The Dinner A'Fare Review

Last month I had my first experience at The Dinner A'Fare.  For those of you who haven't heard of the place, this is the information provided from their website (http://bella213.wordpress.com/wp-admin/www.dinnerafare.com)

How It Works:
At The Dinner A' Fare you won't find a menu filled with casseroles and pre-cooked or frozen ingredients.
Our menu and The Dinner A' Fare concept is built around "FRESH," and we strive to provide the highest quality fresh ingredients. While you will find an occasional casserole by popular demand, we specialize in hand-cut pork chops and pork tenderloins, Black Angus aged beef, fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, and delicious pastas at the same price as our competitors. We also participate in The Sustainable Seafood Program as our way of keeping a healthy ocean environment.
The Concept:
The Dinner A'Fare is a gourmet studio kitchen with meal prep stations complete with recipes, fresh ingredients, spices, and measuring cups and spoons.
We make dinnertime less stressful by providing a more convenient way for you to create home-cooked meals. In just two hours you can make 12 dishes that have either 1-3 or 4-6 servings each.
We pre-slice, dice, and chop everything you'll need! Take the meals home, put them in your freezer, and cook (following provided instructions) the dishes according to your schedule. We provide a menu with a variety of flavors. Each month the available dishes change. Our dishes and monthly combinations are developed with nutrition, high-quality food, and variety in mind.
Our customers appreciate our extra effort, and you will love the difference.

They have different packages that may vary based on location:
Package 1 – 12 Dishes – Serving Size 4-6 People
Package 2 – 12 Dishes – Serving Size 3 People
Package 3 – 6 Dishes - Serving Size 4-6 People
Package 4 - 6 Dishes - Serving Size 3 People
Since it was my first time going and I had no idea what to expect, I chose package 4 and selected the following dishes (from the March menu)

1. Flank Steak with Walnut Gorgonzola Butter
2. Tortellini Pasta with Artichokes and Sun-dried Tomatoes
3. Bruschetta Chicken
4. Chicken Balsamico
5. Flank Steak with Sherry-Tomato Sauce
6. Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

So far, I have had the opportunity to prepare 4 of the 6 dishes and each one has been EXCELLENT!
Here is a little synopsis on how this whole thing works: First you need to create an account on their website.  Then you will have to decide which meals you want (this has to be done at the time you make your reservations) and pick an available time. (Side note: you need to enter your credit card to secure your spot, but you do not have to use the same credit card to pay when checking out.  I decided to pay in cash and did not have a problem) About 2 days before you're scheduled to go, you will receive a reminder e-mail with the entrees you selected and the time you need to be there.  Then all you have to do is show up!  I arrived about 10 minutes early and was cheerily greeted and offered a glass of wine or water to enjoy while assembling my selected meals.  I was given a brief overview of how everything worked and then told to let them know if I had any questions.  I was done assembling my meals in about 45 minutes and didn't have any issues.  Everything is extremely clean (which is important to me), the ingredients were all labeled appropriately and most importantly, were fresh!  One thing that concerned me in the beginning and led me to choose the 6 meal package, was how much room it would take up in my freezer.  Here is a little tip I wish I knew before going into it...Once the meals are prepared (most everything is in ziploc bags) you wrap everything up in saran wrap and you wrap the cooking instructions (which they provide) in with your meal.  The end result, everything is wrapped securely and is about the size of a 6-8 inch hoagie!  Definitely made for easy storage!
I was so impressed with everything that I booked my April meals right on the spot!  There is an incentive to book at the same time you check out, you get a free meal!  So if you choose the 6 meal package, you will get 7 meals...if you choose the 12 meal package, you will get 13 meals!

Here is a list of the meals I selected for April.  This time I decided to go with the 12 meal package (and I got the 13th meal free!).  When I go to my April appointment, I am already excited to book for May!

1. Chicken Piccata
2. Shrimp Étouffée
3. Balsamic Honey Glazed Pork Medallions
4. Chicken Enchiladas Verde
5. Italian Braciole Stuffed Flank Steak
6. Orange Sesame Chicken
7. Cheese Stuffed Manicotti
8. Rustic French Pork Chops in Cream Sauce
9. Vegetable Chow Mein with Potsticker Dumplings
10. Mushroom and Swiss Turkey Burgers
11. Walnut Pesto Chicken with Linguine
12. Lemon Butter Tilapia with Orzo
13. Buffalo Chicken with Bleu Cheese

One more service offered for those who are extremely busy is an option for a stand-in chef. A Stand-in Chef can be arranged to prepare the meals for you.  All you need to do is register for a Stand-in Chef session and then simply pick up your dinners at your scheduled time, oh and pay, too!
If this sounds like something that interests you, I definitely suggest you giving it a chance.  The entire process is extremely pleasant, and the food is incredible!

Pureology Hydrate

Like most women in their mid 20s, I am forever on the search the best hair products. I think I can finally quit my search now that I have discovered the Pureology (http://www.pureology.com/) line.



From their website, they say the following about the company:

Pureology was created in Irvine, California in 2001. It was here that salon industry pioneer Jim Markham revolutionized colour care and launched the first 100% Vegan formulas and ZeroSulfate® shampoos for colour-treated hair. Jim identified a need among professional colourists and their clients for gentle, naturally-based products that deliver superior performance for Longer Lasting Hair Colour Guaranteed!® Today, Pureology is the #1 colour care brand in the USA and our high-performance products are an industry standard.


At Pureology, it is our mission to provide the professional hair colourist and their clients the highest quality prestige products that enhance colour radiance and brilliance, dramatically improve hair condition and ensure longer lasting hair colour guaranteed.

COMPREHENSIVE COLOUR CARE SYSTEMS FOR ALL TYPES OF HAIR


ANTIFADE COMPLEX®


Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that attack hair follicles and colour pigments, compromising hair health and colour vibrancy. Pureology’s exclusive AntiFadeComplex® contains a blend of potent antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect colour from free radicals.


ZERO SULFATE® SHAMPOOS


Surfactants are an essential part of a shampoo’s cleansing system, but common surfactants, known as sulfates, can fade colour vibrancy. To gently cleanse without stripping colour, our ZeroSulfate® shampoos include a mild cleansing system, with no added salt, derived from coconut, corn, and sugar to deliver a rich lather and help optimize colour retention.


NATURE-INFUSED FORMULAS FOR PURE PERFORMANCE


100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS


Pureology combines the best of nature with advanced technology to ensure pure performance and radiant colour, and our products are made without animal products or by-products.


ORGANIC BOTANICALS


We are committed to developing naturally-based formulas infused with organic botanicals harvested from plants grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals.


CONCENTRATED FORMULAS FOR PURE INDULGENCE


Indulge in the ultimate multi-sensory experience with highly concentrated formulas bursting with superior ingredients that deliver up to 80 shampoos—two times more than other shampoos. Our rich lathers, feather light textures, and decadent masques surround the senses with aromatic essences, creating a luxurious experience and incredible results. Colour-treated hair is silky soft with dramatically improved condition and remarkable shine.


CREATED WITH INTEGRITY


From the beginning, Pureology’s philosophy has been uncompromising. Our superior colour care is created with integrity to preserve the future well-being of our environment while still providing 100% guaranteed product performance. Pureology is against animal cruelty and proud to use post-consumer recycled and recyclable packaging.

I use the Hydrate system and really like it. I find that it provides my hair with a good amount of moisture without weighing it down. Hydrate is designed for colour-treated hair in need of deep hydration, nourishment, and colour protection. I am always skeptical about using new shampoos that claim to offer enough moisture without weighing it down. I have curly hair that also has highlights, which means my hair definitely needs moisture! Since I started using the Pureology Hydrate system, my hair has less fly-aways and doesn’t feel dry after getting highlights. The best part about this product is that you use far less of it than any other shampoo/conditioner. So even though a bottle of each was $27 at my salon (comparable to Aveda which I used to use), it lasts longer far longer. You can also buy this product at amazon (link below), at a substantial savings, but you can’t use their Pureology Guarantee which is stated below:

Our Guarantee


We are so sure that you will find Pureology to be the most advanced formula to safeguard your hair colour, that we offer consumers a money-back guarantee. If within 4 weeks of the date of purchase you have been exclusively using a Pureology product and you are not satisfied with the performance or the colour retaining results, please follow the instructions below and we will provide you with a full refund:


1. Send via ground shipment and postmarked within 4 weeks from date of purchase, the unused portion in its original package along with the original receipts with your purchase price and authorized salon/spa information circled to:
Pureology Consumer Affairs
PO Box 2007
Westfield, NJ 07091-2007


2. To ensure a full refund, you MUST have purchased the product from an authorized salon/spa. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Please indicate the reason why you are returning the product on the back of your official salon receipt. Pureology can only guarantee the performance of our products when purchased through an authorized salon/spa. If you have purchased any of our products from the following, we can not guarantee that the products are within our standards and therefore will not be able to provide you with a refund.


Unauthorized Sales Outlets:
Any Mass Retailer
Mass Discount Store
Drugstore
Grocery Store
Online Purchases


Please purchase Pureology products from salons and spas that can offer you the best service and product recommendations for your hair. Only products purchased in a salon or spa are guaranteed to perform to our standards. Thank you for supporting your salon and spa community.


The content of this policy is only applicable to the United States. Pureology reserves the right to update, revise or discontinue the program in the future.


Their website states the following about the product:


This luxurious moisturizing shampoo gently cleanses without stripping colour. The ZeroSulfate® formula delivers a rich lather while infusing hair with essential hydration and colour protection. The daily hydrating conditioner reveals soft, lustrous hair. The concentrated formula delivers deeply penetrating multi-weight proteins to revitalize and nourish hair while protecting colour vibrancy. The exclusive AntiFadeComplex® maximizes colour retention. 

For those of you confused by the terms vegan and zero sulfate (like I was when I first looked into this shampoo) here is their glossary of terms to help you see why this is good for your hair:

100% Vegan
Contains no animal products or animal by-products.


AntiFadeComplex®
Our exclusive blend of potent antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens, including Heliogenol and Vitamins C and E, defend hair against damaging free radical activity to maximize colour retention and protect hair from harsh environmental factors.


Antioxidants
To protect hair from damage by sunlight, antioxidants are added to formulations to slow the oxidation process. Antioxidants, such as those found in our AntiFadeComplex®, function as free radical inhibitors that help prevent oxidation of the hair.


Biotin
Also known as vitamin H or B, it is a water-soluble complex vitamin necessary for cell growth. Biotin is recommended in health and cosmetic products for strengthening hair and nails. It has been proven to fortify weakened areas of the hair and renew strength.


Fragrance
See Signature Aromatherapy Blends


Free Radicals
Highly unstable oxygen atoms that cause oxidation and extremely reactive molecules that compromise hair health and colour vibrancy.


Full Spectrum Sunscreens
There are two bands of ultra-violet light, UVA and UVB, both of which cause damage and oxidize (fade) the hair. Pureology sunscreens inhibit the entire range of damaging ultra-violet light. These sunscreens are UV filters, which absorb UV radiation. Since our products are made for the hair and not the skin, there is no SPF (Sun Protection Factor) available.


Glycerin
Pureology glycerins are derived from vegetable sources and help to add moisture to the hair and maximize colour retention. Glycerin is part of our Micro-Emulsion blend of ingredients.


Heliogenol
Cold-pressed from the sunflower seed cake, this potent antioxidant is rich in proteins and minerals to repair and protect against colour loss from the stress of UVA and UVB exposure.


Melanin
A plant-derived potent antioxidant, melanin helps retard oxidation from UVA/UVB rays. Naturally, melanin is present in the hair and gives the hair shaft its colour. The melanin in Pureology is neutral, so it does not change existing hair colour and is very effective in protecting the hair from UVA/UVB damage.


Micro-Emulsion Technology
An advanced delivery system with tiny molecules that are small enough to easily penetrate the hair, allowing for hair to dry faster, have better detangling properties and superior conditioning, colour enhancement and colour preservation.


Multiweight Protein Complex
A combination of three proteins (soy, oat, and wheat protein) adds strength and shine to the hair from the inside out.


Multiweight Silicones
A combination of small silicone molecules that repair and protect the hair. Tiny silicone molecules penetrate deep into the hair shaft to repair and strengthen, increasing elasticity and suppleness while eliminating frizz. Small silicone molecules strengthen and protect the cuticle, protecting the outer surface of the hair shaft, maximizing colour retention, and increasing colour vibrancy and shine.


Organic Botanicals
Derived from various portions of plants, such as the leaves, flowers, roots or berries. Botanicals provide concentrated natural conditioning to all hair types. Our botanicals are “organic” because there is no application of synthetic pesticides or chemicals when the plants are grown are harvested.


Oxidation
Chemical reaction process of combining oxygen with organic and inorganic substances to change, decompose, and decolorize. UVA/UVB rays from sunlight and fluorescent light physically destroy organic materials and accelerate oxidation. Antioxidants counteract the process of oxidation.


Salt-free
Free of sodium chloride (salt). Sodium chloride strips colour from the hair, causing increased oxidation, hair colour fading and damage. It is present in almost all shampoos (up to 7%) and is often added as a thickening agent. Pureology shampoos are salt-free, meaning they do not contain sulfates or sodium chloride.


Signature Aromatherapy Blends
The use of pure essential oils to create a positive sense of well-being.


Sulfates
A harsh cleansing agent (ester) found in most common shampoos that possess high irritation properties, strips colour, and damages hair. These sulfates are commonly used because they are inexpensive and plentiful. Examples include: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.


Vitamins C & E
Natural vitamins that are powerful antioxidants.


V.O.C.
“Volatile Organic Compounds” are the combination of ingredients used as propellants in aerosol hair sprays and mousses. V.O.C. levels are regulated by federal standards. All Pureology products are compliant with the strictest of standards in an effort to protect the ozone layer.


ZeroSulfate®
A blend of six extra-gentle surfactants, derived from coconut, corn and sugar which cleanse hair without stripping colour or causing damage. These lathering ingredients are sulfate-free and do not contain colour-stripping salts (sodium chloride).

San Francisco Marriott Union Square - Review

On a recent trip to San Francisco, my husband and I chose to stay at the San Francisco Marriott Union Square. Since this was our first trip to San Francisco, we chose this hotel based off reviews we read and the location.

From their website, you can learn the following about this property:

Combine beauty, fun, efficiency and a terrific location and you have the new San Francisco Marriott Union Square. Sitting on the corner of Sutter and Powell, this Union Square hotel in San Francisco is just steps from world class shopping, restaurants, bars, and the theater district. From our hotel's ideal location in San Francisco's Union Square you can walk to your meeting at the Moscone Center or the Financial District, have lunch in Chinatown and end the evening with a game at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Our 400 guest rooms, including 53 suites, offer spectacular views of the Bay, the city lights or Union Square. With high-speed internet access throughout our 10,000 square feet of meeting space with 10 meeting rooms and a full-service business center, our hotel in Union Square, San Francisco is perfect for working professionals. Our on-site restaurant, fitness center, and our hotel's close proximity to San Francisco's Union Square is sure to be a hit for leisure travelers, too.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this hotel. Our flight landed around 12:00 and we were at the hotel by about 1:00. From the moment we arrived at the hotel, we knew we made a great choice in hotels. The door man greeted us with a smile and helped us bring our luggage from the taxi inside. If any of you pack like I do, you know this is no easy task! Since I had to pay $25 per bag up to 50 pounds, you know I utilized each pound in each bag!! Anyway, check in was flawless (plus they let us check in early which is always a plus) and everyone was extremely friendly. We booked a King Guest Room – description: Our deluxe guest rooms feature beds with luxurious pillow-top mattresses, down blankets, duvet cover and feathered pillows. Many rooms have views of the San Francisco skyline and San Francisco Bay. In-room amenities include two-line phones, CD player, ample closet space and complimentary coffee as well as a well-lit oversized work desk and high-speed Internet access. The entire hotel appeared to have been recently remodeled; everything was modern and extremely clean.


Our room was clean and modern (like the rest of the hotel) and extremely quiet. We have stayed in hotels in the past and barely got a minute of sleep because of the noise from elevators and other guests. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was always kept clean and there was always plenty of hot water. (Believe it or not, we have stayed in hotels where there wasn’t enough hot water).

The location couldn’t be better; it is centrally located to many attractions. Plus, there is a pick up for the famous cable cars right outside the hotel and a Starbucks is right across the street with Union Square only about a minute walk away from the entrance to the hotel. Many tours start and end at Union Square, so this was a definite plus for us!

While reading reviews before our trip, some people complained about the service and friendliness of the employees at this hotel. I can say, with 100% complete honesty, that any time I had a question I was always answered with a smile and provided accurate information. Every time we entered or departed from the hotel, we were acknowledged warmly. The employees were always happy and helpful; no one ever seemed to be angry, upset or unwilling to help.

Overall, this was a fantastic trip which could have been ruined if our hotel wasn’t so great. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who is planning a trip to San Francisco!

San Francisco Visitor Muni Passports

On my recent trip to San Francisco, we purchased a 7 day visitor muni pass and found them to be very useful.

Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars. 3-day and 7-day Passports are good for three or seven consecutive days. Passports may be purchased in advance.

1-day Passport $13
3-day Passport $20
7-day Passport $26
 
Buy Your 1, 3, or 7 day Muni Passports at the following locations:
* SFMTA Customer Service Center, 11 South Van Ness Avenue at Market
* Muni Ticket Sales Location at Market and Powell Streets
* Muni Ticket Sales Location at Hyde and Beach Streets (near Ghirardelli Square)
* Passports are also sold every day at the information booths in the baggage claim areas at the San Francisco International Airport. Hours vary by location and are subject to change.
 
For more information, please go to the following website: http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfares/passports.htm