IFROGZ Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds from ZAGG

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.

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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.
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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.

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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.”
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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.

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

MyPillow Mattress Topper

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.

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

Urban Armor Gear for your tablet


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.

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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.
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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.

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

BROO – Beer Infused Shampoos and Conditioners

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.

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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!

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 SockIt for Young Soccer Players

Soccer is a favorite sport among youngsters. It’s been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Although it has been played a little differently in various cultures through history, it remains a popular sport around the world. One father has created a new technology that promises improvement in players’ accuracy and power when kicking the ball.

“After watching my daughters and their teammates continually hit the ball with their toes in practice, I went out to look for some kind of device that could help train them to instead kick on the top of their shoes,” said Joe Briganti, SockIt founder and CEO. “I didn’t find anything in stores and saw this as a great opportunity to show my daughters a little about business and how to make an idea a reality.”
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This little device is made from industrial strength thermal plastic rubber and fits onto cleats. When the player kicks the ball correctly, six LED-powered lights light up. A replaceable lithium battery powers this device, which helps players gain confidence and accuracy while still having fun.

The SockIt is for ages 5-12 and is one-size-fits-all. Besides helping youngsters improve their kicking skills, it is fun to wear and withstands all the impact little legs deliver. And once one child wears it, the entire team will be asking for their own.

What is admirable about the company is that for every SockIt sold the company will donate a portion of the revenue to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. And the company has donated products and set up soccer scholarships for underprivileged kids to help pay their fees. No sport is free. With fees to join leagues as well as equipment, the costs add up.

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This wearable device is something that will soon be seen everywhere. Helping kids with their skills while doing it in a fun way is a unique thing. By wearing the SockIt, kids will learn, in their own way, how to adjust their kicks in order to get the best outcome and power. They can practice by themselves because the SockIt will let them know when they have done it correctly. When it lights up it’s like saying “good job!”

The SockIt comes in four colors: orange, blue, yellow, and magenta. It lists for $19.95. Simply strap it onto your child’s cleats and they’re ready to go.

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

ZUS Smart Car Charger and Locator – Product Review

With so many mobile devices, charging them can be a hassle. Charging on the go is often the best time to recharge a phone or tablet. ZUS has two USB ports that charge at twice the speed of a regular outlet, lighting to see the ports at night, and a car locator that leads you to your car with the help of the free app.

While this little gadget does several things, my favorite part of the ZUS is the fast charging. Charging my iPad and my iPhone at twice the speed at the same time is something that is useful to me. I also like the fact that the ports light up in the dark so finding the device plug-ins is a breeze.

One of the other features of this unit is the car locator. There are some downfalls with this, however it seems to work nicely under the right circumstances. If you are inside a building and want to find where you parked your car, you won’t be able to do that as it relies on GPS, which is only accessible outside. So, you do have to go outside to track the location of your vehicle. This might be a problem when you are inside and cannot remember where you parked and it is raining or snowing. You do have to go out into the elements to get the GPS to work.

Once in awhile the locator didn’t do its job the way I would have liked. But on the whole it worked pretty well.

I don’t know if I would recommend this device solely as a car locator. I will mostly be using it as a fast charger, which is the selling point for me when it comes to the ZUS.

There is also an alarm you can set via the app so you’ll never forget about an expiring parking meter. Once the time has been set, the app will alert you ten minutes before the meter or parking time expires.

Fast charging is a benefit for many people, myself included. Imagine having a carload of people, each needing to charge their phones. With two ports and twice the speed, everyone will be able to charge their devices in a short time. Two smartphones can charge in about two hours. For long car rides this is a great feature, especially during summer family driving trips.

ZUS is able to withstand being inside a hot car and has a cooling system that prevents it from overheating. It is definitely a handy little unit that accomplishes a variety of tasks.

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

HydroChic Land and Water Clothing for Women

HydroChic is a company that has answered the prayers of millions of women around the globe. Their clothing is appropriate for lounging, swimming, exercising, and everyday wear. So, what makes their products so appealing to women? It’s the fact that they can be worn over swimwear or as swimwear, without compromising modesty. Whether you have religious concerns about showing too much skin, are sensitive about your body image, or simply want something comfortable and can serve a variety of situations, HydroChic is the answer.
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Actress Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) recently endorsed the company. She is religious and conservative in her attire and posted on her Facebook page, “I’ve written about ‘modest swimwear’ before but I just got the new spring catalog for HydroChic Sun Protective Swimwear & Activewear and I wanted to post it. I am not being paid to do this, I just want to share it because I think it’s important to get this resource out there…they have a ton of options and ‘plus’ sizes … for all levels of comfort, modesty-wise….my previous HydroChic suit lasted for YEARS.”

hc dress“HydroChic is designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty and flatter her body, while offering a range of protection and modesty options that fit her lifestyle,” says HydroChic co-founder Sara Wolf of New Rochelle, NY. “Many women of all ages are seeking alternative swim solutions to the traditional bathing suit, because, let’s face it, we can’t all wear a bikini.”

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Every piece of clothing can be worn in the water, but they also look great as cover-ups over traditional suits and can simply be worn around and as exercise clothing. The material is chlorine resistant and chlorine proof, and fast drying. Plus they have clothes that have UPF 50+ sun protection. Whether you are an XS or a 4X, they have a variety of mix-and-match tops and bottoms.
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Personally, I am not comfortable in “Yoga Pants.” But I feel very comfortable in the Long Swimpants. They are called swimpants, but they are great to wear when exercising, running errands, or taking a walk. And if I happen to be near the beach – or a pool, I can wear them there too. This is a great pair of pants to wear when on vacation, say, in Hawaii. Now women don’t have to worry about getting their pants wet when taking a walk along the beach after dinner. And if you plan on having pool parties for your friends or your kids this summer, this is the best way to look stylish while at the same time being able to take a dip yourself. And post maternity moms who often feel like hiding their bodies get the coverage they want while still looking stylish.

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The styles range from $29.50 – $90 and are available at select stores throughout the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Israel, and online at www.hydrochic.com. Besides pants, they have a variety of tops, capris, skorts, dresses, skirts, shorts, and jackets, which are all great for home or resort wear. And for women who are not modest, there are plenty of styles that won’t make them feel like they are wearing something out of their realm. For instance, there is an adorable swim short with hidden shorts and a cute colorblock swim n’ tennis dress. And the tops are perfect for all ages. Think about getting some for your girls – or yourself – to wear over swimsuits after getting out of the pool or at the beach. There are some pretty colors from which to choose too! The sea blue is beautiful.

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Whether you want something to wear in or out of the water while maintaining some sense of dignity and style, HydroChic has something for you. And if you order one of their tops, you get a complimentary swim and sports bra.

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

Dory Talking Plush

When Finding Nemo hit the screens in 2003, it was Dory who stole viewers’ hearts. Voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, Dory, a blue tang fish with memory problems, now has a movie of her own which is set to open June 17. Finding Dory is Disney’s big summer animated film, and along with the film there are plenty of corresponding merchandise items that are sure to be desired by fans of the film, and especially fans of Dory.

The Dory Talking Plush is a 14-inch cute and cuddly stuffed Dory that moves her fins and lips when her button is pressed. She speaks seven phrases from the film voiced by Ellen.

“Hello there. Do you know me? Oh no, I’m sorry. I suffer from short-term memory loss. You found me! How did you find me?”

“Hi, I’m Dory. Excuse me. Hi. So, I’m looking for my family. I guess we’ll hang out another time. Don’t be a stranger.”

“You know I speak whale…”

“Hello, hello. Can you help me? Hey guys, I’m looking for my family. Got it. What was the first part again?”

“I remembered something. I actually remembered something. Something important. We better get going. I’m sorry, did I forget again?”

“Hey man, don’t touch my tag. Wow. I’m so glad I found you.”

And she speaks a phrase in whale! Well, kind of in whale.

Dory is soft and cuddly and if you don’t want her talking all night in your child’s bed, simply turn off her switch which is located in her stomach and accessed through a Velcro-closing pocket.

This Dory cannot go into the bathtub, but there is one that does – the Dory Swimming Action Figure. Plus, there are plenty of other great items in the Finding Dory collection from the Disney Store.
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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

Costa’s Newest Sunglasses for Summer 2016


The Costa quality is evident in every pair of sunglasses they make. With their newest line for summer 2016, outdoor enthusiasts can look even better while still protecting their eyes. Costa sunglasses are comfortable and durable. That is something I can attest to since they are the only sunglasses I have worn for over a decade.

Costa wearers can select from a variety of frame and lens colors, and they even offer to make your new glasses with your personal prescription if you have one. Their polarized 580 lenses provide clear, easy viewing which filters out ultraviolet blue and yellows. Your eyes will feel less stress and colors around you will appear bright and vibrant, while still maintaining crisp visual acuity.

The newest styles for summer include Anaa, Hinano, Copra, and Trevally. They are each unique and customizable for your personality and are available in either glass or lightweight plastic lenses.

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The Trevally is a unisex design with a smaller fit. Hinano is named for a flower from French Polynesia. It also has a small fit. Copra is a medium fit and the frames are made with resin from the castor plant. Anaa is another medium fit style named for an atoll in Tahiti. With inspiration from nature, Costa designs each of their styles for durability and precision. And yes, they are made in the USA! The company is in Florida and every pair of glasses is created there.

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Each of these new styles comes in a variety of lens colors like blue, green, and silver mirror, and non-mirrored gray or copper. There is also a lens called sunrise, which was created for early morning and dusk especially for fishermen – and fisherwomen. But you don’t have to fish to get the most out of this lens.

The mirrored lenses are not only protective of your eyes, but they are also really quite attractive. My eyes are very sensitive so I usually opt for the dark gray lens.

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As far as frame colors, there is a wide variety ranging from plain shiny black to multi-colored. Creating your personal style with your own selection of frames and lenses is just the start of your Costa experience. The polarized lenses and the high quality of both the lenses and the frames make for the most comfortable pair of sunglasses with easy-to-wear cushioned temples and earpieces.

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Each pair of Costa sunglasses comes with a lifetime warranty. How’s that for a company that stands by their products? They also include a durable case with every purchase. The prices vary depending on frame style and lenses.

costa caseWith summer just around the corner, it’s time to treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses to last the season and beyond. Check out the Costa variety at their website and create your own pair.

Disney Animators’ Collection Alice Doll

The newest addition to the popular Disney Animators’ Collection is Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Like the others in the series, Alice stands 16 inches tall and was designed by a Disney animator.

Alice definitely looks sweet and innocent. She is smiling and her big blue eyes show her wonder at the big wide world. Her blonde hair is tied with a black ribbon on the top of her head. She wears a bright blue dress with a white apron. Alice carries a miniature soft stuffed version of her beloved cat Dinah.
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Dale Baer is the Disney animator who helped create this newest doll in the series. He has worked on several popular characters from a variety of animated films including The Rescuers, The Great Mouse Detective, The Lion King, The Emperor’s New Groove, Meet the Robinsons, The Princess and the Frog, and Winnie the Pooh. Each of these films has given us beloved characters, and Baer lends his talents to this new doll.

The first thing everyone will notice about Alice is her angelic face. Little girls will take her to their hearts, and older girls, ahem women, will be delighted by all the sweetness she has to offer. Her box is adorned with sketches from the story, making it a nice way to display little Alice, but if you do want to take her out, the Kaiser doll stand #2601 is the perfect way to display Alice on a shelf. Of course, she can always just be hugged and played with.

The newest film, Alice Through the Looking Glass, hits theaters May 27, 2016, but Alice is probably best known for her first Disney film, Alice in Wonderland, which came out in 1951 and is a classic animated feature. This wasn’t the first film, however, to feature the delightful little girl. There were other movies before the Disney version. And the 2010 Tim Burton film showed a more mature Alice returning to Wonderland. The newest Burton story has Alice returning yet again to the place where her wildest adventures occurred.
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Little girls might enjoy dressing like Alice. The Disney Store has a matching dress for girls. They also have a miniature version of the doll that comes in a playset with other characters from the story. If your child loves Alice, reading the Alice in Wonderland book by Lewis Carroll is a great way to share time together. There are plenty of books about Alice that kids will enjoy hearing at bedtime with this Alice doll tucked into the covers next to them in bed.

The animator doll has all the whimsy and excitement of the character. Little Alice is a sweet doll with a big smile and a slightly turned up nose in her profile. It’s difficult to look at her and not smile. She exudes love and kindness. Undoubtedly she will be a beloved friend for many little girls. This doll is for ages 3+.

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