Sunday, April 7, 2013

Aurora Announces New Pony Plush!

I can't get over their cuteness! Aurora has joined the MY LITTLE PONY licensing family and will be producing a line of huggable plush ponies and carrying bags. Check out the adorable Rainbow Dash below and read all about Aurora's new MLP products in their press release!



AURORA WORLD INKS LICENSING DEAL WITH HASBRO
My Little Pony Plush Line Incorporates Original and New Characters
Pico Rivera, CA – April 3, 2013 – Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) today announced a new licensing agreement with Hasbro, Inc. to launch a brand new line of soft and sparkly My Little Pony plush. Aurora’s ponies are based on the My Little PONY brand that has brought fun, friendship & joy to millions of kids of all ages around the globe. The “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” animated series is created by Hasbro Studios and is currently airing on The Hub TV Network in the United States, Treehouse Network in Canada and can be seen globally in over 170 countries. The relationship between Aurora and Hasbro expands as the companies teamed up in 2012 to introduce a new line of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls to the specialty market.
“We are thrilled to work with Hasbro again and just as excited to introduce our My Little Pony plush toys to multi-generational fans and collectors. The line is designed to appeal to all ages that embrace the My Little Pony brand,” says Michael Kessler, Aurora’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
“Aurora is committed to making the My Little Pony brand relevant to today’s soft toy consumer,” says Lynda Connell, Director: Toy and Game Licensing. “Aurora’s new plush ponies make a great gift and companion. It’s a fun way for friends to show each other the magic of friendship and that they will always be there for each other.”
Aurora will initially release 18 My Little Pony styles with suggested retail prices ranging from $15-$20. Twelve small ponies each with a personalized carrying bag (Aurora’s popular Fancy Pals™ style; size: 6”) and six soft plush ponies (just over 10 inches in size) highlight the line. My Little Pony plush will be available for purchase in both the United States & Canada in Aurora’s retail channel of more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops as well as online at http://shop.auroragift.com. For more information, visit http://auroragift.com, email info@auroragift.com or call 888-287-6722. 
About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. (www.auroragift.com) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. Aurora’s name reflects its extensive product lines and growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Founded in 1981, the company has headquarters in Korea, United States, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, and has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the toy and gift industry. Aurora created the international plush toy phenomenon - YooHoo & Friends™ - and its corresponding free, interactive web site (www.yoohoofriends.com), appealing to young children and tweens alike. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.
About Hasbro:
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, LITTLEST PET SHOP and G.I. JOE.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on The Hub TV Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.
© 2013 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Case of the Missing Camera Charger(s)

I have two primary digital cameras, a smaller pocket sized camera for on the go and my mega SLR camera. It seems I have misplaced the chargers for both! I've spent the last several days searching every possible place they could be hiding only to come to the conclusion that they must still be in Brooklyn. I guess I should be thankful that I made it home with the cameras themselves...

Anyway, I have several fun photos to share with you all of my fun trip to Brooklyn, New York and my adventures at Big Apple Ponycon where I was a speaker and featured Guest of Honor (fun stuff!!)... once I get my replacement chargers.

To all of you that are thinking, "Why don't you just insert your memory card into your card reader?" I'll admit that I can't seem to locate my card adapter that fits in my card reader.

The most frustrating fact of this whole ordeal is that for once my house and office are both clean and organized.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Hey, Remember me?

I stepped away from blogging for a few weeks to focus on getting the last little bits of my newest book turned into my editor and to knock out some major MY LITTLE PONY Fair 2013 planning. I've been also doing quite a bit of traveling and it just seemed that at the end of the day, after I had taken the time to answer the piles of email in my inbox, I just didn't have have the energy to write a blog post. Here's to hoping that I'll be able to update a little more frequently! I did manage to survive the winter months despite my loathing of the cold. It helped that I visited some warmer places to break up all the chill and gloom of the Midwest.

At the end of January, I traveled to Los Angeles, California and had the pleasure of being interviewed about both the 2013 MY LITTLE PONY Fair and my upcoming My Little Pony Collector's 2009-2012 Inventory for an episode for the Brony Clubhouse Network. I was able to visit with my friend and fellow collector, Cayci and tour her pony room.


 I met Cayci years ago at a collector event . She has such a bright and bubbly personality and is just a fun person to be around. Plus, she has a pretty great collection!


She goes by the name "Baby Medley" on the MLPArena, and she has an amazing Medley collection to go with her nickname!

In case you missed the episode when it was initially posted weeks ago, I've included a link so you can have the pleasure of watching me stumble over my words. You can also see my husband, Matt, stand there and look awkward. I just kept blabbering on and on and never really gave the poor guy a chance to chime in on anything. I guess it goes to show that when it comes to Ponies I never really run out of things to say!

Brony Clubhouse Network: Episode 6

Friday, January 25, 2013

Going, Going, Gone! That was Fast!

Tickets for the 10th annual MY LITTLE PONY Fair went on sale this morning at 9:00 am and three hours later, all of the top tier ticket packages were sold out!

Even if you missed out on snagging a coveted CRYSTAL EMPIRE, CANTERLOT, or PONYVILLE package (which included this year's Limited Edition Premium MY LITTLE PONY Figure), you can still purchase a Weekend General Admission ticket and reserve FREE tickets for the kiddos. This year MLPFair is offering free admission for children ages 12 and under. Plus, the MLPFair is offering merchandise presales through their ticketing system, so you can avoid waiting in the Fair Store line. Just order online and pick up your items upon check in at the registration desk.

If you have extra ponies taking over your basement (like me) or you are a Pony crafter, you can purchase a vendor booth and show off your wares. There are still a handful of booths left, so act fast if you want to be a vendor!

I'm SO excited for this year's event! I can't wait to celebrate the MY LITTLE PONY brand with all of you in July!!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Dinner and Ponies? Count me in!

Announced on the MY LITTLE PONY Fair Facebook page:



"Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of MY LITTLE PONY!

Pony fans are invited to attend the first MY LITTLE PONY Fair Celebration Dinner and Hall of Fame Ceremony held Friday night, July 5th at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing Hotel.  Be part of the magic as two lucky ponies are inducted into the MY LITTLE PONY Hall of Fame. Enjoy a lovely catered dinner with fellow MY LITTLE PONY enthusiasts and special guests before the hustle and bustle of the festivities on Saturday and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to dinner, guests will be given a special MY LITTLE PONY Fair merchandise gift. A photographer will also be on hand to take pictures of you and your newfound pony pals. Suggested dress for this event is resort casual.  Seating is limited for this special event, so be sure to reserve your seat as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Dinner Menu:

Freshly brewed Starbucks® regular and decaffeinated coffee and freshly brewed iced tea, along with fresh baked rolls and sweet butter, antipasto pasta salad, field green salad with choice of two salad dressings, Chef carved Prime Rib of beef with savory au jus and horseradish cream, chicken marsala, salmon fillet with fresh dill and butter sauce, wild rice blend, roast yukon gold potatoes, grilled vegetables, and chef’s selection of dessert.

Cost for the MY LITTLE PONY Fair Celebration Dinner and Hall of Fame Ceremony is $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased through the MY LITTLE PONY Fair EventBrite ticketing website."
 
I'm excited for this "extra" event and am so happy that Hasbro approved it. There are always a bunch of people who go out on Friday night as a group for dinner, but this year we get to have an official Pony dinner!
 

Monday, January 14, 2013

2013 MY LITTLE PONY Fair Logos revealed!

In case you missed it....


“Our friends at Hasbro have created another beautiful logo for the 2013 MY LITTLE PONY Fair.

Check out Snuzzle!

 

Visit our Facebook page for the newest MY LITTLE PONY Fair updates including ticket and vendor booth information coming soon!”

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Happy Holidays!

I realize that I'm a little late with my holiday well wishes, but I suppose it is better late than never. I hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas (or Hanukkah) and that you have a terrific time ringing in 2013.

We had a lovely Christmas at our home (which included several new Ponies) and I'm now frantically trying to finish up all the party planning for L's second birthday party this Sunday. We're going with a Mickey Mouse theme this year and while I don't get to decorate with colorful ponies (boo!), I've been having fun planning and making all the decorations and favors.

My husband gifted me a Cricut machine for scrapbooking this Christmas and I'm looking forward to putting it to use for for future pony events and creating fun design elements for my Pony Event Scrapbook. I don't think it has been updated since 2009 and it is in serious need of some attention. I have loads of photos from the past three (eek!) years that I need to add. They really should make a My Little Pony Cricut cartridge. I'd be first in line to buy and it would get some serious use at my house.

Until next time, happy Pony collecting!