Critter Fun (New Figure Additions)

I’ve been having so much fun making stuff up for the PH♥Sylvanian Families page that I thought to re-work some pictures of new figures I have. As you can see, I am getting a little better each day with Photoshop. My thanks to my first teacher, my sister Jasmine, for patiently guiding me through the different ways I can use Adobe Photoshop. Now, I am addicted to it, heehee! (Nerd alert!)

I’ll show you the original photos as they were meant to be shown first in this blog. And then, I’ll follow it up with the re-worked photo. I had a lot of fun doing this! I hope you enjoy it too!

Penguin Adoption

I got this gray penguin as a gift from a local seller. He isn’t a Sylvanian Families figure but he looked so cuddly that I could not resist him. I thought he’d make a great addition to the De Burg Penguin family.

Why, even Polar de Burg thinks so!

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Kero-Keroppi

I acquired these frogs last week and I fell in love with them right away! For old figures, they were not so shoddy, just some minor fur loss in their heads which tells me they’ve been played with and loved. Their clothes were also complete, but were worn by different family members (sister was wearing the father’s shirt, Mama was wearing sister’s dress, Mama’s dress was in an old rabbit figure, and brother’s overalls had stretched-out elastics that needed repair). I cleaned them, repaired their clothes, and now, they are as lovely as new!

Here in their lily pad, the Bullrush Family- Walter, Lydia, Algernon and Lily- finds a new home in Kitty Little Lanes.

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The Vole Brothers

I got a second dentist set last week when the local toy stores re-stocked on the dentist. I wanted Spencer Clearwater to expand his practice and service the whole town without feeling stressed out. He needed more time with his wife and daughter too, not having had too many days off since they arrived in town. So, Spencer calls in his brother, the cool dude with the dark shades and the full head of blonde hair (guess where that came from!), to share the practice with him.

I can’t make up my mind on brother Vole’s name, though. Should it be Spike or Spicer? I like Spicer because it sounds closer to Spencer, but Spike is just as cute. And when he introduces himself to patients, he can always say, “Hi, I’m Dr. Spicer, the spicy Clearwater!” What do you think?

More figures coming in the following weeks so please stay tune! I hope you enjoyed my pictures today!

The JP Red Family Car: Cherry Sweet!

I have been meaning to write a review post on the JP Red Family Car since I brought it home from Singapore in late August. Alas, there’s no excuse for late news on the web, haha, and djds2004 from the US already beat me to it in the Sylvanian Families Forum. You can check out her lovely pictures and review here. Her Cherry Cruiser is from the Calico Critters line; mine is a Sylvanian Families Japan release. They seem to be the same, except the CC version is a US release, thus accounting for the lefthand drive we know here in Manila (steering wheel on the left side), as opposed to JP (and UK) cars, which have steering wheels on the right side.

There have been two family cars (and one wedding car) released in the local lineup of Sylvanian Families in the last two years. The blue family car from Flair was released first and separately from the caravan; the green family car came in a value pack bundle with the caravan a while later. Both are 2010 local releases. Incidentally, this same style of car is also available in cream and burgundy in the SSK website.

As far looks go, the only difference between the two is the color change. Both are sparse in accessories, counting only the wicker traveling suitcase/picnic hamper and two baby car seats as their add-ons.

On the other hand, the red family car, which for the purposes of naming it may also be referred to as the Cherry Cruiser (its CC name), is smaller and shorter compared to the original family cars. It is meant for a five-figure family, but because of its compact size, larger figures might have difficulty fitting in. The absence of body detail makes the car look more elegant and less dated than its old counterparts. The front bumper is distinctive in head lights and grill design and differs from the blue and green cars with its rounded edges.

As far as accessories go, this car certainly packs more. Housed within its equally compact box (plus points for not having too many cardboard packaging as space filler) are two tray tables for attachment to the back of the front seats, which may be replaced by the single car seat also provided. The latter, to my surprise, can be positioned three ways (left, right, middle). There are food and drinks provided for the family on the go- a small basket of sandwiches and a covered tray of what appears to be some sort of salad (potato with egg? yum!).

There are two cans of soda; these can be placed on the cup holder between the two front seat or on the trays for back seat occupants. There are also stickers for the soda cans and the licence plates (SF-002 in the JP version as compared to the vanity plate 2-CUTE in the CC version).

Most ingenious of all is the addition of a pull-out low picnic table from the front license plate. Although not entirely workable to my rational mind (license plates can be made off by scheming thieves that way, with a table to boot, haha!), this really seems like an innovation worthy of Sylvanian Families.

All in all, I like the JP Red Family Car aka the Cherry Cruiser. For a purchase I hadn’t planned (I passed that car three times for three consecutive days until my husband picked it up and forced it on me, reasoning that a collector MUST collect EVERYTHING- thank you, honey! Men and cars, what can I say?), it turned out to be one of the most pleasurable buys of my recent trip. For SGD59.95 (less 20% off + additional 10% off- SGD43.17`or a little over PhP1500 ), you could say it was a steal the day A♥ bought it.

Watch out for more picture of my recent purchases, hopefully, in the coming days. And don’t forget the Sylvanian Families Passport Promo ongoing till November 30. Head on to the nearest Toy Kingdom and Toy Express- hurry!

Sylvanian Families Passport Promotion

Great news for all Sylvanian collectors in the country:  Ban Kee Trading Inc., official distributor of Sylvanian Families in the Philippines, has launched a new promotion to run from September 1, 2011 till November 30, 2011 in Toy Kingdom and Toy Express outlets.

The promotion, called Sylvanian Families Passport, allows collectors to buy their way to the top prize, a deluxe three-story Sylvanian Families JP house, while enjoying premium items along the way. Every PhP1000 purchase qualifies for a stamp in your passport. Collect enough stamps and you get to bring home premium items (these are not available for sale in the local market).

I have to give thanks to the Brands Department Manager for Sylvanian Families of Ban Kee, Mr. Joseph de Leon, for the news. He also gave us hints on what to look forward to in the coming months- new releases and plans for a big exhibit near the holidays. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us!

Of course, after hearing of this latest development, I did my homework and actually went to the store to check it out. My gratitude to Benjo of TK SM North EDSA for explaining the salient points of the promotion to me.

Here are the official promo mechanics:

Open to all Sylvanian Families Collectors/ Aficionados.

For every purchase of PhP1000 worth of Sylvanian products, single or accumulated, customers automatically get a passport with one (1) equivalent stamp earned.

e.g. A PhP2000 worth of purchase would earn two (2) stamps.

Accumulated  receipts are allowed but should be from the same store.

For every succeeding purchases worth PhP1000, simply present receipts to a customer service or authorized Ban Kee representative with ID who will stamp the said passport equivalent of purchased amount.

Collect stamps to reach target points and redeem premium items assigned.

Present passport and receipts to get corresponding stamp/s. In case a consumer was not able to bring his/her passport, he/she can still claim his/her stamp/s on his/her next visit provided he/she presents his/her passport to the same store he purchased the items.

Accumulation of stamps is valid in any participating stores.

First row must be completed before proceeding to the next row.

Once stamps have been completed, passport must be surrendered to an authorized Ban Kee representative.

Promo duration is from September 1, 2011 to November 30, 2011.

Participating stores as follows:

1. Toykingdom Megamall               
2. Toykingdom Mall of Asia            
3. Toykingdom North EDSA          
4. Toykingdom Fairview                  
5. Toykingdom Podium                      
6. Toykingdom Virra Mall                  
7. Toykingdom Las PIñas                   
8. Toykingdom Pampanga                 
9. Toykingdom Makati                       
10. Toy Express Megamall
11. Toy Express Mall of Asia
12. Toy Express North EDSA
13. Toy Express Manila
14. Toy Express San Lazaro
15. Toy Express Sta. Mesa
16. Toy Express Marikina
17. Toy Express Clark
18. Toy Express Cubao

Redemption period shall be up to 60 days from end of promo period in any of the  participating stores.

Combined stamps from a separate passport will not be honored.

Cannot be used in conjunction with other promo/s.

Passport is strictly non-transferable.

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Now, I’ll answer the question that’s on every Sylvanian collector’s mind: what are the premium items we can get for free? Hold your breath, friends!

5 stamps- keychain

10 stamps- bike set

15 stamps-seesaw accesories

20 stamps- washing machine

25 stamps- Wonder Land collectible figures

30 stamps- Wedding set collectible figures

35 stamps- cake car

45 stamps- Kimono set

60- JP deluxe house

Don’t believe all these are possible? What if I tell you they’re all waiting for you at the nearest Toy Kingdom  and Toy Express stores? I knew I’d have to prove these to you so I took pictures!

The prizes that await you… (washing machine missing, still in Ban Kee office)

And the three-storey that’s to die for…haaayy!!!

This is a very exciting time for local collectors. We have a lot of wonderful items to choose from these days, and our in-store SF displays now match those found in Singapore and Hong Kong in detail and beauty. I only wish we had this much earlier so I could have paced my buying sprees to garner prizes. Still, I have my eye on some doubles and triples… but let’s not tell A♥ all about it first, okay?

Happy collecting, Sylvanian friends!

Pizza Party!!!

(A Kitty Little Lanes Story)

Dedicated to A♥ and my friends at the Sylvanian Families forum

 With the Pizza Shop ready and fully operational, the people of Kitty Little Lanes gathered to celebrate its opening. Conveniently located on  Number 20 Prudence Path, the Wildwood’s Pizza Shop offers a fully authentic yet casual pizza experience. With good food at pocket-friendly prices, good company, and a vibe that reminds one of all the comforts of home, this Pizza Shop is Kitty Little Lanes’ very own family hang-out place. 

Mayoress Kittymama is among the first to arrive. She takes no time in posing for the paparazzi. (Of course, midterm elections are coming up and the Mayoress needs to be visible for her constituents.)

The first costumers fill the outdoor dining area fast. There’s Mother Margaret Petite with son Piers enjoying an Al Quatro Formaggi (Four-cheese) pizza, while Father Patrick says hello to the Milk Rabbits. Baby Saskia impatiently whines for her slice of Vegetarian Pepper Pizza, as Mother Flora shouts her hellos to Mrs. Petite. Father Boris is also glad to see Mr. Petite, one of their family’s closest friends in Kitty Little Lanes.  

Father Rosetti Keats, on his way home from work, finds the crowd a little too much and decides to drop by for a box of pizza to bring home to the family. He’ll come back another day, with the kids in tow, he promises himself.  On the way out, he passes by a table of foreign exchange students happily pitching in their allowances for pizza to share. He also notices Kitty, the Mayoress’ young daughter fiddling on her laptop while eating cheese pizza. (He is partial to the Four-cheese pizza himself.) “Free wifi! Cool!” he almost shouts out aloud. Mr. Rosetti knows most of these kids but he is too excited to eat pizza that he goes straight home without saying hello.

Facebook and Pizza- ahhhh!

For these kids, Pepperoni pizza wins hand down. Smile for the camera!

The Wildwoods are thankful that today is a good day. The lines at the counters are manageable but constant. Mother Ginger serves with a smile, never mind that her feet are aching from standing too long. And the kids are such a big help! Whatever would she do without Ray, Tina, Rusty and Holly? She and Father Herb would never be able to manage this by themselves without their kids’ valuable help. It’s a good thing, too, that Baby Juniper is with Grandpa Smokey and Grandma Flora. This hot kitchen is definitely no place for a crawling toddler!

Outside, Big Sister Tina is busy with her own line. She keeps calling her orders to Little Sister Holly. “Keep them coming, little sis!” she shouts aloud. “One whole vegetarian and three slices pepperoni, please!” Sister Holly has barely enough time to chitchat with Andromeda Petite, her playmate, before the next pizza needs to be passed or boxed.

By the time the crowd thins out, it is late and the Wildwoods are all ready for bed. The Mayoress kindly sticks around to help (A politician who actually helps? Only in Kitty Little Lanes, folks!) with the cleaning. She congratulates Father Herb for the success of their family venture and promises to help more often in the future.

It has been a long day, but for the Wildwoods, it is only the start of their adventure into the unknown world of business. With their neighbors’ help and support, they hope that their Pizza Shop will last a long time. Hmmm…. this paparazzo is hungry. Anyone for pizza?

ToyTown Wonders

Today, I was supposed to meet some friends for lunch at Eastwood City. I was really looking forward to it. Lunch with dear friends is always more than a matter of eating well. Somehow, in their company, a meal seems to extend for three or four hours of really enjoyable, stimulating conversations. Alas! My husband, whom I can usually count on to keep an eye on Alphonse even from work, has a full schedule this last day of the week, leaving me as primary caretaker for our son. I would have loved to meet up with Mei and Ron and all our other friends, especially when I had thought to drag them out to see ToyTown Eastwood’s newest set-up.

A toy shop? Why would they want to see a toy shop?

Well, I’ve never known anyone who can resist toys. Uhm,  except my mom, who I think, was born an adult, heehee. And let’s add to that a couple of people I know who think they’re so above it all (I won’t name them but I am thinking very hard on their names just now and I hope they feel a chill down their spine), but let’s not get negative. Okay, so where was I? Ah, yes, I think people love toys- even not to play with but just to look at- because it reminds them of their younger, carefree days, and of a time when innocence and unconditional acceptance were the norm. We’re often so enmeshed in real life and in our adult roles that we forget that we were all these good things once. 

I never really got to play when I was young. I was too busy growing up, trying to fit in, trying to be someone who didn’t need to be a child. And now that I am an adult in the middle years of my life, I have found that I had traded a part of my childhood. I missed out on the chance to play and be imaginative and be carefree. And so, the very first item on my bucket list was to “Learn to play again.” It took a while, but I did it.  And I am having so much fun. (✿◠‿◠)

Back to my Eastwood story.

I haven’t been to Eastwood in a while so visiting ToyTown Eastwood recently gave me a lot of pleasant surprises. Ban Kee, the official distributor of  Sylvanian Families in the country, owns the ToyTown stores and we’ve often wondered why Sylvanian Families did not seem so prominent in their store displays.  But wait till you get a load of their new storefront display!

 Store front display shows off large Sylvanian Families wooden cutouts.

 The foyer of the toy store now features a large 360° glass display cabinet.

See the new shelves with really lovely Sylvanian characters. I just wish the shelves were full of products.

The new Regency Hotel is displayed inside the glass cabinet. Behind it is Field View mill (you can actually see its reflection on the glass.)

The new Beechwood Hall is now available at ToyTown. The box is in Japanese, as opposed to Willow Hall’s  Epoch Euro packaging. Not seen in picture is a box of the new Sycamore Cottage (starter set).

Even if you’re not a collector, you’ll surely enjoy the new display. I saw people of all ages mill around the display and stare for long minutes. Little kids loved them too, and would often have to be dragged out of the toystore by their parents. Unfortunately, so was I.  A had to drag me out or else I would have blown a “major, major” hole in our budget, jejeje. But, you know me. I am not about to be deterred from the prize. I’m going back there soon to ogle some more and with my Puss-in-Boots eyes working its magic on A, get the new releases. Wish me luck, friends!

Papa, can you hear me?

 

Sylvanian Rant

I suppose I am disappointed; perhaps a part of me commiserates with my friend Tanja’s woes on her recent Sylvanian purchases.  But can anyone explain why the picture on the box doesn’t match the items inside the box? For toys as expensive and as old as Sylvanian Families, you’d think they’d be more keen on maintaining their reputation for honesty in advertising but apparently, Sylvanian buyers have to watch out what they’re buying too.

I’ve had the Nursery School Bus set (figure included) for a few months now but I only got around to opening it today to set it up for pictures. I was expecting to see a light-colored bear figure, but was surprised to find that what I got was the Timbertop dad in his original duds. Of course, I could always pretend that Father Taylor Timbertop was subbing or even moonlighting for the original bus driver, but it’s still not the same. I’ve tried to look for the name and type of bear in the box’s picture, but so far, no luck there. Maybe I’ll ask my friends at the forum.

Below is a picture of the box I have. Notice the light colored figure. Is it even a bear? I can’t honestly tell. (But he is cute!)

And this is what I got, the Timbertop dad in his original clothing, and not the checkered green and white jumper of the original bus driver.

I wouldn’t really mind getting the Timbertop dad if only I did not have the complete Timbertop family (below) already. It kind of makes me wish they even had different clothes so I could pretend they were brothers or cousins, and not identical twins.

Then again, it could be much, much worse. A few months ago, the Woodland Bus (without the driver and conductor) became available in the malls. I had to purchase the driver and conductor set elsewhere to complete the set, only to find out that Ban Kee, the local distributor for Sylvanian Families in the country, recently released a new Woodland Bus set with two figures included- for the same price!  Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! Another time, they released the caravan and green family car value set after releasing the blue family car and caravan separately! Double aaarrrgggghhhh! (Now you know why I have two caravans.)

Don’t get me wrong. I still love Sylvanian Families and these disappointments notwithstanding, they are fabulous toys to collect and play with. I hope, however, that Epoch/Flair/International Playthings value their patrons’ satisfaction and happiness as much as we value their products. It would certainly make a lot of collectors happy.

P.S.Recent update:  Now I have two Woodland Buses and the free figures too! I am happy!

When It Rains, It Pours

They say all good things come to those who wait and I couldn’t agree with this more. By opting for a longer-term choice instead of giving in to my impulses and addictions, I got what I wanted and so much more. Thank you to the generous heart (you know who you are) who sacrificed his own needs over my crazy wants. I feel loved, really I do.

“The secret of patience is doing something else in the meanwhile”

Time to play! Woot! Woot!

New Sylvanian Additions

I uploaded new pictures on the New Additions page this afternoon.

In the almost one year I have been collecting Sylvanian Families, it’s not always easy to follow rules in purchasing items. I can honestly say that I purchase everything our local toy stores put out, using monthly guides to follow releases and crossing them out from the list as I acquire them. I have also tried to adhere to a self-made rule- collecting within themes or completing individuals of the same families before jumping on to something else.

This is a great challenge particularly since our local distributor, Ban Kee, does not seem to consider themes in releasing new items. Having released the ballroom set and the new Regency Hotel in succession, for example, I would have expected the butler and maid sets to follow as well. The caravan and car value set (I also got the caravan and the blue family car separately) would have gone well with the outdoor barbecue set, the camping set, or something along the line.   

This seemingly random choices in new releases upset my obsessive-compulsive/control freak personality, and I spend as much time collecting as running after things to complete these themes. Moreover, I become more determined to make sure that I don’t forget the lonely critters that live alone. Thus,

• Christopher Appleblossom of the Watermill Bakery gets joined by his wife Jane and daughter Justina;
• The Woodland Bus becomes operational with the arrival of the Butlers, Stan and Olive;
• Betty Blackberry is reunited with her husband Bob and daughters Ingrid and Yvette;
• Angeles, Oliver and Harriet Bearbury find their way back to Mama Angela 
• and families (the Evergreens, the Wildwoods, the Maces, the Bearburys, and the Whiskers) are joined by grandparents – my favorites of all Sylvanians.

I missed out on the Sylvanian Families Party last June 27 but as expected, I’ve already done my homework by checking all in-store items. I have also made a priority list so that I don’t necessarily blow all my money in one go. As far as it pains me to wait, I do have to wait a while to complete the items. Some of the newly-released items are critters I already own, like the Striped Cat family members, which I got as individuals from Japan, unlike the local release which pairs them with accessories. As such, I can choose not to get them at all and free my budget for other stuff.

In the meantime, I try not to think about what I don’t have yet and focus more on what I do have. And I do have a lot, really, considering that seventeen new boxes made their way to my son’s already cramped room in the last week alone. But please don’t tell him I told you that. He’s been nagging me alreadyto clear out the Sylvanians from his room, heehee.

Guess Who Has Come to Sylvania?

Dedicated to P-Angel and Joanna and our common fascination for Hello Kitty and Sylvanian Families. With special thanks to sis Allen for the lovely Sylvanian-sized kitties.

Two caravans pulled up near the edge of Sylvanian City. Sylvania has its share of tourists and visitors each year so this wasn’t totally out of the ordinary. And yet, the Badger Police Force seemed on the edge and tensed that particular day.

“It must be someone special,” they whispered in hushed tones. “The police don’t come out for ordinary visitors,” others said. But who could it be?

A large crowd gathered near the caravans, eager to see the new arrivals. The police kept people at bay, wanting to control the inflow of more critters. 

“Mama! I see her! I see her!” a little rabbit baby shrieked.

“Who? Who do you see?” the parents asked in confusion.

“There she is! Do you see the ribbon?” Shelley Keats shouted back. 

“It’s  HELLO KITTY,” the girls screamed in unison. “And DEAR DANIEL!!!”

“Hello, everyone,” Kitty and Daniel said. “We’re very pleased to visit your town and we hope to stay here for a while. Thank you for coming out to welcome us. We appreciate it! Arigatō gozai masu.”

Who would have thought Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel would find their way to this small town?

More exciting times are ahead, I tell you.

 

Tee Time With Sylvanians

One of the best sites for browsing and buying Sylvanian Families online is Sylvanianfamilies.com. Not only do they feature the newest items on display at the London Sylvanian Shop, they also give their online visitors a glimpse of what’s coming soon. Unfortunately, processing orders for international buyers isn’t as simple as logging into a secure account and providing them your information. While international transactions are not impossible and many, in fact, have had successful and satisfying business with this reliable site, from my end, I don’t think I am quite ready to jump into the fray just yet.

These past few days, however, I’ve been having second thoughts about this particular fear of commitment. The reason? These—

image from sylvanianfamilies.com

Mulberry Grandparents (George And Mildred) in motorcyle and sidecar

images from sylvanianfamilies.com

Roland and Jacqueline Tailbury from the “Grandparents at Home” sets

I have a soft spot for Sylvanian grandparents; too bad, I can only get them abroad as Ban Kee has yet to bring in more characters, grandparents included. But these grandparents bowl me over as they have got to be the coolest grandparents in all of Sylvanian Village! I am drooling even as I look at them now, my head already trying to churn out solutions to my aversion to sylvanianfamilies.com’s buying process. (Ouch! My head hurts!) 

Of the three sets, Grandpa Roland’s just happens to be my favorite as he reminds me so much of A, who is an avid golfer. Looking at Gramps, I can think of all the ways I can set him up in a specially-made display case where A can look at him and be reminded that his golf weekend date with his friends is always only a few days away.

Meanwhile, as I wait for their arrival in stores, I’ve been letting my Sylvanians practice their putting and pitching. Good thing they seem to enjoy their days at the fairway. Still, when faced with an old pro like Grandpa Roland, I have to remind them that they must GASP before hitting the ball (check on their Grip, Aim, Stance, and Posture). After all, I can’t let Grandpa Roland play with patsies; I don’t think he’ll enjoy it at all.

 

Three generations of golfers

Daddy Caddy

The family that plays golf together all have sunburn.