tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post45814599136050205..comments2024-03-14T09:30:43.895-07:00Comments on Never Grow Up: A Mom's Guide to Dolls and More: Madame Alexander Friends Boutique Dolls at Walmart for 2011Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-86601037524629393962014-01-10T18:37:39.984-08:002014-01-10T18:37:39.984-08:00Javene, thank you so much for stopping by and shar...Javene, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this info. I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with your MA doll. I hope you get it all sorted out soon. :(<br /><br />By the way, I would love to hear about your experience with the MA doll hospital and how everything works out. I've been curious about their customer service. Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-72219121812372088182014-01-10T10:37:28.926-08:002014-01-10T10:37:28.926-08:00So glad I found your site. I had to research my da...So glad I found your site. I had to research my daughter's doll "Sophia" (I found here that she is actually an Avery and it's only a coincidence that there is a Sophia model too!) because I'm checking her into the MA "Doll Hospital" due to the sudden traumatic loss of her right arm and leg. I couldn't remember the name of the line or what "Sophia's" real name was when we bought her, so this was really helpful.<br /><br />So...I guess we have an update here, 2014: the wires that hold the limbs on are cheap! My daughter is very gentle and careful with Sophia and hasn't changed her clothes THAT many times, nor sat her down too much (mostly because, as you had mention, they're a little hard to move) so I was pretty shocked when this happened. And dismayed that the joining was such that there is no way for it to be fixed. I just submitted the form on the MA website, so hopefully will get a call soon from a hospital technician and can get this fixed!!! Really bummed out, we just love Sophia, love her sweet expression and super cute clothes. Hope this works out. :(Javenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04886167197100325036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-67811643087439708982013-06-16T14:14:23.071-07:002013-06-16T14:14:23.071-07:00Thanks for the tips on the plastic smell. I'v...Thanks for the tips on the plastic smell. I've purchased several of the pairs of the "My Life" shoes and have noticed that with time the smell has gotten much better. :)<br /><br />I've actually done a review of the "My Life" dolls, which you can see here: http://nevergrowupdollguide.blogspot.com/2012/08/madame-alexander-18-my-life-dolls-at.html<br /><br />I also have done a couple of reviews of the accessories and shoes. You can see the first one here: http://nevergrowupdollguide.blogspot.com/2012/08/more-madame-alexander-my-life-doll.html<br /><br />I really enjoy this line, mainly for its shoes and fun accessories for great prices. ;)<br /><br />The main thing to remember about the Journey Girls is that they are much thinner than the American Girls, so their clothing and shoes are NOT compatible. So if you're looking for a doll to share shoes and clothing with your AG doll, the Journey Girls dolls are not for you. I've done a review of this line as well: http://nevergrowupdollguide.blogspot.com/2012/07/journey-girls-doll-review.html<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by. :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-39933102502157386792013-06-15T11:16:41.310-07:002013-06-15T11:16:41.310-07:00Walmart cleared out their Friends Boutique stock a...Walmart cleared out their Friends Boutique stock awhile ago and simply replaced with their own doll called My Life which are in reality still Madame Alexander dolls. The cool thing is that you can purchase shoes to fit these gals for about $2.00/pair in the store. Get them when you see them because they go FAST! Meijer stores also carry the Madame Alexander Favorite Friends dolls. As far a smell, that is the plastic off-gassing. The best solution is take it out of confined or air restricted space and leave them in the open...perhaps in the garage but safe from harm for a few days in perhaps warmer weather to accelerate the off-gassing. Some Barbie Dolls smell nasty too. Other 18" doll options are the My Generation dolls at Target which are actually VERY similar in construction to the American Girl dolls and the Journey Girls dolls at Toys R Us, which are actually more mature in appearance...VERY cute too. Good Luck everyone! :)Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295049848343387708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-5470973046692493072012-06-15T18:15:03.860-07:002012-06-15T18:15:03.860-07:00Thanks for the comments, gals! :) Rebecca, great ...Thanks for the comments, gals! :) Rebecca, great tip! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-17728055795228055632012-06-14T21:15:36.898-07:002012-06-14T21:15:36.898-07:00Try setting your new doll outside during the day (...Try setting your new doll outside during the day (in a safe place) and letting her "out-gas." I have had success with other things, perhaps it will work for the doll. It usually takes at least a couple of days. Any kind of foam bedding etc. I have to set outside. I haven't bought any of this particular doll new so I don't know if it works for them but it is worth a try.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09878525752106767643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-64282497814533838212012-06-14T20:52:27.899-07:002012-06-14T20:52:27.899-07:00We have 4. Avery, Sophia, Sadie (renamed Sally) an...We have 4. Avery, Sophia, Sadie (renamed Sally) and a Asian doll that Missy named Rosie. The hair is a nightmare exp Sophia and Sadie. Sophia was a rats nest with in minutes after removing her from the box, Sadie's was very thin and cut in about 8 different lengths. They all received a trim after a few weeks so missy could get the brush through the hair. They are OK for the price and since I'm from a town that only has a Walmart, missy can save her money up and pick up either a new doll or accessories when do our bimonthly trip yo Walmart .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-60746632640405011352012-04-20T12:16:25.779-07:002012-04-20T12:16:25.779-07:00I'm glad you got the doll you wanted! :) She ...I'm glad you got the doll you wanted! :) She sounds adorable. Sorry about her smell. You're not the first one to mention having a problem with it. :(<br /><br />And don't worry about the long comment...I enjoy comments of any size! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-29262159730664235282012-04-17T16:51:57.555-07:002012-04-17T16:51:57.555-07:00Thanks for answering my questions! I was the one w...Thanks for answering my questions! I was the one who posted about the tag on my Sadie doll and about the 2 new dolls in my Walmart.I finally got the new doll I had been wanting! She was a newer version of Sophia that i renamed Arizona. She is a beautiful doll and has a really pretty hair color. The only problem I had with this doll is that her smell is really strong and it gives me headaches. :( That and she has two sets of side bangs that were held back when I first got her but when I took them down they hung right in front of her face. :( Oh well I got what I paid for and she's adorable so I love her :O)<br /><br />P.S. I'm sorry I've made such a long comment I'm just in a really typey ( Yes I know typey isn't a word) mood. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-19876747654355630562012-03-31T12:45:21.392-07:002012-03-31T12:45:21.392-07:00Hi Anonymous. Thanks for your comments! :) I hav...Hi Anonymous. Thanks for your comments! :) I haven't seen any of the new Friends Boutique dolls at my Walmarts yet (there are two in my area). I'll have to keep my eye out for them! :)<br /><br />There were a lot of Sadies left in my area, too. Although the last doll left here now is Lola. <br /><br />As far as the hair question, I've never heard of that warning. Quite honestly, these dolls are not known for their hair quality. I would think if you didn't wet it all the time and didn't get it soaking when you brushed it, there shouldn't be a problem. My thought was always that these dolls would have to be rewigged eventually anyway. :)<br /><br />Have a nice day!Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-34694244721664423032012-03-31T05:43:11.113-07:002012-03-31T05:43:11.113-07:00Hi! I just found a tag on my Sadie friends boutiqu...Hi! I just found a tag on my Sadie friends boutique doll that says to not wet the hair, Which I already have did when misting her hair with a spray bottle, is okay to do or should I just not wet it at all? Her hair gets pretty tangled when I play with her and when I don't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-20447079149595945592012-03-31T05:36:02.817-07:002012-03-31T05:36:02.817-07:00Yesterday I went to Walmart and had to stop by the...Yesterday I went to Walmart and had to stop by the toy isle and when I passed by the doll section I saw 2 new FB dolls, one I'm saving up for which has blonde hair and a t-shirt with a panda on it.(my favorite animal)For some reason I didn't bother looking at the names. The second new doll has brown hair and bangs and is made in many different outfits, but she is more expensive, instead of the dolls normal 29.99 it was 31.99. Also, have you ever noticed that when you look at the dolls, there is actually a lot more Sadie dolls out on the shelves. And post by anonymous about the dolls smell is true, my sadie is always the last to be dressed since I dread the smell, so I'm preparing for the new doll I'm saving up for!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-86736745440916304262012-03-04T18:56:18.765-08:002012-03-04T18:56:18.765-08:00Hi Anonymous. I'm sorry to hear that you were...Hi Anonymous. I'm sorry to hear that you weren't pleased with your doll. It's been a while since I've had one opened, so I don't remember the odor very well. I do know you're not the first to comment about the smell of these dolls. I seem to remember it was a sort of rubbery smell. While I'm super sensitive to odors like cigarette smoke and the like, I've found that doll odors generally don't bother me, so I don't always think to mention them (I've had people mention the unpleasant "crayon" smell of the Gotz Little Sisters dolls, which I rather like). :} <br /><br />Anyway, thank you for making mention of this in case it is an issue for anyone else. :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-65178057062247842012012-03-04T18:07:20.364-08:002012-03-04T18:07:20.364-08:00My daughter received one of the Friends Boutique d...My daughter received one of the Friends Boutique dolls for Christmas. She is the blond haired doll that comes in the purple dress with white sandals. She is a beautiful doll - the clothes are nice quality. Unfortunately, she has such an offensive odor that we had to put her away. I washed the clothes twice to rid them of the odor and now my daughter used them with her other dolls. I contacted MA but did not get a response. I would not recommend this line due to the offensive odor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-81504068003143817132012-02-20T09:24:40.890-08:002012-02-20T09:24:40.890-08:00Hi Tia, thanks for commenting! :) I haven't e...Hi Tia, thanks for commenting! :) I haven't even heard of Baby Boutique dolls yet. I'll see if I can find any info on them. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-90174904679107841612012-02-20T09:06:34.185-08:002012-02-20T09:06:34.185-08:00Thank you for posting. My little girl is in love w...Thank you for posting. My little girl is in love with my porceline doll and asks to hold it every day. I let her hold it while sitting just before bedtime and then we tell it night-night & put it back. <br />I've been wanting to find her a usable, affordable doll that looks very much like my porceline "Kim" doll. I was ecstatic to find & buy at Wal-Mart a Baby Boutique doll, and it even has red hair like my daughter, which is hard to find! It's a smaller 13-ish inch size doll (similar size as my porceline doll) from the Friends Boutique line (which she'll likely get next if they come out with a red-head). I wish it had a soft body like the Friends Boutique dolls, though. This doll is one of the "Hair Fun Baby Boutique" dolls. I haven't seen it online. <br />Do you have any more info on the Baby Boutique dolls, as well as red-hair dolls? TIA. :)SAHMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-44710674808384846162012-02-18T12:42:05.626-08:002012-02-18T12:42:05.626-08:00Hi, Anonymous. Unfortunately, there's not muc...Hi, Anonymous. Unfortunately, there's not much I can tell you. They are only sold in Walmart. The only other advice I could offer is to check eBay frequently. You can sometimes find them off and on there. I'd also check your local yard sales and thrift stores...you never know where they might turn up! :) Hope this helps! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-24750821249321042792012-02-18T11:57:58.580-08:002012-02-18T11:57:58.580-08:00I have Sadie and she is beautiful. I renamed her A...I have Sadie and she is beautiful. I renamed her Arielle. I've heard about a doll from this company that's Asian and i find adorable. The problem is is that i can't find any information about her online and I've never seen her once at Walmart where my friend who owns the doll said where she should be. Any help please? <br /><br />P.S. I love this doll and would love to add her to my collection. i have 4 dolls.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-68230093682463432562012-01-27T07:17:50.275-08:002012-01-27T07:17:50.275-08:00Hi Jen, thanks for commenting. :) I've done p...Hi Jen, thanks for commenting. :) I've done posts on the Alexander Girlz dolls from Costco (which I personally prefer to the Friends Boutique) and also the Play Wonder Dolls at Target (you can find the posts on my "Doll Product Reviews" page at the top of the blog). I was aware the Play Wonder dolls and clothes were also made by Madame Alexander when I saw the "Alexander" print in one of the shoes. :)<br /><br />I would caution you about using the detangling spray. I used that with my daughter's Alexander Girlz doll, and while it worked great for a while, it ended up ruining her hair. Human hair products aren't always the best in doll hair since it is synthetic hair. I would suggest using a small spritzer bottle with water. It might take a little more work than the detangler, but the hair will last longer. <br /><br />If you're hoping to find another Friends Boutique doll at Walmart, I'd check quickly! Last year they had them all year round, but this year my Walmart has been clearancing them out! This won't help you, I'm afraid, since it's the dolls you already have, but I picked up an Emily and a Lola that I'll be listing on eBay tomorrow. I'll start the bidding at the clearance price I paid. I've had so many people ask me about these dolls...I thought this was a way I could hopefully help someone get ahold of one at a nice price. <br /><br />Hope you find your redhead doll! And again, thanks for commenting! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-73228058757952646652012-01-26T20:24:21.493-08:002012-01-26T20:24:21.493-08:00My daughters got the Alexander Girlz dolls from Co...My daughters got the Alexander Girlz dolls from Costco this Christmas and they are exactly the same dolls. They only sold 3 styles there and they were in combo boxes consisting of a doll and then an extra outfit. They had the Lola, Emily, and Sophia type of dolls. The hair is the exact same style as the friends boutique dolls you have pictured. I agree that the hair is less than desireable for my 3 and 5 year olds. When it gets too knotted I spray on detangling spray by Johnson and Johnson. The Play Wonder clothes sold at Target are actually made by Madame Alexander (inside tag has the name). I would like to get my girls one of the red heads...does Walmart still carry these or was it just a Christmas thing? They are having a blast with these dolls.Jennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-10711680471801607762012-01-21T17:31:16.253-08:002012-01-21T17:31:16.253-08:00Nana, thanks for all of the info. :)
Anonymous, I...Nana, thanks for all of the info. :)<br /><br />Anonymous, I'm sorry that more people aren't into Sadie, but as long as you like her, that's all that matters! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-79588374633463437242012-01-21T10:16:40.909-08:002012-01-21T10:16:40.909-08:00i got sadie because she looks like my best friend ...i got sadie because she looks like my best friend and my friend has her toosulusse and we're sad that there's nothing positive about her and her outfit is beautifulAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-71398265821191301892012-01-16T10:30:57.146-08:002012-01-16T10:30:57.146-08:00I have recently purchased three of the Walmart MA ...I have recently purchased three of the Walmart MA dolls. I am not sure which one I will keep and which ones I will give to grandchildren. One was on clearance for the price of her outfit.<br />I don't think the MA dolls have ever had the kind of hair that little girls like to brush and style. I have often wondered why they don't have at least some of their dolls with hair, like so many other dolls have, that can hold up to a hair brush in a three year olds hands.<br />I would like to add that I think their skin color is odd. I have two red heads and the skin color on their eyelids does not match their face complexion??? I think the skin color looks like something that would go well with the Monster dolls... they look like they are anemic.<br />Thank you for all your research and information. Information about these dolls is very difficult to find.<br />All that said I think they will bring hours of joy to little ones, and that is what it is all about.<br />NanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-32373455028034174932012-01-16T08:20:30.568-08:002012-01-16T08:20:30.568-08:00Hi Nana, thanks for commenting! :) I'm glad I...Hi Nana, thanks for commenting! :) I'm glad I could help, and I'm glad you finally found your Sadie. <br /><br />As far as I know, this face mold has only been used for the Friends Boutique dolls and a similar, non-poseable doll line from 2009, also sold at Walmart: the Madame Alexander Friends 4 Life dolls. I actually prefer the Friends 4 Life dolls myself, as I'm not as impressed with the poseability of the Friends Boutique dolls. I hope this helps! :)Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15635091328769986946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646962372158228871.post-12862675103660052012-01-16T07:43:53.742-08:002012-01-16T07:43:53.742-08:00Thanks for your information on these 18 inch dolls...Thanks for your information on these 18 inch dolls. I think these dolls are beautiful. Probably because Sadie looks just like my Granddaughter..big head and all. I do wish they could be ordered online. I had to go to several Walmarts; in a 200 mi radius to find a Sadie.<br />I do have a small collection of MA dolls from my youth. I would like to know if this face mold has been used on any of their other dolls.<br />Thanks again,<br />NanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com