Tuesday, March 31, 2009

750 Karat White Gold Huggies













Are you looking for a simple and classic pair of earrings to go with any outfit, day or night?

Ex-cessories.com has your covered! You must check out the pair of 750 karat white gold huggie style earrings with a total weight of 0.09 carats of diamonds (pictured above). Click here for additional information or to purchase the perfect pair of earrings!

Treat yourself today! You work hard and you deserve it!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Tragedy Strikes A North Carolina Nursing Home

A gunman burst into a North Carolina nursing home Sunday morning and started "shooting everything," killing 7 residents and 1 nurse and wounding at least 3 others. 

Alleged gunman, Robert Stewart, 45, was charged hours later with 8 counts of first-degree murder and a single charge of felony assault of a law enforcement officer.  

This has been a horrific tragedy and we will have all families who have been involved in our prayers...

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Rate it!

We have added a new interactive feature to our blog! Now, you can rate each one of our posts as "interesting, trendy, and/or yummy." We want to hear from you, so let us know what you think about Ex-cessories.com! 

Feel free to rate each blog post and add in "your 2 cents" by posting your thoughts under "comments."

Have a wonderful Sunday!

* New Bling *

Check out some of our newly listed diamond rings!

Click here to view the 14 karat white gold 0.70 carat pear shaped diamond ring and band (pictured left) and click here to view the 14 karat white gold 0.29 carat diamond ring. 

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Passover is almost is here!

Passover will be here before you know it, and with all of the Passover holiday food rules, preparing your meals/menu ahead of time is key!

We found the perfect sweet treats for Passover on MarthaStewart.com. Just because the holiday has strict dietary rules does not mean you have to suffer! We recommend the Lime Meringue Tarts and the Apple Matzo Brei. 

Lime Meringue Tarts
4 large egg yolks
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Grated zest of 2 limes
 
1. Whisk together egg yolks and eggs. Combine with sugar and lime juice in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 8 to 10 minutes, or until mixture is thick enough to coat back of spoon.

2. Stir to cool slightly. Strain into small bowl; add butter, a piece at a time, stirring until smooth. Stir in zest; let cool completely. Cover with plastic; refrigerate until needed.

3. Heat oven to 200 degrees. Trace three 6-inch circles on parchment; place, penciled side down, on 12-inch-by-18-inch baking sheet.

4. Fill clean pastry bag fitted with an Ateco #12 plain tip with meringue, reserving about 1 1/2 cups; pipe out meringue, starting in center of each circle, spiraling out to circle’s edge. Create 1-inch-tall wall of meringue peaks by piping along outside of circle using same tip to create smooth peaks, or change tips for a more decorative edge. If making bite-size tarts, follow above spiraling process on sixteen 2-inch circles, creating 3/4-inch wall.

5. Place the baking sheets in the oven, and bake about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 175 degrees, and bake 40 to 60 minutes more until meringue is dry and crisp but still white. Let stand to cool completely on baking sheets. The shells can be packed in airtight containers and stored for several weeks in dry weather.

6. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Fill cool meringue tarts with chilled lime curd. Rewhip remaining meringue on high speed until stiff, about 5 minutes. Fill pastry bag fitted with an Ateco #5 star tip; pipe a ring of decorative peaks on top of lime curd. Bake until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Apple Matzo Brei
1/4 cup whole pecans, broken into 1/2-inch pieces
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 tablespoons sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup golden or dark raisins
8 sheets matzo
3 cups boiling water
4 large eggs
Pinch of coarse salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until they are light golden and aromatic, about 7 minutes. Shake pan halfway through baking to make sure the nuts toast evenly. Set aside to cool.

2. In a medium saute pan set over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add apples; cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar over apples; cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and caramelized, about 8 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon, and raisins. Remove pan from heat; set aside.

3. Break matzo sheets into 3-inch pieces, and place in a colander set in the sink. Pour 3 cups boiling water, one cup at a time, over the matzo, and drain.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. Add salt and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir in the soaked matzo; mix until well coated.

5. Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add matzo mixture, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes. Stir in two-thirds of the apple mixture until warm; transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with the reserved toasted pecans and the remaining apple mixture. Serve immediately.

Friday, March 27, 2009

* Tiffany & Co. Bracelets - On Sale *
















If you are looking for Tiffany & Co. jewelry at bargain prices, Ex-cessories.com is the place to go! 

Two of our favorite new items are a Tiffany & Co. cultured freshwater pearl bracelet with a sterling silver clasp. This item retails for $425 in the Tiffany store, but is on sale now on Ex-cessories.com for $250! The item, pictured above, comes with the Tiffany & Co. blue box and blue care bag. Click here for more information or to purchase the item. 

Another one of our favorite Tiffany items is the Tiffany & Co. sterling silver 1837 lock charm on triple bangle, pictured above. This item is on sale for $115 and also includes the Tiffany & Co. blue box and blue care bag. Click here for more information or to purchase the item. 

If you are looking for fabulous, brand name jewelry at budget prices, Ex-cessories.com is here for you! Celebrate Friday by treating yourself to jewelry just for you! Happy shopping! 

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Recession Craving - * CANDY *

The recession and current economic environment has caused Americans, specifically adults, to indulge in candy. From Mary Janes and Tootsie Rolls to Gummy Bears and cheap chocolates, Americans are craving more and more candy! 

Several theories are that candy is relatively cheap, sugar lifts the spirits that have been dragged down by the economy, and for others candy provides a nostalgic reminder of better times. 

Candyality, a store in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, states that business has jumped by nearly 80 percent compared to last year, and the owners are struggling to keep up with the demand for Bit-O-Honeys, Swedish Fish and Sour Balls. Additionally, Cadbury, the producer of the famous Cadbury eggs, has reported a 30 percent rise in profits for 2008, while Nestle also saw profits jump.  

So, it seems that when times are tough, candy helps to sooth the soul. We are MAJOR candy fans and love all things sour and licorice! What is your favorite candy? Do you enjoy sour candy or do you crave anything and everything chocolate? 

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

BIGGEST LOSER HISTORY!!

Last night's episode of the Biggest Loser broke history when KRISTEN became the first woman to lose 100 lbs at the ranch! In total, this amazing woman has lost 108 lbs on the show and still has more ambition to keep losing!

Do you watch the Biggest Loser? Does it get you motivated to shed the excess weight? We can all learn from the contestants' motivation, determination, and dedication to diet and exercise and want to know how YOU maintain a healthy lifestyle....come on, help the Ex-cessories inner-circle get PUMPED for Spring*

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Pampered pet or just ridiculous?










When it comes to our pets we think of them and treat them as our children. We buy them only the best, we make sure they go to the best puppy and dog schools, we snuggle with them, spoil them and love them to death! BUT... would we decorate their little dog nails with flowers?!

For $10 a pack (4 sheets), you can pick up Color Paw's nail appliques. They are non-toxic peeling stickers that you place on your dogs nails to make them pop! 

What do you think of these dog nail appliques...
Spoiled!
Adorable!
Ridiculous!
I can't wait to go out and buy them! 

If you voted "I can't wait to go out and buy them!" - click here to pick them up today. 

Monday, March 23, 2009

* Beautiful New Platinum & Diamond Ring *












Ex-cessories.com has just listed a gem of an engagement ring (pictured above)! 

The beautiful ring is set in platinum, the middle stone is assher cut weighing 2.70 carats and the 2 baguette diamonds on either side combine to a total weight of 0.52 carats. The appraised value of this ring is $50,000, but you can buy it now on Ex-cessories.com for $37,000. 

This ring would make any girl say YES! It is a classic and timeless ring that one could wear forever. Click here to find out additional information or to purchase the ring! 

Sunday, March 22, 2009

A high end sucker














Artist Massimo Gammacurta has created a variety of designer label suckers in multiple colors. So... when it comes to high-end fashion what are you a sucker for? Louis Vuitton? Chanel? YSL?

Let us know your fashion pleasure by posting away under "comments."

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Do you use a mass transit system in your city?











The Washington Post reported that despite job losses and falling gasoline prices, record numbers of Americans rode subways, buses and commuter rail last year, boosting public transportation ridership to its highest level in 52 years (American Public Transportation Association). 

Some of the big increases were in places such as South Florida, Dallas and Salt Lake City. Do you live in a city with mass transit options such as a subway system, commuter rail, light rail and/or bus rapid transit? If so, do you ride transit to work? Do you wish your city had a mass transit option? With transportation one of the hot topics in the stimulus package we want to hear from you! 

Friday, March 20, 2009

Avril Lavigne's New Fragrance

We haven't heard much about Avril Lavigne in the past couple of years, but the singer is now coming out with a fragrance called Black Star. 

Black Star will cost a reasonable $21.80 or 16 euros and will appear in the singer's favorite colors, black and pink. The scent itself features notes of pink hibiscus, black plum and dark chocolate. Lavigne finds the fragrance "young and fresh."

We were definitely taken aback when we read that Lavigne will have her own fragrance. We guess we still look at the star as a young punk rocker who avoids anything "girly." What do you think of Avril Lavigne coming out with a new fragrance? Will it be a success?


Thursday, March 19, 2009

Natasha Richardson

Tony Award-winning actress and wife of actor Liam Neeson, Natasha Richardson, 45, has passed away due to a brain injury she suffered while skiing in Canada on Monday. 

Her husband, Liam Neeson, has officially confirmed the tragic news and released the following press release:

 "Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time." 

The news is shocking and tragically sad... 

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

"Return to Origins"

The beauty brand, Origins, is launching a new recycling program dubbed "Return to Origins," which will officially kick off April 2. 

On April 2, Origins will being to accept any and all cosmetics packaging - tubes, bottles, caps, jars, compacts, etc. - for recycling both in stores and at its department store counters. 

Jane Lauder, Vice President and general manager of Origins, noted that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, consumer goods packaging currently accounts for about 1/3 of all landfill waste. 

So, be a little greener and start recycling your old beauty packaging April 2! Click here to find an Origins store near you. 

Monday, March 16, 2009

* Saint Patrick's Day Fashions *

Looking for a perfect piece of green jewelry for Saint Patrick's Day? 

Well, Ex-cessories.com has got you covered! 

Ex-cessories' list of green must haves:

Tiffany & Co. Jade Necklace - $299.99 (Click here)
H. Stern Emerald and Diamond Tennis Bracelet - $1,975 (Click here)
Vintage Cuff with Green Stones - $50 (Click here
Vintage Brooch - $199 (Click here

Pick up our perfect Saint Patrick's Day fashions today on Ex-cessories.com. 

* Happy Saint Patrick's Day *

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Celtic Mix Cocktail - perfect for the occasion! 

Ingredients:
Ice Cubes
1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky
1 ounce Irish whisky
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Dash of bitters

Directions:
Fill a large glass halfway with ice cubes. Add Scotch whisky, Irish whisky, lemon juice, and bitters. Stir until well combined; strain into a glass and serve. 

Enjoy responsibly!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

* Bachelorette Boutique *






Site and blog we love... Bachelorette Boutique!

This creative events team will throw a bash that is sure to fit any need and/or ocassion. The Bachelorette Boutique offers in-home spa treatments, "uplifting" (botox) parties, suddenly single parties, Mother/Daughter retreats, and MORE! The suddenly single parties sound perfect for any Ex-cessories.com girl! So, call for your free consultation today, (770) 575-1099. Click here to check out the Bachelorette Boutique. 

Also, make sure to check out Kris' blog, by clicking here! 

* Sweet Sunday *

Make your Sunday a little sweeter with an extra special dessert treat. We recommend Bon Appetit's Blueberry Hill Cupcakes. 





Ingredients:
CUPCAKES
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk or low-fat yogurt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries, frozen for 4 hours

FROSTING
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons (or more) whole milk
1 cup chilled fresh blueberries
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Sift flour and next 4 ingredients into large bowl. Whisk melted butter and oil in medium bowl. Add eggs; whisk to blend. Whisk in buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, and peel. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients; whisk just to blend. Stir in frozen blueberries. Divide batter among liners.
Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 23 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to racks; cool.

FOR FROSTING
Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Add 4 teaspoons milk. Using electric mixer, beat until well blended and fluffy, adding more milk by teaspoonfuls if dry (small granules of maple sugar will still remain), about 4 minutes. Spread frosting over top of cupcakes.
Garnish cupcakes with chilled berries, and mint sprigs, if desired. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

Enjoy this sweet treat on your relaxing Sunday! 

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Have Faith

For all of you out there that keep your religion close to your heart, we have the perfect new item for you!

18 karat white gold diamond necklace - $304
This item is pictured here, but click here to learn more. 

Friday, March 13, 2009

* Friday Cocktail *

TGIF! Sit back and relax this afternoon with a refreshing Friday afternoon beverage. This Friday, we recommend Thyme Lemonade. This is a refreshing cocktail with a kick!


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 bunch of fresh thyme, plus sprigs for garnish (optional)
2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10 lemons)
1 cup gin 

Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, thyme, and 1 cup water to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, gin, and 6 cups cold water; strain into a large pitcher. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour. Serve over ice, garnished with thyme sprigs, if desired. 

Enjoy! 

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Got Allergies?

Pollen seems to be everywhere right now and is causing many to suffer from allergies. There is a solution to ease some of your suffering that is not over the counter or by prescription. 

The home remedy... local honey! When one eats honey that was produced in the environment in which they live, the honey will often act as an immune booster. The best effects of local honey are seen when honey is taken, a couple of teaspoons a day, for several months prior to pollen season. Local honey can be found at health food stores, Whole Foods, and your local farmers markets. A sweet treat that makes you feel better... what could be better! 

   

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Coffee Taster Insured for More Than $13M

Can you imagine insuring your taste buds?! Well... the taste buds of the head coffee taster for a British coffee company (Costa Coffee) are now insured for more than $13 million! 

The man with the insurable taste buds... Gennaro Pelliccia. Pelliccia tastes samples of each batch of the raw coffee beans that will be roasted and then served at coffee shops worldwide for Costa Coffee. 

"In my profession my taste buds are crucial. My 18 years of experience enable me to distinguish between thousands of flavors. My taste buds also allow me to search out any defects," says Pelliccia. 

We recommend that Costa Coffee begin to train someone to take Pelliccia's position incase of any damages, injuries, or loses! 

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

FedEx - Print Your Resume Today!







FedEx is offering to print your resume for free! This offer is valid today only, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. 

FedEx will print up to 25 copies of customers resumes for free in order to try to help those who are currently unemployed. To find the most convenient FedEx location near you, click here.  

Monday, March 9, 2009

* Great Buy *

Our great buy of the day is our 14 karat white gold petal design diamond ring (pictured left). Appraised for $475, this ring is currently on sale for $289! 

Click here to find out more about this amazing deal*

Sunday, March 8, 2009

10 Best Cities for... SHOPAHOLICS

The 10 best cities for shopaholics are...

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
4. Hong Kong
5. London
6. Los Angeles
7. Marrakesh, Morocco
8. New York
9. Paris
10. St. Barts

How many of the places listed above have you been to? Did you find the shopping to really be the greatest? Dish the dirt under "comments."