSTS BELOW!)

Hey girls! Please watch the video- the pilot of a possible new series- and tell me what you think.

Here's the description:
Set in an all-girls boarding school in the mountains in Colorado, Aspenwood Prep only accepts the finest. But when the school is short on funding, the principal Ms. Hopkins, enlists the help of the student council, consisting of chemistry geek Natalie Wright and her arch-enemy Lana Madison.

Please tell me what you think!
~Gabby

Happy Birthday!

Hey girls! I just wanted to write this post before we eat at Maggiano's (it's for my sister's birthday- yum). I  want to say:

Happy Birthday to Kayla!

(my sister!)

and

Happy Birthday to Katrina!

(a reader!)

I hope both of you girls have a super special day!
~Gabby

Week #1: Kaya {AGBC}

Hey girls! Are you ready to start the AGBC? Well, I am and we are starting January with one of my favorite American Girl characters- Kaya.
Here are some fun facts about Kaya:

• Kaya's books' titles are the first to differ from the traditional format, for ex. Kaya's Hero and Kaya Shows the Way.
• While Kaya's tribe is known as the Nez Perce, though the Nez Perce people refer to themselves as the Nimiipu.
• Kaya has one sister, Speaking Rain, who is blind, and twin brothers. 

So for this week, we will be reading Meet Kaya: An American Girl and Kaya's Escape: A Survival Story. Come back regularly for updates on my sidebar- I will be posting where I am in the books and what I like so far! Then once you've finished the two books, come back and answer these questions. I look forward to seeing your answers and replying to any of your questions. Remember, this is a book club so questions are encouraged- ask anybody about the books in the comments section!

Here are my questions for you:

Trivia Questions:

Kaya is given the nickname Magpie for competing in what event?

Kaya and Speaking Rain are kidnapped by which Native American tribe?

Book Questions:

What is your favorite part about of both of the books?

What do you think of Kaya's character so far? Do you think she's brave and daring, or just a fool?

I look forward to reading your comments and replying to them as well!

~Gabby

ps. Every Thursday is an AGBC Day!

My Opinions on New American Girl Products!

Hi! I was originally planning to post this post later, but I have a week of brand new posts coming up, so I decided why not now? Enjoy and feel free to post your own opinions in the comments sections!

McKenna- $105

Personally, I love McKenna! I really think she's like a real girl of the year- she doesn't get the best grades in school, she has little-white-lies, and she works hard to pursue her dreams. I really think she's one of the most realistic GOTYs. I also love her starter collection- it comes with so many pieces that really complete her world. I also really like her outfits, especially her meet outfit- it looks so cute. I've also heard a lot of complaints about McKenna's looks. She does look a lot like Chrissa, and I think she would've been cuter if she had hazel of green eyes, but nonetheless, I really think she's cute!

McKenna's Accessories- $26

$26 for a bunch of paper junk? I'm sorry, but it's a doll sized back with a bunch of paper products and a plastic water bottle. I can make half of this stuff and purchase the rest for probably less than $2.

McKenna's Loft Bed Set- $225

I heard many people rave about this bed, and I think it's cool, but not one of my favorite sets. I really like the idea of a loft bed- it's something no other doll has ever had. I personally don't like the color, I think it pops in your face waaaay to much, but I do like that it comes with mini books- not an electronic in sight, but three little books!

McKenna's Rain Gear- $34

Excuse me? $34 for this? Doll rain boots and a doll umbrella? I mean $34? THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS? EEEEEP- it's so expensive! I'm am SO not buying this. Again, THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS?

Sports Top & Brief Set- $10

I know I've said this before, but it's a sports bra. And it's weird. Just plain wrong too.

Sporty Wristlet for Dolls- $8

Eight dollars for this? I can make that- for half the price.

I hope you enjoyed by rants and feel free to post your own opinions too!

~Gabby

ps. AGBC starts tomorrow!

The American Girl Book Club

Hi girls! I debated holding off announcing the book club because of the over-whelming response I got with my contest, but I promised you a program and I'm keep my promises! :-)

Anyways, let me tell you about my new program: The American Girl Book Club.

This is the internet's first and only online book club surrounding the American Girl Historical Character series! What's great about this is that there are no starting dates or times: Simply join in and participate the weeks you want! Read on for more information!

How does this book club work?

It works like this: Every month, I introduce a new Historical character that we will be focusing on. For the first three weeks in each month, we will read the character's six-book series and on the last week, I will have a featured game about that character, make a recipe that that character might've made, or even host a giveaway!

Will there be discussions?

Yes, however not directly. On the weeks when I introduce new books, there will also be a trivia question that you can only answer once you have read the story. In the comments sections, readers will be able to answer the question, but also ask each other questions as well- and I of course will be joining in!

What if I don't own the books we are focusing on?

You can check out from the library. But don't worry if you can't get them in time, all of my AGBC posts will be kept in a special page (not yet up) so you can access them if needed.

Does it cost anything and am I required to make an online account?

Nope. This is all featured on my blog- and all for free!

I hope you participate! Oh, and remember, you're never to old to read American Girl books, this isn't just for 8 year olds, but for the child in all of us. :-)

~Gabby

CONTEST- Girl of the Year 2013! (UPDATED!!!)

Hiya! Yes, I'm bring back my hit contest from last year! Where you- yes, you- can design your dream Girl of the Year! Here are rules:

• Only one entry person.
• I'm no longer accepting entries by e-mail.
• Entries must be received by Friday, January 20, 2012
• Also, every entrant must have access to an e-mail and parents' permission. Because, if you win, I will need to contact you so you can claim your prize (some prizes may have to be shipped).

Now, here's how to enter!

1. Create the Girl of the Year 2013! Use photo editing programs such as Picnik, Photoshop, OR you can use the My American Girl doll creator here. Try to make her look different from any of the previous GOTYs. Save the picture to your computer.
2. Next, upload your picture to photo-hosting website such as Flickr, Picasa, OR upload it to Blogger. 
3. Then, create a story for your doll with her name, state, intrests etc. Try to make it unique and again, different from any of the other GOTYs. You must post your story to go along with your photo. Also, your story should be a paragraph.
4. Finally, post a comment with the link to the post or picture.

Now, for the prizes! This year, I'm doing things a little different. Instead of doing a first, a second, and a third place, there will be two grand-prize winners and a one first place winner! Read about the prize below....

The first grand-prize winner will win an exclusive Minneapolis American Girl store tee! Plus, a blog header and/or icon!

The second grand-prize winner will win an exclusive craft- from the American Girl store! This is fun craft that I made at the American Girl store (on the left) and the extras (on the right)- you win three! Plus, a blog header and/or icon, and a blog award!

The first place winner will win a blog header and/or icon, and a blog award!

Every entrant will also receive an honorable mention!

Please enter- I look forward to seeing and reading all of your fun entries! You can also see the contest winners here last year for inspiration.

Good luck to all!

~Gabby

ps. Also, I will randomly select which winners get what prize, using random.com and flipping a coin. However, if both winners would rather have the other prize, they are welcome to switch- but both winners must get confirmation from me. 

McKenna's Here (and Other New Stuff)!

Hey! Let's get right to it (I'll post my opinions later this week)!

Girl of the Year- McKenna

McKenna Doll and Book- $105

McKenna's Accessories- $26

McKenna's Pajamas- $24

McKenna's Loft Bed- $225

McKenna's Cast and Crutches- $30

McKenna's Fancy Outfit- $28

McKenna's School Outfit- $28

McKenna's Beam and Bar- $80

McKenna's Dog- $24

McKenna's Rain Gear- $34

McKenna's Gymnastics Wardrobe- $34

McKenna's Starter Collection- with an exclusive warm-up outfit- $185

My American Girl

Ruffled Hoodie- $30

Pretty Party Outfit- $28

Sporty Sunglasses- $8

Party Purse- $8

Sporty Wristlet- $8

Flower Purse- $8

Blue Tank and Brief Set- $12

Dot Cami and Brief Set- $12

Sports Top and Brief Set- $10 (EXCUSE ME? AG, you made a Sports Bra?!?!?!?)

Well, that's all thats new for the American Girl dolls! I hoped you enjoyed this post and I dare say I am the first to post all of these new things.... Hmmm....

Anywho, check back tomorrow for a contest, then check back the next day for a new year-long program, then check back later this week for my opinions on all this new stuff!

Happy New Year,

Gabby