About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
The Princess and I
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(Oct.18.10)
While most people are frantically trying to get Halloween costumes together (don't miss our excellent picks for homemade and store-bought costumes), we media folk are busy little elves, attending previews and making a list of must-have toys for the impending holiday season.
Last Friday, Miss Lucy and I were cordially invited to Toronto's castle, Casa Loma, for a mind-blowingly awesome event fit for a royal princess. Hosted by Toys "R" Us to present their new line of Disney Princess & Me dolls and accessories, what mom girl could resist a royal tea with Cinderella herself?
As we entered the hall, knights announced the arrival of each mini-princess. She then got to choose a deluxe gown based on her choice of princess: Ariel (which is unavailable at the moment), Belle, Aurora/Sleeping Beauty, Tiana, or Cinderella.
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My drama queen showed up in her Ariel dress, of course. But she decided taking home a Cinderella option would add some variety to her existing princess wardrobe.
Disney Princess & Me Deluxe Girl's Dress, Cinderella; $70. Available at www.toysrus.ca.
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Princesses then got their hair, makeup and nails done. And while they got actual tiaras, it didn't have that icky Toddlers and Tiaras feel (maybe it was the lack of spray-tans). They finished up the circuit with a carriage ride (natch).
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The highlight, without a doubt, was meeting Cinderella. Cinderella was as gracious and kind as you'd expect. I always thought I'd be more cynical, but when you're in that magical Disney environment, it really is tough not to get caught up by the magic.
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Of course, no royal visit is complete without a royal tea (ice tea for the dress-up set). Cinderella returned to read her story (told in the first person) and a princess stampede almost ensued. Lucy was one of the first few to rush the stage, and her jostling to maintain front row really impressed me. Not very princess-like, but she's out to get more out of life than just a prince. |
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She saw these bad boys on the way out. At three, this was her first taste of high-end dolls with matching dresses, nighttime attire, beds and wardrobes. I mumbled something about Santa and it getting close to twelve o'clock and got her out of the castle.
Disney Princess & Me 18-inch Doll, Cinderella; $60. Available at www.toysrus.ca.
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She was visibly distressed as I made her get back into the Matrix and speed off for her noon-time nap.
A couple things to note:
- The dresses are one-size-fits-all and will be too big for anyone under 4 or 5.
- Anyone under five probably won't treat the items with the care needed to maintain them, and in this price range, it would be a bit of a waste.
- Rumour has it that there will be a Rapunzel doll to coincide with the upcoming movie, Tangled. I just checked and you can pre-order her here.
I can pretty much guarantee you this is going to be the must-have toy for many girls in the age 4-8 range. The price is a bit more reasonable than American Girl, and though you won't have the same level of choice and customization, you don't have to fly to the States to get your hands on these. Needless to say, Lucy is determined to be Cinderella for Halloween (with some small tweaks to ensure she doesn't flash her whole preschool class).
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