A whimsical story that teaches children that being different is not a bad thing. Your child helps Terrance the Giraffe through a difficult time where he is teased for being different and at the end Terrance overcomes. A great personalized story to encourage children going through a challenging stage. It’s also a great story to encourage children not to tease of others. Promotes perseverance, confidence and sharing. Can be personalized with your child’s name on the cover.
Holiday Gift Guide
History Channel Launches Planet H Apps for Kids
History channel brings the past to television viewers with documentaries and interesting programs. Now they have developed Planet H, which takes kids into an animated world to discover the past in a new and fun way.
The first products from Planet H are a series of games for mobile devices.
Empire Run is a game in which kids race through several of the world’s great empires in this fast paced side-scrolling adventure! Kids collect coins, avoid artifacts, defeat enemies, and race their way through ancient empires. They take on the role of a local high school track star when he falls asleep cramming for a history test. Now, trapped in the dream world of history, he must use his quick reflexes to sprint across, over, and under obstacles in dynamic courses from five empires.
The eras involved in Empire Run are:
- Ancient Egypt
- Roman Empire
- Maya Empire
- Ming Dynasty
- Mughal Empire
Frontier Heroesis the second app from Planet H. Kids compete in mini-games throughout eras of American history. In Frontier Heroes kids test their skills and reflexes as they work their way through an illustrated version of American history, from pre-Colonial days through the California Gold Rush. They must complete era-specific challenges to unlock more exciting adventures, and collect “Did You Know?” coins to learn mind-blowing facts about the USA.
The eras involved in Frontier Heroes are:
- Early America
- The Colonies
- American Revolution
- The Frontier
- California Gold Rush
These apps are now available for $2.99 each on iOS®, Android™ and Kindle Fire platforms. A third game in this series will follow later this year, with additional releases in 2015.
These are fun ways for kids to actually explore history in a new and interesting way.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
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Sur.face Pro from BeautyBlender
This ingenious little item lets anyone become a makeup mixologist. Surface Pro is small, portable, and easy to use. It’s a handy item for anyone who uses makeup. There are six numbered wells, a spatula for blending, and a thumbhole to spin to let users access an individual well, as well as a palette on which you can customize your colors.
So, why is this a handy little unit? First of all, it allows users to blend foundations to create the perfect color for their skintone. Second, users can blend different eye cream shadows and lipstick shades for one-of-a-kind colors.
Those are the obvious uses for the Surface Pro. What else can you do? There are plenty of little tricks of the trade. For instance, have you thought of combining a lipstick color with a tiny bit of foundation to make a cream blush? Cream blushes look smoother than powder.
If you put Vaseline in the unit then add some powder shadow or blush you will have a custom lip tint. And speaking of lips, did you know that adding a drop of peppermint oil to lipgloss makes your lips look fuller? It’s instant plumping without the injections.
There are many more little tricks for makeup lovers, busy moms and business professionals. Personally, I have never thought of these before but there are some great tricks of the trade out there, and with the surface pro it’s now easy to take advantage of them.
The Surface Pro was designed to let users create their perfect foundation, however it does a lot more. This is a convenient way to also create customized lip, blush, and shadow colors. And don’t be afraid to combine oils, water, and other liquids to discover new and fun ways of using your makeup. After all, makeup costs a bundle so why not get the most out of it? Granted, this is not a product everyone will want, however if you’re busy or if you love to experiment and love makeup, this is for you. The Surface Pro lists for $40. Yes, that’s a lot, but for those who are really into makeup, it’s just a drop in the bucket.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
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WHOOSH! Screen Shine – Product Review
I have been staring at my computer screen for days looking at a little smudge on the right corner. iMacs, iPhones, and iPads are not inexpensive and should be taken care of the right way. I just discovered WHOOSH! Screen Shine, which is a new product safe for cleaning all screens and it’s even sold in the Apple stores, so you know it’s OK for your prized tech possessions.
WHOOSH! Screen Shine is the first non-toxic, fingerprint-resistant (how cool is that for iPads and iPhones?) cleaning product that’s safe for all screens.
That little smudge on my computer is now gone and the rest of the screen is bright, clear, shiny, and looks like new…literally! Whoosh did the trick.
To use this cleaner, simply spray some on the anti-microbial cloth, which is included in the kit. Then use the cloth to clean the screen. It doesn’t leave any harmful residue on the screen so you can feel good about your kids touching the freshly cleaned screens. It is non-toxic, alcohol free and ammonia free, doesn’t streak, and takes just a few seconds to clean any screen. What is really cool is that somehow they managed to make a solution that helps reduce fingerprints, so the clean screen lasts longer than just a few minutes.
After writing this review, and looking at my screen, I can honestly attest to the fact that my screen is shinier than I can remember. And who has a clean, iPhone these days that is void of annoying fingerprints?
Besides working well and doing a fabulous job of cleaning screens, another important element of this product is the non-toxicity. In a world where there are toxic cleaning solutions everywhere we turn, it is nice to know our hands, and those of our little ones, are touching something that won’t harm them. Void of chlorine, phosphates, and other potentially dangerous solvents, Whoosh! Screen Shine is odorless, streak free, and anti-static.
Find out more about this impressive and useful product at http://whooshscreenshine.com. It’s also available at the Apple stores and the Apple store website.
WHOOSH! Screen Shine comes in three sizes. You can purchase the On-the-Go pack which contains 1 fluid ounce of the product along with the special cleaning cloth, the Pocket packet, which contains .3 ounces and the cleaning cloth, and the Dui+ which contains one 3.4 ounce bottle as well as a .3 ounce bottle, and the cloth.
On a final note, I just have to say “Wow.” My screen is clean, shiny, and clear of fingerprints. Just like new. And, it is Made in the USA.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
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Dyson DC59 Motorhead Cordless Vacuum
The latest and greatest from Dyson is the New DC59 Motorhead cordless vacuum. With a new V6 digital motor in the cleaner head, it provides 75% more power than previous models.
This cordless machine works great on hard floors, but also just as well on carpets, which is something cordless vacuums usually are less efficient at doing. That makes the DC59 Motorhead the only vacuum necessary for many people. No longer do you need a cordless vacuum for your tile, hardwood, and linoleum, and an upright for your carpets. This one unit does it all without losing power.
Dyson has created a new color for their new machine. The lightweight aluminum wand is dark rose. It’s really an attractive color, but that’s incidental when it comes to this vacuum. What matters most is performance and ease of use.
The performance is great. Owner and vacuum guru James Dyson, said, “Existing cordless machines simply do not deliver on carpets. By putting a motor directly in the brush bar, we’re able to push bristles deeper into carpets for superior performance, while maintaining the versatility of a handheld machine.” And there is no slowing down while the unit is on. It maintains the power throughout its use, which is meant for approximately 24 minutes of continuous use. There is a Max Mode for more difficult areas. This mode supplies up to six minutes of added suction. It’s like putting the machine on steroids!
And switching the tools is easy. There is a crevice tool, a mini motorized tool, and a combination accessory tool. What is important to me as well as other allergy sufferers is the way it easily empties directly into a trashcan. No mess. No bags. Just click the button and release the dust. And there will definitely be a lot of dust. This powerful unit picks up even microscopic dust. Allergy sufferers take note. This is an important element to the vacuum. You will be breathing easier when the junk is out of your floors, upholstery, and other areas.
Besides using this with the long wand, it can be use as a small hand-held vacuum for stairs, cars, and other areas. It makes the perfect vacuum for an RV too! The DC59 Motorhead comes with a wall mounted docking station, which stores the unit and recharges the battery when not in use.
Dyson guarantees the DC59 Motorhead for 2 years parts and labor. Register your unit when you get it to activate your warranty.
The DC59 Motorhead is a vacuum that even youngsters can use. Just detach the vacuum from the dock and hand it to your youngster. Tell them to “Suck it up!” It’s easy and cordless. And, they might even enjoy doing some housework. Now that’s a great idea.
On a personal note, I am sold on Dyson products. I feel they are well made and durable. I do not hesitate recommending this new DC59 Motorhead to anyone in need of a new vacuum. With the lightweight versatility of the unit, and the length of the wand, it’s easy to clean up high as well as down low. With a weight of under 5 pounds, it’s easy to hold and maneuver.
For more information about this latest and greatest cordless vacuum from Dyson, go to their website at www.Dyson.com.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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NutriSystem’s Fast Five
For years I’ve been seeing ads on TV and in magazines for weight loss programs. Marie Osmond has been touting the benefits of NutriSystem and her 50-pound weight loss. She has also told us through the years how good and tasty the food really is.
The skeptic in me decided to finally give it a try with the new Fast Five system. The Fast Five includes seven EnergiZING shakes, seven Craving Crusher shakes, seven breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
The EnergiZING shakes are supposed to rev up your system. They are full of caffeine and green tea extract, as well as calcium and B vitamins. The chocolate is delicious however it did leave me with an aftertaste that was easily remedied by brushing my teeth. It was easy to make. Although the instructions say to shake it, I blended it in my blender with water and ice. And I looked forward to mid-morning when I could drink my shake. The rest of the day I did feel like I had more energy and was able to get through the day without feeling tired or needing a rest. I found my concentration was improved as well. Because of many health issues, I cannot exercise like most people. My body just cannot do it. So, add that to the menopause years and my metabolism has hit rock bottom. I believe the EnergiZING shakes have definitely jump-started my metabolism.
The Craving Crusher Shakes are made the same as the EnergiZING shakes – with water and some ice, and are filled with fiber, vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. They are meant to keep you feeling full. I blended my chocolate shake with a half of a banana and I have to say, it was the best chocolate-banana shake I have had in a long time. It was delicious.
The rest of the program consists of the pre-measured, pre-made meals. There are bars, pizzas, pastas, and other options from which to choose. While I have my favorites among them, I will admit that every one tasted pretty darn good.
So, the bottom line, which you are probably wondering about now, did I lose 5 pounds? No. I lost 4 pounds in the week, which is still pretty good. And I have turned several people onto this program. I honestly do not have 50 pounds to lose, or even 20, but I do want to eat healthier. I now have a healthier diet and feel better. Sure, there are some times when I feel a little hungry. After all, the portions of the meals are quite small. But on the whole, I can honestly recommend this program. The counselors are available to assist you with your diet and questions via live chat on the computer or on the phone.
Because I periodically interview celebrities, I always want to look my best. I undertook the NutriSystem Fast Five program to start a healthier diet. I also wanted to see if the claims were honest. Four pounds in one week is pretty darn good, and I will be ordering more of those delicious shakes and meals. So, if you are wondering if the new Fast 5 program works, give it a try. You might lose 5 pounds. But even if you lose 4 pounds, like I did, it’s still a healthy way to jump-start your weight loss program.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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BabyFirst U-verse App
Babies now have an app that interacts with the television on U-Verse via an iPhone or iPad. Before you stop reading this review because you don’t have U-Verse in your house, wait. The app is just as fun without a connection to the TV.
Did you know 97% of American babies under age 3 views TV regularly? The caliber of shows dedicated to young viewers has greatly improved since my time.
The BabyFirst channel is a fun place for babies to learn and begin understanding the little things in life. Music, colors, animals, drawings and other fun objects entertain young minds… very young minds. However (on a personal note) I admit to turning on the channel late at night to unwind and relax with the soothing music and interesting visuals before going to sleep!
There are several apps from BabyFirst, however this new one is designed specifically to interact with AT&T’s U-verse system. With a touch of a button, babies (and parents) can see their activities on the TV screen, while working with them on their iPhone or iPad. How cool is that?
BabyFirst is a baby-focused media company dedicated solely to delivering content for babies and their parents/caregivers. The app lets babies play with colors, shapes, and animals and by doing so it develops hand-eye coordination.
Watch the video to see what this app can do.
Again, if you don’t have the U-verse system in your house, this free app is still a good one. You won’t be able to put your activities on the TV, but there are some great things for babies to do, including working with colors and shapes.
If you have DISH, BabyFirst is available on channel 823.
The AT&T BabyFirst’s U-verse App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad or at www.AppStore.com.
For more information go to their website at www.babyfirsttv.com.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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New Costa Sunglasses for Women
Just in time for Spring/Summer, Costa has come out with three great new styles for women. Blenny, Isla, and Goby are fresh styles that not only protect eyes and make vision clearer, they also add fashion to your face.
These new styles are available in a variety of frame and lens colors. As a die-hard Costa wearer, I prefer the grey lenses, however every person has his/her own preference.
The Blenny would definitely be on Jackie O’s shopping list. This style has a large – but not too large – round frame. Like the other styles, there are no-slip nose pads and flexible spring hinges. What caught my eye, besides the great style, is the stainless steel plaque on the earpieces. The flat stainless is set off by a polished “C”, which makes it look like a high-fashion designer pair of sunglasses.
Blenny is comfortable and stylish, as well as functional. While many people prefer style to function, with the Blenny you can have both. Costa sunglasses are built for performance. The fact that the styles can match fashion glasses is incredible.
They have a patented 580 lens that blocks yellow and blue light making colors sharper and vision clearer. And their lenses are 100% polarized, which is something I demand in my sunglasses. Once you wear a pair of polarized lenses, you won’t go back to non-polarized. The glare is gone as is the eye-strain. And finally, Costa lenses block 100% of UV rays.
When you have a pair of Costa sunglasses on, you will forget they are there. They are comfortable, lightweight, stylish, and provide protection for your eyes. I don’t know about you, but my eyes are very important to me. And I can honestly say that I prefer Costa sunglasses to any other brand. And now with these new styles for women, there’s no excuse for women not to get a pair of sunglasses that add protection for eyes.
In the summer many of us are out in the water and spend more time outside. The glare will be greatly reduced and your eyes will feel comfortable with these glasses. They take eye protection far beyond simply polarization. Jackie O didn’t have all this eye protection in her day. Sure, she had great looking sunglasses, but no eye protection. Today, thanks to Costa, you can have both.
Check out their website (www.costadelmar.com) for the latest models, specifically their new glasses designed for women: Goby, Isla, and Blenny. You’re able to design the pair of sunglasses you want by selecting the lens and frame colors.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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It’s a Small World Animator’s Collection Dolls
You either love it or you hate it. The song is either endearing or annoying. If you are in the category of loving the Disney ride “It’s a Small World” and you find the tune delightful and upbeat, then this new product is for you. From the wonderful folks at Disney comes the Animator’s Collection It’s a Small World Dolls. Can you say ‘precious’?
These dolls are inspired by the original popular attraction in Fantasyland. Legendary Disney artist Mary Blair’s illustrations were the inspiration for the designers at the Disney Store team when they set out to create these new dolls. They look just like you plucked them out of the ride.
The dolls sing a verse from the song “It’s a Small World,” in English and then in their native language. If you cannot take the song one more minute, don’t fret. There is a switch to turn off the music. That way everyone can enjoy the delightful little doll who represents a culture all her own and if someone simply cannot take one more verse of that song, they don’t have to. Yes, I know there are those who simply detest this song. Perhaps it is because it’s been around a long time. In any case, it is part of this adorable new series of dolls and the song can be played whenever you want.
After extensive research, the creative team settled on these seven dolls: Japan, Africa, India, France, UK, Holland, and Hawaii. There are plans to add more countries in the future. Besides these sweet little singing dolls, there are four plus animals to round out the Small World assortment of toys: a Panda, a Jaguar, a Hippo, and a Poodle. The plush animals help compliment the international feeling of the dolls.
The dolls themselves are created for ages 3 and above. They stand about 16 inches high and are made from a hard vinyl. The arms, legs, and necks are articulated so they can be posed in many positions. They can stand on their own or you can purchase doll stands if you feel more secure about that.
The Dolls
The Japanese doll is dressed in a beautiful kimono with an obi and wears a pair of wooden sandals. The African doll wears a tribal outfit with beads. The Indian doll wears a pink sari with a beautiful head veil and beads. The lovely French doll wears feathers on her head and is dressed in a cute little dancing dress ala a French nightclub. The British doll is dressed like a miniature palace guard, or Beefeater. The Dutch doll wears wooden shoes and a traditional Dutch outfit and hat. And the Hawaiian doll has a grass skirt, a yellow top, and a large Aloha lei around her neck. And they all have sweet and irresistible smiles. I dare you to look at them and not have a smile or a grin. They bring out the happy child in all of us.
Push their tummies and they sing, “It’s a small world after all…” Push again and the song is in their native language.
They are all so adorable, it might be difficult to select only one. While at D23, I heard many people ordering the entire set. It’s up to you. If you have a special country you want to highlight, or just like a particular costume, then that is the doll for you. Whichever you select, you will be happy with the craftsmanship and the story of love each doll brings with it.
The Story of It’s a Small World
The ride was originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The Sherman brothers wrote the iconic song.
This exhibition/ride was “A salute to the children of the world.” The attraction was extremely popular. It soon became a destination for visitors at Disneyland, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
In 2008 the attraction was closed for refurbishment. When it reopened, all the magic and love it originally brought to millions of guests was enhanced by additional characters…Disney characters. Look closely and you’ll see one or your favorite Disney character alongside some of the other children of the world.
While the dolls in the ride are animatronic, the dolls in this new Animators Collection are not as sophisticated. They do sing, when their button is pushed (and you can turn the switch so they don’t sing), but these dolls are meant to be held, loved, and admired in your own home.
It’s a Small World Animator’s Collection
It’s a Small World Animator’s Collection Dolls list for $29.95 each and are available in Disney Stores and DisneyStore.com.
Which one will you chose? They each bring a loving spirit to any home and will be a special treat this holiday season. “It’s a small world after all!” Do you think we should send these dolls to the World Leaders? Perhaps they never got the message.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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The New Dyson Cool Fans
Perhaps you’ve seen these fans in stores or even on television shows. They are becoming quite popular and for good reason. The Dyson Cool fan is an effective as well as safe way to cool a room and now the new Dyson Cool is even quieter than the previous models. As a matter of fact, The Noise Abatement Society awarded their “Quiet Mark” to the new Air Multiplier technology used in the new generation of Dyson fans. In these days of being bombarded everywhere with noise, the quieter a fan is, the better. Face it, everywhere you go people are talking on their phones, cars are roaring down the street, and radios are blasting. The last thing we need is a noisy fan. But what we do need is a fan that works. And this Dyson Cool is both quiet while providing a steady stream of cool air. Summer is coming, so this is the perfect time to start thinking about ways to cool off.
With no blades or wire cages to catch little fingers, the Dyson Cool fan looks like it came off the Star Trek Enterprise. It consists of a base and a top. The top is a technically advanced way of collecting air and channeling through the aperture to then blow out, or project, a powerful high velocity airflow. That’s as technical as I can get, but the 65 engineers who worked on this product figured out a way to make this space-age machine work even better than the fans we are used to.
This fan is easy to use. There is a small remote control which you can keep next to you and when you need some air, just push the button. I keep mine on my desk and the fan is across the room. When the room gets stuffy or warm, I just press the button and in a moment I am cooled down, without the noise of whirring or blowing. It is not absolutely silent, but it sure is quieter than any other fan I have ever used.
What is cool (excuse the pun) about this product is the design. It can fit into any environment and looks like a piece of art. Really. And with no blades to clean, it is easier to manage. It was always a nuisance to stick my hands through the grill of my old fan to dust off the blades. With this unit just take a cloth and gently wipe around the aperture.
The safety issue of this product is something families with young kids should keep in mind. Without blades, little hands and fingers will stay safe.
In these days, when we are all trying to save money and electricity when the power grids are running low, it makes sense to turn off air conditioners and cool the one room in which we all gather. That is usually the room with the television, or the kitchen. Why not set up the Dyson Cool and use that instead of running the a/c? Once you try it you will see how powerful this little unit really is. It is truly energy-efficient. And, it has a timer so it can be set to turn off after preset intervals.
As someone who continually receives products to test, I can in all honesty say this is one item I will be using. Why do I like it so much? Because it is aesthetically beautiful, it is the safest fan I have ever used, it is quieter than any other fan I have used, It is easy to clean, I trust the Dyson name, and it does a great job. No, I am not being paid by Dyson to write this. I honestly feel it is a wonderful and useful product.
This new Dyson Cool fan is available in three color combinations: iron/blue, black/nickel/ and white/silver. There are several sizes, which range in price from $299.99 to $449.99. Check out the Dyson.com website to select the perfect fan for your needs.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 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, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
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