Welcome to another installment of "OMC Recommends," a periodic look at cool things that we like and think you should know about.
Use the Talkback feature to let us know what you think of our picks. If you'd like to add some of your own, e-mail them to omcrecommends@staff.onmilwaukee.com.
Peeps -- The little bits of marshmallow rolled in colored sugar in the shape of bunnies and chicks are an Easter delicacy. I always get at least one pack for the cheap-o price of $.99. I share 'em and they bring a little happiness to everyone's life. However, it's also fun to stick the ones you don't plan on eating in the microwave and watch them expand. There was only one time when I saw one explode though. It was a sight to behold. -- Heather Leszczewicz
Yama Yoga -- I admit that I was slightly intimidated by yoga. I was also slightly annoyed by how many of my friends had jumped on the yoga train in the last few years, yammering on and on about the merits of a mind-body connection. That said, I knew yoga would be good for me, so I decided to drop my bad attitude and give it a whirl. I just finished a beginner class at Yama Yoga, 213 E. Buffalo St., and although I am not exactly doing daily sun salutations by the dozen, I did truly enjoy the experience. I give full credit to Yama's warm environment and great staff for my stick-to-it-ness. -- Molly Snyder Edler
Kraft Easy Mac -- In a perfect world, everything you feed your child would be organic, healthy and homemade. In the real world, Easy Mac is a wonderful invention. It's just five microwavable minutes from dried noodles and powder to creamy, bright yellow/orange goodness. Need protein? Mix in some chicken or hot dogs and it's a complete meal. Kids love it and there is always some left over from Mom or Dad. Word to the wise: accept no substitutes. I'm all about generic brands for most products, but the store brand Easy Mac imitators simply don't measure up. -- Drew Olson
Breakfast at Barclay Gallery and Café -- Sundays at Barclay, 158 S Barclay St., in the Third Ward (well, almost the Fifth Ward) are special. Great food, friendly service and a really good mix of people make for a festive stop. Their potatoes are excellent, skillets and omletes very good and they have great coffee as well. -- Jeff Sherman
CVS drugstores -- It took a while for the Osco stores to evolve into CVS, but now that the greater Downtown locations (Downer and Farwell) and totally remodeled, I'm loving 'em. Sorry, Walgreen's, there's a new, cleaner and nicer drug store in town. -- J.S.
VitaminWater (for the "right" price) -- VitaminWater, when displayed properly, is almost too enticing to pass up. It's colorful, perceived to be healthy and inviting. Its witty labels are fun to read. It tastes pretty good, too. But, I don't understand the pricing. It's $1.69 at some places and $1 at others. Personally, I won't pay more than $1.39 for the stuff. (Are you listening, Whole Foods?) But, when I find it cheap, I love it despite the hard to interpret expiration dates? Anyway, I really enjoy these flavors: Defense, Multi-v lemonade and Energy. I hear, though, that the new Vital-t is very good. -- J.S.
"Shut Up and Sing" -- It was disappointing when the documentary of the Dixie Chicks' experience after the infamous President Bush comment didn't make it to Milwaukee, but now it's out on DVD. It's one of the best music documentaries that I've ever seen and I can't get tired of it. It intersperses the CD making process of "Taking the Long Way" with the backlash that the Chicks received. So if you love the CD, or admire the Chicks in any way, watch the DVD to get a look into what went on. -- H.L.
Companion Natural Pet Food -- The Riverwest-based company is in its sixth year of business, and president/owner Stacy LaPoint says her mission is to "help caregivers of domestic dogs and cats keep their pets free from chronic allergies and disease." Companion manufactures all natural, raw, grain-free, USDA human grade meats, vegetables and supplements. The company also has a line of healthy freeze dried meat treats. My dog, Clay, started on this food almost three years ago, and within a few months, his breath improved drastically and he shed a few pounds. Plus, in light of the recent pet food contaminations that claimed the life of thousands of dogs and cats, I am sold on Companion more than ever. Get it at the Natural Pet in Bay View, or on the Companion Web site. -- Molly Snyder Edler
