Just want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Hope you all have a MOOSEtastic time ringing in 2010!

MERRY CHRISTMOOSE EVERYONE! This morning, I woke up to Hal jumping on my bed, racing through the house screaming “Christmas is here! Christmas is here!” So we all headed downstairs to see what Santa brought us. I tried to wait up for Santa last night, but I dozed off before he made it to my house.

Santa brought me a lot of great stuff like brand new clothes for all of my Build-A-Bear Workshop animals. The new stuffable Polar Bear (that is the star of the new movie at buildabearville.com) – it’s SO cute! A brand new cell phone (it was definitely time for a new one so I am super excited)! And, finally, my most favorite gift of all…a special snow globe from Santa himself! It looks just like the North Pole inside! And, the best part is that it plays “Jingle Bell Rock.” Santa is so thoughtful and it is such a special present that I’ll treasure forever!

So, what did you guys get this year?

I can’t sleep! I’ve been up for hours just waiting and waiting for Santa. Where is he already!? I know he’s super busy but all I wanted to do was say hi and thank him SO much for all of my presents.
 
We’ve practically been preparing all day for his visit! We baked blueberry muffins just for him…they’re his favorite (he told me). We hung our stockings over the fireplace, finished our notes to Santa and placed them under the tree. Then, I helped mom and dad get ready to have our whole herd over for dinner. Hal and I set the table and helped mom cook. We eat the same thing every year to keep tradition… berry casserole, grass soufflé, twig torte and mud pie. YUM!

After dinner we sat around by the fire and told our favorite Christmas stories. Of course, Hal and I have the exact same favorite story (when we went to the North Pole) so he got to tell most of it! Oh brother! I didn’t mind hearing it again though. It really was a great Christmas!

Well, I’m getting really sleepy. Hopefully, I can stay up long enough to see Santa! 
  
Merry Christmas, everyone!

School is out for winter break so I got to go play outside with all of my friends. We had a blast together! We went sledding, built snowmen, made snow angels (Hal’s looked funny with his antlers) and went ice skating. It was so much fun. Looks like it’s going to be another white Christmas!

We had a holiday program today at school. We sang lots of different holiday songs which really got me excited that Christmas is NEXT WEEK! Can you believe it!? I even got to perform my very own solo in front of the entire school. Of course, I chose to sing my favorite song in the whole wide world “Jingle Bell Rock.” At the end, my family was standing on their hooves clapping and cheering for me. How embarrassing!? But it was really nice that they came to watch me perform. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous at first, but when I looked out into the dark room with the spotlight on me all I could see was the blinking lights on Hal’s antlers. I felt so much better knowing he was there. I’m really lucky to have such a great family.

Today was a snow day! WOOO HOOO! So, we spent the morning playing outside in the snow, sledding and making snow moose. Then, we spent the afternoon inside making a gingerbread house together.

It was so fun… and delicious!  Mom baked yummy gingerbread cookies to make our house and the roof. And we used icing to put the house together. Then, we coated the roof with icing and coconut to look like snow! We decorated the house with gum drops to look like Christmas lights, licorice for the doors and windows, and sprinkles (just for fun). It was so cute and made a festive decoration!

Don’t forget to watch the NEW episodes in the outdoor theater at buildabearville.com. You can see ME for a bit and lots of new winter friends like Polar Bear, which you can get the stuffable, huggable version at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Once you watch all of them you get a poster of me and my bro for your Cub Condo. It’s awesome so get your friends together and check it out!

Just want to wish all of my Jewish friends (and Moose) a very Happy Hanukkah! Hope you enjoy all 8 nights playing dreidel, opening presents and eating my favorite…latkes! Happy Hanukkah everyone!

Tonight my family went to pick out our Christmas tree. We went to this BIG lot with hundreds of trees! (I just love that tree smell…don’t you?) We spent a long time searching for the perfect one, and we finally found it!

When we got home, Hal helped my dad get the tree inside and I helped mom get out all of our ornaments and lights. Seeing each decoration was like opening up a Christmas memory. Each one has its own story, like the “angel” ornament I made for my mom out of twigs and cotton balls when I was just a calf. I still remember her face when she opened it. She acted like it was the most amazing piece of art she’d ever seen! Or, the star that goes on the very top of our tree that was a gift from my great grandma moose. And, that infamous string of lights that got stuck in Hal’s antlers when we crashed into the North Pole. That was one incredible Christmas! Each one has its own special memory and they all take their place on our tree. It seems like we collect more and more decorations each year… I think we’re going to have to get a bigger tree!

After the tree was set up, we made hot cocoa (with marshmallows of course) and sang our favorite Christmas carols together like Jingle Bell Rock. It was a great day!

I love Christmas SO much and I want to make sure everyone has a great one this year! That’s why I have been collecting gifts to donate to charity. It is so important to give back and help out people in my community. And everyone has a Christmas wish, right? A new toy should help put a smile on their face and make their wish come true.
 
It feels really good to know that I am helping others! Even though I’m still a kid I know that I really can make a difference in the world.
 
What are you doing to give back and support your community?

I got home from school today and I got a postcard from Sol, the Elf! Check it out!

Dear Holly,

You were absolutely right! Build-A-Bear Workshop really does have some great gifts! We are so lucky that they were there to lend a helping paw! And, Santa’s Elves have been working hard at Build-A-Bear Workshop to make sure this is going to be the best Christmas ever! The workload is heavier than usual because there were SO many boys and girls on the good list this year, which means there are a lot of toys to be made.  We could use all the help we can get. So you and your friends should come by the store and make gifts with us. Hope to see you soon, Holly!

Have an ELFtastic day!

Sol, the Elf

P.S. Have you checked out my interview on the Chloe Show at buildabearville.com?!

THE NORTH POLE IS OPEN!!! This is my most favorite place in all of Build-A-Bearville and this year there are new games, an outdoor theater, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and more!
 
There are also 2 new rides available in the Bearville Outfitters store…skis and ski scooter!
 
Plus you can check out the all NEW holiday adventures “Under the North Star! An Uplifting Christmas Adventure”, playing at the outdoor theater. I play a small role in the new story – so be on the lookout. And when you watch them all you’ll get a FREE poster of me and Hal for your Cub Condo house!
 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This year, was a little bit different. Instead of our traditional feast at home…we packed up the herd and headed to New York City!!!
 
Why? Well, Build-A-Bear Workshop asked us to appear on their float in the Thanksgiving parade! Did you see me?! I was waving to all of my fans!

If you missed our movie debut it's playing again on Saturday, November 27 at 10 am Eastern on ABC Family... can you believe we are in a real movie?  I keep pinching myself.

Don’t forget! This weekend Build-A-Bear Workshop will be hosting the Mini Moose-A-Palooza! You can get a FREE mini moose Pair – Mini me and my brother Hal Moose - when you spend $30 or more. And with so much great stuff in store like NEW Seasons Of Hugs Winter Hugs Bear, Polar Bear and any of our furry friends dressed in NEW winter fashions – these mini moose are gonna go FAST! Check out all of their great stuff. They have the best gifts on Earth! They’re cute; they’re loveable; they’re personalized; and with a special wish inside – each friend is unique; plus it’s a gift that just keeps on giving because you can play together online for FREE! PAWSOME!
 

Guess what?! I’m going to be on TV! I mean I knew when all that crazy stuff with Hal flying with Santa’s sleigh was exciting, but a TV movie for the entire family – WOW! Look for Holly & Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure premiering TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 24 at 7 p.m. EST and Saturday, November 28 at 10 a.m. EST on ABC Family in the U.S. 

It is SO exciting though! And don’t worry, I promise when I’m a gigantic super star I’ll still remember where I got my start – right here at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Plus, after the movie airs, you can buy the DVD. So you and your family will be able to make watching our movie a new holiday tradition at your house! Me and Hal? A Holiday tradition? It’s kinda crazy to think about but anything is possible, right? I guess that’s what happens when moose dream…uplifting stuff happens.

Hi, EmilyRainbow777! Thanks so much for your question:
“Hi Holly!! I am so happy that they are coming back out with you and Hal this holiday season. I got you and your brother Hal last year so I will not get you two again this. Quick question, I remember last year that at the workshop they had little Hal and Holly's, are they going to come back out with them this year?? Have a very nice day, Holly!!”

The answer is YES! From Friday – Sunday, November 27 – 29, you can visit any Build-A-Bear Workshop store in the United States for Mini Moose-A-Palooza! That just sounds fun, doesn’t it?! You can get a FREE mini moose pair (me and Hal) when you spend $30 or more! Isn’t that fantastic!? But it’s in store for a limited time only so you better get ‘em quick before they run out!

Hi, Gracie! Thanks so much for your question:
“Does Santa have any build-a-bear elfs? 'Cause i think they would be cute and cuddly! Hey what does the north pole look like”
Well,
TTFN: Ta, Ta For Now!!

Santa set up shop at Build-A-Bear Workshop because SO many people were asking for gifts that you can’t find anywhere else, like a furry friend dressed in a beary cute elf outfit. It’s so great that Build-A-Bear Workshop decided to help him out with their exclusive stuff so he can make every Christmas wish come true. The lil’ elf is so adorable, Gracie! I put it on my wish list and I really hope I find one under my tree this year!

So, about the North Pole….it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! It’s just as I dreamed it would be…MAGICAL. The Workshop is filled with merry voices of elves, singing while they work and countless toys being made (all backed by a smile guarantee). You can just tell that you’re standing in one of the most important places on earth because the Christmas wishes of boys and girls around the world rest upon the little shoulders of Santa’s elves. But, now you don’t have to go to the North Pole to see the magic of Santa’s Workshop. You can visit any Build-A-Bear Workshop store to visit Santa’s Elves and be an honorary elf! It’s MOOSETASTIC.

 

Today was a great day because I had class with Ms. Moosette. She’s my most favorite teacher! She teaches science, which I absolutely love because I learn lots of great stuff to help with all of my inventions. Sometimes, I even stay after school to show her all of my work! She’s so great and has encouraged me to keep sketching and dreaming up new inventions! Do you have a favorite teacher?

Guess what?! Hal and I are BACK at Build-A-Bear Workshop just for the holidays! Yes. It’s true. You can make your very own ME and my brother, Hal Moose! And we’re back with some cool NEW friends like Mini Robot Hal, Polar Bear, Winter Hugs Bear and more! Plus new fashions that you may recognize – they’re my favorite. It’s exactly what Hal and I were wearing when we saved Christmas. IT’S SO EXCITING! Check it out!

Have you heard? Santa’s Elves set up shop at Build-A-Bear Workshop this holiday season! Why, you ask? Ok, here’s the deal…when I was at the North Pole last Christmas I told Santa’s Elves that Build-A-Bear Workshop is where the coolest gifts are made that everybody wants. They received mounds of mail with letters from kids all over the world asking for stuff you can only get at Build-A-Bear Workshop like a stuffable ME and my bro, Hal Moose, Winter Hugs Bear, Bear Buck$ gift cards and more! I guess they got a little jealous, and decided to check out the toy-making competition for themselves. When they got to Build-A-Bear Workshop and saw all of the pawsome stuff, Santa called Chief Executive Bear, Maxine Clark, to see if they could set up shop there for the holidays. Isn’t that fantastic!? Santa’s elves working at Build-A-Bear Workshop! They even renamed it Santa’s Workshop for the holidays! AND Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests get to be Honorary Elves. Yep! That’s right. ANYONE can be an elf! (They are even raising the height limit.) Just go to the store and one of Santa’s HelpBEARS will give you a FREE Official Elf Access Card with tips for being the best elf ever, FREE exclusive virtual elf gifts at buildabearville.com (my fav) and more! PLUS I used the card to reveal secret messages from the elves around the store. It. Is. AWESOME!  Check it out at a store near you! Click here.

Thanks for your question anaadventurebear130. Hal also dressed up as one of Santa’s Elves! He LOVES Christmas…almost as much as me! :)

 

TTYL!

Happy Halloween everyone! I bet you’re all wondering what I decided to be. Ahem…drum roll please...I dressed up as one of Santa’s Elves!

It should have been an obvious choice, because after all, Christmas IS my favorite holiday and I probably have more Christmas spirit than anyone I know! Well, maybe Hal and I are tied. :)

I picked out the most adorable outfit, too. Red and white striped tights, green booties with bells of course, a fabulous green dress and a matching hat! This is the one and only day that I will give up my signature red bow – you all know it’s my favorite!

But, I had so much fun being an elf today that it just really got me into the Christmas spirit. Only 55 more days! The countdown is on!

I had the BEST afternoon! After school today, mom took me and Hal to the pumpkin patch. It was a blast!

When we got there, we drank hot apple cider which was absolutely delicious! Then, we took a hay ride to where all of the pumpkins were. I’m not kidding; I have never seen so many pumpkins in all my life. We walked around for a while before each of us chose the perfect one to make jack-o-lanterns!

When we got home, we got straight to work. With mom’s help, we carved our pumpkins. First, she cut the top off. Then, we scooped out the insides. It was sorta gross but we wanted to save all the pumpkin seeds so mom could toast them (they make a yummy snack)! Anyways, we made some of the most fabulous jack-o-lanterns. Hal even stuck two twigs in his, one on each side, to make it look like a moose! Hahaha!

What a great day! Hope yours was, too. :)

OK, it’s crunch time. There’s only one week until Halloween and I really need to figure out my costume. I’ve already received lots of moosetastic suggestions from you to dress up as a witch, a reindeer, a kitty, a pumpkin, a ballerina and an angel. These are ALL fabulous ideas! Thanks! But, I am still having a really hard time deciding. Decisions, decisions…

Anyways, I’ve been so busy planning my Halloween party that I totally forgot one of the most important details of all…my costume! I planned a lot of fun stuff for my friends like apple bobbing, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest – which is exactly why I need the perfect costume!

Help please!

Hi everyone. I’ve come to the end of a very long day and thought I would write a quick posting before I hit the hay!

School was great! I had a full day of classes including my 2 favorites – science and art. I absolutely love them because I learn a lot of great stuff to help me with my inventions.
    
When I got home, I got straight to work on my chores. Mom asked me to help rake the leaves in the backyard. And, just when I had all of my piles perfectly lined up and ready to put into trash bags, my brother, Hal came charging through the back yard and dove right in the center of my hard work! What a goof! At least he helped me finish up.

When we came inside, mom had an awesome dinner ready for us to eat: root stew, bark burgers and mixed berries for dessert – YUMMY!

After dinner, I finished up all of my homework and now, I’m saying goodnight to you!

Goodnight, everyone! TTYL

OMG so I was playing in Build-A-Bearville yesterday and I read in the Bearville Times that I can get a FREE Virtual Magic Shrinking Move and 2 Bearville Outfitters credits when I make an animal at Build-A-Bear Workshop during the month of October and bring it to life online for FREE! So, after school today, I took my chore money that I had saved up and headed over to the mall to buy a new stuffed animal.

There were so many cute choices which made it almost impossible to choose! But, the Bear Builders were so helpful and showed me one of the latest friends to arrive, Kooky Spooky Kitty, and I knew that was the one. She is so festive for fall and has an adorable bow on her tail (you know I love bows). Of course, I couldn’t leave the store without getting her some fab fashions, too. I found the perfect Sparkle Witch Costume that comes with a dress, a hat and a broomstick. It’s just pawfect for Halloween which is one of my favorite holidays (after Christmas of course)!

Anyways, as soon as I got home, I logged onto buildabearville.com and brought her to life. My move and Bearville Outfitters credits were already in my “My Stuff”! It was SO easy. Anyways, I took a walk around the world to show off my new move to all of my friends! My online character shrunk right before my very eyes. It was AWESOME. Then, I headed over to the Bearville Outfitters store to shop. There were so many ways to use my Bearville Outfitters credits from clothes to furniture for my Cub Condo and more! I decided on a witch costume for my online character AND my new Kooky Spooky Kitty.  They were each only 1 credit and we look BOOrrific!

Then, we went to check out the NEW Kooky Spooky Fun House. (I promise it’s not scary at all.) It is just so much fun. You can go on a Kooky Spooky Kitty Quest with Kooky Spooky Kitty and you can go through the Kooky Spooky Maze – you enter through a trap door! Woah – that’s a lot of kooky spooky fun! Anyways, you should def check it out. Click here.

Hi everyone. I’ve missed you so much but I’ve just been so busy and thought I should fill you in on what’s been going on with ME!

It was a MOOSETASTIC summer. When I got out of school, Hal and I went on a family vacay to the Taiga Pine Forests to visit my grandparents. We had an absolute blast just hanging out, hiking, cooking, playing games and reading books. I just love my family!!! They’re the best.

When I got back from my trip, I missed my friends SO much that I spent every chance I could with them hanging out, swimming, having sleepovers, watching movies, playing games and camping out in my backyard. It was so nice to be able to hang out without worrying about it being a school night or having homework and studying to do. I heart summer!

The last part of my summer I went to sleep away camp for 3 whole weeks! It was a long time to be away from home but I wrote my mom and dad every day and my brother, Hal was there so I didn’t get too homesick. I had a fabulous time and made a lot of new friends. We all meet up in Build-A-Bearville to chat and play games together. We even went to virtual camp – Camp Happy Heart – and played all of the fun games. Build-A-Bearville is such a great way to keep in touch with friends!

When I got back from camp it was already time to get ready to go back to school, which included shopping for new clothes – YEAY! I got a brand new coat, jeans and some really awesome boots! I also got to pick out new school supplies and, of course, I went for the set of glittery pens, binders and folders –all coordinating of course. And I can’t forget about my brand new journal. It’s not really for school; it’s for sketching up inventions. You know I love to dream up new stuff all the time and my last journal was jammed full of ideas! Including one that helped make history…Hal’s spring shoes!

Anyway, summer just completely flew by but I was super excited to start my first day of school. And can you believe it? Now it’s already FALL! You know what that means. Halloween is right around the corner! Any suggestions on what I should be? What’s your favorite Halloween treat?

 

Today I made a hug pledge to help Save The Children at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace. You’re probably wondering what that even means…aren’t you?  Well, Build-A-Bear Workshop started this brand new program called Love. Hugs. Peace, which is all about sharing and working together to help our communities. Because that’s SO important to me, I decided to check it out and join the movement! 

And that, my friends, is why I’ve decided to help Save The Children, a MOOSEtastic charity that helps kids in need. When I make a $1 donation to Save The Children I’ll get a free download of the exclusive Build-A-Bear Workshop song Let’s Talk About Love performed by David Archuleta. So, I get to listen to David Archuleta, who is like one of my most FAVORITE singers (and he’s SO cute, too) to help a great cause ϑ.

You know, even though we’re young, kids CAN help make the world a better place. How will YOU help? There are lots of free things you can do that can make a big difference, like promising to do one nice thing for someone every day, volunteering at an animal shelter or even giving out hugs to your family and friends…there’s something for everyone so check it out!

I don’t know if you know this, but my second favorite holiday (after Christmas of course) is Valentine’s Day! And right now buildabearville.com is having a MOOSETASTIC V-day celebration and fabulous decorations all over the world! I HEART it!

I’ve been partying it up at theSock Hop in the new Gymnasium at Bear University. And, for the first time ever, your furry friend can hop out of your backpack and join in the dance, too! Me and mini Holly have been bustin’ out some moves together! Plus you can play new games and get a pawsome gift, too!

Check it out!

Greetings Holly and Hal,

Well, we had another great Christmas! Lots of good boys and girls this year, so we worked extra hard! Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you again for all of your help! 

Best,
The North Pole Elves 

Dear Holly,
 
I just wanted to wish you and Hal a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Santa told me you were a very good moose all year long so I hope this Christmas was everything you wished for and more! 
 I am happy to report that the new Workshop system you put into place is working great! Before you came along, we used an old dusty chalkboard to keep track of the master schedule and every time there was a change to be made, an elf had to roll a ladder over to it, climb up, erase the old numbers and scrawl the new ones! Your schedules, spreadsheets, toy inventory tracking system, supply and analysis programs once seemed like a foreign language to me, but with your help you turned our old fashioned system thigh tech! But most importantly, Holly, you helped us uphold a time-honored toy-making tradition while being efficient and helping us moving forward to keep up with the times.
 
 Your ambitious spirit and positive attitude still impress me to this day and I think about you and Hal all the time. You even left an impact on, Sol, the elf, who I must admit had his doubts about two moose saving Christmas.  I am so very proud of you. Keep up the good work and don’t forget to follow and (maybe even chase) your dreams!
 
We hope you and Hal will visit again soon!

Lots of love,
Mrs. C

Check it out! Here are some sketches of my inventions to help Hal fly and fulfill his dreams! Who says Moose don’t fly?  

Dear Holly Moose,

Thanks for writing to me! I absolutely love getting letters from our Guests, especially one of our biggest fans.

You sound like a very ambitious moose with lots of heart, and that’s just the kind of spirit we all need this holiday season. Your letter to me was so inspiring, in fact, that I’ve decided that we will have not one, but two moose in our stores - a boy and a girl, just like you and your little brother, Hal.

I hope that our Guests will start a new holiday tradition with these adorable moose friends, and that they will be inspired to believe in their dreams for many holidays to come just as you’ve inspired me. 

Continue to chase your dreams, Holly. I have a good feeling that you will make a beary big difference in the world. 

Bear Hugs,
Maxine Clark

P.S. I didn’t forget your request. Our girl moose will have a red bow, just like you!

The one accessory I can’t live without? Without question – my cell phone. Quite simply, I HEART it. One of my most favorite things to do is snap pictures and then post them here for you all to see. So, check out some of my latest and greatest:

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, this is a good one…NOT! Here I am, in a snowstorm, at the edge of an ice pit, in the middle of the wilderness trying to save Hal, AGAIN. My eyelashes look like tiny icicles; my BEST parka is soaking wet; my tuft, that had been so carefully curled that morning, is plastered to my forehead like a drowned rat. Thanks, Hal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There he is, my little bro, making a wish on the North Star to lead Santa’s sleigh across the sky with the reindeer!  You know what I think? My little brother just needs to dream on.     

So one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen is the aurora borealis or the “Northern Lights.”

Did you know????? The Northern Lights are created when solar winds interact with the edge of the Earth’s magnetic field.

It’s like a beautiful green glow on the horizon to the north that creates a glorious, astonishing display. Typically, they only come out in fall and spring (September & October or March & April) But it’s November, and my brother and I saw them. So what’s special about it being around Christmastime?

Hal thinks that when the Northern Lights appear within 12 days of Christmas, it’s caused by the energy emitted from Santa’s workshop at the North Pole as the elves rush to finish their toy manufacturing in time for Christmas Eve delivery. Puh-lease. He’s always dreaming about Santa and the North Pole. I hardly think a silly old story like that could be true. Elves making the sky light up? I don’t think so.

While I don’t know exactly what causes this light display in the night sky this time of the year, I do know that something magical must be happening to create something so extraordinary and beautiful.

So I’ve already told you how much I LOVE to dance. It’s what I wait for all year long, the dance-off at Eliza’s Christmas party. The day after last year’s party I immediately started planning my next dance. It took LOTS of work...hours researching the dancing trends, the coolest outfits...

It’s really starting to come together now, though. I’ve got the cutest red velvet dress, complete with faux-fur trim. I’ll look like quite the little Christmoose!

And I’ve put together the coolest routine. It’s got influences from all over the dance world—some ballroom moves I learned from Prancing with Celebrities, a little bit of hip-hop—oh, and don’t forget the Moosarena!

Yesterday, I took a day trip with my mom and Hal to the Taiga Pine Forests to visit my grandparents—my mom’s whole family is from there, so we go from time to time.

Anyway, I was SO excited that my third cousin (four times removed on my dad’s side) was there. He likes to travel, so he was just in town for the day. Best of all, he speaks Mooselish! We had lots of fun having him translate stuff for us. Even taught me to say “Happy Thanksgiving!” It’s “Mmmmrrrah, Raaaaaaa, Mmmrrrrmmm,” or at least that’s how I think you spell it.

He promised to read my blog, so if you’re reading this cuz—thanks so much for a great visit!

They say you can tell a lot about a moose by what she has in her bag. It’s sort of like taking a little peek into her life! So I’ve decided to give you a peek into my bag—a Christmas gift from my BFF, Eliza—and tell you what’s inside right now:

• For starters, I NEVER leave home without my cell phone. Of course, in order to use it I MUST follow Mom and Dad’s rules:
  1.    I can only call moose that my parents approve of
  2.    I can only take pictures for my blog
  3.    Mom or Dad must check everything I post to my blog, and we MUST follow computer rules
  
  But seriously, I can’t live without it. It’s like my lifeline to everything! It helps me stay connected to my friends, and I absolutely LOVE snapping pics for happyhollyblog.com.
  
  
• Sketchpad & pencil—These two things are a definite must. I always have these on hand to write down my ideas, record my ponderings and sketch up new thingamajigs. I’m always planning and dreaming up something new!
  
  
• Lil’Holly—So I got this teddy bear when I was just a little moose, and, yes, I still carry her wherever I go. I love knowing that she’s within arm’s reach whenever I need a hug.
  
  
• Maple-flavored lip gloss—Seriously, I can’t leave home without it! I mean, it gets really cold deep in the forest where I live, so I use it to moisturize my lips. Plus, it adds a hint of color and shine—and tastes great, too!
  
  
• Trail mix—I always make sure I have something to graze on throughout the day. It’s healthy and delicious—a combo of twigs, nuts, berries and grass. YUM!
  
  
• Finally, my red hair bow— I truly believe that every moosette has to have one signature accessory, and this is mine. It’s fashionable, and sometimes you just gotta get your hair out of your face!

Eliza is my best friend in the whole world. We’ve been friends since we were mini-moose, and one of the many things we have in common is that we LOVE Christmas. Eliza always says that we need to lift each other’s spirits, so every year she has an annual holiday party. Every single moose I know is invited and will attend. It’s THE party of the year—to see and be seen. I can’t wait! I’ve thought about little else for weeks.

There will be music and snacks and games. Eliza and her father are going to snow-plow a maze through the snow drifts in their backyard and set up a small stage under the patio for dancing. And, oh yes, there’s going to be a dance contest!

But the most important thing you should know about Eliza is that she really is a great friend. She’s a warmhearted, kind and funny moose, and we always have the best time together!

It’s starting to get cold outside, so here are some great tips for dressing warm but looking cool this season!

One piece every moose MUST have is a great jacket. My silver quilted coat is my favorite! It gets chilly out here in the forest, walking to and from school, and there’s nothing better than getting bundled up and escaping the cold in a cool coat!

Accessories are very important … always accessorize with faux-fur cuffs, a fabulous collar, and a chic hat and scarf set.

Every girl moose must have a stylish pair of boots. Personally, I like having a pair of faux-fur, Sherpa-look trim or even silver boots!

Dressing up is fun, too! I love to wear a red velvet dress paired with my red glitter BearyJane shoes and my faux-fur purse. Fabulous!

Finally, make a fashion statement, look smart and be prepared with a chic notepad and pencil. I carry one with me wherever I go to jot down my ideas, notes and anything else that comes to mind!

OMG, Halloween is tomorrow and I still have no clue what I should be. The possibilities are endless—I could be anything!

Predictable—like every other year, my little brother, Hal, is going to dress up as one of Santa’s reindeer. He spends more time daydreaming about flying across the sky with Santa to deliver presents than he does doing anything else. How many times do I have to tell him, “You’re a moose! M-O-O-S-E! And moose can’t fly.”

Food for thought: Antlers make it hard to bob for apples! So us girls are sure to beat out the boys again this year. :-)

It’s not even Halloween yet, but everyone is already getting into the holiday spirit: Festive-colored lights line every building on Main Street. The windows at the Moose Mall Emporium have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Skaters are spinning and twirling together at the ice rink in Town Square.

And although I am really excited that Halloween is tomorrow (TREATS! COSTUMES! PARTIES!), I’m already having dreams of Santa’s reindeer, presents and sugarplum fairies!

Let’s talk about Harold, or Hal, as most people call him. Yes, he’s my little brother and I love him (don’t tell him I said so), but like most little brothers he can be SO annoying sometimes!

You see, the thing to know about Hal is that he’s a dreamer; he’s adventurous; he’s curious. Basically, that big, goofy lug is always charging into things. He’s just so confident that he can sort out any tangle he gets himself into, but usually it’s me that has to help him out. In his mind that’s part of the adventure, you know, to figure it out as you go. I, on the other hand, am a planner. And Hal never plans anything. But it seems every time I plan out my own dreams I just end up untangling his!

I also think it’s important to note that anything Hal can do, I can do better...backwards and in hoofheels. 

Dear Maxine,

What can I say? I LOVE Build-A-Bear Workshop! I swear my brother, Hal, and I have to be your two BIGGEST FANS! I will never forget the very first time I went to your store. I made my Curly Teddy and accessorized it with a bright red ear bow so it would look just like me! I named her Lil’ Holly, and I still carry her wherever I go.

Oh, and I love playing online at buildabearville.com. It’s so much fun decorating my Cub Condo, playing games and seeing my friends online. My favorite game is the Friendship Forest Photo Safari—I like taking pictures.

Where did you come up with the idea for Build-A-Bear Workshop? I’m always thinking up new ideas and dreaming up new inventions. I hope one day that one of my ideas can make a difference in the world, too. It’s like my mom always says, “If you want to make a difference in the world, you HAVE to speak your mind.”

So anyway, I’m writing to tell you that I think this holiday season, you should have a moose in your store. Oh—and just one more request … can she have a red bow, just like me?

Lots of love,
Holly Moose

Holly Moose
Gadget Guru

Gender: Moosette
Industry: Creative/Invention
Occupation: Student
Location: Northland Forest

About Me
I’m 13½ years old and 20 hooves tall—21 when I curl my tuft. I live in the Northland Forest with my parents and lil’ brother, Hal.

What else? Oh, yes—I’m always sketching and dreaming up something new. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up yet, but I know it should be something I love to do—my mom told me that if you do what you love, it will never seem like work because you’ll have so much fun doing it. And planning is one thing I’m good at. I always say, “A hoof in the right direction is the start of solving any problem.” I love to help people solve their problems (especially my brother, Hal—he’s always getting into some sort of trouble). Maybe I’ll be an inventor; I can make things up. But I also really love clothes, so maybe I’ll be a fashion designer. One thing I know I won’t ever do is be a pilot or a skydiver; I’m so afraid of heights. And I definitely don’t like surprises, so I’m going to have to figure this all out—maybe not today I guess.

Also, I LOVE to dance. I have actually started practicing already for my BFF Eliza’s Christmas party—I know what you’re thinking, but the best dance routine gets a gift certificate to the Moose Mall Emporium, and I’ve had my eye on some new clothes for Lil’ Holly, my Build-A-Bear Workshop Curly Teddy, for quite some time now! :-)