Craving new tunes, radiant skin, a unique (or kid-friendly) new drink? This week's OnMilwaukee.com comes complete with all of them. Read on to learn more.
Alex Chilton – Free Again: The "1970" Sessions (Omnivore Recordings) – As the late and very legendary Alex Chilton transitioned from The Box Tops to the seminal Big Star, he spent time recording solo material at Ardent Studios in Memphis in 1960-70. Most of this material wouldn't see the release until a decade (or more) later. This 20-song collection – issued by Omnivore, a label co-run by Milwaukee ex-pat Cheryl Pawelski – collects a dozen or so previously available tracks and rounds them out with a handful of unreleased gems. The songs themselves are an interesting peek into Chilton's mind at the time, as he explores everything from pedal steel-fueled country, to blues rock and catchy pop melodies. Great for Chilton-o-philes, but songs like "Free Again" and "Every Day As We Grow Closer" will appeal to a much broader audience, too. – Bobby Tanzilo
CANE + Austin – Winter has finally arrived and a seasonal sloughing is in order for the largest organ of your body – your skin! A great way to do this is with topical alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), specifically glycolic acid, known as the superstar of AHAs due to its small molecular size, allowing it to both exfoliate and moisturize. Dr. Craig Austin, a New York dermatologist, has created a line of skin care products called CANE + Austin with a clinical level of glycolic acid derived from sugar cane to help fight the signs of aging and acne. I have been using the Retexturizing Treatment Pads, the Retexturizing Cream and the Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Protect SPF 55, and my skin is definitely smoother and nicely hydrated even with bitter cold threatening scaly skin. The biggest thrill and most unexpected result with this OTC topical after just two weeks of use? Spots of hyperpigmentation (red acne scars) that previously resisted prescription creams have started to dramatically lighten. I wore the super light, non-greasy SPF 55 (one application – I never even reapplied!) during a week in Maui while using the pads and cream and experienced ZERO sunburn on my face, neck and chest. Learn more and purchase CANE + Austin products at caneandaustin.com. – Lindsay Garric
Foundation's Mai Tai – The Mai Tai is a tiki bar staple, so it's best that Milwaukee's only Polynesian tiki-themed bar get it right. And man, do they get it right. Made from the original 1944 Trader Vic's recipe and topped with a generous heap of mint sprigs, this sweet rum drink is a delicious respite from Wisconsin's winter blahs (not to mention it packs a whole lot of booze for just $7). – Renee Lorenz
"Kids'" hot chocolate at Starbucks – I know it's Bar Month on OnMilwaukee.com, but I have to recommend a non-alcoholic drink this week. My kids and I have been ice skating at Red Arrow Park a few times this winter and I've always appreciated the kids' hot chocolate. Most of all, because it's only $1.25. Considering the skating is free, I'm willing and able to pop for two hot chocolates at the end of our skate and walk away with an afternoon of fun for $2.50 (plus tip). I also appreciate that it's the perfect temperature: tepid. (No requests for me to blow on it until it cools. Woot!) Finally, it comes with just a little bit of whipped cream. Enough to make the kids' eyes pop out of their heads but not enough to make me curse the Starbucks corporation. – Molly Snyder
