Sunday Social (15)

It's been a while since I've had a chance to link up with A Complete Waste of Makeup's Sunday Social, but am doing so today. I wound up with a extra time this morning, and thought the questions were fun, so here we go!
1. 1. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
In 1st grade I would famously say either an astronaut or an ice cream man. Talk about both ends of the spectrum there, right?

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?
I loved to read, but is that really a surprise to anyone? I also loved playing with my American Girl dolls or Barbies, and for a slightly non-girly pastime, had fun playing dinosaurs with my brother in our front yard.
3. When did you get your first cell phone?
I think my junior year of high school, which would have made me 16.

4. What is your favorite magazine to read?
I've cut back my magazines subscriptions lately, since I never seem to have the time to read them all. But the one magazine I have to read every week is Entertainment Weekly.
5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?
I guess it could be considered random depending on who you ask, but I always try to have a book in my purse.

If you're stopping by from Sunday Social, be sure to say hi in the comments! Or if you haven't linked up, let me know what some of your answers to these questions would be.

Sunday Social (12)

This week's Sunday Social, hosted by A Complete Waste of Make-up, is a bit of a flashback post. I definitely found some fun pictures to share, and hope you enjoy them as well!

1. What was your first car?
My first car is actually my current car, a 2001 Toyota Echo.
Here's me and my brother with it, right before we drove cross-country as I moved from California to Louisiana.

2. Who was your favorite childhood teacher?
I had a lot of great teachers growing up, but my favorites were probably Miss Skaags in 1st grade, and Mr. Ferrara in 3rd grade.

3. Were you involved in any sports/extracurricular activities?
I played soccer growing up, all the way through college. And just as proof...
This is in 1st grade with my team, Pink Lemonade. I'm in the first row, second from the left.
In 6th grade, I was a member of No Fear.
In 10th grade on my high school's team.
My senior class teammates in college after my last soccer game ever.

4. What was your favorite birthday party?
My mom had several Penny Whistle party books, that I used to love going through imagining having each and every of their parties. So it's no surprise that my favorite party, a Shipwrecked party in 3rd, is probably one of my all-time favorites.
5. Who was your teen celebrity crush?
In elementary school I figured I'd be unique and decided since everyone else loved JTT, I'd love Elijah Wood instead.

6. What show/movie did your parents not allow you to watch?
I really don't remember any. I do remember when I started watching Party of Five, after a few episodes my mom watched it with me to make sure it was appropriate for me to watch. (Which she decided it was.) But I'm guessing I just didn't have much of an interest in watching things that weren't child appropriate.

If you haven't linked up with Sunday Social, feel free to tell me your answers in the comments. And if you have, let me know so I can stop by!

28

It's my birthday! And what a year this past one has been. A year ago today my parents were out in Louisiana visiting. While my mom wasn't feeling her best, she did feel well enough to bake me a birthday cake. She pulled out my copy of Joy of Cooking (which used to be hers) and made White Cake #2, which she frosted with satsuma frosting using the satsumas from out backyard. I don't have a photo of it, which is unfortunate since it's the last cake my mom ever baked for me.

Here I am a year later, a married woman and barely a month away from my mom's yahrzeit. A year ago I was looking forward to my wedding, but never could have guessed that my mom wouldn't be there. I never would have known that the year ahead would feature an amazing day, but one I can't quite call the happiest day of my life due to who was missing.

I'm hopeful that this next year is better. I'm not necessarily expecting better highs (after all not much tops getting married), but I'd like to have far less lows. And considering where I was a year ago today, who really knows what the next year will bring. So to close, here's me and my parents on my original birth day, 28 years ago.
As a birthday present to me, I'd love it if everyone could de-lurk themselves and say hello. I do my best to keep up with all my followers, so if I'm not already following your blog I'd love to be. Be sure to leave your blog url (even if you think I'm already reading) and let me know where in the world you're blogging from (or if you don't have a blog, then where you're commenting from). (I beleive I got this idea from Amber who did the same from a few years ago, and I've been wanting to do the same ever since.)

Back From the Dead

Frankenweenie
Growing up my mom and I used to love watching Tim Burton's original Frankenweenie when it played on Disney channel. My mom even recorded it so we could watch it whenever we wanted. So we were both excited when we heard that Tim Burton was turning his short into a full length animated movie a la Nightmare Before Christmas, which was another favorite in our house.

Last November Entertainment Weekly posted one of the first images from the movie, and I couldn't wait to talk with my mom about it. Except at that point my mom was in the hospital and I couldn't talk to her over the phone. I thought about asking my dad to make sure she saw it, except never did. I guess I just didn't think it was that important. After all she would soon be out of the hospital and we'd have plenty of time to talk about the movie. Except if you're familiar with my story you know that isn't the way it turned out.

With such history there was no way I wasn't going to see this movie the weekend it came out (even with Pitch Perfect and Taken 2 coming out this weekend). And knowing my back story with it no matter what it was going to be emotional for me. But there's this small detail that this movie is about a boy loosing his pet dog and bringing him back from the dead. So is it any surprise that I wound up crying at 3 or 4 different parts in this?

Emotions aside, I really did like this movie. While I do remember loving the original, I don't remember all the details, but the movie did hit the parts I remember. Being a cartoon it is a kids' movie, except it definitely is for more mature kids, which makes it difficult for it to find an audience.

If you loved the original, than I think you have to see this. Or if you're a fan or kid-type movies, than I think you'll enjoy this one as well. For me, I do think this is one that I'll want to own when it finally makes it to dvd.

Sunday Social (5)

I'm once again linking up with A Complete Waste of Makeup's Sunday Social, for a few flashback themed questions.A Complete Waste of Makeup's Sunday Social.1. What do you miss most about being a kid?
I miss falling asleep on the drive home being half asleep at arrival, and having someone carry you into bed. Yes, it's silly but I still wish someone would carry me to bed from the car instead of being forced to wake up and walk inside. I even remember trying to get my parents to do it when I was in high school, but even then I was too old to be carried to bed. Such a silly thing to miss, but still...
2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
In general most nicknames tended not to stick with me. But at times my mom would call me Shosh, and my BFF used to call me Shoshie Moshie at times, or at least something along those lines.
3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?
I definitely went through phases, but in 1st grade (when the above picture is from), I used to love doing the rings. No idea if they still have them in schools because they seem "too dangerous" but I used to love them.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through several phases. At times I wanted to be a teacher, a lawyer, a chemist who created artificial flavors. Although my parents love the story of how in first grade I wanted to be... well we're save that til the last question actually.
5. What was your favorite toy?
I loved my American Girl dolls. I had a Felicity and a Doll of Today called Allison. I still love them, but it is a little disappointing that the items aren't nearly as well made now that they're manufactured by Mattel.
6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?
As I started on Question #4, in 1st grade I wanted to be either an astronaut or an ice cream man. Which is why the photo above it so perfect. Not just because I'm eating an ice cream cone, but because I'm pretty sure that photo was taken in D.C., which is where I first got the idea to be an astronaut by visiting the Air and Space museum.

If you haven't participated in Sunday Social yet, them tell me some of your answers in the comments. And if you already have, be sure to let me know so I can make sure to stop by.

Sunday Social (4)

Today we're having a little flashback with A Complete Waste of Make-Up's Sunday Social. I'm really looking forward to every one's posts this week to see just what you looked like when you were younger. So Let's get to the pictures!

1. What were you like in Middle School/HS?(pictures)
This is me, I believe, in 7th grade. The photo was taken by my BFF/MOH in the empty field by her house. Our houses were about 40 minutes apart but my parents made the drive over and over so we could spend weekends together. There were probably month long stretches were we didn't see each other, but once we had our driver's licences that trip got a little easier.
2. What were your favorite past times?
I spent most of my time playing soccer. The picture below is in 6th grade. Our team was called "No Fear" which my mom coached to a 6th grade finish. By high school I was playing club as well as at high school. The seasons in California meant we played year round. So club was in the fall, high school was in the winter, then club had spring season, consisting mostly of tournaments. Then in the summer I had both high school and club practices and games.
3. What songs were you obsessed with?(Backstreet Boys anyone?)
How did you know? Seriously, all you have to do is click on my music tag to see that I'm still Backstreet obsessed. I saw them in concert 4 times in high school, and would have gone a 5th time is that concert hadn't been canceled due to AJ being in rehab. The picture below is my BFF/MOH on the lawn on a Backstreet concert, I believe senior year of high school.
4. What fashion statement do you look back on and cringe?
Well I have no fashion sense now, so I definitely didn't have one as a teen. I remember one day in middle school putting on a pair of pants and my mom telling me they were probably too small and back in her day they would call them floods. Of course my mom had to be wrong and I told her no one used that phrase anymore. Of course come to find out middle school-er definitely still used it.

5. Who was your celeb crush?
Nick Carter, obviously. (See question 3!)

6. What were your favorite tv shows/movies?
I loved Part of Five. It was the first "grown-up type" show I remember watching starting in 4th grade or so. I watched every single season, and still remember being disappointed when in finally ended when I was in 10th grade. As for my favorite movies, they would have been The Little Princess and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which are still some of my favorites.

If you haven't linked up with Sunday Social yet, you definitely need to so we can all share middle school pictures. And if you're stopping by here for the first time, be sure to say hi!

The Other Mitzvah

I know I'm in the middle of planning my wedding, but I haven't actually been to many weddings. (Only 6 if I'm counting right.) But what I have been to are tons of B'nai Mitzvahs. How many you ask? Well there were about 30 members of my Hebrew School class and we we required to invite everyone. Plus I had several friends at different temples whose celebrations I went to. Not to mentions those for family members. If I had to guess it's at least around 50, but I wouldn't be surprised if the number is actually closer to 100.

With my maid of honor at her younger brother's bar mitzvahWith that said is it really any surprise so much of my inspiration is coming from B'nai Mitzvahs instead of actual weddings. To start with I loved my Bat Mitzvah. Of course I know the real reason it occurred for for the ceremony (same with the wedding) but the parts that stand out in my memory is the actual reception.

From my Bat Mitzvah
Scan of a photo taken by Jessie Butler PhotographyI remember slow dancing on the dance floor with my crush at the time, dance with my one of my now bridesmaids and screaming out the lyrics to "MmmBob" by Hanson. I remember feeling the need to divide my time and going from group to group of friends so I had time to say hi to everyone. I know we had a pasta buffet, but is it really a surprise that I don't remember eating that night? I'm sure I did, but as I'm sure we've heard how much do you really eat at your own reception.

Again with my maid of honor at my brother's bar mitzvahI do realize that not all aspects of my bat mitzvah are going to translate into a wedding. But over the next few weeks I hope to go over some aspects that will definitely make another appearance, and others that might not quite work at a wedding.

Are you taking any inspiration for your wedding from somewhere most people wouldn't consider to be traditional?

As We Grow Older

Remeber a few weeks ago when I picked up a new picture frame? Well look what finally made it onto a "picture wall." (Two frames counts as a wall right?)
Now let's zoom in a little closer so you can actually see the shots.
When I went to order the pictures I was told that due to my camera I could either have the pictures cropped to 4x7 or re-sized about a half inch smaller. I opted for the smaller size, thinking there's a bit of an overhang on the frame that will cover the edge anyways. Except I didn't look at the frame to see that wasn't the case, so instead there's a bit of a border behind the pictures. Not the biggest deal, but if I had looked at the frame first, I would have just ordered them cropped.

On to the pictures themselves! The outside ones are pictures with the boy's niece & nephew. The next one's are me and the boy. The one was taken Spring 2008 at the LSU baseball regional.
And this one is from Valentine's Day earlier this year.
The one in the center is me and my best friend when we were around 4 years old. What I find a bit hilarious is comparing the picture below and the one above. In the picture above, I have brown wavy hair. So which one of the following is me?
I'm actually the one with the straighter blonde hair! Isn't it funny to see how much I've changed in 20 plus years! Have your looks changed from how you looked as a kid? Or do you still look basically the same?

Changes for Felicity

With the holidays coming up, I figured it was the perfect time to stop by the American Girl website so I pretend to be 8 years old again. Well I was expected to see all sights of holiday goodies, something else horrific caught my eye, although it really shouldn't have surprised me.

Two years ago American Girl retired Samantha. I had always wanted her and when I found out I bought Samantha as a present to myself. Last year they retiree Kirsten. Another doll I wanted but never had. And while I could have bought her myself again, it seemed silly when all my dolls did was sit on a shelf. But this year they're retiring Felicity!
As you can pretty much tell by the hair I've had Felicity forever. She was the first American Girl doll I owned, and my parents bought her for me as a Hannukah present in 2nd grade. It seems silly to me that they're retiring these dolls, because basically it's a complete financial decision by Mattel. I do get that they don't want to have two dolls from the same period. For example, with Samantha gone they were able to bring out a Jewish girl from the turn of the century, and the rumor is with Kirtsen gone they'll have a California Gold Rush doll. But still, what do you replace an American Revolutionary doll with?
I posted on facebook my disappointment and one of my friends pointed out that at least I have a collectors item. Which is true in a way. While I was trying to find out all I could about her retirement the other night I did find out that the small chest above which was originally around $15 now sells for over $100 on ebay. But while it's nice having a collector's item, I still want to have all the of the collection.
A lot of items, like her birthday dress above, are no longer even being sold. There are a few items still for sale I don't have but most are the big ticket items. And the ones that are smaller, don't really make sense to buy without the biggest part. For example, I don't have any of Elizabeth's clothes, but since I don't have Elizabeth it doesn't make sense to buy them. I could also buy her tea set or party treats, but again I don't have her table to put them on. And the big ticket item would be the bed, but with the canopy it would be kind of the hard to store. But even so I can't help but want it all! I guess I might just have to give myself a big present or two again this year.

Anyone else incredibly disappointed that Mattel has started to retiree American Girls? Does it make you feel like a piece of your childhood is disappearing, because in a way it does for me.

~Shoshanah

Flashback Friday

Remember this post where I said I'd be posting reviews of some of my favorite childhood book series? Well here's the first of hopefully many. We're going to be talking about...

The All-of-a-Kind Family Series by Sydney Taylor
Similar to the Betsy-Tacy Series these books tell the story of the author's life growing up in the early 1900s. Except there's a few major difference between the two. First the books take place in New York City (instead of Minnesota), and the All-of-a-Kind family is Jewish.

The reason for their name is that when the series starts there are 5 sisters with 2 years between each of their ages, and they all dress alike (at least at the start). The from oldest to youngest are Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie. (Sarah the middle child is the author herself.) At the start of the series Ella is 12 and Gertie is 4, and by the end Ella is around 19. There's 5 books in the series and in order they're All-of-a-Kind Family, All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown, More All-of-a-Kind Family,All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown, and Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family. (It actually took me a while to make sure that was right when I just reread them. The reason being that while All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown is second in terms of the girls' ages, it was actually the 4th book published.)

One thing I really enjoy about the book is the chapters alternate between the narrator. That way you're really able to connect with each of the all-of-a-kind children instead of just one or two. But what I love most of all about this books is probably the fact that the family is Jewish. I love reading about how the celebrate all the different holidays. It's always interesting to compare the difference between how I celebrated them during my childhood almost 100 years later, but even more so are all the similarities.

This is another series where I feel like I'm the only one whose ever read it, but I know that's not the case. The main reason being that there's actually a Sidney Taylor award given the the best Jewish children's literature every year. I guess maybe the more accurate thought is that not many people my age have read them, but I'm sure they were bigger back in the 1950s when they were originally published.

Has anyone else ever read or heard of these books? Or are they the type of book you think you would have enjoyed reading when you were growing up?

~Shoshanah

Be Kind, Rewind

I've always loved rereading books, something friends of mine never seemed to get. "After all" they'd say, "You already know what's going to happen." And while yes, the mystery and surprise may be gone but the magic is still there. But rereading a book I'm able to relive a beloved story, and almost imagine myself in the world in the book.

During the summer especially is when I wound up rereading books, mainly due to the free time I had not being in school. While I'm no longer have a summer vacation, the heat still made me crave a some old time favorites. My parents have slowly been sending my mementos of my childhood some of which are my favorite books or book series. With them so accessible, I've decided this summer I'll be reading and somewhat reviewing some of my favorites, so hopefully I can inspired others not only to reread some of their favorites, but give them ideas of some new great reads.

Right now I'm in the middle of The Betsy-Tacy Series. Since I've already written about them, it seems silly to almost repost the same thing. (But if you missed it the first time, I'd highly recommend checking it out.) You'll notice in the weeks to come most of these books will be in a similar vein as most of these will be book series I loved growing up. I'm not sure how many I'll wind up posting, but I did want to get you excited for what's to come!

~Shoshanah

Theater Thursday

I decided to change things up a bit and participate in Crazy Shenanigans' Theater Thursday. Instead of posting a review of a movie that's currently in theaters I'm posting a review of one that's on dvd (and has been for a long while). This week I'm talking about...

A Little Princess
I still remember when this was released in theaters in 5th grade. Not because I saw it, but two of my closest friends did. I even remember when it was released in theaters in hopes it would do better and a pretty abysmal opening (that's actually what this poster is from). But even then I didn't see the movie. It was only when it was released on VHS that I finally saw it and fell in love.

A Little Princess is the movie version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Little Princess. Growing up I love the book version, the Shirley Temple version, and even the her book Sara Crew or What Happened at Miss Minchin's which is a shorter version was actually published before The Little Princess. So it was really no surprise that I loved this version too. The movie did take a few liberties from the book by moving it to NYC, changing the time period slightly, and changing the ending.

This is one of the first movies that I remember crying while watching. Even know watching the end with Sara and her father I can't hold back the tears. Even though I have this movie practically memorized and know exactly how its going to end I can't help it.

As silly as it may sound considering I'm in my mid-20s this children's movie is still one of my all time favorites. Whenever I find it on TV I'm sucked in to watching it, even though I own at least 2 copies of it. I can't wait to be able to share it with my future daughters someday, if only so I have an excuse to watch it again myself!

Anyone else love this movie? Or are there movies from your childhood that you still consider to be one of your all time favorites?

~Shoshanah

Monday Movie Review

Toy Story 3
Pixar's back at it again, and they've brought back Woody and Buzz and the rest of the toys with them. The movie deals with Andy going off to college. But what will happen to the toys? Will he take them to college? Store the in the attic? Donate them? Or just throw them away in the trash? If you've paid attention to previews you probably have a good idea as to what journey they take.

At parts of the movie I couldn't believe what they were subjecting the toys to. I know I was almost looking away from the screen not wanting to watch, and I'm sure there must of been kids in the theater who felt the same way. I didn't understand why they would put such awful images in a kids movie. Then I had a bit of a reality check, they're toys after all! Sure we know they're alive, but what they go through isn't really any different than what happens to most of our child play things.

And the end? Yes, I did cry. It just sends such a message of being ready to grow up and move on with your life, and yet not quite being able to forget your past entirely. There's a line (which I know I'm going to ruin entirely) where Andy's mom tell him he'll miss him while he's away at college. And he responds back, something along the lines of even if I'm not here, I'm still here inside of you. And I think that's the message the movie was trying to send, learning to let go and yet still hold on.

So in case you missed it, I loved the movie. (I'm pretty sure there isn't a Pixar movie I don't love.) The boy enjoyed it, but he liked the second Toy Story better since he felt it was funnier. So I would definitely recommend going to see this. (Isn't it nice to have two weeks of positive movies in a row? Interesting that both this and The Karate Kid are both geared towards kids. I guess they're only making good movies for kids right now.)

~Shoshanah

Shows Us Your Life: Children's Books

This weeks edition of Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life is favorite children's book. Growing up I enjoyed reading most of the standards. Series like the Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables, and of course if you grew up in the 90s, The Baby-Sitters Club. But my favorite series is unfortunately somewhat lesser known. (I only say unfortunately basic I think EVERYONE should have read them.)

I loved reading the Betsy-Tacy series. They're written by Maude Heart Lovelace, and they're similar to the Little House books since they are somewhat autobiographical stories of the author's childhood. The first book tell the story when 5-years-old Betsy meets her lifelong best friend Tacy. In a way the stories in this book are almost perfect for a 5-year-old. They're full little girl adventures, where they play dress-up, or paper dolls, or imagine themselves being able to fly like a bird. I'm sure any five-year-old would love having this book read to them, and my one regret is that I didn't discover these books until I was in middle school.

The reason I still loved these books, even though I was in middle school, is because the characters don't stay 5-years-old throughout. Each book they get older, and each book their world expends. Each book takes place two years later, until the high school years, which begins with Heaven to Betsy.

Betsy's high school years are pretty much my perfect idea of high school. As you would expect there's tons of boys, lots of parties, school dances, football games, and a sorority or two. Reading these books in middle school, I had only hoped I would have 4 years of high school just like Betsy's. Of course there's some heartbreak, as well as some friendships that turn a little sour, but it only makes it feel more real. What's more amazing about how much I identified and wanted to be Betsy, is that these books take place in the early 1900s. The stories seem so universal, that they could easily take place today.

Thankfully the stories don't end with high school graduation. The go on to take Betsy out into the great world, and finally end with her wedding.

I've read and reread these books so many times I can't count. I've even reread the Betsy-Tacy Companion, which is a biography of the author's life, but also shares pictures of the "real" characters and gives the truth behind a lot of the stories. The actual houses where both "Besty" and "Tacy" grew up are still standing, and have been turned into museums in Mankato, Minnesota. I've never been to Minnesota, but I desperately want to go someday if only to visit the houses. I'm really hoping that someone who reads this loves the books as much as me. And if you've never read them, I strongly encourage you to do so. I think it's practically impossible to read this series and not fall in love!

~Shoshanah

The Movie Version

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid
I haven't read this book, but I do know that back when I was working at the Y most of the 4th and 5th grade boys loved these books. And the movie catered right to the appropriate genre. It was definitely a movie perfect for that age group. It was the standard boys gross-up humor. But even as an adult I thought it was pretty amusing.

The main character is Greg, who's starting middle school. There's his somewhat dorky best friend, his mean and obnoxious older brother, and his somewhat annoying younger brother. There's a girl, who's maybe possibly a love interest, except for the fact 6th grade boys aren't really into girls yet.

While I clearly wasn't the target demographic I still enjoyed the movie. It reminded me a lot of the Nickelodeon movies and TV shows I used to watch as a kid. I could be crazy here, but I did feel a sense of early 90s nostalgia watching the movie, instead of feeling like it was similar to present day tween shows. But that could be just the fact that this was the type of movie I watch back then. I would say this is an almost surprisingly enjoyable movie, especially if you're looking to relive a little of your childhood.

~Shoshanah

Better Late Than Never

Almost a month ago now, Andie at Sweet.Sourthern.Spirited sent my the Sunshine Award.
The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. And its rules are pretty simple

1. Post the logo on my blog
2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers
3. Link the nominees' blogs so others can get to know them
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from

Except I'm breaking the rules a little, because I'm not sending this to 12 fellow bloggers. Instead I'm sending it to all 65 of my followers. But if you really want it too, then feel free to become a follower and its yours!

I know it seems waiting a month to post the Sunshine award is a long time. Except that Anais at Through Green Eyes sent me the Beautiful Blogger Award on December 2, 2009!
The rules for this one are a bit more complicated, because not only do I have to pass this on to 7 bloggers I have to post 7 things about my self. To start with 7 things:

• Yesterday I tired Starbucks' new Dark Chocolate Cherry Mocha. It tasted just like a chocolate covered cherry. Very delicious, but not quick delicious to replace my normal latte.


• Speaking of Starbucks, Tuesday I'll be there for free pastry day. Not sure what type of pasties they'll be giving away, but I won't be missing it.


• Growing up I used to sleep with a Cabbage Patch Doll named Bernard. Bernard was the name that came with the doll, and I decided to keep that name, but that Bernard would be a girl


• Last weekend I went to Target to spend a $75 gift card. Except my total wound up being over $200!


• The Backstreet Boys just released their Spring tour dates. They aren't coming to Louisiana, so I'm thinking I might need to head to NYC to catch a show with some friends.


• At work I always have a box of Kleenex on my desk. I always buy Kleenex brand (I figure if I'm calling them Kleenex they should actually be Kleenex), and I always make sure to buy the boxes with the best design


• Flowers are starting to bloom in our new back yard! I would have liked to have taken some pictures today, but while its been nice and in the 70s all week, it decided to drop down to the 50s today. Hopefully next weekend will be warmer and I'll have some backyard pictures to share.

Now for the 7 bloggers I'm sending the award to! Well I don't want to put any pressure on anyone to remember to post this within the next 3 months (or almost 4 since that's how long its taken me!), so instead this award goes to the first 7 people to comment on this post!

Even though its taken me a while to post both of these awards I really do appreciate them. Thanks Andie and Anais! And on the same note thanks for everyone whose stopping by a reading. I'm loving being able to take you from L.A. to LA and beyond!

~Shoshanah

And the Painted Ponies Go Up and Down

It's been a while, but I'm back participating in yet another edition of Classy in Philadelphia's Where in the World Wednesday. Today's picture is another from my 3 week study abroad course in Avignon, France in Summer 2005.
The picture was taken on this double-decker carousel in the town square,
and I had ridden the carousel specifically to take the picture. It might seem like an odd reason to pay for a carousel ride in a foreign country, but not for me. See I was trying to recreate this picture which was taken some 20 years prior on the exact same carousel in Avignon in Fall 1985.
I guess you could say my looks changed a little over that time period, but the horses look the same. Funny how history tends to repeat itself sometimes. (And if you're looking to find more Where in the World posts head over to Classy in Philadelphia!)

~Shoshanah

All American Girl

Growing up I love reading the American Girl books, as did most of my friends. Which meant of course, I felt the need to have one myself. I was trying to decide between Kirsten or Samantha, when they released a new American Girl doll, Felcity. So since its currently Hanukkah its only fitting that I received my Felicity doll for Hanukkah in 2nd grade (1991 if you're curious).
Yes, I do realize her hair looks a little crazy, but really all she needs is a good session in the American Girl Doll Hair Salon and she would be good as new.

I spent the next few years collecting as much of Felcity's collection as a could, but one doll is never enough. So in middle school my parents bought me a Doll of Today.
Of course I needed to have the Hanukkah accessories for her! I decided to name her Allison, but I can't quite tell you the reasoning behind that name choice now. I went with blond hair, because I hadn't quite accepted the fact I was no longer blond. I was blond when I was little, but as I grew up my hair slowly started darkening. Now looking at me its almost unbelievable how blond my hair was when I was little.

Of course, if money was no object, I would love to have ALL the American Girl dolls and collect all of their belonging. Which is why, when I heard they were retiring Samantha last year I had to buy her as a Hanukkah present to myself.
Its a little amusing to compare how nice her hair looks compare to my 18-year-old Felicity.

Of course, I just found out that American Girl (who is actually owned by Mattel now) is now retiring Kirsten! But I think I might have missed my chance to buy her for myself as well. I have heard rumors that they might wind up retiring all of the original three (Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly), but bring them back with 25th Anniversary editions in a few years. I'm really hoping that's what winds up happening so I can make sure to have a complete collection.

Anyone else grow up loving American Girl dolls? Did you have any dolls? Or which ones did you also want to have? And of course, I'd love to see anyone else's pictures if you can find any!

~Shoshanah