Wine connoisseurs know that aerating wine is a must. Aeration increases oxidation, which softens the tannins. Aerating a bottle of wine also assists the liquid in releasing the aroma, and we all know aroma is important.

This cool design doesn’t detract from the bottle. As a matter of fact, being clear it is almost invisible. Yet it still performs as it should. And besides aerating the wine, it also acts as a decanter. Yep, you can aerate your delicious bottle of vino then pour a glass of your favorite wine, whether it is red or white. Some wine experts say it is not necessary to aerate white wine because white wines have less tannins than red, however if you are a white wine lover, give it a try and see if you get a more robust scent and flavor.

Oxygenated wine makes a difference. If you watch movies and some cocky/snooty guy who wants to impress his girl asks if the waiter let the wine breathe, well, that implies oxygenation.

This little item can easily be transported with you when you take a bottle of wine to a picnic. It is lightweight and makes pouring the beverage easy without any drips. And let me tell you, sometimes red wine stains cannot be removed. (Just look at my beautiful yellow dress that is now spotted with dark burgundy splotches!)

Businesses can have their logo imprinted on the aerator. Imprinting names on the item makes this a great gift. Think about a housewarming gift, a hostess gift, a promotion gift, or whatever. Making it personal adds a special touch. Just contact the company for pricing information about imprinting a wine aerator.

Another great aspect of this handy little tool is that the vinOair Wine Aerator is made in the USA. Hallelujah.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

The animated film Encanto is taking the world by storm. With its colorful scenery – and casita – as well as the beautiful costumes and endearing story, the movie has become an instant classic for Disney fans. At the heart of the story is Mirabel, a fifteen-year-old girl who is a little different than the rest of her family. They each have special magical powers but Mirabel does not. However even without magic, this little hero manages to save her family and her house.

The new plush doll stands about 18 inches high. Her dress is bright and colorful with beautiful embroidery depicting aspects of the story. Mirabel’s name is embroidered on the waistband and her family name is on her skirt. The background is a rich teal with fuchsia, bright green, orange, yellow, and turquoise embroidery making it exceptionally bright and colorful.

Mirabel’s face has her iconic green glasses embroidered on it and she sports a big, wide smile. Just looking at her it is almost impossible not to smile or feel happy. She is the epitome of happiness.

Her dark hair has some soft ribbon curls framing her face. Her hair is also soft and plush so this doll is appropriate for very young kids. The hair does not need brushing. It can be squished and hugged and not lose its style.

Is she soft and cuddly? Yes to both. And she is larger than many other plush dolls.

The shopDisney website has a singing Mirabel doll as well, and as of this writing the plush is sold out however please check back often to see when it will be back in stock. She is definitely worth waiting for.

This plush Mirabel will brighten up any room, bed, or bookshelf. And young fans of the movie will enjoy sleeping with her as well as taking her in the car on those errands with mom or dad. I can see this happy little doll becoming a child’s best friend. Who can resist the happiness and joy she inspires?

Mirabel is sitting on my desk as I write and whenever I look at her I have to smile. We all need some happiness and joy and Mirabel delivers. And no, Disney is not paying me for this review. I genuinely think this plush is well made, colorful, and inspiring.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

Just when you thought there is not new way to highlight your favorite Disney movies, the folks at shopDisney have a surprise. Their VHS line of products reimagines the fun of some classic Disney films that are perfect for decorating any room or simply enjoying the magic of the stories.

The films highlighted so far in this collection are Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Toy Story, A Goody Movie, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Monsters, Inc., The Lion King, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The updated VHS boxes have the original artwork on the covers and the sides have the name of the film, so they fit right in on a bookshelf or in a home entertainment cabinet.

The magnetic case opens to reveal a surprise inside. Tucked into the case is a fun plush character to go along with the film. What a great present for a fan to celebrate their favorite movie. It’s easy to display the carton semi open to reveal the little plush, or simply closed to highlight the artwork from the movie.

The plush are not super plush (they have to be somewhat flat to fit inside the box) but they are adorable and decked out in their finest.

The plush assortment includes the Beast (adorable with a little bird perched on his head), a three-eyed Alien, Pumba (with Timon perched on his head), Dumbo (holding a feather with his trunk), Sully, Goofy, the Genie, Pooh (with his honey pot), Patch, and Quasimodo. They are each adorable so deciding which one to get will be difficult. They are stuffed with soft stuffing and are suitable for even babies as there is nothing that will easily come off of the plush characters.

Pin collectors can get the VHS replica box with two pins inside instead of the plush. ($29.99) But let’s face it, those plush are lovable.

Parents can put additional items in the boxes too. Perhaps your child just lost a tooth. Maybe add a little something from the Tooth Fairy inside the box as a special surprise. Or you might want to put tickets to a concert or something else imaginative that will add some additional excitement and fun to giving a present. Even if you don’t add anything, the little plush will be adored by everyone. And this display box will never go out of style. It is the best way to bring some Disney magic to your home.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

Sensitivity to light is a common problem for many people. Migraine sufferers are especially affected by light. And people with autoimmune diseases have light sensitivity as well as eye problems. One of the ways to lessen light sensitivity is with the Allay Lamp. It was featured in our Holiday Gift Guide and is something that can benefit people of all ages, even if you do not suffer from any of the above medical problems.

First, what is the Allay Lamp? It is a portable rechargeable lamp that emits soothing green light. We’ve all heard that blue light affects our sleep prompting experts to warn against having laptops and screens on in the bedroom before going to sleep. But with green light the brain is calmed. A calmer brain leads to faster and better sleep, and we all know that having a good night sleep can help our moods and how we feel.

Pregnant women and new parents suffer from sleep problems and deprevation. Even though we get tired, sometimes shutting down our minds is a difficult task. Take note: the wavelengths of this green light help calm the mind and help people get a better sleep. And what new parent can resist a better sleep?

As a migraine sufferer who has extreme light sensitivity, this is a product I was eager to try. The green light has definitely been helpful when it comes to trying to sleep while fighting a migraine. But more than that, being someone who also has autoimmune diseases, this is a useful item. My eyes are often in pain. People cannot imagine what it is like when eyes hurt. I’m not talking about having an eyelash or something else in my eye. I have real major pain behind and around my eyes, due to my disease. This lamp emits a soothing green light that does not make my pain worse (like regular light) and it even soothes my eyes. As a matter of fact, it relieves much of the eye pain. Hallelujah.

So how does this light work? It is rechargeable and comes with a micro USB plug. Once charged, place the palm of your hand over the top of the cylindrical lamp to turn it on. Adjusting the intensity is simply a matter of sliding a finger over the top. The lamp also comes with a click-on shade to focus the light in a specific direction. Or, you can remove the shade and have a full cylinder of soothing light.

If you need regular light, simply flip the cylinder over and voila, you have a normal white light. This light can also be dimmed as well as used with the shade.

The difference between blue light and green light is simple. Blue light energizes the brain and green light calms the brain. Think of all the times you have stayed in bed with a racing mind. The narrow band of green wavelengths quiets neurons in the brain, which helps lead to sleep. And sleep is necessary for all of us. The manufacturer recommends using the green light for at least 30 minutes and two hours for ultimate calming.

New parents, pregnant women, migraine sufferers, and autoimmune patients were the focus for inventing this unique lamp. However it is not solely for those people. Students can gain benefits from this as well. Studying and preparing for exams can cause anxiety and lead to sleepless nights. The calming Allay Lamp can help. Kids who are concerned about things or anxious and eager for the next day can also benefit from a good night sleep, and that is what this lamp does. It promotes a calmer brain leading to better sleep.

Discovered by Harvard migraine researcher Rami Burstein, the Allay has been a useful tool for people around the world. And it is based on science. So if you have problems falling asleep, turn off everything in your bedroom and turn on the Allay Lamp. Let the patented narrow-band green wavelengths calm your mind.

There is a 40-day return policy so it is worth trying. It is a little pricey yet with the return policy you have nothing to lose. And if it helps with any of your problems, then it is worth twice the price! As I mentioned earlier, I do suffer from several illnesses that affect my eyes. So this has been a product that I have tried and can recommend. By calming my eyes – and my brain – the symptoms are greatly diminished. Finally there is something that helps – without medications.

I want to stress the benefit of this lamp for pregnant women. For a healthy baby it is necessary for the mother-to-be to be calm and not stressed. And it is also important for a pregnant woman to get enough sleep. But worrying about the future can lead to problems falling asleep. And once the baby arrives, think about putting this lamp in the nursery. If it calms the brains of adults, it can do the same for babies. Pregnancy is often troublesome, with nausea and other issues. It’s just part of the process. However, anything we can do to alleviate some of the discomfort to be able to enjoy the months is welcome. This is one tool pregnant women can come to rely on. And without drugs, it is definitely something that is healthy for mom and baby. And after birth, well, let’s just say it keeps on helping everyone in the family. Give it a try. With their return policy you have nothing to lose.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

With many of us now working from home or visiting friends and relatives via ZOOM, FaceTime, or other formats, we try to look our best. The Workrobe is a useful item that will come in handy for all those video chats and video work conferences.

Usually for video conferences and chats we are seen from the waist up. There are a few instances when people have been caught accidentally revealing their underwear, whether it’s because they adjust their posture or a mirror is in the picture.

After our online visits, whether they are social or business, we go back to our regular routines. Many times these are simply lounging around or doing chores. This is where the Workrobe comes in handy.

There are three different designs and several color options. The robe is comfortable and stylish, and provides wearers with a camera-ready upper body that goes lower than a sweater or shirt. And when the camera is turned off, it is a soft robe to wear around the house. It’s even appropriate to wear when going out for the mail.

The Workrobe is available in three styles. The Blouse Robe comes in black or white. It hits approximately mid thigh in the front with a lower back, and includes pockets, a sash as well as rolled sleeves.

The Button Down Robe is just that. The top has buttons to look more business-like. A belt is included and the collar is useful if you want to put a cardigan over the robe to make it look more like an oxford shirt while on camera. The robe hits approximately at the knee and is available in black or white.

The Cowl Neck Robe is stylish with a belt, and hits around the knee. There is a button to keep the cowl neck from popping open. This is available in gray or black.

All of these robes are also great for a spa or salon. They are stylish while at the same time very comfortable. Plus they serve two purposes. They provide appropriate upper body styling for any video conferences and they are stylish everyday robes to lounge in at home.

Let’s face it, once in awhile we will be surprised by a FaceTime call from a friend or family member. This usually happens when we least expect it and might even be cozy in our pajamas – especially on cold winter afternoons and evenings. In this case, just grab your robe and in two seconds you look presentable and stylish. The only thing this doesn’t do is put on your makeup. But it can’t do everything!

Looking good on camera is what we all strive for. And now there is no need to worry about how you look for your next ZOOM call. Dress the robe up with some jewelry and you’re dressed for the office – from the thighs/knees up. No one needs to know you are wearing slippers and no slacks!

The robes come in two sizes: S/M and L/XL.

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.

Are they toys? Are they art? They are both. The CMY Cubes are beautiful cubes coated with bright colors that provide a relaxing change of pace while working at your desk or just pondering a situation.

These cubes are coated with cyan, magenta, and yellow colors and when the cubes are turned around, more colors appear. They are like holding a rainbow in your hand. And they are mesmerizing.

Art students will definitely be entranced by the cubes, as well as business executives who can place them on their desks for a colorful addition to the business world. There is something soothing about looking at the colors and handling the cubes. Mixing the colors by turning the cubes in different direction is a break from work.

Do you remember the old magnetic pendulum balls that would clink together when moved and we were transfixed by the pairing options? That is old school. The CMY Cubes are much more entertaining and definitely more colorful.

There are different sizes and even different shapes. They all have a relaxing element. Don’t try to figure out how they change colors, just enjoy the beauty of the cubes. 

They can be purchased individually or in packs. And a clear stand is available as a separate purchase.

The CMY Cubes make great stocking stuffers or office gifts. Or treat yourself to one. With the stress of today’s world and more people working from their homes, it is necessary to escape the pressures, deadlines, and workloads. And parents can explore the different colors with their kids for an interesting learning experience about the world of colors.

Besides the CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) combination cubes there are also options for clear cubes and individual color cubes. They all have a variety of colors built in so even if you get the magenta cube, there will be a variety of pink colors within the cube.

Check out their website for the variety of CMY Cubes, prices, and packages.

Click on the image below to see how the cubes change colors.

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.

With all the stress in the world these days, kids need positive messages. The new For Keeps dolls are designed to do just that while at the same time sparking imaginations and adding some fun and fashion enjoyment.

Each of the seven dolls come with a special message plus several additional items besides the cute little dolls. They are about five inches tall and each one has a cute – and in most cases colorful – hairstyle and they all have smiles that are pretty much addicting. Just looking at them brings out a spark of joy.

The dolls are dressed in colorful outfits and there is a special surprise t-shirt included in the package. There are accessories (some dolls come with their own pets) as well as plastic stands on which to display the girls. Included in the package is a little cupcake that opens and can hold a small keepsake or a message of love and inspiration. Inspirational stickers and headbands also come in the packages. So, not only is there a doll that will become a child’s good friend, there are also many additions that can be interchanged with the others in the collection.

The founder of the company The Loyal Subjects, Jonathan Cathey said, “For Keeps is truly the first positive affirmation- and message-driven Fashion Doll – still filled with a ton of fashion play, but better!” The idea is to promote self-awareness and inspire kids with the idea of keeping them away from those pesky screens that have devoured hours of time. Playing with the dolls lets imaginations soar.

Each doll has a powerful message – “You Are Brave,” “You Are Love,” “You Can Do It,” “You Are Beautiful,” and “You Are Awesome.”

Each girl is unique. Mia is a Veterinarian, Ella is a Music Producer, Emma is a Filmmaker, Bella is a Journalist, Sophia is a Choreographer, and London and Paris are creative twins. Combine them for hours of playtime bringing out imagination and inspiration in kids.

These dolls are easy to transport so keeping them in a handbag is not a problem. Think about purchasing a few different dolls and hanging onto them for a time when your child needs a little extra bit of encouragement. They also make great stocking stuffers for the holiday season.

The For Keeps line of dolls is a new way to not only inspire youngsters but also promote positivity. After all, they have a lifetime ahead of them for all the stress and negativity that comes with life in this modern world. Childhood is the time for fun, love, and joy.

The For Keeps dolls are available at Target and Amazon.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

Last year the folks at ZURU had some really fun toys. This year they have even more for the holidays and the following are designed for ages 3+.

Rainbocorns Fairycorn Surprises are large plastic eggs, each filled with a unique plush character along with several additional surprises. There can be hair ornaments, jewelry, scented items, and more.

RainBocorns Talkin’ Jelly Shake Surprise is a colorful plastic “egg” that resembles an ice cream sundae. Now you’re talking my language! The plush animals are adorable plus they talk and sing.(Click that link to see and hear them sing.)  They are colorful, have fun faces, and when their hand is pressed they sing and talk. (Make sure they are turned on first. The switch is located in the Velcro pocket under the animal.) They are sure to brighten even the gloomiest winter days and put a smile on everyone’s faces. Besides the talking plush animals, each container is filled with plenty of additional fun pieces.

The RainBocorns Epic Golden Egg is the cream of the crop for girls. This golden egg glitters with plenty of golden sparkles and sequins. And inside there is a plush animal along with some fun hair accessories as well as several small plastic figures. With over 25 surprises inside this great golden egg, the fun keeps coming. Think of these as one big item with many additional items inside, along with the very large plush. How they get everything in these eggs is a mystery. And exactly what is inside is a mystery. Unfortunately, parents will most likely be pressured by their kids into buying several of these surprising products. Also, think about getting some now and putting them away for Easter. Click this link to watch and hear what this little fellow can do.

The ZURU Pets Alive series of moving fluffy animals now has an adorable little Pug – Poppy. Poppy will be a fun addition to your family. She has big, expressive eyes, a floppy tongue, soft fur, and – wait for it – she barks and moves. When her button is pressed (4 AA batteries are included), Poppy will swing her head, shake, and even manage to spin around in a circle. And her little tail and backside shake to show she is having a great time. What a great way to add a new pet to any household – especially one that gives so much fun but doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. All she needs is love.

Calling all Paw Patrol fans! The Bubble Wow Paw Patrol gloves make bath time more fun than ever. Simply put on one of the gloves (they have all the pups) and there will instantly be bubbles everywhere. If you have a child who hates washing up, this is your answer. Paw Patrol and bubbles together make bath time fun time.

For more information about all the fun new products this season, check out their website. While there, check out the online games and activities.

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.