Why do girls play with dolls anyway?

It’s a question I’ve never really bothered to consider before.  (That sounds a little strange, as I’ve worked as a toy buyer for several years.)  It’s just one of those fundamental truths that I’ve taken for granted over the years – like cats loving cream and umbrellas turning into tea cups just when you need them in a storm.   As I grow older, I’m trying to look a little more closely at my own behavior and that of those around me. So when I see children playing with dolls, I notice plenty of obvious and healthy reasons for their activity like:

• Role-playing – Allowing children to act as caregivers, teachers, brides, stylists, designers, stage directors, hostesses,  doctors, etc.  Spring-boarding the imagination in this way, allows children to identify which roles they have an affinity for. Some doll outfits let little people be big people for a while.  (Don’t we all wish we could be adults only when it is convenient and then revert?  …Oh wait, I may know a few adults who have mastered this – not always to their credit.)

OR

• Carrying traditions forward from generation to generation – Historical costumes help bring the past to life in a way that preserves embellishments and conventions that might otherwise be forgotten.  Books and movies can show it, but there’s nothing like hands-on for learning how something works – or doesn’t work. Outfits with period details like oversized pinafores, nightcaps, hand muffs and capes introduce play pieces which are no longer commonplace in today’s juvenile department.

AND

• Color, pattern and design – fostering experimentation with the visual and tactile elements of doll apparel promotes creativity and an understanding of textile engineering.  Plus – who doesn’t like changing up colors and patterns on themselves or the things they love?  “Project Runway” has plenty of adult viewers and I don’t care if it’s your Gucci bag or your latest model of farm equipment – changing things up can be a feast for the eyes and build a brand.

- All very sensible and wholesome reasons for encouragement.   But…there’s got to be another component that makes it so universal and involuntarily motivated.

Here’s my take on the whole thing:

…..Fun and (let’s face it…) Convenience

• A doll is a friend who is always around

• Shares secrets and keeps them better than anyone

• Doesn’t judge or need to be impressed

• Travels well under an arm or in a handy trunk

• Needs you only when you need to be needed

• Sleeps when tucked in

• Stays awake when you can’t sleep

• Doesn’t ask to share your candy or sweets (but may share if you offer)

• Wears whatever you say looks best –

This leads me to an example of the enormous popularity of it all and of some places where the good reasons and good causes come together.  Below, is a listing of upcoming American Girl ® Doll Fashion Shows to which children AND adults are going in droves:

Franklin, TN – Special Olympics TN – October 24-25, 2009

Plano, TX – Junior League Plano – October 24-25, 2009

Colorado Springs, CO – Kid Power of Colorado Springs – October 25, 2009

Mayfield Heights, OH – University Hospital Cleveland (Ireland Cancer Center) – November 1, 2009

Lindenhurst, NY – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church – November 6-8, 2009

Tulsa, OK – Junior League of Tulsa – November 6-8, 2009

Concord, NH – Junior Service League Concord, November 7-8, 2009

Verona, NY – Upstate Cerebral Palsy – November 8, 2009

Potomac, Washington, D.C. – Prevention of Blindness Society of Met WA – November 8, 2009

Mandeville, LA – Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic School – November 13-14, 2009

Los Altos, CA – Palo Alto Auxiliary – November 13-14, 2009

New York, NY – The Epiphany School Foundation – November 13-15, 2009

Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra League – November 13-15, 2009

Buckhead, GA – Junior League of Gwinnette & N. Fulton – November 14, 2009

Boston, MA -  Junior League – November 14-15, 2009

Ringwood, NJ – American Diabetes Association – November 14-15, 2009

Fairport, NY – Rochester General Hospital Association – November 14-15, 2009

Staten Island, NY – Snug Harbor Cultural Center – November 14-15, 2009

Orlando, FL – Kids Beating Cancer – November 14–15, 2009

Houston, TX – Hits Theatre – November 14-15, 2009

Austin, TX- Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas – November 15, 2009

Hampton, NJ – Immaculate Conception School – November 15, 2009

Pittsburgh, PA – Junior League of Pittsburgh – November 20-22, 2009

Joliet, IL – Easter Seals Joliet Region – November 20-22, 2009

Santa Barbara, CA – Junior League of Santa Barbara – November 20-22, 2009

Charlotte, NC – The Assist by Knight Foundation – November 21, 2009

Lancaster, PA – Hands on House (Children’s Museum of Lancaster) – November 21-22, 2009

Litchfield Park, AZ – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – December 4-6, 2009

Enjoy,

Prince Stephen

www.thequeenstreasures.com

Life….. and it’s difficulties.

I’ve been absent from the “blogging world” for a while.  I’ve been in the middle of a MAJOR business reconstruction….. I’ve reconstructed the business physically (we are nearly done with a move to a wonderful new location that will offer a small retail store too!)  There’s been some mental reconstruction of the business too.   I’m handling it with the help of some pretty amazing co-workers - realizing that God has given me amazing talent and tenacity and I can - pretty much handle whatever’s thrown at me!   I will never second guess myself again!

I am blessed.  I have my health.  Great well-adjusted kids.  I have a wonderful husband who supports me 100% and believes my ability 1000%.  Friends….. I have a few REALLY good ones that get me through when I need it.  I can pay my bills (because my husband and I work like MANIAC’S).

Challenges…. Oh yeah!  I’ve had those.  Mostly – they’ve been related to relationships in business. Relationships that I thought were mutual friendships even outside of business.   I’m a “fixer”.  I take on other peoples challenges – and- if I’ve got a good “thing” or an idea that I think will help – I want to share and help “fix” things.  

I come from a place of trust and honesty.  I just think – that’s not the place “most” people come from these days.  It seems people are always searching for “hidden agenda’s”…..  “ulterior motives”……  and expecting failure or bad things to happen despite evidence to the contrary.   They assume the bad without checking the facts.  They psyche themselves out of what may be the best opportunity of their lives.   Opportunity STILL exists in America. I am a living example of that

This blog relates to recent challenges I’m facing.  The challenges reminded me to look at a plaque hanging on the wall of my office.  The author is unknown – but the words are POWERFUL.  I’d like to share and hope it puts whatever difficulty you may be facing in perspective….

I asked for Strength…….      And God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom……      And God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity….    And God gave me brain and brawn to work

I asked for Courage……     And God gave me danger to overcome.

I asked for Love……             And God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors……        And God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted……….

I received EVERYTHING I needed!

Be good to others and play nice!

Best!

Joann

The Queen’s Treasures

Eight things no one told you about being a Mom

* There is no learning curve

* You feel helpless at times

* You run in circles

* There is no privacy

* No instant replays

* Your baby will eventually insult you

* You have to force yourself to back off

* You won’t know if you did a good job for 20-30 years

All very true,

Queen Stacey

www.thequeenstreasures.com

Motherhood- The Toughest Job!!

I just read this great article about “Motherhood” in our local paper  that I wanted to share. I laughed outloud when I read it . It pretty much sums up what being a mother entails.

Job description: Long-term position in a chaotic environment filled with crying, laughing and screaming. Must be willing and able to multi-task. The boss can be extremely demanding. Overtime required, including evenings, weekends and 24-hour shifts. No room for advancement or promotions.  Job titles: nurse, teacher, driver, cook, housekeeper, manager and more. Compensation: This job is a reverse-salary deal. You actually pay for the privilege. Benefits: No health insurance, paid holidays or 401(k) plan. So who applies for this job willingly? Mothers

Mothers work harder and longer hours than pretty much any profession, and yet they don’t make a cent. However, as any Mother would say, “The benefits outweigh the work.”  Watching a child grow up and become an independent citizen with goals, manners and motivation is all the pay that most mommies need!   

For all you Mothers out there- You Rock!!!!!!

Queen Stacey

www.thequeenstreasures.com

A Play Date with Breast Cancer

My four year old daughter has this habit of asking the parents of her school mates, if she can go to their house for a “play date.”  I would tell her that it is not polite to invite yourself over to someone’s house. This didn’t work- and she continued to ask. It had gotten to the point that I would make sure that I was the last parent to pick up. This way I would not run into anyone that she could ask.

One day a woman named Lisa, who has a daughter Abria finally invited my daughter over for a play date. Well, it was all my daughter talked about for a week. To be honest I don’t seek play dates because of our very busy schedule. 

I reluctantly agreed to the play date, knowing my daughter would be upset if I cancelled. Lisa lived about 15minutes from the school. The whole time driving there I was getting impatient, thinking about all the things I had to do when I got home. This was the last thing I wanted to be doing.

The play date carried on- the girls got along very well. When talking to Lisa, she mentioned that she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two days ago. I was stunned and didn’t know what to say. Here she was carring on with this play date and being so happy and positive. I had goose bumps on my arms.

She told me about all the procedures that she had to go through. I looked at her georgeous curly long hair and thought- how absolutely tragic.   I told her if there was anything I could do please don’t hesitate to ask. I felt like an idot after I said it.

On the way home I started to cry. I never personally met someone who was going through Breast Cancer.  It became all to real- and I said a prayer for Lisa. You see the statistics, but they never sink in until you meet someone who is going through Breast Cancer.  I looked at my daughter in the rearview  mirror- knowing that she needs her mother. I can’t even begin to imagine how Lisa feels about her daughter.

I am grateful for that play date. I needed to get real about the important things in life and not get caught up in all the little day to day stuff.  I am going to bring Lisa flowers next week and try to be a friend!!!

Queen Stacey

www.thequeenstreasures.com

American Girl Dolls and Baseball

Don’t get me wrong I think boys are great- but girls rule!!! When Iwas growing up boys did boy things and girls did girly things. God forbid the gender roles crossed paths. However, the rules have changed and girls can play with their American Girl Dolls- but they can also play baseball.

I had the pleasure of watching my daughter with her pink glove and hot pink bat -play baseball. She is the only girl on the team and can hold her  own. Last night she was 2 for 2 with an RBI.  When she got her first hit- my heart was pounding. I wanted her to prove that she could play baseball but then I realized her just playing baseball was good enough.

When I put her to bed she was holding her American Girl Doll. I told her how proud I was of her and that she can do anything she sets her mind too.

For all you girls out there who play baseball, soccer or any other sport that was once dominated by boys- I have one thing to say….”You go girls.”

Queen Stacey

www.thequeenstreasures.com

Twlight

OK, I have a confession…. I am a 43yr old woman who is obsessed with Twlight. I mean very obsessed, to the point of major obsessiveness.

In the fall, I was wondering what all the hoop-la was about when Twlight, the movie came out. I didn’t have time to check it out and just forgot about it.

Over Christmas, I needed a distraction from a very busy daytime schedule. So, I was in Target and decided to picked up Twlight and see what it was all about. Well that was it!! I read it in two days- staying up late- finding every spare moment to read. It was intoxicating- I loved Vampires!!

Well,  I had to get the second book- New Moon- now!!! Went to Target- out of stock- Walmart- out of  stock- Kmart- out of stock. Meanwhile, this was all in one night. Finally, it was 9 o’clock and I remembered the book store. I drove there just in time. The clerk was locking the door and I pleaded with him,”It will take me one minute- I know what I want.” The clerk must have seen the crazed look on my face and he let me in. Yes, this was a very low and desperate moment in my life- but nonethless necessary for my sanity.

I bought the third and fourth book while I was at it- not wanting to go through that rig-a-ma-roll again. I finished all four books in two weeks- very satisified with all four, particularly the ending. But my obsession didn’t end with that.  I had missed the movie at the theatre and had to wait until March for the DVD- Yikes!

By this time, the Twlight actors were all over the media and in magazines. I found myself Googling Robert Pattison, who plays Edward, the lead character. He is 22yrs old- young enough to be my son. I even bought GQ Magazine becase  he was on the cover ( telling my husband it was for him). I knew I was over the top when I picked up Tiger Beat (a teen magazine) to find out the gossip. Bought it-read it and gave it to my 9yr old daughter.

Twlight-DVD FINALLY came out! I rented it and than HAD TO buy it. I have watched it about 5 times- analyzing every detail and comparing it to the book.

See, I am certifiably obsessed- hopefully not the only one. I know there are other ”Twlighters”out there. Tell me your story!!

www.thequeenstreasures.com

Don’t Rush the Magic of Childhood

As I watched my two daughters hunt for Easter Eggs, I felt guilty. Like most Mothers, I am constantly running around with my kids or picking up after them. I find myself saying things like, “I can’t wait until they are older and can clean their own rooms, or “Can’t wait until the house is finally quiet”. Wanting them to grow up fast, so I can maybe relax and watch TV.

But on Easter Sunday my thought were the opposite of those ranting moments. I thought , How lucky am I to have two healthy children who were estatic that the Easter Bunny came to their house. I actually started to tear-up watching them.

I have to realize that the magic of childhood- doesen’t last long. I need to savour the moments and think of them when my kids are driving me crazy. My daughter will be ten next year and I wonder how much longer she will believe in the Easter Bunny. If she questions his existance, I will probably lie to keep the magic alive as long as possible!!

Don’t forget to visit our website  www.thequeenstreasures.com

WANTED: Metabolism! PLEASE HELP!

Ok….. This has NOTHING to do with tea parties…. American Girl doll clothes…. doll trunks….. party favors and anything else we sell!

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!! You see – my metabolism has gone AWOL! It’s gone…..lost……left the building….. SPLITSVILLE! I have looked EVERYWHERE! “Wanted” posters have NOT helped. Lord KNOWS…..I posted rewards EVERYWHERE for a quick and easy return! I asked Jenny Craig for help. Sorry Valerie…. it just AIN’T that easy!

I’ve been pretty religiously exercising for a year. Elliptical 2 to 3 days per week for an hour. Weight training WITH a trainer 2 days per week. I’m solid as a ROCK !(under the flab)

So I went to a Dr….. Dr. Atkins that is. He helped me find my metabolic friend about 15 years ago. This time….. no help. I couldn’t seem to get myself into keto (whatever) even with a complete lack of carbohydrates!

I’ve been searching EVERYWHERE! Finally – I broke down and went to my physician. I took my husband (as a witness) to the “things” I have tried to do and the amount of food I am eating. He told me “Eat less!” I said “I thought if you eat too little you store fat”. He said “Did you ever see a fat person from Auschwitz?”. Good point! Maybe a complete blood work-up would uncover some clues…………..

Maybe…just maybe…. I’ll get an answer…………….. Maybe my thyroid has kidnapped my metabolism!!! Just a few drugs and BAM – I’ll find it again and live happily ever after reunited with my old metabolism. (Reunited and it feels so good!) 70’s song…. Every time I think about my metabolism I’m digress to a happier “metabolic” time. Think thyroid…Think thyroid….Think thyroid!

Well…….Maybe NOT! You don’t know HOW unhappy I was to find out my thyroid did NOT kidnap my metabolism! In fact – the little PDA my Doctor threw all my “numbers” into says I have less of a chance of some dreaded disease than most people my “age”.

“Sit tight, Joann, when you get through menopause you’ll find your pants will start feeling better and you’ll start losing weight”. Blah… blah…. Blah! I am NOT one to sit and weight (I mean wait). SEE how this has me CRAZY!

I have even searched the internet looking for a TV show I can nominate myself for as a contestant….. “The (NOT so in need of being the) Biggest Loser”, “Metabolism 911”, “America’s Most Wanted (Secrets of Finding My Metabolism)”. I looked all over for a casting call for some show that could help me in my search!! None… Nada….. Squat!

Soooooo now I am on a “new” diet my twenty-something body-building – trainer “Bobby Gunz” has put me on GUARANTEED to help me find my metabolism (IF I follow it to a “T”). It seems I am eating too little? HUH?! It’s definitely a BORING diet – but if it works – I’ll figure out how to make this diet tasty. Bobby will write a book….I’ll write the recipes – we’ll make a million… and I and my metabolism will live happily ever after.

If it doesn’t work….. I’ll keep searching for that old friend…. my metabolism. They say it’s a small world (not pants size). Maybe I’ll run into my metabolism some day!

Give me some “sugar” folks (it’s the ONLY way I’ll get some for a while) and send your comments, ideas, inspirations to help me in my quest. I’ll keep you posted – even if you don’t care. This is my self imposed “weigh-in”. Puh-lease…..send you comments !  Click on the title of this article to enable the comment area on the bottom of the post!  PLEASE COMMENT!  Take the poll!

Fine China…..

Everyday – we refer to hundreds of things by a “trademark” name rather than a “given” name.  Things like  Kleenex (for Tissues)…. Fridge (from the brand name Frigidaire)…. Pass me a “Coke” referring to any brown carbonated beverage that remotely tastes like the “real thing”.  The list could go on and on!!!!

 

Usually, the original “Brand” (from which the name is derived) is the brand benefiting from having the highest “perceived” quality standard for this particular item.  In other words – the “genuine” article.  The real “Gucci” not “Cucci”!

 

TOTALLY NOT true for a common product that’s been around since at least the 14^th century!  We refer to it EVERYDAY by the original “brand” name.  “THEY” invented it and perfected the techniques.  Other manufacturers from ALL over the world “stole” the product and referred to their own version by using the same name as the “genuine article”.  1400 years later (although the original maker still produces top quality) the perception is that the original maker – does not offer the same quality as the makers that have stolen “recipe”.

 

WHAT ?!?!?!   (Too bad the originators didn’t have a good patent and trademark attorney).

 

The product………. China from China of course!  Check out the rest of this article continued on our “Learn” page.  I think you’ll find the history worth reading about!