My Love List No. 5

Hi!

I was a bit rundown yesterday, but after a long rest, I am feeling much better.

Let’s see, I’m loving…

• McKenna and American Girl’s other releases: On Sunday, this little cutie will be for sale in AG stores and online. With weeks of waiting, I am looking forward to seeing her entire collection in person! There have been plenty of leaks in the online world, enough that we can even see her entire collection! Catalogues have been sent {click here to see inside}, the books have been released {I’ve downloaded both samples on my Kindle} and now all we can do is wait for tomorrow morning! I will have to wait to see the official items, but so far I have been eyeing McKenna’s rain boots and crutches set. From the looks of it, McKenna will have a fairly large collection, and the MyAG and Bitty lines seem to have some new products as well. Doll Diaries has done a terrific job rounding up all of the information. Click here to see the post!

• January’s TV lineup: I always find winter to have plenty of TV shows lined up, and this year there is no exception! Over summer break and the past week, {sometimes} I ate my lunch while watching Price is Right :) I am usually guessing right along with the contestants. Anyhoo, this week Price is Right is having their first ever Celebrity Week! I return to school on Tuesday, so I will only be able to watch Monday’s episode. It should be entertaining! Disney has plenty of new episodes for the month of January, but truthfully, I am only interested in Wizards of Waverly Place. After a long break, Justin, Alex and Max will return on Friday, and will be one show closer to the finale! And, finally, ABC Family’s summer shows, such as Switched at Birth and Pretty Little Liars return this week. The shows aren’t the best, but they are just SO addicting and suspenseful! However, we all know that January marks the return of Glee, which is what I’m mostly concerned about. What are you watching this month?

• Rambling Renovator’s Great Reads Collection 2011: Although yesterday was the last day, Rambling Renovator’s Great Reads of 2011 is definitely something to look into! A list of 28 FABulous blogs, it covers everything from the DIY-ers to the creative and artsy types. I, myself have been following along this week, and I have had a blast scrolling through some new finds! All of the bloggers deserved to be featured, but I especially enjoyed Hi Sugarplum’s Paris themed bedroom {I love a little French :)}, Just Bella’s nursery, this princess party, and these oh-so expensive looking candle holders. Have you noticed I have a thing for kids’ parties and bedrooms yet?

• Trinity Rep’s It’s a Wonderful Life: This was AHmazing! There is really nothing else to say. An outstanding production, It’s a Wonderful Life is set as a radio play telling the story of George Bailey. With only five actors and actresses, each performer had to change their voice for each character. I must say, you would have to be pretty talented to keep each voice straight! I loved Clarence the Angel, and George and Mary are such a sweet couple. My favorite part of both the movie and the play would have to be Zuzu and her flower :) The radio aspect was interesting, and it was a unique way to approach the story. Unfortunately, today is the last day the show is running, but I am hoping Trinity Rep performs it again next year!

{via}

• 2012: I just can’t believe that today is the last day of 2011! I feel like it flew by, but I am looking forward to the new year. I accomplished so much this year, and I hope I can complete even more this year. There is so much I want to do, but I need to take it one step at a time, wouldn’t you agree? Tonight will be laid back, watching a bit of Adele and playing a dozen of board games. Tomorrow, I will make a trip to the American Girl Store, something I have done for a few years now. And, then on Tuesday when I return to school {didn’t vacation just start?} I know I will need to remind myself to write 2012, not 2011. My goal this year is to live in the moment, and try not to stress about the future or the past. What about you?

I may be back later because I kind of threw my schedule off.

Bella :)

zoey noel.

Oops! I totally forgot to give credit to Bonggamom Finds for the McKenna pictures. SO sorry!

B :)

Hello!

Zoey Noel was my sixth {and final} doll. She is a MyAG #46 {I think!} and I received her as a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle two years ago. She received plenty of gifts this year, both for her birthday and Christmas! On Saturday, she left out cookies and milk for Santa, and she was filled with anticipation for the day to come. The plate was covered in goodies, everything from Zoey’s sister’s homemade Rice Krispy Bars to Zoey’s own gingerbread man, along with a gooey Jelly Cookie.

Christmas morning, Zoey awoke to see her stocking overflowing with gifts. She couldn’t wait to open her presents! Zoey was so excited, she didn’t bother to change out of her pajamas. Underneath the tree were a box and a bag, with tags made out to her. What to open first?

Inside of her furry pink stocking, Zoey found a gingerbread cookie. She didn’t even show her family before she ate it up :) Another present inside was an issue of the American Girl magazine! It was a winter edition, and Zoey was sure she would finish it over winter vacation.

Next, Zoey opened the present inside of the snowman bag. It was a gift from her older sister, April.  “I can use this for shopping!” she exclaimed, holding up the bag. But, the present was even better than the bag. “Apples to Apples!” Zoey said with delight. She immediately started to read the directions. She wanted to be a pro by New Year’s Eve. Zoey didn’t want to lose to her best friend, Julie ;)

There was only one present left for Zoey, and it was a birthday and Christmas gift from her parents. Zoey had no idea what was inside of the large, wrapped rectangle, and finally, she couldn’t wait any longer. Zoey pulled out an American Girl box. It was a Cecile doll!

“She’s gorgeous! ThankyouThankyouThankyou!” she said in a rush. Zoey admired the red dress, and played with Cecile’s curls. Zoey could not wait to tell her friend Isabella, who owned Rebecca.

While her mom and dad were in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner, and April was busy with her gifts, Zoey and Cecile read Meet Cecile. It was so intriguing, and Zoey made a note to checkout the other books in the series at the library.

Zoey couldn’t think of a better way to spend her Christmas.

I meant to post this yesterday, but I wasn’t in the mood to post. Isn’t Mini Cecile adorable!? I also love the wee Apples to Apples and Pippaloo’s AG food never disappoints!

I’m sure if you have been anticipating McKenna’s release, you have seen these around the web! I meant to post these yesterday, too. I just love McKenna’s looped braids!

I believe this will be McKenna’s “big item”, like Kanani’s Shaved Ice Stand, and Lanie’s camper. I have no idea if it will be sold separately or not, but I really like those mini books!

Bella :)

The Day After Christmas

Hello!

Have you noticed anything new in the background of Ciao Bella? You know, something wintery? It is only here until January 4th.

I hope you and your family had a fabulous weekend together! I spent my Christmas and Christmas Eve with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, mom, and dad. I slept until 5:50, which is extraordinary considering I am up at 4 on most Christmas mornings ;) The day was filled with the wrapping and unwrapping of presents, playing around with a few of my new items, and eating a Christmas meal!

Today, however, the anticipation and excitement is gone. There is no waiting up, wondering what is under the tree, there is no classic Christmas specials, and there’s no daily advent calendar to open. The decorations are still up, the lights still on, but it just isn’t the same.

Anyhoo, I received plenty of goodies from family members, such as…

• A Kindle Touch: I’ve had so much fun exploring the many features of my Kindle! With an adorable case from Vera Bradley, I’m sure I will be using it often. I already have three books downloaded, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins {I want to read the book before the movie is released}, Reel Life Starring Us by Lisa Greenwald, and What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessan. If you have any advice, I would love your help!

• Revolution and the Pretty Little Liars Boxed Set: Speaking of books, I have flipped through Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, and I’m looking forward to reading it. It is on the lengthy side, but the plot sounds intriguing! And, the PLL series will be the perfect winter beach read ;) As a bookworm, I am sure I will be switching between my Kindle and actual paper books often!

• The Scrapbooker’s Handwriting Workshop: Coolest. Book. Ever. I have this odd obsession with fonts, types, and letter art, so I can’t think of a better gift! Along with my new professional markers, I will now spend my vacation “font”ing everything I own :)

• Professor Layton and the Last Specter: Perhaps my favorite DS game, Professor Layton is an adventure with mysteries, riddles and puzzles! The Last Specter is a prequel to the other games, and according to the internet, there is another Professor Layton game in the works. I love the game SO much {although a few of the puzzles are frustrating} I will most likely finish the game in the next week or two. Oh well! That’s what the new feature, London Life {or something of that nature} is for!

• North Face’s Oso Hoodie in Coffee Brown: One word. Fuzzy :)

I also received a few other presents, but I don’t want this to become a list of everything I got. How was your weekend? Did you get anything special for Christmas? Do tell.

My January/ February issue of American Girl came in the mail on Friday. How adorable were those cupcakes? I am so happy to have a poster to color in this winter. The Valentine’s Day drawing is the cutest!

I have a few post ideas in mind, so we will see how the week turns out.

After Christmas, of course, is the American Girl January release countdown! Only 5 days left until we see McKenna!

Bella :)

My Love List No. 4

Hello!

After one stressful week, I now have 10 days of sleeping in :) Can.not. Wait!

I’m loving…

• The Polar Express: One of our many traditions, my family and I watch this every Christmas Eve. It is such a sweet story, and definitely captures the magic of Christmas! I love the simplicity of both the movie and the book. Its plot and characters make it an instant classic. Although I find it drags a bit in the middle {it is long}, I can’t think of a better way to wind down and spend time with my mom, dad, and siblings. My favorite scene would have to be the Hot Chocolate song! It could be the dancing waiters, or my strange obsession with the drink, but I’m always smiling. If you do plan to watch, please, please, please read the book. The illustrations are OUTstanding!

• These soaps: Because I have such lovely friends, I have purchase a few gifts to exchange, and where else would I find them than Lush? True, I wasn’t there to pick them out {I trusted my mom on this one}, but there is no doubt that my friends will love the sweet-smelling bath products! I am a teeny bit jealous that I’m not the one receiving the present ;) Besides Have a Sweet Christmas, I also gave Buttercup. Both are a great size for a small gift, AND they come wrapped! I am just happy I don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to wrap a star of soap. Of course, you will have to store this gift idea away for next year because I know you have finished all of your Christmas shopping, right? One last note. How cute is that wrapping paper?!

• We Bought A Zoo: Ever since I read about Elle Fanning and her work in this movie in the November/December issue of Girl’s Life, I have been looking forward to We Bought a Zoo! Starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, this movie was released today. Based on the trailers, it looks cute, and I’m sure I will see it sometime soon. Winter breaks can be a bit boring :) I hope it is as good, or even better, as the critics have said!

• These cards: I just love Anthropologie! Tonight, I hope to send an e-card to a few of my closest friends. Using their line of ornaments, Anthropologie animated them to each make an adorable e-card. With cherry messages and the cutest of critters, I’m positive it will put a smile on my friend’s faces. It was SO hard to choose a favorite, but I couldn’t help but noticing that colorful ornament {You Make My World Go Round}, the silly old turtle {Just Popping Up to Say “Happy Happy Holiday!”} and the fun winter wonderland. {Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow} And don’t you love the name, The Branch Bunch?

• Christmas: OH. MY. There is only one day left! I tell myself every year that it is just Christmas, but I can’t help myself. I’m smiling like a little kid and laughing with glee each year on the 25th. I am looking forward to giving presents, but we all know how it feels like to receive one :) Tomorrow will be a day filled with boredom, excitement, and NO sleep. I am up at four and I have to wait until six before we go down on Christmas morning. I also love having the occasional toffee bar or gingerbread man, as well. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends! {And, if you are Jewish, I hope you have a terrific Hanukkah. I have plenty of friends who celebrate it!}

I’m thinking I will be back on Monday, but I might pop in tomorrow. We will just have to wait and see!

Bella :)

The Clueless Girl’s Guide to Being a Genius: A Book Review

Hello!

The Clueless Girl’s Guide to Being a Genius by Janice Repka

Summary: At age four, Aphrodite was accepted into the Gifted and Talented Program. At age eight, she graduated from elementary school, at age nine, completed middle school, and at age eleven, finished high school, Now, a thirteen year old math prodigy, Aphrodite Wigglesmith is teaching a group of math challenged students, who will have to repeat eighth grade if they don’t pass. She hopes to prove her bold theory – anyone can be a math genius like her if they just have the right instruction. But, with students like Mindy Loft, it is going to be a challenge. Mindy could care less about the difference between a square root and a hair root. With a mother who owns a hair salon, Mindy is more focused on her popularity and her baton twirling. Both girls have a lot to learn from each other, but will the fact that Aphrodite is the brains, and Mindy is the beauty, draw them apart?

My Thoughts: Although it was a short read, I enjoyed every minute of The Clueless Girl’s Guide to Being a Genius! As the title suggested, Aphrodite was just so darn clueless! However, I loved her intentions, and she was the kindest and sweetest character in the book. Janice Repka did a terrific job creating different personalities for each character. Mindy was easy to connect with because of her honesty, and her actions and emotions were realistic for a middle schooler. I loved the unexpected friendship between the two, and I felt that they were themselves around each other. The math class may not have been the brightest, but each student had some fab one-liners! I will say I wasn’t pleased with the adults, excluding Mindy’s mother and the men at the pool place. I disliked Aphrodite’s professors. I mean, she may be a math genius, but she’s only thirteen years old! The teachers at the middle school were rude and not very welcoming to Aphrodite, and some of the adults, such as the principal, were a bit stupid for their age. The plot was SO cute, and I loved the happy ending. It may not have been that realistic, but… well, I won’t give anything away ;) I hope to see more of Mindy and Aphrodite, and meanwhile, I will look for more books by Janice Repka!

Pros: Developed and easy to connect with characters!

Cons: The plot was adorable, but basic. The writing also seemed to be for a lower reading level than the suggested age.

Heads Up: Nothing to be warned about.

Overall: I give it 4 1/2 stars {**** 1/2} for a light-hearted, basic read! I recommend it for ages 10 and up.

OH MY. This afternoon, I found the McKenna {American Girl’s Girl of the Year 2012} book covers, and the doll! The doll was found here, and the book cover was found here. I think she is adorable, but she looks like a few of the other dolls. I doubt she will be coming my way, but I can not wait to see her clothing and accessories! I just wish the GOTY’s had more diversity. We’ve had a lot of the same type of dolls. What do you think of McKenna? This is what I look forward to every January!

If you need some last minute holiday cheer, last year’s Glee holiday special will be on tonight at eight!

Bella :)