Showing posts with label Treasures By Brenda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Treasures By Brenda. Show all posts

Monday, January 27, 2025

Sophie la Girafe Baby Teether Review

sophie la girafe teether
Discover the iconic Sophie la Girafe Teether who has been making babies happy since the 1960s!
As a newish grandmother, I was recently introduced to Sophie la Girafe. I had heard of Sophie before but never seen her firsthand. Sophie is a worldwide phenomenon. She’s been carefully handmade in Paris, France since May 25, 1961, and because she is handmade, no two are exactly alike. Since the 1960s, over 70 million Sophies have been sold. That is one successful toy.

See for yourself how Sophie is made in this short Youtube video from the maker:


And here's a longer video, which gives a more thorough look at how the toy is made but more importantly, a very good description of how and why this toy is good for your baby. It demonstrates babies in action with the toy, exactly as I saw my grandson use her. Note that the first part of the video is not in English but the second part is.


Sophie is made from natural rubber, which is soft, flexible and lightweight and therefore feels good to handle. She is painted with food-grade paint, which is perfect for babies who are teething. I watched my six-month old grandson during his visit last week and was amazed at how much he enjoyed handling and yes, chewing on Sophie. 

Sophie’s giraffe form is perfect at providing many places for your baby to grab hold of as well as cram into his or her mouth. Think ears, legs and neck. I cannot think of another word that is better than cram because that is exactly what a baby will attempt to do with her. Better, of course, that whatever your baby is trying to put into his or her mouth is a safe item like this teether.

Sophie also emits a sound when squeezed that the company calls “a mischievous and legendary pouet." When your baby hears that sound, he knows Sophie is around.

Care is easy. Just wash Sophie with soapy water and a damp cloth. As my son learned, Sophie should not be submerged in water. The company also says not to sterilize Sophie. 

Sophie comes packed in a few different ways so you can gift something as simple as this amazing teether in the typical giraffe format or you can gift a teething ring, a double-handled cup, a plush toy, a bath time toy, a blanket or a gift set. There is even a line of party supplies so that you can host a Sophie-themed party. Check out all of the items that are available in Sophie’s complete store here on Amazon.

In case you are wondering why Sophie is a ‘girafe’ and not a ‘giraffe’, it is because the word with the single F is the French spelling of giraffe.

I feel perhaps a bit disloyal when I add that this teether is also available as a deer and a camel.

Love your babies!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE BABIES:




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Rick Mercer Road Years Book Review

The Road Years: A Memoir, Continued… a book review.

In my review of Rick Mercer’s first book, Talking to Canadians, I said “…anyone who is familiar with Rick's television programs and comedic abilities will love this book. If you know his work, you will particularly enjoy learning about his background.” In his latest book, The Road Years: A Memoir, Continued…, I came away feeling that it was a bit less memoir and a bit more the story of his second television program, the Rick Mercer Report (RMR), which spanned fifteen very successful television seasons.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in which you are privileged to join Rick's journey to discover what a Canadian is. Whilst on that journey, you will discover what happens behind-the-scenes of his encounters with Canadians that have included the likes of the (much younger then) current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; the former Prime Minister Jean Chretien; the world renown members of the rock band Rush including Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart; the guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and Bachman Tuner Overdrive; and, the singer, songwriter, author and comedian Jann Arden. Not all of the spots are about famous Canadians. Instead, they might be about Canadian things and places including animals, cities and famous destinations.

A bonus with this book is that after you read about one of the episodes, you can google the Rick Mercer Report and the relevant individual or item and watch the original television spot.

RICK MERCER REPORT VIDEOS


TAGGING BEARS IN ALGONQUIN PARK   

You can read about and then watch Rick’s spotlight on Algonquin Park in which he is invited to help the bear experts tag wild bears:


WALKING AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE CN TOWER WITH JANN ARDEN

Or you can read about and then watch Rick and Jann Arden outside on the ledge of the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere, Toronto’s CN Tower.


TAKING DRUM LESSONS WITH RUSH'S NEIL PEART

Finally, you can read about and then watch the episode that included the iconic musician and Rush’s drummer, Neil Peart. According to Wikipedia, Peart was known for his extreme “technical proficiency and the exacting nature and stamina of his live performances” and  was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. Watch here:


Anyway, these videos will give you an idea of who Rick Mercer the comedian is and will reveal some of the contents of the book in which Rick celebrates our beloved Canada and shares how the Rick Mercer Report show was made.

WHO SHOULD READ THE ROAD YEARS: A MEMOIR, CONTINUED...


Once again, I highly recommend this book for anyone with a Canadian connection, who watched the Rick Mercer Report and/or who simply enjoys Rick’s comic talent.

CBC Books says, this book "tells the story of the success of The Rick Mercer Report and all the great encounters and other adventures that making the show allowed Rick Mercer to experience. It's a celebration of happy moments told in Mercer's trademark positivism and humour.” I agree.

I highly recommend you set out on this road trip with Rick or that you gift it to a family manner. It is an easy and very entertaining read especially for anyone who was a regular watcher of the very popular television program.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, October 15, 2024

HALLOWEEN-THEMED LEGO GIFT & DECOR IDEAS

Discover some fun and fabulous Halloween-themed gift and home decor ideas!

A GIFT GUIDE FULL OF FUN 'N FABULOUS LEGO ITEMS FOR HALLOWEEN


My family loved and still love both Lego and Halloween. I am not sure if it was so easy to combine both of those themes when my boys were growing up but it definitely is now. Items from these two themes are great treats for Halloween. They are appropriate for those who are old enough for Lego and for those of us who are young at heart. I have found nine fun-tastic items and they are all available through the links right here on this page.  Come with me then as we review some fantastic Lego-themed Halloween items perfect for your gift giving or home décor. 

1. CAT AND MOUSE SET


Lego Cat and Mouse Halloween Set (40570)
If you’d like to have an actual set of Lego for Halloween, here is one to consider. The Cat and Mouse set, set number 40570, has 328 pieces and is recommended for individuals aged 9 and up. After you build it, you will have a nice little display piece for your home’s holiday décor. You can find Lego’s Halloween Cat and Mouse set here on Etsy.

2. OWL SET

Lego Halloween Owl Set (40497)

Another fun Halloween set is this owl set, number 40497, which includes 228 pieces and is recommended for individuals 8 and up. This guy will be over 4 ½ inches tall when you have finished building him and will be another fun addition to your Halloween décor. You will find Lego’s Halloween Owl set here on Etsy.

3. PUMPKIN, SKELETON OR ZOMBIE STORAGE CONTAINER


Lego Jack-O-Lantern, Skeleton and Zombie Storage Containers. Perfect for Halloween.


I love these containers, which are meant for storage whether that be of Lego, of Halloween candy or of something else. They look like classic Lego mini-figure heads but are bigger. Take your pick of a pumpkin, skeleton or zombie head! Watch for them in two sizes. You can find your Lego Halloween storage containers here on Etsy. Buy more than one and you can even stack them.

4. UNISEX T-SHIRT


Lego Mini-Figure Pumpkin Heads BOO! T-Shirt

Boo! Fans of both the holiday and the toy will love this unisex t-shirt with it is image of Lego-style mini-figure heads and the word Boo! Your builder will have fun wearing this shirt from Brick Road and you might even love wrapping it in the coordinating wrapping paper. Available in sizes from small to 3XL, you can find this Halloween Lego tee right here on Etsy. 

5. PUMPKIN COACH OR HORSE AND CARRIAGE INSTRUCTIONS


Instructions for a Lego Halloween Pumpkin Coach or Truck.

For someone who has plenty of Lego pieces but is looking for a creative way to come up with a Halloween-themed decoration, I found these Halloween-themed patterns. The first is an elaborate pumpkin coach or horse drawn carriage. It reminds me somehow of Cinderella’s carriage but is definitely meant for Halloween. The second pattern is a skeleton-themed truck carrying a large jack-o-lantern. It is ready to haul that jack-o-lantern wherever it is needed. Bricks Boys Studio on Etsy has the instructions for downloading of both pieces so once you buy them you can download the pattern(s) and start building. Find your Halloween pumpkin coach or skeleton truck Lego instructions here on Etsy.

6. BUILDING BRICKS LOT 


Halloween-colored building bricks lot. Great for your Halloween builds!

It can be hard finding a bunch of colored building bricks in a certain color. Bricks from Colorado has created a selection of Halloween-colored Lego bricks for your building projects. You will receive half a pound of genuine Lego pieces that have been hand sorted and that include random Lego pieces in appropriate colors like dark purple, lime green, orange and gray. Bonus, they include a few spiderwebs and spiders. Your selection will not be exactly as shown here in this picture but will be similar in nature. I think that this would be a totally unique gift idea for any Lego builder. Find your bundle of Halloween-colored Lego pieces here on Etsy. You will also find a selection of already built pieces and seasonal mini-figures.

7. DISNEY’S JACK SKELLINGTON MINI-FIGURE

Lego's Jack Skellington Mini-Figure.

If you love Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas movie franchise, you will love this Jack Skellington mini-figure. It is from the Disney Series 2 Collectible Mini-Figure pouches, set number 71024. Each set contained one Disney minifigure. Whether you were collecting all of the pieces from that series or you just love this character in particular, you will find the Jack Skellington mini-figure here on Etsy.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY INVITATION


Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party Invite - Digital and Personalized.

This card makes me wish I was having a pumpkin carving party. It’s a personalized digital download and, as such, is animated. It reveals three costumed characters carving their jack-o-lanterns. You add your party details including the date, time, location, R.S.V.P. and any extra details you want (within a st number of characters). Create your Halloween party invitations here on Etsy and note that Etsy seller Brick Greetings has two other types of Halloween party cards available.

9. AUTUMN SCARECROW PUMPKIN PATCH BOX


Gorgeous Genuine-Lego, Custom Built Scarecrow Pumpkin Patch Box. Perfect for Halloween.

I will close with this phenomenal custom-built autumn-themed trinket box. Handcrafted from genuine Lego parts by Etsy seller Lego Box, it features a lid that comes off to remove a small storage area. On top of this one you find a scene straight from the pumpkin patch! Find more custom-built Lego boxes for Halloween and other seasons by Liz here on Etsy. 

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There you have it, a page full of interesting Halloween Lego items. Which ones were your favorites? Don’t forget that simply adding accessories like napkins, plates, candles and mugs in a related color like orange will help create your Halloween mood.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out Etsy’s Halloween shop, packed with “spooky-season picks at scary good prices” by clicking right here

See you
at the Lego store!
Brenda










Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, September 17, 2024

INTERESTING EBAY BUYER STORIES: WHAT SOLD ON EBAY, SIXTH EDITION

What Sold on eBay? The Sixth Edition - Buyer Stories Edition.
Next up in my What Sold on eBay series, is a review of five interesting sales that I have had this year, 2024. This time, they are from the perspective of the buyer. They are not high-dollar value sales but rather sales that were particularly interesting for one reason or another for the buyer. If you are curious about what type of items have a personal connection with a buyer or if you are simply curious about what people are buying and selling on eBay, you will enjoy my review of these sales.

PAST ISSUES OF FINE COOKING MAGAZINE


Complete or start your collection with old issues of Fine Cooking magazine.

I was lucky to find a collection of  past copies of Fine Cooking magazine. As a cook, I tried a few of the recipes and found that they were often elaborate but always delicious. Of course, I am not the only one who knows that Fine Cooking recipes are really, really good. 

One buyer who recently purchased multiple copies from me said: “Fine cooking is my favorite food magazine and I am happy to be able to purchase the individual issues that I was missing.” I was happy to help her fill out her collection. 

Find your Fine Cooking magazines here on eBay.

ROY KIRHAM PLEASE SHUT THE GATE MUG


Begin or add to your collection of Please Shut the Gate-themed mugs with artwork by Roy Kirkham.

Another buyer purchased a somewhat hard-to-find pig-themed fine bone china mug by Roy Kirkham titled “Please Shut the Gate.”  

She said “This mug is great. It makes me smile first thing in the morning and arrived quickly and in perfect condition.” It is one in a series that also includes fun illustrations of sheep and cattle and comes in a variety of styles including the one shown here, a teacup and saucer and even a teapot. Perfect for fans of farms and farm animals. 


RENOIR'S LITTLE GIRL WITH THE BLUE RIBBON PRINT

Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Little Girl Irene with Blue Ribbon print.

Yet another buyer reached out and purchased a reproduction 20-inch picture printed on sturdy cardboard. It featured a portrait painting from 1880 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The subject of the print is Irène Cahen d'Anvers and the image is known by both her name and by the title, Little Girl with the Blue Ribbon or Little Irene. 

The buyer said, “When I was a little girl my parents hung this picture on my bedroom wall. Little did I know the artist or anything about it. I grew up and in my teenage years I figured I was way too old and cool for that silly picture (and so she gave it away). I so regret giving that picture away but I am SO thrilled to be getting another just like it. I grew up in Markham, Ontario so it figures that it's coming from Ontario. Who knows but what it could have been the same one of mine from years ago?” 

I love that the buyer can remember the artwork that hung in her room as a child and that she is able to once again own that image as a reminder of her childhood.


GUSTAVE BAUMANN NEW MEXICO GREETING CARD


Gustave Baumann's Talpa Chapel, New Mexico on a Greeting Card.

I sold this greeting card that features an image by artist Gustave Baumann. However, this sale came not because someone collects pieces by that particular artist but rather because someone has an ancestral connection to the Talpa Chapel in New Mexico. 

The buyer said, “This chapel was my ancestors private chapel on their ranch in Talpa, New Mexico. It’s called the Duran Chapel or Chapel of our lady of Talpa. The picture by Gustave here is actually transposed. The original view was mirror image.” 

How wonderful that someone has a connection like this with the chapel and how interesting that the picture is transposed. I do wonder how that happened but expect it was an error in printing.

Check out all of the Gustave Baumann pieces here on eBay. If you want greeting cards in particular, you should add the word card to your search.

Barbie Sisters Cruise Ship

BARBIE SISTERS' CRUISE SHIP


Finally, I have helped a couple of individuals complete their Barbie cruise ships. In particular, the Barbie Sisters’ Cruise ship, model number X3209, that was released in 2011. Believe it or not, one of those people was working on completing multiple ships! They all have been very pleased to find the replacement pieces and parts they have needed in my shop on eBay. These particular pieces were difficult to find because the ship is no longer made but were a little bit rarer because they were all new pieces.

Find your Barbie Sisters' Cruise ship parts or a ship in its entirety here, on eBay.

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I hope you enjoyed these eBay stories. If you would like to read more about what sells on eBay, just follow the links shown below.

You never know
what I might have
in store for you!
Brenda

QUICK LINKS:


Discover my eBay store!










Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, August 29, 2024

Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land Pirates Playset Reviewed

Discover Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land Pirates themed play sets!
Jake and the Never Land Pirates is an animated preschool child’s television series that was produced by Disney Junior and aired between the years of 2011 and 2016. The storyline took inspiration from Walt Disney and J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story. It tells tales of the three main pirate characters - Jake, Izzy, Cubby - and of a parrot named Skully who together search for treasure and find themselves competing with Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Sharky and Bones.

SERIES TRAILER


Here’s a peek at the show:


SHOW SUCCESS


The show was successful with the little boy audience it was aimed at and Common Sense Media says, “The program is full of good social messages about solving problems, being a good friend and appreciating individuality. It also includes basic academic skills like counting and sorting and involves kids with music and humor.

SHOW TOYS


There was a high demand for toys for the series and in 2013, Play-Doh issued the play set shown here for fans of the show aged 3 and up. It is perfect for pirate-themed creative play whether it is inspired from the program Jake and the Never Land Pirates or from your child’s imagination.

SET CONTENTS  


The set comes complete with two stamps, a press in the form of a canon, a treasure chest shaper, a crocodile cutter and three containers of Play-Doh. Please be aware that retired sets have old Play-Doh in them and you may have to replace the modelling compound, which is easily and affordably done at your local toy store.

WHERE TO FIND YOUR SET


There was also another set for this series, a Toys R Us exclusive, called Pirate Ship. However, both of these sets have long been discontinued, which makes them somewhat hard to find. I recommend searching for Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land sets here on eBay.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE PLAY-DOH


Retired, new, used and vintage Play-Doh sets in my eBay store.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Play-Doh Airplane Explorer Starter Set Review

Know someone little or big who loves airplanes? Check out this fun airplane-themed Play-Doh set!

Play-Doh's Airplane Explorer Starter Set will appeal to the little and even the big folk who are enthralled with airplanes. What follows is a brief review of this set.

Released in 2024, this set is considered a starter set for children aged 3 and up and is perfect for airplane-themed creative play. 

It comes complete with a rolling airplane that stamps cloud patterns as you roll it along and that includes molds in the cockpit so that you can make a pilot or two. It also includes a world map-themed playmat, travel-themed molds to make shapes that are seen on the mat, a globe roller, a luggage roller and a camera that molds postcards. Of course, it also comes with the iconic modeling clay. In this case, there are four canisters in blue, green, orange and purple. 

Here's a peek at the set in action:


This set is good for little ones to develop fine motor skills, engage their imaginations and explore the world on a map.

It is a fun set for little ones but I think it would be a "made you smile" kind of gift for anyone who works in the aviation industry, too.  As Play-Doh says, "no passport is required" to travel with this set.

Find Play-Doh's Airplane Explorer Starter Set here on eBay.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, July 18, 2024

Play-Doh Classic Clinic Medical Doctor or Operation-Themed Playset Review

Rare Play-Doh Classic Clinic medical nurse, doctor or operation-themed playset.

Here’s another wonderful Play-Doh set. This one reminds me of the traditional battery-operated game, Operation, and will appeal to little nurse and doctor wannabes and big folk who are or were in the medical profession. What follows is a brief review of this retired and hard-to-find set, which is perfect for medically-themed creative play. Bonus? It was deliberately made to have a retro feeling.

Your children will be able to create all kinds of strange illnesses using the doctor-themed tools that include a stethoscope, doctor’s mirror, clamp, syringe, scissors, slicers and tweezers all with which to cut, stitch and fix the patient. Yes, it comes with a patient, too and two cans of modeling compound and a mold for creating body parts and creatures.

Play-Doh used imagination when they advertised this one. “Screws loose in the head? Frog in the throat?” You can make anything happen with this fun medical set. Released in 2019, it is considered appropriate for children aged 3 and up.

As with all Play-doh sets, this one is good for young children to develop fine motor skills and engage their imaginations. It would also be a great gift, a sort of stress releaser I expect, for anyone working in the medical industry.

This set was an exclusive Toys R Us release and now that it is retired, is somewhat hard to find. You can look for Play-Doh's Classic Clinic set here on eBay. However, if you want to check out all of the medically-themed playsets including both doctor and dentist ones, try here.

See you at
the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE PLAY-DOH

Retired, new, used and vintage Play-Doh sets in my eBay store.
Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic Playset.
The World of Play-Doh.
Rex the Chomper Dinosaur Play-Doh set.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic Playset Review

Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic playset. Children who love camping will love it!

Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic: Children who love camping will love this playset!

Love camping with your family? Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic playset will let you and your children recreate the fun of camping even when you cannot be at the campground. What follows is a brief review of this set.

Released in 2015 as a limited edition playset at Toys R Us, it is now retired and no longer readily available at the store. However, it is available new and used on eBay. Recommended for children aged 3 and up, I think this set represents a whole lot of fun camping-themed play.

It includes a play mat, a campfire with brown logs and gray stones, a frying pan and utensils, five containers of Play-Doh and more. Rustle up some pretend chow for breakfast, lunch or supper. Great fun for a child who enjoys Play-Doh, camping and cooking. I can see your little ones cooking up a fun treat with this set.

Find Play-Doh's Campfire Picnic here on eBay.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
MORE PLAY-DOH

The World of Play-Doh.
Play-Doh's Rex the Chomper Dinosaur Set.
Retired, new, used and vintage Play-Doh sets in my eBay store.
Discover the Play-Doh party bag.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Play-Doh's Rex the Chomper Dinosaur Playset Review

Discover Play-Doh's Dinosaur Set: Rex the Chomper, the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

For all the little boys and girls (and maybe even the big ones) who are enamored with dinosaurs, Play-Doh created this T-rex or Tyrannosaurus dinosaur-themed set called Rex the Chomper. What follows is a brief review of the set.

Released in 2017, it is now retired and no longer readily available at retail outlets. However, it is available new and used on eBay but be aware that there are two versions: a regular-sized one and a mini-sized one. Recommended for children aged 3 and up, I think the bigger Rex is more fun for small hands. 

The regular-sized set shown here includes a Rex that is 6 inches tall and 8 1/2 inches long, three small tubs of the modelling compound, a plastic knife, a small volcano and a cookie cutter in the shape of a dinosaur foot print. 

Options for play including growing Rex’s tongue and scales, using the tail to make him chomp, crafting lava from the volcano, making footprints with the cutter and creating frogs, fossils and foliage with the molds.

I can see your little person creating a world for Rex and then using his imagination to create a story!

Find the Rex the Chomper Play-Doh set here on eBay.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, May 30, 2024

The World of Play-Doh

The World of Play-Doh

WHAT IS PLAY-DOH?


Play-Doh is a non-toxic modeling material for young children, for older children and, of course, for the young at heart. It is made from a blend of wheat flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil. Join me here as I review a bit of the history of the iconic play compound.

A BRIEF HISTORY


Play-Doh was first made as a wallpaper cleaner in the United States in the 1930s and became a children’s product in the 1950s when it appeared at an educational convention and was eventually used in schools. Initially the department store Woodward and Lothrop took on the product but when Macy’s and Marshall Field’s saw how popular the modelling compound was, they also took it on. Play-Doh did not have money for advertising so, in what turned out to be a stroke of genius, they arranged for Captain Kangaroo, the then massively popular children’s show, to use it on air once a week. The rest is, as they say, history.

THE COMPANY'S HISTORY, A VIDEO


The Accidental Birth of Play-Doh: Uncover the complete company history via interesting, 10-minute long YouTube video:


CONTINUED POPULARITY


Play-Doh has continued to be popular in the decades that followed and is now available in an endless array of sets that include everything from cans of dough to items like the perennially popular Fun Factory to pop culture themes of the day like Star Wars and Disney. The product made the Toy Industry’s Association Century of Toys List in 2003.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT


Play-Doh is a wonderful product for developing children’s skills. Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are enhanced with all of the pushing, squishing, squeezing, and pinching that is required to play with the product. Literacy and numeracy are promoted when a child creates shapes and numbers and acts out stories. Calm and focus are a natural result of this quiet activity that also supports creativity, imagination, playtime and social skills. Whether a child has a few colors of the modeling material or many colors, the options are endless.

TODAY


According to the video shown above, Play-Doh is available in over 80 countries today and the current owner, Hasbro, produces over 500 million cans of the modeling compound each year.

Is there a can of Play-Doh in your future?



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, April 4, 2024

Roots Canada: A True Life Baby Story

Roots Canada: A True Life Baby Story
On October 31, 2007, Evangelina Manu was off to work at a Montreal Roots Canada outlet. She noticed a van outside and two men anxiously standing by. Inside the van, a woman was delivering a baby and, very quickly, a newborn baby girl was born and exposed to the cool October air.

Evangelina sprung into action and headed for the Roots Baby section where she purchased a sleeper, a blanket and a hat to cover the baby.

Ms. Manu reported, "The whole event was really special to me because I had just had my own daughter 11 months prior, so it was very moving to watch someone do the same. It's such an amazing story for everyone involved and was such a great way to start the morning!

She certainly has that right and this baby was lucky to start out life in some wonderful Roots Baby wear! A customer for life? Perhaps. Hopefully, the baby born that day at least knows this heartwarming story.

Click here to see what Roots Canada baby items are available on eBay right now.

See you 
at Roots!
Brenda 

MORE READING:

Roots Canada Leather Products.
If you love quality leather products, you will love Roots' merchandise.
Curious about the company Roots? Learn a bit here.

Team Spirit tells the story of the Canadian-themed company, Roots Canada.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, March 21, 2024

Still Alice Book Review

Lisa Genova's Still Alice Book Review

Written in 2008, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, is an ‘older’ book given that there is ongoing research into Alzheimer’s. However, the book still has merit as a look into the world of an individual who has the disease.

My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but is still doing all right, still able to live in her own home with my stepfather. This book is helpful for someone trying to understand how it is live with the disease. 

Quotes inside the book make statements like “dementia is dark and ugly” and I know most of us realize that fact. They tell us accurately that the author “leads us through the process of diagnosis and the impact of the changing needs on family, friends and colleagues.” If you haven’t already been through that process with a loved one, this book will help you see life through the lens of someone with this form of dementia.

The book was Genova’s first novel and is a good look into and a compassionate work of fiction about the disease. You will find Still Alice here to Amazon. There is also a movie done with the same name and you will find Dawn Rae’s review of the movie version of this story right here on Review This Reviews.

Genova has also written a novel about a patient with ALS. If you haven’t read it, you might check my review of Every Note Played here. Once again, it is not a pretty story but a real one, well told and an insightful look into the world of people with this disease.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda

Quick Link:




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Silent Lady Catherine Cookson Book Review

The Silent Lady Catherine Cookson Book Review

I recently picked up and read the last Catherine Cookson novel, The Silent Lady. It met the standards of the previous Cookson novels that I have read and I particularly enjoyed the dedication from the author, which starts, "This story was not meant to be written." What follows in that chapter is the story of how she wrote this novel when she was bedridden and believed that she was finished on this earth. I think that it is pretty amazing that someone could compose such a manuscript entirely in his or her head and then record it on cassette tape.

The Silent Lady is a historical novel, set in the richest and the poorest areas of London, England, and ranges in dates from the year 1929 to the year 1959.

The main character, Irene Baindor, becomes known in the pages of the book more simply as The Silent Lady. Unbeknownst to her new family she had been a lady of high society and a wife to a well-known and respected businessman. However, what family and friends did not know was that he was abusive. The story follows Irene as she trades that horrific position as his wife for a life on the streets in the poorest areas of London. It tells of kind folk who, though hardly able to feed themselves, were willing to help others that have less than they do. Thirty years later, after good times and bad, Cookson tidies the story of this lost lady up nicely.

The title on my copy of the book calls The Silent Lady Cookson's "magnificent final novel." I agree with the first part as I think that it was a magnificent novel and equal to any of her nearly 100 published books. However, it turns out that it was not the last book ever published bearing the author's name. It was published in 2001 and there are at least three books that were published after that date.

Find your copy of The Silent Lady here on Amazon.

See you
at the book store!

Quick Links:

Did I or didn't I read a Catherine Cookson novel that year?

Another great novel for fans of historical fiction.

How Did I Become A Bookworm in which Louanne discusses how she was introduced to Catherine Cookson by her grandmother.
  






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, January 18, 2024

Barbie Board Games: A Discussion and List

Here's a collection and a list of new, used and vintage Barbie board games complete with a list.
Anyone who loves Barbie and board games might find themselves wondering, as I did, what Barbie-themed board games are available. A simple search revealed the short list of Barbie-themed games that I review here on this page. However, the more I looked the more games I found and so you will also find on this page a longer list of games at the bottom of this page. This list may help you if you are seeking a particular game from a specific time period. Most of the games on this page (including on the list) are vintage but there are a couple of new games that were released along with the hit Barbie movie in 2023.

THE BARBIE GAME QUEEN OF THE PROM (1961 and 1994)


First up is the game with a blue cover shown above called simply, The Barbie Game. It was released by Mattel in 1960 and could well be the first game ever made. Beware that there are two versions of Queen of the Prom as it was re-released in 1994. Both are vintage games but have a decidedly different appearance.

The description of the game on the box of the newer version reads, “You are Barbie. Win if you are the first crowned Queen of the Prom. To win you must have a steady boyfriend, a prom dress and be elected president of a school club. Midge, Skipper and Ken share the fun.”

What fun it is to see the original game in this 1960s television commercial:


TAKE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE TOUR WITH BARBIE GAME (1980)


This vintage 1980 game was released by Whitman. The description on the back of the box reads, “Travel with Barbie by car and plane on her tour and visit movie studios, grand openings, charity telethons and more. If you are first to appear three times and then reach the awards presentation, you win.” It evokes all of the excitement of a glamorous life in the 1980s. 

DREAM DATE (1992)


The Barbie Dream Date game was released by Golden in 1992. In this game, “…girls play the Dream Date Game with Barbie and Ken! Ken picks out beautiful gifts for Barbie and might take her horseback riding, snow skiing or maybe even to a ball! Players collect gifts for Barbie, moving around the board and taking photos of their dates. At midnight, the individual with the most gift and date cards wins!” The cover definitely reminds me of the 1990s.

BARBIE DRESS UP GAME (1993)


Another Golden release, this game was created in 1993. In this one you “play with a Barbie doll trying to be the first player to collect all of Barbie’s fashion accessories without getting a broken heart.” This game would be especially fun for anyone who loves fashion.

MONOPOLY BOUTIQUE AND MONOPOLY MOVIE (2007 AND 2003)


Monopoly has released hundreds or more likely thousands of board games on every theme you can possibly think of. Monopolyland says estimates range between 300 and 7,000 games and that the largest known collection of Monopoly games claims to have 3,500 games. Anyway, when I looked, I could find two Barbie versions. 

This is the official Barbie Monopoly board game that was released in conjunction with the 2023 movie, Barbie.

The first version was the Barbie Boutique Edition from 2007, which was packed in a pretty pink box. Finding a description of it proved difficult though pictures show that it was beautifully presented in a jewelry-style box.

The second version was official movie merchandise that was released in tandem with the movie Barbie. It is widely available and the box reads, “You can be anything with Barbie…Follow your dreams around the board. Buy famous streets, build DreamHouses and draw Dream Closet and Dream Career cards for extra twists. Flex your unique skills, dream a bit, own it all and be anything!” I expect a lot of people received this version of the game for Christmas in 2023. If you are interested, you can find Barbie Monopoly on Amazon by clicking here.

A LIST OF BARBIE BOARD GAMES


As I was reading about the games mentioned above, I kept discovering more new, used and vintage Barbie-themed games. I guess that is not really surprising given the length of time that Barbie has been around. The gaps in years tells me that this list is not likely complete but here’s my list, not definitive, but definitely long, arranged in chronological order: 

Queen of the Prom Game (1960)
Keys to Fame Game (1963)
Skipper: Barbie's Little Sister (1964)
The Barbie World of Fashion game (1967)
Miss Lively Livin’ (1970)
Take a Personal Appearance Tour with Barbie. (1980)
Charms the World (1985)
Barbie Meets Ken in the Game of Their Dreams! (1987)
Just Us Girls (1989)
Shopping Spree Card Game (1991)
We Girls Can Do Anything (1991)
Dream Date (1992)
Fun Fashions Memory Game (1992)
Butterfly Princess (1995)
Dress Up Game (1995)
Sparkle Kingdom Game (1996)
Go Shopping! (1999)
Enchanted 3-D Game (2001)
Barbie Says (2002)
UNO: Barbie (2002)
Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
Rapunzel (2003)
The Nutcracker Playset Game (2003)
UNO: Barbie California Girl (2004)
The Princess and the Pauper Game (2004)
Guess the Look! (2004)
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)
World of Models (2008)
Race to the Party Game (2010)
Shopping Day (2011)
Charmed Travels (2011)
Fashion City (2011)
Gems! (2012)
Bring The Bling Game (2012)
Shop with Barbie (2013)
UNO: Barbie The Movie (2023)
Monopoly: Barbie Movie (2023)

WHERE TO BUY VINTAGE BARBIE GAMES?


If you are searching for any of these games, new, used or vintage, I suggest following this link to eBay's collection of new, used and vintage Barbie board games. There you will find many of these games in assorted condition. New games that are out of production will likely cost more. However, if you shop carefully, you can likely find a used game that is in good condition. 

Have I missed a Barbie game that you used to play?

See you
At the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE BARBIE READING


For Barbie enthusiasts who love to build, there's a collection of fun Mega Bloks sets.

Barbie in my eBay Store
Discover what's in store! 

My Barbie Doll Memories 
I was a child when Barbie was released. Discover a few of my earliest Barbie memories.

Uncover my pick of the best Barbie movie gift idea.

Discover the movie fashioned after Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds movie!

Barbie games









Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, December 23, 2023

Mega Bloks Barbie Building Sets Reviewed

Mega Bloks and Mega has been building Barbie-themed sets since 2012. Discover a few of the originals here as well as the replica of the Barbie DreamHouse as seen in the 2023 movie!

Barbie fans who enjoy building sets will enjoy constructing Barbie-themed Mega Bloks sets. They were released long before the 2023 Barbie movie on March 29, 2012. At that time, Mattel announced that it would work with Mega Bloks on the creation of a series of building toys themed around Barbie. Fans would now be able to build their own Barbie worlds.

Mega Bloks said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Mega Bloks to create the first Mega Bloks building sets based on Barbie" and I am sure they were. Who wouldn't want to work with Barbie, one of Mattel's most recognized brands? 

Mega Bloks is also a very well-known manufacturer, known for a line of building toys that are thought to be "innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products." As a team, these two companies created some wonderful building sets that are reviewed here on this page.


MEGA BLOKS BARBIE VIDEO 


Watch this three-minute video to see how you can build, design and decorate with Mega Bloks Barbie sets. 


WHAT AGE ARE THESE SETS APPROPRIATE FOR?


Mega Bloks says that the Barbie Sets are appropriate for children aged 4 years old and up. Small parts make them inappropriate for younger children but there is no limit to how old you can be to play with them. Adult fans will have fun building, designing and decorating with Barbie Mega Bloks, too! Some more recent sets have an older recommended age of 10 and are even designed for adult collectors.

BUILD 'N STYLE LUXURY MANSION, SET 80229

Mega Bloks Barbie Build 'N Style Luxury Mansion or House, Set 80229BUILD 'N STYLE LUXURY MANSION, SET 80229
Your builder will love this fantastic house, a mansion with eight different rooms that can be organized as she likes. There's no doubt that this set will make a little girl's eyes light up. It includes two of the Mega Blocks Barbie dolls or micro-dolls as they are called, Fab Girl Barbie and Teresa. 

BUILD N'STYLE BEACH HOUSE, SET 80226 


Mega Bloks Barbie Build 'N Style Beach House, Set 80226


Yes, Barbie also has her very own beach house. This set includes two micro-dolls, Beach Fun Barbie and Beach Fun Nikki and the that is comprised of two rooms and a patio that can be arranged however the builder likes.


BUILD 'N STYLE POOL PARTY, SET 80228 

Mega Bloks Barbie Build 'N Style Pool Party, Set 80228
The Build 'n Style Pool Party is cool or at least Barbie and Ken will be when they take plunge! It comes with two micro-dolls called Pool Party Barbie and Pool Party Ken and a multi-level pool that actually holds water. The pool area is built and decorated by the builder using the umbrellas, trees, flowers and other accessories that are provided.

BUILD 'N STYLE CONVERTIBLE CAR, SET 80223

Mega Bloks Barbie Build 'N Style Convertible Car, Set 80223
Where would a beach-themed Barbie set be without a car? The Build 'N Style Convertible Car allows Barbie to get around with the top down! We love it. Although it is nothing like the Barbie convertible from the 1970s, it still seems very like Barbie to me. The pink car features wheels that turn, a working trunk and a doll called Go Barbie.

ORIGINAL MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS


A few more of the very early releases:

The Pet Shop
The Fashion Boutique
The Fashion Stand
The Ice Cream Cart
Party Time 
Movie Star 
Puppy Pals

2023 MEGA BLOKS BARBIE SETS


Mega Barbie the Movie DreamHouse Replica building toy for adults.


The sets discussed above were the original releases but Mega Bloks has released more Barbie sets since 2012.  The most exciting set released in 2023 must surely be the Barbie DreamHouse, which is shown above. It is a replica of Barbie's home in the hit movie of the same name and is intended for adult collectors and rated for players aged 10 and up. With 1795 pieces, it comes with micro-dolls representing Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken.  

Find the Mega's Replica Barbie DreamHouse here, on Amazon.

Other recent sets include:

Color Reveal Train 'N Wash Pets
Horse Stables
Horse Jumping
Dream Camper
Malibu Dream Boat
Movie Replica Dream House

WHERE TO FIND THESE SETS?


Some of these sets can still be found on Amazon. Click here to see all of the Mega Bloks Barbie sets available there today. Amazon has some of the original sets as well as all of the latest sets.

The earliest sets discussed here on this page were sold under the name Mega Bloks, and have been discontinued. If you are looking for a specific one of them you may have to turn to eBay.  Click here to see what Mega Barbie sets are available on eBay today. 

The more recent sets are sold under the shortened name, Mega.

See you at the toy store!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE BARBIE READING


Barbie in my eBay Store
Discover what's in store! 

My Barbie Doll Memories 
I was a child when Barbie was released. Discover a few of my earliest Barbie memories.

Uncover my pick of the best Barbie movie gift idea.

Discover the movie fashioned after Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds movie!

Wear a Barbie Movie apron 
Find an apron inspired by the movie!








Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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