Madame Alexander at the New York Fair

                                                        Madame Alexander at The New York Toy Fair


    Madame Alexander Doll Company has been producing beautiful pieces of artwork in doll form for over 90 years.   Now they are changing a little bit, but not in a bad way.  We can still look forward to beautiful collectors items from them for years to come, but they are also making more play-friendly dolls.  They have worked up to this, with their line of Nursery Dolls, and soft and beautiful plushes with brands like Angelina ballerina, Wizard of Oz, and the Muppets.  They have a wonderful line of 18" Play dolls, Dollie & Me, that are well made and have matching outfits for both kids and dolls that are just wonderful!  Last year they came out with a wonderful line of 8' travel friends play doll, that had dolls in attire inspired from around the world. The packaging had little spinets of the countries they lived in as well,  I thought they were the bees knees. They were even in our top ten gift guide! Well I am so super excited to announce that they are expanding and partnering up with some awesome brands as well. One brand in particular

that you know we here are absolutely in love with.... CRAYOLA!!!  How have they not worked together before! (Well actually they have partnered in the past with Madame Alexander's Collectors Dolls, but I digress)  With Madame Alexander Doll Company's dedication to quality and creating beautiful works of art, and Crayola's commitment to inspire the artist in all of us, I feel like this is just a match made in heaven!
    The new doll will be branded in the DIY category because the little one who receives her will be able to craft and draw on dolls (there will be a few for different
age groups) and customize them with their own imagination.  I cannot wait till these hit the shelves,  I think they are going to be a HUGE hit!

     Another licensed doll for the 8" colection will be NASCAR! This will be huge!  We always say that everyone loves NASCAR, (Except for New Yorkers because we do not get it, and it is true.)   But even though I have no real idea about the NASCAR line, I know how amazing it will be to have a female doll enter the world of racing carrying the NASCAR Logo, and I am so excitend for all the little girls out there that will have these dolls available to them soon!  Also coming soon to the play line will be 8" dolls that will be dressed up as our favorite fairy tale princesses!  I saw an Alice In Wonderland doll that has my niece's name on it!  Whoo Hoo!

Disney Princess in Period Correct Dress

     As always we will be looking forward to a whole bunch of beautiful collectors pieces, that will have girls young and old all drooling to have in their collection. Including myself!

Why I am Proud To be On The Madame Alexander Mom Advisory Board

     There are many reasons why I am super honored to be on the Madame Alexander Mom Panel. My history with the brand has usually stood forefront of that, but now I have yet another reason to add to the list. I am sure everyone has seen or at least heard of the hit movie American Sniper.  Even I, who does live in the perpetual closet, has heard of the film and the man behind it.  While at the NYTF (or New York Toy Fair) I learned that when the real baby actors could not make a shoot, the crew used the amazing Newborn Nursery babies in their stead.

     You wanna know why, BECAUSE they are soooo realistic! And if the fact that they used them in a blockbuster movie doesn't prove that to you, then I am sure our review will!
     While a great validation on the quality of the brand that I support, that is not why I am proud.  I am proud because in honor of the scene, The Madame Alexander Doll Company is donating an assortment of Newborn Nursery Baby Dolls to the Veteran's Association (VA) of Northern Texas Healthcare System.  They will be distributed among the VA's chain of veterans' family care centers including the Fisher House Foundation. This is a network of comfort homes where veterans' families can stay at no cost while their family member is receiving treatment.  How can you not be proud of being associated with a company that does that. Thank You Madame Alexander for not only supporting our troops, but for bringing a bit of joy into their homes while doing so!

Madame Alexander Doll Company Babblebabies!

   Babblebabies are the new line of look and feel real babies that will be on every little girl's wish list.  These babies are designed to perfection, measuring 19 inches long and weighing 3.5 pounds, so they really do FEEL like an actual baby. The best part is that they will also ACT like the real thing!  The Babblebabies respond when spoken to with over 80 different sound combinations; giggling, baby banter, growls or anything your newborn does,  these little ones do it as well.  Babblebabies have been worked lovingly on by the team at the Madame Alexander Doll Company until they were perfect. They were previewed at the NYTF, but were not released until they were utter perfection.  This is just one example of the company following their "love is in the details" mantra.  With a company with that dedication you know you are getting a quality product.

Top Ten Gifts For Kids This Holiday Season!

   Christmas Gift Guide: Everything Your Kid absolutely needs under their tree!

1) Mip: This is the "toy" that is good for both older kids and adults which is why I put it as number one on the list.  This little guy is a engineering masterpiece, being able to move about the room with ease on two wheels.  He can carry his own weight, and gets himself out of the most precarious situations, avoiding or getting out of obstacles around your living room floor!  There is a great app that lets you control him, as well as play games.  He has a great personality and will keep your kids occupied for hours on end, as well as a robot loving adult! Read Our Review!    Available at Toys 'R Us.



     2)Tipster:  Tipster is THE best robot like toy that I have had the pleasure of discovering this holiday season.  With easy controls, different modes, and a great personality this is the perfect introduction to robotic play.  Read our full review! Available At Toys 'R US

3)     Skylanders Trap Team is the MUST have video game of the season!  The new trapping ability brings the characters from the game into the real world via the crystals that you put on the games portal.  The graphics are outstanding, the plot is filled with fun and adventure, and the gameplay is great for kids of all ages. Read our full review here!  Available At Toys 'R US

4) Zing AirStorm: Zing has been the frontrunner of high action toys including the ever popular bows.  The AirStorm continues to uphold their inventiveness and high quality that keeps them high above the other companies.  With a shooting range of up to 145 feet, Led lights on the bow as well as the arrows, you can have amazing game play in the dark as well as the night! Great for any little archery fan! Available exclusively at Walmart





5) Nerf Zombie Strike and The Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow:  Hasbro and Nerf know how to get the kids (and adults) excited about foam battles with these new Blasters.

With a zombie fight inspired design, these neon green, brown, orange, and black colored blasters can shoot to about 65 feet.  They are safe to shoot at each-other- or a target, and will be sure to lead to a very fun Christmas morning.  I love the whole line, and I want them all!
The Rebelle Agent Bow puts a little feminine flair as well as spy abilities into action with their Rebelle Line.  Available At Toys 'R Us!









6) Crayola: Shawdow FX,  Color Wonder Airbrush, Paint Maker: Crayola year after year comes out with high quality products that will keep your child creative and your mess to a minimum.  This year the Shawdow FX will have them dreaming up ways to brighten their dark walls (read review here)  They can make their own color combinations with the super fun Paint maker. It comes complete with everything you need to make the paint, labels, and containers. It even shakes the paint just like the big machines at Home Depot, so that it mixes completely- it is very fun!   The Color Wonder Airbrush is a mess free way for your kids to make BIG designs.  Battery operated, you put the markers into the airbrush and can use the stencils included, or really any old stencil, to make amazing works of art. They will have a lot of fun with this one, the best thing about it- no mess. Yep you heard me NO MESS! Available at Toys 'R Us


7)Mega Bloks has an array of different things for both boys and girls of all ages!  The HotWheel Line lets your kids build awesome rides, and then play with them afterwords.  The Barbie Fab Mansion lets you build two levels of fun furniture and housewares!  It includes two buildable dolls and is just an amazing set full of creativity!  For the littler ones Thomas comes to the rescue with larger bricks and easy instructions! For whatever character your child craves, Mega Blok has the answer! Available at Toys R Us!

8)Wonder Forge Games: One of the best licensing game companies out there, Wonder Forge has the games you want your child to play with the characters your child wants to see. With easy to follow instructions, as well as games for a child of all age ranges, you will be able to find a game for all the kids in your life.  This season's hottest games include Star Wars Force Grab- Match the cards to the 3d pieces that are thrown onto the table, Ultimate Spiderman TrickShot Duel -use the disc launcher to hit your opponents' targets in this arena battle game, Avengers Assemble Slide Strike- strategy is your friend in this superhero filled game, and Frozen's Surprise Slides (read full review here) which is a great introduction to table top games! Available at Toys R Us!

9)Tiggly Counts: This interactive app works on your ipad and comes with bars with different variations of numbered boxes that interact with the screen. Your child can play three different apps that interact with these bars to help them learn their numbers, as well as counting and addition.  When they place the bar on the screen the amount of squares on the bar pop up on your screen and interact with the app itself.  With amazing graphics, physical interaction, and educational gameplay- you'll be giving the kid a fun toy, and impress the parents of said child by caring about their education- win win lol.

10) Madame Alexander Muppets Puppets: Madame Alexander is an amazing company with over 90 years experience at making dolls that delight children of all ages.  In this house the Muppet Puppet has been a HUGE HIT, and has led to hours of fun for my son and I. Well made with amazing detail and high quality fabrics, this will be one of those items that will have replay value for years to come! 


Look For Our Next Gift Guide For Girls!

Madame Alexander Doll Company Cuddle Baby Nursery Doll

   Madame Alexander has the perfect baby doll for your child's pretend nursery.  "The Newborn Nursery Cuddle Baby Collection" is a line of baby dolls like no other.  They are designed to look and feel like a real baby, and they do!  The way the doll feels as you hold it is almost as if you are holding your own little baby in your arms- it sort of made me want another one.. Only if it promised to be THIS quiet. The doll has plastic limbs and a soft but HEAVY body. Now when I say heavy I don't mean that your little one will not be able to carry it, but compared to other "life-like" dolls, this one actually looks and FEELS like a newborn.   The face is beautifully structured with bright shinning eyes, a perfectly sculpted little nose and angel-kissed, red hued lips that are slightly ajar for bottle feeding.  My little baby girl came in a pink sleep sack with matching skull cap.

The Madame Alexader Doll Company Legend of Oz Line Review

       The Madame Alexander Doll Company has come out with a line of cloth dolls for the movie Legend of Oz: Dorothy's Return. Keeping up to with their long tradition of celebrating pop culture and entertainment, the company has come out with a beautiful doll line to accompany the movie.
The line includes China Princess who is dressed in a red and salmon satin gown that has red ribbons and sparkly gold flecks, giving a completely regal look to this child friendly doll.
Glinda looks whimsical with her flip hairstyle and satin crown, the gown -also satin, has a two toned pink to it with a lace neck and puffed sleeve with printed flowers.  Dorothy is wearing her signature blue pinafore, but changes it up a bit with a pair of cowboy boots.  Her hair is a soft yarn, and her eyes look as if they are looking right at you- but not in the creepy way- In the "OH MY WORD THAT IS  SIMPLY GORGEOUS" way.  Scarecrow is my favorite with accents of straw yarn poking out of areas as well as his head. He is in tip top shape with his gold trimmed uniform and green sash- man he has grown up!  Tin man has his heart stored safely on his chest, and is made of a metallic knit. He looks dashing with his funnel hat and bow tie! The Cowardly Lion is a full on beauty with a golden mane and crown, he really does look like king of the forrrrrressssssst!!!

The Madame Alexander Doll Company Angelina Ballerina Doll Review

     Angelina Ballerina has been dancing her way into our hearts for years. Now she can dance with your child!
The Madame Alexander Doll Comany  has a cloth 18 inch Angelina that is pretty enough to go on your shelf, but durable enough to play with.  As we know Madame Alexander is a personal favorite in this house,
and you have to admit when it comes to dolls they know their stuff.  With the amazing details and special touches in every stitch your child will feel like she is dancing with the real deal!  Angelina is all dolled up in her Swan Lake attire. She has purples eyes and a satin bow between her two adorable ears.  She has the classic white and blue tutu made from glittered tulle fabric. In a word this "plush" is beautiful.   There is nothing more perfect than getting something special for the little one in your life and watching them open up the perfect gift, their eyes all wide, their screams of excitement (for once). When they see

Madame Alexander: Little Miss Tooth Fairy Review

     I am so excited to announce that TMG is now officially a part of the Mom Advisory Board! WHOO HOO! We are so incredibly excited to be partnered up with such an iconic company. For a little over ninety years Madame Alexander has been a HUGE part of little girls' lives and I look forward to keeping you guys up to date on everything that they have to come in 2014!
     First up we get to review one of Madame Alexander's amazing dolls, an 8 inch traditional collectible Maggie doll dressed up as a Tooth Fairy. This doll is Madame Alexander in all their glory.  Her green eyes close and open and she has beautiful curly, Tosca hair and a porcelain face.  She wears a magical
handkerchief-style dress that combines purple taffeta with white glitter, pink and purple tulle.  It all ties in the back with a purple ribbon right underneath her tooth-shaped wings. She wears ballet slippers and has a stunning bow in her hair with what else--a tooth to top things off.

     Opening up the family box brought me back to my childhood when I was given my "Gone With the Wind" Scarlett doll one Christmas morning. The same ooohs and ahhhs escaped my lips as I gently lifted my new Tooth Fairy doll and I was suddenly 11 again.  No matter what age you are, if you are a doll lover you LOVE Madame Alexander--there is no way around it.  My love came from my mother's love of the dolls that her parents gave her as a child.  As I grew older and knew where that love came from I would look at her as I opened my gift and see that she was just as excited to give it- as I was to receive it.  That's what this company is about to me--LOVE.

Learn about Legends Of Oz: Dorothys Return

   

 "Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return is a 3D-animated musical based on the adventure books by Roger Stanton Baum, the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum. A continuation of one of the world’s most popular and beloved fairy tales, Legends of Oz finds Dorothy (Lea Michele) waking to post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends the Scarecrow (Dan Aykroyd), the Lion (Jim Belushi), the Tin Man (Kelsey Grammer) and Glinda (Bernadette Peters) from a devious new villain, the Jester (Martin Short). Wiser the owl (Oliver Platt), Marshal Mallow (Hugh Dancy), China Princess (Megan Hilty) and Tugg the tugboat (Patrick Stewart) join Dorothy on her latest magical journey through the colorful landscape of Oz to restore order and happiness to Emerald City. Set to the tunes of Academy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Bryan Adams, Legends of Oz marks a charming, family-friendly return to the Oz franchise."

     This looks like so much fun I cannot wait to see it! Want even more exciting Legends Of Oz news? Madame Alexander is coming out with a whole line of plush toys with the characters from the Movie!