| Easter Basket Recall Announced in Florida
Now that the Easter baskets have been opened, parents and children should be mindful of warnings about certain children's products, according to a Florida newspaper. Watchdog group Consumers Union have cautioned against the eating of Italian-made Kinder Surprise Eggs, hollow chocolate eggs that contain small toys, according to the Florida Sun-Sentinel. The eggs were banned in the U.S. in 1997 but still make it to stores through gourmet sweet shops, candy merchants and ethnic importers. Click here to read the Sun-Sentinel story. In addition, Consumers Union has declared a voluntary recall of about 8,500 Disney plush Easter baskets, whose small ribbons and beads could be considered a choking hazard for small children. The baskets, which are manufactured by Gemmy Industries, are pink and purple plush and themed after the Disney Princesses.
Grab some picnic fixings
Blooms are bursting out all over. It's prime time for Table Rock hiking. And the announcement of the Britt Festivals line-up always sets me dreaming about music and meals on the hillside. But ... this being spring in the Rogue Valley, the weather can be a little unpredictable, to say the least. Anyone who wants to get in some outdoor eating had better move fast when the sun breaks through. Fortunately, the area has some great places to pick up quick and tasty sandwiches and salads that are perfect for outings. Allyson's Kitchen, known as Allyson's of Ashland until the popular kitchen store extended its reach online and with plans for a branch in Bend, has a top-notch deli. Tucked in the basement at 115 E. Main St., Ashland, Allyson's deli makes sandwiches with specialty meats and cheeses and tops them off with Shakespeare-inspired names.
Baby fair offers a host of options for parents
The fourth-annual baby fair was jam-packed with expectant moms Saturday, as well as a few grandmas and even some soon-to-be dads. Lined up in the downstairs hallway, bellies and strollers vied for space at about two dozen information-stacked tables. .
Love defensive on diet
HIP-HOP TO IT: Rhymefest, the Grammy Award-winning rapper and hip-hop artist (and co-writer of Kanye West's ''Jesus Walks''), was expected to be leading the cheering at the opening night Monday of Collaboraction's production of ''The Intelligent Design of Jenny,'' an original show that's being called ''an instant message with excitable music.'' Originally staged at Chicago Dramatists Workshop, the new production is at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. STAR TRACKING: Julian Lennon apparently decided it was time to cash in on his portion of the rights to his father, John's, Beatles songs and other music -- rights he once battled to secure from his stepmother, Yoko Ono. Julian has sold his share to music publisher Larry Mestel's Primary Wave Music. ... Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams fans will be interested to know the former couple is now splitsville.
Owners spend big bucks spoiling pets
BLOOMINGTON — During a typical trip to the store, Kari Bigger buys food, treats, toys and clothes — for her dogs.The Pontiac woman doesn't spare much expense when it comes to her greyhound, Nide, and Italian greyhound, Vinny. Monthly bills for basics and perks can reach $200 to $300.“My dogs are really spoiled," Bigger said. “I don't have kids, so they're kind of like my kids. They're great companions for me."Bigger was one of many shoppers who contributed to the $38.5 billion people spent on pets in 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. National spending is almost double the $21 billion pet owners spent 10 years earlier.Pet owners increasingly treat their four-legged friends like family, and businesses are responding in kind with high quality pet food, gourmet treats, elaborate toys, clothes — even jewelry.“There's a growing trend for people to spoil their pets," said Mike Harpest, owner of Premium Pet Supply in Bloomington.
A few Aussie charmers for special occasions
Our quest for the best takes us today to Australia, a wine country enormously popular with Ontario consumers. While drought has hit many regions hard this year, previous vintages are pouring in and, today, in Vintages stores, a big raft of new bottles hits shelves. Shuffled into the special Oz spotlight are several Vintages Essentials wines. I reviewed these recently, so my focus is on the newcomers instead. My top five Aussie charmers today are not cheap. But they clearly soared above the 26 Aussie entries. Save these for special occasions – a grand dinner with gourmet friends, or a gift to a wine lover. Best Oz white is Edwards 2005 Chardonnay ($25.95, 92 out of 100 points), with rich butterscotch, toasted coconut and hazelnut complexity. This is a lush gush from the Margaret River in Western Australia, as is Goundrey Reserve Selection 2004 Chardonnay ($19.95, 90) with its buttery apple and lime nuances, almost creamed-corn aromas and long, citrus-laden finish.
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