Coffee lovers, take note. If you love all kinds of coffee, the new Ninja Coffee Bar just might be your favorite coffee maker. This is the most versatile little machine for creating all kinds of coffees.

The variety of coffees this unit can create is vast. Yes, it can make a simple cup of coffee. But it does so much more.

Users can brew a single cup, a travel cup, a carafe, or a half carafe. Each time the brew is tailored to the select size. There is also a selection to brew over ice. This is a unique button because with the IQ technology, the machine brews the coffee a little stronger so as the ice melts, it won’t dilute the flavor of your java. Patented Auto-iQ technology selects the right amount of water to use for each selection of coffee saturation. That is what makes this unit different from others so you can brew a single cup or a carafe, hot or cold, with the touch of a button.

If you want something more creative than a simple cup of coffee, the “Specialty Brew” button, using the IQ technology, creates more concentrated coffee for a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato.

The Ninja Coffee Bar comes with a milk frother. To utilize this little gadget, simply microwave some milk in the glass tube then insert the frothing mechanism and pump to get the milk frothy for specialty coffees.

The recipe book that comes with the machine has plenty of ideas to create specialty coffees to match your every mood. All you need to do is to follow the recipes and in a few minutes you can have a bigger menu of specialty drinks than the local coffee house.

Because you use your own coffee in the unit, you can control what kind of grounds you prefer. Many people love strong, bitter coffee, while others enjoy a light roast or even flavored grounds. It’s your decision.

If you have seen the infomercial you know the Ninja Coffee Bar also makes ice-blended drinks. For an ice-blended drink you need an additional unit to blend the ingredients. Some offers online and on TV include the additional blender, however it is not included in the actual Ninja Coffee Bar box. This is something you need to know when you buy your machine.

When I received my review unit, I was anxious to try different coffees. I am not a barista, so it took me a few tries to get exactly what I wanted. I also found the coffee was a bit stronger than I wanted, so I do admit there is a little learning curve with this, but not too much.

If you are looking for a gift for a coffee lover, this fits the bill. Or, if you are simply in need of a new coffee maker, why not get this and in time you will probably be creating more than a pot of coffee. The possibilities are limited by your imagination. Whether you want to add caramel, chocolate, Amaretto, etc. you can have almost any kind of coffee drink you can imagine.

There is a choice between the glass carafe and a thermal carafe. Included in the Ninja Coffee Bar box is: the machine, carafe, Ninja Easy Frother, scooper, coffee filter, insulated tumbler and recipe book. The Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer lists for $159.80 for the glass carafe.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. 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

When you see the Dyson V6 Mattress handheld vacuum you might wonder what makes this different from the other Dyson handheld vacuum. The difference is the additional motorized brush designed especially for mattresses. When was the last time you vacuumed your mattress? Have you ever thought about it? We often hear of bedbug outbreaks in hotels but we don’t hear about dust mites.

No matter how often you change your sheets, your mattress still collects dust mites and skin cells. That’s not going to stop unless you have a special covering over your mattress; more than simply a regular mattress pad. The average bed is filled with dust mites, their feces, and skin cells. Doesn’t it make your stomach turn when you think about that?

The Dyson V6 Mattress will alleviate your concerns and put your mind to rest, along with your body. The motorized mattress tool has stiff bristles that agitate the fibers in your mattress and sucks up the mites, feces, and skin cells. The HEPA filter captures particles so they are not released back into the air.

If you have allergy sufferers in your house, remember that dust mites can trigger attacks and even asthma. Inhaling the mites or their feces or contact with skin are the ways our bodies come in contact with these disgusting little guys. Have you ever seen a mite through a microscope? They are creepy bugs that are just as menacing as they are ugly.

Besides the specially designed motorized mattress brush, the Dyson V6 Mattress includes a soft brush for cleaning gentle surfaces like keyboards, a combination tool for cleaning shelves and other areas, and a crevice tool. And emptying the bin is as simple as a push of a button. You don’t have to touch anything that has been captured by the vacuum.

The Dyson V6 Mattress is compact and lightweight. It is quieter than the Dyson V6 Trigger, their other handheld vacuum. The main difference, however, is the motorized mattress tool.

After receiving this vacuum to test, my first thought was that I wish I could take it with me whenever I go to a hotel. I hope hotels and motels know about this vacuum!

Because we spend at least a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense that the mattress should be as clean as possible. According to Environment, Health and Safety Online, “A typical used mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside. (Ten percent of the weight of a two year old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings.”

There are many ways to help control mites in your environment. Read more at the ehso website.

In the meantime, remember that the Dyson V6 Mattress is one important tool in keeping your family a little healthier. Even with special mattress covers, it is a good idea to vacuum your mattresses. After all, every little bit helps.

If you are considering a handheld vacuum, the Dyson V6 Mattress adds a little extra to the package. It does everything the other handhelds do, plus a little more. And you will be happier when you get into bed.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about products and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as many 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

Just when you thought Dyson couldn’t improve on their cordless vacuum, they invented the new V6 Absolute. This is definitely an improvement in their line of cordless vacuums that perform above and beyond the expectations of users.

The V6 Absolute is more powerful than their last vacuum and can run up to 20 minutes on a charge of the Li-ion battery. A Max mode allows users a little increase in the power when there is a more challenging task, however it isn’t necessary to use this mode most of the time as the suction is already powerful. When depressing the Max power mode button the battery will use a little more power.

The HEPA filter is important for allergy sufferers because it captures 99.97% of particles and holds them so as not to release them back into the air when air leaves the machine. If you suffer from allergies, sinus problems or asthma or simply want cleaner air, this filter will help. HEPA stands for “High-efficiency particulate air” and is the required by the government to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This filtration is a plus for anyone with medical issues, small children, or pets.

With the two different heads that come with the vacuum, the V6 Absolute is the only cordless you will need for both carpets and hard floors. The soft roller cleaning head as well as the direct-drive cleaning head are both included with this model. The actually direct-drive motor forces the brushes deeper into the carpet to capture more debris and dust.

The V6 Absolute includes several tools including a crevice tool to clean in corners and baseboards as well as combination tools for a variety of cleaning. The mini soft dusting brush is the optimum size for getting into keyboards or other areas without scratching the surface.

My favorite part of the Dyson cordless vacuums remains the same on the Absolute. As with the other Dyson cordless vacuums, the Absolute is lightweight and easy to use both when vacuuming the floor or reaching in higher places. Getting those cobwebs on the ceiling is a breeze as well as cleaning the tops of blinds or shutters. Cleaning the dust out of screens is easy with the Dyson because of the way it is weighted. While it won’t wash your windows, at least the screens will be clean and dust free. When was the last time you cleaned your screens? They are year-round dust and pollen collectors.

The convenient docking station also is easy to use. Simply attach it to the wall and plug in the vacuum. And emptying the vacuum is simple with just a push of a button. The vacuum itself is red and gray, giving it a sleek, modern look.

As with the other Dyson cordless vacuums, the Absolute is easy to convert from a floor-to-ceiling cleaner to a short handheld machine to use in cars or on furniture.

The Dyson V6 Absolute comes with a 2-year warranty.

If you are looking for a small, lightweight, cordless vacuum with super power to clean both carpets and hard floors, a HEPA filter for better breathing, plenty of tools to clean the entire house – or apartment – and easily converts from a floor cleaner to a handheld, then the V6 Absolute is worth the investment. With Dyson technology and all the bells and whistles, plus the additional benefit of the HEPA filter, this is the one cordless vacuum that does it all.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and products and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites and has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The new Dyson Pure Cool is both a fan and an air purifier. This powerful unit delivers purified air with the Dyson technology. The Dyson Pure Cool removes 99.955% of ultrafine particles. For those of us with allergies and sensitivities, this is a must have. If you have one or know about the Dyson fans then you know how amazing they are. They use a technology that channels air through an aperture then pushes or blows it out. Unlike conventional fans that use blades to circulate the air, the Dyson fans do not have any blades, thereby eliminating any potential danger to little fingers. And they look really neat. The designs of the Dyson fans is modern yet fits into any décor.

With the new addition of the purifier, the Dyson Pure Cool adds an additional aspect to the fan. It eliminates particles, fumes and odors, making it a perfect unit in households with animals. And think about the cooking odors you don’t want hanging around long after the dinner has been digested. This purifier takes the odors out of the air.

The Dyson Pure Cool has several settings. Select whether you want it to blow in one direction or oscillate. The small remote control is easy to use and lets you change settings from across the room. And, there is a sleep timer so the unit will turn itself off automatically in up to 9 hours.

The second duty of this handy machine is the cooling aspect. Remember, it is a fan as well as a purifier. The Dyson Pure Cool is especially important when the weather is hot and you need to cool down a room. For those without air conditioning, fans are important. And for those with AC using a fan in a single room instead of running the AC in the entire house will save energy costs.

Personally I can see three main rooms in which I will be using my unit. The kitchen is definitely a place for odors. The Dyson Pure Cool keeps the room cool and odor free when cooking. The family room is where the family gathers to watch TV and where guests gravitate. This is a perfect location for the unit, keeping the air clean and refreshing.

Allergy sufferers will most likely want to sleep with the unit in their bedrooms. And nurseries will benefit from cleaner air.

The bottom line is the Dyson Pure Cool is an all-year round fan. At lower settings it acts primarily as an air purifier and at higher settings it doubles as a purifier and a cooling fan. And when it’s cranked up it definitely delivers on the cooling aspect.

The specially designed glass HEPA filter lasts for six months or approximately 4382 hours of continuous use. To keep your air clean, simply replace the filter twice a year to eliminate almost 100% of the bacteria, pollen, allergens, pollutants, and odors in your house.

I have always liked the Dyson fans and the Dyson Pure Cool is a giant leap forward. Purifying the air is beneficial to our health and everyone can breathe a little easier. Combining the technology of a Dyson fan with a purifier is pure genius. I have been using the Dyson Pure Cool in my bedroom and I awake in the morning without any breathing difficulties or allergies and no congestion. I am sold on this product.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about product reviews, technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites.

Disney Consumer Products is rolling out some wonderful new items during the remainder of 2015, just in time for fall fun and holiday gift giving. Below is a sneak peek at a few of the items.

 

Halloween is always a fun time for kids who want to transform into their favorite characters, even if it just a witch or a ghost. And with the great films of the past several years, there are plenty of animated characters that have stolen the affections of children everywhere.

 

Needless to say, Anna and Elsa are very popular and many girls will want to show off their inner Frozen princess this Halloween. The new Anna and Elsa costumes are stunning. A new Elsa gown has a detachable cape. Both the cape and the gown light up for a touch of Frozen magic. Of course there are other princess gowns as well. And since Disney has incorporated the Star Wars franchise, there are some pretty cool costumes for young Princess Leahs and Darth Vaders who want to take on “the force” this Halloween.

 

Perhaps the coolest of the new costumes this year is Baymax. This is an inflatable costume that instantly transforms your child – or yourself – into the loveable robot from Big Hero Six.

Miles from Tomorrowland is also a cute costume option for young fans of this popular Disney Channel animated sci-fi preschool series.

 

With all these creative costumes, Halloween has never been this much fun before.

 

For a touch of Disney in everyday life, there is a new a six-pack of socks featuring the different characters from Inside Out. Each pair portrays a different emotion from the film. There are only six in this pack so you’re on your own for the seventh day. But what a fun way to express a little emotion and a lot of cuteness! They go great with the Inside Out talking dolls. Plus, for devotees of the film, a new Inside Out Game of LIFE is fun for the entire family.

 

A new 14-piece Anna and Elsa Deluxe Gift Set includes the two animator dolls and a whole lot of extras. They each have their own small replica doll plus a stuffed Olaf and Troll come in the set. But that’s not all. Each doll has a change of clothes, a hanger and a mannequin on which to display their dresses. Plus, the piece de resistance is…they sing. They sing the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” This set is a must have for any Frozen fan.

Speaking of Frozen, Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace makes a great gift for the holidays. There are several moving parts and plenty of things to play with as parts are flipped to reveal different aspects of the palace. A telescoping feature magically raises the palace up to three feet tall. The Elsa doll is not included in the set, but once she is added to her palace setting, there are hours of fun in store for any little girl who adores playing with Elsa and her palace.

 

The Magic Mike Elsa is bound to be on holiday wish lists this year. The doll comes with a microphone. She sings “Let it Go” along with the music, and when the mic is moved away it becomes a karaoke machine with the music still playing so your child – or you – can continue singing. Sing a duet or back and forth with Elsa. If you stop singing and place the mic near Elsa, she picks up the song where you leave off. That’s the magic.

 

And for those who love all the Disney princesses, a new Deluxe Mini Animator Doll Set is being released. Packaged in a beautiful box for display, the box contains 15 mini animator dolls.

 

If you have been living on another planet, you might not be aware that the new Disney Channel movie Descendants has been shaking up the tween and teen world. If your child cannot stop talking about the movie or the characters, you’re in luck. The new Descendants Signature Doll Assortment is hitting the shelves now. Each doll is dressed in their iconic fashions and ready for some fun at your house.

 

Tsum Tsums is the latest craze when it comes to stuffed animals. They are stackable with their flat bottoms. There is a wide assortment of Tsum Tsum characters in various sizes representing Disney characters. In November the “Tsum Tsum Olaf Bag with Frozen Fever” will be released. A large Olaf Tsum Tsum holds a smaller Elsa, Anna, Sven, and Snowgie (the small snowman from the Disney short film Frozen Fever. If you want a compact set that can travel with you and keep your child entertained when you go to appointments, this fits the bill. And, by the way, there are some vinyl Tsum Tsums now too.

 

Let’s talk sports and games. Marvel and Spiderman fans can now play soccer and tennis with their characters. And for Disney Infinity players, Disney Infinity 3.0 is coming out this fall along with new Star Wars playing pieces.

 

We know that little girls love having tea parties. The new Disney Princess tea sets contain cups and plates that fit perfectly inside the big plastic teapot for easy storing.

 

Disney Junior also has some pretty fun items for fans of Miles from Tomorrowland, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First viewers. Doc is now a veterinarian and has her own vet hospital where she can attend to all animals. Miles has some fun items that expand players’ imaginations as well, as does Sofia.

 

And back to Frozen – you didn’t think we were finished with Anna and Elsa yet, did you? A music box features the two princesses along with Olaf. As the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” plays, the sisters build the loveable snowman. This has to be one of my favorite items at the preview. Well, this and the mini dolls, and the tennis racket, and the ice palace, and… You get the idea. Everything they presented was amazing.

 

A radio controlled Lightning McQueen and Miles from Tomorrowland are sure to delight kids. Who doesn’t like controlling their favorite character? And while we’re on the subject of Lightning McQueen, a garage app keeps track of all the cars in a collection and interacts with the user. Vroom vroom.
Also for the little techies in your home, the Mickey Rocket Builder is not only a physical rocket with Mickey Mouse, but along with the app it synchs together to play in the digital world as well. Recommended for ages 3-6, it is also going to be enjoyed by older kids, and ahem, adults. And for Marvel Avengers fans, a Playmation gadget is attached to a wrist and players are guided an adventure. This is truly a “smart toy.” FYI, Frozen and Star Wars Playmation sets will roll out in 2016.

 

No matter how long your gift list is this year, you are sure to find something in the Disney world to help. Remember, the Disney World now includes Star Wars and Marvel. There are too many great items from which to choose. But from what I saw, they are all worth considering. And we haven’t even touched on the adorable Disney Baby collection.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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

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There is no shortage of beauty products, gadgets and gizmos on the shelves. Recently I was sent this new TAO- WEI Cool2Hot Sonic Beautifier to test. As usual, I was skeptical that any over the counter item could do anything. So, I put this to the test.

 

The first night I used it I felt my skin was softer. I didn’t see any difference but it felt like silk. I have used this gadget for almost a month and can say that I do think my skin looks more rested and refreshed. The texture is definitely smoother.

 

So, what is this little gadget? Like many electric toothbrushes, it uses sonic technology. Besides sonic technology, it also uses temperatures and changes from hot (up to 107 degrees) to cold (down to 41 degrees) in just seconds.

 

The hot setting, along with the sonic vibrations, liquefies lotions on your face. If you put on moisturizer then use this on the hot/sonic settings, to maximize the absorption of whatever serum or cream you use. Plus the heat feels great. Then after about a minute change the setting to cold (and I do mean cold) and pores are closed to lock in the cream or serum. We’ve all been told as we grow up to wash with hot or warm water then rinse with cold. This is for a specific reason. Heat opens pores and cold closes them.

 

If you have puffy eyes, instead of putting a cucumber slice over them, simply put this device on the cold/sonic setting and your eyes will instantly feel better. The cold is refreshing. I can also see this being used in the hot summer to cool anyone’s face or neck when the temperature is on the rise.

 

This is not a gadget that takes the place of a facelift, but it does tone and refresh skin. At least it has done so for me. And I have tried many different products. This is something that took me off guard by really coming through and refreshing my skin. It doesn’t change discolorations. It does makes skin smoother.

 

TAO-WEI Cool2Hot Sonic Beautifier is available on weibeauty.com for $198.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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

Like her on Facebook

It’s summer and that means warm weather, and in many cases, very hot weather. If you’re spending most of your time in one room, why are you cooling the entire house with an air conditioner? With energy costs rising, it makes sense to use this great fan for times when you only need to cool one room. The Dyson AM08 Pedestal Fan is powerful, attractive, and it really works.

 

Instead of being a table fan, this pedestal fan sits on the floor so it is a great fan to cool the warm summer nights when you’re sleeping. Simply place it in the bedroom or next to the bed and adjust the aperture (the big round circle) to the precise angle that will keep you cool during the night.

 

Why would you want this as opposed to a conventional fan with blades? First of all, Dyson has been producing reliable and sturdy products for years. They incorporate design with functionality. Second, the Dyson fans do not use blades, making them safe to have around children. Third, they are easy to clean. You don’t have to get between slots or grills to clean the unit. There are none. Just wipe it with a cloth. Fourth, they look amazing. Fifth, they really do work.

 

How do they work if they don’t have blades pushing the air around? That’s where their ingenuity comes into play. All round the aperture there are air channels that use the Dyson Air Multiplier technology. Not being an engineer I won’t attempt to describe how it works, all I can say is that the technology creates a smooth stream of cool air.

 

The pedestal has a telescopic tube that when fully extended is 55.4 inches high. The entire unit weighs 8.5 pounds and has a 6.6-foot cord. The AM08 also comes with a remote control. This is a great benefit, especially when you’re using it in your bedroom. There is a programmable sleep timer with preset intervals so you can set it to stay on from 15 minutes up to 9 hours. And the remote lets the user adjust the airflow as well as the oscillation. If you don’t want it to oscillate, you can turn it off from the remote. Plus, with ten settings, the remote allows for adjusting the amount of airflow. Simply look at the bottom of the fan to see which setting it is currently set at. The setting is lit up by LED numbers. Adjust accordingly. If you want more air, raise the setting. If you’re cool and comfortable and want a little less air, decrease the setting. All without getting up from your chair or bed.

 

It’s no secret I have been a Dyson fan, no pun intended, for a long time. Why? Because I love the way they look and because I honestly think they do what they are intended to do. Without grills to open or squeeze my fingers through to clean dusty blades, these fans are a blessing. And for families with kids, there are no blades that can cause injuries to little fingers.

 

I have never had a fan that is 100 percent quiet. I don’t think it’s possible to make a fan that really cools the air and doesn’t make a sound. The Dyson Pedestal fan does make some noise, I will admit, however it is much quieter than any of the other big fans I have ever heard. And, if it is possible to make a completely silent full force fan, I’m sure the engineers at Dyson will find a way. In the meantime, we have this unit that is definitely not loud.

 

To find out if this is the best fan for your needs, go to Dyson.com.

 

The Dyson AM08 lists for $449.99 and is available in white with silver. It looks like it was taken from the Jetson’s home. How cool is that? Again, no pun intended.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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

Like her on Facebook