Zapi UV Toothbrush Sanitizer review

February 19th, 2010 in reviews by susan young

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a HUGE germ-a-phobe. If you dare touch an escalator handrail in my presence you can be certain I will instantly be squirting sanitizer on your hands. Mainly bathroom germs bother me the most. I think this stems from my grandmother “Papering the seat” of every bathroom we would enter when I was a kid. You learned very quickly that you better not really have to go because it takes a good 45 seconds to lay 27 squares of toilet paper out on a public toilet seat. I don’t even keep my toothbrush in the bathroom because of you people that leave the seat up when you flush! Simply the thought of that makes me nauseous. Fecal matters people (very nice SNL shout-out ~ Tyna) and the thought of that crap (ha-ha) floating around in the air and sticking to my toothbrush is appalling!

Into my germ world comes heaven in the shape of an egg. The Zapi UV Toothbrush Sanitizer by Violight may be the most genius thing ever invented. Its shape reminds me of a large faceless Weeble Wobble, pretty cute. But the best part is that this sanitizer uses UV technology to eliminate 99.9% of germs. It is simply operated with 3 AAA batteries.

How could a girl like me not be overjoyed? You pop your toothbrush in the top of the Zapi, press the little button and 7 minutes later your brush is sanitized and the Zapi automatically shuts off. We’ve all seen this technology before in our Dr.’s office, nail salon or even hair salon. Now you can have it in your own home. The Zapi fits most standard toothbrushes and even electric and kids brushes. It has a lifetime UV light and comes in lots of great colors. You can even buy stickers to decorate them and make them look more Weeble like.

I’d pay at least double the $30 purchase price for this. The comfort I get knowing my toothbrush is free from germs that cause illnesses such as rhinovirus, E. Coli, botulism and salmonella is worth the price. They have a number of products out, including a Zapi duo for two brushes, the Sanitizer Counter Unit for families that isn’t the cute egg shape but it does hold 4 brushes, a Travel Sanitizer and a even a Razor Sanitizer.

But don’t take my word, take Oprah’s! The Zapi was mentioned as a Best Pick for the Holidays in O Magazine. The Zapi would make a great gift for any germ-a-phobe in your life. If you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom (like most people do), I encourage you to buy it for yourselves. You can buy this at Target, Walgreens, Brookstone and drugstore.com.

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Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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LypSyl lip balm review

February 11th, 2010 in beauty & fashion, reviews by susan young

photos: we heart this

Hi my name is Susan and I’m an addict, a lip balm addict. I have a balm in every purse, car, desk drawer and bathroom cabinet that I have available to me. When a certain balm was on sale a few months ago, I bought 12 tubes. I am serious about my lip balms. I thought that I had tried every brand and thought I’d found my favorite, until LypSyl arrived at my door.

Reading the packaging I learn that “LypSyl has been the first choice of European lip care users for generations”. That statement alone makes me happy that I have it and sure I will love it to pieces. Europeans always seem to be one up on us for the best products. I instantly admire the absolute best lip care packaging I have ever seen:
• It’s a very generous oval shaped.
• It has a slide to bring the product to the top instead of a twist of the bottom.
• The little slider isn’t just a plain button, it’s a bee. How cute is that?

But how about the balm itself? LypSyl’s formula was developed over 100 years ago and is made with pure Swedish beeswax. That main ingredient ensures it spreads evenly and creates a smooth base that lets the formula penetrate deeply. And of course, it also makes it smell delicious. (And can I just pipe in that it rivals a certain $45 lip balm I fell in love with just a few months ago? ~Stef)

Since LypSyl arrived, my lips pout a little when I use any other brand. I find myself taking it out and setting it on my desk just because I like to admire how cute it is and everyone is always very envious of it. Lips across America will certainly be happier and healthier once word gets out about this product.

Review Team, what did you think? With five different formulas and found at many drugstores across the country, who’s trading in their brand of balm for LypSyl?

Attention fellow lip balm hoarders: you can stock up at Amazon with this 5 pack of LypSyl Lip Balm. Hmmm, I may need two.

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Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - review

November 13th, 2009 in beauty & fashion, reviews by susan young

I have a few good beauty habits, and a few no-so-good ones. I am the very proud owner of a Clarisonic, but I don’t use it twice a day. I occasionally sleep with my contacts in, I don’t always moisturize at night and use make-up way past it’s expiration. Don’t judge me, rocks and stone houses and all, something tells me the members of we heart this practice a few beauty don’ts as well. And thanks to the good folks at Simple Skin Care, we have a new weapon in our fight against one of the worst sins of all – falling asleep without a thorough washing.

This is one beauty routine where I earn high marks. I’m diligent at removing any make-up every night regardless of my mental or physical state. I learned the hard way that if I don’t my skin will reward me by breaking out. I discovered the wonders of make-up removing wipes a few years ago and I’ve been addicted to them ever since. I pluck out a wipe and remove my make-up, my skin feels clean and smooth prior to going to sleep and I don’t feel guilty about being lazy in the AM. And of course, the biggest bonus, I don’t have gigantic pimples or yucky blackheads – well at least not more then normal.

When I received the nice little trial packet of Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes I was tickled pink. The people behind Simple are known as the sensitive skin specialists and they have created 100% oil and alcohol free make-up removing (including waterproof mascara) wipes packaged in a handy travel size pouch (5 wipes per pouch). These wipes contain no perfume, no dyes and are dermatologically approved.

I’m giving these cleansing cloths bonus points for the thickness of the wipes and the slightly textured surface, which allows for complete removal of foundation, face powder – even mascara with a bit of time and gentle rubbing.

In business for almost 50 years, this company started off simple (hee) with a few pharmacist-developed offerings, including color-free soap, which was sought after by those with for sensitive skin. As the product line increased, the philosophy remained and Simple never uses harsh chemicals, colors or perfumes in its skin care. They continue to work with the purest possible ingredients to ensure quality products, even for those with most sensitive skin. Top that all off with accessible prices and it’s simple to maintain your daily beauty routines with Simple Skin Care!

One caveat? This European cult favorite (the cleansing cloths are bloody popular in England) may be hard to find in the U.S. Lucky NYC readers, however can check out the line at their local Duane Reade Drugstore.

Testers – are you ready to fly overseas (or take Manhattan) to get your hands on more Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes?

11/16/09 Good News! Simple is on it’s way to the States. Visit their US site to register and be the first to know when it’s finally here.

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SweatBlock review

October 8th, 2009 in home & living, reviews by susan young

Every woman is plagued with some sort of embarrassing body issue, EVERY last one of us. From hair where hair shouldn’t be, veins of the spider or varicose type, acne, nail fungus and the list goes on and on. Many of these issues can easily be masked without anyone (even your significant other) even knowing about your issue.

At the top of the list of embarrassing female issues? Excess perspiration. Sweating is not something you can hide and it can quickly turn your day at the office, a date or any special occasion into a nightmare! No matter your style, big wet stains under your arms are a no-no.

There are hundreds of options on the market to aid in the issue but most of these products do little for those who sweat profusely. I know many women who live in jackets and blazers, and who never wear any shirt color but black (the better to hide the evidence). Add to the list of woes; higher dry cleaning bills, a shorter lifespan of your wardrobe and the overall uneasiness of being out in public (with the possibility of a pit catastrophe) to compound this already trying problem.

An effective solution has come about by way of SweatBlock – handy wipes in a sealed envelope that promise to keep you dry for a week; yep, seven entire days! SweatBlock is used once a week by dabbing the little towelette onto your underarm area. Let it air dry for 5 minutes, go to sleep and viola! No perspiring for the next seven days!

Impossible you say? I for one can attest that this product is revolutionary and I am 100% satisfied. My underarms were dry no matter what the weather and the day threw at me. The formula is effective but still gentle on my skin – no itching or rashes on my (now extra dry) underarms.

Review team – what do you think? Is SweatBlock the answer to perspiration issues?

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Summer Heat Safety Tips

August 27th, 2009 in pets & kids by susan young

We heart this member Susan, was moved to write this post when she witnessed two almost incidents in parking lots on the same day. Animals, the young, the elderly and the infirm really do need some special attention during hot weather. Perhaps you have heard the sad story of the Robin Starr, the CEO of the Richmond, Virginia’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who accidentally left her 16-year-old dog in her car. Poor Louie died of kidney failure. This awful tale made us realize could happen to anyone. A miscommunication, too many distractions, a lapse in judgment during the warmest months can have tragic consequences. So pay extra attention to your surroundings during this latest heat wave and brush up on Susan’s sensible ways for dealing with the heat…

It seems every year I see tragic stories on the news of people leaving children or pets in the car. Or, even worse, elderly people trapped in closed homes with no air conditioning or fans. Or updates on the latest influx of heat stroke and dehydration victims at local hospitals.

Often studies find these accidents rise because of outside distractions during the summer months. During the warm weather season simple distractions, like weekend picnic plans, upcoming vacations or just getting through the day in the oppressive heat often distracts people and they forget to stay safe. Keep the tips below in mind to have an Emergency Room-free and happy rest of your summer.

Remember the people at HIGH RISK for heat related problems:
• Seniors
• People with jobs that require physical exertion
• Infants and young children
• Animals and pets
• People with medical conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, heart disease, obesity and alcoholism

Ways to stay cool:
Go to a cool place. Consider going to an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place that will be cool. Go to a neighbor, friend or relative’s house that has air conditioning.

Stay in the shade. Direct sunlight can speed up the effect that heat has on your body. Do outdoor activities in the morning or evening hours, avoid being in the afternoon heat.

Stay hydrated. Keep drinking plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Make sure your children drink water and don’t forget even if you are at the pool and in the water, it doesn’t mean that you can’t quickly become dehydrated!

Take showers. A cool shower or bath is a great way to stay cool and much more effective than using an electric fan.

Limit physical activity. Take breaks during the day. Take a break if you are feeling dizzy, your heart is pounding or breathing becomes difficult.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. If you are outside, don’t forget to wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck.

Wear sunscreen. Protect your skin and reduce the risk of sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself.

And be sure to think of others too:
Please, Please, Please do not leave animals or children in parked cars. Even on a relatively mild 85-degree day in the shade, with the windows cracked, the temperature inside the car will reach 120 degrees in minutes. A dog or cat’s body temperature is approximately 101 – 102 degrees. They can only withstand the heat a short time before it becomes a life or death situation.

If you live near an elderly person check on them often during the day, and even offer to take them to a cool place. No air conditioning, closed windows and no air circulating in a home is very dangerous, similar to sitting in a parked car.

It is easy to become distracted, however please take the time to ensure you, your family and your pets are safe.

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Yes To Carrots - review

August 7th, 2009 in beauty & fashion, green monday, reviews by susan young

I’m really starting to see and believe in the benefits of all natural products. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of trying a number of brands. I find that when I’m using natural and/or organic products, my skin looks and feels smoother and I don’t need to exfoliate as often. Plus, it’s the green thing to do. There are only a few problems with my go-green natural beauty quest; very often these items are pricey, or they can only be purchased in limited locations and in some cases, limited quantities. What’s a green girl to do? You could sing a bit of Kermit the Frog’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green” (singing out loud always helps) or you could head on out to Target or Walgreen’s or just jump on drugstore.com and discover Yes To Carrots.

The philosophy behind Yes To Carrots is to bring high quality, reasonably priced, all natural products to people everywhere. This down to earth and friendly style is evident in their simple no-frills packaging and the “just chatting” website that’s full of information. “All of the Yes To products combine the fresh, unadulterated goodness of organic fruits and vegetables with the purifying and moisturizing properties of 26 minerals harvested from the ancient world’s most renowned spa- the Dead Sea.” You’ll find the Yes To Carrots line is bursting with Beta Carotene, a natural form of Vitamin A found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. This wonder ingredient has anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties, helps to diminish the signs of aging (wrinkles, dark-spots, uneven tone) AND also protects skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. Oh yeah, it also moisturizes and softens skin and hair!

Yes to Carrots entered my life a few years ago and I can honestly say it’s one of only two natural or organic brands that I religiously buy. I’ve purchased at least ½ dozen Yes To Carrots products (including body creams, face washes and lip balms) and I’m more then content with everything I’ve tried. Honestly, how can something made from organic fruits, veggies high in beta-carotene and Dead Sea minerals not have you feel like a million bucks? It can just be your secret that you spent less then $20. The other great thing about this is that almost all their products are unisex. Great for your man – not so good for you when he’s constantly “borrowing” your face cream.

Have you already said oh yeah! to the Yes To Carrots line? Make sure to check the comments for the thoughts of our we heart this review team. They’ll be talking about products including the Travel with C Body Essentials Set, the Hair & Scalp Mud Mask, the C Me Shine Red Hot Lip Gloss and, one of my faves, the Yes To Carrots Lip Butter Balms.

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Verikira Naturals Pink Grapefruit review

July 3rd, 2009 in beauty & fashion, green monday, reviews by susan young

The lovely people at Verikira Naturals sent us the Pink Grapefruit Collection Travel Pack Trio to check out. Before I get into the products, let’s talk about what a do-gooder of a company we found in Verikira.

They are a vegan company, this not only means no testing on animals but they are also certified by the Vegan Cosmetics Organization. VCO is a not-for-profit subsidiary dedicated to encouraging the use of vegan cosmetics and educating the public about the benefits of using fruit and vegetable-derived cosmetics. They are the only certifying agent exclusively serving the personal care industry. Verikira Naturals not only talks the talk, they also walk the walk; from the President of the company volunteering for impoverished children to the corporation itself donating a portion of all profits to select non-profit organizations that align with the Verikira vision to support human health and wellness.

One of the causes they are supporting is the fight against breast cancer. A designated amount of the profits from all products in the Pink Grapefruit & Pink Ribbon collection will go directly to fund breast cancer research and awareness. Verikira Naturals choice to scent the Pink Ribbon products with Pink Grapefruit for several reasons. Besides being a happy scent that makes everyone smile, it’s universally liked by both men and women and since it’s pink, it’s perfect for a Pink Ribbon product. Plus, all three items are cruelty-free, paraben-free and made with over 85% organic materials.

The Travel Pack Trio contains a generous sampler sized bottle of all three items, Pink Grapefruit Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Lotion. As promised, the scent is lively and fun and is a great way to wake up in your morning shower. In my research (after receiving these products) I found out that shampoo does not need to lather. In fact, a lathering chemical is put into shampoo to make us all feel that our selected product is working. I’ve noticed that many natural shampoos lack that foaminess that I love, so I generally steer clear of them. However, being the beauty geniuses they are, Verikira added natural ingredients to give some lather to the shampoo for that “hey, it’s working” feeling. The gentle conditioner left my hair smooth and manageable without weighing it down. The Pink Grapefruit Lotion soothed my skin and left a yummy grapefruit trail behind me all day.

Pick up some Verikira Pink Grapefruit products for an all natural clean, while helping out in the fight against Breast Cancer!

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OC Performing Arts Center - South Coast Plaza

June 14th, 2009 in read, watch, listen by susan young

So have you planned a trip to the OC yet? Here’s one final tantalizing reason to visit as we close out our we heart this South Coast Plaza week. Thanks again to the incredibly gracious team at the SCP, Beverly, Debra and Pamela as well as Michelle and Karla at Blab Communication for giving we heart this a VIP, insiders guide to this one of a kind travel destination.

What better way to end a day of shopping or lounging on the beach then with an evening of world class, live entertainment at the Orange County Performing Arts Center? The center offers six individual halls that will mesmerize any guest with architecture alone. If you plan on attending any show at the center, make sure to arrive early so you can walk the expansive grounds and marvel at the splendor of the elegant, engineering feats behind the awe inspiring buildings that comprise this artistic center. The wonderful Timothy Dunn, Director of Public Relations for the center took some time out of his busy day to show us around. His graciousness and knowledge certainly did not go unappreciated by the wht crew – thanks Tim for a fantastic tour!

We started off at the 2,994-seat Segerstrom Hall. Upon entering the hall you are met by a deep burgundy theater with a tiered seating style to provide every guest with optimal viewing. The stage was set for one of the final performances of The Rat Pack Live At The Sands and as the theater lights went on you could hear all of us gasp at the intimacy of what we were lucky enough to see. There is something about house lights coming on in an empty theater that make you want to jump on the stage and dance like you are the lead in Fame. After a few minutes of ogling the theater, Tim led us backstage. We got to see so many of the inner workings of stage productions, I’m just not sure how much we should divulge, we wouldn’t want to ruin any of the mystery!

Check out the upcoming events to see the Broadway quality shows that will be having a run at the Hall in the near future. I’m dying to see Monty Python’s Spamalot (starring John O’Hurley) and would love to catch original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprise their roles in Rent. Or you can catch out one of the hottest musicals of the past few years when Spring Awakening hits the theatre this fall.

Next, Tim lead us outside and over to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. We stopped and stared at the outside of this amazing venue for a good 5 minutes to take in the beauty. The building is built of Portuguese Limestone and a serpentine glass facade, and you’ll notice the soft waves in the building that was designed by the architect as a “softer” building to counter the bold hard design of the neighboring Segerstrom Hall. I think the Segerstrom Concert Hall is hands down the most beautiful building in all of Orange County.

When you enter the hall, you will be captivated by the light reflecting silver leaf ceiling of the multi-tiered lobby. The lobby also features a one of a kind lighting design titled Contallation by Francesca Bettridge. The installation includes Swarowski crystal LED lighting and 300 stainless steel pendants tipped with Baccarat crystal globes. It is spectacular, so it’s no surprise that a few very lucky brides have been able to hold their wedding reception in this sparkling, light filled space.

One would think that it would almost be impossible for the concert hall itself to live up to the lobby. It does! If you go to the concert hall, if possible walk in with you eyes closed. You will feel like you are in another world when you open them. Once you walk through the doors of the hall, all noise from the outside world ceases to exist. The hall is breathtakingly simple but complex all in one. Beautiful lightwoods with ocean blue shaded reverberation chamber walls peaking through. You all may think I’m crazy but I felt like I was under the sea in a clamshell like Little Mermaid or Bedknobs and Broomsticks!

The centerpiece of the hall is the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. This stunning organ has a silver leaf over wood façade, 4,322 pipes, 75 stops, including 57 individual voices, 4 manual keyboards with 61 notes each and a pedal keyboard 32 notes. It weighs in at 30 tons. This is the way music was meant to be heard!

There are even more halls and theaters at the OCPAC for various types of performances, conferences or parties. The Community Plaza is a 46,000 sq ft outdoor space between the two main halls. For a night with the family, check out Free For All Movie Mondays. You can spread a blanket on the grassy ground and watch movies like Footloose and Mama Mia outdoors on the big screen. Be prepared for lots of audience participation and sing-alongs!

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NapaStyle - South Coast Plaza

June 9th, 2009 in eat, drink, be merry by susan young

It’s day two of our South Coast Plaza week and we’re taking a stroll through the captivating kitchen and lifestyle specialty store, NapaStyle. Founded by Napa Valley chef Michael Chiarello, this rustic yet elegant store is a delight for all the senses. Foodies may already be familiar with Michael from his cooking and lifestyle shows on the Food Network and Fine Living or you may have a copy of one of his phenomenal cookbooks (check out the already classic Michael Chiarello’s Casual Cooking to start). We have a feeling a lot more people will soon discover Michael’s easy-going, rustic meets classic style. He’ll be seen on the upcoming Top Chef Masters edition, which kicks off tomorrow night on Bravo (see you all in the forums!) We were thrilled to receive an up-close look at the tastes, flavors, style and wines that serve as inspiration to the Northern California style served up by this distinguished chef.

From the moment you walk into the store you are overwhelmed by the beauty. Attractive vignettes of tabletops and sitting nooks are artfully arranged to capture the casual yet striking style of NapaStyles tablewares, furniture, serving pieces and accessories. Tabletops were adorned with rich and beautiful dinner settings from the NapaStyle collection. While the rest of the we heart this crew ooh’d and ahh’d and found a new favorite at every table, I was partial to the adorable bunny pattern from the Coniglio set. (I finally decided the Oliveto Italian collection was my most wanted ~ T)

The entire store is a feast for the eyes; filled with oversized leather furniture, bright hand crafted ceramic pitchers, plates made from reclaimed metals, sparkling, bold glassware and incredibly beautiful recycled benches and tables. The result is a charming, rustic, California casual style that makes you feel right at home. We’re always happy to see people go beautifully green, so we were thrilled to learn all of the wood used for Michael’s products are made from lumber that has been salvaged from places across the country (such as old barns or wood floors). Thus saving our forests, reducing pollution and allowing the consumer to receive a truly unique, recycled item. The authenticity of these woods is confirmed by scent of the natural wood as you enter the store or inspect one of the striking pieces up close. Besides carefully sourcing materials, Michael employs local artists from Napa Valley, as well as regions in Italy. Ceramics and glassware’s are hand crafted by gifted artists using time-honored techniques and this careful attention to detail sure shows in the end product! We were wowed by kitchen standards that stand as works of art, too. These Barattolo Ceramic Pitchers could double as a vase and look fab on any counter.

Once you weave your way through all the gorgeous items, you will find yourself at (hooray!) the taste testing stations. First up, the Salts & Spices. We had a salt taste testing. I know it sounds a little strange, because I can’t imagine anyone wanting to eat straight salt if it wasn’t followed by a shot and a lime. Let me tell you, I could have sat and ate a few spoonfuls from these little jars of heaven. Each salt had its own unique taste, texture and moisture level. Everyone had a favorite, but I was drawn to the naturally flavored salts such as the Roasted Garlic Gray Salt, while other preferred the fruity and peppery Hawaiian Red Salt or the delicate and refined Fleur de Sel. You will be surprised at the flavor a truly good salt can bring to your foods. If you want to add some wow to simple summer cooking, try out the NapaStyle Salt Collection (top right picture) containing three of their best salts.

I was also enamored by the brick salt – you heat one of the bricks up in the oven, throw a steak or chicken breast on and it will be seasoned as it cooks. If you have ever had steak on a stone, it’s similar but much tastier. My hands down favorite purchase though, was the Ottimo! Poultry Seasoning Gray Salt. Hand packed at Michael’s ranch and packaged in an adorable glass jar, this seasoning punches up any chicken recipe you have in your arsenal. I’ve made just plain chicken breasts with a generous splash of this seasoning at home for guests and everyone wants to know how many ingredients I had to mix up to get such a robust flavor. I didn’t tell my secret that night, but now I’m sharing it with all of you!

After consuming a few tablespoons of salt we headed over to the to Olive Oils. We drizzled the full, rich and tasty oils over crackers and nibbled away, debating the merits of each. Did you know that light and heat is oils worst enemy? Make sure to store yours in a cool, dark space (not next to the stove) for freshness. To keep their testing oils in full flavor, NapaStyle has installed Fustino stainless steel “drums” to preserve and dispense the oils. You can even get your own mini Fustino Dispenser to keep your oil in tip-top taste. NapaStyle also offers filtered and unfiltered olive oil. Filtered oil is used to finish a roasted fish, sauté veggies or to caramelize onions. The olives used in NapaStyle filtered oil are cold pressed the day they are picked which gives it a great, fresh taste. The unfiltered oil is used for the fine drizzle over a steak right off the grill or for bruschetta. These olives are harvested from 100-yr old trees on Michael’s ranch in the California Foot Hills. If you’re tempted to try one, all oils you order will be bottled and shipped to you at the time you order.

Next up, eggplant, pepperonata & salsa, oh my! More commonly referred to as the Sauces & Condiments section. This tasting station, with a variety of delicious spreads set out with crackers, almost sent us over the edge. We could have pulled up some chairs and stayed all day. These mouth-watering spreads are hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. Even though they are jarred spreads, they tasted as if I (or my live in executive chef) had just made them at home. This set of Bruschetta Spreads was a stand out and Tyna was partial to the Marinated Parmesan Dips. When entertaining, just pour a dip into a cute little dish, spread out some fancy crackers and your guests will be very impressed with your cooking “skills”!

If you ever get a chance to step into one of the six NapaStyle stores I highly recommend it. The tasting stations are available to one and all and you will find the staff friendly and informative. While it’s always great to get to samples and taste before purchasing, we can’t all make it to California for the hands on experience. You can still discover everything Napa Style online. Click on over to gaze at all the pretty objects, plan a meal around the fine salts, oils and spreads and even check out some of Michael’s own recipes. Soon, you’ll be entertaining in the spirit of Napa Valley style no matter where you live!

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Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

April 23rd, 2009 in eat, drink, be merry, recipes by susan young

We heart this member, turned contributor, Susan is back to share another fabulous recipe!

It’s occasionally starting to feel like Spring here in PA and it’s got me all sorts of excited to start grilling everyday! I’ve been scouting for burger recipes for months. Here’s one I found at Rachael Ray. With cranberry and green apples, it’s also great for Fall. Everyone I’ve served these to is obsessed with them and is always asking when I will be making them again. It’s a quick recipe you can serve in roughly 30 minutes. I promise you, you will love these…

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers (serves six)

• 2 lbs Ground Turkey Breast
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 tbsp Adobo seasoning
• 1 tbsp grill seasoning (I use burger grill seasoning)
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 large Granny Smith apple – cut into 12 slices
• 8 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (store brand is fine)
• 3 tbsp grainy mustard
• 6 English muffins split and toasted

1. In a bowl, hand-mix the turkey, parsley, Adobo, grill seasoning and onion. Form into 6 patties. Press your thumb into the middle of your fresh burgers so they don’t bulge when they cook.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Place patties and cook for about 7 minutes on each side for medium.
3. While cooking burgers in a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and mustard and slather on both top and bottom of muffins.
4. When burgers are cooked, top each with apple slices and 1 1/2 cheese slices. Tent the pan with lid or foil and cook until cheese melts.
5. Add burgers to muffins and ENJOY!

Please note, I’ve made slight modifications to the recipe. If you want to see the original, check it out at here.

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