Advent Calendars for the Big Countdown

  I have always loved the idea of an advent calendar. There are so many different ones to choose from. We have the beautiful old-fashioned paper ones made in Germany. There are little paper flaps everywhere revealing another sweet illustration. Haba makes one in the shape of a tree with little draweres. Inside are little wood pieces that are used to play games with. Or choose the unusual Kathe Kruse stocking advent. Handmade in Germany it will be a family heirloom of sweet memories. No matter which one you choose the important thing is the thought and love that you put into it. It builds the anticipation of the holiday season. Each day is a new little surprise. A little top, finger puppet, miniature car, a shiny marble or even a paper invitation to have a tea party. An advent calendar is a wonderful tradition that builds great memories for life.

Goodnight, Sleep Tight Little One

Wouldn’t we all love to get some more sleep? School schedules are in full gear with after school activities, birthday parties and family fun time. We are about to head into the time of year when things get even busier and we get even more exhausted. We have gotten a lot of great products in the store to help your family get the rest everyone needs.

Do you have a toddler who wakes in the middle of the night convinced it is time to start playing? The Good Night Lite can help. If the blue moon is shining they know it to stay in bed but if the bright sun is showing they know it is okay to get up.

Have an older child who would love their very own alarm clock? These are cute and fun clocks that encourage independence and add a bit of fun to the morning. Wake up to a bird chirping, an owl hooting, or a unicorn galloping.

Swaddle blankets are perfect for new babies and will let everyone sleep a bit better. We love sleepsacks for the comfort, ease and safety they represent. Choose from a lightweight muslin or a thick wearable blanket made in France or Germany. No more blankets falling off your little ones in the middle of the night!

Shop online at onceuponatimetoys.net or stop in our store at Bellevue Square or on Queen Anne for what you need to get a good nights sleep.

Temporary Signs Go Up at New Bellevue Toy Store

There are certain professions that are good to have covered in a family. Who doesn’t hope that a close relative will become a crackerjack doctor, for example. Personally, I am thrilled that my daughter is going to be a professional photographer. Very handy.

The windows of our new future store are covered with large temporary signs featuring Kiana’s photographs. I feel like the little guys in each of the pictures are standing guard while I am away. They will only have to be on duty for a short time since we will be opening in early October.

In the meantime our shop on Queen Anne has undergone a mini remodel and is filled with wonderful things. Come check out all the great costumes that have arrived just in time for Halloween.

New Store Opening Soon

We are so excited to announce that our second location is opening in early October. We have an opportunity to go over to the Eastside and we are thrilled that Once Upon a time is going into Bellevue Square. We are planning on bringing even more of the European lines that we love that are so hard to find. Our Queen Anne store continues to grow and get better all the time. We have been focusing on bringing you more practical things for babies and young children while continually searching for quality toys and clothing. We appreciate all the support that you have given us and will always love being the neighborhood independent toy store. We start our remodel Friday and couldn’t be more excited. We’ve been hauling fixtures, ordering inventory and planning up a storm.

School Supplies Galore

Mark your calendars and join us Tuesday, August 10th from 10:00-6:00 for our Back to School Bash! Come shop for the coolest new school supplies, shoes and clothes, pick up a free t-shirt or sweatshirt and munch on special treats. Bring your friends and come on down for some fun shopping. We have backpacks, lunchboxes, the coolest supplies, and special things to make a study area at home.

I love back to school and always have. As a little girl I spent my summers playing school with anyone who was willing including siblings, friends, neighbors and dolls. This time of year has always felt like the true New Year, not the one in January. I actually did became a teacher when I grew up and spent many years getting ready for the beginning of the new school year. As a mom, I passed on my love for getting ready for school. Nothing makes my nineteen year old daughter, who started college last year, happier than buying school supplies. Her only rule is that it has to be cute. She would be impressed with our adorable sticky notes, pocket folders and reusable fabric sandwich bags.

Buying In My Own Backyard: Local Products

When I first told my family I was opening a toy store they were shocked. Not because I was opening a business because I had done that since I was six when I borrowed $20 and wheeled my wagon filled with candy around the neighborhood and later spent a summer picking wild raspberries, making jam, and selling it to tourists visiting Alaska. They knew I was born an entrepeneur. They were surprised because I hated most toy stores and was never shy about voicing my opinion. I simply believe that our children deserve the very best but aren’t offered it very often.

The comment I hear most often when people visit the store is that it is so different and that it is filled with things that aren’t seen everywhere.  They always ask where I find these things.  I start in my own backyard and am always looking for local companies who are making something wonderful. They tend to be moms who invented something to make their own lives easier and were encouraged by friends to share what they made with others. Here are three new lines I brought into the store this month. All local moms who have made something wonderful.

1. Cuddle Tunes was developed by a group of parents who wanted to find a fun way for their family to stay connected. This super soft teddy bear comes with an MP3 player. Personalized lullabies can be downloaded with the child’s name.Or put on your own musical choices. Grandma and Grandpa can go online and read a story which can easily be placed in the bear. Going on a trip? Leave messages for your child while you are away. Somebody sick or going in for surgery. This is a fantastic way to keep in touch with friends and family. Purchase in the store or on our website.

2. Baby Raindrops was founded by a local mom who creates the most lush tutus, whimsical pony tale clips and vintage baby hangers.

3. Emma Lu Designs designs hair clips and makes the sweetest burp cloths. Something every new mom needs-why not choose a cute one? See the full selection in the store or buy a three pack online.

4. We have several lines in our store from local companies that started small and have thrived. We have carried Bunnies By the Bay and Babylegs products since the store opened and continue to love their things. This week we got our first shipment from See Kai Run. We are excited to have these comfortable, stylish shoes in our collection.

My Top Ten Toys From Toy Fair

As promised here are the top ten things I found at Toy Fair that I am most excited about. They will all be arriving in the store shortly.

1. Schleich Replicas. I was so impressed with the detail and quality of these toys that I decided to carry the entire line in our store. This German company makes figures that are accurate, detailed and beautiful that are perfect for open-ended imaginative play. Look for dinosaurs, farm and safari animals, fairies, castles and knights and more to arrive soon.

2. Natural Tree House. This beautiful piece has lots of working parts for hours of creative play. It will pair perfectly with the new fairy furniture I ordered. I couldn’t resist their wooden plane, tree blocks, marble runs and other goodies either.

3. Grow Up Three in One Toy. This smart and stylish toy is made in Italy and is really three toys in one: it’s a Babywalker from 9 – 24 months, a Ride On from 18 months – 5 years, and a Trolley from 3 – 6 years. I ordered there other fabulous transformable toys, too!

4. Early Rider Balance Bike. Wow! This is it! I have carried several wooden balance bikes and liked them but these truly stopped me in my tracks. These quality bikes are perfect for outdoors and have great tires, adjustable seats and a super cool look.

5. Little Nutty Bike Helmet. You asked for it and we found it. These are the coolest bike helmets out of Portland, Oregon. The company focuses on providing unique designs that inspire children of all ages to want to wear helmets, rather than being told to wear them. Parents love the helmets for their safety and one size fits all design with the “dial to fit” design.

6. Optica Baby Gym. I was so sad when the German company Selecta stopped importing to the United States. I didn’t think I could find a replacement for their beautiful wooden baby gym but now I have. This one from Kid O is perfect still simple, stylish, engaging and the perfect color for a baby boy or girl.

7. Family Puzzles. I ordered quite a few new puzzles and games but I am really excited about the family puzzles coming. Each puzzle has three different size pieces included to offer a wide range of challenge for the entire family. How fun is that?

8. Classic Rocking Horse. Okay, so this is just an example. I can’t remember the last time I was so excited about a line. This is a French company that has the most precious things I have ever seen. It is now my personal goal to carry everything they make: dolls, whimsical plush, mobiles, gardening tools, wood kitchens etc. etc. etc….

9. Eco Kids Easter Egg Kit. We carry the entire line from this great company and I am excited about this new dye kit which uses  extracts  from purple cabbage, spinch, purple sweet potatoes, paprika and blueberries. This will be a fun addition to our Easter collection.

10. Audubon Birds. I can’t wait to get these in so that our entire store will be filled with the wonderful sound of authentic bird calls. There is nothing that feels more like spring to me than hearing birds singing.

Buying in the Big Apple: Toy Fair

Our buying trip to New York was fantastic and I will be posting several blogs about the great things we found there.  I love going to New York, although I must say it was really cold. Every morning we took a ferry across the Hudson River and walked to the convention center. The rest of the day we spent walking miles of aisles with thousands of other people. Casey laughed at me because I was oblivious to the people (he had to save me from running into them several times) as I was so focused on the STUFF around me.

When I was a child my family took me to a rodeo once. The only part I remember was the roped off section where a huge dumptruck load of sawdust had been dumped.  I joined the mob of kids piled on top digging through the pile with our hands searching for the coins that had been buried. By the time they were finished riding the bucking horses my grubby hands held a few shiny coins which I saved for years. Shopping for the store at Toy Fair reminded me of that afternoon. As I walked aisle after aisle, my eyes scanning thousands of items, a few treasures jumped out at me.

I went to Toy Fair excited to see the new products from companies I love and to find some new things for the store. I ordered lots of new things and they will be arriving bit by bit everyday. As they come in I will keep you updated through our facebook page and I will write blogs about the new lines and products. Next blog: The ten things I found I am most excited about!

Off To Toy Fair- Your Vote Counts

We are heading to toy fair in New York very soon and would love to get your input before we go. Are there things you would love to see us carry in our store? Now is your chance to let us know your ideas. Leave a comment here or visit the facebook page for Once Upon a Time on Queen Anne.

Dear Friends

I am back from my long journey. While it has only been a few days, as with any life changing experience it feels as though I have been gone much longer. I am back from saying goodbye to my little brother who just turned 40 last month. I am back from being fully immersed in the most profound love and strength of our family circle. We have laughed, we have cried and we have held each other tight.

It is good to be back. I am looking forward to opening the store in the morning and hearing it feel up with the joy of children.