Gifts to Myself

Instead of recommending Sanrio gifts to you, I wanted to showcase the items that I have chosen for myself in the last couple of months.

My Christmas gifts are my cherished treasures, even better than previous years.  >.<

Arcadia Boutique Window

Gummies in a Bow Box

Hello Kitty x Sugarfina

Choice: Bow Box

Flavor: Mama's Apple Pie

I had three choices when selecting to purchase Sugarfina's Hello Kitty gummies. I chose the best fancy presentation that would commemorate the experience to the highest level. As a Sanrio collector, I instagrammed the moment when I received the gummies. It was another journey that this Sanrio addict experienced with her very first Hello Kitty shaped gummies. It was a fantastic moment to share with other fellow collectors.

Hello Kitty Snowglobe

Picnic Basket

This special snowglobe is the highlight of all my Christmas gifts to myself. The snowglobe design is what I have been asking Sanrio for years to produce. Finally, a high end product that I can proudly display in my collection. It's one of the many steps of progress that I have been seeing from Sanrio as of late. 

The snowglobe is very intricately detailed that it gives off the special feeling that the designer put some serious creativity and thought when producing this masterpiece. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind rare piece that should be cherished forever. Sanrio has impressed me -- their harshest critic that is a fan of their brand. Great job, big S.

Hello Kitty Anniversary Snowglobe 

Meet the 2 Ribbons Series

When this particular snowglobe was first revealed to the Sanrio community, I was actually astonished that the size was not tiny. I was further surprised at how creatively designed the special piece turned out. My favorite part about the snowglobe are Hello Kitty and Mimmy's outfits displayed on mannequin stands, ready to be used. Almost like a sneak peek version of their closet. The ribbon on the top is actually a very nice detailed finish for this snowglobe. The centerpiece with Hello Kitty and Mimmy standing side by side is another beautiful detail that showcases their sisterhood. This piece is in no doubt another cherished snowglobe that will be remembered for years to come. 

Little Twin Stars Snowglobe

2017 Edition

As you can guess --- introducing my very first Little Twin Stars snowglobe. Mainly, I was attracted to the size of it and then, the design.  It was another masterpeice that I couldn't pass up. It is the kind of snowglobe that explains what is sweetly adorable about Kiki and Lala. They are royalty in the heavens. They are our Angels. They are surrounded in magic and the ultra beauty of the skies. Fluffy white clouds shimmering in the mist, hiding and protecting the secret dynasty of the twins. It makes me want more of their secret world in the heavens. 

My Melody x Steiff

Steiff Collaboration

Lastly, I present my ultimate Christmas gift to myself. This high quality produced plush is another major score for this Sanrio collector. This plush represents of all Christmas gifts that are special. One important factor is that only 1,500 plushes have been produced. Secondly, it's not some random gift that can be achieved easily. Yes, price was expensive, but it meant that sacrifices were made in order for this piece to be obtained. It is another reason why Christmas gifts have special meaning and is not just an ordinary gift. It's a special time in a Collector's life that is meant to be cherished with meaning and love. If a gift does not have any meaning, then how can it be special on one of the most memorable day of the year?

I collect. It's what Collectors do. 

XOXO,

Lyn  :0)

Barbie Collaboration: Hello Kitty Barbie Doll Review

It is another year and another time for a collaboration with Mattel's Barbie.


Barbie x Hello Kitty
2017 Edition - DWF58

As someone who is more selective with what I add to my collection, this Barbie doll collaboration with Hello Kitty would be the very first one. There has to be something really special about a Barbie collaboration to spark my interest. With past Barbie collaborations with Hello Kitty, it has never really made me sit up and take notice of the doll.

That being said, I have made another addition to my Sanrio collection below...

The first thing you notice about the doll is that her dress has a Hello Kitty image. It looks like a small patch glued on. 

As read on the website of Mattel for this Signature Barbie, the age range are for the adult collector.

The design of the dress isn't exactly fashion forward for the average female adult. It doesn't have the stylish fashionista look. And, Barbie is a fashionista - the very icon of fashion. The design on the dress isn't something what most average women would wear on the streets comfortably without being a little self conscious, if the dress would make her appear a bit childish... for an adult. 

As for the small HK figure, it feels like an after thought. I do not see the connection to the doll. It's like the designer has spent overrall 5 minutes planning the whole package and this is the final result.

It is very disappointing that Mattel did not give the design to a real Hello Kitty fan. Surely, there is one Barbie designer that passionately and genuinely loves Hello Kitty. 

You would think there would be more creativity and thought into designing Barbie's dress or outfit. I can think of two styles that I would have love to see on Barbie.

Supercute Friendship Festival 2016

Instead of as a top, I'd love to see a dress version

Whatever the designer chooses for the style of the Hello Kitty dress or outfit, it is the centerpiece that should draw your attention and keeps that interest for more than a second. 

Or another safe bet would be to dress Barbie in the classic Hello Kitty jumpsuit and striped shirt.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 

Creativity of Incorporating the Character: 2 out of 5 stars

What saved the rating was the beautiful white cover box that came with the doll. The box cover is essentially the main attraction to the whole collaboration. 

The 3D red bow on the box pops out so much that it contrasts nicely with the Hello Kitty outline shaped face. I love that the Hello Kitty face isn't a flat surface. The whole color scheme of just the face as white and being the same color as the box is aesthetically beautiful.

One of the highlights for this doll is Barbie's colored hair in the inner side of her hair, behind her neck. It screams fashionista chic. Then, there are the Hello Kitty accessories. The Hello Kitty handbag. Lovely. What every HK collector owns in real life. 

Lastly, the Hello Kitty wrist watch or bracelet. Very nice touch of homage to the very kitty.

Overrall design, it is a nice addition to my collection. Hello, Barbie!

VIA MATTEL WEBSITE

Hello Kitty® and Barbie® doll are the perfect friendship pairing! Barbie® pays homage to Hello Kitty® with a playful, supercute and fashion-forward look inspired by Hello Kitty's signature red bow. From the tiny bow buttons on her sweater to the embroidered bow details on her skirt, Barbie® celebrates the charm and sweetness of Hello Kitty® and infuses the essences of both beloved icons. Accessories include a Hello Kitty® handbag and figurine.  Doll also comes with doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity.

• Learn more here –>
• Doll Designer: Robert Best
• Body Type: Model Muse
• Facial sculpt: Lagerfeld
• Fashion: Sweater, skirt
• Fashion Sewn On: No
• Accessories: Hello Kitty® handbag, figurine
• Doll Stand: Yes
• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13“ x 4“x 8.5“
• Retail: $100 USD

SKU #: DWF58

Obsession In Collector Terminology

Today's keyword is Obsessions. The whole theme to a collector's guide.

Introducing Collector Terminology

Obsessions

Known as obsessed or obsessive as well. In a Collector definition version means 

ob·ses·sion

əbˈseSHən/

noun

1. the state of being obsessed with a physical object, subject, or someone. In other words, the inability to stop loving and thinking about the subject matter at hand. Goals are set for the collection. A state of attachment forms with the object or subject. 

What does obsession mean exactly?

In terms of collecting, obsession can be seen as a negative image where all reasoning and thought processes are halted in favor of the obsessed subject matter. Extreme actions of behavior are considered as unhealthy to the norm. 

As it may seem that way to others, obsession can be taken in a somewhat more alternative form that is acceptable to the community of collectors. There is a new breed of collectors underway. The difference with these collectors is that they know their limits. Those "extreme" behaviors are broken down to small parts where a collection is curated over a period of time. Using a budget is one example to be set apart from those who actually use extreme actions to achieve a goal or object. 

Alternatives:

An example of an unhealthy extreme behavior is spending money that the collector cannot afford within his or her means. 

Ergo, a budget is locked into place. Or sacrifices are made by trading a valued item for another.

Loss of control is another example of extreme behavior. 

Setting limits by using time management and having support keeps things objective and in control.

Actively using your common sense in the right manner, obsessions can turn into something good rather than perceived as negative.

Understanding Obsessions
The only people who can truly understand obsessions are the collectors that are currently going through it or have gone through it. There are people who will never understand us. And at the end, it is okay because the one opinion that matters is you.

Starlight in Hello Kitty World: Enchanted Forest Teaser

Here is a follow up to my last update in the mobile app game, Hello Kitty World.

As time goes by, the game releases new items every month for players to store new decorations or use them to blueprint in their digital world. I have accumulated so much decorations over the years that I was finally making progress within my Starlight World.

Still Unfinished. A work in progress

Above picture is the breathtaking Enchanted Forest of Starlight. It is located right next to Hello Kitty Kingdom - beyond the magical Hello Kitty water fountain. 

My story unfolds into another magic portal that greets you with a sign of Welcome. The first character to meet you in the Enchanted Forest is My Melody. She is the keymaster to the secrets of the forest. While it may not be her world, she takes her many jobs seriously. They all do. Sanrio characters love their job to entertain and bring joy to everyone. 

Only with My Melody's permission will the secrets of the forest be revealed to you. After exiting through the My Melody's Lair of Leafs, a mysterious giant of chocolate cake appears before your very eyes. What a sight to behold because there are little Santa elfs maintaining the chocolate that is coursing down a path at the bottom of the hill. 

One of the Santa elfs are dancing around and one elf indicates that to leave the area, you must slide down on what seems like a chocolate slide with marshmallows to help cushion you from falling sideways. As you are ready to slide down to the bottom of where a river of chocolate awaits you-- they make you sign a digital release form that states you know how to swim. As soon as the dotted line has been signed, they literally give you a push down the slide.

Whether you are ready or not, these Santa elves are not messing around. 

For those who are curious as to what happens if the answer is opposite of knowing how to swim. Well, the very energetic and "helpful" elves will take you by your arms (both of them, mind you - they are in rush...) and escort you to a nearby Snow cake. And, yes, there is an icy slide with marshamallow rails. Once you slide down to the bottom, the soft covered snow will cushion your landing.

Even when you land to your new surroundings, you have little helpers waiting on standby to hurry you along on your journey. Residents who are able to swim go to the left of the map, whereas Snow sliders are guided to take the right side of the map. 

To be continued onto next year. Still need more decorations to complete my Enchanted Forest. What will come next in my Starlight World?

To join the game, more info can be found here and here.

ATTN COLLECTORS: LIFE STORAGE is NOT SAFE

Collectors of all genres, I am here to warn you about this one storage facility company called Life Storage.

You should beware of all public Self Storage facilities, but I wanted to share my bad experience with you about Life Storage.

This is my second time renting a storage unit and never had a problem with storage facilities until this past year. In 2015, this storage facility was managed and owned by Magellan. It wasn't until earlier this year that this Magellan location was bought out by Life Storage.  

Life Storage

801 E Commercial Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

When they changed owners, I didn't think there would be any problems and continue as normal. The first sign should have been that they did not directly change their names to Life Storage until near the end of the year. From Magellan Storage, the building was changed to Uncle Bob's. The tenants were not given notice that the facility was going through a change of ownership. I thought it was a funny thing that tenants were not told in advanced.

I should have paid attention then because if I had done any research, I may have learned of past break ins or any information regarding the new owners.

What I did not know is that in the next few months that someone would be rummaging through my personal property that I had entrusted in the hands of Life Storage.

One or two times, I had a suspicion that something was moved, but I figured it was my imagination. It wasn't until recently that I noticed something misplaced and moved to a spot where I have never place items. I advised the storage manager, Mike, of my suspicions and the plan to add a second padlock on the unit. At the time, I wanted him to do something to help ease my worry and one of it would be is to scan the recorded footage. When I moved into this storage facility, they had camera footages of all areas. Mike proceeds to tell me that they have no camera footage of where my unit is located in the building, when in fact, I know there is a camera near my unit.

His whole attitude about the cameras was off putting, to say the least. For one thing, I did not believe him. 

Less than a week went by and I received a call from a so-called "worried" Mike telling me that I had "forgotten" to push the lock slider closed when I added my TWO padlocks. He made it seem that it was my fault. I had just recently informed him that I was going to add a second padlock and he was turning it around on me, which made me very suspicious because he wasn't acting right -- for a manager. Managers are supposed to help you in situations like this one. 

I arrived at my storage unit to find one of two padlocks were cut off with a bolt cutter and is now missing. My other padlock (which I purchased from the storage location) was still left behind untouched and in a locked position. We went to report the missing padlock. Before Uncle Bob's took over, their security cameras were all working, but now some of their camera feeds were conveniently blued out. 

Again, Mike was very suspicious because he acted like he did not care about my situation or apologized for any inconveniences that it may have caused. After filing my police and insurance claim, I learned there were other burglaries at the same Life Storage location. 

I was angry to learn that Life Storage never bothered to send out any advanced warnings to their tenants. It also raises my suspicions of an inside job when I heard from someone that "they" knew it was done by a guy. 

In the end, I realized change of owners should have been a red flag of concern because I should have researched on the new owners. I misplaced my trust here. They let me down. 

Here are few TIPS when researching for Storage facilities

1. If you learn of past break-ins from your research, do yourself a favor and prevent yourself from a heartache-- rent a facility that has alarms in EACH unit! Remember what you pay for is what you get. You're paying for your personal belongings to be secure and protected!!
2. Another big factor: NO EXTENDED HOURS. Once the facility is in lock down, it helps prevent burglaries from happening. 
3. Beware of change of ownership. The facility changed their names TWO TIMES in a short span of time.
4. Google them. Do your research. Life Storage owns another location in a different state where there was reported of burglaries - inside jobs do happen. I read online that owners conspire with auctioneers to steal your stuff that can be sold for a lot of money. Read up on it.
5. THEY ARE TARGETING COLLECTORS!!!
6. Keep an Inventory list with pictures or descriptions (I had a list on a few of my bins which was taken off - they were hoping that I wouldn't notice such things). I had all my bins filled up and now, they were not full. Things that I had recently bought was placed inside my bins, where I had never moved them before. They were re-arranging my items to prevent me from thinking that items were missing. Another thing to look out is that theives leaves things clean. What I mean by that is if you have items in bubble wrap, they will take it off. If item is worthless to them, they will leave your item in the bin and throw the bubble wrap for you. Remember, they want you to not catch on so that they can continue to spy on what you are storing.
7. Don't buy locks from facility storage owners. You never know if someone has a master key or not. Research on the lock to see if it can be easily opened.
8. Thieves are looking at collectors to make big bucks like MINT Barbies. Do not store expensive jewelry or electronics, unless you want to draw attention to your unit. For storing expensive jewelry, rent a box at the bank.
9. Be on a lookout for people to rent a unit to case out the joint.
10. Ask if police patrols the area or if they have any communications or relationships with the police.
11. Call nearby police stations to see if there were any reported break-ins at that facility
12. Take pictures before you close your unit. Check your unit when you open it. Refer to your pictures.
13. Do not rent from Life Storage and Magellan. Magellan did not give us any official notices of changed ownership.

Good luck to fellow Collectors out there renting storage units.

Pochacco Nails

The last two years, I have focused only on Hello Kitty when having my nails designed professionally. I have decided that it was Pochacco's turn for this year. 

When October came around, I wasn't in a mood for Halloween nails, but to start a simple black and white style as an introduction to Pochacco.

Here is my take on Pochacco. 

I call this Black Tie Pochacco

When I was browsing Instagram for nail design ideas, I figured that my theme would be black and white as Pochacco's face is like a white blob on the nail. Usually with a white center, you need to correlate it with a different color to create a nice contrast.

Since last year's Hello Kitty Xmas lights nail design, I have been in love with the idea of adding rhinestones, pearls, or gems. For this nail design, I went for combining styles while adding a touch of simplicity. It's not too bad, right? 

I think my favorite has to be the middle finger with the criss cross pattern - along with Pochacco, of course. With a clear background, the black lines overlay the white lines, making it a nice style. Adding a bit of stones gives it a complete finish. 

My fascination with rhinestones carries over to this year's Christmas design. 

I loved last year's Christmas design so much that I wanted to replicate it, but with Pochacco as the character. I call it: Santa Baby Pochacco.

Since Pochacco was wearing a red Santa suit, I wanted my nail theme colors to be red and white again, but with an added touch of black. When I was choosing styles, I realized I could add one finger nail style as a stand alone center. Last year's design had the same star accessory and I wanted to keep it for this year's design. 

Below is a closer picture of it. Half silver chrome and the top half is black, with a star as the finishing touch. This nail style represents the New Year coming. 

After I had my X-mas nails done at Marie Nails, I think I was going for a more "busier" nail art. I have seen pictures of kawaii nail art in Japan and I never liked how most of it had too much art going on the design. I didn't want to go too simple as well. This is my version of how I like it -- in the middle. Not too simple, nor too extreme.

Until next year - Merry Christmas ❣

Collector Spotlight: Byzar

I would like to introduce the 2nd Collector on this special feature... 
a My Melody Collector

Spotlight: Byzar
IG: byzarmelody
Country: USA

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

My Melody

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

My Melody

Hello Kitty

Little Twin Stars

Purin
Keroppi

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

No.

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

I liked My Melody since the third grade. I bought her stationery and wallet with what little money that I had. On my birthday, my best friend gave me a little My Melody treasure chest and that’s when I really started to like My Melody a lot more, but I didn’t have much money as a child to buy her things. It wasn’t until a few years ago, the boyfriend that I was with asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said anything My Melody. So he went to the Sanrio store and bought a ton of My Melody stuff. He started getting me more plushies. At first I didn’t want so many plushies because I didn’t have much room, but then I started to get into it and grew my collection.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

Yes. I’ve struggled between jobs and haven’t had money to collect so that halted during certain periods.

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Collector 

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

No. I’m not a hoarder. I keep all my items clean and put away in a shelf. I sell the My Melody items that I don’t want anymore.

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

I used to display on Flickr, but some people are very competitive and create a very negative environment on there so I only have my collection for my own viewing now--offline. I sometimes post a few pictures on Instagram.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

Yes, because My Melody brings me happiness because she is cute and reminds me of my childhood and in a way-- I’m making up for what I couldn’t afford as a child. She does have a special place in my heart and when I see her smile, it makes me temporarily forget my adult problems.

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I think my collection is unique because I only collect plushies and I have a lot of vintage dolls. I don’t collect every single My Melody item out there because I’m more interested in quality than quantity.

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

Now, only plushies and formerly pens and bags.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

No specific type, but a cute and unique My Melody. They are always coming up with new ideas and styles, but I do like when they make a baby version of My Melody.

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

My number one favorite piece keeps changing, but I do favor this one My Melody with her hand covering her mouth. I’ve seen her on the web, but couldn’t find a place to buy that version and looked for 5 years online until I spotted it and bought it. I think the long process of finding her made her extra special to me.

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

No regrets on the money spent. Sometimes, I regret the space they take up. If I didn’t collect Sanrio, I might have gotten into something more dangerous like collecting jewelry and that’s even more expensive!

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

11 years. 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Pick a type of item like pens or plushies instead of collecting everything because it’s too much money and space.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

I only buy dolls that I believe are unique or special. I don’t buy everything that’s My Melody. There are some plushes that I believe are not made with the same quality or creativity. Once in a while if I see a unique plush that’s expensive, I may justify it and buy it because My Melody is very rare and hard to find again if you miss your chance.

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? 

Not insult, but more like a competition. There was another My Melody collector that I met online who was competing with me and constantly believed that her collection was better than mine because she was hoarding and bought everything in sight instead of focusing on quality.

How do you deal with it?  I stopped talking to her and stopped posting my stuff on that site and just kept my collection to myself and for my own enjoyment.

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

It’s hard to say. If I were to start a family and be a busy mom, I don’t know if I’d have the time. I wouldn’t want to let go of my collection, but I don’t think I will grow out of it. 

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

I put my favorite prized smaller plushes in a glass cabinet with shelves. The larger ones that can’t fit-- I keep in my closet and at another house. I live in a tiny area, so I do want more showcase cabinets when I can move to a future home that is bigger.

Kawaii Luggages

A few years ago, I bought a Hello Kitty luggage thinking it will be of great use for the future. Below is a stock photo of the red Loungefly suitcase.

Product Dimensions: 14.5"X 20.75"X 7"

I remembered walking into the Hollywood location and my eyes went straight to this bright red suitcase that had black polka dots. I think I have an attraction to polka dots. For some reason, polka dots give off a fancy feeling that I like so much.

Anyways before I get off track, back to the lovely bright red suitcase. I wasn't planning on buying a suitcase. There was a sign that read $99. I was tempted, but I left the store. The thing about kawaii stuff is that it's hard to get it off your mind once your heart has fallen in love. 

In the end, I returned the next day and purchased the red suitcase on the spot. 

Forward a few years later...

Last year, I bought another luggage, a very pink My Melody luggage with all the updated new TSA lock. And, this year a pretty Little Twin Stars luggage.

Like the HK suitcase, I loved the design on the pink My Melody. Besides being very pink in color, I don't think it's too flashy, right? It's chic and kawaii -- that's all that matters to me. 

When I bought the Little Twin Stars luggage, I knew that I just had to own it. I'm very selective -- all right, very picky -- on design-wise. This LTS designed luggage was something that I could not pass up. It's to be shipped this week from Japan. 

When I ordered the LTS luggage, I knew I could only use it for photo ops, moving occasions, and traveling by car. I knew that I could not check this sweet luggage into the Airport unless I plan to never see it again. 

Unfortunately, the harsh truth is that we have a lot of dishonest people out there. Something cute as this suitcase will most likely get stolen. The best tip is to only bring a cute character luggage as a carry on item. It is the only way to ensure that it will not get stolen since it won't leave your sight.

On the Hunt...

If you read my earlier blog posts, I am still planning for my overseas trip to Japan. It's been delayed to next year. I believed I was safe and that I had a cute carry on suitcase, until I researched the size restrictions.

Only to learn later that the small red Hello Kitty luggage and as well as my pink My Melody luggage don't meet the TSA size restrictions for carry on luggages.

The universal luggage size to bring onboard should be -

21 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches as the "perfect" size for carry-ons

or

21 inches (53.54 cm), width of 14 inches (35.56 cm) and depth of 8 inches (20.32 cm)

It would be best to check with your airlines first before selecting any cute luggages. Unfortunately, this means I have to go searching for another small suitcase that will fit my design requirements. 

As for now, I have not yet found one that I love. 

Although, here is one that might pass or fail to fit in the overhead space.

Ace x HK

Found two luggages that will meet the requirements for other flyers:

Foldable Luggage

The White One

Well, I'm not exactly in a hurry to choose one anytime soon. I have next year to decide on one.

Friend of the Month Campaign

The Friend of the Month Campaign officially started on May 2016, where Sanrio would give out a free pin when purchasing over $30 of their merchandise. Each month, there will be a new character pin to collect. 

The first character to kick off the FOTM campaign was the little black cat, Chococat. From there on, Tuxedo Sam followed-- along with Pippo. Every 1st of the Month is a surprise on whose next. Will it be one of your TOP 5 Faves or a pin to add to your collection as a set? 

May - Chococat

June- Tuxedo Sam

July - Keroppi

August - Pippo

September - TBA

October - TBA

November - TBA

The Friend of the Month will continue onto next year. Who are you looking forward to the most?

When this month started, I did not expect to be surprised and delighted when I found out the character was Pippo. I never imagined that they would promote Pippo so early onto the game. This makes me want more Pippo merchandise asap. How can Sanrio tease us like this?! ;p

I adore Pippo so much. Tuxedo Sam was finally getting his turn in the spotlight and I felt sad that Pippo was being forgotten in the corner. Sanrio, please release some really cute Pippo merchandise. I need to start on some really cute Pippo collection. Don't forget about stickers and character shaped Sticker Albums!

Now, I am ready for next month's character surprise. Anyone wanna place those bets on the lucky character? 

Collector Spotlight: Marisa Sopel

If you're like me, I am fascinated about Collectors and their collection. I want to introduce a variety of full time collectors that are very active in this community. Also, from their answers will help give you a more clearer idea on who we are as Collectors. We're normal, but with a purpose in life. We are dedicated to our passion in life. We just choose this brand: Sanrio/Hello Kitty.

If you have been around the Hello Kitty community for a period of time, then you will probably recognize this spectacular collector. 

I would like to introduce the first Collector on this special feature...

Spotlight: Marisa Sopel
IG: hello_kitty_chic
Country: USA

Source IG

Source IG

1.  Which character is your ultimate favorite?

Hello Kitty, of course.

2.  List your TOP 5 Sanrio Characters in numerical order.

Dear Daniel

Charmmy Kitty

My Melody

Chococat

Little Twin Stars

3.  Do you collect other Sanrio characters beside your ultimate Fave?

I don’t have enough apartment space in my house for any other characters

4.  How did you first start collecting? 

When I was 4 years old, there was a little Sanrio store across the street from my house, my mom would always take me in there and get me a little gift and its stuck ever since.

5.  Have you ever stopped collecting for a short to long periods of time?

NEVER. It's only gotten worse as I’ve gotten older.

6.  What type of Collector are you?

Full Time Collector 

7.  Would you describe yourself as a Hoarder? If someone called you a hoarder, would you be okay with it or try to defend your collector status? If so, what would you say to them?

Usually hoarder to me means, a mass pile of chaos, my collection is very very well organized, and on display. So, I have never had anyone in 28 years say that to me

8.  As a collector, do you depend on your social media to display your collection? Do you think that is key to maintaining your obsession?

I don’t depend on social media to display my collection, but it sure helps in sharing the joy and happiness with other collectors. I’ve been obsessed long before social media was so prominent in our society, but it does help you get in touch with other fans, and products that may be hard to acquire otherwise.

9.  Ever since you joined the Sanrio Community, has it changed your life? Has being a Collector been beneficial to you? Please give details.

Yes, BIG time. I usually do a hello kitty trip once a year, and being part of the Sanrio community on Instagram, has given me the opportunity to meet collectors all over the word, they are also willing to help you acquire items that they don’t sell in your country.

10.  Does any of your collection set you apart from other collectors? Or is yours the same like the rest?

I was very lucky to get my hands on a hello kitty popcorn display cart recently. I would say it’s a VERY hard to get item. That sets my collection apart from others.

11.  What type of things do you collect? If everything, then answer: Everything. Or if it’s specific, here’s a list of examples: plushes, dolls, figurines, statues, coin banks, stationery supplies, pens and pencils, erasers, trinkets, pencil cases, cases, purses, clothes, etc

I’ve switch focus on more limited edition items or hard to find items: Figurines, plushes, kitchenware, and vintage items, too. I use to hate plushes, but now they have overtaken my apartment and I love them.

12.  What is your ULTIMATE #1 type that you cannot pass up to get:

Figurines

13.  As collectors, we all have favorite pieces. What is your ULTIMATE favorite piece in your collection? Does it have a story behind it? How did it come about?

Probably my little Hello Kitty coin purse wristlet. I have had it ever since I can remember. When I was 19-- my house burnt down in a forest fire and I lost everything, except a small box of random things. The vintage wristlet survived. So, now it has so much special meaning for me.

14.  Do you have any regrets in spending so much on Sanrio? If you weren’t a Collector, do you think you would be obsessing over something else? If so, what?

Money is something that is always coming and going, I work to enjoy life and hello kitty, she makes me happy, isn’t that what life is about?  No regrets.  

15.  How many years have you been a collector?

Since I was 4 – going on 28 years now 

16.  Can you give any advice to new collectors starting out?

Never let anyone tell you its stupid or convince you to stop collecting. If it makes you happy, do it.

17.  How would you describe yourself as a Collector?

Crazy Cat Lady 

18.  Can you share any experiences that someone insulted or insinuated something negative over your obsession personally to you? How do you deal with it? 

Some guys think I'm crazy, been called immature for it-- but I just shrug my shoulders. I've always been pretty solid in knowing who I am. I know when people don’t really understand because they act in a negative way, and that’s okay-- I try to not let it affect me. In the long run it's my life. 

19.  Objectively, can you see yourself still collecting Sanrio when you’re elderly? Full time or casually? 

Yes, I plan on it. Full time, of course. I feel like Hello Kitty is something that is with you for life.

20.  Do you have a storage area for your extra Sanrio merchandise? Is it for a future home or just a storage area?

Yes, I have a large storage closet and a huge deck (they are both full of bin on bin on bin). Until I move into my dream home and can have a huge display area.