Product Review: AG Swim Accessories

More Fun in the Sun?

Yes and Sort Of

Four swim related items caught my eye during the AG July sale; I purchased two. Hopefully you have already seen Lea in Nanea's Island Swimsuit. Today Lanie is helping out with the AG Swim Accessories.
You know I'm the one in dark pink! (giggles)

The Details

This set does not come boxed. The pieces are mounted on a board and slipped into a plastic envelope. Very easy to display near a check out line.

At first I was concerned fearing the same kind of mounting Our Generation does with their products. However, if you look closely you'll notice not one item is sewn to the cardboard backing. All are skillfully attached with plastic bands and cut outs. 

The set contains a mini magazine, sunscreen, water bottle, and beach bag/blanket.

Here is a look at everything detached. Only two clear plastic bands help keep the bottles in place. Don't throw them out!

Hi! I'm ready to chill outside or at Lady Magnolia's. This new gear will come in handy.

I'll take the magazine for reading. Must have sunscreen and water. I'll just tuck them into the cinch sac. Wow! It's super soft and fuzzy.

Oh! Ow! (grunts) Not...good. Argh!

The cinch sac is really nice, but the straps are not quite long enough to put on normally. I was able to help Lanie because the way it did work was to have both arms behind her at the same time. Then it sat way up high on her back between her shoulder blades and at the base of her neck.

Yeah, not comfortable at all. Even with it being super soft and fuzzy. Over one shoulder is okay though. Ready to go.

Neat! the blanket is attached to the cinch sac and unfolds to a really good size. It's definitely a blanket not a beach towel. Same soft fuzzy material as the bag.

Nice and long!

I like the pattern and the embroidery. [No vanity tag required 😉.]

Would work as a throw or stadium blanket.

The water bottle is a good size. I'll stay hydrated!

Hey! Check out the great Oceans of Fun pictures!

I think I'm just going to cuddle up here and read the magazine. You know, I'm glad the sunscreen is SPF 30, but I don't think I need it if we aren't going anywhere.

Maybe a nap instead. Hey, the cinch sac can be bunched up to be a small pillow. Cool.

You know, this is quite a nice blanket. Even though it would make a lousy beach towel.

The Low Down

• The bag/blanket - The AG website description of this set calls it "A star-print beach towel that folds up into its attached bag" so I was expecting terry cloth bag and towel. The packaging says "1 beach bag/blanket." It is definitely a fleece blanket and not a terry towel. However, it is really soft and nicely made. 
• Magazine - If you have been collecting AG for a while or reading the magazine for a few years, you are familiar with the mini mags. This mini magazine is great! 14 pages of content plus front and back cover - the back cover is the ego tag. The paper is heavy, slightly glossy or slick, and the binding is sewn!
• Sunscreen - The shape and design is nice. reminds of when Bath and Body Works carried an American Girl line of products. It is hard plastic and does not open.
• Water bottle - Here's where you need those clear bands. I used one so it would stay in her hand. I like how the straw goes all the way to the bottom very realistic. The lid does not come off, so no losing parts.
• Overall, the Swim Accessories set was a good purchase. Not sure I'd go for it at full price, but the sale price is nice. I'm going to give this one 4 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 It lost a star due to the bag not fitting on her back properly. I was thinking of marking it down to 3, but didn't think it fair to also critique the editing error. Plus I love how it coordinates so well with Lanie's suit and the cover up from the Seaside Wardrobe that retired 11 years ago.

That's all for today! Have fun! Stay cool, warm, or dry as your location dictates! Be safe!

Best wishes,

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl or Our Generation. The set mentioned was purchased with our own funds for our collection. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own observations, opinions, thoughts, and words. All links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. Should you be interested in purchasing the set, the links will take you in the right direction. The AG sale ends July 31, 2018. TTwMQ does not profit from AG sale links.

AG Product Review: Melody's Pajamas

Not Our Melody

I wish AG designed specifically for my Melody. Hmm, I guess they really do. (chuckles) Yep, the human here again with more sale goodies. While looking for swimwear, Melody's Pajamas set popped out at me and made me think of poor dear Kirsten stuck in a flannel nightie [aka nightgown] year round. Her favorite color is blue so this seemed like a great fit and a good price. Of course, Kirsten will be helping with the review.
I'm in blue!

The Details

Melody's Pajamas come in one of the smaller rectangle boxes.

Side note: I was wrong about Nanea's mat. It would not fit in this size box. 😏

Only the sticker on the back of the box let's me know what is inside.

The pajamas are tucked nicely inside. The top is the first thing you see.

The set contains...

a short-sleeve pajama top and shorts in a nice cotton fabric. The fabric is blue with white stars, pink flourishes, and white and pink dot trails. Blue "leather" slippers with white pom pom embellishments, and two pink satin bows on black ponytail holders. Edna says, "Not from my shop, but fabulous, dahling!"

Awesome sauce! Are these pjs for me?!

So pretty! I love them! 

The tiny, pink, plastic buttons really work! 

No Velcro here! Yay! Although, they might be a challenge for smaller hands or collectors with arthritis.
I didn't button all the buttons. So comfy! How do I look? Missy, leave the pom pom alone!
(purrpp)

Twirl, please.

I love the clean look from the back!
I could stay in these all day long! (giggles)

The Low Down

• PJs - very cute, timeless, nice fabric, and real buttons! Plus they go on easily and fit Kirsten well.
• Slippers - Fit nicely. The pom poms are soft white puff balls. Kind of corny for now, but era appropriate; they'd even be good for Julie in the 70s.
• Bows - The added ponytail holder makes these super easy to use.
• Overall - I love Melody's Pajamas set and am glad I got it on sale. This was a couple dollars more than an OG set from Target, but the fit and finish as well as the slippers are much better quality. Note: this set is a July special. After July 31, 2018 it goes back to regular price. I give it 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 [Just found those. LOL]

I think we need a slumber party!

Best wishes,

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not associated with American Girl or Our Generation. The set reviewed was purchased for our collection with our own money. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own observations, opinions, thoughts, and words. All links are provided for educational and informational purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. Should you be interested in purchasing, the links will take you in the right direction; and the sale ends July 31, 2018. TTwMQ does not profit from these links.

AG Product Review: Nanea's Swimsuit

Swimming in the Early 1940s

Hi! "The Human" here! After the pool party I knew I wanted to get a few more pools supplies. Low and behold doesn't the last American Girl sale have swim gear included?! One of the items was Nanea's Island Swimsuit at a price I really liked. Lea will be helping me with our review.
I'll be the orange text like usual.

The Details

This set come in a very large box. Looks too big for the items shown on the sticker. 

The contents seems to swim in the box. I think it would fit in one of the smaller rectangle boxes, but haven't tried it.

So what is inside? A yellow and white patterned towel, grass mat rolled and held with clear bands, swimsuit, and goggles. Here is a better look.

I read the reviews before ordering this set and several people thought the yellow towel was "flimsy" and a "throw away item" that "wouldn't be used." Obviously that didn't stop me from ordering and I am really glad I didn't listen to them. It's 12" of thick, nicely edged terry cloth. 

Yes, that is smaller than today's beach towels, but back in the 40s this was the norm. Beach towels didn't get extra large and extra thick until the late 80s.

As you can see the grass mat is much larger. This is what you sit or lay on; the towel is for drying.

AG reviews on this product also found buyers lamenting the curly nature of the mat. Yes, just out of the box and bands it curls on its own.

But I got it to lay flat without weights.

Lea found it quite comfortable and it did not curl with her on it.

The suit is one piece with a sweetheart, halter neckline. The main color is a light green with pink and orange mountains, yellow flowers, green palm trees, and blue huts.

Here is a look at the back. The only fastener is the Velcro at the neck. I like the fabric. Even though it is not rayon, it is similar to what suits would have been in the 1940s.

The goggles are cute. Faux wood and rubber.

The black "rubber" band is not that flexible. Lea could wear the goggles, but they did not sit close to her eyes as they should. 

Of course, you can't tell from this angle and I did not take her ponytail out to push the band down further. That might help the goggles to sit properly on her face.
This is soooo cute! I really want to try it on. May I?

Ta da!

Spin around please. 
Sure!

These colors are great for me!

Now I'm ready for the beach!

Chilln' on the sand! (giggles)

The Low Down

• The suit fits really well and goes on easily.
• The mat feels and sounds like a real grass mat. It is a bit curly, but should flatten out over time or at least while a vinyl person is using it. It is 16" long, a very good size.
• The towel is...well, I love it! It's thick and soft and rolls into a nice pillow and easily drapes over the shoulder.
• The goggles are cute. The resin looks like wood. They could look match the pattern from Popular Science magazine or belong to her grandparents from the 18th Century. See the History of and Evolution of articles for more details.
• Overall, I am very glad I got Nanea's Island Swimsuit set and even more so that I got it on sale! I think $28 is not bad for this set, but $19 is even better! I give it 5 stars!

Do you have any questions about this set? I'd be glad to answer them to the best of my ability.

Lea already has two suits. Who do you think should wear this one?
Hey, a girl can't have too many swimsuits! (giggles)

Side note: Lea's green sandals are from her beach dress outfit. Nanea's set does not come with sandals. She may have just gone barefoot.

Best wishes,

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl. The set reviewed was purchased with our own money for our collection. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own observations, opinions, thoughts, and words. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. Should you be interested in purchasing, the links will take you in the right direction; and the sale ends July 31, 2018. TTwMQ does not profit from these links.