Magical HOB (House of Barbie)

Magical HOB (House of Barbie)

The Barbie Flagship Store

I arrived at the largest Barbie flagship store in the world.
The HOB boasts architectural innovations and is a landmark for Shanghai.
I stood opposite the HOB and stared at the six-storey building.
I couldn't believe that I have finally arrived at my "dream destination".
On the right there is a sign " Welcome to My Dream House".

I walked through the foyer than took the brightly lit violet escalator to the first floor.
It's vibrant lights lifts my spirit and I was immediately transported ito an aura of fantasy
Feeling........ humming the song "It's a Barbie World"........ I live up my own Barbie Fantasy.

I felt a little dizzy too much to take in, this is for real the whole area was filled with light and colors, pink hues, magentas, chandeliers, sparkles and I was seeing stars........

I waited for Nicole to show me around.
I felt like a little girl lost in her own Barbie Wonderland.
I was enjoying the exceptional views from the spiral staircase definitely, my favorite spot.

The Spiral Staircase

I was in awe and I could only feast my eyes on all the Barbies although I owe some.
It took me awhile to get out of this magical, whimsical moment, I was truly thrilled.
All the time I was focused on the vibrancy of the atmosphere, it's worthy of praise.
Everyone who loves Barbie should make it a yearly or once in a lifetime pilgrimage.

I was so obsessed with this HOB that I made it a point to visit three days whilst I was in Shanghai.
Its such a wonderful place, no more day dreaming.
Its 12 noon and I had an interview with Robert Best, the Principal Designer Barbie Collector-Preliminary Design.
I shook Robert's hands and manage to say "Robert you are the BEST!"
I had been a fan for more than a decade an I wanted to meet him personally.

Robert Best and myself

Robert is warm, friendly and very down to earth person.
Robert is sincere, honest and very committed. He practices what he preaches.
To me all of Robert's fabulous, timeless, classic and beautifully created Barbies will have a spcial place in my HEART!

Robert it was NICE KNOWING YOU.

JOYLYNN CHONG
OCT - NOV 2009 HOB (House of Barbie) Shanghai

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #6

Some of my favorite Barbie Collecting Books in my Library

Barbie- 4 Decades of Fashion Fantasies & Fun {Marco Tosa}

Dream Doll- The Ruth Handler Story- Ruth Handler with Jacqueline Shannon (a must read- her achievements,a woman of distinction) ISBN:0-681-00763-X
My copy was autographed by Ruth Handler.

Collectors Encycopedia of Barbie Doll (2008) -J. Michael Augustyniak (Collector Books)

Barbie Doll around the World Identification and Values 91964-2007)J.Michael Augustyniak

The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls and Collectibles by Sibyl Dewein and Joan Ashbrainer

The Story of Barbie- (2nd edition) by Kitturah B. Westenhouser.

Barbie doll and her Mod Mod World of Fashion - Joe Blitman (Hobbyhouse)

These Barbie Books above and many more titles which I own and enjoy.

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #5

mY FAVOURITE and recommended Websites:

http://www.barbiecollector.com
http://www.mattel.com
http://www.about.com Doll Collecting by Denise Van Patten since (1999)

*Keeping Ken -http://www.manbehindthe doll.com/collections
{Here you cna view pages dedicated to my personal Barbie and Ken Collection}
-JOYLYNN CHONG Collection

*Doll Top 100
*www.amazon.com for Books
*www.ebay.com for Auctions

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #4

Cheers! Salute! Congratulations! to Glamourous Barbie and people at Mattel for her phenomenal sustaining power.
Fifty(50) strong years Barbie has sustaining power with a multitude of savvy collectors worldwide to celebrate. I am indeed going to enjoy all the new exciting and spectacular new releases,capitalizing on her ever evolving beauty.style and glamour.
She is one oh-so-fabulous Doll!

I remain loyal and an ardent Barbie enthusiast, collecting everything related to Barbie,
Books,pictures,Make-up,MP3 and fashion next.

The internet has made collecting Barbie more interesting, there's Ebay auction,doll dealers,collecting Clubs. The adult collectors including me are getting more sophisticated and
savvy.

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #3

I was fortunate and very lucky indeed to have visited Mattel not once but trice. Under tight quality control conditions,I watched the assembly of her head,torso,limbs,face painting(make-up) ,and costume(head to toe) and packaging.

Barbie's shimmering hair is deftly stitched in circles onto the crown of a bald Barbie head in a technique called"rooting". Her beautiful mane is then brushed,trimmed and styled.
"Barbie never had a bad hair day". It was so captivating and as I recollect those memories I become even more passionate and devoted about Barbie.

I have in the past exhibited my extensive collection on numerous occasions at charity events.

In box or out of box,the collection is meant to be admired and treasured, Barbie is worth every dollar. Winning the hearts of girls,guys,young and old globally, it is significant Barbie is here to stay.

.

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #2

Fifty (50) great years,a great evolution. She is an icon and work of art. The world most renown fashion designers,artists and celebrities have worked with Barbie.
Believe me,with increased understanding I am indeed enjoying every aspect of it.
Barbie doll collecting has brought me,love,friendship,beauty and tremendous joy.
So therapeutic ,I have truly evolved with Barbie and I am thankful I have a family who had been ever supportive of my passion.

Barbie is AMAZING I have witnessed the process"Birth of Barbie" so awesome and left me mesmerized.
Barbie collecting has never been the same,I was inspired and that realization stuck with me till today. It takes a team of about 100 people to make a single Barbie from blueprint to completion and I have seen it all!

MY BARBIE COLLECTING Passion #1

Barbie collecting has brought me years of Happiness and Joy.
I cherish every moment of my favourite past-time for the past 30 years. Its like collecting "works of art". Now I cannot imagine life without my Barbies. It is difficult to part with any of my beloved little "darlings"; I have actually lost count.
I appreciate and enjoy my own collection of dolls books and Barbie related items.

Three(3) rules of thumb. Collect what you like,don't confuse quality with quantity. Stay within your budget and buy the ones you can afford. You want a collection that you can be proud of.
I am an avid and savvy adult Barbie Collector. Barbie reminds and inspires me to be well groomed,everyday of my life.
It is so easy to associate with Barbie because I love the style,trendiness and luxurious wardrobe. Barbie has the most amazing wardrobe,designed by 70 fabulous fashion designers ,plus one million pair of shoes.
Barbie is a projected thought solidified plus an expression of potentialities. Barbie has inspired millions of girls that dreams do come true.

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #10

I SPEAK,YOU SPEAK- Language Holds No Barrier

Mum speaks Hokkien(a chinese dialect, her mother tongue)very fluent Malay and some English.She learned to speak some Cantonese when she moved to KL to live with me.

I recall whilst vacationing in Manila,mum was speaking Malay to the Filipinos.
"Mum ,we are in Manila ." I reminded her.
"O.k. lah ,I speak to them in English" she retorted

Communication gap? No way Mum was enjoying herself learning to speak some Tagalog.
She was greeting "Paalam" (goodbye in Tagalog) to the guide,coach driver and every
Filipino she met.
Mum asked why the tour guide said"Mahal Kita"( translate in malay its we're Expansive,whilst Tagalog its I Love You)
Mum said," It must be expansive because I tip the Guide."
Everyone including Mum started laughing when we translated the word "Mahal Kita"
Mum being Mum was not embarrassed or annoyed at us for laughing . It was a great joke to her and she was Happy because we were happy and laughing.

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #9

Music/SONG N DANCE

Mum encouraged me to join the school choir because I was always singing in the shower.
For many years I sang in the choir but never did become a "Singer",although I developed a passion for Music.
I recollect Mum was enjoying the 80's hit "Girl's just wanna have fun" sung by Cyndi Lauper.
She was singing the chorus Girls just wanna have fun...that put her in the happy mood.
I realized then"Being Happy" was her choice and no exception for making her day go well.

When Dancing was concern Mum only watch. Mum encourage me to learn how to dance.
When I was a teenager I had to ask her permission to attend Tea Party(Dance party which ends before Sunset}
Mum being "open minded " (to a certain extent) said,"Enjoy yourself but pls do Disco only no hugging,hugging o.k."
"Mum,we have to hug our partner in order to dance" I quipped
"Okay,no hugging or kissing,dance far ,far apart." said mum.
I replied" O.k. so the elephant can pass through." in order to gain her TRUST.
Mum being Mum of course trusted me. From here she thought me How to TRUST.
Mum's unconditional Love thought me Trust. to be cont...

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME#8

STYLE: NOTHING to Wear!

"Mum, I have Nothing to Wear...what am I going to wear tomorrow?"
Mum remarked "Take a look at your wardrobe, you have too many clothes;
YOU are the creator and designer of your own STYLE so be HAPPY,confident and comfortable with what you are wearing.

There was a Light bulb moment-that statement stayed with me forever.
(Thank you Mum)
Henceforth I learn to create my own identity where fashion is concern.
I DRESS to suit myself,feel happy,confident and comfortable.

Through the years I learn to Mix and match and remain as stylish as ever.
You need not spend a bomb and dress in expansive couture to be STYLISH.
You can spruce up the simpliest dress with the latest accessories.
I have lived through four decades of evolving fashion,I find it mandatory to dress for the occassion.Most of all know what suits you.

Barbara Cartland had her own STYLE too,feeling forever young and graceful.

Favourite Links: Harpers Bazaar http://Bit.ly/ygWiu
:Style-Online VOGUE:http://www.style.com

I will be giving tips on fashion and links on My Blog: 88surprises.blogspot.com
so feel free to visit. Thank you

to be cont...............

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #7

EAT & DRINK well
To be Healthy you have to drink water upon arising to cleanse internally.
Mum always drank a glass of water before brakfast.
Have Oats and eat a well balanced diet including fresh fuits and vegetables'
No doubt mum never really liked vegetables but she always made sure we ate them.
(Celery,Morning Glory,Bittergourd,Lettuce,Romaine lettuce,etc- you name it)
Mum advise to eat morderately so we stayed slim and healthy.
For my good complexion,so to speak Mum made me Double Boiled Bird's Nest Soup.
Her chicken soup(health tonic) had Ginseng, Goji and chinese herbs in it.

Treat yourself to a pack of Brandy -"Yum Seng"(a toast) to good health but
When you Drink don't Drive was her advise.
Ladies should sip your wine or Brandy but sometimes I see Mum gulping the whole glass . "Be a good sport ;its one pack only." she replied.

The Many GIFTS My MUM Left Me #6

Girls & Boys(The subject of Virginity)

Even before I reached puberty Mum lectured and frequently drum into my head.
"I was a Virgin before I married your dad" she spoke in a prideful way.
"During my time you are not suppose to touch your future husband until you are officially MARRIED"
Mum had seven children with Dad(her prince charming,Dad was Macho and handsome then)
Her marriage was one made in Heaven.
She was faithfully married for 64 years to her one and only love.
She lauded Girls with no self esteem or dignity.Her policy was" NO! to premarital sex".
" Nice Girls can wait till they are married!" she exclaimed.
She often advised me "if you have a daughter make sure she has ,Girl Moral".
Unfortunately I don't have a daughter so it was never an issue.
Moreover times has changed, nowadays you see young couples engaging in premarital sex and what about MORAL?

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #5

NONYA FOOD>
Mum loved Nonya (fusion of Malay and Chinese) cooked with plenty of spices

Mum 's favourite dishes which she frequently prepared were:

Itik Tim (Soup- Stewed Duck with Pickled salted Cabbage)
Ayam POng Teh(Chicken braised in Bean Paste-Taucheo with Potatoes),Shld be eaten with Sambal Belacan (spicy chilly with shrimp paste mix)
Nonya Rendang Chicken(Chicken cooked in a traditional way with lots of spices)
FISH HEAD CURRY with salted fish ( cooked in rich coconut gravy with spices and vegetables like long beans brinjal long beans and chillies)
SAMBAL Petai (stink beans with chilly paste-hot and spicy)

Each time I visit Precious OLD CHINA- recollect fond memories of Mum.
Miss her GOOD COOKING !!

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #4

COOK with LOVE:
If you have to cook,please cook with love, Mum exclaimed!
Mum never used any Cookbook. Its was amazing,astonishing as she had it all in her head.

I am intrigued with her as she spend hours in the kitchen just to prepare a decent meal.
Her ideology of being a Fabulous cook-" You have to cook with LOVE."
Preferring a simple ONE Dish meal-quick or eat OUT would receive mum's objection.
Often she gets compliments for her good food>her pride and pleasure

A handful of this and that ingredient;
A pinch of this and that seasoning;
A spoonful of this and that sauce;
and like MAGIC -Viola!
Yet her food turn out to be so great and palatable.

It often make one clueless and wonder how she remembered the recipes handed down from her
Grandmother.
She cooks Fusion food.Chinese (Cantonese,Hokkien ,Teochew,Hakka)Nonya,Indian,Malay
Lucky I kept some of her recipes in a Journal which I hope to share later.
To be cont.........

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #3

Parties> Plenty of Good Food (ABUNDANCE)
We were brought up to be kind and generous.
For generations it runs in our family to throw lavish parties..

When mum throws a party there are plenty of food,enough to feed an Army.

Mum quote: Its customary and hospitality in case you have an unexpected guest who gate crash or the guests are hungry.

More often we end up having to eating left overs the next day. Well Mum says never to waste good food!

Mum was a Great COOK and this was the best time to show off her Culinary Skills.

to be cont............

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME #2

SMILE!
Look at yourself in the mirror and smile,much better if you were to LAUGH out LOUD!
It takes a simple smile to light up and make a brighter day.

Mum loved listening to the song "Smile" sung by Nat King Cole.

Smile to someone, maybe a stranger you meet today and see what kind of reaction you get.
Chances are more frequently you will get a Smile in return.

Mum's key to be nice, by Smiling a sweet smile.
So what are we waiting for.... Start SMILING.............


to be cont....

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME

The Many GIFTS my MUM left ME:

My mother did not go to school but she led a full ,Happy and contented Life. She lived to 80.

She was warm,friendly,level headed, caring and passionate and happy.
She loved and Celebrated Life .
I intend to share with you,Mothers who have sons/daughters what my Mum taught me,is sort of old school> manners..

THANK YOU! Say "THank You" -Whatever for? When you are given a "service" or "something" ,be grateful.Thank you also means you appreciate the "service"
It doesn't cost you a single cent/dime to say" THANK YOU "not forgeting the word "Please" too.

Thank you,Merci, Arigatogozaimas,Sehseh,Tor cheh,Em Koi,Kum Siah,Terima Kasih.

To be continued............

Welcome & Thank You

WELCOME & THANK YOU, MERCI, ARIGATO, TERIMA KASIH for visiting 88Surprises!!

I wish to share with everyone:

• My personification of great style and beauty sense.
• My attitude to great trendy fashion and apparel.
• My fun and creative way of living.
• Occasionally some jokes.
• My hobbies (Barbie Doll Collecting)