Sunday, November 30, 2008

Mystery Solved

For the past several weeks, Pantene has treated women to an "unknown" product with their latest advertising campaign, "Salon Challenge." The challenge is meant to educate women on a recent blind hair care challenge the brand held. At the event, 70% of participants say they favored one brand in particular, out of 5 used in the wash-and-style challenge. 4 of the competing brand were leading salon brands sold at retail. The name of the winning product was not immediately revealed...

The answer was not revealed until last week and the results show how women love Pantene! The goal was to prove that Pantene can be as good as salon brands, if not better, and is available to all at a fraction of the price. 

Tell us... do YOU use Pantene? Did you see the "Salon Challenege" ads featuring "What Not To Wear's" Stacy London? 

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Tragedy Strikes

As you all have been hearing, there was a tragic terrorist attack/siege in Mumbai India that began Wednesday. According to reports, at least 195 people have been killed (fathers, daughters, tycoons, spiritualists, Westerners and Asians). This horrific attack finally ended this morning when Indian commandoes were able to take control of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. 

We would like to send our best wishes and deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by this awful event. You will all be in our hearts and prayers.  

Friday, November 28, 2008

* AFTER THANKSGIVING SALE *

To give back thanks to all of YOU, we are having an after Thanksgiving day SALE. Select items will be heavily discounted from 20 to 50% off, for 1 day only! So, make sure to check out our inventory TODAY, because all of our discounted items will return to their original prices tomorrow. 

Tell everyone you know that TODAY (11/28/08), Ex-cessories.com is having a big SALE!  

Happy Shopping*

Thursday, November 27, 2008

* HAPPY THANKSGIVING *

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving day and delicious Thanksgiving meal.  

We are thankful for all of our family, friends, and customers who have supported us and Ex-cessories.com. We couldn't have done it without you! 

Post what you are thankful for under "comments." 

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Heidi & Spencer Elope!!!

We know the news broke a couple of days ago... but Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt (The Hills reality TV stars) eloped and we are still in SHOCK!!! The couple eloped in a private ceremony in Cabos San Lucas, Mexico. The inside scoop will be dished in the new issue of US Weekly magazine and apparently Heidi defies her mother with the wedding. 

Heidi told Perez Hilton, "the minute we said our vows, I couldn't stop crying." 

Spencer's vows... "Heidi, from the moment you came into my life, I knew my life would never be the same without you. You are the light in my life like the sun to the earth! Your loving warmth makes me want to be a better person. Being with you, I feel complete. I'm honored to even be able to call you my wife. You are the most amazing, loving and caring woman on this planet. I will love you forever and always."

What do YOU think about Heidi and Spencer eloping? Eloping and defying your mother... is that the way to go for "true" love? How long do YOU think it will last...? 

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

ARE YOU READY?!

Oprah will be announcing her favorite things tomorrow!!! 

The best part of this year's list is that all of the items will "cost next to nothing" and one item won't cost a thing! We can't wait to see what she comes up with and we're sure that everything will be flying off of the shelves after her announcement. 
  

Kim Kardashian & Reggie Bush

Speculation has gone on for quite awhile now about WHEN Kim Karadashian and Reggie Bush are going to get engaged. Kim has repeatedly said very soon, but in this clip below it doesn't look like Reggie is in any rush at all. Either way, we know that her ring is going to be HUGE! 
We like the couple a lot and hope that an engagement does happen soon.


Monday, November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving Cooking Continued...

A delicious side dish to accompany the cranberry dish described below would be Martha Stewart's sweet potatoes. 




2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1/2 cup half-and-half
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
Coarse salt and ground pepper

1. Set steamer in a large saucepan. Fill with enough water to come just below basket; bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Place sweet potatoes in a steamer basket and cover; steam until tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain, and return to saucepan. 

2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan bring half-and-half, butter, and brown sugar to a simmer, stirring to combine; remove from heat. Add drained sweet potatoes, and mash just until smooth; season with salt and pepper. 

Thanksgiving Cooking

During the holiday season everyone is extremely busy planning, cooking, and working. So, if you don't have that much time to make Thanksgiving dinner, Martha Stewart has a great EASY recipe for a cranberry side dish. 

1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup water

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cook until cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl, and let cook to room temperature. 

Helpful Hint: To store, refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 1 week. 

This recipe is easy and delicious! 

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Holiday Dress Shopping On A Budget










This holiday season brings work functions and holiday parties that we all love to attend. We all want to go shopping and pick up a new dress for our special events, but we don't always want to spend the money on a new dress that we can probably only wear once.

Well... Ex-cessories.com has got you covered! We have found some great dresses on Forever21.com! The dark floral print dress (pictured above) fits the seasonal trend and has an adorable black belt at the waist to make everyone's figure look better. The black sequined dress (pictured above) is a little bit dressier and will definitely turn heads. Both dresses pictured above can be found on Forever21.com for under $30!

How can a girl go wrong with a fabulous new dress for under $30?! Now you can wear something NEW to each holiday party without feeling guilty or the pain in your wallet. 

Need some great jewelry to match your new great dresses? Visit Ex-cessories.com for ALL of your jewelry shopping needs. 

Paris and Benji - "We're taking a break"

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden, from the band Good Charlotte, are "taking a break." Paris has said in the past the she had finally found the one and it was LOVE, however now things look like they have suddenly gone down hill. Last week, reports surfaced that Benji had cheated on Paris, but no confirmation or denial was reported. Then pictures surfaced of Paris chatting with her EX Stravos (Greek shipping heir) at a club. Now they have "taking a break" but are "still best friends."

Do you believe this? What do you think about "taking a break?" We don't really think there is a such a think as "taking a break" and we have a feeling that this will only create more drama between the two. Let us know YOUR thoughts on the wild heiress and tattooed rocker.  

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Ashlee Simpson finally POPS

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz welcomed baby boy, Bronx Mowgli Wentz, Thursday night. Bronx weighed 7lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Congrats to the happy couple! 

BUT... what is the deal with that name?! Bronx we can say ehh, to each his own, but Mowgli?! What do YOU think of their name choice? Are they trying too hard? 

Friday, November 21, 2008

Personal Shopping

Do you need help picking out the perfect holiday gifts? 

Ex-cessories.com is here to help! If you have any questions, concerns, or just need some advice we are here for YOU! Just shoot us an e-mail at info@excessories.com and we will answer any and all e-mails. 

We know how stressful holiday shopping can be and especially understand this year's budgetary concerns. We have items in EVERY price range, so please do not hesitate to give us your price range and we will find the perfect gift for all. 

Do you see the perfect item, but the price seems a little high? It never hurts to ask! Just shoot us an e-mail with an price offer and we will get back to you with the seller's response to your offer. We have helped make many successful deals happen this way. 

Thursday, November 20, 2008

** CARTIER LOVE **

We have received a piece from one of the most well-known quality jewelry brands in the world... CARTIER. 

The necklace is a gorgeous 750 karat white gold piece with a circular "LOVE" pendant (pictured above). The piece is from Cartier's famous LOVE collection with an appraised value of $2,700 and an Ex-cessories.com retail value of $1,938! The piece includes the original box and certificate of authenticity. This is the PERFECT gift for a loved one and also a great "me" present. It is very rare to come across a piece like this so do NOT hesitate! This is definitely a show stopper piece that can be worn everyday as your staple jewelry item. 

Visit www.ex-cessories.com and browse our "Necklaces" to check it out today! 

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Do you have the brain of an Entrepreneur?

A Cambridge University study found that entrepreneurs' brains have more activity in the region of the brain responsible for making "risky or hot" decisions. 

This is the first study to address entrepreneurs through neuroscience. Researchers gathered 16 successful entrepreneurs and 17 managers to be tested. The series of tests showed entrepreneurs to be more impulsive and mentally more flexible than the managers. Risk-taking is an essential part of the entrepreneurial process, which we have experienced first hand, and this study hopes to identify ways to teach brains that don't have enhanced activity in the medial and orbital sectors of the prefrontal cortex to turn up that part of the brain. 

Do you think that this study sounds on point? Are you a risk-taker?  

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Baby News

Ashlee Simpson is ready to POP! Reports are swirling that the star already gave birth... but those reports are FALSE! 

The very pregnant Simpson should be going into labor any day now, however her sister, Jessica Simpson, told Ellen Degeneres that Ashlee is so eager to deliver that she is "jumping around and trying everything right now, different foot messages and stuff."  

Do you think Ashlee Simpson will be having a BOY or a GIRL?!

Monday, November 17, 2008

GUY GIFT ALERT*

If you need the perfect gift for that special guy in your life (and to accompany the cuff links featured below), check out NolaCouture.com. We LOVE the Skull and Crossbones tie and we're sure any guy with a sense of style would too! Come on, get him ready for that holiday cocktail party by visiting www.nolacouture.com...you won't regret it*

For the Guys...

If you are looking to do a little early holiday shopping for that special guy in your life (boyfriend, husband, brother, or father) we have got some great items for you! A special pair of cufflinks make a great gift for any guy and our vintage Georg Jensen cufflinks (pictured on the left) are sure to be a hit. For the more playful guy, we recommend the bowling ball cufflinks for only $50 and for the trendy guy in your life there are our vintage Bloomingdale's cufflinks for $68 (box included). 

Remember... if you ever need any shopping help, please do not hesitate to contact us! E-mail us at info@excessories.com with any and all of your holiday shopping concerns or questions.  

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Watch where you step...

Pedicures can be dangerous... watch the video below to make sure you are getting a safe pedicure and staying fungus-free. 

Saturday, November 15, 2008

More GAP Ads...

Funny men for GAP. What do you think of their GAP ads?

GAP - Holiday

The GAP is famous for their classic apparel, "American" brand, and their advertisements. They have started to run their Holiday Season ads featuring several different celebrities. What do you think of the ad pictured to the left? We love the picture of the funny couple! 

We will be updating more pictures later... 


Friday, November 14, 2008

Fragrance Awards

Tuesday night was the American Society of Perfumers' Perfumes Choice Awards. The results...

Estee Lauder's Beautiful - Best Fine Fragrance Women's Classic Award
Dior's Fahrenheit - Best Fine Fragrance Men's Classic Award
Calvin Klein's Euphoria - Fine Fragrance Women's Contemporary Award

Recognized products - Neutrogena, Unilever, and Bond No. 9. 

Do YOU wear any of these scents? We will definitely have to go check them out because the holidays are quickly approaching and mini perfume bottles would make a great stocking stuffer! 

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Gorgeously Green

Sophie Uliano, author of Gorgeously Green, speaks about the importance of aluminum waters bottles in the video below. Watch the video and learn more about the importance of not using plastic water bottles.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Woman Saved by her PURSE!

Elizabeth Pittenger, a 22-year-old Middle Tennessee State University student was saved by her oversized purse! Her purse actually stopped a bullet during an attempted robbery!

While walking to her car on campus a man confronted her demanding her purse, cell phone, etc., she fought him off, and then right before he fled he fired a gun shot. The bullet was found inside her purse, along with a calculator, umbrella, and small case that had been punctured. Pittenger was not injured. 

We are always toting an oversized bag, so any time someone tells you that is ridiculous or you don't need a bag that big, you can tell them that an oversized bag once saved a woman's life! In all seriousness, if ever accosted and the robber demands your belongings, we recommend giving the person what they demand so that they get the heck away. No one ever recommends fighting off a criminal... leave that job to the professionals (the police). 

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Real Housewives of ATLANTA

So we really hate to be blogging about this show, because it reveals that we have actually seen this show.... but it just has made too much of an impression NOT to talk about. 

Kim is one of the "housewives" (pictured in the pink and the blonde in the picture on the left) that leaves us with our mouths open in shock! She is rude, obnoxious, and a major smoker. She sports a gynormous blonde big and is always flashing her large chest. The smoking is done in the house, GASP we know... NASTY! Her look and her smoking is also all done around her young kids! She refers to her "mystery man" as "Big Poppa" and will not unveil his identity because he is a big "celebrity." 

She is seen charging a brand new Cadillac Escalade and a $14,000 diamond cuff on "Big Poppa's" credit card. This woman has also been brining some major drama to the other housewives with her friend hopping and her claims to be a great singer. The singing you will just have to watch on your own and report back, but with the way that this woman behaves... if we were Big Poppa we wouldn't admit to being with her either!

The other housewives are what they are and really do not bother us as much as this Kim character. If you need a guilty pleasure television show tonight, watch The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo at 10 p.m. 

And shhh... don't tell people we watch ;) 

Monday, November 10, 2008

Men vs. Women

Researchers are reporting that women are germier than men! A new study has found that women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men do. Researchers aren't sure why this is, but they guess that one reason might be because men have more acidic skin than women. Other possibilities are differences in sweat and oil glands, the frequency of moisturizers or cosmetics used, and skin thickness or hormone production. Women also have more bacteria living under the surface of the skin that is unaccessible to washing. 

We would never think that men would be "less germy" than women in any category! 

Source: CNN

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Heidi Klum for Guitar Hero

Heidi Klum spoofs Tom Cruise's infamous air guitar scene for the 1983 film Risky Business for the new Guitar Hero advertisement. What do you think of Heidi's "Old Time Rock & Roll?" 

We LOVE it!!! But, watch below and post your thoughts under "comments." 

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Sex on the Rocks?

Yesterday, we reported that Kim Catrall announced that there would be SATC 2... However, Sarah Jessica Parker has now shot back with this statement, "I'm thrilled to know Kim is excited but all the deals are not yet done. With 'the wind on our heels,' we hope to make it a reality." 

Looks like Kim Catrall opened her big mouth a little too soon... The official word on SATC 2 cannot be given, but as soon as it is, we will be blogging all about it! 

Friday, November 7, 2008

More Sex!

Yesterday, Kim Catrall confirmed that there will be a Sex and the City sequel, during an interview on the British comedy show "The Paul O'Grady Show"!!!

 AHH we cannot wait! 

Grossing $153 million in the United States, we know that we aren't the only ones obsessed with the first movie and we hope that the sequel will be ever better. We will keep you posted on Sex and the City #2, but we can all rejoice in knowing that #2 is really coming! 

She's Backkkkk....

Britney Spears made a surprise appearance on stage last night with Madonna! Watch the video below to get a very small taste of the performance. Looks like the old Britney really is back...

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Election Hangover?

Are you suffering from an election hangover? The entire country had been eagerly awaiting Tuesday night and all of us stayed up way too late. We then had to wake up way too early to start our usual work day. If you still are feeling sluggish we have the perfect remedy... Starbucks' holiday collection! 

Treat yourselves to a delicious ginger bread latte and get the perfect jolt you need to kick your election hangover. Enjoy* 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

DECISION 2008






Barack Obama has won a historic Presidential race. Obama will be the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the position. 

Picture: Courtesy of CNN

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

American Tradition: Apple Pie

In the spirit of tonight's festivities, we thought we would share with you an apple crisp recipe. Apple pies and crisps are traditional American treats and have become symbolic of the United States of America. We found a great recipe for an apple crisp on yumsugar.com. 

Ingredients:
2 pounds of apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup walnuts roasted and coarsely chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat over to 375 degrees. Chop apples into slices or bite-size pieces. In a bowl coat the apples with fresh lemon juice to prevent any discoloration.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, oats, and salt. 
3. Add the butter and walnuts to the flour-oatmeal mixture. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse sand. 
4. Butter a deep baking pan. Place the apples on the bottom and gently pack the crisp mixture on top. 
5. Back 35-40 minutes or until apples are cooked and topping has browned. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream. 
6. ENJOY* 

* DECISION 2008 *

Who will it be?! It is 9:30 p.m. and Barack Obama is leading the race by 1 percentage point... Obama has 174 electoral votes and John McCain has 69... it takes 270 to win. 

The wait is killing us! Are you on the edge of your seat like we are?! Who do YOU think will win the 2008 Presidential Election?!  

* VOTE VOTE VOTE *

Today is the day! If you haven't already... get out there and VOTE! We are lucky to have the freedom to vote, so don't take advantage of what we consider a basic right and make sure to cast YOUR vote. 

Remember, it is YOUR choice and YOUR opinion that matters most. Try and forget all of the noise hullaballoo that has surrounded the 2008 election, and cast YOUR ballot for the candidate that YOU believe in most. It is also important to remember that it isn't over till its over... so every vote counts! Happy voting*  

Monday, November 3, 2008

2008 Election Fashion Guide

To get in the spirit of this year's upcoming election we have some great jewelry recommendations. To show your support for America, sport some fabulous red, white, and blue! 


Sparkling diamond and sapphire earrings - $150 (Blue & White) (Pictured above)
Dior cuff bracelet - $50 (Red)
14 karat white gold diamond and sapphire flower ring - $418 (Blue & White)
Ruby and diamond ring - $171 (Red & White)

All of these great items can be found on Ex-cessories.com. Browse our 2008 Election jewelry guide today! 

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Miley Cyrus disses her EX - "I still hate you"

Would you ever diss your EX in public like teen pop mega star Miley Cyrus does in the video below?! Her popular song, 7 things (I hate about you), is reported to be about her EX, one of the Jonas brothers. We all have our own ways of getting over the past and moving forward (our favorite way is to BREAK EVEN), but would you stoop to the level that Miley did? She is reportedly dating someone new, so is it appropriate to still be this bitter about your EX? Discuss under "comments."  

* John McCain does SNL *

John McCain made an appearance on Saturday Night Live last night! We think it was great and hilarious, but watch the video below and let us know what YOU think. 

Saturday, November 1, 2008

ATTN: FLORIDIANS

Starbucks is giving away free coffee to all Floridians who have voted! We have heard that many people in Florida are spending over 2 hours in line waiting to vote... but it is all worth it to voice your opinion and make your vote count! After you wait in line and vote, on Nov. 4th, visit a Starbucks near you and enjoy a free treat! 

Starbucks Florida stores released the following statement:
Floridians have persevered through hanging chads, faulty touch screens and long lines, and for that, Starbucks is rewarding voters statewide on Election Day. On Tuesday, November 4th, voters who wear an "I Voted" sticker or show their voter registration card in any company-owned Starbucks Florida location will receive a complimentary tall brewed coffee. 

This is the perfect opportunity to try the newly launched Thanksgiving Blend, a limited edition coffee created by Starbucks coffee experts in collaboration with Tom Douglas, renowned chef, culinary entrepreneur and then 2008 Bon Appetit Restaurateur of the Year. Thanksgiving Blend is a flavorful combination of full-bodied beans from Sumatra, with hints of fine herbs, and beans from Guatemala, which add subtle spice, notes of cocoa and a pleasant sparkle.