Did you know that every Wednesday, My Doll’s Life ® gives away a free 18” doll outfit? All you need to do to be eligible is to “like” us on our Facebook page. Winners are chosen at random and there is no purchase necessary. You can like our posts as many times as you would like. We would love for you to visit our Facebook page and say “Hi.”
This weekend is the Kentucky Derby. Why not enjoy a traditional Mint Julep that is perfect for all ages! This “cocktail” contains no alcohol and is easy to make. Totally refreshing and totally Derby! So get your favorite sun hat ready, grab your favorite 18” doll and cheer your favorite horse on to victory! Enjoy this recipe for a non-alcoholic, festive beverage.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 cups cold water
5 cups crushed ice
2-1/2 cups chilled ginger ale
3/4 cup lemon juice
10 mint springs
Directions:
Mix sugar, cold water, lemon juice and at least six mint sprigs in a bowl and let stand for 45 minutes. Strain mixture and remove mint. In a gallon pitcher, add the ginger ale to the sugar mixture. Pour into individual glasses with crushed ice and garnish with lemon slices and additional mint.
Warmer weather requires a new hair style! On the red carpet shows during the Academy Awards, I noticed lots of ponytails! This classic style is easy to do with your American doll. There are lots of tricks to make this simple style look elegant or playful. Add a colorful ribbon or flower to a regular ponytail for a fun look. For a dressier look, brush your doll’s hair and gather it in the back. Leave a small strand near the back out of the ponytail. Once the ponytail is secured with an elastic band, take the remaining strand of hair and wrap it around the elastic band and secure it with a bobby pin. Ponytails are fun and an easy way to give your American doll a new look.
With the Passover and Easter holidays approaching, here are 2 recipes that might be fun for your family and your American Girl® dolls to make together. Chocolate Nests and Chocolate-Toffee Covered Matzo are sure to please family and friends and make your holidays yummy!
Chocolate Nests
Ingredients: 1 C shredded coconut, 1C milk chocolate chips, jelly beans or any egg shaped candy
Instructions: Put chocolate chips in a microwave container and microwave at 1 minute intervals until melted. Add the coconut and mix thoroughly. Drop “nests” by tablespoons onto waxed paper and using your thumb, make a small impression in the “nest”. Allow to cool and fill with your favorite egg shaped candy.
Chocolate-Toffee Covered Matzo
Ingredients: ½ lb matzo, ½ C butter, 1C brown sugar, 8 oz chocolate chips, optional toppings (nuts, marshmallows, sprinkles, cranberries…)
Instructions: Line a cookie sheet with non-stick foil and place matzo end to end, filling the entire cookie sheet. Melt sugar and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour mixture over matzo making sure it is all covered. Bake for 3-4 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Watch carefully! Remove and sprinkle chocolate chips over top of matzo and return to oven for 1-2 minutes. Remove Continue Reading →
With the arrival of spring, we are all looking to venture outdoors to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and longer days. Recently, a cute craft idea was sent to me and I would love to share it with you! It requires a few supplies that you might already have…a flower pot, some paint, brushes and a great imagination. I know that 18” doll collectors are creative and I would love to know what hidden talents you all have!
SHABBY CHIC CLAY POT
Materials:
1 – clean, dry clay pot (any size)
1 – roll of ¾” 3M Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape #2090 Original Multi-Surface
3 – jars of paint (any colors)
1 – jar of glaze (any color)
Paint brushes for each color
1 – roll of paper towels
Directions:
Wipe your clay pot with a damp sponge or paper towel. Let the pot dry fully.
Choose a color palette that fits your taste and décor. We recommend using three colors. Choose which color you want to use for the shapes and stripes, and which color you want to use for the base: a neutral color provides a delicate finished product, while a bright color will make the stripes pop. In this example, we chose to use the bronze as Continue Reading →
We are all seeing the green as St. Patrick’s Day rapidly approaches. If you want to add some green to your meals, why not try cutting a green pepper to top your salad or stew. By cutting slices through the whole pepper, the curved shape might even resemble a shamrock! Parsley leaves are sometimes bunched in three also resembling a clover. This herb is colorful and tastes wonderful on top of soups. Although not shamrock shaped, broccoli and asparagus are readily available, green and very good for you. So why not be creative and healthy at the same time! Try to see how you can incorporate green vegetables into your meals …not only for St. Patrick’s Day, but for every day! Check out this link for more kid friendly recipes… http://familyfun.go.com/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-recipes/
Are you a leaper or leapling? A what? Yes, that’s correct…someone celebrating a birthday today, February 29th. If so, Happy Birthday! On non leap years, when do you celebrate your birthday? How are you planning on celebrating? Will your 18” doll be celebrating with you? Why not add some festive desserts for the celebration! Q-DES-MIX will make your party table festive! These erasers look like authentic desserts and are perfect if your American doll is throwing you a party. Any way you choose to celebrate, all of us at My Doll’s Life® wish you a very happy birthday!
The translation of Mardi Gras is fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday falls on the day before Ash Wednesday which is the first day of Lent. Regardless of your culture or religious backgrounds, Mardi Gras is a joyous celebration filled with wild costumes, great foods, and lots of fun! Why not try a recipe for a traditional Louisiana sandwich called a Po’ Boy. This usually includes some kind of meat or for this time of year, fish, and served on French bread, cut to the size of a 5-6 inch sandwich. You can experiment with shrimp, cod, or roast beef. Dress your sandwich with a variety of condiments, some mayo and enjoy! If you are up for a baking challenge, you can try King Cake for dessert. The links for the recipes are just suggestions and lots more are available on line! Your doll can help when she’s dressed in the Chef’s outfit DRBC!
If you are planning a Halloween party for your friends and their American dolls, here is a cute idea for your goody bags or favors. If your American doll needs a costume, we have some adorable choices!
Supplies:
White paper food containers from your local craft store
Pipe cleaners in orange and black
Markers, stickers, black craft paper, glue stick
Directions:
Decorate the sides of the food container by drawing designs, cutting out Halloween shapes, or using stickers. Be creative and have fun…no two are going to be the same!
Take one each of an orange and black pipe cleaner and twist them together. Beginning at one end of the metal handle of the food container, wrap the twisted pipe cleaner around the handle and be sure to secure it at both ends.
Add treats and goodies for your guests.
The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins next week. Traditionally, during this celebration of the Jewish New Year, apples and honey are incorporated into the meal. These foods represent the hopes for a sweet new year. Now, you can prepare something as simple as sliced apples dipped in honey, or if you want to be a bit more creative, here is an easy recipe that you and your American girl might enjoy!
Baked Apples
6 apples, cored
1/2 cup quick-cook oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp cinnamon
6 tbsp butter
1 pint vanilla ice cream (optional)
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place cored apples in baking dish.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and butter. Pack mixture into apples.
Step 3: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until apples are soft. Adults will need to do this as these will be very hot.
Step 4: Place apples in individual bowls and top each with a scoop of ice cream.
