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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 8, 2015 10:21:55 GMT -5
I downloaded the free app to my ipad and I was able to watch the included Maryellen movies just fine without the television console. I even recorded my own video and played it back. My husband was such a good sport about starring in my show. We both had a good laugh and then I used my phone to videotape the video so I could send it to my daughter. What a fun app! The debate is over if you can build your own console and use the "toy mode" to press the buttons which it appears you can't without the case it comes in. Of course not in toy mode you can make videos and watch them. Sorry if that's wasn't clear.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 23:03:54 GMT -5
So sweet! You all look like you had a blast!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 22:19:46 GMT -5
What is the quality of the iPad case? Would this be something you could use all the time for the iPad? Is it durable? Thank you for the great review! I think it would Be! It's VERY thick and sturdy feeling and the coins make sure it locks in nice and tight! I think they had this in mind when designing it personally, that you would keep it in the case a lot. Then again, Ypu can't use the camera when the case is on, so I guess not lol!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 22:18:04 GMT -5
Oooh! I like that you were able to figure out where to touch the screen to make the functions work. We have an iPad mini, and we did download the app, but I don't think it will fully work inside the console. I can see trying to build one of my own that fits the mini. Do the records play (spin and make noise) without an iPad? . You can totally build your own console, it would be really cool if someone would!! And I'll make a video showing you where to press (sometimes you need two fingers!) to change functions. ETA : Nope, sorry, please see the end of the original review for an update. You canNOT make your own and have it function the same without the case (unless you can figure out a very sensitive "pressure" system). The records never spin or make noise, you don't need to put them on the tv, it's all the iPad that makes the noise. The speakers are fake, you just hear your own iPad's sound out of the left one.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 19:39:37 GMT -5
Some collectors and I had a GOTY Deluxe Birthday Celebration at AG Natick to get the exclusive Grace Bon-Bon tee and boy are we glad we did! The number of freebies you get is amazing and with the meal included, it was really a great deal! It was $47 per person (plus tip and tax ~$60) but you get an appetizer, entree, cake and ice crea, a private dining room with lots of games and trivia, and the following gift bag -- IMG_6412 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr We got -- the exclusive Bon Bon t-shirt, a doll-sized chef's hat, a human sized chef hat (not pictured), a paper picture frame, a human size crown, a doll-sized crown, a coupon for $10 off a hair style, a ton of Grace stickers, a cupcake with separate liner, an American Girl mug and plate, a fake balloon for the doll, a hair elastic for us (that looks perfect for Maryellen actually!), a small pamphlet of recipes, and a box to bring it all home in that looks like Grace's bakery! IMG_6413 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr I love the back of this tee! The only closure is a little bit of velcro at the left shoulder. IMG_6415 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6416 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6417 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6418 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6425 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 19:31:55 GMT -5
I'm in love with this set! I really thought the set would just be the fingerless gloves and hat, which would have been overpriced at $24, but when I found out the vest was included to, I bit! And I'm glad I did! The only thing I'd negatively say is that the fleece is the kind that already looks like it's piling, and the seam of the gloves stands out far from the hands, but the rest is so charming and I'm very happy with the purchase! The vest even has a tiny metal 'American Girl' logo on the front. This will keep your girl warm this winter! IMG_6441 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr You can see the look of 'piling' on the vest's lining already here -- IMG_6443 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6444 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Close-up of the logo metal Fingerless gloves close-up IMG_6445 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Hat close up IMG_6446 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The hat is lined in the matching fleece -- IMG_6447 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The velcro closure in the front doesn't go all the way up IMG_6451 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6452 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Look at the top of the glove and you can see how far it sits away from the hand. This wouldn't bother a child I'm sure lol! IMG_6454 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Hat detail IMG_6455 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Hat detail IMG_6456 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr My grade: Playability: A (The fingerless gloves shouldn't get lost too easy. They're rather hard to get on LOL!) Durability: B+ if only for the fact that it already looks old due to the pilling (piling?) Value for the Money: B+, it could always be a little cheaper, right?
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 19:23:21 GMT -5
I can't believe this dress was sold out in Boston. I mentioned to my PS that I wanted it (and the display one was very nice) so she very generously got me one she had out back that she was thinking of getting for her teen daughter but couldn't decide and knew they would restock before the holidays. So very kind of her! Now that I have it home and open, I wish I had waited for others to give their reviews before buying it. With the dress already sold out (back ordered) when I made the longggg drive to the store, I figured I had better buy it right away rather than risk it going on sale. Whoops. The crazy thing is, it actually looks BETTER in photos than it does in real life, so when I'm complaining how horrible it looks, please don't assume I'm being over dramatic -- it somehow photographs much better than it looks! Where to start? The bodice is HUGE on all my dolls; the bows at her shoulders don't sit even and aren't really bows at all; the velcro has already snagged on the bodice and had pulled out threads before I even touched it so it must have been opened at the store; the skirt's underskirt is nasty and crumpled; the whole dress creams cheap, cheap, cheap in person. I like the shoes and purse, but the hair pin is difficult to open and get in the hair, I think it will be very tricky for children. But the flower itself is nice. Okay, here are some pictures (please remember that the pictures look much better than the dress looks in person) -- IMG_6458 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6459 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6460 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6461 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6469 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6462 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6463 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Huge, cheap, snagged in back IMG_6464 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6465 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6466 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The bows only have a pleat on ONE side and they don't even lay correctly?? IMG_6470 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6471 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr #61 can rock anything! IMG_6473 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6474 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr My grade: Playability: C, at least the shoes and purse are cute. Durability: D - it already looks old and almost like a gray-market item, straight out of the box, and I can't imagine that bobby pin isn't going to break quickly or get lost Value for the Money: F
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 19:11:49 GMT -5
This was the only thing I was going to buy for myself at the store and it was the only piece of ME's collection that I really loved when I saw the pictures. Now that I have it, I am a tad disappointed and need to make some changes to it. I'm sorry to be a 'negative nelly' but here are some close-ups with issues I'm having with mine -- I really like this dress but I think it looks so sad and hangs so limp without a crinoline! I won't pay $16 for one but know plenty of seamstresses who make them for about half the price and I'll be glad to give them the business. IMG_6437 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The bow looks super cheap when you look at it closely and doesn't sit right IMO -- IMG_6434 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The sash isn't attached and I really struggle getting mine to stay at the waist line which I hate. I'm going to try to tack it down without being too obvious -- IMG_6431 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Here's a side view of the shoes. They remind me of slippers but at least they slide on easily! IMG_6428 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr So just another perspective. Once I get the crinoline and make the changes, I think I will appreciate the dress more. I do love the color and don't think the flower looks as cheap as some people are saying - I think it's actually quite well made!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 19:04:30 GMT -5
This item was introduced in 2015 and retired in 2019.A large TV console was truly the entertainment center in the 1950s. This one features a built-in pretend record player and encyclopedia books, a bonsai tree figurine, three pretend records and record sleeves, and a paper-card "screen" to view on the TV. Plus, your girl can create and watch her own videos on the console with her iPad* W: 11 3/4" (29.8cm) x H: 13 1/2" (34.3cm) x D: 4 1/4" (10.8cm).*Use your iPad (not included) to download the free Maryellen TV Console app from the App Store. The American Girl app works with iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2. Does not work with other devices. Screen protectors may interfere with TV functions.I love this piece! It is HEAVY but so cool! Hubby helped me figure out where to touch the iPad when it is NOT in the TV to get it to change the volume, video, and make static so in fact, you could make your own console! I'll try to take a video of us playing with that and add it to the review later on. For now, I have a ton of pictures. You use a coin to close the case around the iPad and there is an option to change between the iPad and the iPad Air so there is a very secure fit around it. The instructions provided weren't complete in my opinion but I was able to figure it out. The side panel of the tv is pretty difficult for me to open and I was very upset to see that the tv is scratched INSIDE the screen (there's a photo of me pointing at it in one of the photos). I'm hoping to be able to squeeze my hand inside to clean the inside of the tv screen but don't know if that will help. There are four smudges on the inside too (fingerprints?) which will have to be cleaned, too, but they are difficult to photograph. IMG_6498 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr. This is how it comes in the box. IMG_6499 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The records and sleeve are taped to the bottom of it and I could see them getting damaged as you remove them if you're not really careful. IMG_6501 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6500 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The accessories laid out. IMG_6506 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Instructions Pg 1 IMG_6503 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Instructions Pg 2 IMG_6505 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Last page of instruction booklet IMG_6507 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The side panel doesn't just pop open on mine. It's difficult to make it open. IMG_6508 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Once the panel is open, you can see where the iPad case fits in. The part (side strap) you grab is rubber and flexible. IMG_6509 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Two sided board is VERY thick and sturdy which I appreciated! I keep the "stay tuned" side showing when not in use. IMG_6510 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Showing the coin lock function. There's one at each corner. IMG_6512 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The toggle between iPad and iPad Air. there are two toggles. IMG_6514 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The other side of the included board. IMG_6517 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6519 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr My screen has a big scratch INSIDE it. IMG_6522 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr My real life "Scooter"! IMG_6524 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr If you turn the antenna, the screen becomes staticky! IMG_6528 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The music screen. Long story short, I think this piece is really amazing and really gives you a lot of chances to show your creativity! The fact that you can control everything on the outside with buttons is very cool and realistic! And since hubby showed me where you need to touch the iPad screen (or iPhone!) to make the static appear, change the channels, or play music in "toy" mode, you can actually make your own console and download the app for free if you don't have an iPad! Very cool!Actually, I'm sorry guys -- the iPad had been in the case (but not inside the TV) when he was showing me this. Once we removed the case, it wouldn't operate the way we wanted. He figured out that the four pieces in the corners of the case are providing pressure which he thinks is telling the app that the iPad is in the tv. So, longer story short -- it looks like you CAN'T use the functions without the case. IMG_6545 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr I'm leaving out more info as I think it is covered in most of the video reviews you can find on Youtube. My grade: Playability: A+ (if you have an iPad) Durability: A Value for the Money: if you have an ipad - A+! If not, well, it would just sit there so I really couldn't say.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 7, 2015 18:45:18 GMT -5
This shirt is only available as part of the "Grace Deluxe Birthday Party" package at an AG Place store. Check out my review of the whole package under the "AG Exclusives Items" thread. I love this tee! The back has a sweet cross-over look and there's only a small section of velcro at her shoulder to close the top. The front features Bon Bon, Grace's dog, and there is a small "Grace" patch on the front of the shirt. The shoulders have a very cute little 'puff' to them as well! IMG_6413 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6415 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6449 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6448 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr IMG_6425 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
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Post by sarahgregarious on Jul 7, 2015 7:52:30 GMT -5
I can't wait to purchase this set! I was really not on board until I saw it in person and now believe it is way better than Molly's radio because you can turn the dial to get other stations and there's static between them, get louder and softer as you 'tune in' the channel - it sounds so authentic!! Solid 'A' from me!! Here is a video of us playing with the radio in the AG Boston store! Sorry for the bad quality, it was a loud store.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Jul 6, 2014 9:33:58 GMT -5
When I saw the Himalayan kitty with the Preppy Pet outfit, I swallowed hard at the price and pulled the trigger after two days of debate. Since this review is for the outfit only, I'll keep my commentary to that. photo 1 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The skirt and collar seem very well made, but it took me a minute to figure the collar out. (It comes flat in the package and I had to recheck the website's picture to see that it was meant to be 'flipped' down.) I like the stretchy material. Mine was impeccably sewn. The collar at first looked too tight for her neck and slicked down her fur, making it look like she had a huge head, but after some playing with it, I'm much more satisfied now. photo 2 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr The headpiece, on the other hand, is a bit of a confusing disappointment. It is NOT meant to be worn around the one ear, as it looks like on the American Girl website. It's actually a headband. I didn't think anything of this, until I tried to put it on the kitty. It looked RIDICULOUS. Like an eye patch that slicked down her fur in weird places and didn't sit prettily at all. So I left mine balanced on the head to make it look more like the website's picture. photo 3 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr I also had to get used to way the collar closes. The velcro makes the closure look not as smooth as I was expecting, but I got used to it. photo 4 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Wow, I'm normally not fussy at all, but for this price, I guess it had a few too many things for me to get used to in order to really love it. photo 5 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr Cost: $18 My overall grade : B
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Post by sarahgregarious on Feb 24, 2014 6:45:20 GMT -5
The other members have provided some excellent reviews!
The only thing I will add after purchasing this set on Saturday in Natick -- the bow on the dress is purposefully sewn down to give it a "floppy ears" look. On my dress, it looks like a sad bow but on the direct dress above it looks nice. Anyone who buys their dress in person might want to check multiple boxes if this would bother them. It bothered me but the two display dolls had the "sad bow" look so I assumed they were supposed to look that way. I might try to unpick them and reset it.
Overall, I give this set an easy A!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Nov 17, 2012 12:56:35 GMT -5
I have all except Kathleen and they are truly treasures! I would be more likely to keep these dolls over any of my 18" AG stuff (Felicity not included in that) just because of how really exquisite the details on them are! I still see new details that I never noticed before! Kathleen was my uber want!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Sept 12, 2011 8:21:32 GMT -5
But with no music stand, no cello stand, and I heard the rosin isn't real but the original violin's was (though I wouldn't know what a real one looks like), I feel this is a really pricey toy for just displaying (as it makes no noise, whether it be electronic or actual because the bow isn't functional). $48 should have been $56 and included the stand at the very least. How's the poor girl supposed to read her music?
I'd give it a B- for those reasons.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Jul 29, 2011 14:26:12 GMT -5
My Kanani was shipped to me directly from AG, and yes, she does have one eye opening slightly smaller than the other but I don't mind it. She looks like me in that way.
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Post by sarahgregarious on Jul 11, 2011 21:17:54 GMT -5
Does anyone know when this set was retired? (Was it before Mattel took over? I don't need an exact year.)
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Post by sarahgregarious on Jul 1, 2011 0:23:32 GMT -5
I have both and was just looking at them a couple of days ago - there are definite differences. I have one of the first ones issued and one of the last (in terms of the years they were bought). Some differences I noticed: ~in her flower wreath (the first was so delicate and made from very soft fabric, but the second held up much better and looked more like the fake fabric flowers you can find in craft stores now. They are very good quality). ~There are two differences in the original one's ears versus the newer one - the newer one has a crease in the ear (it's folded a tad to make it stand up/out) but the PM one I have the ears are *almost* flat, the crease is much less defined. Also, the older one's ears are much bigger! ~The newer one is soooo soft and fluffy, like cotton and bushy, but the older one is a skinnier version with shorter fur. ~This could just be mine... but the older one's fur is all greyish and the newer one is white (but the even coloring leads me to believe it may have been released this way? It's not *grey* exactly... just a lite greyish tint. ~The eyes of the Mattel version are a dark chocolate brown, while the PM ones appear to be almost a (lighter) brick brown. ~The tails - PM's tail lays down whereas Mattel's tail stands up! ETA - edited for a mix-up from exhaustion! Now the description reads more accurately! (See pics below!) <broken image links removed> Notice the ears and the wreaths<broken image links removed> The PM one looks skinnier when looking head-on<broken image links removed> Tail up - Tail Down<broken image links removed> I knew I was forgetting something! The PM one is the tiniest bit heavier than Mattel but neither ways anything close to what Sombrita weighs! (That's one heavy goat! I guess the sheep are lighter because they're all fluff!... Like me! ) Mod edit to combine consecutive posts
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Post by sarahgregarious on Apr 14, 2011 17:05:15 GMT -5
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Post by sarahgregarious on Apr 9, 2011 5:26:39 GMT -5
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Post by sarahgregarious on Mar 27, 2011 10:44:40 GMT -5
Isabel was my first GOML and I adore her! She's so delicate looking and entricately done, she earns an A A A A all the way home!! I've never had any problems or issues with her hair net or charms, she's just perfect!
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Post by sarahgregarious on Mar 22, 2011 21:14:56 GMT -5
I've got the 'pleather' vest mentioned by a member above and the fit is atrocious! It is huge on the poor doll and doesn't lay right. Now that I know earlier versions fit better I'll buy them! Latest Mattel version - B
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Post by sarahgregarious on Mar 4, 2011 17:01:30 GMT -5
I received my set about 15 years ago for Christmas and just dug it out to check on the thimbles and the child's one has the repeating fish symbol. Was 1995 or 1996 around when Felicity first came out?? I'm getting forgetful in my old age, haha! Hope I could help!!
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