Buying in a Recession, But Feeling Guilty...

We were wandering through our local mall last Sunday and could not help but feel guilty. We didn't purchase a thing, but looking and trying on in awe made us feel like we were doing a naughty deed and were afraid to get caught. Has the recession made us feel like we are not allowed to purchase and go shopping?! 

Apparently, we are not alone! According to the American Pulse survey, BIGresearch, a consumer and retail research firm based in Ohio, found that 57.2 percent of more than 4,000 people polled this month said they have a "just get it done" attitude about shopping. Only 14 percent responded that they "really enjoy shopping and think of it as retail therapy." After completing a shopping trip, 23 percent of those surveyed admitted to feeling "relieved," 43.5 percent were "somewhat satisfied" and 8.2 percent felt "rejuvenated." BUT 5.3 percent felt "guilty" and 20 percent said they were "downright depressed." 

What are your feelings about shopping during this difficult economic time? Do you purchase with no guilt or guilt? 

source:wwd

SWINE FLU

The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. In the United States, cases have been reported in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas. 

In the US, patients have ranged in age from 7 to 54 years, with a median age of 16; the incubation time for the virus seems to be about 2 to 7 days (similar to season flu). 

With all of the out rage and worry over the swine flue we would like to share some helpful prevention tips. 

* Wash your hands and use alcohol hand gels to reduce the spread of viruses, and cover your nose and mouth when you cough (with arm or elbow, not your hand). 

* Avoid any nonessential travel to Mexico. 

To ready more on the CDC website, click here. 

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day is almost here! For the special day you need a special gift and Ex-cessories.com has everything you need! 

Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and more can be found on Ex-cessories.com. From hard to find vintage pieces and brand name jewelry to diamond jewelry, we have you covered in ANY and EVERY price range! 

If you need any one-on-one assistance we are your gals. Personal shopping is offered on Ex-cessories.com, so please do not hesitate to contact us TODAY and tell all of your friends!  

Go shopping NOW by clicking here and contact us today by clicking here. 

Forever 21 to Open in Japan!

Forever 21 is about to open its first store in Japan. The store will open Wednesday and will be 19,000 square feet. Executives of the chain are aiming to open a whopping 100 stores in the country. 

The executive vice president, Larry Meyer, stated "It's a big market in the world so it's a place we want to play." 

We have a feeling that Forever 21 will play a lot and play well in Japan. What do you think? Will Forever 21 be a success or failure in Japan?

Morning Rush

Lately, we have been feeling like we have no extra time in the morning to do very much before work. It seems like we are always go go go rush rush rush, so finding time to fit in a healthy breakfast has been extremely difficult. If you are like us, you can join us in trying to abide by our own advice for a quick and healthy breakfast!

1. When you reach the office instant oatmeal. 

2. Throw 2 Kashi GoLean waffles in the toaster while you are getting ready - they will be good to go by the time you need to run out the door.

3. Make a yogurt parfait in tupperware the night before so that you can grab and go! 

We are going to do our best this week to eat a healthy breakfast and start each day off right! 

Heidi & Spencer Marry Again...

Why oh why...

Heidi Montag and Spenci Pratt were "officially" married. The ceremony was conveniently and strategically captured by MTV's The Hill's crew and shocker... Lauren Conrad was in attendance! Oh the dramz from these two is just too pathetic and too much to handle. 

We think this whole Heidi and Spencer media fest is absolutely ridiculous.  Your thoughts? 

Picture - courtesy of x17online 

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2009

We are so excited for this year's Jazz Festival in New Orleans! We love the attention and support it brings to one of our hometowns and such an amazing city. 

There are so many different bands to see and so much to do this weekend, so if you happen to be in New Orleans, you must check out all of the Jazz festivities. Click here for all the information you will need!  

Enjoy the food, art, and music this weekend at NOLA Jazz Fest 2009! 

Follow us on TWITTER!

We are now on Twitter! Follow us now... @excessories and/or recommend people for us to follow! 

We are slightly late on joining the Twitter craze, but are excited to be a part of it now and to learn more about how Twitter works. Follow us! 

The Twitter Craze

Are you on Twitter? 

Twitter has become the new social networking addiction and everyone from the CNN network to Ashton Kutcher is "tweeting." So, we want to know if you are on Twitter and if you are addicted to "tweeting?" 

It seems that Facebook and myspace are a thing of the past and following people on Twitter is the future. We have not joined Twitter mania, but perhaps you will see us on Twitter and become one of our followers soon! 

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day! Celebrate the earth day by giving back in your own special way. 

We recommend...

1. Plant a tree for $1 on www.americanforests.org.

2. Use your "green" bags for your groceries, lunch, and anything else you need to carry around.

3. Pick up any litter you see!

4. Plant a flower garden in your background or at a local school.

5. Recycle anything and everything you can. 

6. Save energy - turn off unneeded lights and appliances. 

7. Enjoy nature and celebrate the earth by going on a bike ride or have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors! 

HAPPY EARTH DAY 2009! 

Miss California Controversy

Watch the video below to see how Miss California responded to Perez Hilton's question about same sex marriage. 

We were initially shocked, but we do have to admit that it is extremely rare to see a beauty queen answer a question with 100% honesty and sincerity. Regardless of whether or not you agree or disagree with her response, you do have to give the young woman credit for having the courage to speak from her heart and stand up for herself in a world where everyone conforms to win the Miss America title.

* New Bling *

New items uploaded today!

Platinum and 0.84 carat diamond ring - $2,242. Click here to learn more. 

Platinum Diamond & Blue Sapphire Anniversary Ring - $916. Click here to learn more. 

Both items are pictured above* 

KFC Grilled Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has been known for their fried chicken, but now the fast food chain  has introduced grilled chicken. Yes, you read correctly, grilled chicken! 

The grilled chicken bucket will cost the same as their Original Recipe chicken bucket, but we we have to ask our blog readers... 

1. Would you ever eat food from KFC?

2. Would you ever eat chicken out of a bucket?

Saturday Night Drink Special

A great Saturday night cocktail is a cherry mojito. But don't drink alone... Mix-up a pitcher full and share with your friends! 

1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice (about 9 limes)
3 pounds dark cherries, such as Bing or Burlat, pitted
2 1/4 cups best-quality black cherry or plain vodka
1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling water

(Serves 12)

1. Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. (Makes about 2 cups syrup.) Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 month.

2. Put lime juice into a medium nonreactive bowl. Halve 2/3 of the cherries; add all cherries to lime juice. Stir in syrup. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to overnight).

3. Stir cherry mixture and vodka in a large serving bowl. Fill 12 glasses with ice. Spoon 1/2 cup cherry-vodka mixture into each glass. Top with sparkling water; serve immediately.

Enjoy responsibly! 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

Everyone loves DIAMONDS and everyone wants PLATINUM! SO... Check out some of the great diamond and platinum items on Ex-cessories.com.

Platinum & Diamond Engagement Ring - $2548 Click here to learn more. 

Platinum Band with Bezel Set Round Diamond - $3,058 Click here to learn more. 

Platinum Pink Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring & Band - $1,120 Click here to learn more. 

Platinum & Diamond Ring - $2,900 Click here to learn more. 

Platinum Marquise Shaped Diamond Ring - $1,222 Click here to learn more. 

Meryl Streep Plays Julia Child

Meryl Streep will play Julia Child in a new movie about the life of the famous chef, and the likeness is scary (take a look at the picture to the left)! 

Amy Adams who starred with Streep in Doubt will also play along side the actress in this film. 

The role of Julia Child is said to be a big stretch for Streep who must portray a 37 year old Child in the beginning of the film (Streep is 59) and give off the appearance that she is 6-foot-2, when in reality she is 5-foot-6. Streep is an amazing actress and we cannot wait to see how she shines in this role! 

America the Lazy?

Marion County Public Schools (Florida) are currently wrestling with the issue of whether or not students should have to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Last summer, a federal court ruling forbid school districts from forcing students to stand for the pledge and now the Marion County School District will discuss its decision to remove the standing requirement from its code of student conduct.

The new language would say the student has to be respectful, if he or she decides not to stand, and cannot be disrespectful of the observance. If they are, they could be punished.

A group of veterans is expected to show up to the meeting to protest removing the standing requirement, calling it a slap in the face to their service. We could not agree more! What is wrong with us - are we now "America the lazy?!" If we cannot continue to stand on our own 2 feet for 2 minutes to show respect for OUR country then, "Houston... we have a serious problem!"

A public hearing on the entire code and conduct book has been set for May 26, 2009.

We think this issue is shocking and a disgraceful example to set for the future children of America! Post your thoughts on this issue under "comments."

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo

Are you in a rush and you don't have time to wash your hair? Is your hair looking a little heavy and needs a pick-me-up? Dry shampoo is to the rescue!

Winner of Allure's Best of Beauty Award (Best Styling Products), Oscar Blandi's Pronto dry shampoo refreshes, revives, and recharges your scalp without water. This dry shampoo increases volume and removes dirt and build up in your root area in seconds. 

We have tried Bumble and Bumble's version and are obsessed! Oscar Blandi is known as the amazing stylist to the stars, so we are definitely going to give his dry shampoo a try. From our experience, dry shampoo will be your new best friend! 

P.S. We promise it is better than the old baby powder trick (we used to heavily rely on that)! 

The First Dog Bo Finally Arrives!

This Easter, a Portuguese water dog was given to the Obama family by Senator Ted Kennedy. The Obamas have named their new dog Bo after Bo Diddley. Watch the video below to learn more! 

 

Give Back this Easter Sunday and Passover Holiday with "TOMS One for One"

TOMS shoes was founded on a simple premise: "For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about."

You may ask, why shoes? Well, most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries and wearing shoes prevent feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. So, the simple solution.. SHOES! 

To give back during the Easter and Passover holidays purchase a pair of TOMS today! TOMS are for everyone: men, women, children, and babies. Click here to learn more and to purchase a pair of TOMS today. 

* Happy Easter *

We would like to wish all of our Ex-cessories customers, blog followers, and their families a very happy Easter. 

Enjoy Easter Sunday! 

xoxo,

The Ex-cessories Gals* 

The Perfect Jewelry for Easter - On a Budget

Treat yourself to a special piece of jewelry this Easter! We have picked out several pieces that we feel fit the Easter theme and are budget friendly. No item is more than $100! Check it out below...

Joan River Heart Necklace - $40 click here to see more or to purchase (pictured above)

Freshwater Pearl Necklace - $90 click here to see more or to purchase 

Lalique Pink Heart Necklace - $70 click here to see more or to purchase 

Pearl Ring - $50 click here to see more or to purchase  

Cadbury Creme Eggs and Peeps

Easter Sunday is almost here! 

Peeps and Cadburry creme eggs are two classic and quintessential Easter treats. Are you a fan of peeps and Cadburry creme eggs? When Easter rolls around, do you always treat yourself to the sweat snacks? We think that peeps make an adorable addition to an Easter basket, but find Cadburry eggs too sweet. 

Dara Torres - Got Milk?

Dara Torres seems to embody ageless fitness. If you do not agree, just take a look at the picture of Torres for her new "Got Milk?" campaign! Remember, she is a 41 year old award-winning swimmer and mom! 

Torres has joined the "Got Milk?" campaign to promote the connection between drinking milk after exercise with maintaining healthy muscles and bones. 

Dairy Torres. I'm a natural in water. But after a workout, my natural choice is milk. It's a strong starting block for wellness. The protein helps build muscle, plus its nutrients help me refuel. Three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk a day. Lap it up. 

Torres has also said, "while many women focus on what they eat before exercise, I also know that the two hours after exercise are critical to making most of my workouts. After a strenuous practice, lowfat milk is one of my secret weapons. It not only helps replenish calcium and potassium, it provides fluids for rehydration and the right mix of carbohydrates and protein to help refuel my exhausted muscles to keep me ready for the next swim."

We guess milk really does do the body good... We LOVE Dara Torres and think she is a true inspiration and role model to women of all ages. Go Torres! 

* Happy Passover *

We would like to wish all who observe the Passover holiday and very happy Passover! 

Good luck with all of the matzoh eating! 

7 Superfoods That You Probably Already Have In Your Fridge...

Eating healthy can be costly, but check out our common and inexpensive superfoods that you probably already have in your refrigerator! 

1. Apples

2. Tofu

3. Spinach

4. Onions

5. Black Beans

6. Bell Peppers

7. Romaine Lettuce

We have about 5 of the 7 items on the list in our refrigerator. What about you? Let us know under "comments." 

Walgreens Offers Free Health Care Services For Those Without Jobs

Walgreens is doing its share in this very difficult time! Walgreens has started its "Take Care Program," which offers free health care by nurse practitioners and physician assistants for ailments like respiratory problems, allergies, infections, and skin conditions. 

You are eligible to receive the free services if you are without health insurance and lost your job on or after March 31, 2009. There are 341 "Take Care" Clinics around the country and clinic hours will be offered weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Passover Tradition

Passover is almost here! One of the traditional and quintessential Passover meal components is matzo ball soup. It is a favorite among many and a pain among many Passover meal chefs. 

When Passover rolls around, do you make your own matzo balls or do you purchase them pre-made? Let us know under "comments," and remember... there is no judging of your answers! 

To make your own for the holiday, follow Bon Appetit's recipe and helpful tips by clicking here.

House of Harlow 1960 Jewelry

Nicole Richie debuted her jewelry line, about a couple of months ago, called House of Harlow 1960. We would like to know what you all think about the jewelry line and of Nicole Richie as a jewelry designer. 

Her pieces (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings) range from $28 to $125 and stay pretty neutral appearing in black, white, red, silver, and gold tones. What do you think of her items, pictured above? Do you think Nicole Richie can be a successful jewelry designer? 

Our favorite piece, thus far, is the leather and crystal cocktail ring (pictured above). We think she is doing pretty well, especially since her prices are not absolutely ridiculous. So, we salut you Nicole! 

April Fools Jokes

Did anyone play an April fools joke on you? 

We keep hearing about different people, radio stations, etc. that played April fools jokes and had to ask our blog readers... did anyone experience an annoying and/or funny April fools jokes?

Michelle Obama - Dressed For Success?

What do you think about Michelle Obama's wardrobe? Over the past week, Michelle Obama has had to rub elbows with some pretty powerful political players and how one looks and plays the part of 1st lady is heavily scrutinized, by the media, American citizens, and the world. In the end, we think Michelle Obama looks absolutely fabulous and is a breath of fresh air! Kudos to her stylist. 

Take a look at some of her outfits above and let us know what you think. We are in love with her mint skirt and bejeweled cardigan - all from... J.Crew! The first lady in mall accessible J.Crew... we love it! We also think the satin black trench coat is extremely chic. 

* New Item *

14 karat yellow gold 1.30 carat diamond ring - $4,334

* Stamped 14 karat yellow gold

* Clarity is SI-1 and color is H-I

* Appraised value is $7,950

* Ring size 5

Click here to take a closer look at the ring, pictured above.