Barbie® Honours the Hollywood Icon with New Signature Collectible Doll

Hi Guys, 

Barbie® honours the legendary Marilyn Monroe with the launch of the latest addition to the Barbie Signature™ Series, celebrating her enduring legacy as a Hollywood icon whose ambition, unforgettable style and groundbreaking career continue to inspire generations.

Released in celebration of what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday, the doll pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in film, fashion and popular culture. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on 1 June 1926, Marilyn rose from humble beginnings to become one of Hollywood's brightest stars. Beyond her celebrated career as an actress and singer, she also broke new ground as one of the first women in Hollywood to establish her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, cementing her legacy as a pioneering businesswoman as well as an entertainment icon.

The Marilyn Monroe Barbie Signature Doll captures one of her most unforgettable screen looks, inspired by her performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the film that helped define her legendary status. Dressed in a bold pink gown with an oversized bow, dramatic gloves and sparkling diamond-inspired jewellery, the doll celebrates Marilyn's glamour while paying homage to one of cinema's most iconic fashion moments.

Created in close collaboration with The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC, the Barbie design team worked throughout the creative process to authentically capture Marilyn's glamour, ambition and unmistakable style, ensuring every detail reflects her celebrated performance.

Credit to Mattel Inc.

"Barbie has a rich history of celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s legendary style as both a fashion icon and beloved actress. As we celebrate her 100th birthday, we designed this doll as an homage to Marilyn, drawing inspiration from the pink satin gown and dazzling diamonds she wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. More than a tribute to this unforgettable look, we are honouring Marilyn as a pioneer—a savvy producer, a businesswoman and a boundary-breaking artist—and this doll celebrates the totality of her incredible legacy." Robert Best, Vice President, Dolls Design Creative Director, Mattel

The new release joins Barbie's long history of celebrating Marilyn Monroe, following a collection of dolls launched between 1997 and 2009 that paid tribute to her most memorable film roles and fashion moments. This latest Barbie Signature release introduces an all-new doll sculpt and outfit, offering collectors a fresh interpretation of the Hollywood legend in honour of her centenary.

The Marilyn Monroe Barbie Signature Doll will be available from 19th August on Mattel Creations and selected leading retailers.

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The Benefits of Playing with Action Figures Over Screen-time

Hi Friends, 

In this digital age, children are increasingly drawn to screens for entertainment and learning. However, with the allure of digital devices, the timeless appeal of action figures remains a valuable alternative. Playing with action figures can offer significant developmental advantages compared to excessive screen time, and this is how:

Cognitive Development and Imagination

Playing with action figures encourages imaginative play, where children create elaborate storylines, develop characters, and explore different scenarios. This imaginative process stimulates cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Unlike passive screen time, which often presents ready-made content, playing with action figures empowers children to construct narratives and exercise their minds actively.

Social and Emotional Skills

Action figure play promotes social interaction when children engage with peers or adults in collaborative storytelling or role-playing activities. It fosters empathy as they navigate relationships between characters and situations. These interactions contribute to emotional development by allowing children to express feelings and manage conflicts within the safe confines of play.

Physical Activity and Motor Skills

Manipulating action figures involves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, essential for tasks like posing figures, assembling accessories, or creating dioramas. Unlike sedentary screen time, which may contribute to a more passive lifestyle, active play with action figures encourages physical movement and engagement with three-dimensional objects.

Limiting Screen-time and Balancing Activities

While screens have their place in education and entertainment, excessive screen time has been linked to concerns like sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and potential developmental issues in children. Incorporating play with action figures offers a balanced alternative that complements screen time with hands-on, imaginative play experiences.

The benefits of playing with action figures extend beyond entertainment. They promote cognitive development, nurture social skills, enhance physical coordination, and provide a healthy alternative to excessive screen time. By encouraging active engagement and imaginative exploration, action figures contribute positively to a child’s holistic development.

Mattel's range of action figures, including WWE, Imaginext, Jurassic World and Masters of the Universe, each offer unique benefits that cater to different aspects of a child's growth. WWE action figures can inspire physical activity and role-playing, fostering both creativity and motor skills. Imaginext figures are perfect for younger children, providing a platform for adventurous storytelling and collaborative play, which can enhance social skills and imagination.

Jurassic World figures bring the thrill of prehistoric adventure to playtime, igniting curiosity and a love for science as children explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs. By incorporating these action figures into playtime, children can enjoy a well-rounded developmental experience that combines physical, cognitive, and social benefits. Masters of the Universe figures, with their rich lore and diverse characters, invite children into a world of fantasy and heroism, stimulating cognitive development through complex narratives and strategic thinking. By incorporating these action figures into playtime, children can enjoy a well-rounded developmental experience that combines physical, cognitive, and social benefits, offering a refreshing alternative to screen time.

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After 75 Years, Scrabble Unveils a New Way to Play The Classic Game - Scrabble Together Mode

Hi Guys, 

• The way we use words is changing, and so is Scrabble the board game, which is why the brand is honoured to unveil a second side to the classic board game, with Scrabble Together Mode: A cooperative, faster-paced and more casual version that opens the iconic word game to a wider audience, just in time for National Scrabble Day on 13th April
• The double-sided board allows fans to pick and choose their gameplay, either the new, collaborative Scrabble Together Mode or the much-loved Classic version so everyone can have fun with Scrabble
• Now offering two games in one, the new Scrabble board game invites everyone to have fun beyond words.

The way we use words is changing, and so is Scrabble, which today unveils a second side to the classic gameboard, with Scrabble Together Mode: A cooperative, faster-paced and more casual version of the iconic word game, just in time for National Scrabble Day on 13th April. It’s the first time in its 75-year history that Scrabble has made such a significant change to its Classic game.

Get double the fun with two games in one: The new way of playing will now be included in every copy of the game. Simply flip the board over and pick up the deck of Goal cards included in the game to get started with the Scrabble Together Mode.

Designed with inclusivity and collaboration in mind, Scrabble Together Mode allows players to work as a team to complete goal cards at their chosen challenge level, with helper cards to encourage players throughout the game. Scrabble Together Mode also offers a quicker game with simple scoring. The double-sided board allows people to pick and choose their gameplay to suit, whether they want a speedy co-operative game, or would prefer to settle in and take the competition up a notch with the much-loved Classic version.

From longstanding Scrabble brand fans who want to try an exciting new version of a game they know and love, to people completely new to word games, Scrabble Together Mode amps up the fun for families and friends, while also giving players the practice and confidence to give Classic Scrabble a go, if and when they want to.

Ray Adler, Vice President, Global Head of Games, Mattel, said: “Scrabble has truly stood the test of time as one of the most popular board games in history, and we want to ensure the game continues to be inclusive for all players. For anyone who’s ever thought, “word games aren’t for me”, or felt a little intimidated by the Classic game, Scrabble Together Mode is an ideal option. With team-based and faster gameplay, Scrabble Together Mode continues to celebrate the wonder of words just as the Classic version does, but thanks to its exciting new cooperative and dynamic gameplay, it’s more accessible and brings people together. Players who prefer the classic version will continue to have the classic board game”

Scrabble Together Mode is designed to help new generations fall in love with words, at a time when, according to Stats SA, the illiteracy rate from 2021 is 3,3%.

The new Scrabble Together Mode is available to purchase at leading retailers nationwide.

Note - Press release as supplied by Mattel South Africa

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UNO Show 'Em No Mercy Card Game Unleashes Brutal Fun in South Africa! #UNOnoMercy

Hi Friends, 

Local game enthusiasts brace yourselves because the most merciless edition of UNO has finally arrived! UNO Show 'Em No Mercy is not your typical card game – it's a ruthless showdown where only the toughest players survive! So let the games begin!

UNO No Mercy brings a whole new level of intensity to family game nights, parties, and travels. With 56 additional cards and a plethora of ruthless penalties, this game guarantees non-stop action and excitement. For the competitive players amongst us, this is going to be their ultimate source of satisfaction.

"UNO No Mercy was created to provide an experience where players truly show no mercy," says Terusha Naidoo, Mattel South Africa Marketing Manager. "This edition takes the classic game to a whole new level with tougher penalties, new rules, and the thrilling possibility of knocking out all other players!"

What makes UNO Show 'Em No Mercy stand out from its predecessors? Here's a glimpse:

• More Cards, More Chaos: With 56 extra cards, including super-tough action cards like Wild Draw 6 and Wild Draw 10, the stakes are higher than ever before.
• Stacking Rule: Pass the penalty to the next player with the Stacking Rule until someone can't handle it anymore – then they take all the combined cards!
• Hand Swapping Madness: Watch out for '7' and '0' cards – they force players to swap hands with each other, turning the game on its head!
• Mercy Rule: If any player accumulates 25 or more cards, they're out of the game – no exceptions!

"With UNO Show 'Em No Mercy, there's no room for sympathy. It's all about strategy, quick thinking, and, most importantly, showing no mercy to your opponents," adds Terusha Naidoo.

UNO Show 'Em No Mercy is not just a game; it's an experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. Whether you're hosting a family game night, travelling, or throwing a party, this game is guaranteed to amp up the excitement!

To launch the game locally, Uno has collaborated with Uber Eats and KFC to offer you a taste of victory. Offering R50 off KFC orders on the Uber Eats App for the week, you can get ready to unleash your competitive spirit and enjoy the taste of victory. That’s right, you can make memories while your finger-lickin’ KFC faves get delivered to you on Uber Eats. Gather your friends and family, and let the merciless fun begin with UNO Show 'Em No Mercy!

For more information, visit https://shop.mattel.com/products/uno-show-em-no-mercy-hwv18

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Barbie® and The TechnoGirl Trust Work Towards Closing The Dream Gap in South Africa

Hi Guys, 

From a young age, many girls begin to develop limiting self-beliefs. New research indicates the challenges that young girls face don’t lie in their lack of self-confidence or drive; rather the gaps often occur in the world around them. This is the year that Barbie, in collaboration with The TechnoGirl Trust, will work towards closing the gap between South African girls and their dreams, especially those aspiring to become the next generation of engineers, technologists and scientists.

Focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, and industries that have predominantly been male-dominated, this partnership will empower girls by entering them into job shadowing opportunities. The objective of this initiative is to provide access for girls to experience the world of work in a professional environment and therefore to develop insight, aspiration, as well as life skills, to better equip their career decision-making.

Barbie, as the original girl and women empowerment brand, has kicked off this year’s Dream Gap project in South Africa, offering participants the resources and support they need to continue to believe that they can be anything. The local partnership with The TechnoGirl Trust aligns with their mission of investing in youth development through ongoing and holistic support. By collaborating with partners to empower women and girls, to better equip them for entry into Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics career fields, Barbie and The TechnoGirl Trust are entering into a long-term partnership which will unfold over the next few years, to change the lives of girl children in South Africa for the better.

“Progress has been made toward gender equality, however, stereotypes and societal biases still exist that can affect a girl’s trajectory and future choices. The Barbie Dream Gap Project, which was started in 2019, is a global mission dedicated to closing the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back from reaching their full potential,” Says Terusha Naidoo, Barbie Marketing Manager for South Africa.

According to the WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2022, less than 13% of women choose STEM careers. “Our job shadowing programme has been designed on the understanding that exposure to the public and private sector workplaces can significantly contribute towards motivating girls to take up STEM careers that are in demand and where women are under-represented,” says Ms Staff Sithole, chief executive at TechnoGirl Trust.

“Since 2005, TechnoGirl, through our job shadowing programme, has enabled girls to experience STEM careers and ultimately, make informed career choices. In collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Department of Basic Education, to date, TechnoGirl has seen over 26 000 girls go through the structured programme and, on average, 75% of the beneficiaries advance to register for STEM careers,,” adds Sithole.

As efforts by the TechnoGirl Trust have begun to identify girls for the Dream Gap Project in South Africa, the first intake will happen in March 2024, when the first cohort of Grade 9 girls will start their journey in the TechnoGirl job shadowing programme. TechnoGirl Trust will work closely with the Department of Basic Education Districts and Schools, host companies, and Barbie while implementing the established and structured programme set out by them. Girls will experience the impactful, life-changing benefits of the programme, across the 4 years that they are part of it.

About TechnoGirl Trust

TechnoGirl is an innovative programme for girls and young women who show an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Conceptualised in 2004 by founding partner Uweso Consulting in collaboration with UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education. The strategic imperative of the TechnoGirl Programme is to narrow the discrepancy in opportunities that still exist between men and women and impede social and economic transformation.

TechnoGirl enables girls to experience STEM careers and ultimately, make informed career choices. To date, over 26000 girls have gone through the structured programme and, on average, 75% of the beneficiaries advance to register STEM careers. The programme is premised on the understanding that exposure to the public and private sector workplaces can significantly contribute towards motivating girls to take up STEM careers that are in demand and where women are under-represented.

We endeavour to share the transformation burden with corporates, by collaborating with them to produce girls who are better equipped for entry into STEM careers. This will lead to sustained employment opportunities and, in so doing, the cycle of poverty for girls participating in the programme can be broken.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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Did you know that Monster Trucks are empowering and therapeutic? #MonsterTrucks

Hi Guys, 

They are! Here’s why:

Have you ever considered that playing with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks is not only fun, but also a beneficial activity for your kids? Monster Trucks can be an excellent stress reliever for your child. The feeling of control they have over the truck and the power it possesses can be empowering and therapeutic. It can help them blow off steam and ease any pent-up frustrations they may be feeling.

Monster trucks can also be a great way for your child to get some exercise and fresh air. Running around, pushing, pulling the truck, and playing in the dirt can help them burn off some calories and improve their cardiovascular health. Plus, getting outside and soaking up some Vitamin D from the sun can boost their mood and immune system.

The physical benefits of playing with monster trucks can also help your child develop problem-solving skills. As they navigate obstacles and create their own jumps and ramps, they'll start to develop critical thinking and spatial reasoning abilities. They'll also learn how to adjust and adapt their strategy as they encounter new challenges.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks can help improve your child's hand-eye coordination. Manoeuvring the monster truck around obstacles and slamming it into things takes a lot of precision and control. Over time, they'll develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can transfer to other areas of their life, like sports or playing musical instruments.

Also, they can be a great way for your child to bond with friends and family. Whether they're competing in races, creating obstacle courses, or just smashing things together, the stress relief, shared experience, and light mood around playing with monster trucks, in general, create connections that benefit everyone as they create lasting memories.

So, why not consider adding monster trucks to your child's playtime activities? Let their imaginations come alive and conquer any obstacles in their way while they get some exercise, improving problem-solving and hand-eye coordination skills. Sounds like the ultimate birthday gift.

Till next time...Aashish 

Thanks! Cheers!!! 

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A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Oct 2020 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Friends, 

October 2020 saw 20 posts going live on my blog as I got some time from my project work for an Australian client. I was hopeful to see myself going there and settling there but it didn't happen as I kept waiting for the opportunity but the VISA restrictions didn't allow me to even start the process. I thought it's better you start working where you have the VISA if you don't want to work and go back to India. Though overall in all this project closure to finding a new project in South Africa took me more than 10 months and due to which all benefits like home rent, insurance and many other things were taken away and I had to survive on my savings. Coming out of this, I found that it's always great to be self-dependent on your skills rather than the company you are working for. You should quickly change when there is an opportunity to add some layers to your salary. 

1. #HuaweiWatchGT2e @HuaweiZA Watch - Is it really Smart? #ProductReview - I received this Huawei Watch for review and used the same for some days. I didn't love the watch that much as compared to the features of the Huawei Watch GT2 but I received a brand new one at the end of the year 2020 and it's been showcased on my wrist since Jan-21 this year. 

2. Unboxing @CanonRSA #CANONeosM50 Mirrorless #vLogging Camera #LiveForTheStory - I started my youtube channel and started shooting a lot of videos to be shared on my channel. I also thought that to increase the SEO of the channel, I should share them on my blog posts too. This post is part of that exercise and I am still using the Canon South Africa EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera with kit lens 15-45mm. I got this camera last year in May 2020, just before I shifted houses. I only opened the same in my rented flat thereafter. 

3. Gadgets I Own @SonyElectronics #SRSBTV5 Bluetooth Speaker #SonyAudio #ProductReview - Sony Audio products are awesome and during the launch of the James Bond movie SKYFALL in 2012, I was participating in a lot of Twitter contests in India. This awesome Bluetooth speaker came as a prize and is still better than most of the speakers in terms of audio quality. The size and design of this speaker are amazingly unique and great. 

4. @FujiFilm_SA X-T30 #NewLittleGiant #XT30 Mirrorless Camera #ProductReview - Fujifilm sent their X-T30 mirrorless camera for review and I did some photoshoots with the same. I really love Fujifilm products and their unique retro design. The price of these mirrorless products is equivalent to or more than the mid-level DSLR cameras but they offer portability and are lightweight with full features to take your photography to the next level.

5. @ORICO_Official #2588US3 2.5" HDD Enclosure #ProductReview 

@AstrumAfrica #AstrumEN250 2.5" SATA HDD Enclosure #ProductReview - I also did review some of the HDD enclosures I bought for some of the small hard drives coming out of my laptops. I posted the product review directly on my Youtube channel which you can watch them too. 

6. Life Lessons Becoming Skills with #MegaBloksSA #BlokfestSA @FisherPrice #FisherPriceSA
Introducing #LinkimalsSA Llama - Lights and Colours #FisherPriceSA @FisherPrice - My kids got some assignments with Mattel and Fisher-Price products to check out their products and I was blogging about them. Some of the money I made last year was through some of these assignments. Thanks to Mattel South Africa for the same.

October 2021 - I am waiting for some gadget which I am waiting for since August-21 and can't wait to receive the same. I am not so sure when I will get it but I am looking forward to the same. I also got my South African Driving License card and had a wonderful trip to the Northern Cape which was my first one to the area. Totally loved that part of South Africa and there are some great unexplored national parks that need an SUV to travel for sure. 

Cheers!!!

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