Sawako Lilly says Happy Chinese New Year! ^o^

新年快乐！恭喜发财！Happy Chinese New Year! (Technically it's tomorrow on the 31st, but we did our end of the year cleaning today in preparation.) The Year of the Snake has ended and Sawako Lilly wanted to welcome the Year of the Horse with everyone! :D If we were at home, there would be more actual Chinese New Year themed photos (with food!) but since I'm at school, I just changed Sawako Lilly and we made dumplings, then went out to snap a few photos. :)

And here is our handiwork! ^_^

Fun Fact: The reason it is tradition to eat dumplings on Chinese New Year is because the shape of the dumpling looks like the large pieces of money back in ancient China. So we eat dumplings to represent prosperity and hopefully be financial successful in the coming year!  :))

Lissie & Lilly: Episode 9 - The NOT Cinderella Part 1 (L&L Theater Special)

Lissie & Lilly: The NOT Cinderella! (Photostory)

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you and welcome to the L&L Theater! Tonight we bring you a tale saturated in family betrayal, thwarted love, and of course, fictitious magic! Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, the L&L Theater is proud to present: Cinderella (Not)!

Narrator: Once upon a time, in an undisclosed land of no known significance, there lived a gentle and fair maiden who was more adventurous than gentle and more ruddy than fair.

Narrator: She worked hard from dawn til dusk, and then turned on the lights to work late into the night to keep the house clean. The wise maiden did not use candles because cleaning wax was simply not practical.

Narrator: The maiden’s stepmother and two stepsisters lived with her. They were bad. Well. They were at least bossy. Very bossy.

Stepmother Sam: Have you scrubbed the flagstones yet? They’re filthy!

Stepsister MG: And you didn’t polish my mirror properly yesterday! I found a speck on my face this morning!

Stepsister Lilly: And you must… you must… Actually, I’m fine. I don’t need anything.

Narrator: The poor maiden was constantly bullied by her stepmother and stepsisters. Because she was always cleaning, cooking, and doing the dirty jobs around the house like unclogging the plumbing, her clothes soon became patched, faded, and grimy. Her stepmother and stepsisters called her Cinderella in mocking tones. Cinderella preferred to refer to herself as “Her most high and imperial majesty” and ignored her family.

Cinderella did not have any fancy dresses and did not wear jewels. In fact, she didn’t even have a room. Instead her stepmother made her sleep on a rug in the attic. It was unbearably cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. Or if the undisclosed land was in the southern hemisphere, then it was unbearably cold in summer and unbearably hot in winter. But Cinderella bore with it because she was quite simply put, a very sturdy lass.

Narrator: One rather ordinary looking day, the postman delivered a most extraordinary letter.

Stepsister MG: Mother! Sawako Lilly! We just received a letter from the Palace!

Stepmother Sam: Oh my land! The Palace!

Stepsister Lilly: Why is the Palace sending us a letter? Did we forget to pay our taxes?

Stepsister MG: Just open it Mother and tell us!

Stepmother Sam: Oh my goodness! Girls! There’s a ball at the royal palace tonight and we are all invited!

Stepsister MG: A ball? A ball? Oh tell me the Prince is going to be there!

Stepmother Sam: The Prince is going to be there! And to add to that, he’s going to pick his future wife! One of you girls could be the next Queen!

Stepmother Sam: Of course, that doesn’t include you Cinderella.

Stepsister MG: Don’t even think of going and embarrassing us in all your shabbiness.

Stepsister Lilly: But Liss- I mean, Cinderella should come as well mother.

Cinderlisse: Don’t bother Lilly. I don’t want to go to such a silly thing. Imagine, dancing all night! If I wanted to burn that many calories I would take up mountain climbing. Pfff, now if you excuse me!

Stepmother Sam: Hmph! Don’t mind her girls. She’s just jealous! Hurry and go get ready for tonight! A Queen! One of my daughters! Ha!

Stepsister Lilly: Cinderella, are you certain you don’t want to come tonight?

Cinderlissie: I’m positive. I just can’t wait til your mom and sister are gone. Then I’ll have free rein of the house and go wild binging on snacks, watching your mom’s cheesy dramas, and playing croquet with your sister’s new set. It’ll be a blast!

Stepsister Lilly: But you’ll miss your chance dancing with the Prince! And it’s always more fun when you’re around.

Cinderlissie: Fiddlesticks to the Prince. I have no interest marrying a namby-pamby who needs a ball in order to find someone to marry. Does he lack all personality that they have to resort to such underhanded tactics to marry him off? Now if this was a ball to be the captain of his soldiers, that would be a different story.

Stepsister Lilly: Do you… do you really think he might be such a ninny?

Cinderlissie: That’s what I sa –

Cinderlissie: Well, he’s probably not actually a ninny. He’s probably very nice and very good. Any girl who marries him would probably be very happy.

Stepsister Lilly: Really Lis- Cinderella? Do you mean it?

Cinderlissie: Absolutely Lilly! And he’d be a moron of the highest order if he didn’t fall in love with you instantly!

Stepsister Lilly: Oh! Don’t tease Cinderella!

Cinderlissie: I never tease. Mock yes, but tease never! Now hurry up and go get ready or I’ll never have time to get to your mom’s dramas.

Stepmother Sam: Marie-Grace! Sawako Lilly! Are you girls ready? The carriage is outside waiting for us!

Stepsister MG: Almost mother!

Stepsister Lilly: Just a few minutes!

Cinderlissie: And… There! You’re ready!

Stepmother Sam: Hurry hurry! The Prince waits for no one!

Cinderlissie: *mutters* Then he has no manners.

Stepsister Lilly: Oh Mother, can’t Cinderella please come with us tonight? It feels so evil to leave her behind when every other young lady will be there.

Stepmother Sam: Are you mad child? Look at her! How can she go into polite society? She doesn’t even have shoes! Now I won’t have anymore of this nonsense. We’re going to be late!

Stepsister Lilly: Oh dear, you and Marie-Grace go ahead to the carriage. I’ll be out in just a moment! I left something in my room!

Stepsister MG: Be quick Sawako Lilly, or we’ll leave without you! My Prince is waiting for me!

Stepsister Lilly: Since Mother won’t let Cinderella go, it’s up to me to help her. But I can’t let her know it’s me or she’ll definitely refuse. Let’s see, I’ll wear my Halloween costume. And here’s a dress I’ve been saving for a special occasion! It’ll be perfect on Cinderella!

Cinderlissie: Thank the stars, moon, and Pluto, they’re finally gone. Now I can – AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Stepsister Lilly: Cinderella, I am your… um… fairy godmother!

Cinderlissie: I have no fairy godmother! My birth was attended only by myself and my mom!

Stepsister Lilly: Ah… Well… I was… traveling at the time. But that’s of no importance!

Stepsister Lilly: I want you to put on this outfit and attend the ball at the Palace Cinderella!

Cinderlissie: What... is this? Wait, more importantly, WHY?

Stepsister Lilly: Do not question your fairy godmother! Do what I say Cinderella! Change and go to the ball! Do you want to be cursed?

Cinderlissie: But I was going to stay at home, pig out, watch some dramas, play a few rounds of croquet!

Stepsister Lilly: You have been treated unfairly for far too long Cinderella! Go to the ball tonight. Eat, drink, and dance! Enjoy yourself as you deserve!

Cinderlissie: But –

Stepsister Lilly: I must leave now! Listen to your fairy godmother Cinderella! Farewell!

Cinderlissie: Wait! Don’t go yet – Darn, she’s gone. What am I supposed to do with these? How do I put them on? Come back here!

Cinderlissie: Gosh darn it! She could have at least left some instructions! These gloves are so tight, probably only Lilly could fit in them!

Cinderlissie: Whatever! I don’t need these anyway! I have no idea why I’m doing this, but she did say there was food, so at least I’ll still be able to pig out tonight. Drat fairy godmothers who were absent at birth! I can see why she wasn’t invited now. Hmph! I guess I’d better go before she comes back and tells me next I have to marry a Prince.

-INTERMISSION-

 No author notes until the end of the play! ^_^

Click here to read the second half of The NOT Cinderella!

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Custom Book Illustration Caroline (MG Doll w/ Caroline Wig)

I always felt that based off of the illustrations, the MG mold would have been perfect for Caroline, much more than the classic mold. This is my first time making a custom. It was terrifying pulling the wig off of Marie-Grace, and if it wasn't a Jill's Deals and Steals doll I don't think I would have had the courage to do so. I'm really really really pleased with how it turned out though! MG mold Caroline is absolutely gorgeous! I like the aquamarine eyes with the light blond hair.

This is not the final doll. I am planning on turning her into a custom Sailor Moon doll so she's still waiting on an eye swap (heart be still!), but I really wanted to share MG mold Caroline with anyone else who is thinking of doing this custom. :D Truth be told, I think this version of Caroline looks so beautiful (more than the current AG Caroline) that I might be tempted to get another MG just to make my own Caroline for keeps.

Let me know what you guys think! MG mold Caroline vs. Classic mold Caroline? ^_^

Lissie & Lilly: Episode 8 - Bon Voyage Josie!

Lissie & Lilly: Bon Voyage Josie! (Photostory)

Finally! A new episode! I left all of my AG things in my apartment at school while I went home for the holidays. Now that I’m back, Lissie & Lilly returns with new episodes and more awesomeness! :D Now without further ado:

Introducing and saying farewell to Mini Josie! :D

Josie: Hi everyone! Even though you know my Bigger Sisters very well, this may be your first time seeing me. I’m Mini Josie and I have something exciting to tell you! Tomorrow… I’m starting on a long, epic, fabtasticular adventure around the world! That’s right! You heard correct, I’m going to leave my home and travel! Come into to parlor and see!

Josie: It was my Big Big Person’s idea. She said it was a shame we couldn’t go to more places since she is trapped in medical school for these next few years. The she looked at me and this evil sparkle came into her eyes. Then she told me, “Why shouldn’t you travel for me while I’m stuck here?” She even bought me this journal to record all my adventures in. It has my home state Texas on it too! So I guess I don’t forget my home I suppose.

Josie: Anyway, since today is my last day here, my Bigger Sisters wanted me to go over so they could say goodbye. Of course they can’t come here. I don’t think their arm could even fit in the door! I’m going to bring my journal to show them! HOOMPH!

MG: What do you think Cecile?

Cecile: C’est magnifique Marie-Grace! She will love it!

Sam: Cecile! Marie-Grace! We are back!

Cecile: Bonjour Samantha! Bonjour Sawako Lilly! Did you find what you needed?

Lilly: Yes! We found the perfect gift! Is she here yet?

MG: Not yet, but Lissie is on watch duty.

Lissie: EVERYONE! SHE’S HERE! SHE’S HERE!

Lilly: Just in time! Come Marie-Grace, let’s hide with her presents so we can surprise her!

Cecile: Good idea! Samantha and I will distract her.

Lissie: Hey! What about me? No one does distraction like me!

MG: Oh non, we would never forget you Lissie!

Josie: Hi Cece! Hi Sam! Hi Lissie! Sorry it took me so long to get here. It was hard pushing my journal the whole way.

Sam: Here, let me hold that for you Josie, it looks heavy.

Josie: Thanks! And thanks for the platform! It’s much easier on my neck. Where’s Lill –

Lissie: LOOK JOSIE! It’s Cecile!

Josie: I know Lissie, I said hi to her. Where’s Mar –

Lissie: LOOK! SAM!

Cecile: Lissie, I do not think you know how to do this distraction.

Lilly & MG: Surprise Josie!

Josie: Lilly! Marie! And oh my gosh! Are those PRESENTS?

Sam: Be careful there Josie! We can’t have you getting injured on the eve of your big day.

Josie: Are these for me?

MG: Mais oui ma cherie!

Lilly: Unless you know of some other mini sister who is about to leave on a wonderful journey.

Josie: Oh thank you so much! Can I open it?

Sam: Go ahead Josie!

Josie: Wheeeeeee! Wow! It’s so huge! And pretty! … What is it?

MG: This is a carrying suitcase for you to travel in, and to put all your souvenirs in.

Lilly: What do you think Josie? Do you like it?

Josie: Like it? I LOVE it! It’s so pretty and big!

Sam: We love you Josie, and we wanted you to travel in style and comfort.

Lilly: Here’s one more for you to open Josie.

Josie: This is so neat! I wonder what’s inside!

Josie: Oh it’s so warm and beautiful! Thank you so much!

Lilly: I’m so happy you like it Josie! Our Big Person said you were going all over.

Sam: To California, Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma…

MG: New York, Maryland, Missouri, Illinois…

Josie: And Japan, Sweden, Australia, and Hong Kong!

Lilly: And that’s just the start Josie! Why our Big Person said if you’re lucky you’ll get to travel to all the states and all over the world! That’s why we wanted to get you this shawl in case some places are really cold. It’s hard to imagine here in Texas, but some places are… freezing! Literally!

Josie: You always prepare everything Lilly! Thank you so much!

Sam: Now where did Lissie and Cecile go? I hope they’re not making mischief.

Lissie: Look Cecile! Our Big Person gave this to Josie to use as her travel journal.

Cecile: Oh I cannot wait to read all of her stories in here! You know j’adore stories Lissie!

Lissie: Hmmmm… it looks awfully empty and blank… Do you think Josie will feel lonely and homesick when she opens it and this giant smorgasbord of empty blankness rears up to engulf her soul?

Cecile: Lissie, I like the way you explain things! It is, um, tres descriptive. Mais oui, but yes, I agree, it looks rather plain right now.

Lissie: Listen here Cecile, I have a plan to vanquish the limited expanse of unsullied parchment! *whispers*

Cecile: Brilliant! You are a genius Lissie! Come we must tell the others!

Sam: Lissie! Cecile! Where are you two? Josie is getting ready to leave!

Josie: Good bye Lilly, Marie, Cece, Sam, Lissie! Thank you for all the wonderful presents! I’ll write at every stop and take lots of pictures so you call all see what I’m up to!

Lissie: You’re really going Josie. I’m going to miss you. You are the only one small enough to sneak into our Big Person’s bag and steal her secret candy stash for us.

Josie: I’m going to miss you too Lissie! You always knew how to put my size to best use. I hope I meet people who are awesome just like you!

Lissie: Ours is a special bond Josie…

Josie: Built on elicit glucose consumption…

Lissie: Farewell fellow glutton! May your travels be as smooth as Ghirardelli milk chocolate, as rich as a Lindt dark chocolate truffle, and as sweet as a Godiva bonbon!

Josie: Well, I’m finally home. So what did you think? Aren’t my Bigger Sister just the best? I guess I better get packed up and ready for our Big Big Person tomorrow. Wait, what is this paper in my journal?

Josie: A map! Cool! I bet Lilly snuck this in here. She always likes me to learn something whatever I do, and now I can learn my geography as I travel to each place. Hey, there’s something under the map…

Josie: Oh! Oh wow! This is the nicest thing ever! I’ll always treasure it! What is it? Here, take a look at what’s on the first page of my journal!

Josie: It was nice to officially meet all of you! Now I had better get ready to go. This new case is the perfect size for traveling! Wish me luck!

That’s right! My mini Josie is going to be a traveling doll and I wanted to introduce her properly to everyone before I sent her off to do all the things I can’t. :D A traveling is a doll who goes around and is passed from one host to another. At each host's home, she will stay a week or two, see the local sights, participate in special cultural/family activities with host family, perhaps pick a souvenir or two before she goes to her next host. 

This episode is especially dedicated to all the wonderful board members on AGPlaythings who have offered and volunteered to host Josie! Thank you all so much for hosting Josie and I hope you enjoy having her visit! I’m not sure who’s more excited, Josie, her Bigger Sisters, or me! ^_^

If anyone is interested in also hosting mini Josie, please let me know! She wants to travel to as many places as possible, and she would love to travel internationally! Right now only members of AGPT can host Josie. More information about hosting her is in her traveling doll thread here.

*Find out where Josie is currently and her past stops in her Travel Log by clicking here!*

Thank you for reading L&L last year, and I hope to have even more fun episodes this year! Happy New Year! :)

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