The new Disney movie Moana doesn’t open until November 23, 2016 but merchandise is already flooding the shelves. Being the daughter of Chief Tui, Moana is the newest Disney princess and is this going to be the big animated movie for the season.

Plenty of Moana merchandise is already available with more coming almost daily. And Moana costumes will most likely be filling the streets this Halloween.

Moana is a film for boys and girls. With the character of Maui, boys will certainly find his storyline interesting. Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson. He is a demi-god of the South Pacific. His fishhook has magic powers with elaborate engraving on it.

The Maui Light-Up Fishhook is a fun toy that will be enjoyed by boys and girls, and goes great with the Maui Halloween costume. This sculptured fishhook is easy for little hands to hold although it is a little heavy and a bit wide for very tiny kids. The entire hook measures 18 ½ inches long.

There are sculpted designs on the actual hook and when the button on the handle is pressed the blade lights up and a sound is emitted. The sound and light can also be active by motion via the switch on the back of the handle.
Maui’s Light-Up Fishhook requires 2 AA batteries, which are included in the unit. It is for ages 3+. This item lists for $24.99.

The Moana Classic Doll measures 11 inches high. She is clothed in her traditional outfit and holds her paddle, which itself is engraved with tropical designs. Her long flowing black hair and poseable body make her a fun doll for kids to play with. She wears her special necklace and presents all the tropical beauty of Polynesia.

In the film, Moana is voiced by Auli’i Cravalho. She sets out on the sea to prove herself and fulfill a quest. The box for the Moana Classic Doll has a pop-out outrigger boat. With this boat and the doll, kids can create all kinds of adventures for this new princess. The boat is not waterproof so keep it on land.

With her detailed outfit, paddle, and boat, Moana is set for fun adventures in your home. The Moana Classic Doll lists for $19.95 and is intended for ages 3+.

The Moana Figure Play Set is definitely something that will inspire hours of fun and imaginative play. The 10-piece set includes Moana, toddler Moana, Maui with his fishhook, Maui as Hawk (he shape shifts in the film), Pua the pig with Heihei the rooster, Kakamora the pirate, Tamatoa the giant crab, Gramma Tala, Chief Tui, and Te Ka the lava monster.

The figures are all different sizes up to 4 inches high. They come in a decorative box however once they are removed from their plastic insets the figures cannot go back without a little help from mom or dad. This is a colorful set that can easily be transported to grandma’s house for plenty of fun there, or taken in the car to occupy kids and spark their imaginations.
The Moana Figure Play Set lists for $24.95.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Moana products. There are other toys and clothing that are bound to be on a lot of holiday gift lists this year.
FRANCINE BROKAW

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 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, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

With all the makeup and sunscreen that we put on our faces, not to mention the daily dirt and environmental particles that we’re exposed to, our faces need a little extra care. Whether you’re acne prone or have sensitive skin, there is a Yes To mask for you.

The grapefruit is for pore perfection, the cucumber is for calming, the coconut is for hydrating, the tomatoes is for detoxifying (with charcoal), another tomatoes mask is for fighting acne, and the man’s charcoal is made especially for men.

These single use masks are easy to use. They come already cut out with holes for your mouth, nose, and eyes. Simply place the paper mask on your face and relax for about ten minutes. Then peel the mask off and discard it.

This is a quick and easy way to pamper yourself and give your face a little pick-me-up.

With the many different masks, you might be wondering which one is right for you. The company has taken that decision out of your hands. Simply follow the guide below to select the mask that is best for your face.

With the single use paper masks, there is no gooey cream or anything to get messy in your bathroom. The mask stays where you place it on your face so you can go sit down or rest on your bed and nothing will ooze out. It’s clean and simple.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

You’ve most likely heard that catchy song from the TV commercial – “For the best night’s sleep in the whole wide world visit My Pillow.com.” Who ever came up with that definitely earned his/her salary. I can’t get that song out of my head. So I decided to try the pillow.

Pillows have always been difficult for me to buy. I am too sensitive to down, even though they say they are hypoallergenic. And I don’t like solid foam pillows. The MyPillow is filled with pieces of interlocking foam. They are all different sizes and shapes and when they are stuffed in the pillow, they make the pillow adjustable to your neck and head. How simple but yet no one has done this before.

The My Pillow comes in five different “fill” levels, each color coated on the tag: Yellow, White/Black, Green, Blue, and Red. The red is for very heavy and large people. I tried the yellow and the white, which are the two levels with the least amount of fill, even though they both contain quite a lot of fill. What I found was the yellow tag, or the least filled pillow, was a little too flimsy for my personal comfort and the white tag was more comfortable. It’s kind of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I discovered the moment my head met the pillow (white tag) I was instantly comfy resting on the pillow. And the pillow retained its shape throughout the night.

The MyPillow is touted as “the only Official Pillow of the National Sleep Foundation.” It also comes with a 10-year Warranty and is made in the U.S.A. What I also like about this pillow is that it is machine washable and dryable. After washing/drying, you’re ready for another night.

The website also has other products, like the sheets and pillowcases. According to the company’s founder Mike Lindell, the man who is in the TV commercials, he discovered Egyptian cotton from the Giza region was “the best of the best.” Yes, they are very soft, so if you need a new set of sheets or want a new pillowcase for your new MyPillow, give the Giza Dreams a try.

Besides being available in different fills, the MyPillow is also available in Full/Queen and King. Just select your size and the amount of fill you want and get ready for a comfortable night. If you have questions about the fill amount you need, the website has more information. Plus there is a 60-day money back guarantee.

The MyPillow won’t cure insomnia however it will make you much more comfortable when you are in bed. It’s breathable and fits the contours of your neck and head whether you are on your side, back, or stomach. It is definitely my pillow of choice and the most comfortable pillow I have ever used. We are now a MyPillow family.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Boo is now part of the popular Disney Animators’ Collection of dolls depicting Disney characters as children. Of course, Boo is already a child so she has been crafted to look like herself.

If you look at the picture of this doll on the Disney Store website, you might think she is not one of their best products in this line. I thought so myself. But the pictures do not do her justice. This is one doll that needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. Unlike most of the others in this beloved line of dolls, Boo has a wide smile with her teeth showing. Her face does not photograph very well. But once she is taken out of the box, you’ll see the love and personality coming from this adorable little girl. She stole the hearts of Sully and Mike in Monsters Inc., and she will steal your heart too.

Boo is dressed in her pink shirt with purple leggings and her white socks. Her dark hair is tied in pigtails wrapped with her trademark hair ties with plastic pink balls. She carries “Little Mike” the stuffed toy she loved in the film. You know the one – Mike wouldn’t let her have it until she screamed. Now she is the caretaker of this stuffed Little Mike and her smile shows she is as happy as can be.

Her profile will put a smile on anyone’s face. She exudes happiness. It’s hard not to smile when you see this doll out of the box. And speaking of the box, like the others in this series, it is covered with the animators’ sketches of Boo in various positions.

Just looking at her you can almost hear her calling “Kitty,” as she did often in the film. And she looks like she’s about to start her loud and boisterous chuckling.

Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, the pictures of Boo on the website do not do her justice. She has plenty of personality and charm once she is released from the box and all the shackles. She needs to get out of those restraints and be free to be enjoyed. And yes, she is one that will be enjoyed by all ages, and especially little girls. She’s a great companion for carrying to the park, in the car, and cuddling with in bed.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Keurig has come out with a new compact brewer. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, so if you are sending your child off to college, this would be a good item to take. The K15 comes in a variety of colors including the new Jade, True Blue, and Chili Red.

Measuring 10.8″H x 6.9″W x 10.7″D, the K15, the footprint of this new brewer is their smallest. But that doesn’t mean it has to brew a small cup of coffee or tea. This machine has the capability to brew 6, 8, and 10 ounce cups, unlike their compact brewer of the past, which limited users to just the smallest capacity.

In about 2 minutes you have a freshly brewed cup of your favorite Joe! But coffee is not the only thing this brewer makes. There are varieties of teas, hot chocolates, and even Campbell’s has soups that can be made in the Keurig. With caffeinated, decaffeinated, half-caff, organic, etc., there are all kinds of hot beverages you can make with this unit. And if you want an iced tea or iced coffee, simply brew it over ice. That’s easy. It takes about 2 minutes for the K15 to brew your beverage (or soup).

For a look at all the varieties of coffees, teas, cocoas, and soups, check out the Keurig.com website. They offer seasonal flavors throughout the year, and if you join their club you will get periodic discounts on your orders.

The Keurig K15 is their latest compact machine. This little unit fits into dorm rooms, offices, small apartments, and RVs. It might be their smallest, but it is just as functional as their larger machines. The only difference is the amount of options it can do.

So, to make sure your college student has the latest and greatest way to make a good cup of java, tea, or a hot cup of soup, send the K15 to school with them. And for care packages, you can always order some K-cup pods to be sent to the dorm. That way you know they won’t be making a midnight run to the latest coffee place for a pick-me-up during long nights of studying!

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Disney’s Animators’ Collection has been a popular line of dolls and plush animals. They started with several animators’ visions of young Disney princesses. Both young and not-so-young fans of the characters immediately cherished these 16-inch high dolls. Then other characters were added to the line, including Tinker Bell, Lilo, Alice in Wonderland, Kristoff, and Aladdin. Each of the dolls has been adored by fans.

Seeing the immense popularity of the characters envisioned as youngsters, Disney added a few plush versions of some of their non-human characters. Then came the mini play sets, featuring 5-inch versions of the dolls in carry cases, which also includes accessories.

The beloved line is expanding even more. The folks at Disney realized how beloved these animators’ versions of their characters have become so they are giving the consumer even more ways to enjoy the artist renderings of the young princesses with clothing, cups, mugs, and even an iPhone case and a rolling bag covered in the artwork that makes the doll boxes just as enjoyable to look at as the actual doll.

Animators’ Collection Deluxe Figure Play Set ($24.95)

This year there is a Deluxe Figure Play Set for ages 3 and up. This play set includes 11 small figures (approximately 3 ¼ inch) depicting the characters as toddlers. The benefit of this set over the mini sets is that the entire figure is molded so the hair won’t matte or get messy. This is a great set to take in the car or to keep at grandma’s house. And simply wipe them off with a damp cloth to clean them if sticky fingers manage to add something extra to the figure.

The set includes Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Pocahontas, Merida, Cinderella, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Aurora (depicted as Briar Rose), and Mulan. Each one of these hard plastic figures has a whimsical expression that is sure to delight both young and old fans of the princesses.

The box has the usual sketches on it and the figures are inserted in plastic molded steps. They can be pulled out (with help from an adult) and played with, then pressed back into their settings (also with the help from an adult as it is a bit tricky) for display. However most likely, if this is for a youngster, the figures won’t be needing their display case as there is no doubt the princesses will be played with and taken everywhere. They fit into little hands and with kids’ imaginations the stories they will create with them are endless. Sure, we all have our favorite, but when they are together like this, it’s hard to select one that is cuter than the others.

Animators’ Collection Drink Bottle with Straw ($8.95)

Whether your child is a fan of Snow White, Tinker Bell, or Elsa and Anna, there is a new plastic (BPA-free) drink bottle for them. These little bottles hold 20 ounces of cold liquid (not hot) and look like milk bottles from the past. They are each adorned with the animators’ sketches of the characters, and each have a screw-on lid with a straw for easy, no-spill drinking.

While these bottles are not microwave or dishwasher safe and cannot hold hot beverages, they are perfect for juice and milk. And if your child isn’t a milk lover, try this – fill the bottle with milk and place it on a lower shelf in the refrigerator. Throughout the day your child will be able to grab the bottle and drink some milk without your help. A friend who was a nurse gave me this tidbit. And it makes sense, especially when the bottle has the image of a beloved character.

Animators’ Collection Plush ($14.95)

If you have one –or more – of the animators’ dolls, you know that the hair can get messed up and their beautiful clothes can also get dirty when played with. So, for very young kids the new animators’ plush collection is perfect.

These little plush dolls, around 13 inches high, can be loved, squished, slept with, and played with for a long time. Since they don’t have rooted hair, the hair stays as is.

Currently there is a plush Ariel, Anna, Elsa, Belle, and Kristoff. Boys especially will enjoy Kristoff. They don’t often get a plush boy doll that they can love like this. Their faces and bodies are made of soft plush, making them safe to sleep with and easy to cuddle.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 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, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The pollution inside your home is just as damaging to your body as the pollution outside, and if you suffer from allergies you might not be aware of the allergens in your house. The second generation of Dyson’s Pure Cool is basically the same reliable unit as the first but with a little more bells and whistles.

The Pure Cool Link is both an air cooler and an air purifier. The “Link” aspect of this next gen unit allows for a free downloadable app that lets you view your connected devices and see the history of the air quality in your home as well as the quality of the air outside. The latest technology is used in this app and that, combined with the Dyson machine, provides a system that works together for healthier and more comfortable air in your home.

The remote control has been updated from the first generation of Pure Cool units, specifically with the addition of a “night-time mode.” When this is pressed the light on the machine will be dimmed and the quietest settings will be used. There is also a sleep timer so users can instruct the machine to turn off anywhere from 15 minutes to 9 hours later. The AUTO mode lets the machine monitor and work according to the information it finds inside the room. Of course, there are the usual buttons that allow users to manually adjust the machine, the amount of airflow and oscillation.

So, what is the benefit of the “link” element of this machine if the first generation was so great? It’s simply the fact that it allows users to see the situation inside their house from their smart phone and all the settings on the machine. Users can control the unit with this app. They can also see when the unit was active during the day when the machine is set on AUTO.

Besides being an air purifier, the Pure Cool Link is an air cooler. With no blades and a smooth airflow, the air maintains a constant cooling flow, which in the heat of the summer is a bonus. This is an all-year machine that is meant to make you more comfortable in your house.

As a purifier, it removes 99.97% of particles that can cause allergies and discomfort for those of us with health issues. Even if you don’t have asthma, allergies, or other known health problems, having clean air inside your house is beneficial to your heart, lungs, nose, and entire body. Think of the air pollution outside and remember you are living with as much unseen air pollution inside your home. We have done a lot to clean the air we breathe outside but haven’t paid much attention to the air we breathe inside.

The Dyson Pure Cool Link automatically monitors your room, adjusts itself to react to the air ingredients (yes, they are ingredients) and purifies the air. It turns itself on when needed and stops when the air is clean.

The Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower comes with a 2-year warranty. The machine is available in either an iron grey with blue or white with silver. It’s safe to have around kids because there are no blades to worry about. It’s easy to clean and additional Glass HEPA filters are available to purchase when needed.

This is an important machine to use in a nursery or child’s room. Who wants their kids sleeping in dirty air? And of course, everyone will benefit from sleeping in bedroom with cleaner air. On a personal note, I have been using the Dyson Pure Cool for a while and honestly notice a difference in my sinus problems. I do not wake up with a stuffy nose and as a user of this machine I can highly recommend it.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Summer’s here and with it comes more outside activities, bar-b-ques, beach days, sailing, ball playing, and other great things to do. We all want a glow on our cheeks to show just how healthy we are. Let’s face it, the sun can dry out our skin, even with sunscreen. The new “Glow all the way” Ombre Blush from Hard Candy gives cheeks not only a pretty color, but also a glow.

When we were young our cheeks had a natural glow. They looked dewy and fresh, but as we age they don’t looks as bright and moist. And powders make us look even drier.

So why would we want to add a powder blush? Because this one is different. The Ombre Blush includes a compact with shades of color along with a light cream color to add radiance. There are pearls blended into the color that really do give a shiny appearance to cheeks. And the radiant glow looks healthy and youthful.

I have used this new Ombre Blush not only on my cheeks but also my eyes. The radiance gives eyes a more open and awake appearance, and sometimes I have simply used the lighter side of the compact and dabbed that right under my eyebrows for a refreshed, open-eyed look.

When Hard Candy sent me their two newest colors – Sunburst and Punch – to test, I was a little put off by the density of the pigmentation. They didn’t look like natural colors and of all things we want to look natural, not overly made up. But the combination of the shades of color along with the creamy white side of the compact surprised me. After lightly brushing them on, my cheeks looked dewy and healthy.

The colors are baked so only a minimal amount is necessary to achieve a natural, glowing look that is perfect for the lazy days of summer.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, 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.

Follow her on Twitter