Just in time for your Memorial Day barbecue, we have the "best of the best" in hot dogs for the grill.
Joining us this morning is Jessica Wozinsky, lifestyle reporter for Every Day with Rachael Ray. The magazine's editors tasted dozens of hot dogs to find the best for you.
Best Overall: Bar-S Beef
- Tasters raved over the "incredible juiciness" and "nice snap"
- Great combo of smoky, sweet and salty
- $2.00 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores
Close Second: Kunzler Beef Franks
- From PA's Amish country, Kunzler uses its German founder's recipe from 1901
- "Pure beef flavor" and "glisten with juice"
- $4.99 for 16 ounces, www.kunzler.com
Best Oddball: Nathan's Famous Cheddar Cheese Beef Franks
- "spin on Nathan's Famous original recipe balances savory beef and sharp cheese"
- Stuffed with real Wisconsin cheese
- $4.49 for 16 ounces, at select stores
Best Turkey: Oscar Meyer Turkey Franks
- Lighter, "well-seasoned dog" with a "savory kick"
- Half the fat and calories of the original
- $1.99 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores
Best Classic: Ball Park Franks
- Beef, pork and turkey combo
- "sweet and salty," "plump, meaty"
- $2.39 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores
Best Veggie: Morningstar Farms America's Original Veggie Dogs
- Meat-free dog is "smoky" with a "nice brown color" and pleasing aftertaste"
- $3.99 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores
Best Chicken: Applegate Farms Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs
- All-thigh-meat frank is lighter than other dogs, but heavy on taste
- Clean flavor, thanks to organic, grain-fed chicken
- $5.99 for 12 ounces, at select stores
For more information, go to www.rachaelraymag.com
-----SELF TANNERS-----
Get the look for summer, without the dangerous UV rays.
The folks at Real Simple magazine tested more than 130 sunless tanners and have the results for us this morning. Joining us is Julee Wilson, fashion editor at Real Simple.
For the body
1) Three-day Winner -
L'ORÉAL PARIS SUBLIME BRONZE GRADUAL SELF-TANNING LOTION
Testers loved that even one application of this left them with "great color" and that multiple layers over a few days produced a natural bronze.
TO BUY: $10, www.lorealparis.com for locations.
2) Three-hour Winner -
CLARINS SELF-TANNING INSTANT GEL
The name is deceiving (color develops over a few hours), but the gel provides a natural tan that isn't orange. One panelist noted that it "didn't streak," and the quick-dry formula lets you dress minutes after applying, with no rub-off.
TO BUY: $29.50, www.clarinsusa.com.
3) Instant Winner
ST. TROPEZ TINTED SELF-TANNING LOTION
This chocolaty-brown lotion looks dark but delivers a pretty golden glow that rapidly develops into the "perfect shade of brown," said one tester. Plus, it dries quickly and (unlike some products) has no chemical smell.
TO BUY: $37.50, www.sephora.com.
4) Runner Up - we LOVE this one at Real Simple! -
LANCÔME FLASH BRONZER GLOW 'N WEAR
A lightweight gel, this leaves a tint that looks believable and contains moisturizing ingredients, like vitamin E. Though not for all, the shimmer in its formula won points with some testers.
APPLICATION - HOW DO WE APPLY WITHOUT THOSE REVEALING STREAKS?
Mix it in with some moisturizer in your hands, and rub it into your face/body. The moisturizer will help keep it even, smooth your face, and will be less concentrated the putting it directly on your face. But make sure to do this everyday - the solution is diluted a bit so it might take longer to get the glow. But when you do, it'll look real!
For more information, www.realsimple.com
-----SPRING BEAUTY-----
Give your look at make-over this spring. Joining us this morning with beauty tips is Michelle Madhok, founder of Shefinds.com.
For the Feet: PedEgg by TeleBrands
$10 at www.PedEgg.com
Let's face it, most of us pay very little attention to our feet during the winter months, and that's why we are often in major need of some moisturizing, exfoliating and pampering to get us ready for sandal weather. The PedEgg from TeleBrands is a spring beauty must-have, because:
- Precision micro-files gently remove callouses and dead skin and give your
feet an incredible baby soft look and feel.
-Unique "egg" shape of the PedEgg™ is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand for easy and convenient use - plus its great for travel.
- Designed to collect all the skin shavings in a convenient storage compartment allowing you to use it anywhere with no mess
- Includes two high quality emery buffing pads for a shiny finish
- Effective and affordable - offers salon quality results at home. With some regular usage, your feet will sandals and flip flop-ready in no time.
For the skin: ZiaSleep Relax Body Spray and Relax Bath Oil
$19 and $15 at ZiaSleep.com
Your skin needs an extra dose of moisture to get ready for summer weather, as well as to keep it healthy, beautiful, and hydrated during the dry summer months. This new line, available at ZiaSleep.com, not only provides an all natural moisturizing feel its key ingredients of lavender, rose and neroli create a motivating effect which helps you feel energized throughout the day. Perfect for springtime.
Unique features include:
- Made of all natural, fragrant ingredients including: almond oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil and rosemary extract
- Ultra moisturizing
- Unique combination creates a motivating, energized effect. Can be sprayed on throughout the day to provide a natural pick-me-up.
For the Face: Dove™ SkinVitalizer
$10 at CVS.com
This new item uses cleansing pillows and gentle vobrations to provide a thorough yet gentle cleaning for your face - which will create a perfect base for sunblock, or sunless tanning lotions.
Features include:
- Gentle vibrations: invigorate and energize skin leaving it looking younger and more radiant
- Deeply cleanses skin of oil and residue
- Pillows have a gentle cleansing side and exfoliating side. They work together to soften, cleanse and revitalize skin
- Waterproof: can be used in the shower or bath
Olay Complete Touch of Sun
$14 at Target.com
A high-quality daily facial moisturizer with SPF protection is a spring beauty essential. I like this one because:
- Designed to give your skin what it needs most to look healthy - moisture, Vitamin E, and SPF 15 UV protection while gradually enhancing skin's natural color and tone with a touch of sunless tanner
- After a few days, you'll see a noticeable softer moisturized skin with subtle color enhancement
- Daily use results in a natural, sun-kisssed glow that is never blotchy or unevem
- Dermatologist tested, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, 24 hour moisturization
For the Hair: John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze™ Clear Shine
$10 at CVS.com
Adding some shine to your hair will help breath some life into a mane that spent so many months under a wool cap, out in the cold winter air. This new glaze from the John Frieda Collection is a favorite since its an affordable alternative to costly salon services and yields perfectly pretty, salon-like results.
Features include:
- Creates a shiny outer impression and improves texture for silky smoothness, without damaging hair
- Patented formula can be used every day, or as a once a week shine boost. Results intensify over time
- Ammonia, dye and peroxide free, will not change hair color or damage follicles
- Easy to use: for daily use: smooth glaze through wet hair, leave glaze on for approximately three minutes, for weekly use: apply to dry, unwashed hair, leave on for twenty minutes and wash out of hair.
For more information, go to Shefinds.com
-----WEDDING SAVINGS-----
Saving big on your big day, we are in prime wedding time - now through September. So, have you ever wished you could pick the brain of a wedding pro to save a ton of money and still look like a rock star? Today, we can.
Joining us this morning is wedding photographer Jeri Houseworth.
These are the "Insider" wedding tips from wedding photographer Jeri Houseworth:
- Buy dress "gently used" (ebay or sample sales - let's connect people to topbutton.com, dailycandy.com and thrillist.com for sample sales in our area!)
- Save on veil
- Mix up flowers (real and fake…. )
- Buttercream cakes cost less
- Order a picture package (photography… DVD and proofs and album for one price)
- Hire photographer by the hour! (for the before, family and service pics .. then have friends use disposables for the crazy party!)
Helpful links for you wedding savigns:
Credit:
Photography: jerihouseworthphotography.com
Telephone: 732.988.7769 Email: isitok@juno.com
Contact: Jeri Houseworth
Flowers: flowerfulevents.com
Telephone: 800-640-1930 Email: info@flowerfulevents.com
Contact: Kristina Vlaadma
Cake: Cravings
Allenhurst, NJ
732.531.7122
Contact: Jan&Stu Kramer
-----TASTE OF THE NFL-----
Tickets are still available for this Thursday's sixth annual New York Jets taste of the NFL benefit.
Joining us this morning to show us a little bit of what's in store are New York Jets offensive lineman D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold and chef Lou Elrose.
Wild Park Brisket Sandwich
Sliced Smoked Brisket Topped with
Provolone, Onion Rings, Coleslaw
Chipotle-Raspberry Rubbed Chicken Wings
Memphis Style Baby Back Ribs
Cast Iron Skillet Honey Cornbread.
The game plan is set, and the team is ready to do battle. But for the New York Jets, the opponent isn't from the AFC East- it's the issue of hunger. The Jets are teaming up with ShopRite and Kraft to raise money in the fight against hunger during the Sixth Annual New York Jets Taste of the NFL benefit. "We are honored to be working with the New York Jets on this wonderful tasting event," said Karen Meleta, ShopRite Partners In Caring spokeswoman. "The Jets do a great job every year in raising awareness and funds for the ShopRite Partners In Caring Program."
The New York Jets Taste of the NFL Benefit is an exciting night packed with food, wine, football and fun. This year's lineup includes D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis and Leon Washington.
The benefit, presented by the New York Jets in conjunction with ShopRite and Kraft, will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY. Tickets are available for $250 and proceeds will benefit the New York Jets Foundation and ShopRite Partners In Caring, a year-round community-based program that fights hunger in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut. Special VIP tickets are available in limited quantities for $400. These tickets provide early admission, special access to Jets players and an extra hour of food sampling beginning at 6 p.m. Contributions to ShopRite Partners In Caring, a component fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent provided by law.
"The New York Jets Taste of the NFL provides players and fans with a chance to make a difference in the lives of individuals in our local communities who are in need," said Jets President Jay Cross. "The event has produced excitement, generous donations and remarkable attendance through the years and we hope to build on that success again this year."
The Sixth Annual New York Jets Taste of the NFL Benefit is a star-studded culinary event that offers an exclusive dining experience by distinguished chefs from some of New York's best restaurants, including Nobu, Tavern on Dean, Tavern on Jane, Blue Smoke and Michaels.
The event is set up in a "taste-around," style, where guests are invited to sample signature dishes of each participating restaurant, while mingling with New York Jets' past and present football stars. Party attendees can catch a glimpse at some of the top players in the NFL, sample delectable dishes and have the opportunity to bid in a special silent auction. Unique items including autographed merchandise from Jets' players, sports memorabilia, jewelry and restaurant/entertainment packages will be auctioned off.
"Kraft Foods is thrilled to be a continued sponsor of the New York Jets Taste of the NFL Benefit," said Richard Hess, Region Vice President, Kraft Foods. "We recognize the many struggles people endure on a daily basis and we are committed to working with ShopRite Partners In Caring and the New York Jets to fight hunger in local communities."
For more information about the New York Jets Taste of the NFL Benefit, please visit www.newyorkjets.com/taste or www.shopritepartnersincaring.org or call 1-212-485-8050 to purchase tickets.
About ShopRite Partners In Caring
ShopRite Partners In Caring is a year-round, community-based, hunger-fighting initiative that works with more than 70 food industry manufacturers to provide $2 million annually to qualified agencies in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated more than $15 million to more than 1,400 charities. ShopRite Partners In Caring dollars ultimately service a variety of organizations including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women's shelters, senior citizen programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after-school programs and other organizations that support those in need. For more information or to find out how you can help, log on to www.shopritepartnersincaring.org.
About Taste of the NFL
Taste of the NFL is the Party With a Purpose. The purpose is to raise awareness and dollars in the fight against hunger for thousands of families who struggle every day to simply feed their children. The nation's finest chefs as well as NFL legends, both past and present, volunteer their time along with the best community citizens in dozens of cities, the Super Bowl Host committees and the NFL in support of hunger relief efforts throughout the country and in the host communities.
About the New York Jets
The New York Jets take great pride in playing an active role and making a year-round commitment to the New York Tri-State community. Programs funded by the New York Jets touch the lives of countless young men and women. Whether helping to launch a football team in a Harlem high school, urging students in the Bronx to eat right and move more, or raising money to find a cure for a crippling autoimmune disease. The New York Jets make investments that make a difference in our community. The Jets are the top NFL team in local fundraising for Taste of the NFL, raising $665,000 for the ShopRite Partners in Caring Program during the last five events. To learn more about the New York Jets and their charity endeavors please log on to www.newyorkjets.com/community.
About Kraft Foods
Kraft Foods is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies with annual revenues of more than $34 billion. For over 100 years, Kraft has offered consumers delicious and wholesome foods that fit the way they live. Kraft markets a broad portfolio of iconic brands in 155 countries, including seven brands with revenue of more than $1 billion, such as Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings; Oscar Mayer meats; Philadelphia cream cheese; Post cereals; Nabisco cookies and crackers; Jacobs coffees and Milka chocolates. Kraft became a fully independent company on March 30, 2007, and is listed in the Standard and Poor's 100 and 500 indexes. The company also is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index. For more information, visit the company's website at www.kraft.com.
