Ken Boyfriend of Barbie Doll Comes to Life

Dolls

With Mattel Wizardry - Will the Ken Doll Comeback Last?

This Isn't a Doll: It's a live Ken Model
The Grove, Los Angeles
Photo by MommyBlogExpert

It looks like Ken, Barbie's arm candy-like boyfriend, is having quite a year so far.

Until recently, he was mostly considered as Barbie's dream perfect dude with the looks that don't exist in the real world -- the strong, silent, handsome type.  

Now, Toy Story 3 -- the animated feature movie in which Ken makes his acting debut -- has already snared a Golden Globe and other awards -- and is currently up for 5 Oscars at the Academy Awards.  Let's not forget to mention Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend, one of the newest and hottest reality TV shows.

But, the biggest news of all for perhaps the best known man on the planet is that Mattel Inc. has literally brought Ken to life with live male models to help him celebrate a very big birthday: his 50th.    

Winter, Formal, Picnic Date Ken Live Models
Photo by MommyBlogExpert

"Born" in March 1961, "Ken Carson," was named after Ruth Handler's son Ken.  Ruth had invented Barbie (named after her older child) in 1959 and responded several years later when the world asked for a boyfriend for Barbie.  After Ken, Midge, Allan, Skipper and other dolls quickly followed and by the end of the 1960s Mattel was the world's biggest toy maker with sales of $180 million. 

I'm a baby boomer who played with the original Ken (and also the made in Japan Barbie, Midge, and Allan dolls from Mattel) in the 1960s.  In fact, until today, I had all but forgotten about those dolls of yesterday and the small but smart wardrobe of clothes and accessories to go with them, both store-bought and hand sewn, that my mom safely tucked away for me. 

Original Ken & Midge Dolls
With circa 1960s Beachwear
Photo by MommyBlogExpert

In my eyes, today's girls in Ken and Barbie's target market just don't have the same reverence for the dolls that my generation did.  

While we used to have one Barbie and one Ken, our contemporary counterparts have many dolls, maybe five or even more Barbies, not to mention a whole lot more outfits and accessories for them than we ever did.  And let's not even get into how well (not) these younger generations of kids care for their dolls or associated stuff.

The amazing thing is that -- in my own observations -- most of those who came out for the Every Doll Needs a Ken Valentine's Day event which was held simultaneously on both coasts at Times Square in New York City and in Los Angeles earlier this week appeared to be moms like me who have daughters or childless women who owned these dolls as kids.   Some women brought their hubbies or boyfriends, too.

Two of My Triplets Pose With Ken Event Signage

The Grove, Los Angeles

Photo by MommyBlogExpert

I just loved the Ken event that I dragged two of my kids to at The Grove in Los Angeles.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though, that I probably enjoyed Ken's Big 5-0 marketing bash a lot more than my children did because they just whined to go to look at books at Barnes & Noble and play on computers at The Apple Store.  On the other hand, I couldn't snap enough pictures, and was enthralled with how the human models actually did look like real dolls packaged in boxes, complete with their official Ken tagged wrists.

Me with Winter Date Ken Model
Photo by MommyBlogExpert

Having grown up in the pre-computer age watching television (both the black-and-white and color varieties) while being bombarded with Mattel commercials during the cartoons, I remember begging my parents until they bought me a doll.  I'm not sure how they're going to sell a record-breaking number of Ken dolls with the current campaign because it is largely targeted at adults, not kids.  Don't kids still make the demands, I thought, and then us parents buy whatever the children want?

Clearly nostalgic, I couldn't wait to get home after my photographic encounters with not one but many Ken dolls that were actually real live professional male models.   My hubbie has blue eyes and is blond -- so I feel rather lucky that I definitely married my dream Ken doll. 

Nevertheless, after I tucked the kids in bed, I secretly pulled out my old dust covered Barbie doll case and sat on the floor.  I played with my Ken, Barbie, and Midge dolls for the first time in over 45 years for several hours, reminiscing of my childhood while I tried on the few precious outfits my mom both bought and handmade for me.  Everything -- the dolls and the clothes -- I might add, I had taken such good care of when I was a kid.  Ah, those were the days.  What I wouldn't do to revisit that happy time in my life so many years ago.

The jury is out.  Mattel pulled off a comeback with Barbie a few years ago.  Will Ken have the same appeal to girls growing up today or any time in the next 50 years?  Comment below.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert discloses that I did attend the Every Doll Needs a Ken Event at The Grove in L.A. I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Marie Ricci Collection USA Handmade Decor

Artful Design

 

In recent decades there’s been an influx of mass-produced major brand home and workplace décor items.  This includes products at every price point -- low to high -- that are largely being imported into the U.S. from China and other countries.  So, when one comes across the rare and talented artist who not only designs but also still handcrafts each decorative item herself right here in America, it’s worth taking note.

MBE partnered with Marie Ricci for this post

The Marie Ricci Collection, a boutique company founded in 2000 and based in Essex, Connecticut, is one of the finest examples yet that appears to be bucking the trend to bring affordable, American-made art for family homes and other spaces back to our shores.

In her New England studio, Marie Ricci has successfully translated her skills in the ancient art of wood carving into a contemporary business that draws heavily on historical references for inspiration.   This artist’s beautiful and unique work -- wall medallions, chandelier medallions, and an array of other specialty decor accessories -- is suited to a wide range of decorating possibilities.

The Marie Ricci Collection encompasses everything from family-friendly home and garden décor to interior accessories for baby nurseries, children’s bedrooms and play spaces to architectural enhancement pieces perfect for historic renovations, offices, country clubs, restaurants, and public places such as churches and outdoor parks.

Marie Ricci Collection $125 Giveaway - Details at end of post

For this MommyBlogExpert review, I chose the elegant Marie Ricci Collection Teacups Wall Clock from MarieRicci.com that retails for $175.  Pictured here is the clock I received, custom-made for me in the olive green distressed finish style.

This design, Marie recalls, was inspired while she was having tea with a friend in a local Tampa, Florida tea room several years ago. "From thought and design through carving the original master," she says, "I spent five days creating the piece's concept."

The result of this creative  process produced the tea cup design mold.  This was followed by pouring an acrylic mixture into the mold to duplicate the original image.  The last step was to paint the fanciful teacups clock case to match my kitchen's decor and the install the clock face onto the piece.  This wonderful and functional art object is now hanging at the entrance to my favorite room in our house -- demonstrating that Marie Ricci's clocks are decoratively versatile, and definitely not limited just to use in a baby or child's room.

Much like the Teacups Wall Clock, each piece is made to order from start to finish by Marie, beginning with the creation of the original from composite foam material using the traditional wood carving skills she acquired as a sign carver.  Next, she fabricates the mold followed by casting the item from various materials.  The final process is to hand-paint each product either in a solid or distressed finish using a choice of one of 18 designer colors.  As an added service, custom colors can be mixed upon request to match walls and ceilings precisely.  In most cases, product is shipped within 14 days of order.

When the Marie Ricci clock arrived, I was amazed at first glance not only to see how well it was packed for mailing, but also that it was much larger than I had imagined with its 6" clock face and measuring 18 by 18 inches from top to bottom and side to side.

What I found most impressive of all, though, was how much the design and texture of the surface actually looked and felt like antique carved wood.  This is most remarkable, considering that Marie's wood carving techniques are artfully executed yet wood itself isn't involved in any part of the process from mold to final product.

 

Marie Ricci (Rt) with me on set at The Martha Stewart Show NY

Dreamers Into Doers Conference Hosted by Martha Stewart, January 2011

Consisting of dozens of original designs by Marie -- ranging from teacups, bunnies, and floral motifs to elements such as dragonflies, geometrics, and decorative capital letters, to decidedly more masculine patterns such as stars, ships, and baseball -- The Marie Ricci Collection’s line has something suited to every room.  Traditional or contemporary, there's something for just about any decorating project in search of some panache.

Marie Ricci's ceiling and chandelier medallions are well-suited to private homes, offices, commercial spaces, and other private and public places with designs representing the full gamut of intricate designs with a Victorian influence to patterns that lean more toward the more modern.  Products in Ricci's specialty line for babies and children feature such sugar-coated surprises as kid-sized chandeliers, wall clocks, mirrors, Marie's distinctive wall letter initials, picture frames, and coat peg racks.

The artist – sought-after by celebrities and the DIY sector as well as by professional decorators for her nursery décor – counts Nancy O’Dell, Aonika Laurent Thomas, and Lisa Pagano among her more well-known residential clients.  On the commercial side, there's also designer Wendy Bellissimo who chose Marie Ricci’s letter plaque for a nursery for The Oprah Winfrey Show and HGTV which featured a similar element on one of their decorating shows.  Ricci's work is also frequently in the national media spotlight, having been featured in Redbook, Baby, Sunset, and People magazines, among other print and electronic media outlets.

In addition to orders from her immense existing collection, the professional wood carver also accepts commissions for one-of-a-kind installations. Past projects include a custom garden plaque, specially designed for the Lindsay E. Duhaine Memorial Music Foundation in Berlin, CT in memory of a 21 year-old who tragically lost her life in a car accident. Another noteworthy project is the 42" custom ceiling medallion Marie created for the historic St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex, CT which was founded in 1776.

The Marie Ricci Collection is available for purchase retail by the public beginning at $80 with a discount to the trade direct from MarieRicci.com; shipping is free within the continental U.S.  Additionally, the entire line may be ordered from Bellini Stores, Little Peeps, and Rosenberry Rooms.

Click to ENTER GIVEAWAY
Marie Ricci Collection Ceiling/Wall Medallion 

FTC Disclosure:  The Marie Ricci Collection provided the Teacups Wall Clock to facilitate this review.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation directly associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

When Mommy's or Daddy's Job is Looking for Work: How Parents Can Use Social Media to Find Employment

Tweet

Working

According to a CNN Breaking News, national unemployment is down to 9%.

This is good news that maybe -- just maybe -- the Great Recession is winding down and America will soon have the robust economy of yesteryear.  The problem is that still too many parents, both moms and dads trying to support themselves and their children, are currently seeking new jobs.

But, there is hope for your elusive job hunt.  That is because 83% of employers are now using Linkedin most heavily to locate new hires, followed by Facebook, and Twitter.  

Job seekers -- particularly those who haven't looked for work since the rise of new media -- will feel empowered to know about the 10 social media tips offered by Fortune magazine. 

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Family Party Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Good Food

I'm so excited to share some great news I just received from House Party.  I've been selected by Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme who will be sponsoring our family-friendly Philly Dilly Ball Party at my house on March 12th.  I've already invited a group of our closest friends, including families with kids to join in the fun.

For this event -- since I'm a fan of family games -- I'm asking our friends to bring their kids over along with their family's favorite board games for a night of fun and family bonding.  While we play, we'll be snacking on dairy snacks courtesy of Philly which, for generations, has been best known for their delectable cream cheese.  I haven't planned exactly what recipes I'll make yet, but I'm definitely looking for suggestions.

Don't forget to follow this blog to follow the details as party planning progresses.

What's your favorite Philly recipe? Leave me a comment and if I choose yours, I'll feature you in one of the posts I write about this celebration.
 

FTC Disclosure:  Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme is hosting our family's party via HouseParty.  Together these companies are providing everything to make this party possible, from invitations, to host gifts, party favors, food, and other goodies.  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Barbie A Fairy Secret Giveaway

Giveaway

Entry details below for this multi-prize Barbie Fairy Giveaway

During the past months MommyBlogExpert has been thrilled to be among the chosen few blogs to host some really great family friendly Kidtoons giveaways.  These include Spookley Square Pumpkin,Care Bears: Share Bear Shines, and Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas in conjunction with their monthly screenings just for children in theaters nationwide.   These keep getting better, so don't miss out on entering the current giveaway as well as following MommyBlogExpert so you will be the first to know when next month's giveaway is announced. 

MBE partnered with Kidtoon Films for this post,

For the entire month of February: Get ready for Kidtoons Barbie A Fairy Secret showing in select theaters nationwide with recently reduced ticket prices at many locations.

In this amazing animated adventure with Barbie she discovers there are fairies living secretly all around us.

Then Ken is suddenly whisked away by some fairies to a magical secret fairy world not far away.  Barbie and her rival Raquelle take off with the fairy friends on an action-packed journey to bring him back.   Along the way they must stick together and learn that the real magic lies not just in the fairy world itself, but in the power of friendship.

Barbie A Fairy Secret

  GIVEAWAY CONTEST

To help Kidtoons celebrate this month's feature -- once again -- we're giving away a multi-prize package to one lucky family.  This month's sweepstakes includes a winning bundle of fun that any Barbie or Fairy fan will love.  The Barbie: A Fairy Secret prize package includes: 1 poster, 1 pony doll (style varies), 1 co-star doll (style varies), and 1 book

HOW TO ENTER

Leave one or more comments below this post.  Contest ends March 1, 2011 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. 

For the Required (Mandatory) Entry
Simply leave a comment below this blogpost with your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info so we may contact the winner.  In the event that you are the lucky one, MommyBlogExpert will contact you for your shipping address.  

For Additional Chances to Win

Get extra entries for following MommyBlogExpert and/or Kidtoons on Twitter and/or Facebook and for subscribing to this blog.  Remember: Be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert to leave an additional comment after each individual action you do to confirm them so we can record all your extra chances to win.

Follow @MommyBlogExpert (1 or 2 extra entries)
On Twitter 

On Facebook 

Follow @KidtoonFilms (1 or 2 extra entries)
On Twitter 
On Facebook 

In ADDITION to doing any or all of the extra entries above, you can earn one extra entry each time you Tweet the message exactly in the paragraph immediately below (limit 3 separate tweets for 3 extra entries per day).  Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link to right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for all your RTs.

 
Barbie: A Fairy Secret Movie GIVEAWAY @KidtoonFilms http://tinyurl.com/5rrzskb #barbie #fairy #kids #movie #contest RT 2 WIN

About Kidtoon Films 

Kidtoons mission is to showcase fun and affordable family-centric movies at participating theaters.  Every month a different entertaining children's film is screened at well over 100 neighborhood theaters across the U.S.  So, be sure to check where this is showing because more big screens where you can take your child to see this have been added recently .  

This concept brings parents and children together to enjoy kid-friendly characters, cartoons, music videos and sing-a-longs as well as giveaways for the kid audience members like stickers, activity books or toys after every film.  Everyone can get a FREE movie pass to a Kidtoon Films showing in your neighborhood on your child's birthday.  Sign up your kid(s) for the Birthday Club. 

FTC Disclosure:  Kidtoon Films has provided all the prizes for this giveaway.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.