Saturday, December 24, 2011

Seasons Greetings!



Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Feliz Navidad! ! Frohe Weihnachten! Joyeux Noël! Buon Natale! Feliz Natal! Glaedelig Jul! Linksmu Kaledu! Zalig kerstfeest! 圣诞快乐 ! メリークリスマス ! 즐거운 성탄 ! Καλά Χριστούγεννα ! Веселое Рождество !

From All of Us at SylvanianHolics :)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas with the Chiffons



In the first of my Christmas series, I decided to pay a visit to the Chiffons Dogs as prepare to celebrate Christmas :)



Brothers David and Brooklyn enjoying their new train set they got for Christmas!

"Faster! Faster!" cries Baby Brooklyn



Meanwhile, Father Gordon sits back with a warm and refreshing cup of Hot Chocolate.

"Nothing like a cup of warm chocolate on a cold winter day!" exclaims Gordon.




"Who wants more Egg Nog?" asks Mother Delia as Baby Nigella unwraps her present.



"I do!" replied Sister Karen as munches on some Christmas goodies whist putting Baby Brother Austin to sleep by the warmth of the fireplace :)

Merry Christmas from all of us at SylvanianHolics! :D

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Sylvanian App?!



That's right! Your eyes aren't deceiving you! In the latest innovation from Epoch, Epoch has developed a Sylvanian Families App for us Apple users! The app is available to all current Apple Products (Both ipads, Iphone3GS, Iphone4 & Iphone4s & Ipodtouch).

So the question remains, how much does this app lives up to the little critters we all so fondly love? We, at SylvanianHolics decided to find out,



Navigation-wise, the application is a breeze to navigate even for non-native Japanese users. As the app is mainly targeted for kids, most of the features such as the Mini-Game and Story are mostly kiddy-oriented. Nevertheless, there are still a few features that the Oldie Collector will like.



Biographies. Unlike UK/US Sylvanians, Japanese figures do not have names. They do however, have a large array of other titbits such as Birthdays & Horoscope. And With this app, its a breeze to find out everything. Currently, there are only four families featured, the Walnut Squirrels, Silk Cats, Chihuahuas & Chocolate Rabbits.





The app also features this fancy page which has info on the Buildings, Mini-Catalogue and the features found on the actual Sylvanian site, which can be launch on Safari



And to top it all, the app features a series of CMs! These commercials are usually seen on the Japanese Market and on the site. However, with this app they're available to anyone now :)



Overall, the app is a pretty useful thing especially if you're on the move and need to kill some time on the train. Although, it can be a bit dry to the Adult collector or the non-Japanese speaker. I'd give it a 3/5 rating.

If you're are thinking of getting this app however, you will have to create an Itunes account with the Japanese Itunes store as this app cannot be bought on any other store. The good thing however is, it is free!

Sneak Preview!



Hey Everyone! Its been a long time but I'm up and ready to start my Winter Updates! I'm in the mist of getting my new Cabinet for my critters, my December Collection Updates and Displays and a little surprise for my readers! So stay tune! :)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Busy, Busy, Busy!


A Yakult, A Day keeps me going :)

Yes, its been a busy two weeks for me with all the projects and schoolwork of the late! Nevertheless, its always heartening to see all of you visit my blog and commenting :)

I'm still in the mist my latest Sylvanian Project which involves cleaning the glass cabinet I have in my room to house more of my Sylvanians! Its a lot harder than it sounds but I hope to have it done by the end of next month.

In the meantime, do look out for an update in the Gallery sometime in the next two weeks as I have a few more new Sylvanians arriving in Little Rock Creek!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dreaming the Sylvanian Dream



As I was growing up, I always envied some of my older collecting friends and how they could always get those darling Sylvanian Market Exclusives from Japan that all so many of us would love to have. But alas, as a kid, I couldn't afford them due the crazy shipping prices, the equally crazy exchange rate and for many other reasons. Neither were my parents that receptive to the idea of spending a small fortune just for the sake of toys. After all, would you trust your ten year old kid with such expensive toys? Thus, my collection was often limited to the ones I could get from the local store and during the many family holidays in Hong Kong and Bangkok to name a few.

Among the many figures, one stood out, the Doll of the Year 2003. As its name suggest, the doll was an exclusive piece by Epoch limited to a mere 100 pieces, each numbered. Often I dreamt about having her and how grand it would've been to be one of the hundred collectors to ever own her.

Fast-forward a few years to 2011, and here I'm still collecting Sylvanians, the passion never fades! And while I've managed to collect some of those Sylvanian Market exclusives, I still held out that childhood dream of getting the Doll of the Year 2003. Of course, by then she was even more hard to come by.

But then, just last week, a very good friend of mine, Hayley tipped me off about the Doll of the Year 2003 being sold off eBay. My heart skipped a beat, could this me the moment I had been waiting for since I was a kid?

As it turned out, it was really her! She was missing her base and she wasn't boxed but nevertheless it was her! I snapped her up and the rest is history!

Looking back, I think it was well worth the wait, I've been collecting for 12 years and what better way to mark it by finally fulfilling that long childhood dream of mine?


My new addition, The Doll of the Year 2003. Mine didn't came with her original base but I found a lovely piece of China that suited her just nice! Look out for a better picture coming up at Gallery soon!

This post is dedicated to my good friend in Sylvanian Collecting, Hayley! Thank You for helping me fulfill my childhood dream!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

In & Around Little Rock Creek: The Little Rock Community Library



When the school rings in Little Rock Creek, some go exploring in lush forest of Sylvania, while go fishing by the Creek. But for some, the Little Rock Community Library is great place to spend a sleepy afternoon in the Creek.

The library is run by Hubert Huckleberry who also teaches English and Literature at St Francis School.

"It always great to see so many children spending their afternoon in the Library and its a great joy to see them grow up!" quipped Hubert before returning to his favourite Shakespearean novel, Hamlet!



Meanwhile, not too far away in the reading room, Scarlett Slydale was reading to her baby brother and sister, Linsey and Skitter.

"And the big red baloon flew far far away to the stars... never to be seen again!" said Scarlett in an animated voice.




Right next to Slydales, was none other Dennis Huckleberry, Little Rock Creek's biggest bookworm with his usual reads!



The library is also home to a large of comic books, heres Patch Forrestor catching up with the latest issue of Superman while his best pal, Gromwell Cottontail catches up on the latest Zzzs.



With so many books and genres to choose from, Willow Cottontail and Tiffany Golightly are just spoilt for choice!



Lost? Not to worry! Mr. Huckleberry is always there to help!



The library is also equipped with a study room. Here's Summer Evergreen taking time off Cheerleading Practice to tutor Lucy Honey-bear while her brother Logan Evergreen is working on his Physics Project with Birch Timbertop.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Sylvanian Travels - JAPAN (Part Three)



Hello Everyone! On this edition of Sylvanian Travels, we'll be traveling to Sylvanian Families Theme Park in Japan. Opened in 2004 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Sylvanian Families, the theme park is located in at the slopes of Mount Fuji near the town of Gotemba in Shizuoka prefecture, which is about an hour from Tokyo.

GETTING THERE


The scenic views from the bus!

While most people travel to Gotemba via the trains, a lesser known way to travel is by the bus. At 2900円 for both ways from Tokyo, the buses - run by the Odakyu Group is probably the cheapest way to travel to Gotemba. Tickets can be bought on the first floor of the Odakyu Department Store in Tokyo and the first bus leaves at 0700hrs from Shinjuku Station with subsequent buses leaving at half-an-hour intervals.

However, just a word of caution, do brace yourself for the typical evening rush-hour jam to Tokyo on the journey back!



Whatever the way to Gotemba, your ride will stop at the JR Gotemba Train Station. Here you can buy tickets to Grinpa, tickets cost 3600円 which also cover the 2280円 bus fare to and fro from Gotemba Station to the Theme Park.

A very important point to take note is, that outside the Summer period (July 17 to August 31) and during the Obon Festival, there is only ONE bus to and fro between Gotemba Station and Grinpa, leaving at 9.35am and arriving at 10.24am.* So it is very important that you make travel arrangements that will get you into Gotemba before 9am.

*There is a second bus arriving at 4.09pm, however the last bus leaving Grinpa leaves at 4.37pm.


Bus No. 4 goes to Grinpa Theme Park, home to the Sylvanian Families Theme Park!

Another potential pitfall is that only the 9.35 Bus 4 from Gotemba goes to Grinpa. Any subsequent Bus 4 before or after does not go to Grinpa and instead goes on a round trip around Gotemba town. Yours truly had to learn the hard way :(

Once you're on the bus, do keep a look-out for the lush mountain greenery that adorn the route, you won't be disappointed!


Breathtaking, don't you think?

GETTING AROUND


The Old Mill

Once in Grinpa, there are just loads to see and do. Depending on the seasons, various activities are always on offer, from Children rides in the Summer to Ice Skating in the late-Autumn and Winter. However, if these aren't really your thing, do visit the life-size models of Sylvanian houses, each filled with life-size furniture from actual Sylvanian sets :) And of course, what would be a Sylvanian theme park be without Sylvanians? Dotted around the theme park are many Sylvanians going around their "daily activities", do take a picture or two with them!

Admission to most of these attractions are free of charge, just remember to flash your ticket before entering!


The Town Square.


Dennis Huckleberry taking a little snooze!


The Chocolate Rabbits having a picnic by the hills!


The House on the Hill


Can you identify some of the Sylvanian furniture here?


The Woodland Lodge


The Sylvanian Kitchen


Today's Special!

And if you're hungry, do take time out to have a bite at theme park's two eating outlets. The Sylvanian Kitchen as mentioned in a previous post features fusion Japanese-Western cuisine, with a variety kiddy set meals on offer for Junior. The Bakery, located near the park's entrance features the all sorts of pastries and buns you would find in a typical Japanese bakery such Melon bread or Melon-pan(メロンパン) and Bread-crumbed sausage rolls.

A third eating outlet, the Cottonail Rabbit's Cafe is open during the Summer and features crepes and other cakes. Do set aside at least 1500円 per person for food :)


The Sylvanian Bakery!

Well, that's it for this edition of Sylvanian Travels. In our segment, we'll explore more of the theme park including the Sylvanian Museum and Sylvanian Market!



External Links:
Official Site of the Sylvanian Families Theme Park
Grinpa Theme Park Site
http://www.hyperdia.com/ - For making travel arrangements!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Finally, an update?



Hey everyone! It has been a quite a while since I've last updated my log and I do apologize for that! To kick start my updates again, I've updated my flickr photostream with my newest additions to my collection! :) Here are the links below, enjoy and do keep a lookout for more updates in the near future!

New Arrivals (Click on the links!)

JP Strawberry Momoiro-Peach Rabbit Father
JP Buckley Red Deers
Café Walnut Babies
JP Babblebrook Grey Rabbits
JP Chestnut Grey Raccoon Father
Bud Timbertop's Sports Day


P.S, Links are updated!


Monday, June 13, 2011

After a hard day at work...



Nothing beats sitting back with a box of Oreos!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A Deer-ey Affair


The Buckleys have just moved to Little Rock Creek from Japan. One day, Maria Buckley decided to invite her cousins, Buck, Juniper and Bonnie for supper.

"Whatever shall I cook?" pondered Maria.

"I know! I shall make some Japanese treats from my native Nara!", quipped Maria.

And so, off she went to the kitchen to prepare supper...


Washing the greens!


Maria skillfully slicing the salmon with a sharp knife (Careful!) while Freddie shreds the daikon or Raddish.


Boiling the vegetables, because no one wants E. coli! :)


Frying the tempura to a crisp golden brown, yum!


Heres, Freddie rolling the sushi while Maria boils the Green Tea.


Cleaning the table before placing the food!


Itadakimasu! ^^