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.

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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

First of all, let me say I am a skeptic when it comes to products that tout amazing results. So when NuFACE sent me their NuFACE mini facial toning device, I wasn’t expecting any great results. But I am very surprised and impressed with this device. It does work.

NuFACE mini has lived up to the hype. The first time I used it I saw results and after several days, others saw results on my face as well. The device says it is a 5 Minute Facelift. For those of us that could use a little fine-tuning and freshening, this fits the bill. And not only does it tone the facial muscles, it makes skin look healthier. Someone just told me my skin looks great, and it really does.

So how does this device work? It uses microcurrent technology, which is a soft wave. This stimulates the skin and the underlying muscles.

To use the NuFACE mini, when you first open the box charge the device for 16 hours. Then wash your face with an oil-free cleanser and make sure all makeup and creams have been removed from your face. Then lightly spread the Gel Primer to one cheek and jawline. Turn on the device and set it to the strength you want. There are three settings. I started with the highest and have not had any problems however some people might feel more comfortable starting at a lower setting. The next step is to place the device on your jawline and slowly glide it up to your ear. Then repeat that a little higher on your cheek and one more time just a little higher. Repeat these steps three times. The next step is the forehead area. All the instructions are provided in the box, however this link will show exactly how to use the NuFACE.

The company says the microcurrent technology began as a medical treatment for atrophied facial muscles. What I have found after using the unit for a little while is that my face looks tighter and my skin looks smoother and softer. And it is smooth to the touch. As I mentioned earlier, others have commented on the appearance of my skin so this device is definitely doing something. I have also noticed a slight lift in my forehead and cheek. As a matter of fact, the smile lines are noticeably reduced. And yes, I am surprised.

I wouldn’t say the NuFACE mini is a replacement for a facelift, if you are thinking about surgery, however if you just need a little freshening, I feel this is worth trying.

The NuFACE has been approved by the FDA for use on the face.

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

Dress baby from head to toe with the new Boppy clothing collection, a sweet multi-piece collection that include jackets, bodysuits, buntings, leggings and sleepers. The comfortable cotton garments are tagless and made with flat seams for better comfort and less irritation. The two-way zippers make for quick and easy changes, and are fully encased to prevent rubbing on young necks. Available at Babies R Us, Kohl’s, Target.com, Navy, Fred Meyer, Stage.com, Kroger and Buy Buy Baby. $24 – $36

We all know the sun is bad for us. And we all want to look tan and healthy instead of pale and ghostly, especially in the summer during swimsuit and shorts season. For decades many of us have relied on spray tans in the salons and self-tanning lotions to get a healthy glow. Skinny Tan is a product from Australia that is now available in the United States.

What makes Skinny Tan different from other self-tanners on the market? First of all, instead of that strong, unpleasant smell of most of the others, Skinny Tan has a tropical, coconut scent that will make you feel like you’re on vacation in the Hawaii or the Caribbean. It’s a light, pleasant scent.

Secondly, Skinny Tan is a light brown color to help users spread it evenly on their skin, instead of being white so when you use it you don’t see where it’s been applied. This color guide is beneficial to getting an even bronze. The key is not to over do the spreading of the lotion. It doesn’t take a lot of product to cover your skin, and with the help of the lotion that goes on brown, you’ll see exactly which areas have been covered.

Finally, Skinny Tan is supposed to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is the only thing I didn’t see when I tested this product. But that’s not to say others will.

As someone who has tried multiple self-tanners through the years, I can say that this is definitely a good product, even if I don’t credit it with reducing the look of cellulite. I love the scent, which has been a pet peeve of mine in the past. I have not been comfortable with the scents of other self-tanners. And the color is not fake looking. It is a healthy bronze that looks as though I spent a day at the beach.

To test this product I first used the Pre-Tan Primer, which is a gentle exfoliate that also has the coconut scent. This made my skin soft and evened out the rough spots to make it smoother for the tanning lotion. It’s good to use this especially on elbows, knees, ankles, toes, and fingers (if you are tanning your hands). Even if you aren’t tanning, this is an exfoliate I would still use regularly because it works wonders and smells delicious.

Then I spread the Skinny Tan 7-Day Tanner on my legs. With the color guide, I didn’t have any blank spots, which has happened in the past with other products. It didn’t take long before my legs had a healthy glow, which is supposed to last for seven days.

The thing I don’t like about self-tanners is the wait time before you can touch anything. True, this is a problem with them all, but we have to sacrifice a little to get that gorgeous bronze skin in a healthy way. The length of time until this lotion dried and I was able to sit on the couch without worrying about transferring the color or smudging my legs was only about 20 minutes.

The company recommends keeping the product on for eight hours before rinsing it off. Overnight is a good length of time. When it is rinsed off the color has already tinted your skin. For me there were no streaks, only a light brown color all over my legs.

While I didn’t see any difference in cellulite appearance, I still like this product because of the scent and the ease of application. And, the final result definitely meets my approval. The color is good and there are no streaks.

The product contains Guarana, an ingredient that is common in cellulite creams, so after time it might do something to change the look of cellulite, but I wouldn’t recommend this product solely for that reason. If you want a healthy easy-to-apply self-tanner with a tropical scent, then this is a product for you.

There are several options in the Skinny Tan line of self-tanning products. Check their website.

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

The Darling Set is the newest addition to the Little Cosmetics collection! Complete with realistic palettes, sparkle brushes, and a newly designed cosmetic bag, this pretend makeup looks and feels real, but doesn’t apply or transfer to the skin. Completely mess-free, fake makeup! Set includes:
Powder Compact
Rose Shimmer Glitter Pot
Grape Shimmer Glitter Pot
Wildflowers Artist Palette
Pink Lemonade Lipgloss
Floral Fuchsia Lipstick
Makeup Brush Set
Wildflowers Cosmetic Bag
Little Cosmetics pretend makeup does not apply or transfer onto skin. This is not real makeup. Little Cosmetics is fake pretend makeup intended for creative play.
Warning: Choking hazard. Contains small parts. Not for children under 3.
$24.99

Choose from solid blue with red points and a USA flag emblem, or go all out with red and white stripes and blue points. Both styles feature a star-spangled non-slip grip on the bottom, perfect for lazy days that are too laid back for shoes. These patriotic socks boast a soft brushed inner that caresses the skin, and are non-binding, so won’t leave unsightly red rings, or cause issue with circulation.
Fully machine washable and available in both mens and womens sizes.
Perfect for Ages 12 and Up, Including Adults. Only $17.99.