Sugar Plum Mother’s Day box is delicious

What to get mom for Mother’s Day. Usually the go-to gifts are chocolate and/or flowers. This year is no exception however the Happy Mother’s Day Chocolate Collection Box is a fun new way to gift mom some sweetness this year.

The beautiful purple box does not need any wrapping paper. It’s perfect the way it comes. Mom will be delighted when she opens this box to discover a variety of individually wrapped cookies and candy. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, sweet and salty all come together in this box.

The selection includes: 

  •  6 chocolate-covered pretzels
  • 3 chocolate-covered graham crackers
  • 3 chocolate-covered sandwich cookies
  • Strawberry delights (the pink boosters)
  • 2 Linzer cookies, filled with raspberry jam
  • Nonpareils
  • 1 dark chocolate sunflower

 

The collection is Kosher, beautiful, and delicious. 

It’s time to order your Happy Mother’s Day Chocolate Collection Box in time for mom’s special day. (Of course, every day is Mother’s day, but this one day each year is completely dedicated to mom. 

To order your Happy Mother’s Day Chocolate Collection Box ($58) go to the Sugar Plum 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.

Upgrading to USB-C – ZAGG helps with this transition

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.

Infinity Footwear by Cherokee – Product Review

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.

 

These shoes were sent over from Medical Scrubs Collection. From breezy joggers and comfy athletic shoes to scrubs, jackets, and petite scrubs, Medical Scrubs Collection offers a vast array of chic fashions for all kinds of occasions.

OGORI Electric Mop – Product Review

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.

Kids Care lunchboxes bring inspiration to lunchtime

It’s that time of year…again. The kids are going back to school. That means many parents will be packing lunches. Why not make lunchtime a little brighter than usual this year? The Kids Care selection of insulated soft lunchboxes are adorned with colorful front covers and encouraging messages.

“It’s a good day for a good day” is the option I selected to test for this review. It is a black soft-sided lunchbox with a bright pink cover. Happy faces and flowers add to the insightful words of encouragement. After all, isn’t today a good day to make it a good day? I think so. The handle is sturdy and the zipper encircles the entire top. Just fill it, zip it and it’s closed until it’s time for lunch. 

Besides the box, inspirational and empowering cards are available to add to the lunch. Parents can add their own messages to the backs of the cards. 

While the cards are primarily designed to inspire kids at school, they are also good to use at home. Pick out one encouraging card each day and place on the table at breakfast. Or kids can adorn their rooms with some of the cards. They are colorful and wise. And if your child happens to be small, how about reminding him or her, “You are never too small to make a difference.”  And if a child is starting a new school, give them the card, “Just be yourself. Let people see the real imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird beautiful and magical person that you are.” And why not remind your child (or yourself for that matter) to “Stay positive.”

Many of the selections (and the cards) are geared to girls, however boys can also take heart with some of the cards. After all, we all need a bit of encouragement.

The company was designed primarily for young girls so check out their website for more items. There is a section devoted specifically for teens. The website has information about the company, why it was created, and the various projects and items available from the site.

The inspirational pack of cards lists for $14.99. The lunchboxes range from $21.99 – $24.99.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

New collection from Armitron

The Armitron Loves Johnny collection of watches contains some very colorful pieces of jewelry along with some pretty classic looks. The collection is a collaboration between Emmy Award-winning costume designer/stylist/creative director Johnny Wujek and the Armitron company.

According to Armitron, “Our partnership with Johnny takes it to the next level. The ‘king of pop-rock couture’ brings a bold and modern perspective to Armitron. The first drop of our collaboration is inspired by Johnny’s favorite mix of colors, materials and finishes. This curated collection of 12 reimagined watch styles reflects his dynamic personality and the quality craftsmanship of an Armitron timepiece.”

 

Johnny’s fresh approach to styling is a bit adventurous yet always has the classic touch. And these watches show those aspects in a fun yet functional way. Back in 2014 the Hollywood Reporter named Johnny Wujek one of the top 25 most powerful stylists. So joining with Armitron adds one more notch in his belt and one more option for stylish watches for consumers.


So, what can consumers expect from this collection? There are several options with watercolor faces, many selections have day buttons, and several styles and colors of bracelet/bands. 

Let’s get into it. I selected the Atlantis model with a yellow gold color band and a mint green face. Unfortunately this is a 40mm watch so it is just a tiny bit too large for my very skinny wrist, however for reviewing purposed I can state that this is a beautiful piece.
What I also like is the raised magnified date window, which makes reading the date much easier. I was told by someone in the know that green is the new popular color for watch faces, so that was one aspect in my selection of this style, plus the fact that is is included in both the women’s and men’s options, although these days women are wearing men’s watches all the time, providing their wrists can accommodate the size. The Atlantis is a pretty hefty weight, although not too heavy to wear comfortably. It’s definitely not flimsy.

The presentation is beautiful. The box looks like a watercolor and the Armitron Loves Johnny logo is front and center on both the external box and the internal box. The logo also appears on the clasp to distinguish this watch as one in the special collection.

Armitron is a respected watch company with affordable yet reliable and attractive timepieces, many are whimsical and many are classic. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, this might be just the right gift for a dad, hubby, grandpa, or someone else.

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.

ZAGG adds more solutions for tech users

ZAGG keeps adding more and more companies to its stable and therefore more and more products for a variety of assistance in the world of technology. So now, for any tech-related assistance with computers and phones, all any user needs to do is to go to ZAGG for reliable solutions to a vast variety technological accessories.

The first thing anyone needs once they purchase a smart phone or tablet is screen protection. The Invisible Shield glass elite visionguard+ is an advancement in screen protection, adding a Blue Light Filter to its anti-microbial-treated protector. This filter eases strain on eyes, and anyone who uses a computer can attest to feeling eye strain. 

Next, tablet users can add a keyboard that includes a case to safely carry the tablet. ZAGG offers two varieties of keyboards: the Pro Keys is wireless and the tablet is easily detachable from the case. The Pro Keys with Trackpad adds that additional element for users who prefer to use a trackpad instead of touching the screen or hitting keys. It’s all a matter of choice. Both keyboard cases have a compartment to store the Pro Stylus. The stylus makes making notes, sketching, and editing easy with its pen-like tip. The box contains a second tip as a backup. The other side is the usual stylus with a rounded rubber cap making scrolling and selecting items on screen easy on the hands.

For those who prefer a sturdy folio case for their tablet without the keyboard, the Havana tablet folio case is treated with an antimicrobial component. It also has a stand to easily set the tablet upright on a table or a lap. This case is added protection against damage to a tablet.

Europe has mandated that all electronics be USB capable so all new products sold must have USB ports. The old iPhones and iPads are equipped with lightning ports, and Apple is one of the last companies to change over to USB-C. However, by the end of the year their iPhones will have USB-C ports and their new iPads now are coming with USB-C ports. So, upgrading to a new phone or tables includes changing all your current cables. Of course, the products come with their own cords, but if you have additional extensions for your car or house, these need to be updated to support USB-C. Don’t worry. ZAGG has all the cables necessary to do this. 

Now, with safety and cleanliness a top priority, especially after the pandemic, the mophie UV sanitizer with wireless charging is just what users need to keep their phones germ-free. This compact and portable unit sanitizes phones in five minutes, killing 99.99 percent of most bacteria. And the unit can be used as a wireless charging station for the phone. This item does double duty.

And if someone forgets to charge their phone before going out for the day, or to add additional energy for a phone while away from home or office, the mophie powerstation gives users hours of charge and it’s small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. It’s not too heavy either. 

 

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.

HOTLOGIC Mini-Wall Plug – Product Review

We’re always on the lookout for convenient products and this HOTLOGIC Mini-Wall Plug definitely fits the bill. While it cannot be used to bake some thick items, it is still a very useful tool, especially for those who work in offices, go to school, or simply want to enjoy a hot meal or snack anywhere they go.

This item is a self-heating, portable soft lunchbox that simply plugs into any U.S. wall plug. Insert a small frozen meal (in the box) and plug the lunchbox into an outlet when you get to the office. By lunchtime the meal will be ready. (usually 40 minutes – 2 hours depending on the item). It might take a bit of learning to figure out exactly how long each item takes to completely cook, but once you figure it out you can always have a warm meal at the office. There’s no need to use a microwave or oven. This does the job right at your desk.

Besides cooking, this is a good tool to warm items. For school kids, this is a great way to kick the cold sandwich habit and give them a warm meal. Instead of a peanut butter or tuna sandwich in their lunch bag, why not make a grilled cheese sandwich and warm it up via this lunchbox? I would have appreciated that when I was in school. Or even a hotdog or fried chicken. This takes bag lunches to a new height. The handle on the unit makes it easy to carry from home to work or school, or wherever.

This lunchbox keeps food warm for up to 12 hours. It’s lightweight and easy to use. With plugs in newer model cars, trucks, and vans, the HOTLOGIC is a great way for truckers to keep their food warm. Or think about taking it on a camping trip or to the beach.

Imagine going to the beach this summer (if summer ever comes) and being able to enjoy some chips with hot guacamole while you sip your beverage of choice and watch the waves. Or even some hot nachos and a cold beverage. And what about tailgate parties or picnics? Everyone will enjoy something hot to eat.

Unlike microwaves, the HOTLOGIC can handle metal, aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard containers. Just put your precooked food in the lunchbox and it’s ready to reheat wherever you are, as long as there is a standard outlet. Without any buttons to push, this is handy for most ages.

Included in the package is a Quick Start Guide with all the information about how to use the lunchbox. This guide also has some easy to follow recipes.

The HOTLOGIC has been UL certified. The bag itself is hypoallergenic and uses a mere 45 watts of electricity.

If you want larger sizes, there are several options.

The mini version lists for $49.95 and is available in black, red, pink, and blue. Check the website for all selections.

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.

 

 

Keyboards for iPads

Many people love the convenience of a tablet but the performance of a laptop. It’s nice to be able to use a touch screen but not having a keyboard can be a problem for those who need to write or correspond. So what do you do? If you want the best of both, there is an easy solution. The keyboards from ZAGG offer tablet users a way to set up their iPad to work similarly to a laptop. Of course, keep in mind there are differences between tablets and laptops (no additional ports), however tablets are most like cell phones so if you’re used to working on your phone, perhaps a tablet is for you. And then simply add a keyboard/case.

ZAGG makes two different keyboards for the iPad. They are both QUERTY so it’s easy for users to connect them and get started in a snap (literally). They both stand up without any problems. Plus, and here’s one of my favorite aspects, they are both backlit, so if you’re in a dark or dim location the keys are easy to see. Once you click your tablet into the case, the case can be used as simply a case to protect your tablet or it can easily snap into place on the keyboard.

The difference between the two models is the trackpad. The regular PRO KEYS is simply a keyboard while the PRO KEYS with Trackpad has a convenient trackpad at the bottom of the board. The keyboards and the keys are the same size in both of the models however with the PRO KEYS with Trackpad there is only one slot in which to position the tablet while in the regular PRO KEYS there are two slots.  So if you are used to using a trackpad the PRO KEYS with TRACKPAD will be the way to go. And, if you intend on doing a lot of work like spreadsheets, writing, etc., on your tablet, you’ll find the trackpad is the most convenient and fastest way to work.

The keys feel good to the touch and there are volume keys as well as all the function keys. The only difference between my Apple keyboard keys and my ZAGG keys is the shape. They feel the same but the ZAGG keys are round while the Apple keys are square.

The keyboards connect to the tablet via Bluetooth so pairing the iPad to the keyboard is no big deal. The keyboard charges via a USB C plug, and both models are slim and lightweight.

I love tablets and I love keyboards. I would not have a tablet without a keyboard. ZAGG is a wonderful and reliable company that has been a leader in technology products for years. And yes, I personally have used many of their products without any problems so I can honestly recommend them without hesitation.

So, if you are still on the fence deciding between a laptop and a tablet, adding a keyboard might just sway you in the direction of a tablet. And if you received a tablet for the holiday, adding a keyboard will make it much more functional.

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.

Uber Appliance Digital Air Fryer – 5 QT– Product Review

When Uber Appliance sent me their Air Fryer XL Deluxe 5 QT touch screen programmable air fryer I wasn’t sure what the difference would be between the 3.7 QT they sent last month. Well, this new one is smaller in size but bigger in action.

I have quickly become a fan of air fryers and the Uber is easy to understand, easy to use, and a great addition to my kitchen appliances. As a matter of fact, we have taken to using the air fryer more than any other appliance.

This unit comes with a manual mode if you want to set your own time and temperature. There is also a programmable option to quickly set the unit for specific foods. And don’t worry if you want to pull out the basket during cooking because the unit won’t shut off fully. It allows you to check and/or stir the contents then reinsert the basket. The cooking will continue where it left off. This auto shutoff and auto resume function is handy.

There are liners that can be purchased to make cleanup easy however I have not found a need for those. Cleaning this unit is a breeze with its non-stick surface. Plus, parts are dishwasher safe.

The digital pad on the front is easy to read and with the pre-set functions it is easy to use. Just press and go. That’s so simple even young kids can use it (adult supervision is recommended). Without fire it is safe to keep on the kitchen counter.

This 5 QT capacity unit is perfect for families from 2-5. There is plenty of room in the unit to cook several items at the same time. The thing about air fryers is that they do take a little time to learn exactly what temperature and time you prefer for each type of food. It’s a little learning curve to understand exactly how you like your food prepared. But with the pre-set options much of that learning is taken away.

Air frying is a healthier way to prepare food because they don’t require oil, which contains much of the fat that is in our diets. If you’re looking for a healthy option for your family, this is it.

This Uber Appliance Digital Air Fryer 5 QT only comes in black. It’s modern but can easily fit into a country kitchen

<strong>About the Reviewer</strong>

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, <a href=”http://francinebrokaw.com/” target=”_blank”>Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists</a>, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42xcltr8DpNOHoYDAXbdt808jK4bZ-X7″>Beyond the Red Carpet</a>, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on <a href=”https://twitter.com/FrancineBrokaw” target=”_blank”>Twitter.</a>