We all know that sleep is important to our mental and physical well being. For some people light effects their quality of sleep. That’s where the Manta Sleep Mask comes in handy.

This is not like a regular sleep mask we’ve seen in the past. This is a unique design that wraps comfortably around your head and stays secure via velcro. But what makes this mask unique are the eye cups that are also connected to the headband with velcro. The mask is completely adjustable to fit your head and your eyes, so getting the most comfortable fit is easy. 

These cups can be aligned to a perfect fit for your face. They are soft and deep enough to let you open your eyes without any friction, but still keep the light out.

There are many reasons for having complete darkness when we sleep. First, the light often effects how much sleep and the quality of sleep depending on each individual. Some people can fall asleep easily in full sunlight while others need more darkness. When our eyes are closed there is still light coming through. The brain understands this and sometimes it is not easy to shut out the outside world without total darkness.

Blue light from computer screens and televisions can effect sleep. If your partner likes to watch TV or work on a laptop or table in bed the sleep mask is the perfect addition to your nighttime routine. What I like is turning on night music on YouTube however most of the sites that have relaxing music still have visuals on the screen so in effect that negates the entire situation. With the sleep mask I can still listen to the relaxing music on my favorite YouTube channels but do not have to deal with the visuals on my TV, even though they are quite nice to look at. Yes, there are some sites that have music and black screens, but many do not. 

And if your partner gets up in the night to go to the bathroom and turns on the light, even if it is a dim one, this can effect your sleep. You might not wake up completely, but your brain detects the light so your sleep might be effected.

In the summer when it’s lighter longer, the Manta negates the need for blackout blinds. You can still have your windows open and not get any light interfering with your sleep. This is a necessity in the far north like Alaska when the sun stays up for most of the 24 hours. Trust me when I say I relied completely on the blackout blinds while in the 49th state!

Migraine sufferers know that complete darkness is helpful when fighting the pain and symptoms of this dreaded headache. Migraines are more than simple headaches. Being in a dark room is often a necessity but sometimes not easy to find. With the Manta that problem is solved. It won’t get rid of the migraine but it will allow sufferers to block out all the light that many times makes the pain worse.

The folks at Manta have several additional options for users. There are a few different eye cups that can be purchased separately. There is one that cools the eyes. Simply place the cups in the freezer for a little while then attach them to the headband. Another cup can be heated in the microwave to give users a little warmth, which is a good idea when you have a sinus infection or sinus problems.

Whether you want to take a little nap during the day and don’t want to shut all the blinds, or whether you feel blackness will help with your sleep at night, it is worth trying this mask. 

The Manta is foldable and comes with its own carry bag so users can take it wherever they go. 

If you’re not used to a sleep mask, it might take a few nights to adjust so be patient.

Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. 

Check out the website for the different masks. They have several options. There is one for kids and believe it or not, one that connects via Bluetooth so users can listen to soft music or whatever while still staying in the dark. They also have additional eye cups.

Note – Manta sent me a mask to test for an honest review. I found it comfortable and easy to wear as well as helpful when I needed darkness to sleep. It is truly a unique design that has a purpose and can help users get a good sleep any time of day. I like the fact that when I turn over at night the eye cups stay adjusted to where I put them and do not cause any uncomfortableness.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

We all know that brushing and flossing our teeth is important for both oral and general health. Water flossers  have become a regular part of our daily oral hygiene regimen, and the Guru Nanda Advanced Dental Water Flosser 2.0 is a great way to make sure you keep up with your dental routine when you’re away from home.

Whether you’re at your office or on vacation, this portable device can help with your oral hygiene. It’s lightweight and provides a good water stream to floss your teeth. The rechargeable unit comes with a USB cord (USB/USB-C) to charge on the go. And most hotels these days have USB outlets. 

Once charged, fill the tank with water, press the button, and select the mode you want – soft, normal, or strong. They are all selected via one button so there’s no learning curve for using this little unit. The water flosser holds the memory of the last mode used, so once you know what feels best for you there is no need to reset it. And there is a UV mode for sterilization. Two flossing tips come with the unit.

A power indicator button blinks when the unit is charging then turns green when it is completely charged. It takes approximately 6 hours to fully charge the flosser. After it is charged it will last for about 4 hours before needing to recharge.

Because it is cordless and portable, it’s the perfect item to keep in your office desk or school locker. And when you’re on vacation there’s no need to stop your oral cleaning routine. 

People with crowns or braced know how easy it is for food to get stuck in their teeth. With up to 1800 pulses per minute this little unit will make life easier.

This is a handy device for every household. The only thing it is missing is a travel case. Additional tips can be purchased through the website or on Amazon.

A water flosser added to daily brushing will help with oral care. Just ask your dentist!

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

The mophie snap+wireless charging vent mount unit from Zagg is just what’s needed for hand’s free calling, talking, and texting while in the car. Sure, many newer cars are capable of synching your smart phone with the vehicle, however older cars still require some tricky “MacGyvering” for drivers to talk or call while in the car. Trying to set up a way to do this while still keeping eyes on the road is not easy. Enter the mophie snap+wireless charging vent mount.

The unit easily and safely clips onto a car vent. In the box is the adjustable arm which makes the unit a bit longer if desired, a charging plug, a 4.9 foot USB -C to USB-C cord, and an off-set additional arm so users can change the direction of their phone depending on the position of the car vent. 

Simply set it on the easiest and closest vent that won’t distract you while driving. Of course, we all take our eyes off the road for a split second to adjust the temperature, change the music channel, and little things like that. The object of this unit is to make looking at your phone take less than a split second. In that split second you can let the phone know (via Siri on iPhones) what you want to do – make a call, take a call, send a text, ask for guidance, etc. And warning – only look at your adjustments or your phone when you know it is safe to do so and cars are not immediately in front of you.

Once the unit is connected to your car vent your smart phone magnetically connects to the mophie unit and you’re ready to go.

You don’t have to use the unit connected but it is just an additional option utilizing Qi2 technology for safe and fast charging (up to 15w). The iPhone 15 has built-in Qi2 compatibility so you can rest assured charging it won’t damage your new phone. It’s the newest charging technology. What else would you expect from the folks at ZAGG?

Even if your car is set up to synch with your phone, there are plenty of reasons to use a vent mount – rental cars, friend’s car, loaner car for when your vehicle is in the shop, etc. For safety sake, most people do not want to synch their phones to a secondary car that is only temporary. In this case bringing your own vent mount for your phone is the best option.

Check with the website for sales, which they do run quite often.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Neven sunglasses are a unique gift for someone or just because you want an extra pair of sunglasses for yourself. They are lightweight so  they don’t add weight to your nose, and they are polarized for the best viewing and ease on your eyes.

With a large variety of styles and colors, as well as many with colored lenses, there is a style for everyone. There is also a selection of Blue Light clear glasses to wear when you’re sitting at your computer all day, giving your eyes some much-needed rest from the computer screen. While many tablet screen protectors have blue light models, laptops and desktops usually do not have eye protection from blue light. So a pair of lightweight glasses might be just what your eyes need to ease strain.

Neven offers a selection of glasses especially designed for   the sportsmen or sportswomen – whether for fishing, motorcycle riding, boating, or whatever. 

It’s always a good idea to have a spare pair of sunglasses to keep in the car or just around the house. The variety of styles makes it fun to change glasses to fit your mood. 

Besides being lightweight, Neven Eyewear has a policy if you lose your glasses or break them, the company will replace them for free. And there is a “buy one, get two for free” deal. How’s that for cost cutting? Also, purchases made on a Saturday or Sunday get a gift with purchase. 

About the author

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

So you finally took the plunge and purchased an iPhone 15. After all, the kids have iPhone 14s so it’s time to upgrade yourself. You take your new purchase home only to discover the cords for all your older items are Lightning connectors and the new phone needs a USB-C connector Why the change? And why is everything new going to be USB-C?

The answer is that the European Commission decided years ago to switch everything over to USB-C, supposedly for convenience. They said it was for convenience but for the public it is not convenient, at least until all the other hardware in our homes are upgraded to the new system.

USB-C is the latest version of the Universal Serial Bus connector and most companies have already transitioned to USB-C. The holdout has been Apple. Last year they transitioned their iPads to USB-C and this year the iPhone 15 is the final product to convert to the new connectors. USB-C is the newest technology in connectors, so from now on it will be the standard, until a newer type of USB is produced, everything you buy new will be USB-C based. As always, everything in the technology world is changing and with those changes the cost to consumers adds up.

But hold on. There is one way to get around the frustration of this new monkey wrench in the technology world for those who simply want our gadgets to work and not think about all the upgrades buying all new hardware to utilize USB-C. You will have to purchase some new adapters and cords, however it is much cheaper than purchasing new computers, keyboards, Apple TV remotes, keypads, etc.

Zagg to the rescue

Zagg is a company I have trusted for years. Their products are first rate and they offer plenty of ways to help consumers adjust to the new USB-C system.

First you must make a list of all your products that are still using standard USB, Micro-USB (very old products), and Lightning connectors. Don’t forget the plug in your car. All those connectors need to be changed, or as they say in the technology world, upgraded.

Starting with the car charger, ZAGG has several options. There is a single USB-C outlet, a dual USB-C outlet, and a dual combination USB and USB-C outlet. Just select which one best fits with your uses, keeping in mind all the products you plug into your car charger. For most people it is simply their phone, however many like the additional outlet for a tablet or a secondary phone for passengers.

Now think of the wall chargers. With GaN technology charging is faster and the unit stays cooler. GaN stands for Gallium Nitride. The old chargers utilized silicon-based chargers. GaN chargers are usually smaller than the older chargers. With faster charging and cooler units, this is definitely a giant leap in the world of chargers. Who doesn’t want a faster charge? Even though they might be a tad more expensive, they are worth the price.
Once again ZAGG offers a variety of fast wall chargers utilizing the GaN technology. Besides combinations of input/output plugs (USB-C and USB), there are single ports and double ports, just like the car chargers. And they also offer a variety of wattage with their line of speedport chargers. 67W is a good choice if you want fast charging. They also have 45W, 42W, 30W, and 20W. The price varies on the different chargers depending on how many outlets (ports) and the wattage. The speedport 120 incorporates 4 ports (wow, think of charging 4 items at once) and the speedport 120 travel kit includes a travel case as well as two cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning (they thoughtfully recognize users still need lightning for older devices). Keep in mind, the speedport 120w does not put out 120 watts per port. Rather it is shared between the various devices plugged into the charger. But even if you have several devices plugged in at the same time, it is still faster than old chargers, and cooler too.

The ZAGG chargers utilize “smart circuitry” so your device, whether it is a phone, tablet, or something else will dictate how much power it needs to charge. This takes the worry out of charging when using a higher watt charger. It won’t blow up or damage your device, like the public was cautioned about years ago.

Now you have your car charger and your wall chargers, the next step is to get cables. Make a list of what devices you have using the different ports. Then select how many USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, USB to USB-C cords you want and their length. For cars most users prefer the shorter cords. In homes the outlet might be farther away so a longer cord is in order. The ZAGG cables are sturdy, well made, won’t crack or tear after a few uses, and keep their shape so there won’t be any kinks.

Now you have the accessories for your new USB-C enabled device. The first purchase along with the phone should have been a screen protector. There is a variety of strong protectors. My personal favorites are the one with “VisionGuard” meaning there is a Blue Light Filter on the protector. Eyes are important and if you watch your screen a lot, they often get tired and/or blurry. The VisionGuard protectors cut down on that.

And for added protection to your new phone, the Crystal Palace Snap Ultra Slim case is easy to hold and being clear, it won’t change the beautiful new color of your phone that Apple took much care in producing. There is the option to have the case with a “kickstand” so you can pop it out and it will keep your phone standing up. This definitely comes in handy and when you don’t need to stand up the phone, it just clicks back and doesn’t take up any additional space. The cases protects phones for up to a 13 foot drop. And after you’ve already paid big bucks for the new phone, this additional purchase is a must-have for peace of mind.

The next item is a wireless charger. These definitely come in handy however many people prefer simply to plug in their devices. That’s up to you. Whether you want to charge one phone or a phone, watch, earbuds at once, there is a wireless charging pad with all these options.

And finally, well not finally because there are plenty more items from ZAGG to make your life easier, there is a combination UV sanitizer with wireless charging. How often do you clean and sanitize your phone? This is something that is often overlooked. Sure, you might wipe it down with a cloth to get the dirt or smudge off, but that is different than sanitizing. In this day and age where viruses run rampant, it behooves users to sanitize their phones often. After all, they are next to your face. Keeping germs at bay is a must in today’s world. Viruses and bacteria get zapped with the UV sanitizer, and this unit does double duty because it is also a wireless charger.

So those of us in the United States have Europe to thank for all this craziness about USB-C “upgrades.” As with most upgrades, once users get used to them they are fine. Unfortunately, most users will not be purchasing all new hardware (computers, keyboards, track pads, etc) at the same time just so everything uses USB-C. This will be a gradual thing. So, in the meantime count on ZAGG to help make the transition a bit easier. As you slowly change out your older hardware to the new USB-C standard, you’ll find most of your needs will be USB and USB-C. Lightning is a thing of the past. Unfortunately Apple relied on lightning but is now embracing the world standard USB-C.

For a complete look at the options from ZAGG (a company I highly endorse, as you can tell), visit their website.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County and is a regular contributor on Good Day Orange County.

First, let me say I hate trying on new shoes. Shoes are difficult to fit me so when I was offered a sample pair of the Infinity Footwear Fly Athletic Work Shoe FLY, I was ambivalent however I did accept their kind offer. They have a variety of colors in their Medical Scrubs Collection Infinity Footwear Fly Athletic Work Shoes. 

The shoes are designed for those in the medical profession or people who are on their feet all day. They are also perfect for the busy mom – or dad – who is running errands, keeping track of the kids, and playing in the yard. Yes, they are for everyday.

Selecting the color is daunting as they have so many interesting combinations. I selected the White Cloud Navy, but almost selected the Black Flecked. (I might purchase a pair as they do look cute). These shoes are a great addition to my casual shoe collection and are stylish with a splash of color. I ordered my usual shoe size and they are just right.  I am wearing the shoes right now and have worn them all day. They are definitely comfortable and not heavy. I hate heavy shoes that make your feet and legs tired. These shoes are light and easy to wear.

My only complaint is that the laces are too long. I had to tighten them a lot to fit the width of my skinny feet and the laces do hang over a bit. That was solved by double knotting them however I am going to invest in a pair of shorter laces. Otherwise, I am completely satisfied with these shoes. 

I can see wearing them all day long while running errands, doing housework, walking, cooking, and just watching television. As someone who has a hard time with shoes due to my narrow feet, I dread shoe shopping. (Carrie Bradshaw would be aghast at that statement.) But it is the truth. 

So, this year when you are considering what to get a busy man or woman, think about the Infinity Footwear Fly Athletic Work Shoe FLY.  It wouldn’t be the most intimate or romantic gift, but it would be something that is useful and enjoyed for a long time. Or just treat yourself to a pair of comfortable everyday sneaker-type shoes.

The shoe sizes begin at a 5 and run to 11 – including half sizes. They are called the Fly Athletic Work Shoes so you know they were created for long use. I am very happy I decided to take them up on their offer of a sample for review. I am not getting paid any promotion for this review and am not obligated to give a glowing report. I simply tell it like it is with these shoes I am very satisfied. 

Check out all the colors of this shoe and other items from the Medical Scrubs Collection from the company. (link at the top)

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

 

I love anything that makes my house clean and is easy to use. When I heard about the OGORI Electric Mop I decided to take a chance and try it out. (No, this item was not sent to me for review purposes. I actually own it.)

Keeping floors clean is essential for health and a clean house. Even if a laminate or hard floor is vacuumed, there is still dirt on it. Having tried several kinds of mops (every one of them gave me a backache by the time I was finished cleaning all the floors in my house) it was suggested to me to try an electric mop. That solved the problem of my aching back and also gave me clean floors. Plus, I find I clean my floors more often, which is a benefit for everyone in the house. I researched several electric mops and settled on the OGORI.

So, what is the OGORI electric mop? It is light weight, cordless, convenient, and does what it is supposed to do. The mop has a rechargeable battery and comes with several mop pads for different uses, however after using all of them I have settled on the ones I like the best. Additional pads are available to purchase as are additional batteries.

The mop has a water chamber which is easy to fill. The mop itself has an on/off button as well as a spray button for on-demand spraying of the water. I soak the pads then attach them to the mop, add the water to the chamber, then off I go to clean my floors. When there is a particular area that is dirtier or sticky, simply press the sprayer to add more water. The mop pads spin quickly so there is no need to use force when mopping. It doesn’t need it. For difficult areas I often go over the space a couple times, but that is rare.

Then, when you are finished, take off the pads (and notice how dirty they are) and toss them into the washing machine. It’s the easiest way I have found to clean the floors without harsh chemicals (the company that produced my laminate floors suggested only using water on my floors) and I don’t end up winded or with an aching back. I wish I had discovered this electric mop years ago.

The customer service for the company is wonderful. They are always willing to help solve any problem or answer any question. It is easy dealing with this company.

I was so pleased with my OGORI Electric Mop I purchased a second one for our getaway house. I am also considering purchasing others for gifts. 

The OGORI cordless electric mop has a low profile so it can easily reach under beds and many couches. There is even an LED headlight to see where you are cleaning. The water chamber holds 300 ml of water and if you find you need more (I never have) it is easy to fill. The mop can stand on its own making it easy to store in a closet. The detachable battery charges in less than 3 hours and depending on how you are using it, it can last 30-60 minutes. 

I usually don’t gush over a product however this one is something I can highly recommend from personal experience. The unit is reliable and the customer service is top notch. Check around online for prices of the OGORI cordless electric  mop. 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.