New Product Reviews

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Piglet is front and center in the Disney Wisdom April Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This year the creative folks at Disney have a special collection called the Disney Wisdom collection. Each month they have a new quote from one of their classic characters. And each quote is inspiring and motivating.

April brings Piglet with an encouraging quote from his good friend Christopher Robin – “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.”

This inspiring quote is embroidered on the plush Piglet’s scarf. We all know Piglet is a bit squirrely, but this little fellow seems to have a lot of confidence. His smile is enchanting and well, let’s face it, Piglet is a cutie. This plush is the perfect remedy for someone who is having a bad day or is questioning her abilities. And he’s cuddly too! From the tips of his toes to the top of his floppy ears, Piglet measures 17 inches. He’s made of all new materials. Piglet is not washable however it probably wouldn’t hurt him to gently wipe him if something spilled on his body.

The Disney Wisdom collection releases one wise quote each month, and on Piglet’s rear is embroidered “Disney WISDOM Series 4 of 12.”

Besides the loveable plush animals, included in the monthly collections are: a ceramic mug, a notebook, and a pin set. The mug is a good reminder for everyone when they start their day with a cup of coffee. “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.” Or keep it at the office for those days when you doubt your decisions or abilities.

The notebook is a good item for kids to keep in their backpacks or school lockers. “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.” Who wouldn’t feel better after reading that?

 

If you have been collecting the Disney Wisdom items, April’s Piglet is the next item on your list. And if you haven’t collected any up until now, this month’s quote might be exactly what you are looking for to inspire a child, a spouse, or a friend. “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.”

What makes this limited edition collection exceptional are the quotes that accompany the items each month. They are all ideas that are inspiring and encouraging, and let’s face it, a little encouragement is what everyone needs at some time or another.

There are collectors that get them all…just because. However parents might think about getting them or one item and putting it away for just the moment when your child needs a little encouragement. Everyone needs to be reminded “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.” And who better to remind us than Piglet? He has survived plenty of tough times, with the help of his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

So, for April’s release (available April 20), enjoy Piglet and the motivation from Christopher Robin. “You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think.

 

The first three in the collection were:

 

Coming up are:

 

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

Sonic-Fusion from Waterpik

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Brushing and flossing are important for oral health and hygiene. Most people don’t brush their teeth as often as they are supposed to, and let’s face it, most people don’t floss their teeth.

When Waterpik came out with their water flossers, many people began using this in lieu of thread floss, which was a benefit for their hygiene. And with the sonic toothbrushes, people found using these electric brushes cleaned their teeth better than their manual brushes. So this was another advancement in oral health.

In our house we have – had – a waterpik water flosser and sonic toothbrushes. We would use the waterpik and then switch to the toothbrush. Our bathroom counter was getting filled with all of these appliances, not to mention hair dryers and other things. The new Sonic-Fusion has reduced the need for both a water flosser and a sonic toothbrush. It combines them into one compact unit.

What do you get with the Sonic-Fusion? First of all, you get the water reservoir like in other Waterpik units. But attached to that is a sonic toothbrush. The toothbrush can connect to the water tank via a hose and when you want to take the toothbrush to the office or on vacation, you can disconnect the hose and use it as a stand-alone sonic toothbrush with a 30-minute run time. There is also a case in which to carry your toothbrush and two brushed.

The specially designed brushes incorporate a water sprayer so when the brush is tethered to the waterpik water reservoir, it is also a water flosser. How convenient is that?

The toothbrush has three modes: brush, floss, brush and floss. So you can simply brush your teeth with the sonic toothbrush, or you can simply water floss your teeth – also with the toothbrush, or you can do both at once. Think about how much time you will save doing both at once, not to mention the space you save by not having two devices sitting on your counter.

On the base of the device you can adjust the force of the water coming out of the brush spigot. There are 10 settings, depending on how forceful you want the water to be. One word of warning, if you use the flosser at the same time you use the toothbrush, make sure you spread the toothpaste throughout your mouth first when the water pressure is on high as it will definitely spritz away all the toothpaste that remains on the brush.

There is an automatic timer incorporated in the toothbrush. Every thirty seconds it softly beeps and then continues. This helps users evenly brush all of their teeth. By dividing your teeth into four sections (top outer, top inner, bottom outer, and bottom inner) you know you have them all covered. My only complaint about this device is when it changes every 30 seconds, it can be difficult to hear for some people. I would have preferred the change to be a bit louder or stop for a second to make sure users were aware of the time before continuing. But that’s the only fault I have found with this. Others in my house hear it just fine, however. After two minutes the device will turn itself off.

 

Having the flosser at your finger tips while brushing your teeth is advantageous – especially for people with crowns or implants. Everything is right there in one spot so you don’t have to switch devices to get a clean mouth.

Oral hygiene is essential to not only your mouth, but also your entire body. And this Sonic-Fusion cleans your teeth and also removes plaque and debris from between your teeth and at your gumline, which is a place where disease often begins.

With the exception of the water pressure, all the buttons are at your fingertips, right on the brush handle.

Additional brushes are available. Unfortunately, they are not color coded so what we have done in our house, after ordering additional brushes, is take some nail polish and at the bottom of each brush I painted a different color so everyone has their own brush.

Waterpik is a name we can trust and this new Sonic-Fusion takes the best of their water flossing units and combines it with a sonic toothbrush. I highly recommend it.

The Sonic-Fusion comes in two colors: white and black.

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

Disney Wisdom Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

During 2019 on the third Saturday of each month Disney will release a new character in their special Disney Wisdom Collection. January’s Dumbo sold out quickly and February’s Mushu was just as popular. March has the loveable bear Baloo from The Jungle Book.


With each release in the Wisdom Collection, there will be one plush animal with a quote from a Disney film. The plush animals each have the quote embroidered on their bodies, and there are pins, mugs, and notebooks to go along with each month’s inspirational quote.

As the folks at Disney say, “Celebrate the timeless wisdom found in Disney films with our special edition Disney Wisdom Collection…Collect them all to add color to your life and revel in the everlasting wisdom taught by classic Disney films with this magical rainbow collection.” Who would have thought that so much inspiration and wisdom could come from animated films? Well, the folks at Disney did, and this collection is great for the young and the not-so-young.

For the time being, the future animals are a secret, only to be revealed with the public when the product is released, making it a fun thing to look forward to.

The March release is Baloo and the quote embroidered on his paunchy tummy is “Forgot About Your Worries and Your Strife” which is of course from the song he sings in the jungle. He looks for the bare necessities, and teaches little Mowgli to do the same.

 

My suggestion is to display the colorful plush characters together, or add some of the other Disney characters to join with their friends. The Disney Animators’ Collection Mowgli doll from their Origins series is a perfect match to go along with Baloo.

Baloo stands (or sits) about 13 ½ inches high. His body is made of soft green with a corresponding lighter green on his paws and stomach, with the colorful phrase embroidered front and center. He has a happy open smile. This fellow is very huggable, and when paired with Mowgli, they make an adorable setting on any bed, table, or bookshelf.

If you only want to collect the wisdom mugs, they also make a fun and colorful display.

Enjoy the fun of Disney infused with memorable and inspirational quotes to brighten your days.

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

Oh My Disney Swim Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Why does your swimwear have to be ordinary? It doesn’t. With the new Oh My Disney Swim Collection you’ll be a standout this summer whether you’re by your pool, at the beach, or on vacation at a resort. With this assortment featuring characters from Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mickey Mouse himself, there are some fun items to wear to show your inner Disney child.

For women Mickey Mouse is front and center on the adorable one-piece swimsuit. Pair it with some Mickey Slides and you’re ready to hit the beach in mouse-style. Don’t forget your Mickey towel! And the bright red Mickey’s swim trunks along with the Mickey slides show off the whimsical side of your man.

For the wild side, the collection, featuring characters from “The Lion King,” are perfect. The swim trunks for men have Simba, Nala, and all their friends scattered on a turquoise background. For women there is a whimsical cover-up in black and white featuring a colorful Zazu. There are slides with Simba and Scar that are fine for both men and women. Pair all of these with your Hakuna Matata beach towel and you’ll be the most stylish couple on the beach.

And when you’re out at your pool just lounging around on a hot summer day, do it with a little magic. Aladdin and Jasmine make a chic swimsuit playful. And when paired with the sparkling slides, well, everyone will do a double take when you walk by. Add the magic carpet pool float – featuring Abu holding onto the back – and a magic carpet towel and you have your own “Aladdin” inspired day. Then go inside and watch the animated movie in preparation for the new live-action film that will soon hit the theaters. And, when going on vacation, pair the Aladdin swimsuit with the matching tote for a “Shining, Shimmering, Splendid” – and perfectly matched – chic look!

With the new Oh My Disney – OMD Swim Collection from Disney Store, this summer will definitely be more fun, more whimsical, and more memorable.

And if you’re having a swim party at your house, make sure to have some Mickey and Lion King tumblers for your thirsty guests. They are the finishing touches to a fun Disney-themed pool party.

Families can show their love of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy with the tropical family Aloha assortment of summer clothing. Shirts for men and boys and sundresses for women and girls are a fun way to show family spirit and togetherness – Disney style!

All of these new swimwear items and more are available at shopdisney.com. Have a fun summer filled with friends, family, and fantasy.

I want to thank shopDisney for sending some free samples for my review.

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

MicrodermMD from Trophy Skin – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Trophy Skin’s at-home microdermabrasion device is simple to use and provides instant results. The MicrodermMD is safe for all skin types and as someone who has sensitive skin, I can attest to that.

What exactly is microdermabrasion? If you haven’t had a treatment in the past, you will be surprised at what it does for your skin. With its diamond tip, this device safely buffs your skin, taking away dead skin and leaving your skin smooth and radiant. By exfoliating your skin, fine lines are reduced and in many cases they are erased. The dead cells that are buffed away also cause your skin to look dry and lifeless. This gentle exfoliation machine leaves your skin with a smoother texture that looks refreshed.

What makes this unit special is that it can be set on an auto mode or manual with different levels and a timer that lets you know how much time to spend on each area. And with the LCD screen, the device shows you in which direction to swipe the wand on various areas: forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, chin, and even your neck and chest.

When your skin is free of dead skin cells and buffed, you immediately look younger and refreshed. I particularly like using it around my mouth to buff the skin near my lips and improving the texture while minimizing those pesky fine lines that make putting on lipstick or gloss smoothly a little difficult. It definitely smooths out the skin. And speaking of pesky fine lines, most of us have them on our foreheads. Try this device for a few weeks and see if they are smoothed out of your own forehead. It really does work.

The MicrodermMD comes with 100 filters, a diamond tip, a pore extraction tip (for clogged pores), the unit itself, as well as a user manual and a handy DVD that takes you through everything the device can do. I highly recommend viewing the DVD and reading the manual before using the unit. Also included is an infusion tip that easily inserts onto the wand and presses your serums or lotions deeper into your skin than simply rubbing them on, thus getting the most out of your skincare products.

Once you use this unit, you will see your face has a brighter glow that looks revitalized. And instead of going to a spa for a treatment, you can now perform microdermabrasion safely on yourself in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

There is a 60-day return policy so you have nothing to lose by trying it for yourself. This unit was sent to me a while ago to test for review. I have used it and will continue to use it as it does everything the company says it will do.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula from Trophy Skin

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Trophy Skin’s Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula is an amazing little device. Now there is no need to go to an expensive spa to get an Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing. This little unit will do it for you in the privacy of your own home.

So, what does this actually do?  A lot! It unclogs pores, removes excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads, and makes your skin’s tone and texture more youthful. I’ve been using this device regularly for several weeks and I definitely notice a difference – especially around my nose area. For many people this is an area that is difficult to treat and clogs up. But this little spatula cleared it all out.

By sending ultrasonic waves at 30,000 Hz per second to your skin, the spatula then gently scrapes up the junk that comes out of your pores. The first time you use it you will be amazed. Then, with further use you just might get addicted to cleaning your pores with this Labelle.

Let’s face it, there is pollution everywhere and our pores soak it up. The Labelle will clean them out.

After you are done cleansing your pores and your skin, push the button for the second setting and flip the device around to the other side. Now it will infuse your skin with your moisturizer or serum. This is a two-in-one unit that both cleans out pores and refreshes your skin then with its ultrasonic waves it gently presses your moisturizer deep into your cells for a fresh, glowing look.

The Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula comes with its own charging adapter (charge it up before the first use and it is cord free for a long time), a clear storage case, the Labelle spatula, and a user manual. Everything you need is included and there is no need for further purchases unless you want to add any Trophy Skin serum or refresher. You can use these after your cleansing or use your own. With the 60-day return policy, you don’t have anything to lose by trying this device. In all honesty, I can attest to the fact that I use this and recommend it. And it only takes a few minutes to get clean, glowing skin.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Naughty and Nice Stitch with Holiday Book

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new Stitch Poseable Plush and “Holiday Mischief with Stitch” Book Set is a fun way to learn about the holiday season. The set includes a plush Stitch and a book filled with colorful images and a cute story.

The plush Stitch is eight inches tall with poseable arms and legs. His eyes are embroidered and he is winking. And to make him even more adorable, he wears a red holiday hat with Hawaiian print. The soft pom pom ball on the tip is embroidered on one side with the word “Nice” and on the other side with the word “Naughty.”


The book features Experiment 626 with Lilo and her family and friends as they learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. Stitch loves learning about all the food, games, and presents.

This is a great bedtime story to read to your kids as they hug the little fellow and decide whether he’s been “naughty” or “nice” that day. And, to make this set even more exciting, at the end of the story Stitch takes off to celebrate and have more holiday fun. He’s probably hiding somewhere in your house. This is the opportunity for parents to hide the plush Stitch to be discovered by the kids the next day. This could be your new family holiday tradition!

The box comes with a paper ribbon and bow so it doesn’t need to be wrapped. It’s probably a good idea to start this holiday fun well before Christmas to get your whole family into the spirit of the season.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Disney introduces Origins series to Animators’ Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

One of the most popular lines of dolls and animals from the Disney Store and shopdisney is the Animators’ Collection. The latest in this line is the Origins series. These dolls are for ages 2+ and depict the adorable characters as babies. The original Animators’ Collection dolls were geared for ages 3+ and the characters were  depicted as toddler age. The Origins are smaller in size and much younger characters. They are babies.

At this time there are three different dolls in the new Origins Series: Aurora, Belle, and Mowgli. Each doll has a soft body with poseable soft plastic legs and moveable soft plastic heads as well as rooted hair. They are each 12” long when lying down.

The boxes are designed for each character. They are decorated to fit they story of the children and Baby Aurora’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this young interpretation recaptures the gentle nature of the original character. Her dreamy face it accented by her signature crown and blonde curls.” As a matter of fact, this little baby looks exactly like the baby Aurora in the animated movie, although she was only seen for a short time. That baby Aurora endeared herself to audiences of all ages.  Aurora is dressed in a beautiful pink dress with matching diaper. She has a soft crown that can be removed. Her violet eyes and sweet smile will touch the hearts of adults and collectors, but she will be loved and played with by youngsters for a very long time.

Belle’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this young interpretation recaptures the kindness of the original characters. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity and compassion foretelling her true beauty.”  Baby Belle is dressed in her signature yellow dress with a rosette on the front. She comes with a soft plush rose rattle that she can hold and when shaken it really does rattle.

And little Mowgli’s box says “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s The Jungle Book, this young interpretation recaptures the joyfulness of the original character. His smile and fun-loving attitude warm the hearts of his jungle family.” Baby Mowgli is really endearing with his sweet smile and his very wide eyes. He is eager to explore and to be loved. Mowgli comes with a soft plush prickly pear rattle that he can hold it does make noise. He is dressed in a loincloth and also comes with a green blanket in the shape of a leaf. Mowgli’s little face will melt everyone’s heart. He is so loveable that everyone, boys and girls, young and old, will enjoy having him around. His “skin” and “body” are dark tan and this little jungle boy is ready to be loved. It’s great to have this little boy in the collection.

Each doll in the new Animators’ Collection Origins Series can sit and lie down. They have soft bodies for little hands to hug and all three are completely adorable. Collectors will love to have them in their collections, but more than that, kids will love them and they will undoubtedly be favorite sleeping pals and best friends to little kids. They’re small enough to take in the car and for play dates, and especially to bed. This new series is a wonderful addition to the Animators’ Collection. Just one look and they’ll steal your heart.

 

 

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Plush Disney – Huge and Tiny

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

With two new additions to the plush line of Disney characters, there’s a size to fit any house. The Cuddleez line of plush are approximately 25” long and the Tiny Big Feet plush characters sit about 4 ½” high.

Cuddleez

The Cuddleez line of soft plush currently comes in five different characters: Stitch, Eeyore, Angel, Winnie the Pooh, and Baymax ($34.95 each). They are adorable to adorn a bed but they also serve as pillows. Plop one down on the floor or the couch and put on a Disney movie; your child will be delighted.

The Cuddleez characters each have embroidered features and they lie flat on their stomachs. Angel and Stitch have embroidered closed eyes so they’re definitely the lazy ones. The others have embroidered open eyes.

These are not only great pillows but they are great for hugging. With their soft bodies and squishy stuffing, they can help any kid hug away tears. The Cuddleez are hand washable.

Tiny Big Feet

Currently there are 10 different Tiny Big Feet characters ($5.95 each): Dumbo, Thumper, Marie, Pooh, Eeyore, Stitch, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Marie, Sully, Mickey and Minnie. Don’t let their size fool you. They are soft and squshable. These little guys are great for taking to a play date and sprucing up a bookshelf. After all, what shelf couldn’t use some Disney charm?

Each character has oversized feet and adorable expressions. They sit easily on any surface. Their embroidered features and soft bodies make them fun for all ages, and easy for small hands to hold. They are hand washable so don’t worry about getting them dirty.

Check them out at your local Disney Store or online at shopdisney.com.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Lumiere Serving Plate and more from Disney

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Celebrate Bell, the Beast, and all the magical characters from Beauty and the Beast with this new Lumiere Serving Plate from Disney Eats. It’s perfect for cakes, cookies, donuts, cupcakes, or just about anything and turns a plain table into a setting for fantasy.

Lumiere is trying his best to hold up the plate and his expression of angst is evident. Nevertheless, the plate is up there and ready to hold whatever you have to set out.

The whole thing is 9” high and the diameter is 11 inches, so even a pie would sit perfectly on the plate. Besides the frustrated little Lumiere, the plate section itself is surrounded with inverted hearts and is held up by Lumiere’s candle arms. It’s so cute everyone will be enchanted with this item.

This serving plate is not for the microwave or the dishwasher, but it’s not just for show either. Simply hand- wash it and it’s ready to greet your visitors with some delicious treats. Imagine piling on some cookies for afternoon snacks. Or even fresh fruit would be welcomes on this ceramic plate.

If you want an entire Beauty and the Beast table theme, there is a fun 20-piece stainless steel flatware set adorned with the characters from the film. $75.00.

A silicone bread pan shapes your homemade bread into a beautiful dome with Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, a rose, and others. Once you bake your bread, it would fit nicely on the Lumiere Serving Plate. $16.95. And why not wear the Belle Dress Apron or the Belle Gown Apron while you’re baking your bread?

$29.95 each.

A light up Lumiere would definitely add some sparkle to your table. He stands 11” high. With three AAA batteries, he can be turned on and off via a switch. $55.00

The Lumiere Serving Plate can also hold other special items. Perhaps you want to keep him on the table by the door to hold keys or mail. Or, you might just want to keep him on display somewhere. Whatever you do, Lumiere will be happy to have a new home in your enchanted castle. $39.95

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.