PAW Patrol is an entertaining and popular show for preschoolers on Nick Jr. There are plenty of great products that bring the fun of the PAW Patrol home to your house and provide hours of activities for kids. Imaginations run wild with these products and the latest, the PAW Patrol Mighty Lookout Tower, doesn’t disappoint.

The unit takes a little time and effort to assemble – parents need to do this – but once it is up and the batteries (not included) are inserted, the lights and sounds make it even more exciting for little kids. The PAW Patrol Mighty Lookout Tower comes with one dog (Chase) and one vehicle (Chase’s Police Truck) however there are plenty more to purchase separately and when they are all together, the tower is even more fun to play with and more adventures to create.

There are buttons to push, an elevator, a zip line, lights, music, slides, and so many ways in which to play with this one toy. The fun this unit creates is only limited by imagination. Kids will definitely make up their own scenarios to go along with all the activities in the tower.

With the addition of other pups, vehicles, and even other products like the PAW Patrol Super PAWs Mighty Jet Command Center, playing with the pups is an all day adventure.

The PAW Patrol Mighty Lookout Tower is one of the featured products from Nickelodeon for the 2019 holiday season. It’s the perfect gift for kids who enjoy the hit TV show on Nick Jr.Bring home the Mighty Lookout Tower and let the fun begin!

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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. Follow her on Twitter.

 

The new Midnight Masquerade series is coming soon. These collectible figures will be released over a period of time, however they are all going to be available before the holidays. Each doll is a limited edition.

 

The dolls are all decked out in their finest attire and ready for a masquerade ball. With their signature colors, they are exactly what collectors have been clamoring for.

 

The first release is Esmerelda on October 5. She is from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. With a somewhat darker skintone, Esmerelda wears a beautiful gypsy style gown of red and purple. And, like the series name implies, she has a gold mask for the Masquerade party. Esmerelda is limited to 5,200 units.

 

On October 12 Belle joins the party. She is decked out in a beautiful gold and black gown and has an ornate gold tone mask. Belle is limited to 5,800 units.

And on October 19 Cinderella enters the group. She wears a light blue ball gown with a dark blue cape. Her silver tone mask matches the embroidered designs on her gown and cape. Cinderella is a limited edition of 5600.

Next on the schedule is Megara who comes out October 26. Megara, aka Meg, is from Hercules. Her gown is done in shades of purple. And on November 2 Rapunzel rounds out the series. Rapunzel’s gown is shades of red and rose.

These five dolls each come beautifully packaged in a display box fitting the occasion. The designs are exquisite and definitely add glamour to any collection.

These dolls were revealed at the 2019 D23 Expo and 400 enthusiastic guests were able to preorder the set. The Midnight Masquerade Doll collection was one of the highlights of the new merchandise at the Expo. These dolls are beautiful. The entire set looks great together, however if you cannot afford them all, select the character, dress, or color you prefer and proudly display her anywhere in your house.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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. Follow her on Twitter.

They don’t make them like they used to! In the 1960s the songs had great melodies and memorable lyrics. If you’ve seen the latest infomercial from TimeLife, you know this compilation of songs is a “must have,” especially for Baby Boomers. “Greatest Love Songs of the ‘60s” is filled with songs that will bring back memories, put a smile on your face, and maybe a tear in your eyes.

When I first opened this box that was sent to me by TimeLife, I couldn’t believe all the songs included in this one set: 9 CDs and 155 songs all in one box. And to make this even better, every one of these songs are winners! They are all wonderful. I don’t know how TimeLife selects their songs, but in this case they did a fantastic job of collecting songs from a variety of singers and groups.

The Association, The Supremes, The 5^thDimension, Dusty Springfield, The Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Hall & Oats, Roberta Flack, Bread, and so many more artists are included. The songs range from upbeat love songs, (“Wouldn’t it be Nice,” “Georgy Girl,” “Chapel of Love”) to more soulful sounds (“Try a Little Tenderness,” “Walk on By,” “The End of the World,” “Our Day will Come”) and so many more.

It would take up too much room to list the entire playlist but take it from me they are discs you will play everywhere – in your car, while making dinner, in the evening by the fire, or just when you want to sit and relax with good music from the past that does not have profanity or hate or violence. These songs are beautiful, some are really fun and some are very tender.

The ninth CD is a collection of “Motown’s Greatest Love Songs” from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and others. “My Girl,” “You’re My Everything,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “The Tracks of my Tears,” and more make up this disc.

Also included in the box is a booklet detailing the various artists and songs.

Think about all the hours you spend in your car. Make that time go faster with these discs.

There is a deluxe version with additional discs, however I was sent the original box with the nine discs. There are plenty of hours of great music with these 155 songs, however if you do decide to upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, that includes 305 songs.

Go to the TimeLife website for more information and to order. This collection is one of the best compilations I have heard in many years.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about music, books, products, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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. Follow her on Twitter

Last year Disney introduced their Disney Animators’ Collection Origins Series of dolls depicting their beloved characters as babies. Their latest release is Moana, and she will make everyone smile when they set their eyes on this adorable doll.

Moana sits at nine inches high and her total height when her legs are not bent is 12 inches. She has rooted black curly hair and wears her classic island-inspired top and diapers made of faux suade. This little girl comes with her own blanket, also in an island pattern, and she has a shell rattle. Her body is soft and her arms, legs, and head are plastic and brown in color to match her stuffed polyester body.

The best part about this loveable little girl is her sweet expression. She looks exactly like the little Moana in the movie. She is curious, excited, and happy. She is definitely a doll that will be loved, hugged, and carried everywhere. Oh, and collectors will be delighted to display her either in her original box or out of the box on a shelf or even on a bed. Yes, she’s that cute.

The Disney Animators’ Collection Origins Series is designed for ages 2 and up. They are the perfect size for little hands to hold and this little one will be getting lots and lots of kisses on those adorable chubby cheeks.

With the holidays only three months away, it might be time to start thinking about your gift list. I have an idea that this little Moana will be at the top of many lists this year.

Check your local Disney Store to see if she is in stock. She is in demand and its hard to keep her on the shelves. Baby Moana can be ordered at the shopDisney website.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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. Follow her on Twitter.

The new “Shinelighter” from beautyblender is a unique product. It is a clear gel that is not sticky and adds shine to your face to give you that healthy glow.

Sometimes a little shine on the upper part of your cheeks looks amazing, and that is just what this product does. It gives you that healthy shine wherever you put it. I love it on my lips. It does not get gooey or sticky and gives users that “Jennifer Lopez” look of shiny lips.

I have also tried it on my eyelids over eye shadow. That is an interesting look. As long as you don’t get it on the bottom of your eye you will have a very shiny eyelid. Placed over gold or silver eye shadow at the holiday time, this is definitely going to make you stand out. Just make sure you do not get it below your eyes or you’ll look like you’re crying. On the top lid is an impressive new look, however.

Test is on different areas of your face to see what you prefer. This is a unique item that will be in demand at the holiday time.

Beautyblender has many unique products. Check them out, and take a closer look at this Glass Glow Shinelighter. It’s something new and something you definitely do not have in your beauty drawer…yet. It adds a little sparkle to your face. And who cannot use a little extra sparkle and pizazz?

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

There are plenty of instances when families are out and there is no highchair in which to sit a baby/toddler. While most restaurants do offer highchairs, there are still some that do not. And besides restaurants, there are many other places you might go where nothing is available for your toddler.  Enter the Pocket Chair from BabyToLove.

The Pocket Chair is made from machine-washable polyester. There are a variety of patterns from which to select. The lightweight product folds up for easy carrying in a purse or diaper bag.

Instead of schlepping a car seat into the doctor’s office or some other place, simply take the Pocket Chair. It easily and securely attaches to a chair and keeps your child safe, however make sure the ground is stable so the chair won’t tip over.

Place the item on the chair and secure it to the top of the chair. Then place the child on the soft padded material and adjust the straps and harness to the child/chair. Now you have an easy solution to lugging a heavy car seat with you.

Think of the times when you go to a church festival or other party or event where high chairs are non-existent. And now think about when you unlatch the car seat to carry your child into one of these events. Now – forget about all of that. With the Pocket Chair you can carry your child into the event and securely strap him or her onto a regular chair.

When you are not using the Pocket Chair, it folds into its own pouch making it easy to store and easy to open when needed.

The Pocket Chair is for toddlers that can sit on their own and recommended for ages 6-26 months and under 33 pounds. It is clever and useful, and inexpensive.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

It is hard to believe that Carl, Ellie, Russell, Kevin, and Dug have been part of our lives for ten years. In 2009 the animated Disney film UP was released to rave reviews and the story touched the hearts of audiences of all ages.

Carl and Ellie

While we have seen so many royal animated love stories with the Disney princesses, the love story of Ellie and Carl is perhaps the most heartwarming of them all. To think that animated characters can bring tears to our eyes and deeply touch our hearts is a tribute to the storytelling and this beautiful movie about love and family.

Carl and Ellie are, for many of us, the most iconic animated characters in love. Their story reminds us that deep and abiding love between two people is what carries us through life. The devotion between these two is unbroken from the first time they met as little kids. Their love bound them together long after Ellie’s death, and her final wish was that Carl would continue to enjoy life without her. How sweet and sensitive is that? It proves the love they shared is timeless.

Russell

Russell is an adorable and eager young boy. Yes, he is a little overweight, but he has no father to help inspire him. His mother loves him, but Russell definitely misses having his father around to show him the ways of being a Wilderness Explorer. The wilderness must be explored! While his father is off with his new family, Russell is trying hard to connect with him, to no avail.

This adorable little scout is anxious to get his last badge so he can advance in the troop. All he needs is to assist an elderly person. This poor little fellow picks grumpy Carl Frederickson.

To escape from being sent to a nursing home, Carl sails his house down to South America with the help of helium balloons. Unbeknownst to him, Russell accidentally is on his porch. Carl tries to send the little boy back home, but things get out of hand and the two of them find themselves on an adventure in South America near the spot where Ellie always wanted to go.

Russell is still intent on helping Carl to get his “helping the elderly” badge so they try their best to move the house to Paradise Falls, where Ellie had envisioned putting her house. Carl is still following Ellie’s dreams.

So, in the end it is Russell that adds meaning again in Carl’s life. He is following the wishes of his beloved Ellie and continuing his own adventures. This time he is with this young boy and is happier than he has been since Ellie’s passing. By mentoring Russell, Carl has found a purpose again.

Kevin and Dug

Dug is one of a pack of “talking” dogs under the control of Charles Muntz, the explorer that Ellie and Carl always admired. Muntz turns out to be hunting Kevin and with the help of Dug, Russell and Carl manage to save her and return her to her babies.

 

Disney is celebrating the 10^thanniversary of this loveable film with new plush characters. Fans of the movie will definitely want at least one of the soft, huggable plush characters, if not all of them. They make a great setting on a bookshelf. And every time you look at them, you will remember the fun, smiles, and tears in this instant classic. Unfortunately, there is no Ellie plush, however, putting Carl with Russell and Dug and Kevin tells the story of this foursome and how they bonded through love and caring.

Carl is a fun plush old man with his tennis ball anchored cane and his hearing aid in his right ear. His bushy eyebrows and his pants belted up high on his chest portray this man to the fullest. And like he is in most of the film, Carl sports a kind of grumpy attitude with a bothered expression reminding us that he still misses his beloved Ellie. Carl stands approximately fifteen inches high. He is fun to stand on a table and is definitely a conversation starter!

 

Russell is also fifteen inches from his feet to the top of his cap. He wears his Wilderness Explorer uniform proudly with all his badges – except the Assisting the Elderly Badge. He has yet to earn that one. Russell’s wide smile with sparkling white teeth portray his eagerness to help others and explore the wilderness.

 

 

Dug is adorable with his floppy tongue and happy smile. Dug wears his collar that lets him “talk.” This plush does not actually talk, but kids will enjoy talking for him. He is a huggable dog and sits eleven inches high.

 

 

Kevin is colorful, just like her on-screen character. She stands approximately fifteen inches high and has wiring in her legs and her neck so she can be posed.

 

Russell cannot stand on his own however Dug does sit by himself and with a little maneuvering Carl can stand on his own. Kevin’s legs can be adjusted to make her stand on her own. The characters are hand washable with a soft damp cloth when needed. They each list for $19.95.

Happy 10^thanniversary to Up. Adventure is out there! Celebrate with these fun new plush characters!

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. 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, 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.

Follow her on Twitter