My christmas ended up being pretty wonderful.

Dragon and I decided to get Chinese for dinner, something I had never done before. It was delicious. We ate, and he went to play poker for a little while, while I took my second bubble bath of the day. Seriously, I love this tub. I want a big jacuzzi tub when we get our forever home someday. There is just something so relaxing about sitting up to your neck in suds, getting massaged by jets and sipping a drink. And since Dragon picked me up a tiny bottle of tequila, that it exactly what I did.

When he got home, we snuggled and had couple time. He was tipsy from all the free drinks the waitresses at the casino were throwing at him. Dragon rarely drinks; I can can’t the times I have seen him drunk on my hands. It isn’t that he has anything against it; in fact, he told me before we met, and when he was in the military, he did it all the time. But it is a rare sight for me to have seen. He’s funny; all snuggly and cuddly and confident. I like it.

We definitely had a night of “What happens in Vegas…” moments :p It was fun. I woke up today feeling like crap and wondering what the fuck had happened, so I think our sinful Christmas was a success.

We re-watched “Paper Heart” last night. We saw it in the theater, and since it just came out on dvd, we decided to try it out again. It was just as amazing the second time around. It is a great couples movie; very lovey-dovey and heartwarming. I can’t say enough good things about it. But, we both have taste in movies that lots of people would not agree with, so you may not want to take my word for it :p

Today we slept in, then walked the strip. We went to Caesar’s Palace, and went into their little mall. I loved looking at all of the beautiful statues, adorned with snowflakes and Christmas ornaments. It was so pretty. I feel like we picked the perfect time to visit, because everything is just so jolly and festive, and until yesterday, there were not a lot of people at all.

The mall was nice. Almost too nice :p It was full of tons of posh stores, like Versace, Gucci, Prada, etc. Expensive, and not our thing. Lovely, shiny, beautiful things, but not for me. We went to the Apple store and looked for some cord Dragon wanted, but they were all sold out. I drooled over the Macbook Pros, and Dragon played around with GarageBand, reminding me that I wanted to try to write a few songs before Winter break ends.

We looked at a toy store, because Dragon had promised me a new stuffed animal. They had lots of adorable toys; old-fashioned tin tops, jack in the boxes, stuffed bears…but they too were overpriced. We shared a gelato (which I had never had before…so yummy!) and then decided to go to the mall near Planet Hollywood instead. This was much better, and had stores I was familiar with. Although, I allowed myself to walk past the Betsey Johnson stuff and admire it a bit, though I knew I couldn’t afford anything. I love her work.

We ended up going to Build-a-Bear! I had been passed it many times, and even looked in once or twice, but I had never made one. But it obviously seemed like the best place to get a stuffed animal. They had a Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary doll, and Dragon let me get her. I was pleasantly surprised by the building process. It started by picking her body out of a bin. It was all unstuffed, except her head. Next, you go to a station and step on a pedal to help the worker stuff the animal. You pick out a heart for it, rub and shake it to make it “beat”, give it a kiss, and stuff it in your animal. The worker sews it up for you. Next the animal gets a “bath”, where you brush off any fuzz there might be from stuffing. You pick out clothes (I picked out a cute pink dress and Hello Kitty panties) and dress them in the dressing rooms. then you just name them in a naming station, where you get their birth certificate, then take them home!

It was so adorable. I am 20 and was squealing and giddy; I can only imagine how exciting and special it is for a child to get to do the same. It was definitely one of those things where i was I had invented it. Plus, even with the clothes and accessories, it was cheaper than a Hello Kitty plush of its size would be in most stores. It was a great time, and I am so thankful that I got to do it It was a very good day.

We’re going to get home late tomorrow night. I am having fun on vacation, but I am excited to get back home. I miss it.

<3Shii

Kitty likes flashing o.O

You can FINALLY go to my blog from your mobile or, even better, iPhone!  And, if you subscribe, you will get the posts I make sent to your phone or email!  However, the way I set the email and iPhone viewing, it won’t look exactly like this blog.  But you will still be able to read all the news!  ~JA93

P.S.-I’ve found this to be the best iPhone, the one above, comment if you have found better!

This is my little one. She turned 5 this month so I thought I would take her pictures to show her Grandma in the outfits she got her along with some of her new toys.

Did I mention that this kid ADORES the Jonas Brothers? Ya, well….she does…A LOT!

Jonas Brothers Dog from Build-A-Bear

While I was “out”, my baby turned four! 

He wanted Chick-fil-A for lunch.  My kids love that place.  They think the cows are funny.

Next, we took him to Build-A-Bear-Workshop.  It was his first time.  Magic!  (That place is really very cool.)

He named his bear “Bear”.

Finally, we went to the theaters to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  We all thought it was fun & silly.

Its hard to believe he’s already four.  He’s growing up so fast.  He’ll start school next year.

I love that kid.

Time To Party, Girls!

I have lots of samples to show you with the Build-A-Bear products that Stampin’ Up! has put out.  Here’s a great idea, if you are having a Build-A-Bear Workshop Party, they give you the invitations to send to your guests.  Why not make this ensemble to go with the party?  Here is a party favor for each guest (filled with the candy of your choice), a princess hat, and a thank you card.  Here’s another idea?  Why not hire me to make it for you!  I estimate that this group would cost about $4 a child (candy not included) if you provide the candy!  $5 if you don’t.

Supplies: Beary Best Friends and Beary Nice Wishes Stamp sets;  Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Kraft, Naturals White and Pawsitively Prints DSP; Big Shot, Fancy Favor XL Die, Pawsitively  and Lil’ Paws Embosslits, Circle #2 and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz Dies; Stazon Ink; Water color pencils; Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord; Eyelet Border Punch – hmmmm I think I got it all!

Pawsitively Perfect

So last night, we worked at Build-A-Bear.  We put on a FREE event where the kids hands were stamped as they came in, a free make ‘n take by us in the back and we are giving a way a door prize with some goodies in it.  The picture to the right was also given away in the basket!  Isn’t she just adorable? I love that So Saffron gingham paper!  It’s just adorable!!  Little pink accents and glitter just make her a girlie girl, doesn’t it??  These tins make great gifts and there is a tin class on my schedule for next month!  It’s called, “Tin-king about Tins”  We make 3 Tins that night – 1 is a DVD tin like this one… (but with a twist *wink*) another is a nugget tin (with a twist *wink*) and a circular tin  – you guessed it – with a twist.  If you can’t make the class, take it to go!

I want to share a few other pictures with you. The one of Donna behind the Make ‘n Take table was blurry *pout* so I can’t post that one!  However, I can post the clearer pictures taken that night!

Register Display

Make 'n Take

Beary Much!

Donna, part of my success-line and I are doing something truly wonderful tonight. We were contacted by Build-A-Bear in the Chapel Hills Mall to come to their event – Jonas Brothers Bear (or animal).  They asked us to bring supplies to stamp the kids hands as they come in.  They also asked us to set up a table.  This is the free Make ‘n Take – the boy version!

We are so stinkin’ excited about this event.

I don’t have time to post the supplies!  *whine*… but I will when I have time on Sunday so check back then for an update.

I think you all know how much I love and admire the Jonas Brothers. I am not alone! Build-A-Bear Workshop has JONAS Mania! We are friends and fans of the Jonas Brothers and this furbulous trio has rocked their way into our hearts leaving a pawsitive mark on our history:

• September 2005, the Jonas Brothers performed LIVE at the Saint Louis Galleria to celebrate the Grand Opening of our Friends 2B Made store.

The F2BM store is about to open!

• August 2006, the Jonas Brothers performed LIVE in our Faneuil Hall Marketplace store.

A great day in Boston history

• March 2007, we sent the winner of our Friends Rock Sweepstakes to see them LIVE in concert at the Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds Tour.
• October 2007, they made a special appearance at our 10th Birthday Celebration at the Saint Louis Galleria.
• November 2007, they performed their hit song “S.O.S.” LIVE on our float at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.

We are BEAERY thankful for our JB friends

• AND…COMING SOON: September 2009 you can ROCK and ROLL with our NEW JONAS dog!

Yes! NOW the Jonas Brothers are bigger than EVER and we’re excited to announce the launch of this NEW furry friend coming to a store near you September 26!

Guests can make friends with this cute and cuddly rock star that includes an exclusive dog tag necklace and virtual guitar at buildabearville.com. It is soooooo soft too!

And that’s not all! To cele-bear-ate the arrival of this rockin’ new friend FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, Friday, September 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. we’ll host the JONAS Mania VIP Party! This is sneak peek event at EVERY store where Guests can be one of the first to make JONAS Dog. PLUS each dog will include a FREE shout-out recorded by the Jonas brothers. This is HUGE. The Jonas Brothers recorded this very special message just for our Guests and it’s ONLY available at this event with the purchase of Jonas Dog. This is sure to generate a lot of BUZZ and word-of-mouth advertising!

Check with your local store to see if they have any openings.
ONE shout-out available per JONAS Dog purchase. Limit 2 shout outs per Guest in attendance. Plus, just for attending Guests will receive a FREE backstage pass wristband and a FREE Jonas Brothers headshot with an exclusive virtual gift – a skinny vest and tie for their online character at buildabearville.com.

As if the party wasn’t exciting enough…to support the exciting launch of the JONAS Dog from September 25 through October 12, Guests can enter for a chance to win the Jonas Rock ‘N roll Sweepstakes! Disney Channel and Build-A-Bear Workshop will send the grand prize winner on a trip to meet the stars of JONAS…the Jonas Brothers! PLUS 100 First prize winners will win a JONAS dog

Don’t wait, come celebrate Jonas Mania with us! If you can’t make it Friday night, don’t worry we have plenty of Jonas dogs so come as soon as you can. I will be at our store in St. Louis standing in line…I hope I can sleep, I am so excited!

Hugs,
Maxine

It never ceases to amaze me how universal the hug of a teddy bear is. No matter where I travel or how far away from the USA I am I see children cuddling their furry friends and the Middle East is no different!

Smiles abound in every language!

Build-A-Bear Workshop opened this past week in Dubai to a throng of happy Guests. Dubai – The city that has risen from the desert has everything from the Burj Al Arab to the “The Needle in the Sky” (the Burj Dubai), indoor ski slopes within a mall, Palms and gigantic man made creations in the Arabian Gulf is now complete as it has it’s very own Build-A-Bear Workshop at the Dubai Festival City Mall. Festival City is the first of many stores to open in the Gulf States and none too soon!

Our first requests for stores in Dubai probably came about 8 years ago. Visitors and residents of Dubai crave the best brands of the world and Build-A-Bear Workshop is no exception. When we expand overseas we look for business partners who have the financial resources and experience to help recreate the magic that we have created in the USA. We are BEARY picky! While we want our Guests to have an easy and fun experience, it takes a lot to make this happen every day. The most important ingredient for success are great Bear Builders who understand what it means to make children of all ages smile. Thanks to our great leaders Zeyad and Anders and the support of Bear Builder Trainer Extraordinaire, Kathi Scott , we recruited a GREAT team and had a FURBULOUS opening!

The Festival City Team

At BABW we absolutely want to change lives through the hug of a teddy bear and one way we show our true hearts is through our partnerships with our landlords and other business partners.
These signs in the mall are an example of what can result as are the sales which doubled the projections!

Everyone wants to know where BABW is....

Children are amazing people and that is why so many of them are my friends. I am inspired by their hearts and souls and creativity. I am encouraged by how they see the world and how they deal with adversity. That is why I do what I do. I have the best job in the world.

What a smile!

Hugs to all,

Maxine

Enjoy Every Bite!

Here’s a card I made for my goup’s shoebox swap. I have been a stampin’ fool these past days since Convention. I don’t remember stopping! At all! I even have a few posts for you while I am gone to Founder’s Circle, ready to go! It will automatically post at 5:15 AM! I plan on posting while I am gone too!

Anyway, this card uses the Perfect Setting Big Shot Die – Did you see it? It’s the Pumpkin Pie Border.  I love it!

Supplies:  Haunting Hill Jumbo Stampin’ Around wheel (#116539), Twick or Tweet (#116497) Stamp set.  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie and Rich Razzleberry card stock  I also used the Night and Day Specialty Paper (#116768)!  Basic Black ink and Encore Silver ink.  Silver Brads are the only accessories.  This would make a great workshop card.  I just like the way this card looks.

Happy Bearthday!

Oh wait until you have seen all the goodies in the Winter Mini!  I am so stinkin’ excited, I can hardly stand it.  This card is going to be a workshop card for a future function.  Something like it will probably be a workshop card! It’s so fun for a kid’s birthday!  Who doesn’t love Build-A-Bear???

Supplies:  Ruby Red Card Stock, Not Quite Navy Card Stock, Basic Black Card Stock – Stazon ink – Water Color Crayons (Earth Elements) and of course, the brand new Build-A-Bear Stamp sets:  Beary Best Friends (#118052) & Beary Nice Wishes (#118050).

Wait until you see the BIG SHOT DIES!! OOOOOOOOOOO!! So exciting!

Tonight I had a special opportunity to see the Jonas Brothers in concert in St. Louis and it was a real treat. Not only did I get to go to the concert itself but the more private sound check that they do about 2 hrs before the real show.

The Jonas Bros live in St. Louis July 28, 2009-Sound Check

BABW has been a friend to the Jonas Brothers for years now. In fact, they were on our Macy’s float back in 2004 before anyone really knew who they were. They even tell us we helped make them famous. Then as a special gift to us, they came to our 10th birthday party in October 2007 at the Saint Louis Galleria where over 5000 young women showed up to celebrate with all of us. We can spot teddy bears a mile away and we knew these guys were special from the moment we met them and they have never let us down.

Maxine and friends & Jonas Bros- October,2007 BABW 10th Birthday

Today, they have grown into consummate performers in so many ways—singing of course but it is more than that—they are genuinely nice guys with big hearts and they remember where they have come from. They also know that music acts are a dime a dozen and to get where they are they had to work very hard and they are better for it. Their music has matured and they have appeal to a broad audience. They work the entire stage for over an hour and I mean work it. They have that rare talent of being able to look every Guest in the eye or so it feels. I predict they will be a group that stands the test of time. I could grow old with them

What is also great about the JoBros is how they are helping other groups be successful now. Their opening group was 4 young guys—Honor Society. The JB’s could see this as competition
But they don’t. They know how people helped them and they want to do at least that much for others. Another lead in group was a girl band from Korea, The Wonder Girls. They were also quite good and reminded me of a modern day Supremes. Lots of soul!

I know for sure that it takes a village to raise a bear or a band and the Jonas Village is headed by their parents—Kevin and Denise Jonas and they have done a great job! Add to that their BEARY smart manager, Phil McIntire who has been very strategic and focused on the longer term, big picture. GREAT JOB!

Kids write to me everyday and ask what it takes to be a celebrity, to be famous and I think the Jonas Brothers have nailed it:

1) Be the best you can be
2) Don’t let adversity get you down
3) Be genuine
4) Listen to your parents
5) Value your friends
6)  Be nice
7) Remember where you came from and help others get there too
8)  SMILE

Talk about valuing your friends—coming in September to Build-a-Bear Workshop world wide will be an exclusive Jonas Brothers stuffed animal. It may be the softest, cuddliest animal I have ever hugged! You can dress it like the guys themselves and even add their own music. Stay tuned for details about our private launch party—first come, first served and all will get a PAWSOME gift from BABW and the JoBros.

Thanks Kevin, Joe and Nick. You are a great example for us all. We love you in St. Louis for sure!

Hugs,
Maxine

In just a few days, some “pawsome” young leaders are coming to St. Louis to be cele-bear-ated and I can hardly wait.  Those of you who read my blog know that to me heroes are  teachers, astronauts, community leaders–people who put others first! What makes them heroes you might ask? They have selflessly accepted the challenge to do their part to make their communities, schools and our world a better place. These young leaders are heroes in my mind, and at Build-A-Bear Workshop, we call them our Huggable Heroes.

We will have the privilege to honor and learn from 12 amazing individuals between the ages of 7-18 from the United States and Canada, as well as two of our beary own store associates, who have done a variety of things from helping animals and combating hunger, to supporting military troops, raising funds and awareness for medical conditions and disabilities, and helping children, countries and communities in need.

What I find most amazing is that collectively, our 2009 Huggable Heroes have raised funds and gathered items valued at more than $16 million and have volunteered more than 6,000 hours of their time throughout the year. And to think they have done all of this on top of going to school, playing sports, being involved in extracurricular activities, spending time with family and friends and just being kids.

While the Huggable Heroes are in St. Louis they will participate in leadership activities and work on a community service project to help a local St. Louis public school, Mason Elementary, get ready for the new school year. They will share their stories, network with one another and meet some truly incredible role models, one being Charles Best, Founder of Donorschoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org is an amazing organization that grew out of a Bronx high school where teachers experienced first-hand the scarcity of learning materials in public schools. Charles, then a social studies teacher, sensed that many people would like to help public schools in need, but were frustrated by a lack of influence over what would be done with their donations. Thus, DonorsChoose.org was created so that individuals like you, me, anyone and everyone, can connect directly with classrooms in need and help make sure that students in every community have the resources necessary to learn. What I love about DonorsChoose.org is that they empower teachers and those they term, “citizen philanthropists,” to become change makers. All of our Huggable Heroes, past and present, are “citizen philanthropists” in their own right. The 2009 Huggable Heroes will not only learn a lot from Charles, but I think they will teach him a few things as well.

To our 2009 class of Huggable Heroes, our 6th class — Bilaal, Brittany, Christine, Cody, Jenny, Katie, Kaylee Marie, Kendall, Max, Mimi, Patrick, Robbie — you are leaders in the truest sense. And, a special shout out to Coreen and Kim, this year’s store associate Huggable Heroes. You all are joining an amazing group of five classes of Huggable Heroes that have gone before you. They continue to grow their projects and impact others. I know this is just the beginning for all of you and I hope you see this time as a jumping off point to continue to cultivate your skills and grow your heart even more. I won’t be surprised to see many of you leading our country and our world into a very bright future.

Hugs and heartfelt thanks,
Maxine

In May of 1961 President Kennedy declared that America would land on the moon by the end of the decade in order to insure that outer space was space for all. All great leaders have a vision and they declare it and thus it is so. Roosevelt wanted a cure for polio and Kennedy wanted to conquer space and Obama to mend our health care and education systems.

It doesn’t happen in the words themselves or in weeks or even months. The greater the vision the longer the path and the larger the cost to get there successfully. This isn’t just true for medical science or rocket science—it is true in business and in the arts, in families and in local institutions. If it is worth having it will take time, dedication and human and capital resources to get there.

Saturday night I was at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as part of the celebration of the 40 years. This event was a musical celebration to the historic NASA program and highlighted through incredible video footage and accompanying magnificent music performed by the National Symphony how far we have come.  Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Scott Altman narrated. Music from Star Wars, Lost in Space, Star Trek filled the room. Our song, “Let’s Talk About Love” written by Tena Clark, was selected to be part of the program too and was sung by the wonderfully talented, Jamia.  Jamia even received a standing ovation!  Little did I know in 1997 when we started Build-A-Bear Workshop that a song we inspired would be part of this historic moment. It seems that the stars are aligned and that outer space welcomes the children that aspire to know it better.

As the world celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon walk on July 20, 1969, I am reminded of how this giant space endeavor changed the face of mankind (and bearkind too).  I remember the day as if it was yesterday. It all started in 1961 when I was in the 6th grade and Alan Shepherd burst from Cape Canaveral to spend a few moments in space. It culminated on that summer day in July–I was a counselor at a summer camp in Atlanta when the “eagle landed” and Neil Armstrong took his first steps onto the moon’s surface and said to the entire world, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

To some, the space program was expensive and hard to measure. It was both of those for sure but it was more than what we can directly measure in so many ways. There were countless experiments that have guided modern day scientists that we will probably never specifically tie to the space missions. Maybe it’s most important legacy is that it ignited a generation to take science and math seriously. I know many a child, me included,that dreamt of being an astronaut at some point in their childhood. The reality of being an astronaut was for the most elite—the bravest and smartest pioneers. You truly had to have the RIGHT STUFF as they say!

My childhood was full of examples of big dreams (and many costly ones) realized: the first organ transplant was performed, Disneyland and Disney World opened and astronauts walked on the moon. There was nothing to stop me from thinking about what could be because the unimaginable was becoming reality all the time. Thanks to that inspiration at such a young age I continue to live in a world of gigantic possibility. If someone can go to the moon than how hard is it to sell a few million bears a quarter or invent new places for people to buy stuffed animals? How hard is it to fix our urban public school systems? Our health care system?  It’s not easy–don’t get me wrong but it is not rocket science. It is all about perspective. It is all about leadership. It is about executing the vision.

Thank you to all of our brave astronauts for leading the charge and setting an example for generations of children! There are still many great bridges to cross and some will be solved through what we learn in space and others will be learned here on earth. We must continue to believe that we can and then WE WILL!! Happy Anniversary Apollo!

Hugs to all,

Maxine

I have often said that one of the best parts about being Chief Executive Bear is all the PAWSOME people I get to meet. Well, today was no exception!

It is Major League Baseball All Star Game weekend in St. Louis and many famous celebs are in town to cele-bear-ate. It is great for St. Louis and especially exciting for our BABW store at Busch Stadium where we are selling our All Star Bears like crazy!

Kids often ask me if they can be famous on BABV, be a celebrity like Chloe or Miguel or soon like our young star Itzel who won our Love.Hugs.Peace Singing contest or Jamia who will be singing the now famous song at NASA’s celebration of the anniversary of 40 years of Apollo? It always makes me smile when they ask that question and I always say, “Famous is what YOU make it. What do you believe in? What do you want to stand for in life?”

Today I met one of my heroes, a celebrity in my book for sure–Nancy Brinker. Nancy, a former retailer who trained under Stanley Marcus at N-M in Dallas, is the Founder of the Susan G. Komen For a Cure named after her sister Susan Goodman Komen, who died of breast cancer in 1980 at age 36. Through Nancy’s hard work and determination, millions of women have survived breast cancer and someday a cure will be found because she BELIEVED! Nancy’s determination to create a world without breast cancer is as she says, personal. A breast cancer survivor herself, Nancy describes the success of her grass roots global organization as a personal enlistment of every segment in society to get involved, to educate and to change policy. What started out modestly has grown to be the largest grass roots organization in the world and catapulted Nancy into many public positions including being appointed the United States Ambassador to Hungary. WOW!!

Nancy is a Midwestern girl from Peoria, IL and when you meet her, you feel like you have known her for years. She is genuine and down to earth but highly committed to her cause—now to save the world from breast cancer. What makes Nancy most down to earth is she does what she does out of passion and conviction and a belief that we can all make a difference. In my book she is every bit a hero and a celebrity. I am better for having met her today.

Next week our 2009 Huggable heroes will come to St. Louis to be honored and like Nancy, they BELIEVE! Thanks to Nancy Brinker and all of our heroes who believe that making a difference for others is the greatest celebrity of all.

Hugs,

Maxine

This is a big weekend for me. I am attending my high school reunion in Coral Gables, FL and I am very excited. I am one of those people that loved my childhood—I was very blessed in so many ways. My family was of very simple means but we had a good home in a great neighborhood which allowed me to attend incredible schools and make lifelong friends.

I have even a friend today that I met in kindergarten—Abby Kolber Ross. Her son graduated from Wash U Law School last year and we were able to reconnect. I had dinner with her and her husband David last month when I was in Miami for the Silver Knight Awards. Joining us for dinner was Jeff Rosinek and his wife and we had a great time. Jeff was my high school government teacher and what an incredible teacher he was!

I was very lucky to have guy friends as a young girl and it is these particular friendships that had a huge impact on my sense of self. Mike Davis and Ron Hagen were two of my best friends and I think my image of myself as a viable and credible person was molded by the fact that we were such good friends. They never treated me like a third wheel or a dumb girl but as a friend, an equal. Mike and I were friends since the 4th grade and Ron joined us when we went to junior high. We had great times at each others homes with other friends like Jeff Apple and Laurie Ross. We often talked into the night via telephone. For the life of me I cannot remember what we had to talk about because we had seen each other at school but we never seemed to run short of thoughts or dreams to share. Mike is a doctor in Houston and Ron a dentist in Miami and Jeff a movie producer in Los Angeles. We have all had our share of ups and downs –mostly ups I am glad to say, and while we don’t see each other often, we are able to connect immediately when we do reunite. I can’t wait to see them and spend time with their wives too.

My best, best friend Connie Knight will also be there. We first met in the 5th grade and have been friends ever since. Connie lives in NC now and is an incredible artist. She has two grown children. Her daughter Ariel looks exactly like her mom! It is pretty amazing when your friendships can span nearly 50 years. Now Facebook is making it easy to reconnect with old friends. That to me is the best party of Facebook—being able to reconnect!

Lucky me… thanks to Build-A-Bear Workshop I also have many more wonderful friends– my work partners and our Guests who add so much to my daily life. Thanks to my childhood friendships I know the value of having and being a friend and I do not take it lightly. In fact BABW is founded on friendship and therefore our tagline…”Where Best Friends are Made.”

On Buildabearville.com I have lots of friends, young Guests who have a similar passion for stuffed animals and friendship. The internet and especially virtual world communities makes it very easy to make “friends.” The verdict is out on whether lifelong friends can be forged this way but who knows. I do think it is important to be the same kind of friend to your online friend as you are to your real world friends. In fact, the true test of a person is how they act when they think they are not being seen or when they are actual almost anonymous. That is when your true nature shows up. I do believe you can make many acquaintances this way, don’t get me wrong but true friends take a lot more effort. I am still a believer in being able to look someone in the eye and say, “I am your true friend.”
Some people think no one will ever know how they really are so they can be a bully and act like a big shot.

I do think the virtual world, one like Buildabearville.com, is a place to relax and pretend and have fun. Why not pretend to be a better person, a more charitable person than you are in the real world, a better friend, a harder worker, a better sister or brother or son or daughter and see how much can trade off to your real life. Set even higher standards for being true to your word. Imagine if all the online friendships that were forged were because we wanted to become better people, not jerks or bullies? Maybe the virtual world behaviors we can create will stamp out people who want to be mean because random acts of kindness will be so much easier and fun and rewarding and maybe contagious and habit forming.
I look forward to that day. Thanks to all the BEARY good citizens of BABV who set a high standard for being good citizens and good friends real and virtual!

Love. Hugs. Peace to all,

Maxine

THE STORY BEHIND “BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP”:

was born from an idea my friend Katie – who was 10 years old at the time – and I had when we were out shopping for stuffed toys. When we couldn’t find the stuffed toy she wanted, she said, “These are so easy, we could make them.” She meant we could do a craft project, but what I heard was so much bigger.

I looked around to see if we could buy a business, like a factory that made stuffed animals and make it even more successful. I found a few that made stuffed animals, but no one wanted to sell. Katie thought we should just do it and so we did. We decided to reinvent the idea of making your own stuffed animals for mall- based retailing. After all, Ray Kroc from McDonald’s didn’t invent hamburgers and Howard Schultz from Starbucks didn’t invent coffee, they just invented how to sell more and how to sell it better.

Every adult I asked about the idea said it would never work – why would anyone ever want to make their own stuffed animal? But every kid said “Where is it?” and “When can I do it?” My teddy bear, “Teddy”, was my first best friend and helped shape who I am today, so I knew just how meaningful teddy bear friendship could be.

We opened our first store in 1997 at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri. Today there are over 400 stores worldwide, and just over 70 million furry friends adventuring around the globe.

I am so proud that at Build-A-Bear Workshop and now in Build-A-Bearville^™ virtual world we have created a safe place where kids can play, express their creativity and use their imaginations.

One 10 year old girl was the inspiration for this entire company – think of the difference you can make! Always believe in your dream.**

Bear hugs,
Maxine Clark
Chief Executive Bear

WHAT DO YOU DO AT “BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP”:

• The  Store Experience : Guests who visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop® store enter a recognizable and distinctive teddy bear themed environment consisting of eight stuffed animal-making stations. Regardless of age, Guests enjoy the highly visual environment, the sounds and the fantasy of this special place while they create a memory with their friends and family.
• Choose Me Station: Guests are introduced to all the furry characters in the store and then select one, which soon becomes their new friend. There are more than 30 varieties of stuffed animals including teddy bears, bunnies, dogs, kitties and more. Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals are very affordable, ranging in price from $10- $25.
• Hear Me Station: Guests may select from several sound choices to place inside their stuffed animal to further personalize their new friend. The sound chip is inserted safely inside the new friend during the stuffing process. Guests can record their own 10-second Build-A-Sound® message. Pre-recorded sounds include giggles, growls, barks, meows and other animal sounds, as well as messages such as “I Love You” or songs like “Take Me Out To The Ballgame™”.
• Stuff Me Station: With the help of master Bear Builder associates, Guests fill their new friend with stuffing for just the right amount of huggability. A very special step that is unique to Build-A-Bear Workshop also happens at this station. Each Guest selects a small satin heart – a Build-A-Bear Workshop trademark, adds to it his or her own love and wishes, and carefully places it inside their new furry friend. This process brings the furry friendship to life.
• Stitch Me Station: The last seam is neatly pulled shut, nearly completing each new best friend. Before stitching the furry friend, the master Bear Builder associate inserts a bar-code, allowing it to hopefully be reunited with its owner if ever lost and returned to Build-A-Bear Workshop. Thousands of furry friends have been reunited through our exclusive Find-A-Bear® ID program. The bar-code also generates a unique code on the birth certificate so Guests can bring their new friend to life on-line for free at buildabearville.com to continue their friendship adventure when they get home.
• Fluff Me Station: The Guest brushes the animal to make sure his or her new friend is well groomed and pawfectly huggable!
• Dress Me Station: Guests may dress their new friend in the beary latest furry fashions. The bear apparel boutique features clothes and accessories for all occasions. Build-A-Bear Workshop® even has its own fashion expert mascot, Pawlette Coufur®, Fashion Advisor to the Furry Famous. Guests then stop at the Name Me computer, where they answer several questions about their new furry friend, including the birth date and of course, its name. The furry friend is then entered into the Find-A-Bear ID program and this information is used to create a personalized birth certificate for the furry friend.
• Take Me Home Station: Finally, Guests conclude their in-store bear-making experience. Here they receive their customized birth certificate and a special Stuff Fur Stuff® club membership, a rewards program for our Guests. Each new furry friend is then placed in their very own Cub Condo® carrying case, which is designed as a handy travel carrier.**

THE IE MOMMY SAYS:

Where do I start?

We love Build-A-Bear Workshop!

We have long been fans and have a lot of their little “friends”. I do mean a lot. The twins are members of the Stuff for Stuff Club and the Build-A-Bearville.com so when I was approached to create a review…I jumped at the chance.

Rylan and Skylar were sent the cutest Build-A-Bear animal…The Patriotic Pup. This little guy is beyond cute…..covered with red and blue stars he is destined to bring a smile to anyone…young or old.  Our particular puppy has a cute red star directly over his right eye. Definitely adds a little character. But that is part of the fun at Build-A-Bear Workshop…even if two people purchase the same animal…they are always different. The Patriotic Pup will hit the BABW stores on June 12th!

Starting June 6th…you can receive a FREE Beach Towel for you with a purchase of $20 or more! We received ours along with our Patriotic Pup and it is a wonderful generous size. We will definitely be going to BABW next week to pick up another one…afterall, I do have twins.

What I enjoy most about Build-A-Bear Workshop is the interactive experience for the kids. They are able to “choose” their animal, give it a heart, love it, care for it and take it home. It transitions from a toy to a real friend.

Like most little girls…my daughters have a ton of stuffed animals but the BABW are by far the favorites. Each friend has a name, a birth certificate and their own personal wardrobe.  The way my girls’ view the Build-A-Bear Workshop animals is that they have “lives”, they have “personalities” and are very real.

You know…if I am honest…I will have to admit that even I have a BABW friend or two. Yes..it’s true! Her name is Princess Kiki and she is a beautiful bear that sits on my bed. My husband purchased her for our anniversary. I always take the girls and never ever purchased one for myself so she is extra special. Princess Kiki wears a gorgeous pink outfit complete with a baseball cap.

I have seen children, grandparents, teenagers and even newlyweds busy making their own custom friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Our favorite BABW store is located at Downtown Disney and they really know how to create an environment of fun for their shoppers. Each time you visit a BABW the animals and clothing styles can be different. There is alwasy something new.

Yes, you can go to any store and pick up an animal but if you really want to experience and create a friend…Build-A-Bear is the way to go.

GIVEAWAY:

ONE (1) Lucky IE Mommy reader will Win a $25.00 Gift Card to Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Contest will end MIDNIGHT (PST) – June 9th.

Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on June 10th

Contest Open to U.S. Residents Only at this time.

HOW TO ENTER:

• TO ENTER :
  • Visit Build – A – Bear Workshop and sign up for their newsletter “HERE” = ONE ENTRY
    *This entry is mandatory, if it is not followed then all other entries will be disqualified.
• EXTRA ENTRIES:
  • Post my button (html on rt.side bar) to your site = ONE ENTRY
  • Subscribe & Follow my blog via email =ONE ENTRY
  • Favorite me on Technorati (bottom rt.sidebar) = ONE ENTRY
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway-www.twitter.com/iemommy Remember to include @iemommy in order for it to count = ONE ENTRY
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link – must be a verifiable link: = ONE ENTRY
  • Tell me your favorite “Friend” at Build – A- Bear Workship = ONE ENTRY
    
• Remember YOU MUST leave a comment for each step…in order to be eligible for the entries.

The IE Mommy is always looking for products, companies and sites to review. If you have or know of a company, product or site that could use an IE Mommy review. Email me at theiemommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

**Information obtained from the BABW Press Kit & Website.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Build-A-Bear Workshop today announced the voluntary recall of about 267,000 Folding Toy Beach Chair for Stuffed Animals because this toy chair legs can bruise, pinch or cut fingers if caught while folding.

There have been eight injuries reported.

This recall involves a wood frame, canvas seat, toy beach chair for stuffed animals. Some styles include an attached pillow. The toy chairs are blue (style #’s 002281, 004463, 009907, 011565, 102281, 109907, 111565), red (style #’s 007391, 011566, 107391, 111566), fuchsia/white stripe (style #’s 013226, 113226), Orange/white stripe (style #’s 013227, 113227).

Return the toy beach chair to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive an $8 USD/$10 CDN store coupon. If it is not possible to return the toy chair to a store, you can contact the company for alternate instructions on receiving a refund.

For additional information, please contact the Build-A-Bear Workshop toll-free at (866) 236-5683 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT, Saturday 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, or visit the company’s Web site at