According to the PhoneSoap Company, a cell phone has 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom. PhoneSoap has produced several disinfecting/sanitizing units designed for cell phones, tablets, and other items that carry germs and bacteria. The PhoneSoap XL is their big unit that can safely sanitize several items at one time, in 15 minutes. By using UV-C light, all the bugs are safely destroyed. The PhoneSoap products kill 99.99% of bacteria.

Besides disinfecting cell phones and tablets, you can also disinfect your TV remote. And if you have babies, put in their rattles and pacifiers. And toothbrushes can be sanitized much faster and easier than putting them in the dishwasher, which many of us often do. Plus, small stuffed animals can be cleaned. If they can fit into the machine, they can be disinfected.

You can place multiple items into the unit at one time. In 15 minutes they will be cleaned and sanitized. The dimensions of the unit are 3” wide, 9.75” high, and 12.4” deep. Plus, there is a USB port to charge your device at the same time for your convenience. Simply place the item(s) into the unit and close the door. It will turn itself off when the sanitizing process is complete. That’s all there is to it.

Families with kids are especially vulnerable because of all the germs the little ones bring home. But they’re not the only ones prone to bacteria and germs. When we fill up our cars at the gas station we touch the nozzles and the keypad. When we touch a cart or sign for our groceries at the store and when we punch in our PIN on any keypad, we are inviting germs into our homes. Think about that before you pick up your cell phone when you’re out of the house. But by using the PhoneSoap once you get home, you will be killing whatever you touched and making your phone safe for more calls or texting.

Besides washing hands and using hand-sanitizers, we all need a little more help in preventing illness. While nothing will keep us 100% free from germs, doing what we can by using the tools available will definitely add to our health. Keeping your family safe from germs is a little easier and more convenient with the PhoneSoap XL.

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.

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The Nu Skin ageLOC LumiSpa is a new device designed to cleanse and improve the skin on your face. It is like a spa for your face and feels marvelous.

The set includes the ageLOC LumiSpa deep cleansing device with a nonabrasive head, a charging base, and the Treatment Cleanser. The scent is light and refreshing, with a hint of cucumber.

As soon as the unit starts, you can immediately see the difference between the LumiSpa and other facial cleaning machines. The two concentric circles softly oscillate in different directions. And they feel soft on your skin. The heads have been embedded with antimicrobial silver so they stay cleaner than other devices.

The LumiSpa is designed for men and women. After all, we all want to look our best and put our best face out there, literally. This device helps the appearance of your skin and cleans it from toxins, dirt, pollution, and makeup.

The seven benefits of this device touted by the company are: Skin renewal, purified skin, minimized appearance of pores, smoothness, radiance, more refreshed look, and increased appearance of volume and density.

“When it comes to skin care, today’s busy consumer is looking for multi-functional products that are 
simple to use, yet produce results they can see and feel,” said Dr. Joseph Chang, chief scientific officer. “AgeLOC LumiSpa combines patent-pending technology with scientifically researched treatment cleansers to cleanse, exfoliate and renew the skin in a single treatment. As a result, customers can instantly experience softer, smoother skin that becomes more radiant.”
There are kits for normal/combo skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, and acne skin. Plus, there are additional head that can be purchased so everyone in your family can get the benefits of this spa treatment for your face.

It doesn’t need a lot of pressure. Simply glide it over your skin. And when the time is up, it will turn itself off. I have been testing this device and can attest to the fact that it does make my skin softer and smoother and my pores look smaller and tighter. My complexion looks refreshed and even a little younger.

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

This season there are plenty of great new products from Jakks Pacific. These toys inspire creativity and build confidence as kids expand their horizons.

Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty

Do you have a child that won’t clean up his/her mess? It’s Mr. Dusty to the rescue. This adorable truck is a combination collection and dump truck. And he has a personality too. His eyes wiggle while he moves and he lights up when he talks Dusty has over 50 phrases and sounds. He is more than a talking truck. This guy is a big helper.

When kids grab his sturdy handle and move him around on the floor, Dusty opens his motorized mouth. His mustached- covered mouth opens wide and he scoops – or eats – whatever is on the ground. Of course he won’t eat huge items, but he is good at scooping up blocks, Legos, small figures, and other toys. Then when he is full, simply tip him over to open his rear and he dumps out whatever he has collected into one little pile. Voila. He’s ready now to go for another pass and sweep up more mess.

Dusty has a great personality, which comes through in his phrases. “Vroom, vroom. Let’s clean your room.” Cleaning time is his lunchtime and he loves helping kids clean their room. With Dusty, kids learn it’s fun to clean. Actually, Dusty does the cleaning but it takes kid power to push him around.

Dusty is a do-it-all truck. He eats, sweeps and dumps, but he is also a good playmate. This combination garbage truck, street sweeper, and dump truck is recommended for ages 3 and up. He works on hard floors and carpets too. Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty lists for $39.99.

BIG-FIGS

Whether your child loves Star Wars or the characters from
Justice League, there’s a giant BIG-FIG ready for fun and action. Imagination is the key with these overgrown heroes.

The latest film in the Star Wars franchise, The Last Jedi, is coming to theaters this holiday season. The characters will undoubtedly ignite the interest of kids of all ages. With a BIG-FIG they will be able to recreate scenes from the film or make up new ones. The characters are between 16 and 18 inches tall. They are articulated to pose and play.

Besides the Star Wars BIG-FIGS there are Justice League figures as well. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg come alive in a child’s hands. Costumed in their traditional garb, these big fellows are great for taking to the playground, in the car, or anyplace.

For ages 3 and up, these BIG-FIGS list for $19.99 each.

Paw Patrol Electronic Music Mat

Do you remember in the 1988 movie Big when Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia hopped around to perform a duet on a giant piano? Well, the Paw Patrol Electronic Music Mat isn’t exactly that but it comes close.

For ages 3 and up this mat teaches music skills and appreciation with the help of the Paw Patrol. The mat has three options. When the Piano button is pressed, the eight soft “keys” represent the notes on a piano. Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do. Kids can play their own piano with their hands or feet.

To listen to pre-programmed tunes, simply press the soft Music button. Kids can dance along to the songs from their Paw Patrol characters.

The Memory button is the most fun as kids are challenged to repeat the notes played for them. The notes don’t light up so they really learn piano notes. It might be a bit daunting for some kids in the beginning, but they’ll soon get the hang of it. As they say in the game, “Practice makes Paw-fect.”

The mat measures 36 inches wide. Small feet or hands can easily reach the different keys. Batteries are required.

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.

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What is Gelli Arts®? It’s a fun system of acrylic paint with textures and items to craft yourself for a different artistic experience. With the online tutorial you can start creating some great crafts right away.

Their new Feather Printing Kit is really unique. The kit includes three paint colors, the Gelli® plate, tools, a few textures, and eight white feathers. Feathers? Yep. Imaging creating colorful and unique feathers for a cool birthday party. Who would think of painting designs on feathers? Gelli Arts® did!

Once you begin, you’re in for some great finished products. And they’re easy to create.

First, put a drop of paint on the gel plate. Then take the roller and spread the paint on the plate. Next select a texture and press it onto the plate and then remove it. Carefully place a white feather on top of the plate and cover it with a thin piece of paper and press with your hand. Remove the paper and carefully pull off your feather. Clean the tools and plate (with wet paper towels or baby wipes) and you’re ready to go again. You can keep adding more colors to your feather with different designs if you prefer.

There are kits for creating unique cards and several kits for stamping and printing. And you will definitely find textures around your house to use (plus there are options to purchase them on the website). For instance, a piece of screen or lace would work beautifully. You’ll also think of other things on which to create your new art.

The kits are for ages 8+ and there are special prices for teachers. Check their website for all the info.

The company is the brainchild of two women, a crafter and a businesswoman. They joined forces to create this fun and new way to craft. I have only experimented with the feathers however I know I am going to use other items to create some unique objects. I enjoyed trying out my test products and appreciate they are made in the USA and odor free.

https://www.gelliarts.com/pages/gelli-printing-plate-demo

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

Cruise the space-time continuum with supernova power and speeds. The GOTRAX HOVERFLY hoverboard boasts top-ranking torque with dual 350W force field motors capable of propelling riders up to 7.4 miles-per-hour for 12 miles on a single charge and is fully UL certified.

Where to Purchase: GOTRAX.com

The Tip ‘n Split is actually four gadgets in one. First, it is a magnifier that makes reading menus or checks easier. Second, there is a handy light that makes reading menus or checks easier in dark restaurants. Third, it calculates tips. And forth, it splits the amount to show exactly how much each person owes. And, the best part about this little gadget is that it is lightweight and easy to use.

Everything is spelled out on the little display window. If you are dining with three friends and want to split the check equally here’s all you do:

1- Enter the total amount of the check and press ENTER
2- Enter the percentage you want to tip and press ENTER (If you want to tip 15% then enter 15, for 18% enter 18, etc. The tip will then be displayed.)
3- Press ENTER again to add the tip to the check
4- Enter 3 (for you and your 2 friends) and press ENTER

Now the display window shows exactly how much each of you owes. This gadget takes the guesswork and awkwardness out of paying the check.

The Tip ‘n Split can also be used if you don’t plan on splitting the check equally. Simply input each person’s total and calculate the tip with this gadget.

This is a good item to give to your teenagers who are going out with their friends. Burgers, fries, apple pie and a soda add up. Now they have to add in the tip and divide to find out how much to pay. The Tip ‘n Split can do that for them.

It’s wonderful for seniors who often cannot calculate quickly. It’s also great if you have a large party and want to split the bill. With this gadget everything is displayed so no one can dispute the numbers. And it makes reading menus and checks easier with the light and magnifier.

While I am not a firm believer in letting devices do all the brainwork for people, this is a handy item that can definitely help in several situations.

The Tip ‘n Split is about the size of a smartphone but much lighter. It lists for $19.95. If you want to get it with the carrying pouch/wristlet, it is $26.96.

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