* Orlando Magic *

The Orlando Magic have won the NBA Eastern Conference and are now going to the NBA Finals!

We are so excited for the Orlando Magic to make their first NBA finals appearance in 14 years. The NBA Finals open in L.A. at the Staples Center on Thursday night. We will be cheering on our home team, the Magic! 

What team will you be rooting for? Who do you think will win - Lakers or the Magic? Take our poll on the right hand side of this page and let us know your NBA Finals prediction. 

To read more about last night's game and check out Magic interviews click here.  

Refreshing Weekend Cocktail Courtesy of YumSugar

Blackberry and Cabernet Caipirinha - punchy, flavorful, and wildly fruity 

Ingredients

24 blackberries
4 ounces simple syrup
12 ounces cachaça (potent Brazilian sugarcane spirit)
4 ounces Cabernet Sauvignon
8 ounces fresh orange juice
2 ounces fresh lime juice
Ice
6 lime wheels and 6 orange wheels

Directions
1. In a pitcher, muddle 12 of the blackberries with the simple syrup.

2. Add the cachaça, Cabernet, and the orange and lime juices and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

3. Stir well and strain the drink into ice-filled white wine glasses. Garnish with the remaining 12 blackberries and the lime and orange wheels.

Karl Lagerfeld Tweets

@Karl_Lagerfeld tweeted the above. 

We love Karl Lagerfeld and love what he has to say about the relationship between guilt and clothes! 

Do you feel guilty after purchasing clothes or do you only feel guilty after purchasing something really expensive? 

Follow us on twitter - @excessories 

O.P.I & Paige Denim Collaboration

O.P.I has teamed up with Paige Denim to create "Bright Pairs"- 6 pairs of colored denim with 6 nail polish hues to match. 

Tell us what you think about this collabo by taking a look at the collection above. Do you wear bright denim? Do you wear colorful nail polish? Would you match your denim and your nail polish color?

We love bright nail polish and think that it is the perfect thing to brighten up or spice up any summer outfit. The best way to experiment with bright nail polish is on your toes because they aren't as exposed as your hands. This way, if something seems a little bright for the office you can cover it up with your shoes.  

Orlando Magic Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1

One of our home teams, the Orlando Magic, have done it again! The Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-114 in overtime, which made for a very exciting game. 

The Magic now have 3 chances to beat the Cavaliers and end their 13-year dry spell to make it to the NBA finals. 

Go MAGIC! 

Everyone in Orlando is going crazy in support of the Magic! Have any pictures or have you seen anything crazy going on in support of our hometown team? Let us know under "comments." Our Magic story - someone went around our apartment complex and placed Magic bumper stickers on every single parked car. 

* New Bling *

Check out our newest item - 14 karat white gold diamond waterfall cluster ring ($1,350)

Click here to learn more! 

* Memorial Day 2009 *

We wish everyone a very happy Memorial Day. 

Today, we remember all of those who have died serving our great country, the United States of America. We also honor all veterans who have helped to protect our country and keep our citizens safe. 

Thank you to all of our fellow Americans who are currently protecting us and all who have given their lives to protect ours. 

Memorial Day Dessert - Red Velvet Cupcakes

A great easy dessert that all will enjoy on Memorial Day are red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 oz. red food coloring (2 bottles)
2-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift it, then measure it)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. white vinegar

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until creamy. Beat in eggs.

3. Stir cocoa powder into red food coloring, then add to the sugar mixture.

4. Stir flour and salt together in a small bowl. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the batter, then one-third of the buttermilk, and so on, alternating, until all is incorporated into the batter.

5. Dissolve the baking soda into the vinegar and add that to the batter.

6. Pour into prepared cupcake liners. Bake 18-22 minutes.

7. Frost with cream cheese frosting and top with red, white, and blue sprinkles 

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1-4 Tbsp. milk
Preparation:

1. With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.

2. Beat in sugar and vanilla until smooth.

3. Beat in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Classic Memorial Day Side Dish - Potato Salad

Basic Potato Salad

Serves 8

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 pounds waxy potatoes (such as Yukon gold or new), scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/3 cup white-wine vinegar
4 scallions, white part minced, green part thinly sliced
3/4 cup light mayonnaise

Directions

1. Set a steamer basket in a Dutch oven (or large pot with a lid), and add enough salted water to come just below basket; bring to a boil.

2. Place potatoes in basket, cover pot, and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Steam potatoes, gently tossing occasionally, until tender, 15 to 25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine vinegar, scallion whites, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

4. Add hot potatoes to vinegar mixture; toss to combine. Cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour.

5. Add mayonnaise and scallion greens to cooled potatoes; mix gently to combine. Serve, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

$1 Flip-Flop Saturday at Old Navy!

Old Navy is having its $1 flip-flop sale today. The sale is for one day only and each customer is limited to 5 pairs per person. 

$1 for flip-flops... how could you go wrong! Stack-up today, before this amazing sale ends. 

Memorial Day Weekend Shopping

Do you shop till you drop during Memorial Day weekend? 

Memorial Day brings tons of shopping deals and steals, so we would like to know, do you take advantage of all of the sales? Has the current economic situation altered your Memorial Day shopping weekend ritual?

It may be much harder to take out our wallets, but in support of our economy and in an effort to strengthen our economy, we say SHOP! Ok, so maybe not until you drop, but treat yourself to something special this holiday weekend. We are sure you deserve it! 

For all of your special jewelry needs there is only one place to go... Ex-cessories.com. So go ahead and treat yourself to something special here. Happy Memorial Day weekend shopping! 

Favorite Orlando Eatery - Sanctuary Diner

One of our favorite places to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning is the Sanctuary Diner in Orlando Florida. 

Formally known as FiFi's, the Sanctuary Diner combines great food with an amazing atmosphere. The food can be considered classic diner food with a twist. By twist, we mean updated and modern. 

The restaurant is extremely clean and the service is wonderful. We recommend their yogurt parfait (it is HUGE) or a classic eggs over easy dish. Some of their more creative dishes, "Yup, Meatloaf Kobe Style" and the 18-story Sanctuary Sundae. 

Directions:

100 S. Eola Dr.

Orlando, FL 32801

Contact:

(407) 481-2251

If you give Sanctuary Diner a try, visit our blog again to let us know what you thought! 

Dying your child's hair - weigh in!

It seems that only celebrities and pageant mom's dye their children's hair. 

We think that dying a young child's hair is absolutely insane! Take a look at the before and after picture's of Gwen Stefani's son Kingston. Kingston goes from natural light brown curly hair to bleach blond and overly styled hair. 

What do you think of Kingston's hair? Stylish or ridiculous? Not right or totally acceptable? Weight in under "comments." 

It seems that one would focus on getting their son to take his pacifier out of his mouth before they start dying and styling his hair... 

Gossip Girl Season Finale

We are huge fans of Gossip Girl and the season finale definitely did not disappoint! There was so much classic GG style and drama to love, but some elements of the finale were slightly predictable...

Recap:

* Serena will venture out to try and find her father, but we sense danger on the journey because of her traveling partner.

* Blair and Chuck together at last! BUT, major drama lies in her future with her new college roomie... Georgina. 

* Little J is no longer Little J. She has been anointed Queen. 

* Dan Humphrey seems to be followed by his long lost half-brother who is definitely searching for something. 

* Vanessa and Chase are backpacking in Europe together. We really don't like them together so that story line was not a favorite. 

Most of the cast is going off to college next year, but we know that the drama will not subside. We cannot wait for the next season of Gossip Girl!

What did you think about the season finale? Leave your thoughts under "comments." 

* Orlando Magic *

The Orlando Magic brought out their "Magic Touch" and beat the Boston Celtics last night in the greatly anticipated game 7. 

The Magic are moving to the next round and will face-off with first seed team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. This means that LeBron James is coming to Orlando and we cannot wait! 

Congrats to one of Ex-cessories' home teams, the Orlando Magic! 

Light Sunday Dinner Recipe

A great light and healthy meal for Sunday night dinner is Thai chicken and noodle salad. Try the recipe below and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Serves 4
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced crosswise
Spicy Asian Dressing (4 thinly sliced scallion whites, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste - mix together in bowl)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Coarse salt
3 1/2 ounces Chinese rice noodles, broken in half if long
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as safflower
2 carrots, sliced into ribbons with a vegetable peeler
1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, fresh mint leaves, red-pepper flakes, and sliced scallion greens, for garnish (optional)

Directions: 

1. Place chicken and half of dressing in a resealable plastic bag (reserve remaining dressing). Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to overnight).

2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles until tender. Drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer to a platter.

3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Working in batches, cook chicken (do not crowd skillet) until cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to platter on top of noodles.

4. Top with carrots, cucumber, and basil. Drizzle with reserved dressing, and sprinkle with garnishes, if desired.

*Recipe from marthastewart.com 

Classic Diamond Earrings

14K White Gold 1.08 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Earrings - $816 

* One pair stamped 14 karat white gold lady's combination cast & die struck princess cut diamond earrings with friction post with nut backs with a high polish finish

* Containing: 8 invisible set princess cut diamonds, measuring 2.60 x 2.50 x 1.88mm (depth est.), approximate total weight of 8 stones = 1.08 carats

* Clarity SI-1 to I-1

* Color K-L

* Appraised $1,750

Martha Stewart's Cupcakes

Martha Stewart will be releasing her new book, "Martha Stewart's Cupcakes," on June 2 and we cannot wait! 

The paperback book ($19.99) will feature "175 inspired ideas for everyone's favorite treat." In anticipation for her new book, marthastewart.com is featuring a new cupcake recipe everyday! Give one of Martha Stewart's cupcake recipes a try... We can't wait to whip up one of these sweet treats! 

Cupcake of the day... Tiramisu Cupcakes 

1 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup milk
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
3 large whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, room temperature
1 cup sugar
Coffee-Marsala Syrup
Mascarpone Frosting
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Heat milk and vanilla-bean pod and seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat just until bubbles appear around the edge. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter until melted, and let stand 15 minutes. Strain milk mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, and discard vanilla pod.

2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk together whole eggs, yolks, and sugar. Set mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk by hand until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from heat. With an electric mixer on high speed, whisk until mixture is fluffy, pale yellow, and thick enough to hold a ribbon on the surface for several seconds when whisk is lifted.

3. Gently but thoroughly fold flour mixture into the egg mixture in three batches; stir 1/2 cup batter into the strained milk mixture to thicken, then fold milk mixture into the remaining batter until just combined.

4. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until centers are completely set and edges are light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes.

5. To finish, brush tops of cupcakes evenly with coffee-marsala syrup; repeat until all syrup has been used. Allow cupcakes to absorb liquid 30 minutes. Dollop frosting onto cupcakes; refrigerate up to overnight in airtight containers. Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving.

Order her book now, by clicking here.

The First Lady Makes Maxim's Hot 100 List!

First Lady, Michelle Obama, is number 93 on Maxim's Hot 100 list! 

What do you think about the First Lady on the Hot 100 list? Discuss below under "comments." 

The list also includes, Olivia Wilde (1), Megan Fox (2), Freida Pinto (49), and Kim Kardashian (53). 

H&M is coming to Central Florida!

Calling all Central Floridians! 

Swedish retailer H&M is coming to Central Florida! H&M will grace Florida Mall in late October and Sanford's Seminole Towne Center on November 1. 

H&M brings shoppers "fast fashion" - cheap versions of just-off-the-runway styles. We have shopped in their New York City and overseas stores, but we cannot wait until they open in our very own back yard. Affordable fashions are what we seek, and with the presence of H&M, it will make our shopping experience in Central Florida that much better! 

Rachel Zoe for QVC

The acclaimed stylist, reality television star, and fashionista, Rachel Zoe, is getting ready to launch her own branded accessories for QVC!

The QVC partnership may come as a complete shock to many because of her expensive taste and huge collection of Hermes Birkin bags and vintage furs, but the partnership seems like a brilliant match made in business deal heaven to us. 

We cannot wait to see what Rachel Zoe comes up with and we will definitely be watching! 

New Gossip Girl

Tonight is another new episode of Gossip Girl. The new episode will feature a flashback scene with Brittany Snow playing a teenage version of Lily van der Woodsen and the fashions will be why everyone is watching! 

The flashback episode will feature great 80's fashions. I know what you are thinking... "Great 80's fashions? No way!" BUT, in typical Gossip Girl style, the styling and the clothes will play a major role in the episode. 

Check out 2 sneak peak pictures of the girl's wardrobes from tonight's episode. We can't wait to see what else is in store!

xoxo,

The Ex-cessories Gals

Happy Mother's Day!

Ex-cessories.com is wishing everyone a very happy Mother's Day! 

If you haven't already, treat your mom today to something special. Ex-cessories has plenty to offer in every price range, so make sure to browse Ex-cessories.com and pick out that very special something for your very special Mother. 

Enjoy!  

Mother's Day Breakfast

Make your mother a delicious breakfast this Mother's Day! We recommend heart pancakes by Martha Stewart. 

Makes twelve 4-inch pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus 1 tablespoon for griddle

1. Preheat griddle to 375 degrees, or heat griddle pan over medium-high heat. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Add egg, milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter; whisk to combine. Batter should have small to medium lumps.

2. Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Test griddle by sprinkling with a few drops of water. If water bounces and spatters, it is hot enough. With paper towel, brush 1/2 teaspoon butter onto griddle. Wipe off excess.

3. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain round tip with batter; twist end of bag, and secure with rubber band. Working in batches, pipe heart shapes, drawing V of batter in center of hearts to fill, on heated griddle. When pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges, about 2 minutes, flip over. Cook until golden on the bottom, about 1 minute.

4. Repeat with remaining batter, using 1/2 teaspoon butter on griddle for each batch, keeping finished pancakes on a heat-proof plate in the oven until ready to serve.

*Serve with LOVE* 

Kirstie Alley and her weight battle

Kirstie Alley is gracing the cover of People magazine and once again, trying to explain why she has gained so much weight over the years. To be exact, a whopping 83 pounds! She shed 75 pounds on the Jenny Craig diet, but then put 83 pounds back on! 

She told People about her diet:

"For seven months I was a vegetarian, and I can't tell you how much weight I gained being a vegetarian! A vegetarian would probably be eating vegetables. But to me being a vegetarian meant I'm going to eat enchiladas with no meat, and I'm going to eat lots os bread, lots of carbs."

Sorry Kirsite, but we don't think your huge weight gain has very much to do with being a vegetarian. To let yourself gain almost 90 pounds puts up a serious red flag! There are obviously some major underlying issues regarding food and addiction.

Let us know what you think about Kirstie Alley and her weight struggles. 

Mother's Day - Afternoon Tea

A great way to celebrate Mother's Day is to grab your mom and a bunch of family members and friends and enjoy an afternoon tea party!  

For the decor: 

Gather floral and dainty cups, saucers, and small plates to serve your tea and light food. Miss-matching your tea ware can add an elegant shabby chic look, so there is no need to worry about going out and purchasing a new tea set. Play around with what you have! 

Tea:

Green tea and soothing chamomile make wonderful afternoon teas!  

Food:

Cucumber-turkey mini sandwiches - makes 12 (pictured above)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 slices extra-thin sandwich bread
3 thin slices roast turkey
1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1. In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese and 1 tablespoon water. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. Spread one side of each slice of bread with cream cheese mixture. Place one slice of turkey on each of 3 pieces of bread; cover with another slice of bread to form a sandwich. Place 4 to 6 slices of cucumber on each of 3 pieces of bread; cover with another slice of bread to form a sandwich. Trim crusts from sandwiches, and slice sandwiches in half. Alternatively, use a a cookie cutter to shape sandwiches.

Cream Scones - Makes 8 to 10

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface, hands, and cutter

3 tablespoons sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Strawberry preserves, for serving
Softly whipped cream, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until largest pieces are the size of small peas.

3. Using a fork, whisk together the cream and eggs in a large glass measuring cup. Make a well in the center of flour mixture, and pour in cream mixture. Stir lightly with fork just until the dough comes together (do not overmix).

4. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, gently pat dough into a 4 1/2-by-8 1/2-inch rectangle, about 3/4-inch thick. Using a floured 2-inch round cutter, cut out 8 to 10 rounds, and transfer them to lined baking sheet. Brush tops with cream, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake scones until golden brown, 16 to 20 minutes. Transfer scones to wire racks, and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with strawberry preserves and whipped cream.

Most importantly, sit back, relax, and enjoy Mother's Day with all of the special people in your life!