February 27, 2019

Review: 41364 Stephanie’s Buggy & Trailer


Stephanie and Dash are heading out to the lake for an action-packed day of fun. Stephanie’s buggy and trailer are filled with all the essentials needed for a day of cycling, paddle boarding, tennis, and playing fetch. Stephanie has a great spot picked out right on the lake where she plans enjoy some refreshments and marshmallows with best friend.

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 depicts a sports filled day at the lake for Stephanie and Dash. The friends 2019 Spring theme highlights the adventurous side of the Lego’s BFF’s. On the upper right is a heart shaped graphic with five of Heart Lake Cities best friends. The side of the box shows Stephanie and Dash getting ready for some paddle boarding.

February 25, 2019

Review: 41367 Stephanie's Horse Jumping



Watch that fence. Jump! Stephanie is in the show jumping contest. Will she be able to defend her champion title?

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 features the set in a country setting. There is no sign of Heartlake City in the distance like some other sets. There is a little insert of Stephanie grooming her horse.


The back of the box shows the play features of the set. There are carrot treats, working fences, horse grooming area, winner's podium, and how to switch between blanket and saddle.

February 21, 2019

LEGO® Retail Design Team Wants Adult Shopper Insights!

The LEGO® Retail Design team is very excited to hear from adults about their shopping experiences and expectations and how we can make the experience even better! Around the world there are different types of LEGO Stores (LBR and LCS) with the goal of providing an inspiring, interactive, creative and fun experience for kids and adults alike.
Whether you visit a LEGO Store every day or have never even seen one, it is important to know what adults expect and desire from a visit. Your feedback will be considered when designing the future LEGO Store experience.

Working with adult fans of LEGO, the LEGO Retail Design team has created a short survey and with the hope that you can take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Your insights will help to make visiting a LEGO Store a truly memorable event!

Just like a LEGO creation, each person offers a different and unique perspective so, the survey is open to anyone and everyone with the hope that thousands of adults from around the world share their ideas.

 
SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33JX7TD
The Survey is anonymous and available in both English and Simplified Chinese. Survey closes March 20, 2019.


The conversation does not have to end with the survey. We have opened a workgroup on the LAN [LEGO Ambassador Network] where anyone can come and share additional insights and talk through some of the trends we are seeing in the survey. To participate in the conversation click this link: https://lan.lego.com/workgroups/workgroup/13-lego®-retail-design-adult-shopper-experience-insights/

___________________________________

February 20, 2019

Review: 41368 Andrea's Talent Show


Turn that stage around ... you'll love to her her sing!
Andrea is finally ready for her singing performance on this beautiful stage. Chloe's "smiley" flag is a welcome sight!


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 shows lots of action with arrows drawn to indicated functions in this set. The backdrop stage graphics are beautifully rich, like an old classic theater. The top right insert indicates its the main Friends theme, while the bottom left demonstrates you can use a smart phone with it. Although it's not necessary, nor is it included in this large box.


Box back shows just some of the fun you can have creating scenes and acting out your own show. Lots of moving and touch functions!
My box's thumb-push tabs were not perforated. I noticed the bottom left corner had a tiny gap, so I slid a brick separator along the bottom to open it as a flap -- like a suitcase or advent calendar. The good aspect of opening it like this is the sticker sheet was still flat.

February 15, 2019

Review: 41366 Olivia's Cupcake Café



It’s a new year, which means new adventures for Olivia in Heartlake City. Let’s see what she’s up to! … Wait. A cupcake café? Are you sure this isn’t a Stephanie set? … Nope. That’s Olivia and Zobo all right. Well, this should be interesting! How will Olivia apply her technical wizardry to the challenge of running a boutique bakery?

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.

Actually, I believe mixing up the girls’ roles is a great idea. After many sets (see end of review) with Stephanie doing the baking, why not give Olivia a try, right? Actually, Emma was given her own café too, last year; so I shouldn't be surprised. But long ago, I had read that Stephanie's favorite food was cupcakes, and it got stuck in my mind that she's the Cupcake Queen. (I even built a MOC about it!) Anyway, taking our characters outside their comfort zones is refreshing and could even be an opportunity for some humor! Well, as it turns out, LEGO does not disappoint, and they’ve inserted a funny play scenario here which proves that our Heartlake City characters are certainly not perfect. More on that later.

First, let’s have a look at this straight-from-Denmark copy of the set. It’s in a sturdy and colorful corrugated cardboard box. The text and warnings are Europe-style, so they may vary a bit from what you find on your local shelf. 



The inviting cover shot depicts an open-front shop in an evening urban setting. It almost looks like a kiosk, placed on a sidewalk island, amid neon lights in a big city. LEGO tells us that we are in the Heartlake City’s “tech district” which, for me, is conjuring up happy memories of gorgeous sweet treats bought on the streets of Tokyo. The set’s color palette is distinctively Olivia’s: light yellow, dark azure, dark pink, and white, with a touch of dark blue and magenta. The giant berry atop the cupcake-shaped shop is a cute touch! My son thinks this is a strawberry, but I thought maybe a raspberry? An inset photo demonstrates the functioning gears, rotating a selection of cupcakes. We also can see that two minidolls are included, Emma and Olivia.



The box-back includes depictions of many fun set highlights. We can see: the rear view of the building and its main features, suggested play scenarios, and more mechanical functionality. The surrounding decorative frames and doodles give a scrapbook feel to the imagery. A portrait of Olivia at top-right reminds us that she’s the featured character.

February 13, 2019

Review: 41359 Heart Box Friendship Pack


Keepsake Heart, storage box, special parts container, or shelf display ... just some of the uses for this set's Large Heart Box after building it. Of course, after first exploring all the fun accessories included!
Olivia and Vicky are showing us how much fun a Treasure Chest can be!


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 shows the smaller heart box resting on its stand and the larger box with some fun role-play options. The upper right heart graphic indicates core Friends theme, while the lower left insert shows real girls building and playing.


Box back shows more ways to play with the element accessories included -- after building the heart boxes.

February 10, 2019

Review: 41383 Olivia's Hamster Playground




Hamster-ing it up at the hamster playground with Olivia. Will Rumble successfully jump over the hoop, cones, and Harry?

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 features Olivia and the hamsters at the park. Molly is autocrossing through the cones. Harry is leaping through a hoop. Rumble is motorcycling it in the hamster wheel. The Friends in the heart image in the upper right corner is an indication it is core Friends theme.



The back of the box shows the play features: how to make the hamster wheel spin, use the hoop holder and the jump ramp. Excuse the NOT FOR SALE sticker. Since this is non-North America box packaging, it is not legal for sale here.

February 9, 2019

February 7, 2019

Review: 41365 Emma's Art Studio


Emma's new studio has a hint of Art Nouveau!  Visitors to downtown Heartlake City can enjoy her murals as they come around the corner.  Stop in for an art piece, or supplies to create your own.

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 shows Emma's Art Studio in a downtown Heartlake City setting as a corner building. This box has purple flange graphics, yet they are not physically indented like most Friends set boxes.
The bottom left insert tells us that her canvas is "water reactive" and will reveal cat paw prints once wet.
Andrea has come by to visit and watch Emma paint -- as Chico is mischievous as ever!


Box back gives a glimpse inside and the modularness of the building. Scenes and a demo of the rotating sculpting table.
Thumb pushes for opening are on the bottom of the box, which is rare. Due to the height of the creation, this box version is normally turned 90-degrees so the tabs are on one side.
The bright yellow not for sale sticker covers the UPC on the bottom (which otherwise, has no fun graphics) because it's been sent to me for review, and doesn't have the legal details USA required.
The upper right graphic of Emma is one of my favorites -- she looks so happy with wind-swept hair :-)

February 2, 2019

Review: 41369 Mia's House


From the high pitched roof with a little birdhouse tucked under its eave, viewing balcony, and solid rock foundation -- to the acorn motif on the glass doors -- Mia's House is right at home in its forest setting.
Come over to enjoy its nougatty glow trimmed in Mia's colors -- and find a few surprises!


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 shows her house surrounded by trees in a lovely forest setting. We know this is a core Friends theme set based on the upper right Friends-Heart insert.


Box back gives a glimpse inside and activities - apparently including potty training her rabbit Twister!
The box is 21-inches wide.

February 1, 2019

Invite to a LEGO Research Study

As a Recognized Community, FriendsBricks is invited to participate in a LEGO Research Study:

Dear LEGO enthusiast,

On behalf of the LEGO Group, we kindly invite you to take part in a study that aims to shed light on how you spend your leisure time and the kinds of hobbies and interests you have. As part of the study we would also like to get to know you better including the viewpoints and ideas you have when it comes to LEGO products. The survey is being carried out on our behalf by an online survey company called Lightspeed (http://www.lightspeedresearch.com/about). The information you give us will be treated in the utmost confidence and in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. It will not be passed on to any other person or persons and any personal details you provide will not be used in any sales or marketing activity and no personally identifiable information will be passed onto the LEGO Group.
 
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

The survey is specifically tailored for American, German and Chinese LEGO enthusiasts, and is offered in the following languages: English, German, and Chinese (simplified). Please select your preferred language via the links below. Please note that the survey closes by 24th of February, midnight CET.

English: http://www.globaltestmarket.com/survey/s.phtml?sn=640888&lang=E&secid=548099

German: http://www.globaltestmarket.com/survey/s.phtml?sn=640886&lang=DE&secid=12da15

Chinese (simplified): http://www.globaltestmarket.com/survey/s.phtml?sn=640887&lang=CHM&secid=5da98f

THE SURVEY IS QUITE LENGTHY – WHY IS THAT?

The survey could take up to 30 minutes to complete. This is because we ask a lot of questions and because the questions we ask requires some consideration! We are aware that we ask a lot from you. Our hope is that by generating a rich data set we can generate a deep understanding of your preferences and wants when it comes to LEGO products, and that this in turn will enable the LEGO Group to serve you better.

I COMPLETED THE SURVEY – THEN WHAT?

In April 2019 we will be sharing key findings via the LEGO Ambassador Network and the recognized groups that belongs to the network so that we can collectively build an understanding of who LEGO enthusiasts are and what you are generally interested in.

Thank you for your participation,
The LEGO Group