Author: Francine Brokaw

Bogie’s are great for Easter Baskets and make “just because” gifts

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Although they technically came out around Christmas time, the adorable plush Bogie characters are just the right size to put in an Easter Basket.  They are soft, colorful, and each face has a different expression.

Just looking at them puts a smile on your face. They’re filled with love for anyone who has them.

The red Bogie has a red heart on her stomach, a red tail, and a sweet smile on her face. She’s almost saying, “I love you.”  The blue one has a blue heart and blue fluffy tail while his expression is one of confusion, wondering if anyone will give him a loving home. “Please love me.”

The pink Bogie has a pink heart on her stomach, a pink striped tail, and a wide-eyed look of love. “Let’s have a great day today.” And the yellow Bogie  has a yellow heart on her stomach, a yellow and white striped tail, and a little mischievous expression wondering ”What are we going to do today?”

These little guys are soft and adorable. They make great friends and as mentioned above, are just the right size to put in an Easter basket for something special.

Or, if you don’t use them in an Easter basket, they are fun to have on hand whenever you need a little something extra for your child who might be having a bad day. They are instant pick-me-ups.

Measuring about four inches tall and with their tail spread out, they are about eleven inches long however their tails can be shaped to wrap around the bodies or simply piled up to create a different look.  

Bogies are just the right size for little hands, plus they are filled with love for kids and adults. And they can be fun to place around the house to add a little bit of charm anywhere they are placed.

So whether you want to add a special treat to an Easter basket this year or simply have some fun with these little plushies who are filled with expressions to adore, Bogies fit the bill. And, as many parents do, they put trinkets aside for a special treat or an extra present. Whatever you decide to do with your Bogie, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years, including reviews of products, books, and also travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA

Note: These items were sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.

Photo credit: Francine Brokaw

 

Toothbrush Toys make brushing fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Toothbrush Toys make brushing a fun experience while teaching kids oral hygiene.  They come with an additional brush head, and when the brush is removed kids have a fun little toy to play with.

By changing an ordinary – but necessary – daily task into something fun and adventurous, Toothbrush Toys make brushing a fun experience.

With a variety of fun characters, kids look forward to brushing their teeth, not only due to the cute characters, but also the stories that come along with the brushes. We all know that brushing for 2 minutes minimum is optimal for good oral hygiene. Who knows when two minutes are up? Let’s face it, kids rarely look at the clock when they brush their teeth.

With specially designed stories to go along with the characters, kids can enjoy the stories while they brush, and the stories are each designed to last about 2 minutes. That definitely takes the guess work out of how long your kids are brushing.

By starting kids brushing correctly while they are young, their habits will remain for them the rest of their lives (hopefully). Yes, brushing is mundane, even with a cute character to hold while cleaning teeth. But with the addition of two-minute stories, brush time goes quickly and before they know it their duty is done!

So, what kinds of characters will interest your kids?:

  • Princess Pearly Whites sports a big, bright white smile.
  • Brushy the Brushasaurus is a green dinosaur with a wide toothy grin.
  • Chompers the Shark shows off his white pointy teeth.
  • Petey the Puppy is tan with a sweet expression.
  • Captain Cavity sports a blue suit and blue mask to remind kids they must brush their teeth.
  • Aqua the Mermaid shows off her happy smile. ($22.95)

Each of these kits comes with a spare tooth brush and replacement brush packets are available with three brushes each (10.95). There is also a two-minute timer for an additional purchase ($12.95).

Also available are little adventure books to go along with the stories so kids can read while brushing. Combinations of brushes and subscriptions are available at the website.
Put a tablet next to the sink and select which animated story to watch during the two minutes of brushing. It’s a fun way to add some whimsy to the everyday routine. Just go to the animations site on the webpage for this fun option.

For kids that don’t want to hear the story, the timer lights up and plays music to accompany brushing and turns off after 2 minutes. Personally, I think this is a good idea for adults too!!!!

Toothbrush Toys are a fun addition to an Easter Basket this year. After all, with all that Easter candy, kids definitely need to be reminded to brush their teeth and this is a good time to start good oral hygiene habits.

Click the link below to hear the timer and see the lights.

https://youtube.com/shorts/njxXwGCJuMg?feature=share

About the Reviewer

 

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years, including reviews of products, books, and also travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA

Note: These items were sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.

Photo credit: Francine Brokaw

 

Disney Easter Plush for 2025

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It is Easter time and time for more fun with Disney characters. This year the folks at Disney have clothed Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, and Angel in pastel plush that is absolutely gorgeous.

Mickey and Minnie can stand if propped up and can sit with ease, while Stitch and Angel sit on all fours.

Stitch and Angel sit about 14 inches high while Mickey and Minnie when standing propped up are about 19  inches high and when seated are about 13 inches up to their ears.

Their ears do have a small piece of plastic inside in order to adjust a little however I doubt it is hard enough to cause any damage to little ones. Also, they are encased in the soft plush anyway.

Their bodies are pastel plush, so there is nothing to remove. They also have little cotton tails to make them true Easter bunnies.

There are countless ways to enjoy these fellows. First, they are simply great companions and bedtime friends for little kids – of all ages, hmm hmm.  Second, they make great decorations to brighten up your house and prepare it for the Easter season.


Third, they are fun to put into an Easter basket for a little extra treat. And they are also memorable keepsakes for collectors.

The hardest part about these plushies is deciding which one (s) to get. Perhaps Mickey and Minnie, Stitch and Angel, Mickey and Stitch, Angel and Minnie, or all four!!!!

They are soft, cuddly and easy to hold. Stitch and Angel are plumper than Mickey and Minnie, however they are all easy to hug and definitely love.

 

Just looking at them brightens up any mood, so just think what they will do for your house. Any Disney fan will be delighted to add these to their collection or just give as a fun or special treat to anyone in need of extra love. And many times we just need a little something to help up through a bad time.

Thank you to the Disney Store for providing these four plushies to me (without any restrictions on my comments). There’s nothing bad I can say about these fellows. They are well made, cuddly, cute, and put a smile on my face as soon as I opened the box. Thank you Disney! You know me. I am a true Disney girl.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Note: These plushes were sent to me with no expectations.

Photo credit: Francine Brokaw

‘The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie’ opens in theaters

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Porky Pig and Daffy Duck star in this new Looney Tunes feature length movie. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is a buddy movie with the two characters joining together to save the planet.

At the beginning of the film the story looks back to the origin of these two characters. These two orphan farm animals were saved by Farmer Jim who cared for them and brought them up as his own family. When it was time for his demise he left them with the knowledge that as long as they stuck together they would be all right. He also instructed them to look after their house.

When the house needs fixing to pass inspection, Porky and Daffy take jobs at the local bubble-gum factory to earn enough money to fix their home. They meet Petunia Pig, a flavor master at the factory who is always in search of new flavors for the gum.

Then the duo discover an alien mind-control plot that would turn everyone into zombies when chewing the gum. This particular gum has very strange repercussions and Porky and Daffy think it is going to be used to end the world.

So, what do our two intrepid buddies do? They end up saving the planet only to learn that an asteroid is on a collision course with Earth and the plot they thwarted was actually going to save the world from the asteroid.

So now they have to help the alien, a scientist, and Petunia develop another plan to save the planet.


The movie is filled with plenty of antics from our two stars. Perhaps the best part of the story, besides the duo saving the world, is their close bond. They look out for each other as true brothers would. And they always remember what Farmer Jim told them: If they stick together they will be all right.

This is a true buddy movie, albeit animated and with a lot of whacky scenes. But the love the two have for each other is at the heart of the story. Yes, they often get on each others’ nerves, but in the end it is their close bond that sees them through all the ups and downs and together they know they can face anything that comes along.

This hand-drawn animated movie reflects the old animation films from the past. It’s not filled with CGI. Instead it is filled with great animation and two intrepid characters.

It is nice to see the two back on the big screen. It’s also interesting to know their back story and how they ended up together. 

This is a true buddy film for kids and families. It’s a colorful and emotional sci-fi action adventure story

The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie opens in theaters March 14, 2025. It is rated PG for cartoon violence/action and rude/suggestive humor.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

 

Images courtesy and used with the approval of Ketchup Entertainment / Warner Brothers Animation

Food at Disneyland’s Season of the Force – yum

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For anyone going to this year’s Season of the Force at Disneyland, there are plenty of options to whet your appetite and add to the enjoyment of the event.

To check out everything  guests will be able to eat and drink, check out the Foodie Guide. It’s filled with all the delicious and decorative items available during The Season of the Force which runs from March 28-May 11, 2025.

And for more info about this Star Wars experience, read our overview.

Images supplied courtesy Disneyland

The Love Club Moms movie series is delightful viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Love Club Moms is a series of four movies about a group of women who decide to help each other with their love lives. Each episode delves into the dating situation – or lack thereof – with a different woman. The movies each begin with basically the same scene, but from each woman’s perspective. This is when they become The Love Club.


The Love Club Moms: Tory

The first movie focuses on Tory, a publishing dynamo whose dating life just hit the skids when she adopted a baby girl. While interviewing for nannies to help while she is at work, Finn (Ryan Bruce) enters the picture.
Finn is a writer who wants his manuscript in the hands of a good publisher. He decides to go to Tory’s house and personally hand it to her but gets sidelined when he is thought to be interviewing for the position of nanny – or manny. This could be the “in” he needs to get his book published.

While Tory is dating another editor, the other Love Club Moms – Jo (Rebecca Dalton), Harper (Genelle Williams), and Nila (Nannten Contractor) – see how great she and Finn relate to each other. And Finn is delighted with the baby who adores him.

Through some crafty planning, they manage to derail Tory’s relationship with her coworker and set her and Finn on the path to true love.

The Love Club Moms: Jo

Jo just became the principal at the elementary school. With this comes great responsibility and maybe a problem in her personal life. She and Bernie, the French teacher, begin dating but her feelings are not what they should be when it comes to this relationship, especially when her high school sweetheart reenters her life.

Ryan and his son Simon just moved back to his hometown. Simon is having trouble adjusting to his new school and gets sent to the principal’s office over and over so Jo calls in his father for a consultation. When she realizes his father is her old boyfriend Ryan (Corey Sevier) and learns about their move back to town, she eases up on the boy.

When Jo goes to get the marriage license after Bernie proposes, she discovers she and Ryan are still married. They had impulsively wed in their young years and the marriage is still viable.

The Love Club Moms can tell there is still a spark between Ryan and Jo. True to form, they do whatever they can to get the two together. After all, they are still married and the love that Jo professes to have died years ago is still very much alive.

The Love Club Moms: Harper

Harper is a tough woman who prides herself on getting things done. When Colin (M. Mark Taylor), a single dad, recruits her to help with his campaign for the local city council, she is eager to join the campaign. She has a lot of ideas which Colin could implement should he be elected. But when Colin publicly takes credit for something Harper did, she decides to run against him.
The two candidates join forced to save a local park, yet they are still rivals in the election. And Harper gets what she sets out to get.

During this election cycle The Love Club women see the attraction between the two candidates. And, yes, they set out to bring them together. Some of their tactics might be a little unorthodox, but they only have Harper’s best interests at heart.

The Love Club Moms: Nila

Nila is having a hard time getting back into the dating scene even though her husband has been dead for three years. Her daughter sets her up on a dating app, to Nila’s chagrin.

Uneasy about meeting a stranger, the Love Club takes her to a coffee shop which would be a good neutral setting. And one of the owners, Olly (Joseph Cannata) assures her he will be her wingman so if she is uncomfortable with the date he’ll get her out of it.

Olly is also dealing with a relationship issue. His former girlfriend keeps reentering his life. 

Nila and Olly come up with a plan to appease their friends families. They decide to pretend to be a couple which would get Nila’s teenage daughter off her back and Olly’s ex might be jealous enough to come back to him for good.
While they are pretending to date they discover they actually enjoy each other’s company. In comes The Love Club. They do their thing and eventually get Nila and Olly to declare their true feelings for each other.

The Love Club Moms is a cute series of movies. They are simple but enjoyable. And the women have great jobs, wardrobes and all the homes are beautiful. What else could you ask for on a weekend binging fest? The films are available to stream on UP Faith and Family.

 
About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images are courtesy UP Faith and Family and used with permission

‘Sisterhood, Inc.’ is about sibling bonding and embracing differences

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Now streaming on Hallmark Plus, Sisterhood, Inc. embraces the nuances of siblings with the emphasis on being oneself.

Rachael Leigh Cook stars as Megan, a no-holes-barred corporate guru who has just been fired from the company she founded. Daniella Monet is Izzy, Megan’s younger sister who is about to turn 30 yet is still under the watchful thumb of their mother Lois (Judy Kain).

While Megan is tough, business minded, and very smart, Izzy is a free-spirited joyful young woman with no sense of style or any idea of what she will do with the rest of her life.

After Megan lectures Izzy telling her it’s time she moves out of their parents’ house and starts being an independent woman, Izzy decides to make the change. She asks Megan for help, which Megan does to the extreme.

Being the tough businesswoman she is, Megan puts together a “board of directors” to oversee all aspects of Izzy’s new life. Among the directors is Dominic (Leonidas Gulaptis), a psychology professor at the local college. 

Izzy welcomes the help of the board and Megan decides to take this concept to the next level and sell the idea to a technology guru. But while she is in negotiations and Izzy’s life is changing, things also change between the sisters. This is the first time in their lives the two have bonded and they both enjoy their sisterhood. 

Meanwhile, Dominic wonders if Megan is pushing her sister too hard and changing everything about her to the degree that although Izzy is becoming a successful and independent woman, she does not seem to be the happy woman he first met.

Izzy’s life is now structured, she had a good job, a nice wardrobe, and a successful yet domineering boyfriend. Her chaotic bohemian life of the past is gone. But she is not happy with her new life and Megan finally realizes that her sister just needs to be the person she is. What makes Megan happy is not necessarily what makes Izzy happy.

Izzy finally begins to turn her life around on her own terms and Megan finally begins to live her life without being completely structured. 

While the sisters have found their way back in each other’s lives Megan also finds her way into the arms of Dominic. After all, this is a Hallmark show, and with that you get happy endings all around.

Sisterhood, Inc. is now streaming on Hallmark Plus. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark Media

Peppa Pig is going to be a big sister again!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hot off the press……..

The Pig family will be announcing a new addition on March 31, 2025.  The birth date and gender is a surprise and these questions will play out through the episodes, which are on Nickelodeon.

So watch for this big announcement and see how Peppa and the family adjust to becoming a family of five.  IT’s an exciting time for them all

2025 Disneyland Food and Wine Festival

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The mouth-watering festival is back at Disneyland Resort. Disney California Adventure is filled with food, beverages, and wine of all kinds. This is one event many people plan their itineraries around as it offers a wide variety of options to try from the talented chefs at the resort.

Sip and Savor Pass

Returning is the Sip and Savor Pass which allows guests to sample various delicacies throughout the park. The kiosks are all different and if guests cannot find something they want to try via the pass, there are still many great offerings at the restaurants throughout the park.

The Sip and Savor pass comes in two options. For $63.00 guests get eight items and for $32.00 they get four items. With plenty of choices it’s fun to share the passes with friends to get more samples and savor more food and beverages. They are not specific to the kiosks. Several items from the pass are available at restaurants and food services throughout the park. 

Don’t forget to pick up a Festival Guide even if you don’t purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. It will explain where and what festival items are available throughout the park. Guests are able to purchase individual items even if they do not purchase a pass.

Activities 

Besides the food – and wine! – there are activities designed especially for the little ones. After all, they cannot take advantage of the many varieties of wines but they can definitely enjoy some special fun.

The Jammin’ Chefs, a favorite street show among youngsters, is back with plenty of fun and music. It’s here were kids can enjoy the antics of some of their favorite Disney characters as they assist the chefs in creating specialties. Songs and dancing bring out the joy of spending time with the chefs as they entertain the crowds with the assistance of Chip, Dale, Daisy, and other Disney pals.

Also returning is the Confection Perfection with the Super Kitties where kids can design their own cupcakes under the watchful eyes of the Super Kitties.  It’s always a treat – no pun intended – for the kiddies to be with the kitties – pun intended.  This activity is for ages 3-11. Signup is 45 minutes before each show so check the Disneyland app for dates and times.

And for a souvenir of this event, check out all the special merchandise created just for the Food and Wine festival. Yes, they do have a special set of ears just for this event.

 

 

 

 

So, you’re probably wondering what we tasted on our special day at the festival. Here is our list:

  • Corn Chip Chili Pie made with IMPOSSIBLE Beef (A)
  • Cherry Cobbler Pot de Crème (A+)
  • Birria Mac & Cheese (A)
  • Sirloin Gruyére Mac & Cheese (A)
  • Huckleberry-Citrus Cooler (A+)
  • Mickey-Shaped Macaron with Snickers pieces (A)
  • Coffee Bundt Cake (A+)
  • Mango- Guava Cocktail (A+)
  • Western BBQ Burger Bao (B)
  • Sloppy Joe Slider made with IMPOSSIBLE Beef (A++)

And that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the different items this year.

Check out the Disney Foodie Guide for more information.

The Food and Wine Festival is going strong now through April 21, 2025. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘A Complete Unknown’ takes viewers back to the 1960s

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


A Complete Unknown delves into the life and times of Bob Dylan. The film is filled with music from the early 1960s, mainly focusing on folk music of the time.

Timothé Chalamet stars as Dylan and portrays him with the style and attitude of the songwriter/musician. His performance will have viewers believing he is Bob Dylan.

The movie begins with Dylan coming to New York City to meet his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) who is in the hospital suffering with Huntington’s disease. It’s there where he also meets Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) who is impressed with the young man and brings him into his home.

Seeger than acts as a mentor to Dylan, who is only 19-years old at the time. His talent impresses both Seeger and Guthrie. 

Dylan then meets Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) who has a challenging relationship with him through the years. Even while Dylan is in a relationship with Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), he carries on with Baez.

Seeger and the “folk music” gang in Greenwich Village are a close group and support each other in every endeavor. And Seeger along with some others began the Newport Folk Festival where they all performed their songs for an increasing number of fans as the festival grew through the years.

When Dylan grew tired of playing his same songs he felt trapped and took a different direction. He added an electric guitar to his repertoire, which to some faithful folk fans was a no-no. But Dylan was a rebel and his last performance a Newport was legendary in the music business. The crowd was not happy with his new direction but slowly warmed to his new sound.

The meteoric rise of Bob Dylan and his relationship with other musicians of the time plays out against the backdrop of the music and feelings of the early 1960s.

Photo by Macall Polay, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

Dylan was not the only rebel in the group. Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook) encouraged him to sing with his heart and the true folk music that began his career soon morphed into a new sound.

Bonus features on the digital and Blu-ray/4K/DVDs include several aspects of making the film. They actually filmed it on location in New Jersey as that provided a more realistic representation of NYC in the 1960s. Another fun fact is that Dylan had an insert sewn into the legs of his Levis jeans to make room for his boots. As they say, he might have started the bell-bottom fad of the time. 

For fans of the moody, sullen Bob Dylan and the beginning of the folk era, this is a film to watch.

The movie is rated R for language. Plus there is a lot – and I do mean a lot – of smoking. But this is an accurate representation of the time.

A Complete Unknown is now available on Digital and will be available on discs April 7, 2025.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy Searchlight Pictures