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.

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 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.

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.

 

 

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.

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>

 

 

Air Fryers are becoming a staple in kitchens. Frying and baking without oil is the healthier way to create meals for your family. When I was offered the opportunity to test the Uber Appliance Air Fryer, I decided to try it. This was my first experience with an Air Fryer.

This Uber Appliance Air Fryer is attractive and easy to use with a touch panel on the front as well as seven pre-sets: Fries, Shrimp, Bake, Chicken, Chips, Fish, Defrost and Steak. Selecting the time to cook and the temperature is simply a matter of touching the up and down buttons.

What I discovered is there is a slight learning curve when cooking food. But it is easy to learn and if you start with shorter cooking times and then add on if your food is not to your desired outcome, that is the best rather than overcooking.

This particular unit is 3.7 quarts, which is fine for one to four people. If you have a larger family, think about getting a larger capacity unit, however if you just want to dip your toes in the Air Fryer market, this is a good way to start.

So, what did I begin my Air Frying experience with? Many people say they begin by air frying fries. I selected frozen veggie patties. I usually cook them on a frying pan so I thought this would be a good comparison. After adding some sauce to the patties then placing them (this small unit was large enough to take 4 patties!) in the basket, I selected 360 degrees for the temperature and 5 minutes baking time. After five minutes (the unit beeped to tell me the time had been reached) I looked at the patties then restarted the unit for another 3 minutes. After 8 minutes the 4 burger patties were cooked and, in all honesty, my family said they preferred this way of making the burgers than my old way. That is a testament in itself.

The experience was easy and the unit is easy to clean. The basket and strainer can be placed in the dishwasher. There is a little recipe booklet that comes along with the air fryer however I will be creating my own recipes. This is a fun way to try new things. I definitely like air-frying fries. Without the oil in deep fried foods like fries, the healthier option is air frying.

If you already have a larger capacity air fryer, think about getting a small one in addition to that. It is good for RVs and smaller areas, and if you cook larger items in your large air fryer, you can cook your side dishes in the smaller one.

The bottom line is I think air frying is a good way to create healthier meals. This Uber Appliance Air Fryer is a great new addition to my kitchen. While this one is 3.7 quarts, they do make larger units

Price: Starting at $99.99

Available: uberappliance.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, WayFair, Amazon, and more.

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.

Southern California company Southnorte has created some delicious selections for margarita and unique cocktail lovers. Yes, these canned beverages do contain alcohol so they are not for those under 21, however even though National Margarita Day has come and gone, it’s still time to grab your cans to celebrate Cinco De Mayo or just enjoy with your dinner.

The company has crafted the beverages with the flavors of Mexico and from now until April 4, 2023 the following varieties will be available at local Stater Bros. in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in Southern California.

So what varieties can you indulge in this spring? How about Paloma, Mexican Mule, and Matador and, of course, the mainstay in Mexico, the Margarita.  Crafted with premium tequila and orange liqueur, real lime juice, and agave syrup, there are no artificial flavores or ingredients. They are rich, smooth, and fizzy and ready made.

The Matador combines the tequila with pineapple, lime and club soda (hence the fizz), and is a refreshing libation. The Paloma mixes the tequila with red grapefruit and lemon-lime soda. It’s another refreshing concoction. The Mexican Mule has a kick (no pun intended) with tequila, ginger beer with lime, mint, and a touch of jalapeno. And the margarita is, well, a fizzy margarita.

With all of these cocktails premixed in easy-to-open cans, they are the perfect addition to any outdoor bar-be-que or get-together. Just chill them and they’re ready to drink.

Check their website for the locations offering the unique beverages. And yes, they were supplied to me for the reason of reviewing the quality and taste.

Of course, we definitely want to stress these are for ADULTS ONLY. Please drink responsibility.

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.

Red Toolbox’s Tasty Jr. line of interactive toys has some fun new products that will have kids creating donuts and serving up coffee just like grown ups. Let’s face it, many of us drive through the coffee houses all the time for our caffeine fix, or we create our own at home with one of the coffee makers on the market. And who drives past a Duncan Donut shop (or Krispy Kreme) and mentions how good a donut would be right now? Well, little kids catch on quickly to our everyday habits and now they have their own products to be just like mom or dad.

The Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Donut Shop Set consists of a donut maker, several donuts, and a little cart to transport donuts. What makes this so much fun for kids is the fact the unit talks, has fun sounds, push buttons, and colorful decorations for their pretend donuts. Unfortunately these delicious looking treats are only for pretend, but if they were real they would definitely be delectable. Gather their stuffed animals and dolls around for a fun little party. With eight donuts included in the set, there is enough for a fun tea party or get together with pretend friends.For ages 3+, this cute and colorful set lists for $39.99. This unit requires 3 AA batteries which are not included.

And next time mom or dad pops a pod into a coffee maker or brews a delicious cup of java, kids can join in as well. With the Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Coffee Maker Set kids can play barista in their own home. This pretend espresso machine might not brew up a real cup of joe, but for kids it is just as nice. There are lights and sounds and buttons to push for the perfect cup of coffee. And it really does spew out liquid. Fill the dispenser with water, place the pod into the machine, turn it on and voila – a nice cup of espresso. Unfortunately this isn’t real. The only thing this machine is missing is the scent of freshly made coffee.

For ages 3+ the coffee maker set lists for $27.99. It comes with 2 batteries.

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.

When I first learned about the Draft Top tool I thought this was made for me. I’m one of those people who inevitably spill when drinking from a can. I turn to a straw or a cup to avoid messes. Yes, I am a messy can drinker. But that problem has been solved!

I was sent a Draft Top to test and I can honestly say it lives up to the hype. It is a simple to use tool that easily removes the top of a can thus turning it into its own drinking vessel. Yep, you read correctly. After placing the tool correctly on the top of a can, with a minimal amount of pressure on the levers and a few simple twists, the top is seamlessly removed. And the opening of the can is smooth and easy to use as a cup in itself.

These days people are concerned with saving the planet by using less plastic. So the Draft Top eliminates the need for plastic straws. Plus, if you normally pour your drink into a throwaway plastic cup, that is eliminated as well.

I love flavored cola. When the top is removed there is plenty of room to squeeze a lemon to make lemon cola, or add chocolate syrup for a chocolate cola. (If you haven’t tried these, you’re missing some good drinks.) And once some of the liquid has been consumed, it is easy to add an ice cube or two to cool down the soda or whatever is in the can.

This handy tool can be used for soda cans, juice cans, and alcoholic beverage cans. It is safe to handle however keep little fingers away as the blade can be a source for trouble when it comes to kids and their curiosity.

Think about taking this tool to the beach and eliminating the need to bring cups. Or if you’re having a party this also makes things easier for guests.

 

By turning the cans with the flip top into a rimless can, it is therefore turned into a vessel that is easy to drink from and doesn’t require additional tools  – like straws or cups.

These make great hostess gifts as well as unique thank-you gifts. At $24.99 you just might want to get a couple for yourself.

So, the bottom line is this is a tool that I will be using often and one I will be giving as gifts. I think when they designed this they were thinking of all of us who end up spilling when drinking from a can, whether it is from the opening or the liquid that has gathered in the groove. You know what I mean.

Before using the Draft Top I suggest washing the can first, just as you should when drinking from a flip top. It’s just common sense for cleanliness.

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.