Lush's shower scrub is one of its most popular products.

By Kellye Crocker 

When Lush touts its bath and beauty line as "fresh," it's no joke. The company yanks products after six months, but many are only weeks, days or hours old when sold. Now you can check out the products for yourself, as Lush's first Iowa store is set to open at Jordan Creek Town Center April 1 (date is subject to change). Founded in England in 1995, Lush--a sort of beauty deli with attitude--operates more than 700 stores in 44 countries.

Its products, which include hair and skin care, perfume and makeup, are crafted from whole, ethically sourced fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and essential oils--and about 80 percent are vegan. All 300-some items are handmade, aren't tested on animals and contain little or no preservatives and packaging.

An industry leader on environmental and social issues, Lush doesn't separate its politics and products. In fact, the company sees its stores as a platform for change. Huge "blood-splattered" placards protested the Canadian commercial seal hunt, for example, and the company donates 100 percent of sales from one of its hand and body butters to grass-roots organizations working for the environment, animal welfare and human rights. Since 2007, the company has given $4.75 million to 400 organizations in 35 countries.

Tease your hair, wiggle into those pleather pants, dust off your air guitar and get ready to rock and wail when "Power Balladz: The Ultimate 80's Sing-Along" unleashes its scorching musical fury at the Temple Theater April 10-12.

The show is described as a sort of a Wayne's World/game show/karaoke situation. Plus: the lightning-fast guitar licks and scale-tripping vocals celebrate the metal life/love/lust songs of the '70s, '80s and '90s (despite the show's peculiar insistence on using only one decade in its name).

In its first three years, Iowa Public Radio's (IPR) "Insight Series" has engrossed audiences with speakers ranging from famed foodie Lynne Rossetto Kasper to radio veteran Scott Simon, host of National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition." This season, however, the focus of the series has shifted. "We decided to move beyond speakers and try to give people more of an experience," says Amanda Acton, IPR's communication manager.

Case in point: Rather than listening to a speaker talk food, those who attend this season's final event will get to taste food. Guests at IPR's first-ever "Battle of the Chefs" March 27 at West End Architectural Salvage will sample the wares of chefs from Tacopocalypse, HoQ, Le Jardin, Embassy Club West and the Cupcake Emporium. Each guest will then cast a vote for his or her favorite, and the winner will receive $1,000.

What's on the menu? "Chefs are playing it pretty close to the vest," says Acton; however, the anything-goes nature of the event will surely be part of the suspense. How will a taco stack up against a cupcake, and how will both fare against the French-focused cuisine of Le Jardin, the painstakingly locally sourced food of HoQ and the detailed and precise artistry of Michael Bailey, chef of the Embassy Club? I imagine there will be some surprises.

The happy hour party starts at 5 p.m. The cost is $27.50, which includes samples from all the chefs and one drink ticket (craft beer will be served). IPR's Studio One will provide the music, and the station's "Talk of Iowa" host, Charity Nebbe, will be on hand to chat with guests. Proceeds from the event will go to Iowa Public Radio. Buy tickets online here or by calling 800-861-8000.

And be sure to listen up: The participating chefs will be on IPR's "Talk of Iowa" on March 20, at 10 a.m. Listeners in Des Moines can tune in on 90.1 FM or 640 AM.

P.S.: Read my story about Embassy Club chef Michael Bailey in a past issue of dsm.