American girl(s) in Chicago

(I wrote this right when I got back from Chicago, hence the date stamp...but just never around to posting it, so here it is...)

Just got back last night from our latest "excellent adventure" in Chicago. Regina and I spent three days in the Windy City and even managed to drive down to Indianapolis on Saturday for her friend's wedding. More on the trip later on our trip blog...

What I *do* have to mention, is my introduction in Chicago to a very scary non-even-tween-aged phenomenon--otherwise known as American Girl. Right off Michigan Avenue, there is a temple...uh, palace, dedicated to the franchise known as American Girl. Regina tells me that the brand actually started off as doing books about girls in American from historical (but fictional) heroines, to modern day girls. In reality--it's a money-printing, marketing MACHINE. Three floors dedicated to dressing, indulging, grooming (yes, a doll hair salon) a 18-inch tall doll that looks "just like you". It was the scariest thing I've ever seen. And as for the doll that looks "just like me"? Why she's doll number GT25H (complete with black hair and brown highlights, and side part, of course), and my chosen outfit has *got* to be the sparkly tunic and jeans. HAHAHA! Told you it was scary...

Anyhow--more on Chicago another time. Pics can be found here:

Labour Day Weekend - September 2006