Organic eggs, sweet soundsystems, premium wine and more, all in this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.
Bose SoundLink Air digital music system – I wasn't exactly in the mood for a replacement to my iPod docking bookshelf speakers, but when Apple went and changed connectors for the iPhone 5, I took it as a sign to go completely wireless for my home audio needs. There are certainly cheaper, more portable solutions than the Bose SoundLink Air, but if you want to make the jump to Apple's proprietary AirPlay system, you could do worse for $350. While the small unit lacks any stereo separation, it does sound excellent and will fill a room with as much sound as you can handle. Plus, it can become the cornerstone for your home soundscape if you buy additional AirPlay speakers later on. Other than its steep price tag, it also sports a humungous power brick that might not fit in your outlet, depending on its placement. And, of course, it's not compatible with anything other than Apple products. But, if that doesn't bother you, it takes about five minutes to set up, then it just works. Really, really beautifully well. –Andy Tarnoff
Organic eggs – As much as I want to buy all organic food, it's just not in the budget – especially with two always-hungry boys. I always buy organic milk and meat, and usually pick and choose other items including potatoes, strawberries, apples and eggs depending on my cash flow for the week. Recently, I decided that eggs were now non-negotiable when it came to buying organic. The last two dozen eggs I bought – neither were organic but not the same brand either – had double yolks inside one egg. The first time it happened, I thought it was cool, so I showed the kids and we decided it was good luck. The second time it happened, the very next week, I realized we were clearly eating platefuls of scrambled hormones and from now on our eggs were coming strictly from the co-op. – Molly Snyder
Spackle by Laura Gellar - Ladies, you know what I'm about to say is true: it doesn't matter how much money you spend on make-up, it all wears off or becomes streaky and you have to reapply halfway through the day. No more, women of Milwaukee. I am here to liberate you. I discovered Laura Gellar's "Spackle" under make-up primer through my mom, a cosmetics maven who loaned me a bottle a few months ago. My make-up now lasts all day long, which is great, because I'm too lazy for touch-ups. My incredibly dry skin takes a beating in the Wisconsin winters, and I've noticed the primer sealing in my moisturizer - but it's not heavy or greasy, so I never break out. I prefer the tinted kind, to add an extra layer before buffing it out with foundation. You can buy it at Ulta Beauty, 16790 W. Bluemound Rd. in Brookfield, or online. - Colleen Jurkiewicz
Artesa pinor noir 2009 – Movies have been made about California's pinor noir culture, though, admittedly, the varietal has an uphill battle against merlot and cab sauvignon among casual wine drinkers in the U.S. And that's a shame, because there is an expansive range in pinot that leads to some really great wines, often at great prices. I won't argue that a $40 bottle of Artesa pinot noir from 2009 is a budget buy (though I've seen it online for considerably less, closer to $25), but sometimes you get what you pay for. Valentine's Day is upon us and you're lighting the candles for that romantic dinner at home, you want a wine that speaks and speaks well. This vibrant Carneros pinot is built on its cherry and red berry fruit, with great acidity and a nice pepperiness on the finish. – Bobby Tanzilo