New Product Reviews

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Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



I have seen the commercials on TV and heard a lot about the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program, so when my cardiologist mentioned that that is the program she recommends to her patients who want/need to lose weight, I decided to test it out. The company offered me several weeks worth of food with my weekly counseling sessions in order to give this a fair trial. Here is what happened.

There are plenty of food choices from which to order. I mainly stayed on the meatless plan but added the 12/12 hours that is part of the new Rapid Results program. This requires you don’t eat anything for 12 hours and during the other 12 hours you consume your daily food menu.

The breakfasts are delicious. My personal favorites are the cinnamon buns, the cinnamon coffee cake, and the cereals. But I also enjoyed the maple French toast and the waffles. Plus the cheese omelet with potatoes was a nice way to start off the day. I think the breakfast choices are my favorites.

The plan calls for a breakfast, “anytime bar,” lunch, snack (fruit is suggested), dinner, and night snack. They also have delicious boxes of vanilla and chocolate shakes. There are suggested fruits and vegetables to add to the meals.

The lunch and dinner entrees are the same, so you don’t have a different set of meals for lunch and one for dinner. You can mix and match, which is a great way to go.

Some of my favorite lunch/dinner entrees are the margarita pizza, the butternut squash ravioli, the mac and cheese with vegetables, the creamy penne with vegetables, and the broccoli cheese baked potato. I also tried several other foods and none of them were terrible. As a matter of fact, they were all delicious and flavorful.

The nighttime snacks are a great way to end the day. They have several salty/spicy snacks and plenty of desserts. The chocolate lava cake and the cupcake are wonderful. When not in the mood for something sweet, the cheese curls and the ranch snaps fit the bill.

The results will vary. Initially I didn’t lose much weight (although I was never hungry and enjoyed the food) and while talking to my counselor Susan, she made adjustments in some of the foods I was adding (coffee creamer, ketchup) so once that happened the pounds began to come off. I had to take a week off during my testing period to cover an event, and yes, I did gain weight when I was off of the program. I knew I would as I drank sugary drinks and ate French fries. But as soon as I went back on the program I lost it all plus more – all within the first week back on the Jenny Craig program. That turned out to be a great experiment for this reviewer!

I think the best way to get the best results out of this program is to follow it EXACTLY. And write down everything you eat. Plus the telephone sessions with the counselor is another benefit of this program.

If I could change something about it, I would like to have them have meal bars that could be taken on the go. Otherwise, I believe this is a great program that delivers results – with delicious food.

Jenny Craig Membership Progrms:

Jenny All Access membership-Initial fee $99 plus a $19 a month recurring billing fee. Access to the membership for a year

Premium membership – Initial fee $299. You will receive half of the initial fee back once you reach your goal weight. You will receive the rest of the initial fee back once you’ve maintained your goal weight for a year within 5lbs. You will receive 10% off and free shipping on planned menus. Access to the membership for 2 years – includes a maintenance program.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

MiniMD from Trophy Skin

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



MiniMD is a personal microdermabrasion system that delivers results. After trying it for a couple weeks, I did notice a difference in my skin.

What is microdermabrasion? Simply put, it gently exfoliates while it smooths the skin. By using the diamond tip, the MiniMD buffs away dead skin cells and gently sucks the top layer of your skin.

Using this unit is easy right from the start, however the more you use it the easier it becomes and the more comfortable you will be with it. The first time I used it my skin was definitely smoother and I noticed some imperfections (blackheads) on my face were gone. As yet, I haven’t seen a reduction in fine lines, however that is possible with continued use, and I intend to keep using this device.

Exfoliation is important to get rid of the damaged top layer of skin. This is the surface layer that is exposed to dirt and pollution every day. By gently buffing it away, the layer underneath is revealed and your skin looks brighter, fresher, and feels smoother. The company says when you use it you will see more radiant and glowing skin, and I have found that to be true.

While I haven’t used it more than a couple weeks, I can definitely see a difference in the texture and color of my skin. Uneven skin tone is now a thing of the past. My skin does look more radiant, and people have noticed!

When you use the MiniMD, you gently rub the unit on clean skin. The diamond tip is gentle and the suction is strong enough to do the job without feeling a harsh tug on your skin.

During winter months the MiniMD will tackle your dry indoor and wind damaged skin, and during summer months it will help clear away the debris from sunscreen and chlorine.

In the past I have had many professional microdermabrasion treatments, each costing at least a hundred dollars. Yes, I did pay that because the treatments always made my skin look fresher and younger, and left it smoother. But you don’t have to pay that any more. You can perform your own microdermabrasion treatment in the privacy of your own house. It only takes about five minutes each time, and you will definitely see and feel the difference after one or two treatments.

I definitely use it and believe in the treatment of microdermabrasion. The company includes additional tips with the unit. That’s a nice touch.

The MiniMD lists for $99. Go to their website for more information and to order.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

HALO telescoping flashlights

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Have you ever dropped something under the couch and couldn’t see it? I have. Actually, I have dropped things many times but it’s just too dark and too tight to see under the couch. With the HALO Telescoping Flashlight, it’s easy to adjust the light to shine under couches or behind objects to locate items.

Not only is it easy to locate lost items, this telescoping flashlight is also helpful when working on cars. There are countless instances in which a thin flashlight comes in handy.

But these are not only thin flashlights. There have magnetic ends to pick up screws or pins that have fallen out of reach. How cool is that?

The telescoping aspect is just one of the many great things about these lights. They also bend so you can see around corners and into small areas. The also include a built-in ring to hang up the light for storage or for hands-free use.

The lights also can be set as strobes and in SOS mode so if you’re out in the dark, you can be seen and locate assistance.

And these lights are bright! There are 30 LED bulbs in each flashlight. The light can be set to white light, red, or flashing red.

There are two telescoping flashlights in each set. Keep one at home and one in your car. And when you’re thinking of a useful gift for a college student or someone going off on a trip, think about these HALO telescoping flashlights. They come in bronze, red, platinum, and blue. When you order you get two of the same color. Remember – it’s never too early to think about holiday gifts.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Incredibles 2’ Jack-Jack Attacks doll from Jakks Pacific

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

By now you probably know that baby Jack-Jack steals the movie Incredibles 2. This adorable little baby unleashes his super powers throughout the film.

Jakks Pacific has created a fun doll that not only looks cute and will ultimately be a child’s friend, but also has lights and sounds. Beware, this cutie shows off his super powers – in a less dangerous way than the one on screen.

Jack-Jack himself measures about 10 inches tall in a sitting position and 13 inches high when he’s standing. That’s not counting the little tuft of hair on top of his head. He’s not soft and plush because he is interactive! Press his tummy and hear him laugh. But when he gets angry, watch out. His head turns colors and his blue eyes light up, while crying. But once he is over his “tantrum” he chuckles and is back to normal.

Sometimes his head turns red and his eyes light up, accompanied by the “laser” sound. After all, this little kid has laser eyes that can cut through anything. That’s the Jack-Jack in the film. This doll just imitates that, so a child can use his or her imagination while playing with this little fellow.

Pressing his tummy elicits several reactions from the baby. When he sneezes (as he does in the film), his head lights up and he chuckles. Another time he can become almost electric, with buzzing sounds and flashing head.

Did you know Jack-Jack can teleport from one room to another? Imagine that. When his tummy is pressed and he “teleports” his head turns blue. Imagination is key when playing with this little guy.

And Jack-Jack comes with a raccoon “friend.” This hard- plastic raccoon is a little over five inches high with a fluffy tail. He’s ready to “play” with his on-screen nemesis, baby Jack-Jack.

It’s sweet when he says, “Mama.” His baby babble is also adorable.

When you first take this little guy out of the box, open the back of his red suit and turn him to the “I” mode. This is the interactive mode. Then press his tummy for his reactions. When you hold the button down, he really turns on all his super powers, so watch out.

When you see his smiling face, you cannot help but smile yourself. He’s adorable. He’ll definitely be a fun pal for kids throughout this summer and beyond.

Incredibles 2 Jack-Jack Attacks comes complete with lights and sounds and his raccoon pal and is intended for ages 3 and up. He comes with 3 AAA batteries.
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.

Follow her on Twitter

Wooden mechanical models for a fun family activity

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Are you looking for something new to do with your family? How about creating a 3D mechanical wooden model? UGears and Wooden City both make moveable wooden models that do not require glue and are eco friendly. Forget about those old plastic models from the craft store. Try creating an elaborate wooden reproduction of a windmill, jeep, train, or just about anything else. And, the fun doesn’t end once you are finished creating your item.

The pieces come on a slim wood slab. Press the perforations to release the individual pieces. They are numbered and the instructions are easy to follow. The pieces are then press-fitted together. While this sounds super easy, think again. It’s not difficult but it is time consuming and a wonderful family project.

There are many different items to create. Putting them together is only half of the fun. Once they have been created, these objects are then moveable.

If you put together the UGears Locomotion, there are spinning gears, pistons that move, and the train becomes another fun item in your house, not to mention the fact that the kids will be able to brag that they helped create it. If you have a child who wants to create something by themselves, there are some UGears 4 Kids kits that are not as intricate as the other kits. Kids can use their own markers or paint to paint them when they are done putting them together. This company, out of Ukraine, started the moveable wooden model industry that has become a fun activity for all ages. UGears has won several Family Choice Awards!

Wooden City (from Poland) came around a few years after UGears and have designed their own great 3D models to create moveable objects. The Ferris Wheel is especially interesting once it has been assembled. It really works. Or try assembling your own Jeep, with moving wheels and parts. There are 569 individual parts in the Jeep (4X4) kit. The company says it should take about 12 hours to make this wooden vehicle. Talk about a great family undertaking. The Mill (Windmill) has 222 parts and when assembled the blades do rotate just like a real one.

Both UGears and Wooden City offer a variety of wooden model kits, ranging in size and price. With levers, gears, wheels, etc., they become moveable fun once they have been assembled.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

HALO Products to make life easier

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

HALO has some interesting, easy to use, and quite helpful products. They also make great and thoughtful gifts.

The HALO Bolt AC/DC Portable Charger & Car Jumper is useful for everyone. After all, electricity does go out from time to time. This portable unit can run your 120 Volt devices and your tech products with USB plugs. It also comes with jumper cables to instantly charge your car’s battery without the need for another car. It’s handy and useful. Parents will undoubtedly want one for each of their kids. It is also something that is necessary in each car. Think about being able to recharge your car’s battery without the assistance of another vehicle. It’s safer than waiting on a dark road for another car to come help you jump the batteries or for AAA to arrive. Just hook up the battery to the BOLT and voila. And when the electricity goes out for whatever reason, you can connect a lamp, tablet, or something else and have access to the news, in case the power is out due to weather or an earthquake. The BOLT AC/DC comes in a variety of colors.

The HALO Powerbuds Wireless Earbuds with Built-in Portable Power comes with three sizes of ear tips. It also has Bluetooth and a USB-to-Micro USB cable. The Bluetooth makes this an especially handy unit because you can now take your music with you and not have to be tethered to your device.

HALO makes a Powerhub, which is a portable charging station that can charge up to six USB devices at the same time. At 5” wide and 5” long with a height of just under two inches, it can easily tuck away when not needed, but it is attractive enough to set out on your counter or shelf. They come in several colors.

For portable charging any time any place, the HALO Lipstick Portable Chargers fit the bill for women who don’t want to carry a clunky charger in their purses. These actually do look like lipsticks. When your phone is about to run out of power, simply pull out your lipstick charger with the cable. These sets of two chargers come in three color combinations. Men are can use them, obviously, however they were created for women to slip into their purse or pocket without calling attention to their use.

The HALO Portable Powerpatch is the easy way to power your cell phone. How many times have you had to quit taking photos on a vacation or at a party because your phone was running out of power. And when you see that dreaded “low power” alert but have some calls to make, you don’t have to worry if you have this device. Because it sticks onto a smooth surface, it can stick on your phone so you can hold them together. How handy is that? There are a variety of color options for the powerpatch.

Any and all of these devices are great for kids going off to college. They are useful for the entire family too. HALO has created several useful tools that are necessary in this age of technology when we rely on so many things but most importantly, power. Power is the key today, and HALO has the power you need.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Disney Furrytale Friends – the latest line of Disney Merchandise

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

They’re here! Disney’s Furrytale Friends have arrived at your local Disney Store and shopDisney.com. With the adorable characters from the Aristocrats and Lady and the Tramp, there are plenty of items to delight toddlers and youngsters.

Let’s start with the plush animals, of course. These fun furry pals are about eight inches high. There’s a sweet Lady, with her big eyes and eyelashes that will enchant everyone in the family. She is adorable with a loveable little half smile and floppy ears. It’s hard not to smile yourself when you look at her little face. And let’s not forget about Tramp. This little fellow sports a cunning grin and has folding ears. Finally, there’s a purrfect little Marie, with her eager and loving feline smile. These plush pals are soft and feel like velvet. They make great sleeping buddies and are definitely going to be coming along in the car with your little tykes. And if you have both Lady and Tramp, well, just expect two more for dinner when you serve spaghetti! ($12.95 each)

Next there is a cute Furrytale Friends Aristocats Family Pack Playset. Included are four felines, each about 2 1/4 inches high. The cats are Toulouse, Duchess, Thomas O’Malley, and Berlioz. Besides these kitties, the set includes two double food bowls. After all, a cat has to eat, right? The cats have hard heads covered in a soft material and soft bodies. They are flocked molded plastic and easy to hold. They have been created to sit on a table or anywhere by themselves. Because of the size of the bowls and the cats, this set is for ages 3+. ($16.95)

Now, of course the cats need a house. There are several houses along with their individual animals. Currently there is a Jock Starter Home, a Marie Starter Home, a Colette Starter Home, a Lady Starter Home, and a Tramp Starter home. Of course, the animals can visit and stay in their friends’ homes, and the homes can attach to make a little neighborhood. Putting them together is like creating a street where they can all play and visit. The homes open up to create play yards for the gang. It’s like having a bunch of dollhouses, only these are for the little animals. The four cats from the Aristocats Family Pack are also welcome in the neighborhood! This is an ingenious idea. Now all the animals can mingle together and kids will be occupied for hours. (I would have loved this when I was a kid!). Because of the pieces, these are for ages 3+. ($12.95) They are about six inches high and each have unique colors and details.

But Disney didn’t stop there. They have a Furrytale Friends Tony’s Restaurant Deluxe Playset. This is where Lady and Tramp can dine out. Or, you can have the entire gang come for dinner. This Playset is adorable and, the fun part is it can join the rest of the neighborhood. As a matter of fact, the houses can stack up to make this a two-story establishment. The neighborhood can expand in a variety of formations, limited only by your child’s imagination. ($24.95)


Besides these great toy items, there is a Furrytale Friends Lady and the Tramp Rolling Luggage, so your child can travel in style, or just go off to grandma’s house for a night. ($44.95) Girls will love carrying the Lady Plush Backpack. The face is the same as the small plush Lady. ($18.95)

Plenty of apparel items with the Furrytale Friends are also available, including a Marie sleep set ($19.95), a Marie dress and leggings set ($24.95), Marie buckle sandals ($19.95), a Lady dress ($29.95), and a Tramp short set for boys ($24.95).

The little neighborhood homes and the restaurant are my picks of the collection. Even if you only get one home or just the restaurant, there is a lot of fun to be had with these items. And, if you have more than one, well, imagine all the fun your kids and these furry friends will have together.

The entire collection is fun, whimsical, and something new for kids this summer. For more information, go to their website.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

The Incredibles for your incredible family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you haven’t heard that there is a sequel to The Incredibles (2004) coming out this summer, you have been living under a rock. The crime-fighting family returns for Incredibles 2, an all new adventure and yes, baby Jack-Jack is front and center. ShopDisney and the Disney Stores have some great products with all the characters and many pieces of clothing to make your entire family an incredible family.

The line of T-shirts is a great way to dress up your entire family – or just one person – even if you don’t have super powers. You can wear the Incredibles Logo or a design for each character. Plus, there are plenty of baby onsies and bodysuits so your own little bundle of joy and turn into an incredibly adorable super baby.


And speaking of super baby, Jack-Jack has been adored by all since he first appeared in the original movie. The small plush is sure to be adored by the kids in your family. He is dressed in his red suit and wears his black mask. The tuft of hair on top of his head is soft and fluffy. I have no doubt this little fellow will be spending a lot of nights under the covers with plenty of little kids this summer. His smile will put a smile on anyone’s face.

And for even more Jack-Jack fun, the Jack-Jack Fightin’ Fun Light-Up Talking Plush will make everyone laugh right along with this little guy. His eyes light up and he laughs and jabbers as he shuffles along. This is really an adorable toy. He is dressed in his red suit, dons his black mask, and wears his raccoon slippers. So darn cute! And that laugh is infectious!


This Halloween – yes it’s a little while away but… – the family can dress as the Incredibles. There are costumes for everyone.

Children might make their beds if they have an Incredibles comforter. This depicts all the characters and comes in Twin size. There are also Incredibles sheets as well. With Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack, nighttime will be an incredible experience. (yes, pun intended) And with pajamas for the entire family, everyone will be able to have an incredibly good night’s sleep.

For the entire selection of Incredibles merchandise, go to the ShopDisney website.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

ShopDisney adds a new element to the Lilo micro play set

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The popular Animators’ Collection from ShopDisney has been around for a little while. They are miniature homes for the characters in the line. So far they have offered a micro play set for Ariel (underwater castle), Tinker Bell (woodland home), Belle (cottage), Snow White (cottage), the Frozen sisters (castle), and now Lilo’s house. Every set includes several characters and accessories that all fit into the portable homes and each set includes a surprise figure.

The new Lilo Surprise Feature Playset has all of these and more. Yes, there is still a surprise item included in the set, along with Lilo, Stitch, Scrump, a wagon, record player, and Lilo’s bed. But wait. There is a new surprise. Stitch activates the front door, which swings open when he sits on a specific location. And when he sits on another location the house lights up. And the third location starts “The Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” song. The batteries are included and when they run down it’s easy to replace them through the little hidden door on the bottom of the house.

Lilo’s house is colorful and portable. When the back is opened, it turns into a little playhouse for the micro dolls. There is a surfboard inside however it’s not moveable. It is attached to the wall.

The only way to activate the music, light, and door is by placing Stitch on the Plumeria flower designs on the floor. Your finger won’t do it, nor will anything else. Stitch is the only one who can activate the special features. What else would you expect from Experiment 626?

Lilo’s playset, along with the others in the line, are great for traveling. They’re compact and every one has a little handle for tiny hands to hold while carrying to the car, a play date, or grandma’s house. The electronic features make this a special set and hopefully there will be more electronic play sets coming down the road. They are just an added element to these already fun sets.

Because the characters and accessories are small, these play sets are for ages 3+.

Those clever folks at ShopDisney have once again outdone themselves with the added elements in this playset.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Busy moms need the MyPhonePouch

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

There’s a new invention that makes life a lot easier for busy moms. It’s the MyPhonePouch. So, what is this new product? It’s a simple flip-over pouch with pockets, weighted down on one side to stay comfortably on your waistband. How simple is that? It’s a wonder no one thought of this before.

With the MyPhonePouch, simply attach it to your belt or waistband, insert your cell phone, keys, credit card, driver’s license, or whatever else you might need. There are pockets that snap to keep your items secure. Now you’re ready to go for a walk, to the playground, to the store, or to the gym and you don’t have to carry anything. Your phone and other items are safely secure on your waist. You’re now hands-free.

Not only is this product easy to use, it’s also comfortable. Whether you’re driving or walking, it stays put and doesn’t interfere with whatever you’re doing.

Imagine taking your child to the playground. From now on you don’t have to take a wallet or your purse. You can simply attach this unit to your pants (even yoga pants) and go. You’re hands are free and when you need to make a call or check your texts, just slip your phone out of the pouch, then slip it back in when you’re finished. This is actually a great little invention for moms on the go.

But not only is this perfect for moms, it’s also a great product to use when you’re in your office. With everyone walking around holding their cell phones, you can be the one who doesn’t have to hold anything. Your phone is tucked away on your waist. And women aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the pouch. Men can use it too.

It’s crazy these days. Everywhere you look people are holding their phones. What did we all do before cell phones were invented? (We got along just fine.) But now people are almost attached – literally – to their phones. With the MyPhonePouch, you can keep your phone with you but you don’t have to hold it. What a great idea. And you won’t have to search for it when you get a call and can’t locate your phone in your purse. Come on, admit it. There have been times when you can’t easily reach your phone. It happens to most of us.

If you have a teenager, think about getting a pouch for them. It makes it less difficult to lose their phone when they don’t have to find a place to keep it. It will always be on their hip. And it’s less likely to be stolen when it’s tucked in the pouch and not being held.

The MyPhonePouch comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Select the right one for your specific phone. They’re made in the USA, well designed and well crafted, and machine washable. Check out their website for sizes and purchasing information. This is definitely a handy product.
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.

Follow her on Twitter