New Product Reviews

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Tazzy Candy – no sugar added but plenty of flavor

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

We all, well most of us, crave something sweet from time to time. Tazzy Candy is a unique company that makes several delectable flavors of lollipops that are all sugar free. And to add to that, they are gluten free kosher, vegan, and made in the USA. You can’t get any better than that.

Friends Delia Hughes and Lindsay Simon founded this unique company. “Our obsession with candy started over 10 years ago, when Delia and I met in college,” said Lindsay. “We were studying Food Science and became close friends after joining a candy laboratory for school credit. We were always brainstorming products we would create if we ever owned our own candy business, but as many college graduates do, we entered the corporate world.”

 

“We found ourselves returning to the candy world. We were hard core candy lovers, but also getting into health & wellness, which is a conflicting combo to say the least,” Delia added. “Lindsay would buy “better-for-you” candy and complain they lacked flavor and had funky textures. My issue was I always ate snacks too quickly. We were just never satisfied.”

“And finally, after countless kitchen nightmares and late nights, we had a product that was juicy, delicious, and long lasting. So, we took a leap of faith, left our corporate jobs, and launched Tazzy Candy,” said Lindsay.

And the flavors they came up with are very interesting. With packages of sour watermelon, spicy mango and a combo package with lemon, mango, acai berry, and pink grapefruit, they have a collection of flavors for everyone. And they are working on more goodies to be produced soon.

While little kids might not enjoy the sour watermelon or the spicy mango, parents will definitely feel good about giving their kids the lemon, mango, and pink grapefruit lollipops. They are individually packaged in each packet so this is a great way to make Halloween a little healthier this year when small ghosts and goblins visit your home.

Sugar free, gluten free, kosher, natural flavors and colors, vegan, and made in the USA are good reasons to try these hard candies. But there is one more reason. This women-owned company will donate 10% of the proceeds from the Acai Berry packages to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.

For more information or to order, go to 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Dino Ranch’ is a fun series for kids and now introduces new toys

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Dino Ranch introduces young audiences to the ultimate playground – a working farm and dinosaur sanctuary – and the tight-knit Cassidy family: Ma (Jane), Pa (Bo) and their three adopted kids, Jon, Min and Miguel. And ranch life certainly wouldn’t be the same without their distinctive dino pals: Jon’s speedy raptor, Blitz; Min’s big-hearted brontosaurus, Clover; Miguel’s tiny (but mighty) triceratops, Tango; Pa’s full-grown T-Rex, Biscuit, and Ma’s massively loyal parasaurolophus, Quack. Families can tune into Dino Ranch on Disney Junior and , as well as catch the first 13 episodes on Disney+!

Young audiences can now watch and play alongside their favorite dino ranchers and dino friends with Jazwares’ assortment of consumer products, which will ride onto Amazon, Walmart.com and Target.com.

Dino Ranch Blitz Plush (MSRP: $12.99): A soft cuddly plush inspired by Jon’s dino companion Blitz

Dino Action Pack Assortment (MSRP: $12.99): An assortment of dinos and their enclosures

Clubhouse Playset (MSRP: $39.99): A large playset, featuring 9 built-in features, as well as one dino rancher figure, two small dinosaurs and one free wheel vehicle

Dino Ranch 6 Figure Pack (MSRP: $24.99): All three dino ranchers with their best dino friends

Feature Vehicle Assortment (MSRP: $12.99): Each 5” Dino vehicle has a unique feature and includes a Dino Rancher Figure sidekick!

 

New Disney Designer Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest collection from the folks at shopDisney is the Designer Collection. Kicking off this limited series is Jasmine.

The Disney Designer Collection is proud to introduce the Ultimate Princess Celebration, a limited edition series of dolls carefully crafted by artists across The Walt Disney Company. As inspiration for our Jasmine doll, Mark Monterroso uses the rich scenery of the Sultan’s Palace to present her as a modern, radiant jewel of a collector’s wish come true!

This 14” doll features amazing intricate detailing and bold colors from head to toe. The doll will be available for $129.99 and comes in a collector’s box fit for royalty. Keep an eye out for a new doll launching each month as part of the Disney Designer collection which will include 15 beloved heroines dressed in the most elegant and fashionable designs.

 

SPLATZ™ Naturally Fun Hand Soap

Posted on by Merry

One Fun™ Company creates playful personal care products for kids designed to turn ordinary tasks into extraordinary experiences, building healthy habits and spontaneous giggles as they work.

Cofounded in 2017 by an entrepreneurial designer (mom) and two Harvard/MIT scientists (dads), their products are formulated with natural, biodegradable ingredients, made in the USA, and use reusable packaging.

While SPLATZ™, the patent-pending flagship product by One Fun Company, was conceived before COVID-19 was even imaginable, the introduction couldn’t be more timely. As the global pandemic persists throughout our cities and schools, the simple act of washing one’s hands has taken on new importance.

With a gentle squeeze and an awesome SPLAT!, each SPLATZ soap bubble turns this essential (but tedious) task into good clean fun.

SPLATZ™ are bursting bubbles of pure hand soap that literally SPLAT! These irresistible balls of fun change the way kids think about washing their hands.

– Natural, biodegradable ingredients
– Light citrus scent
– Reusable packaging
– Promotes healthy habits
– Developed by a mom and two Harvard/MIT scientists
– Made in the USA
– 8 oz. bottle = 60+ SPLATZ = 60 washes

Available online and at: OneFun.com – Amazon.com – Walmart.com – Etsy.com – Jane.com – UncommonGoods.com – Hobby Town – 50+ Speciality Toy and Gift Shops

Educating AMY Quiet Books

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

How do you get your child away from an electronic device while still challenging their senses and their mind? Educating AMY has created some quiet books for kids. They are easy to carry, lightweight, and come in a variety of topics. They are also designed for different age groups: baby, 1-3, and 3-6.

According to the company, “Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend refraining from screens until babies are 18 months old and limiting screen time to less than an hour until kids are at least five years old.” So how do parents engage their kids without the help of TV or tablets? First, they can read to them, which they should do as a daily routine. And now with these interactive quiet books, children have the additional challenge of doing something with items in the books and engaging many skills: motor skills, problem-solving skills, social skills, and more.

By unplugging, kids get a new experience that engages them in a positive way. These are wonderful to take in the car to keep kids occupied while on the road. Also, they are compact and quiet so taking them to the office or an appointment is a good way to keep your child occupied and engaged while not creating a lot of noise, except the “oohs” and “aahs” and chuckles coming from your child.

Kids learn that if they do not get the soft little pieces back in their correct place, they can try again until they learn where they go. Brain building is a benefit of these books, while also entertaining children at the same time.

They are hand-sewn, sturdy snaps and Velcro, practically indestructible, colorful, filled with plenty of items in each book, and provide great educational and entertaining time for children.

Think of these for birthday gifts (there are the age divisions), baby shower gifts, new baby gifts, and just additional fun for any little child from baby to six years old. The activities build skills and confidence in children so anyone who gives a book can be happy that they are helping a child gain abilities, dexterity, and enjoy learning while they are doing so.

By purchasing a book, you are doing more than simply helping one child gain skills.

From the company:

For every book that we sell we send a girl in rural India to school. We know we can’t end poverty by ourselves, but we know that the girls whom we enable through education can end the cycle for their families and their communities. As more and more girls are enabled, more and more communities will emerge out of poverty. When you buy a Book, we set a portion of the revenue aside to provide education to a girl for a month. However, to ensure a girl’s education is not uncertain each month, we work with our partner Organizations to open schools that house 30 girls for a full year. We will continue to support each school that we open for its life and we commit to opening more and more of such schools.

Current options for Babies:

Little Zebra Mini Quiet Book
The Original Indestructible Peekaboo Quiet Book
Sensory Baby Mini Quiet Book
The Diaper Bag Companion

Current options for Ages 1-3:

Dapper Puppy Mini Quiet Book
Little Mechanic Creative Play Quiet Book
The Superthings Cognitive Quiet Book
Little Medic Creative Play Quiet Book
The Buzzy Quiet Book
Little Safari Cognitive Skills Quiet Book
The Original Indestructible Peekaboo Quiet Book
Little Farm Numeracy Quiet Book
Little Bee Mini Quiet Book
Bestselling Creative Play Quiet Book
Creative Play Quiet Book – Mini
Toddler Numeracy Quiet Book
Toddler Colour Quiet Book
The Diaper Bag Companion

Current options for ages 3-6:

Little Farm Numeracy Quiet Book
Little Medic Creative Play Quiet Book
Little Mechanic Creative Play Quiet Book
Creative Play Quiet Book – Mini
Bestselling Creative Play Quiet Book
Dapper Puppy Mini Quiet Book
Little Bee Mini Quiet Book

For more information and to order, go to 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, 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.

Bring home ‘Jenny the Chimpanzee’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“Today I have a story to tell. A story that I know so very well. The story of how we came to be. Told by no other than “Jenny the Chimpanzee.” That is how the adorable book, Jenny the Chimpanzee” begins. The book was written by Lotus Kay, a 19-year-old with a passion for endangered animals. This book is sweet and wonderfully illustrated by Chey Diehl.

 

The story is written in rhyme and tells the tale of this little chimpanzee and how the entire world is connected. We’re all part of the circle of life and need to care for and look out for each other, and that definitely includes the animal world.  Jenny is a sweet little chimp that will capture the hearts of those who hear her story.

Chimpanzees and humans are closely related. True, they are smaller, but just looking into their eyes will reveal their emotions. They have thoughts and feelings just like we do.

The book won a Gold Award from Mom’s Choice for one of the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

Eifrig Publishing says their mottos it their mission. “Our books promote social and environmental consciousness and empower children as they grow in their communities.”

After her story ends, there are some quotes from Jane Goodall, probably the person on the planet with the most expertise about chimpanzees. “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” And she hit the nail on the head with that. We need to work hard to save the endangered species and our beloved chimpanzees, among other animals. When they are gone, they are gone for good, and there is no good in that!

To go along with the book there is a plush Jenny that can be purchased separately. I have no doubt that the combination of the book and the plush will be among favorites for kids and passed down through generations. The plush is soft and huggable and for little kids Jenny makes a great sleeping partner. Just looking at this delightful little innocent face will hopefully encourage people/kids to think about endangered chimpanzees. And maybe the next Jane Goodall will be born from someone who takes Jenny into his or her heart and home.

The book is recommended for ages 4-9. And the plush is for everyone. She sits comfortably on my bed and reminds me that we are all one world.

The 26-page book from Eifrig Publishing retails for $14.99 for the hardcover and $9.99 for the softcover. The plush/book combination sells for $49.95.

To purchase gift sets of the books and companion toys, click here. “Jenny the Chimpanzee” and other Bears for Cares books are also available for sale here.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all books and toys will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program.

For more about chimpanzees click here.

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.

Pull Start Fire product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Pull Start Fire is a safe, easy, and effective way to start a fire. This ingenious little gadget does not require any matches. It can withstand winds up to 200 mph and can even light wet wood. So camping this year is looking much easier.

To use the Pull Start Fire, simply wrap the green string over a log, securing the device to the log. Then pile logs around the bottom log that has the Pull Start Fire device attached. Hold the red string and pull, starting the fire in one easy step. The Pull Star Fire will burn approximately 30 minutes. And you can continue to add logs if you desire. The hard part of starting the fire is over. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the crackling fire and the warmth. Forget the old way of lighting matches and trying to get some newspaper to start the logs burning. That is outdated. In today’s world starting a campfire (or even a fire in you backyard fire pit) is quick and easy. And there are no matches around for kids to get hold of.

The little unit is made of 89% recycled material so it is eco friendly. It’s lightweight so if you are hiking, you won’t have a heavy item to carry. However the best part is the ease in which it starts a fire. Each Pull Start Fire has a red string attached to one side and a green string attached to the other, making it easy to use. And without any matches to light, little kids won’t be tempted to touch the match.

A box of the Pull Start Fire includes 3 starters. One pack lists for $19.99 however there are multiple pack options from the website.

Check out how easy it is to now light a fire at 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, 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.

Vlad and Niki Surprise Eggs

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Preschool superstars “Vlad & Niki” have received the Shorty Award for “Best Influencer & Celebrity YouTube Campaign.”  These two pint-sized celebs are taking the world by storm. Translated into 18 languages, the brothers have received more than 94+ billion total views. Originally from Moscow, Russia, by way of Thailand, the family now resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Florida, United States.

Fans of the duo have some new ways to unleash their inner superheroes alongside Vlad and Niki. These new Surprise Eggs are filled with over 20 items that will have kids using their imaginations and unleashing their newfound powers.

There are two different eggs and each one is filled with plenty of goodies. They are just a tiny bit different. There are superhero masks and capes, comic books, stickers, stamps, snap bands, and more. There are figurines that add to playtime as well as a really cool light up skateboard that fits the kid figurines included in the eggs. This is a really neat item that makes playing in the dark just as fun as in the daytime.

With 20 surprises inside each large plastic egg, this collection from the folks at Zuru makes a great gift for ages 3+. And for fans of the brothers, this is just one more way to play along with the creative little fellows. Filled with energy and optimism, Vlad and Niki are adored by not only their young fans but also by the parents of those fans as the duo are clean-cut and well mannered. They are really quite fun.

The eggs are filled with plenty of items to share and enjoyable for both boys and girls. There is something for everyone in one to play with in these eggs.

“Vlad & Niki” has more than 68+ million subscribers on its English Channel and 181+ million worldwide with more than 99+ billion total views. The streaming short-form content is packed with non-stop adventures, creativity and tons of fun. Localized on 21 channels and translated into 18 languages, the key preschool learning themes for “Vlad & Niki” include family fun, discovery play, home adventures, indoor and outdoor fun and games, singing and dancing.

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.

Playtime with Raya and her pals

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest animated Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon is getting rave reviews from all ages. There are some great new products that go along with the film. Here are a few of them.

Raya is the newest Disney Princess. Well, she’s not exactly a princess but close enough for Disney fans. The Raya plush is a fun way for kids to enjoy this delightful and heroic character. The Raya plush doll has stitched features and is approximately 17-18 inches high. She wears her traditional attire with a removable cape. Her expression is that of a sweet, caring girl who is ready to experience all the fun and excitement young minds can concoct. And, she is soft enough to cuddle and take to bed. Raya will bring out the warrior in any child. She is definitely a great role model for kids as well as adults. This plush doll is bound to be a favorite doll this year. ($22.99)

As we all know, Disney heroes have sidekicks. This young warrior’s bestie is Tuk Tuk, and there are two plush versions of this adorable little fellow that is part pill bug and part armadillo. He’s not only her best friend, he is also her mode of transportation. There is a plush adult Tuk Tuk and a Baby Tuk Tuk. The baby has the cutest expression with embroidered features so there is nothing little hands can pull off. This little guy is soft and squishable. He can stand on his four feet but is also able to be posed on his back. Baby Tuk Tuk is not overfilled with stuffing so he can be adjusted easily, to accommodate different positions. Also, Baby Tuk Tuk has magnets inside his chin and his tail to keep him rolled up. This is really a cute little guy, in any position. ($16.99)

The movie adds another dragon to the Disney line. Joining Figment and Elliot is Sisu, aka the last dragon. The Sisu plush also has embroidered features and is a colorful shade of light and dark aqua. She has a light blue mane, violet eyes, and a sweet little smile. Her tail and back have additional feather-like features however they are not part of the plush. They are stiffer than the rest of her body. Sisu is skinny but long, coming in at about 24 inches in length not counting her tail feathers. It takes some doing to stand her on her legs, however she is the perfect size for little hands and arms to easily hold onto. ($29.99)

These are only three of the fun items inspired by the popular movie. For more toys, accessories, and clothing, check out the shopDisney website or your Disney Store.

 

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.

Grogu Plush and Pins

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Grogu, aka The Child, from Star Wars: The Mandalorian, has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. This little fellow is the highlight of the Disney+ series. The Disney Store and shopDisney have a limited release series of plush and pins for fans of the show and lovers of the little tot.

There are four different Grogu options in the series. The first is Grogu holding a one-eyed frog. Will he eat it? If he’s anything like his onscreen character he will. But in this case he is simply holding the soft green frog and possibly contemplating whether to keep it as a pet or have it for dinner.

The second Grogu is holding his cup waiting for something to drink or some broth. His expression is a delight and he looks like he is hoping to get the cup filled with something delicious.

Grogu #3 holds a bowl full of delicious squid. Yummy. He is a hungry little guy and is anxious for his dinner. If you know a chef, think about giving him/her this little fellow.

The fourth Grogu is sitting quietly in a Zen position. His eyes are closed and he looks like he is in deep thought. Ommm. Ommm. This little fellow is at peace and inspires a feeling of calm. He would make a great gift for anyone who practices yoga.

Each of the beanbag plush is soft and huggable. Grogu wears his tan robe with Sherpa collar and cuffs. The expressions on each of the four are different. And for little kids who just want a plain Grogu to sleep with, an adult can easily snip off the cup, bowl, and frog.

There are also four unique cloisonné pins in the collection that match the plush characters. The first one has a moveable cup that can slide up to his mouth for a drink. The second one, well, he is actually swallowing the frog! The frog’s legs are also moveable. Pin #3 is a peaceful Zen Grogu. And the fourth Grogu holds a moveable bowl filled with tasty squid. Because they are moveable, with the exception of the peaceful Zen child, these pins are cuter than a simple Grogu pin, especially for collectors.

The three standing plush measure about 7 ½ inches high. The sitting Grogu is about 5 ½ inches high. The pins are substantial, measuring approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches high.

These pins are $15.99 each and the plush Grogus are $16.99 each.

The Child, named Grogu, is a beloved character and has a fan base of young and not-so-young. Let’s face it – he’s adorable!

 


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.