June 9, 2018

Review: 41351 Creative Tuning Shop





Not enough go in your go-kart? Bring it to the Creative Tuning Shop and we'll put some go-go in your go-kart.

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.



Front of the box comes in the racing subtheme design. There is a checkered flag. The Friends are wearing racing outfits with Andrea holding a trophy. In the background is a Heartlake race track.



The back of the box shows some of the play features of the set and possible ways of customizing the go-karts. There is a better picture of the Friends's racing outfits. Emma has the trophy now instead of Andrea.

June 7, 2018

Review: 41345 Heartlake City Pet Center


Tortoise emergency ... wait, not so fast -- that chart is for a ... Hare!
No worries, Mia will take care of the situation: because all types of animals are welcome at this colorful and lively Pet Center!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.


Box front: Centrally located in HLC, we can see downtown buildings behind the Pet Center, and to the right -- a view of Heartlake City Resort with its huge Heart! The heart motif with the main 5 Friends above it indicates a HLC set; not part of a sub-theme.
The insert shows the pet ambulance can serve as a van (is described as a grooming van on product page) by folding the red light inside. The purple flange art has standard Friends icons.
We get cameos of all three mini-dolls -- including a new Friend - Liam.


Box back: The insert shows us this set is a Modular design -- which means we build in sections and can swap out their placement the way we like! Awesome!
It's a very busy place (just like real-life pet centers), with various check-ups, check-outs, and active animals. After looking through all the supplies here, we place them on a moving-functions conveyor at the cash register. Just turn the red knob.
Mia, in animation form with her bright orange hair, is featured prominently in the upper right corner. After all, she's been the animal-lover in the bunch all these years.
Along the bottom appears somewhat of a new brand ribbon, although it's no longer on the front top.


Box top: LEGO Life ad + our 3 characters in a scene with animals + Liam and Stephanie with some pet supplies + Mia showing the 1:1 ratio as the main mini-doll of this set.

June 5, 2018

Review: 41342 Emma's Deluxe Bedroom


Sculpting clay and painting in a beautiful deluxe bedroom can certainly be inspirational for the creative type! Emma is surrounded by her artistic flair as she photographs her latest work-of-art!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.


Box front: Without the previous brand ribbon on top, we can see her room has crown molding that resembles studs. The purple area with 2018 art doodles on each side are faux flanges; the box sides are all flat.
Her aqua window drapes match her bed's canopy sash. The retro telephone in black is a prominent item in this truly "Deluxe" bedroom full of eye-catching details.
The 2018 Heart insert upper right, with the 5 main Friends is HLC style, so we know this set isn't part of any sub-theme. Emma's cameo insert is encircled by light Lavender brush or pen stroke.


Box back: Treasures in her trunk, working functions of her clay sculpting table, getting a call, painting on her easel, and pampering Chico all add to the "artists retreat" feel of this deluxe bedroom.


The box for this small set shows the LEGO Life ad on the top. The random brick creations are all in Emma-colors -- along with her art doodles and elements. We get to see her retro phone and a better view of her bed's comforter design -- a drawing of Chico!
The mini-doll size-ratio insert shows us her new for 2018 outfit. The stencil-paint-sprayed purple heart backdrop appears on other sets.

June 4, 2018

Review: 41352 The Big Race Day


Welcome to Heart Lake City's Race headquarters!  Race day is here, and our best drivers are going to put on a great show!  Everyone prepare to START YOUR ENGINES!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

The Friends Go-Kart racing sets come in boxes with a distinct racing theme.  Each box has a checkered flag that wraps around the sides to the back, and a depiction of a race track in the background.  The front of the box also shows five of Heart Lake City's most competitive BFF's putting their hands in for a "GO TEAM" celebration of their friendship.
The back of the box pictures many small scenes suggesting various play ideas.  All of which appear to be a lot of fun. 

The box contains five numbered parts bags, one clear bag containing a few large parts, one large sticker sheet, and two instruction booklets of differing sizes.

June 3, 2018

Review: 41343 Heartlake City Airplane Tour


Ready for takeoff! Olivia will fly a "Welcome" banner in the skies above Heartlake City in her Bi-Plane! Just in time for Summer Resort fun and Go-Kart Racing too!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

Box front: In the distance, beyond the 3 hangars, another plane skywriting forms a Heart-shape in the sky! We can see this and a bit of HLC skyline due to the new 2018 box graphic style -- which has removed the brand ribbon from the top, as has been standard since 2012.
Olivia appears to want a comm check (radio frequency check) from Zobo, who is also directing her takeoff. The hamster named Rumble has decided to be a passenger on this "Banner" flight!
The heart motif with 5 Friends in their standard attire on the top right indicates this is a HLC set, not any sub-theme. The purple box flanges have extra gear graphics -- Olivia's new icon.
Note: The propellers will actually turn counter-clockwise; the direction of the airfoil's leading edge pitch angle.

Box back: Zobo is doing a weather check before helping Olivia do a pre-flight check. This smaller airport's tower has a rotating radar. An insert demonstrates fueling up the airplane: Jet-A no doubt.
To get to the runway quick, Zobo just uses the slide. Pilot always get hungry -- so a picnic area is great!

Review: 41347 Heartlake City Resort





Working very hard all year long? It's time for a well deserved vacation. There is a new Heartlake City Resort. Let's go there.

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.



The box is big.  It measures 465mm x 375mm x 85mm. The front of the box features the new 2018 look with the new Friends inside a heart and doodle artwork on the purple flanges. There is a monorail with arrows showing how it is supposed to work.



The back of the box shows the play features of this set. There is much to do and enjoy.

June 2, 2018

Review: 41341 Andrea's Bedroom




In 2013, Andrea’s Bedroom was all about making sure she looked good for her performances, with the main feature of her room being the dresser. Fast-forward to today, and Andrea’s Bedroom (41341) is all about the music itself.

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

The front of the box shows Andrea belting out a tune while playing the piano in her bedroom. It also reveal that she has done away with the futon and now has a murphy bed.



The box is the new style without the ribbon across and the five friends instead in a heart bubble at the top right hand corner. The flanges have music symbols, reflecting Andrea’s passion.

The back of the box shows Andrea sitting at her dresser (aka the underside of her bed) and enticing the parrot to sing with the promise of a cookie. 


Review: 41344 Andrea's Accessories Store




Feeling bored with your current accessories? Need something special for the night out with the girls? Maybe some inspiration for that fancy dress party? Head over to Andrea’s Accessories Store (41344) for all your accessory needs!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

The front of the box shows the front of Andrea’s Accessory Store and the two mini-dolls - Andrea and Emma - featured in the set, as well as the main subsets.

The box is the new style without the ribbon across and the five friends instead in a heart bubble at the top right hand corner. The flanges have music symbols, reflecting Andrea’s passion - music (and not fashion). Anyone else confused at this point? Isn’t Emma the designer and fashionista?

The back of the box highlights the main play features in this set, including the change room, sewing machine table and sunglasses stand. 


Review: 41349 Drifting Diner

Get your bricks on Route 66!
Drive-In for a movie and a burger at Dottie's new spot. Keep your motor running
for a speed racer's getaway to the finish!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.
Box front: The modern diner's profile against Heartlake City's skyline at sunset dominates, while representing the Summer 2018 Racing sub-theme -- the 5 Friends in their color-coordinated slick racer's outfits are huddled together in the top right corner's Heart motif -- which has Andrea with the Trophy! The back and white checkered flag behind the Heart really completes the racing look.

The classic Friends curvy flanged sections are decked out with lots of racing symbols drawn onto purple -- also making a distinction that this set belongs to the "Go-Kart Racing" sub-theme.
Box back: Bottom left shows the graphic versions of the main 5 Friends in their racing uniforms and Emma appears with the Trophy. Mia has a walkie-talkie that the same design as the brick-build version from the Friendship Box (41346).

Lots of activity here -- Andrea's Go-Kart Launcher demo; inside the diner with Dottie cooking eggs; insert of the booth that's designed like a race car; Andrea's music speakers engine with Pepper perched; Dottie making an ice cream float; Dottie giving Andrea her pen at the take-out window; and the upper right graphic of Andrea is awesome as she secures her racing glove!

Review: 41350 Spinning Brushes Car Wash

It looks like Zack has a summer job. He'll be keeping everything cool and clean at this full service station!

Mia has arrived to get some much needed attention, for her new electric go-kart.

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

This set comes in a medium sized box with a new Go-Kart racing theme! The front of the box depicts five of Heart Lake City's most competitive BFF's putting their hands in for a "GO TEAM" celebration of their friendship. In the background a race track and crowd stand are depicted.  A very distinctive checkered flag wraps around the side and back of the box.
This set included 2 mini-dolls (Zack and Mia), a rabbit, Mia's Go-Kart and launcher, and a nifty service station with car wash!

Inside the box you will find an instruction guide, a sticker sheet, and three numbered parts bags.

June 1, 2018

Review: 41348 Service & Care Truck


Olivia is ready for an exciting summer go-kart racing!  She is prepared to support her race season with this fully equipped support truck and a service robot.

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.

This set comes in a small box which has a new racing theme!  The front of the box depicts five of Heart Lake City's most competitive BFF's putting their hands in for a "GO TEAM" celebration of their friendship. In the background their is a race track crowd stand.  A very distinctive checkered flag wraps around the side and back of the box.
This set includes Olivia, a Racing Kart, a Support Truck, a Robot, a Hamster Crossing, and a Hamster!  The play features for the truck are shown on both the back and front of the box.

Included inside the box is a staple bound 84 page instruction guide, a sticker sheet, and two numbered parts bags.

Review: 41346 Friendship Box


Brick-built Life-size iconic gadgets of the main 5 LEGO Friends!

This set was provided by the AFOL Engagement of The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans. Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer. Photographs are property of FriendsBricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.
A suitcase type of box, with plastic handle for carrying -- great for storing the built items!

Box front: A cheery color-washed background representing each of our 5 main Friends and their graphic versions. Topped by pictures of all the gear items we will be building. An insert of Emma's camera being used by her doppelganger.
The upper right corner heart is used for the message: "Best Friends Build Together" -- instead of the mini-doll graphics.