Super Bowl Sunday Cocktails

One always needs a great cocktail to go with delicious food and this Sunday's Super Bowl is no exception! Besides the typical game day beers, we recommend mojitos to go with the our recommended game day recipes, posted yesterday. 

Makes 2 cocktails:

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or about 3 limes

2 tablespoons superfine sugar

4 sprigs fresh mint 

Seltzer

3 ounces white rum

In a small pitcher, combine lime juice, superfine sugar, and 2 sprigs mint; stir until sugar has dissolved. Add rum, and stir to combine. Fill 2 tall cocktail glasses with crushed ice. Strain cocktail into the 2 glasses; top with seltzer. Garnish each cocktail with another mint sprig and lime wedge. 

Enjoy and drink safely!  

WOAH PETA!

PETA's new commercial, created for the Super Bowl, has been banned by NBC! 

Watch their commercial in the video below, titled "Studies Show Vegetarians Have Better Sex," and let us know if you think that NBC was right or ridiculous.  

SUPERBOWL MENU*

Planning a Superbowl party but don't want to compromise your New Year's Resolution? We have the perfect menu ideas for you that won't cost you what other households might be serving up this Sunday! See below and post your healthy game menu ideas under "comments"....enjoy*

Appetizers: Salsa, Guacamole, & Munchies
Dinner: Turkey Burgers and a Greens Salad or Whole Foods (frozen) Sweet Potato Fries
Dessert: Frozen Yogurt (low-fat, of course) with Berries or Hot Fudge Sauce

Salsa:
- Of course, feel free to buy ready-made, but we think it's more fun, and impressive, to make
- Canned chunky tomatoes, drained
- Canned black beans, drained
- Canned corn, drained
- One sweet white onion, chopped
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Sauce: red wine or white vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, pepper

Mix all salsa ingredients in a large bowl. In a mixing cup, whisk 2/3 vinegar and 1/3 olive oil, salt and pepper. Add to salsa mixture in small increments until the consistency is to your liking- thick but of a salsa-like texture. Enjoy with soy crisps, pretzels, or sliced veggies*

Guacamole:
- 6 avocados
- Lemon juice
- Chopped white onion, tomato, or both
- Cumin
- Cilantro
- Chili powder, hot sauce, or both
- Salt & pepper

Mash avocados in bowl. Add a few squirts of lemon juice and onions/tomatoes. Begin adding seasoning to your liking, about a tbs. of cumin/cilantro, a dash of chili powder/hot sauce, and salt & pepper. Mix until creamy but allow some chunks to remain. Serve with pita chips, sliced cucumbers and bell peppers, or blue chips!

Turkey Burgers:
- Turkey meat
- One chopped white onion
- Olive oil, about 2-3 tbs.
- Dried cranberries, 1/2 c - 1c
- Garlic powder, salt & pepper

Mix turkey meat in large bowl with all other ingredients. Form patties on a large cutting board and grill until cooked all the way through. Serve with whole wheat buns, lettuce, tomato, and all the condiments. Delicious! (Don't forget about your greens salad or fries on the side).

Everyone is Talking about...

...PEANUT BUTTER! 

The CDC and FDA have confirmed that the sources of outbreak of illness caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant. 

For the most recent news and updates, which include a list of recalled brands and products click here. 

Experts say that regular peanut butter in a jar is not the problem, but we are wondering... are you still afraid to eat peanut butter? 

Former NFL Player Donating Brain?!

In the spirit of this Sunday's Super Bowl, we thought you might find it interesting to hear about a former NFL player, Ted Johnson, who doesn't think that the game of football is all fun and games after all... 

Johnson wants to donate his brain in order to help others who are experiencing the same pain, depression, irritability and more that he has been experiencing since quitting football. Watch the video below to learn more.

 

Red Hot Valentine's Day Cupcakes

Need another Valentine's Day treat idea? Well this one is super easy...

Bake cupcakes with vanilla frosting and decorate each piece with red hot candies, creating X and O shapes on each. For a sweater treat, try red m&ms. 

Do you have any other Valentine's Day treat ideas? Do you bake a special cake or cookie? Let us know by clicking "comments" below. 

Creative and Fun Shower Caps

Do you wear a shower cap? Beauty and hair experts preach that washing your hair daily is NOT good for your hair and they suggest going a couple of days in-between each washing, depending on your hair type and how long your hair can personally go without looking greasy, etc. 

If you are shopping for shower caps for the in-between hair washing days you usually find silly looking clear shower caps or a floral print shower cap. Well, we have found some very creative and fun shower caps on drugstore.com. Each shower cap is $4.99 and they come in a bright green frog, a devil, and a raspberry.

Let us know what you think of these and if you wear shower caps by posting your thoughts under "comments." 

Easy Valentine's Day Treat

Want to create something special for Valentine's Day, but you don't have very much time? Well, we have the perfect idea for you... semi-homemade personalized chocolates!

All you have to do is pipe designs and messages onto store-bought chocolates. Sounds easy and is! 

How-to:

1. Over low heat, melt a chopped-up chocolate bar, whisking frequently. 

2. Place in a plastic bag with a corner snipped.

3. Pipe onto chocolates of a contrasting color; let dry. 

4. Package with cellophane and ribbon or set out on a decorative plate. 

Take a look at the photo above for an example of this easy and creative treat for Valentine's Day. 

Source: MarthStewart.com 

Bloomingdale's Celebrates Barbie's 50th Birthday!

Barbie's 50th birthday is evolving into a global celebration! 

Bloomingdale's 59th Street, on February 11, will exhibit 120 Barbies through the decades in 60 vitrines  on the 3rd floor, with some editions valued between $25,000 and $27,000. 

From February 11-22, Bloomingdale's 3rd Avenue windows will be dressed in Barbie under thetheme "My Boyfriend is Back" and inside the store a 242-square-foot Barbie boutique will display Barbie T-shirts, accessories, jewelry, a Barbie book by Assouline, and more. Bloomingdale's states, "there aren't that many females in America who didn't grow up with Barbie." 

There will also be the first ever Barbie fashion show on February 14, at Mercedes-Benz fashion week. Fashion power houses like Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Sui will be creating one of a kind looks for the "dolls." 

We definitely grew up loving Barbie and wish we could be in NYC to see the fabulous Barbie celebration. Any readers living in NYC must report back on the Barbie event! 

GETTING ENGAGED on VALENTINE'S DAY?

Do you plan on popping the question on Valentine's Day? Do you know your boyfriend is planning to propose and want to steer him in the right direction regarding the big ring?

Well... we have you covered! Ex-cessories.com is the place to go for high quality low cost diamonds. So forget about the stores; Cartier, Tiffany, Harry Winston, Zales, and small high-end boutique stores! 

Here are our recommendations for the perfect diamond for the perfect day (do not forget... you can reset these diamonds to your liking!):

1.41 Carat Diamond Ring - $3,058. Click here to view.

0.83 Carat Diamond Ring (Color G, Clarity VS1) - $3,364. Click here to view.

   

Diamond Ring and Band (pictured above) - $938. Click here to view.

 

1.13 Carat Diamond Ring - $1,998. Click here to view. 

0.34 Carat Diamond Ring - $458. Click here to view. 

3 Stone 0.74 Carat Diamond Ring - $916. Click here to view. 

1.03 Carat Diamond Ring, Band Contains Diamonds (pictured above) - $2,900. Click here to view. 

Barack and Michelle Obama's "First Dance"

In case you missed it, check out the video below of Barack and Michelle taking their first official dance as President and First Lady. 

We think they both look amazing and are still raving about how beautiful Michelle's dress was!

So... What did Michelle Obama wear?!

Yesterday, during the Inaugural ceremonies Michelle Obama wore a gorgeous yellow beaded dress with a matching yellow beaded coat. She accessorized her outfit perfectly with a pair of green leather gloves and green patent leather shoes. The outfit was designed by the Cuban born Isabel Toledo. Surprising note - the gloves were by JCrew!

For the balls yesterday evening, she chose a spectacular ivory one shoulder gown by relatively unknown, Taiwan born, young designer, Jason Wu, just 26 years of age. 

Check out Michelle Obama's looks above and let us know what you think of her fashion choices by posting your thoughts under "comments."

Obama Girls for JCREW

The Obama girls, Sasha and Malia, wore JCrew to the Inauguration yesterday. JCrew seemed like the perfect fit for the two and they looked absolutely adorable. 

However, once the world found out the JCrew made their coats EVERYONE wanted their very own JCrew coat. The desire was so intense that JCrew's website crashed for awhile yesterday! 

We loved the girls in their JCrew coats and think that they looked adorable and completely age appropriate. 

President Obama's Inauguration Day Speech

Yesterday, Inauguration Day, was an amazing and historic day. The crowds that gathered in Washington and all over the world to watch Inaugration Day ceremonies brought hope and tears to the eyes of all. We hope that the enthusiasm American citizens had yesterday, continues on in order to better America and our people in these uncertain times. 

 

Today is the day!

Today, marks the 44th Presidential Inauguration. 

The crowds of fans and supporters of soon to be President Barack Obama are record breaking, regardless of the freezing weather conditions.

This is a great day for our Country and for the American people, so make sure to celebrate regardless of where you may be! 

Dear Obama: Ron Clark Academy

Watch the video below of an amazing group of students from Ron Clark Academy preform their now world wide smash hit, Dear Obama. The students will be performing their song today, at the Presidential Inauguration. Congrats to the students and a special thanks to Ron Clark for making a true difference in the students lives. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2009

"This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' holiday," said Coretta Scott King after President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983. 

Today is an amazing day to remember how far we have come as a nation and to honor the fight and persistence of a truly great human being, Martin Luther King. 

Do you do anything special for MLK day? Let us know of your MLK rituals; volunteering, hosting a big family dinner, making a special cuisine, etc. 

Joaquin Phoenix Rapping?!

If you watch the video below you will see the scary attempt made by well-known actor, Joaquin Phoenix, to rap.

No, the video is not a joke or a prank... it is really Joaquin Phoenix attempting to rap at a Las Vagas club. One has to ask... is everything all right with the famous actor or have drugs and/or alcohol sadly taken over and eaten away at his sense of reality?

What do YOU think is going on with Joaquin Phoenix?

Our Favorite Quote of the Day!

Emma Roberts, niece to Julia Roberts, stated on the Bonnie Hunt Show, "The Hills I don't really understand because I think everyone knows it is fake except for LC because she is the only one crying in every episode. I feel bad I'm like, 'She is always crying and no one else is. Maybe she doesn't know it's fake.'" 

We LOVE Emma Roberts! 

Kimora Lee Simmons is Pregnant!

Kimora Lee Simmons and actor Djimon Hounsou are expecting their first child together. This will be Kimora's third child and Djimon's first. 

Congrats to the happy couple!

 

Alexander Wang Sweater - Fashionable?

$595 for a baggy sweater with what appears to be holes? Is this true fashion or is this fashionably ridiculous?

Shopbop.com states "chicly undone and purely Alexander Wang." The item description, "marled sweater with sheer spun-rayon webbing throughout." 

So, what are your thoughts about this $595 designer sweater? Take a look at the front and back pictures above and post your thoughts under "comments."

US Airways Jetliner Plunges Into the Hudson River!

A US Airways jetliner with 155 people aboard lost power in both engines, possibly from striking birds, after taking off from La Guardia Airport yesterday afternoon. Everyone aboard was luckily rescued by ferries and emergency boats.  

What might have been a catastrophe was averted by the pilot's quick thinking and sharp maneuvers. Below is video of the event... it is truly amazing that everyone was able to escape successfully!

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo Doesn't Own a Credit Card!

During a segment on the Ellen DeGeneres show, Maria Bartiromo revealed that she doesn't own a credit card.

Bartiromo, a.k.a Money Honey, explained that she uses a debit card, but is considering getting an American Express credit card because it requires  you to pay off your balance in full every billing cycle. Ellen appears in ads for American Express so she definitely got a kick out of Bartiromo's Amex shout out. 

Click here to watch Bartiromo on Ellen! 

Do you own a credit card? Do you know anyone who does NOT own a credit card? Do you heavily rely on your credit card?

DEALS DEALS DEALS

It's pretty hard to pay full price for ANYTHING these days- whether you're at the mall, shopping online, or at Ex-cessories.com. That's why we're always on the lookout for the latest bargains. Our newest find? J CREW!!

That's right, they have some pretty amazing finds right now- like the Cambridge cable V-neck sweater. Originally $78.00, they are now priced at $29.99-$39.99. We're not lying, so hurry before all the cool colors are gone. Our pick? Bright berry...transitions from winter to spring flawlessly!

Check it out on jcrew.com and tell us about your bargain finds under "comments"!

America is in Trouble!

According to the latest statistics from the federal government, the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight!

"More than one-third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006", the NCHS said in his report.

Being overweight or obese raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis, and other conditions. What we see is that America is in big trouble unless there is a change... 

Some interesting facts...

The most obese states are - West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi

The least obese states are - Hawaii, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, aand Colorado

Tennis Anyone?

No... we aren't talking about the sport.

We have a wonderful selection of diamond and gold tennis bracelets! Ranging in price from $508 to $3,495, there is something for everyone. 

Click here to take a peak! 

New Bling! 14 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise, Baguette, and Round-Cut Diamond Ring

Check out one of our newest pieces of BLING (pictured above) by clicking HERE! 

This terrific ring has an appraised value of $7,250 and is currently on sale for $3,772! 

Anne Hathaway's Acceptance Speech...

Watch the video below to check out Anne Hathaway's acceptance speech at the 14th Annual Critics Choice Awards.

Make sure to keep an eye out for Angelina Jolie's "interesting" stare at the starlet and let us know what you think about Hathaway's acceptance speech. We were rather underwhelmed ad felt that she just went on and on and on without making very much sense... we are not fans of the speech. 

Ray-Ban's New Colorize Kit

Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are one of the most iconic sunglasses in the world.

In the past year, they rejuvenated the Wayfarer with color! Ray-Ban partnered with Marie Claire for Project Colorize, which brought us turquoise, pink, and lavender Wayfarers, just to name a few.

This year, Ray-Ban is releasing a Colorize Kit, which comes with a blank pair of Wayfarers, a pack of markers, and stencils for you to customize your own pair. Now, you can really have your very own UNIQUE pair of Wayfarer sunglasses!

This project reminds us of Fendi's Artist Baguette, which allowed you to color on your own bag. Do you own a pair of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses? If so, in what color?

Give Me Back My... KIDNEY!

Yes, that is correct... A man would like his kidney back from his EX-wife!

Dr. Richard Batista donated his kidney to his wife Dawnell in 2001. His attorney claims she began to have an affair a couple of years after the transplant. She filed for divorce in 2005 and now Dr. Batista has decided to go public, after four years of divorce negotiations. He wants his donated kidney back! However... he will also accept $1.5 million in compensation. 

Can one really put a price on an organ?! Watch the video below and listen to what Dr. Batista has to say and discuss the madness under "comments."

WKRG.com

Smart Investment - JEWELRY

When it comes to fashion, styles come and go, but classic jewelry is always here to stay! 

A good piece of jewelry is an investment that will last a lifetime. Jewelry can be a family heirloom passed from generation to generation. 

Pieces that we think are a MUST when it comes to smart jewelry investments are:

1. Gold bracelet

2. Diamond stud earrings

3. Classic diamond pendant necklace

4. Diamond band

Click here to check out our recommended bracelet, here for diamond stud earrings, here for a classic diamond pendant necklace, and here for a diamond band (pictured above).

All of our smart investment recommendations are available on Ex-cessories.com. Happy SMART shopping!