I ordered my Lalaloopsy Ultimate Collector's Guide a few months ago and got it last month. Finally, I had the time to actually read it (not just browse on the pics just like what I did when I first opened it... haha!). Basically, the Lala Guide is a full-color book that contains facts about Lalaloopsy dolls of course. It is a paperback book written by Amy Ackelsberg that was published by Scholastic Inc. Well, for my opinion, I guess they should have made it hardbound or at least make a hardbound edition. Anyway, I am not quite sure if any local department store or bookstore have it since I got mine online.

     The Lala Guide contains images and facts about all the Lalaloopsy full-sized dolls that had been released before the book's publication. It also contains the Lalaloopsy Littles which happen to be the little sisters of the full-scale Lalaloopsy dolls. The Mini Lalaloopy Collection are also in the book. For each doll, the book features its major characteristics, from where the doll was supposedly sewn from, its birthday, what kind of pet it has, and some other cool information and further description. There were also pages with image compilation of all Lalaloopsy Dolls, Lalaloopsy Littles, Mini Lalaloopsy, Lalaloopsy Silly Hair, Lalaloopsy Soft Dolls, and Lalaloopsy Micros, which shall serve as a checklist for the collector. Lalaloopsy Playsets and their desciption are also featured in the book.

     I really appreciate the way the Lalaloopsy Ultimate Collector's Guide was compiled. However, this guide only contains dolls that were made up to December 2012. New Lalaloopsy releases had been made recently and I do hope they would make another collector's guide after more doll releases have been made. Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier, the Lalaloopsy Ultimate Collector's Guide also includes free stickers inside...♥

     I finally had the time to post the latest addition to my Sylvanian Families collection! I have always been a fan of Sylvanian Families that include kitties in it. Well, one of my favorites would be the Chantilly Family that is why when I saw this set, I had that "I need to buy this" feeling inside of me.

     The New Arrival Set includes Myriam Chantilly, also known as Mims, and her new baby, Jacques. It also has a baby crib and a few feeding accessories in it. I haven't opened mine though since I don't have time to play with them yet. Another reason why I bought this set, aside from it is really cute, is that when I was pregnant with my little Claire, I wanted this set so bad. Unfortunately, it was not yet available in the Philippines at that time. This set reminds me of my happy memories as a first-time mom and it really fills my heart with joy just looking at it.

     Now, Claire is a year and two months old. Whenever she sees my Sylvanian Families, she has that "I need to get that" feeling. I knew it! She can't resist their cuteness so I have to keep them away from her sight. For now, my Sylvanian Families play time have to wait until Claire is old enough to play with them.

     I was quite young when I started collecting toys. With all those dolls, accessories, and miniatures available in stores, I just can't help but buy stuff which I think were nice for my collection. However, when I went to college, I was forced to stick to a personal budget since I was away from home most of the time. That was when I realized how much money I have put to waste buying stuff I didn't really need or things that I could most definitely make on my own like these miniature boxes for my dolls. Some collectors pay for more than a dollar for just a piece of miniature boxes like these but when I discovered how much more I can save by just making them, I was quite thrilled.

     I started out by scanning empty boxes of cereals at home and then I made layouts with MS Paint for the extra folded portions. Re-sizing them were difficult though since doll sizes are quite tricky but in the end, I was quite satisfied with my work. I have tried printing them on photo paper and card board paper but the quality would also depend on your printer.

     Below are some FREE Miniature Printable Templates which I have made and some which I got from friends in the U.S. Feel free to copy and use them for your next doll diorama projects. I'll be posting more printable stuff on my site every now and then so stay tuned. ☺

     It was in the early 1980s when Mattel started manufacturing the Barbie Dolls of the World Collection wherein each doll was designed to represent a certain country by wearing its traditional costume. The face up of the doll, though not quite exact, depicts the look of women on the country it represents. A lot of countries have already made it to the collection and some even had their country represented more than twice. To this day, more than 80 dolls were designed for that collection. Among them, Philippines was not included until November 2012 when Mattel released the Philippines Barbie. As a Filipino doll collector, this doll is a must-have.



          The Philippines Barbie, as shown on the image, is wearing a traditional Maria Clara gown with alternating black and yellow-gold panels and intricate lace details. Also, the black choker, which is an essential accessory for the outfit, has a miniature cameo in it.  The innocence of the Goddess face sculpt and skin tone of the doll also made an impact as a whole. Truly, the doll's designer, Linda Kyaw, was really able to put that classic Filipina vibe in it.

          The doll is now being sold in local department stores here in the Philippines. However, I heard that a few weeks after its release in the country, they were almost sold out in all the branches of the department store. This is no longer a surprise for me. Whether you are a collector or not, who wouldn't fall for such elegance and beauty? Once again, Mattel have made a doll I have fallen deeply in love with. ♥