Friday's Cocktail Special

The perfect Friday afternoon cocktail - Peach and Mango Sangria. 

With the heat of summer we are always looking for a tasty and refreshing happy hour drink. A peach and mango sangria definitely hits the spot! Serve this to your friends and family after a long day at work and start the weekend off right - relaxed! 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup water
1 cup Grand Marnier
1 bottle Viognier
1 mango, chopped
2 peaches, cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup mint

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, cook the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves; transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.

2. Stir in the Grand Marnier, Viognier, mango, peaches and mint and serve over ice.

Sip responsibly and enjoy! 

Tanning Beds As Deadly as Arsenic

International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75% when people start using tanning beds before age 30.

Tell us: Do you use a tanning bed? Did you go to the tanning bed when you were younger? If you go now, will you stop going? 

Kim Kardashian & Reggie Bush SPLIT!

After 2 years, Kim Kardashian and football star Reggie Bush have called it quits. 

We actually liked this couple together and are sad to hear this news. We really thought these 2 would work out!

The reason for the split... Reggie Bush is about to start training camp in New Orleans and asked Kim Kardashian to join him in New Orleans. Bush is also not into the Hollywood seen, which Kardashian soaks up and relishes in. Kardashian is also about to begin filming her reality show in California and couldn't commit due to prior job commitments. Do you think this is a valid excuse? Have you ever chosen a job over a man? We have a feeling that if she felt it was worth it she would make the distance work. Weigh in under "comments." 

We have also heard break-up rumors swirling around Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds as well as Fergie and Josh Duhmal. Do Hollywood marriages not work? Comment on this topic too! 

No Cook/Bake Recipes

When you are in a rush you don't want to wait for your food to cook. When you have a limited amount of time and patience you don't want to linger around the kitchen watching the timer hungrily. So, the best cure for time crunch cooking are no cook no bake meals! Check out some of these recipes below (courtesy of Martha Stewart).

Cantaloupe and Avocado Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Ingredients:

 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cantaloupe (3 pounds), quartered and seeded
1 avocado, halved, pitted, and skinned
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, oil, and salt; set aside.

2. Cut each cantaloupe quarter in half lengthwise. Run a knife between the flesh and the skin of the melon; discard skin. Slice each wedge lengthwise into 1/2-inch pieces.

3. Cut each avocado half again length-wise and then into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Add cantaloupe, avocado, and grape tomatoes to bowl with dressing and toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates.

Easy, no-bake recipe, but there is time inbetween creating and indulging...

Coconut Bonbons

Ingredients:

12 chocolate wafer cookies
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
2 pints coconut sorbet
12 whole almonds
26 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Directions:

1. Set a wire rack over a baking pan. Arrange the wafers, top sides down, on rack, spaced evenly apart. Place 2 teaspoons shredded coconut in the center of each wafer. Using a 2-inch ice-cream scoop, scoop a ball of coconut sorbet onto each wafer. Place an almond on top of each scoop of sorbet. Transfer pan to freezer for 20 minutes.

2. In a double boiler, or a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Melt chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally. Remove bowl from heat. Let cool slightly.

3. Remove baking pan from freezer. Generously ladle melted chocolate over the bonbons, covering entirely. Return the baking pan to the freezer for 30 minutes more or overnight. Serve.

Blue M&Ms Can Reduce Spine Injury?

The same blue food dye found in M&Ms and Gatorade could be used to reduce damage caused by spine injuries, offering a better chance of recovery, according to new research. 

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that when they injected the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG) into rats suffering spinal cord injuries, the rodents were able to walk again, albeit with a limp.

The only side effect was that the treated mice temporarily turned blue... 

We have always been partial to blue and red M&Ms. What about you? What do you think of this study? Bogus or are you a believer? Let us know under "comments."

Princeton Review Party Schools 2009

Penn State is now the nation's #1 party school. 

Princeton Review surveyed 122,000 students nationwide to come up with their list of the top party schools in the nation. 

The list...

1. Penn State University

2. University of Florida

3. University of Mississippi

4. University of Georgia

5. Ohio University

6. West Virginia University

7. University of Texas

8. University of Wisconsin

9. Florida State University

10. University of California-Santa Barbara 

11. University of Colorado

12. University of Iowa

13. Union College

14. Indiana University

15. DePauw University

16. University of Tennessee

17. Sewanee

18. University of North Dakota

19. Tulane University

20. Arizona State University

Did you attend any of the party schools listed above? Do you feel that this ranking effects your chances of getting a job after graduation? Do you think that the list taints your alma-mater? 

New Book

"Sex and the City" writer Liz Tuccillo makes her fiction debut with "How to Be Single," a story about a group of single women on a quest to find the men of their dreams. Tuccillo is also the coauthor of "He's Just Not That into You." 

Considering the source we have a strong feeling this new book is going to be a hilarious smash hit. 

Do you find yourself drawn to books of this nature when you are single? Do you feel like you can see yourself in the characters? Let us know under "comments."

So You Think You Can Dance

We are completely obsessed with the show So You Think You Can Dance! 

We absolutely love everything about it. From the judges, to the dancers and choreographers, to the routines, the show is perfect and very entertaining. 

Do you tune into SYTYCD each week? 

We are upset about last night's girl results, because we loved Janette and thought she was an amazing dancer. Katie Holmes also made a special appearance on last night's show for the 100th episode celebration. We love that she danced for charity, but were underwhelmed by her performance. 

What did you think about Katie Holmes' dance routine on SYTYCD? What did you think about Janette's elimination (she was the judge's favorite)? 

Goth/High Fashion Clutch - What do you think?

What do you think of Alexander McQueen's "Knuckle-Duster" clutch (pictured)? 

On top of this $1,995 clutch are a pair of skull adorned brass knuckles... high fashion, goth, or just too much? Is the skull detailing trendy or scary?

Let us know under "comments."

Great Summer Appetizer

A delicious, quick, and easy summer appetizer - Prosciutto-Basil Crostini

Prep time - 5 mins.

Total time - 20 mins.

Ingredients:

1/2 small baguette (about 8 ounces), cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
12 fresh basil leaves
4 ounces very thinly sliced prosciutto

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven until pale golden, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer sheet to a wire rack; let crostini cool completely.

2. Divide basil leaves and folded slices of prosciutto among crostini. Drizzle with oil. Season with pepper.

Jewelry Poll

Do you wear chunky layered jewels? 

We love the look of layered necklaces, stacked bracelets, cocktail rings, and other chunky statement pieces. How do you feel about the big jewelry trend? 

Love it or Hate it? 

Fast Food Under 300 Calories

Traveling for work and working late can often get you in trouble in the healthy food department. We recommend carrying an emergency snack in your purse at all times, but sometimes that just won't cut it. We have been in several situations when traveling and working late and have been forced to stop at a fast food restaurant with co-workers. We know what you are thinking... Yuck! 

BUT, you have to do what you have to do for work... We have listed below some fast food items from Burger King all under 300 calories. So, if you are ever in a bind like we have been, just remember these fast food menu items. 

Tendergrill Chicken Garden Salad - without dressig 210 calories

Crown-Shaped Chicken Tenders - without dunking sauce 270 calories

Spicy Chick'n Crisp Sandwich - without mayonnaise 290 calories

For an emergency cannot get out of situation, these menu items aren't too bad. 

Starbucks Changing its Name?!

Starbucks is a powerhouse brand recognized by millions of people around the world. So it comes as a great surprise to hear that Starbucks is changing its name.

Their name will not change in every state and with every store, but they are currently testing out the name change in Seattle. The 1st new name location is slated to reopen next week bearing the new name 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea. The Starbucks logo will be absent from the company's coffee and products and rebranded with the 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea name. To add to the classic coffee house vibe, the store will feature live music and poetry readings, a manual espresso machine, and wine and beer options. 

What do you think of this crazy new strategy/idea? We are in complete shock! Starbucks to change its name and logo on several stores - why oh why?! 

Ray-Ban goes online!

Ray-Ban has gone online! 

Their new website comes equipped with an abundance of awesome features including a virtual mirror where any user with a webcam can "try on" Ray-Ban's selection from the comfort of their own home. The "colorize" feature allows you to choose a style of Ray-Bans and spray paint them in a variety of colors. 

We definitely give Ray-Ban an A+ on their interactive new website. We say... very cool, very hip, very Ray-Ban! 

Check out their new website here. 

Mascara

Finding the perfect mascara can be difficult. The right mascara can't clump, smudge, run, or irritate and needs to be budget friendly. This can be hard to find, but we are here to help!

Check out 5 top-rated drugstore mascaras that won't rattle your budget. 

1. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara

2. L'Oreal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara

3. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Waterproof Volume Mascara

4. Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara

5. L'Oreal Voluminous Naturale Mascara

We also recommend Clinque's high impact mascara, which is great for those who wear contacts and at $14 isn't too pricy for a name brand product. 

Gluten Allergies

Gluten free products are lining the shelves of all grocery stores because of increased demand. It is estimated that 1 in every 133 people have celiac disease, a gluten allergy, which is 4 times more common today than it was in the 1950s. 

The increase in the disease may have been caused by our environment. All of our cleaning and killing of germs may be contributing to an overall increase in allergies, asthma, and immune system reactions. 

Do you have a celiac disease or know anyone who does? Do you find yourself buying gluten free products even though you do not have an allergy to gluten? 

We find ourselves purchasing gluten free products without evening knowing it. From flat chips to oatmeal, gluten free products are now much more common. However, because this allergy does not allow you to eat many common foods we have seen individuals emerge who are claiming to have the allergy. We went to a barbeque and a young woman stated she had a gluten allergy and could not eat a pastry-like appetizer. The irony was that as she was stating this comment she was dipping a tortilla chip (not gluten free) into guacamole dip. This definitely made us chuckle, but we do have sympathy for those with the real allergy. 

Discuss celiac disease and your experiences with gluten free products under "comments." 

Our gluten free recommendation - Mary's Gone Crackers - click here to learn more. 

Inappropriate or Freedom of Speech?

Yesterday, we spotted these bumper stickers on an SUV parked outside of our community's pool and just had to capture this image. No, this picture is not a joke... they were really on the car we encountered! 

What do you think of these bumper stickers? We all do have freedom of speech, but does this go too far? Is this just as bad as any anti Bush bumper sticker you have seen? Let us know what you think by posting your thoughts under "comments." 

Cutest Cupcakes 2009

Do you love to make cupcakes? Do you have a special design you add to your cupcakes? 

Well... Martha Stewart is calling all cupcake creators to submit their cutest cupcake creations by August 15th for the chance to win a copy of her new book and have your cupcake featured on her website. 

To enter the contest or to learn more about the contest click here. Check out some of the cupcake submissions in the pictures above. Good luck! 

Would You Ever Wear...

Would you ever wear these flower print leggings by Rachel Pally ($92)?  

Project Runway Season 6!

Project Runway Season 6 is a go! 

Project Runway is one of our favorite shows, so we are thrilled to hear that the show was able to work out all of the behind the scenes legal activity with Bravo and Lifetime. The show will return to television on Lifetime on August 20th. 

Take a sneak peak of Season 6 pictures above. Bring on the fashion and the drama! 

Photo courtesy of fabsugar. 

New Nail Trend - Minx's Nail Coverings

A new nail trend has emerged - colorful printed nail coverings. 

Celebrities like Beyonce, Rihana, Pink, Lady GaGa, Fergie, Katy Perry and many more have all been spotted with Minx's nail coverings. These nail coverings are made from a new flexible film that shrink-wraps to perfectly fit your fingertips. Some example colors and prints that the nail film comes in are - gold metallic, Cheetah pattern, and black with stripes. To check out the website and see the different color and design options, click here. 

Where can you get minxed? Minx coverings can only be added to your nails by a Minx specialist. To find a Minx nail specialist near you click here. 

This trend might be a little too much for our style and taste, but sounds fun for a change. Would you get minxed? 

Ex-cessories.com Item of the Day

14 karat yellow gold diamond and blue sapphire tennis bracelet - $2,038

* Stamped 14 karat yellow gold (combination cast & die struck) square cut sapphire & round cut diamond bracelet

* 14 karat yellow gold clasp with a high polish finish

* The bracelet weighs 10 DWT

* 7 1/4" in length

* 31 bar set round brilliant cut diamonds measuring 2.70 - 2.50 x 1.56mm (depth est) approximate total weight stones = 2.00 carats

* Clarity - SI-2 to I-1

* Color - H-I

* 30 bar set square standard brilliant cut blue sapphires measuring 2.70 x 2.20 x 1.59mm approximate total weight of stones = 3.00 carats

* Clarity is eye clean, type II, medium dark, strong, blue violet colour (GIA bV 6/5), cut is good

* Appraised by Ex-cessories

* Appraised value - $4,950

* Pictured above - Click here to purchase or to learn more. 

Bright Shades

Do you wear bright colored sunglasses? 

The neon trend has been around for a little while now and we have seen so many people sporting neon shades. So, we want to know if you all partake in the trend. 

We have been sticking with our classic black and tortoise shell shades, but we have posted some of our favorite brights above. 

Sarah Palin Resigns as Governor of Alaska

Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, announced Friday that she would be stepping down from her position as Governor on July 26 2009. Palin will be handing over her duties to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell.

In Palin's announcement she stated the reasons for her resignation were:

1. Mounting expenses and hours of tax-payer time wasted on numerous ethics complaints. 

2. A decision that she would not seek a 2nd term as Governor and that Palin views her lame duck status as inefficient "politics as usual."

3. Responsibilities to her family and the toll that "mean-spirited" attacks have taken on her and her children. 

What do you think of Palin's resignation and announcement? 

We can understand her desire to not run for re-election, but find it quite strange that she is choosing to resign. We think that there is more to this story and perhaps there are additional skeletons in this woman's closet. Only time will tell...

* Fourth of July *

Ex-cessories would like to wish our customers, supporters, family and friends a Happy Fourth of July! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend*

EASY Weekend BBQ Appetizer

Not sure how to kick off your BBQ tonight or tomorrow? Don't want a lot of fuss in the kitchen or stress on your wallet? Solution: Caprese Salad.

Simple, elegant, light, delicious and EASY to make - your guests are sure to be happy at the kickoff of the festivities. And this perfect starter is patriotic in color! What to do:

Buy ripe creole tomatoes or tomatoes on the vine - red, ripe and juicy is key. Buy however many packages of mozzarella balls you think you may need. Estimate 3 tomatoes / 2 packs of cheese for 4-5 people. Pick fresh basil from your garden or buy in the produce section at your local grocer.

Assembly: slice tomatoes and mozzarella. Place one large slice of cheese on top of one large tomato slice. Place one basil leaf on top of cheese. Sprinkle kosher salt and ground pepper. Immediately before serving, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a dab of whole grain mustard. Drizzle on top of salad and serve. Enjoy*

What to wear #3 - 4th of July

We have the perfect look for your 4th of July celebration! If you are a mature chic lady take a look at our outfit tips picks below.

White straight leg jeans from Chico's - on sale for $39. Click here to learn more or to purchase. 

Batik Print Tunic from Talbots - pictured above. Click here to learn more or to purchase. 

Ex-cessories 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle - pictured above. Click here to learn more or to purchase.   OR

Tiffany & Co. Cultured Freshwater Pearl Bracelet on Ex-cessories.com. Click here to learn more or to purchase.  

Ex-cessories Gold Croissant Shape Earrings. Click here to learn more or to purchase. 

Taryn Rose Viviana Silver Suede Snake Sandal - pictured above. Click here to learn more or to purchase.