Let's Get Naked...Pizza!

 By: Jessica Cickay

When it comes to pizza chains today, the word “naked” never really comes to mind for multiple reasons. Not only do I rarely associate the bedroom with the dining room– you may leave both feeling satisfied, but only one leaves you with a greasy cheese burns on the roof of your mouth, unless you’re into that sort of thing – but fast-food pizza is now about the bigger, the bolder, the “badder” for you versus the basics. It’s obvious that the people behind the newly opened pizza chain in Coolidge Corner know what they’re doing marketing-wise with a sensory-grabbing name like Naked Pizza, but after eating their not-so-sinful and satisfying pies, it’s also obvious they know what they’re doing in the kitchen.

Ignite Your Inspiration with Johnsonville Brat or Italian Sausage Patties!

Hey friends - see below for a great contest from Johnsonville and Walmart! Best burger wins! - FF

"Build your best burger using Johnsonville Brat or Italian Sausage Patties, and you could win a year’s worth of groceries from WalMart in the “No Ordinary Burger Contest!” Now through September 6, log on to the contest page and submit your recipe and vote for your favorite pork burger. Two grand prize winners will be awarded one year's worth of groceries and their winning recipes featured on Johnsonville Brat and Italian Sausage Patty boxes."

XVI - The Ultimate Midtown Manhattan Rooftop Lounge!

By: Anne M. Raso

After hearing all the hubbub from beauty and fashion editor friends, we couldn't resist visiting the hotspot XVI, designed by the Miami-based Francois Frossard. XVI is on the 16th Floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, and you enter on Eighth Avenue through a dark passageway that feels a little like being at the old Mudd Club--it's kind of opposite of what the bright airy space upstairs at the actual lounge is like.

Source: Trust3 Hospitality

Support Box Tops for Education and Win a $25 Walmart Gift Card!

 "Box of love..."

Whether you’re shopping for a summer barbecue or gearing up for back-to-school, Walmart makes it easier for you to find everything for every list. And while you stock up on your family’s favorites, don’t forget you can earn cash for the participating school of your choice with Box Tops for Education products.

Starting in mid July, head over to your local Walmart to find up to 70 participating products that each have 4 Box Tops! Shop at Walmart to purchase products from your family’s favorite brands such as Nature Valley, Cheerios, and Yoplait, and earn more cash for the upcoming new school year!

To learn more about the Box Tops for Education program and how you can help contribute to your school, visit www.boxtops4education.com.

Delicatessen New York: Because Beautiful People Need Comfort Food Too!

By: Anne M. Raso

We were lucky enough to score an invite to Delicatessen's recent Summer In Soho affair, which brought together the food press, regular customers and just some good looking peeps from "da nabe." The whole purpose of the affair was for exec chef Michael Ferraro and pastry chef Kate Cowan to show off how they've tweaked the menu for the height of summer, when the all-day eatery is at its most crowded. In case you have not been to Delicatessen, it specializes in"international comfort food" although the beautiful people who flock there hardly look like they gorge themselves on the creative and generously portioned cuisine there! Delicatessen truly looks like a set from Sex and the City, but the food is super luscious and they are not afraid to deep fry when they have to!

Keep Cool Over the Summer with Homemade Ice Lollies!

Sponsored Post

For most of us, it’s the time of year when we tend to get a bit hot and bothered in the sunshine. There’s nothing better than cooling down in the summer heat, with a nice ice lolly or ice cream. Ice lollies can be a great and tempting snack on the way back from work or as a treat for your kids after school. We’ve come up with a recipe to combine healthy, delicious treats by making homemade yogurty ice lollies.

Interested? Read on!

Taste Testing the New McDonald’s Mango Pineapple Smoothie

"Cold as ice..."

The Mango Pineapple Smoothie, made using mango and pineapple purees, low-fat yogurt and ice, is  McDonald’s new addition to their Real Fruit Smoothie line. Due to my disappointment in the Strawberry Lemonade, I was slightly hesitant to try their newest summer drink. However, after a twenty minute walk outside in the sweltering afternoon sun, I was in desperate need of a respite from the heat -- and nothing screams "cool-off!" for me better than an ice cold smoothie.

New Summer Items Hit Panera Bread!

"Summer lovin' had me a blast..."

Fresh flavors, fresh ingredients and fresh takes on seasonal classics all signal that its summertime at Panera Bread. This commitment to freshness comes through in Panera’s summer menu specials: the Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad, the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, the new Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Seasonal Fruit Cups and Flower Cookies.

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Stuck on Food Stains? Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs to the Rescue!

"Rub a dub dub..."

Now that I am officially f-unemployed, I've been spending my freetime cooking and baking up a storm in my kitchen. Although making my own meals has been a super fun adventure (and much healthier to boot -- I've already lost two pounds!), I've definitely had a hard time motivating myself to clean up all the pots, pans and plates that get dirty in the process. Most of the time you'll find my kitchen sink filled with this: