Everybody is spending so much time trying to save money these days that they might forget how important it is to carry it. That's where the Slim Clip (pictured) comes into play. The "As Seen on TV" staple was a topic of conversation in the editorial office this week, along with tasty organic wine, a delicious pizza, a great new CD from a trusty old band, a favorite new seafood dish and other nuggets.
These are a few of our favorite things this week:
The "Slim Clip" money clip -- Over the past few years, I started to dread carrying a wallet, because it tends to get thick, and never for the right reason. It's not money, but credit cards, grocery cards, business cards and receipts that jam things up. I've tried money clips in the past, but always gave up on them in favor of a trusty wallet. On Memorial Day, my father-in-law gave me a Slim Clip. You've probably seen the late-night commercial or walked by it in the "As Seen On TV" aisle of the discount store. It's a two-sided stainless clip that fits in the front pocket and holds a bunch of bills and cards. I'm digging it so far. My only complaint is that it makes a weird noise if you keep coins in the same pocket. But, that's a small price to pay for losing the back pocket bulge. --Drew Olson
Collavini organic pinot grigio -- Proving that organic choices don't always have to break the bank is the new organic IGT pinot grigio from Friuli, Italy-based Collavini, with its dry, crisp snap, flowery nose and appealing straw color. Not only is the wine -- which is perfect with grilled fish this summer -- certified organic, which means no pesticides or chemical fertilizers were used and the grapes were hand-picked, the bottle is 100 percent recycled glass, the cork is made entirely of organic, recyclable and biodegradable material, and nearly 100 percent of the shipping materials are also recycled. So, not only does this pinot grigio taste good, it feels good and at $12.99 it's priced well, too. --Bobby Tanzilo
The turkey sausage and veggie pizza from Sendik's in Brookfield -- On my way back from Brookfield recently, I needed to pick up a few groceries. Since I was a few blocks away from the Sendik's Fine Foods in the Towne Centre development on the southwest corner of Capitol Drive and Brookfield Road, I stopped there. I picked up a freshly made turkey sausage / veggie pizza and brought it home. Into the oven at 425 degrees for 22 minutes and, wow! Really tasty and crispy crust, lightly seasoned sausage and piles of fresh mushrooms, roasted red peppers, black olives and more. All for $7.99. --Jeff Sherman
"Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey" -- The latest CD by Cracker, which will receive a more proper review closer to the band's State Fair show, will remind all the Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven fans out there that David Lowery is a clever lyricist and the band's mix of country and punk remains infectious. The song titles are vintage Lowery: "Show Me How This Thing Works," "Hand Me My Inhaler," "I Could Be Wrong I Could Be Right," and "Turn On Tune In Drop Out With Me," which includes a great phrase:
"I‘m not paranoid there is no conspiracy / But I swear Big Brother‘s watching me / Turn on, tune in, drop out, give up with me"
Check this one out and listen to the song whiskey-soaked "Friends," which is the emotional center of the record and opens with the following salvo:
"Well, I'd never sleep with your ex-girlfriend/even if she starts to flirt with me again / allow me to apologize for my slightly wicked thoughts/ 'cause that's the kind of friend that you got." --D.O.
Florida stuffed grouper from Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern -- Located on the river at 1110 N. Old World 3rd St., Molly Cool's offers an array of fresh seafood dishes along with steaks, ribs and sandwiches. The grouper -- stuffed with shrimp, crawfish and brie and served with garlic and chive mashed potatoes -- costs $18.95 and is particularly delicious. If you're going for lunch, the Ahi tuna melt ($8.95) and lobster roll ($16.95) are solid, too. --D.O.
Contacting your alderman / woman -- The old adage still applies: "If you don't vote, you can't complain." Even more important, if you don't contact your local elected official while in office, what incentive do they have to do the good work of the people? Basic thinking, yes. But, here's my recommendation. Contact your alderman and tell him what you like and dislike about your neighborhood. Ask questions, make demands and offer suggestions. Do you want more two-way streets, less noise, more streetscaping or just more "face time" with your alderman? Just ask and keep them accountable. Here's an easy link. --J.S.
Newman's Own Tequila Lime Salsa -- I may like some better than others, but I've never been disappointed after purchasing food from the late Paul Newman's line. The other day, on a whim, I bought a jar of tequila lime salsa. In a word -- fabulous. It's flavorful, but not overpowering. I'm thinking of buying two jars next time -- one for devouring chips and the other to use as a marinade for some chicken breasts. Newman has a bunch of salad dressings that fill that bill, too. The guy was a visionary when it comes to food. --D.O.
Summerfest lake walk -- I've written about Lakeshore State Park before. It's a great getaway and a peaceful place for a walk or run. I really, though, enjoy accessing the park via the lake walk along the Summerfest grounds. There's something oddly serene about walking near the empty grounds that makes you appreciate Summerfest and long for it. The lake walk is open daily (when there isn't a festival or other event) until 10 p.m. --J.S.
