Daniel Tiger Toys

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood with Daniel Tiger and his family and friends. This celebrated PBS Kids series for preschoolers, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, has garnered a lot of praise and won the Television Critics Association 2016 award for best children’s program.

The Deluxe Electronic Trolley is a fun way for kids to “play” in the neighborhood with Daniel and his mom. The motorized trolley lights up and has two songs as well as 12 phrases from the characters in the show. It also emits real trolley sounds.

Push the top left button and the headlights turn on and the trolley song plays. Press the tiger button and Daniel asks, “Do you want to take a ride on trolley with me?” Press it again and he says, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” There are more sayings from Daniel and when the other buttons are pushed there are sayings from those characters as well. It’s a fun-filled trolley, especially when the top left button is pressed. It’s then when the trolley sounds come on with the headlights. How cool is that?

Also included in this set is a traffic stop so kids can obey the rules. It’s also a good way to help them understand when it’s safe to walk (when the green walking diagram is visible).

Push a button and the trolley rolls ahead. A handle on top makes it easy to carry and a fun set to take when visiting grandma or going out to the park to play.

This set comes with the two figures however many of the other characters from the show are available to purchase in separate sets to add to this trolley. The Deluxe Electronic Trolley requires 3 AA batteries, which are included in the box. This set brings all the fun and imagination of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to your own house. This trolley set is designed for ages 3+ and lists for $29.99.

There’s even more fun with the Daniel Tiger Phone. It looks just like a smartphone only is much easier to use! You won’t have to buy a “Smartphone for Dummies” book to use this one!

There is an on/off sliding button on the side. The phone includes real phone sounds and when the little trolley is slid from one side to the other, it jingles. The front of the phone has a keyboard as well as six photo buttons with various characters. When a number button is pressed, the number is said allowed so kids can easily learn their numbers from zero to nine.

When a character button is pressed the characters talk. There are 11 phrases in all, including Daniel saying, “Hi neighbor, it’s me. Daniel Tiger.” And when the two little phone icon buttons are pressed the Daniel Tiger song plays.

The Daniel Tiger Phone is for ages 2+ and lists for $9.99.

Daniel Tiger is a beloved character and his father entertained generations of viewers on the original Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Daniel is a sweet little guy with a lot of heart. With these toys kids can let their imaginations soar along with Daniel and his friends in the neighborhood.

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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Moana Plush Toys

Posted on November 24, 2016November 24, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re still wondering what to get a child for the holidays, you cannot go wrong with a plush toy from the hit (and instant classic) Disney film Moana. Moana is the newest Disney princess.

In the film, Moana is introduced as a young child. This little toddler steals the hearts of viewers of all ages. And to commemorate the princess as a child, there is an Animator’s Collection plush young Moana. This 12-inch doll is ready to snuggle with any child. She comes dressed in her Polynesian clothes and wears her “shell” necklace along with the traditional flower in her hair. Moana’s face is embroidered so nothing can be pulled off by young hands. Her expression reveals the excitement and wonder of this little toddler. This little island girl lists for $14.95.

There is also an older plush Moana that is 20-inches in length (height) and is ready for adventure. Moana is not only a princess, but she is also a hero to everyone. This feisty girl really comes through for her people. Like her younger counterpart, Moana plush is made of soft plush with embroidered features. This Moana doll lists for $19.95

Maui is the demigod with some fun tattoos covering his entire body. This plush 15-inch doll carries his trademark fishhook and is ready to battle foes. He is also ready for some big hugs. How can anyone resist his wide grin? Plush Maui lists for $19.95.

Heihei is a whacky little rooster who is also ready for hugs from boys and girls. This brightly colored 12-inch plush has embroidered features and fluffy feathers. Heihei lists for $14.95.

The most adorable plush of the collection is little Pua, Moana’s pet pig. Pua is 9 ½ inches of cuteness. He’s soft and cuddly with embroidered features and an expression that will put a smile on anyone’s face. This little guy will not only be cherished by kids, but also endeared by adults. He’s super cute. After cuddling this little fellow, you might never want to eat bacon again. Pua is great for boys and girls. He lists for $14.95. There is also a larger 17-inch high Pua for $39.95.

With the plush collection from the Moana movie, there is a cuddly character for everyone.

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Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link

Posted on November 6, 2016November 6, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Dyson is well known for their vacuums, fans, and even their air purifiers. Now for the first time, they have combined their purifier with both heating and cooling elements to make this a unit that can be not only healthy for your air but also make you more comfortable in cold winter months and hot summer months. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link is a reliable air purifier that has the option of adding a cooling fan or a warming fan to your home.

Most people think air pollution is relegated to the outside, however inside our homes we are also bombarded by pollution that irritates our allergies, might cause headaches, and also make it difficult to breathe. As a purifier, this device removes 99.97% of allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. You can’t see these but they are there and you breathe them in all the time. And let’s not forget about smells. This unit captures odors with carbon granules.

With the Link app, the unit monitors the purity of the air in your home then sends the results to your app so you may change the controls if you need to. And with the night-time mode (which I always use), the light dims so it’s barely visible and the fan quiets down so it’s really quite stealth.

For me the purifier is the most important part of this unit because we like to have clean air free of pollutants. But this Dyson does triple duty. With the thermostat control you can set it to emit heat in the chilly days of winter. Actually, if you only want to warm one room, why spend money on your central heater that heats your whole house? This unit will warm the air in whichever room you select.

And the triple whammy for this unit is it is also a cooling fan in the summer. I use mine in my bedroom where I like to have a little cooler air blowing when I don’t need to cool the rest of the house.

If you’re not aware of the Dyson Air Multiplier Technology, you don’t know that it doesn’t use blades to force the air around. It is completely safe for little hands because there aren’t any dangerous grills or blades to catch fingers.

The bottom line is this device pretty much does it all, as far as the air in your home is concerned. It cleans the air, and can cool or heat your room depending on your needs.

There is no doubt we have become a Dyson home. The quality of their products is top notch and the reliability and usefulness of the devices is unmatched. Customer service is helpful 24/7 too!

The price point ($599.99) might be a bit high but when you think of all that this unit does and the reliability of the company, it makes it worth it. So, if you are looking for something special for a holiday gift for someone or your own household, think about this Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link.

Dyson put a heater, a cooling fan, and an air purifier together in one machine with plenty of features. With the HEPA filter, automatic monitor, night-time (quiet) mode, and ease of use, not to mention helpful customer service, this is a device I highly recommend with full confidence. And yes, I do use it myself.

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Super Special Holiday Gifts for Kids from Nickelodeon and Disney

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday for a girl or boy who is definitely on the “nice” list, here are some suggestions.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Remote Control Skateboarding Mikey is really cool. I had the chance to test him at the Nickelodeon Holiday Gift Showcase for Media. Remotely controlled, this fellow moves around and manages to right himself if he tips over. Adults were enjoying this toy right along with some of the youngsters who were there.

Also presented at the showcase was the Shimmer and Shine Magical Flying Carpet ($34.99). This was my pick of the day. Shimmer and Shine sit on their magic carpet which can “fly” on the floor and when picked up and flown through the air, the girls react to the ride, talk, and say things like “wee” when it zooms through the air. Fans of the Nickelodeon show and these colorful genies will love this product.

A new “Singing” Beauty and the Beast Tea Cart ($49.95) comes with Mrs. Potts, Chip, and 3 other cups and saucers, a creamer and sugar bowl, spoons, place cards, plus a light-up Lumiere. This year tea parties have been taken to a new level with this rolling cart and all the figures. This will entertain young girls during cold, snowy winter days.

The Arendelle Castle ($99.95) represents all the delight of Frozen. Open it up for the bedroom and cozy living room for hours of fun replaying scenes from the film. There is a sliding “floor” to make the characters “dance.” Included in this set are Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Hans.

Elsa’s Musical Ice Castle Play Set ($59.95) includes not only the beautiful ice castle but also Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff, and his sleigh. Plus, it lights up to show the beauty of the ice palace. And the piece de resistance for this set is it plays the song “Let it Go.”

The Moana Projection Boat Playset ($34.95) includes everything young explorers need to set sail on the high seas. Moana, Maui, hawk, crab, 2 kakamora, Heihei, and more are ready to catch a ride on the outrigger which can be placed on a special base that plays “We Know the Way” from the movie. There are three star projector slides that light up and project stars to navigate through the vast ocean. This is something boys and girls can both enjoy.

The Princess Light Up Castle Play Set ($89.95) will enchant every Disney Princess fan. Not only does this castle have a magical light up spiral staircase, but it also comes with Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Rapunzel, and Tiana. There are plenty of places for the entire group who are dressed in their representative clothing.

The newest Animators’ Collection Mini Doll Gift Set ($119.95) is similar to last year’s set with 15 mini animator dolls. This year’s collection includes Pocahontas, Tinker Bell, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Aladddin, Alice, Lilo, Rapunzel, Ariel, Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, and Tiana. As it did last year, this gift set comes in a beautiful box that when closed includes sketches of the characters. It’s just as pretty closed as opened. This is something adults as well as kids will appreciate.

Disney Classic Doll Collection Gift Set ($119.95) comes with 11 12-inch princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida. This set represents the grown-up princesses whereas the Animators’ set represents the child version of the characters. Plus this set does not include a special display box.

PAW Patrol Chase on the Case Cruiser by Vtech ($24.99) has sounds and Chase’s voice as kids help him rescue animals. Insert one of the 20 blocks to learn about shapes, numbers, and other things. This is really a cute little learning toy and who can’t resist this adorable little fellow? It’s an entertaining way to learn about numbers, animals, and caring while having fun the whole time.

Shimmer and Shine Wish & Spin Dolls ($44.99 each) can talk, spin, and generally entertain youngsters. They react to clapping hands and each comes with a genie bottle and hairbrush. They are filled with magic and plenty of enjoyment for girls.

Moana Toddler Doll

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

From the time she was a toddler, Moana had a friendship with the ocean. The movie introduces the newest Disney Princess. The Moana Toddler Doll captures the adventurous spirit of this little girl with fun and flair.

Seeing her in the box doesn’t do this doll justice. She needs to be taken out and examined to appreciate the detail of this adorable little toddler.

Toddler Moana loves the sea and sand, and this doll represents that with so much detail that exemplifies the little girl viewers will see on the screen. She wears her shell necklace and holds a little turtle. There is a flower clip for he hair, which is soft and wavy. This wide-eyed girl wears a little crop top and her little shorts. Underneath the shorts her underpants are painted on her body.

The most adorable features of this doll are her wide eyes, sweet smile, and her feet. What could make her feet so unique? Well, the tops are shiny to reflect the water she just walked in, and her toes and the bottoms of the feet have sand stuck to them. It looks just as though she was playing at the beach and enjoyed every minute of it.

Her warm brown Polynesian complexion combined with her dark hair and her outfit makes her the perfect play pal for kids 3 and up. She is cute and cuddly. And don’t worry about the sand coming off. It’s definitely stuck on. And her arms and legs are poseable so she can reach out for a hug or sit on a chair.

Disney’s Moana Toddler is going to be a fun friend to take to the beach or play with in the car, and she makes a good sleeping buddy. As a toddler, Moana steals the hearts of moviegoers and doll lovers. She is not delicate. She is meant to be played with and hugged. And there’s no way not to smile when you see her delightful grinning face. She looks as though she wants to say, “Let’s go back to the beach!”

Moana Toddler is not part of the Disney Animator Collection, however she does go well with the others if you want to display her along with your Animator dolls. This doll is a bit chubbier than the animator dolls and represents a more carefree style than the other princesses. Perhaps that is because she is a toddler and not a young girl.

Disney’s Moana Toddler Doll is going to be on plenty of holiday wish lists this year.

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Zagg Keyboard and Screen Protection for Your Tablet

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Zagg is a unique company created out of ingenuity and necessity. When the founder, Phillip Chipping, wanted to find a way to protect his new watch from scratches and chips, he discovered a film the military used to protect their helicopter blades. Well, if it was good enough for the military, it was good enough for him. He founded a company that produced lightweight shields to protect all our devices: iPhones, iPads, iPods. The company is now Zagg and this company produces an array of products to keep our devices safe as well as help users get the most convenience out of all our expensive devices.

First of all, they have several Invisible Shields for various products, made out of a variety of elements. Their newest is called the “Sapphire Defense” and is applied easily to your iPhone to keep the screen safe. Why sapphire? Jewelry aficionados know that sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness. This Invisible Shield is smudge resistant and easy to apply, leaving your screen with the clarity that all users demand. There is no distortion. Once applied, the screen is clear, resists smudges, and absorbs impacts that would damage it without the protection.

This Sapphire Defense Invisible Shield protects your screen from shattering 7 times more than without it. The sapphire infused crystals make all the difference in this product. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but in this case, girls and boys alike will agree sapphires are number one.

The Sapphire Defense is not currently available for the iPad Pro 12.9 inch so you’ll have to wait just a little longer. In the meantime, if you purchase one of these new large iPad Pros, protect it with the Invisible Shield Glass. This is good protection for this device repelling skin oils and keeping the screen clear and safe.

If you do have an iPad Pro 12.9 inch, so far the largest on the market, you’ll discover this is like a laptop without all the ports and some of the convenience. However that is easily fixed with Zagg’s Slim Book. The Slim Book is a combination keyboard, case, and stand.

Using the iPad Pro 12.9 inch without an additional keyboard is fine for some circumstances, but the keyboard on the screen takes up valuable screen real estate. And it’s not as easy to use for those of us who are used to typing on keys. This keyboard uses Bluetooth technology so there are no wires connecting it to your tablet. Just pair it with your device and you’re ready to start typing on real keys. The entire keyboard is convenient and comfortable for your palms to rest and your fingers to reach the keys.

Another great aspect of this keyboard is the keys are backlit. So when you are in a dark ballroom listening to a lecture and want to type notes, just press a button and a soft colors light backlights the keys. I have found this aspect extremely handy, not only in ballrooms, but in other situations as well.

The Slim Book also serves as a case to keep your tablet safe. Line up your tablet and click it into the case. Now, if you have your Invisible Screen on and your tablet secured in the case, you can feel comfortable knowing you have a safe tablet to carry as is. However, there is more.

The case now can connect to your keyboard. To pair the keyboard to your device, simply make sure your Bluetooth is turned on, press the fn button on the keyboard and either 1, 2, or 3. Your device will automatically find the keyboard and a blue light will flash telling you you’re all set. Now, if you want to pair your iPhone or another device to the keyboard, repeat this process (using a different number.) How cool is that? You can have several devices paired to use the keyboard. The easy Quick Start guide will help you set everything up in just a minute or two, including instructing you how to use the backlight and other options.

There is more to this Slim Book. With the hinges that connect the case to the keyboard, you have the ability to angle the screen to suit your needs. And, hold onto your hats, you can turn it around to “book mode” so you can read without the keyboard in your way. And the “video mode” lets you also view your screen without the keyboard in front of the screen. This is courtesy of the magnetic hinge that lets users flip the case.

If you get the idea that I am excited about this product, you are correct. I have been using it and it is amazing. It turns your iPad into a laptop, and it’s easily convertible to various modes. And when you just want to carry your screen without the keyboard, just pop it off. It’s that easy.

The Slim Book for iPad Pro 12.9 inch sells for $139.99. The Invisible Shield Glass for iPhone 6/6s Plus sells for $34.99. The Invisible Shield Sapphire Defense for iPhones sells for $49.99. The Invisible Shield Glass for iPad Pro 12.9 inch sells for $64.99.

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IFROGZ Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds from ZAGG

Posted on October 6, 2016October 7, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Are you tired of being tethered to your devices? When you’re out for a run, would you rather be free from a wire that connects you to your phone, iPod, or other device? And do you want clearer sound from your ear buds? If you do, IFROGS from Zagg has the best Bluetooth earpieces on the market.

Zagg is a company dedicated to making technology work for you. With their four new Bluetooth headsets, sound is clear and no wires connect you to your device. You are free to turn your head or jump around. You won’t run the chance of disconnecting from your iPod or phone and you’ll still get top quality sound with these small headsets.

There are four new Bluetooth earbud sets for different occasions. If you are a runner or sports enthusiast and require a rugged unit, there is the SUMMIT Wireless earbuds. These earbuds have a little extra piece to keep the bud secure on your ear, which is what you need when you’re running or exercising.

The lightweight wireless PLUGZ is Zagg’s simplest version. They still deliver top quality sound in a simple design. Women might prefer the CHARISMA version. These earbuds are a little more stylish and come in a variety of colors. They’re attractive, stylish, have specially designed fit for women, and are reliable. And for the best audio performance from your Bluetooth earbuds, try the IMPULSS style. This set has special chambers for “Reflective Acoustics” for audio enthusiasts. If you want the best audio from your device, this is the product for you.

Synching any of these IFROGS earbuds to your phone, iPad, or iPod is easy, even if you have never done it before. There are simple instructions however all it takes is a click and in a few seconds your mobile device will be synched to the earbuds and you will then be able to enjoy your music completely untethered from your iPod, or whatever you connect to the wireless buds.

The company says these new Bluetooth earbuds are “Wireless Evolved.” That just about sums it up except I would add, “Wireless Elevated.”

With their limited lifetime warranty, if your earbud tips get worn or damaged, the company will replace them. There are additional tips included and some come with three different sizes of tips for your personal comfort. They are all sweat resistant, and controlling the sound is no problem with the controls on a lightweight hub that clips securely to your shirt or strap. The magnetic hub stores the earbuds

The IMPULSE lists for $39.99. It’s available in white/rose and black/silver. The SUMMIT lists for $39.99 and is available in black or red and comes with three sizes of ear tips. Charisma lists for $29.99 and comes in black/white, white/rose, and gray with three sizes of tips. The PLUGZ set comes in silver or blue and lists for $29.99. It comes with three sizes of ear tips.

Having tried several kinds of headphones and earbuds, I can honestly say these are extremely comfortable. And the best part, or I should say the best parts about them is they all deliver high quality sound and are wireless. They free you from your device. Bluetooth is the way to go. And these IFROGZ are the best.

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MyPillow Mattress Topper

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re thinking about buying a new mattress, the MyPillow Mattress Topper might be the way to go instead of purchasing a completely new mattress. This high-density foam topper could save you thousands of dollars on a new mattress.

The MyPillow Mattress Topper is three inches thick. That’s a lot of foam. It supports your body with what they call “zero gravity” so the foam cradles your entire body. Pressure points are caressed.

With their “ThermaPhase Gel Technology,” the topper is meant to keep your body at the right temperature all year long. There is a removable cover that comes with the topper so it’s easily washable. The topper is made from CertiPure-US flexible polyurethane foam. With the attached straps, it is easy to place on top of your existing mattress and won’t shift or move during the night.

This is a nice little – or not so little if you select the king size – product for campers, camping, and those mostly-uncomfortable RV beds.

I tried this topper and although I love my regular air mattress, this added additional support. This is exactly what I would want in an RV. Those mattresses are quite uncomfortable, but when you purchase an RV you really don’t have any choice. You get what it comes with. But now with this MyPillow Mattress Topper, you can make your RV as comfortable as your home bed.

And this is something that college students will embrace. Dorm beds are awful. I remember mine. If I had this mattress topper when I went to college, my nights would have been much more comfortable.

With the 60-day money-back guarantee, there is no reason not to try this topper. And it comes with a five-year warranty.

Families might get extra benefit from this topper by putting it in minivans or station wagons. That way your child has a comfortable mattress for long road trips.

The company says this product is portable; however if you do get the king size, remember it is large so in my experience that size is really not portable. However the smaller sizes could easily be transported from one place to another.

My suggestion is to try the MyPillow Mattress Topper if you want to save money and not purchase a brand new mattress. Also, I highly suggest this for college students.

The MyPillow Mattress Topper is available in sizes Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, RV Queen, King, and California King. Check their website for prices and promo codes.

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Urban Armor Gear for your tablet

Posted on October 5, 2016October 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

When you spend a lot of money on a smartphone or tablet, you want to protect it. Most of the time the screens are the areas that get damaged. They can get scratched or cracked. And they always have plenty of fingerprints and smudges on them. Urban Armor Gear created a great shield that protects the screen while maintaining clarity.

The tempered glass shield is easy to apply. It’s a thin, hard shield that you place on your screen then stick down. It’s as easy as one, two, three. First, clean your screen, second peel and place the shield, third press it down. That’s it! It won’t shift or peel. It stays in place.

The shield is scratch resistant and resists fingerprints. Plus, those clever folks at UAG have included built in blue light protection that keeps eyes from straining. Tired eyes are a big problem for people who are constantly looking at a computer, phone, or tablet screen. This added benefit helps ease eyestrain.

The company also produces Composite cases for your tablet. This case is made from rugged “FrogSkin” and clicks into place and has a metal stand to you can stand your tablet on a table at a variety of angles. And with this unique stand, you have the option of placing your tablet in either a portrait or landscape position.

If you have the iPad Pro, you might have already purchased the special “pen” that works with the tablet. If so, don’t worry about losing it with this case. There is a holder for the pen built into the case. Everything is attached so you won’t lose the pen or the stand.

The Composite Cases from Urban Armor Gear come in blue, red and black. They’re impact resistant and rugged! Just what you need to protect your iPad Pro.

When you invest in a tablet, you want it to last. With these two products you are adding security as well as convenience.

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BROO – Beer Infused Shampoos and Conditioners

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Have you heard that beer is good for your hair? When I was young my mom often poured beer on my hair after shampooing. Sounds strange, but for generations beer has been used to get shiny hair. BROO is a company with three different versions of beer-infused shampoos and conditioners.

If you have thin or fine hair, try the “Pop your Top” BROO shampoo and conditioner. For dry or damaged hair, there is the “Drench your Do” and for an invigorating experience they have “Feel the Buzz.” Each one is safe for color treated hair, so you don’t have to worry about it taking the color out of your hair.

So, why beer? First of all, it contains B vitamins and minerals. It’s protein-rich. Beer nourishes your hair however you won’t smell any alcohol in the products. Don’t worry about getting pulled over for driving intoxicated because you smell like beer!

According to Brad and Sarah, the founders of BROO Craft Beer Hair, the first ingredient in each of their products is beer because it “has all the amazing B vitamins, minerals and proteins that make hair strong, shiny and healthy.” As soon as I heard about this company I thought about my mom drenching my long hair with beer. She was right. And both Brad and Sarah’s moms rinsed their hair with beer too.

I tried the “Feel the Buzz” Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s not flowery or sweet smelling, but it does make your scalp tingle. And, as I expected (and hoped it would do), my hair is shiny and healthy looking.

They use pure ingredients that moisturize, cleanse, and put a shine in your hair. Your hair will be clean and soft. The products are pH balanced, and –yay – they are made in the USA! Plus, they are vegan, so you know they are created with the utmost care and purest ingredients, free of dyes, parabens, and other things you don’t understand but know can’t be good for you!

BROO is a product that lives up to the hype. Beer is good for your hair. Mom knew best!

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