Photo Shoot with Crys

 I don't know what it is about taking photos with Crystal, but she is my favorite doll for photo shoots and I just love the way pictures of her turn out.

 I took Crys and my camera outside this morning and decided to do a little photo shoot. Now, I couldn't stay out long because it is super cold. (That's why I haven't made many videos on YouTube lately, it's freezing here and I don't have good lighting inside, so I have to wait until it warms up a bit.) Isn't this photo simply lovely?

I don't know if it is the combination of the lighting or the background, but I love this photo.

 

                                                             

                           
                                                        ~Outfit of the Day~ (OOTD)


 

     This is my favorite outfit for Crystal to wear. The shorts bring out her eyes and the shirt looks lovely with her hair.

                      
                                Shorts: Hiking Outfit (no longer available)
                                Shirt: Kit's Chicken Keeping Set (limited time set, no longer available)
                                Shoes: Historical (not BeForever) Julie's "Meet" shoes
                                Doll: Crystal (MAG (now TrulyMe #33 with added freckles)


                       

Crystal's Gymnastics AGSM

 Here's a video of Crystal doing gymnastics! My newest AGSM, now available in HD!!!!! Woohoo!

                                    CELEBRATING 100+ SUBBIES! Y'ALL ARE AWESOME!

 Hope you enjoyed!

               ~Hallie

 (Oh, and before you ask, I have NO idea what happened with the credits!)

AGR- Part One: Where to Buy 18" Doll Clothing for a Good Price

 At least once a month, I will post a part of AG Resources. This post focuses on where to buy 18" doll clothing for a good price.

 Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of the following websites, sellers, or companies, nor am I affiliated with the manufacturer. I am also not responsible for any problems or issues caused by ideas from this post. Do, read, and purchase at your own risk. Also, note that these items are probably not meant for the younger crowd, due to small pieces. (choking hazard)

 Also, keep in mind that certain materials and colors can stain American Girl and other dolls, so buy and use with caution.

 Some of my favorite resources for American Girl clothes include the following:

 Lovvbugg on eBay - Based in the United States, great prices, good reviews and feedback. I have a few items that were given to me, as gifts, that came from this seller.

 Etsy is a great place to find unique, handmade doll clothes and accessories. They can be cheaper or more expensive, it just depends on what you are looking at. However, keep in mind, these are often handmade and sometimes even better quality than the mass-manufactured doll clothes. All you have to do is search for whatever you're looking for.

 Doll-Clothes.com carries a great selection of doll clothes and more.

 Our Generation is another great brand. You can find it at target.com and in most Target stores. (At least, where I live.)

 For PDF patterns, you could try Etsy or Liberty Jane Clothing For paper patterns, you could try your local craft or sewing store.

 Have an 18" doll clothing brand with good prices that you'd like to shout out? Leave a comment or use the "Contact Me" widget on the lower right toolbar (scroll down over there ->)

 ~Hallie


 

 


 

Launching "American Girl Resources" Series of Posts

 Hey there! I am proud to announce that I will be starting a new series of posts, called "American Girl Resources," where you will find tips, tricks, and more on buying clothes for your dolls, taking care of your dolls, hairstyles, etc. It's going to be a fun series, and the first post will be along, soon!

 ~Hallie

Through the Lens Thursday: Kit

 I'm starting something new. I call it 'Through the Lens Thursday.' I'll be posting photos of dolls that you don't see in a lot of my videos or posts.

 Note: You are welcome to do a doll-themed TTLT on your own blog, but I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a link to Dollies on a Budget in the post, because this took a lot of brainstorming. The idea is to post a photo of one of your dolls that you hardly ever see, in your blog posts.

 This TTLT is a photo of our dear Margaret Mildred Kittredge, who is not often in my posts, as her legs are extremely loose and she can't stand on her own. I just can't see myself taking off her head to fix her, though.

 Kit came to me in five years ago, in 2011, as my second doll. I played her so much that, within a few years, her limbs became loose and it was hard to use her in my videos.

Kit Kittredge

   I hope you enjoyed this Through the Lens Thursday. I'll be doing this every week, unless I am away, with no access to a camera.

 Thanks for reading!

 ~Hallie
 Doll: Kit Kittredge (American Girl)
 Clothing: Sweet Savannah Dress (American Girl, discontinued)
 Photo: Created by Hallie. (15DollsAndCounting/DolliesonaBudget) Edited using PicMonkey.

Undergoing Construction

 Hallie here. I've been suffering from easily-triggered headaches, lately. I had to change the blog background to something less bright. I like the new color scheme, though. I will be changing up some things and posting more often. :D

 ~Hallie

Lea Clark: No Neck Strings, Less Custom Dolls? Pros and Cons

 If you haven't already heard, Lea Clark has no neck strings! Instead, she has a zip-tie. I'm not a huge fan of the whole idea, because I customize my dolls, but I'm sure for some people it's a good idea.

 No strings attached, here are the pros and cons I've come up with. (cheesy pun intended.)

 Pros:
 -Dolls can now wear swimsuits and similar items w/out the neck strings sticking out.
 -You don't have to worry about people accidentally cutting them.
 -Brushing hair may be easier. (Am I the only one that gets my brush caught in the strings?)

 Cons:
 -Customization. It would be a lot harder to customize Lea's eyes, head, or hair.
 -Some people have mentioned it is harder to move her head. (I've heard this from three people)
 -Not the same traditional AG build that Pleasant Co. started with. It's as though they are taking away everything original, lately.

 I can see how this could be good for some people, and not so much for others. I think it depends on what you are planning on doing with the doll. What are your thoughts on this matter?

 This is Hallie, over and out.