Warm Chicken Soup for a Cold Day

What is better to warm up your Sunday afternoon than a large bowl of delicious chicken soup.

With pre-made chicken stock from your grocer you do not have to slave over the stove to enjoy this soup.

Chicken Noodle Soup

3 quarts canned low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat

3 carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces medium egg noodles
Cooked chicken meat, shredded
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, or 1 tablespoon dried dill
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Place stock in a stockpot over medium-high heat, and bring just to a simmer. Add carrots, and simmer until tender, about 6 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain noodles, and add them to the pot of stock, along with shredded chicken meat. Season with salt and pepper. Heat until very hot. When ready to serve, stir in dill and parsley.

Warm up and enjoy!

PETA Plans Tiger Woods Billboard in Windermere FL

Animal-rights group PETA plans to unveil a "cheeky spay-and-neuter" billboard featuring Tiger Woods, without the golfer's approval.

The billboard, displayed above, will be raised in his hometown of Windermere Florida. The billboard will include the image of Woods and the text "Too Much Sex Can Be a Bad Thing...For Little Tigers Too. Help Keep Your Cats (and Dogs) Out of Trouble: Always Spay and Neuter!"

It will be a challenge to find an advertiser to put up the sign, acknowledged Virginia Fort, a campaigner with PETA who is working on the project. "It's a fun, tongue-in-cheek approach. We hope these billboard companies will understand," Fort said.

How do you feel about the PETA billboard? Hilarious, inappropriate, or PETA doing what PETA does best? Let us know under "comments".

NONNA MIA - New Orleans' Best Pizza

Do you crave a good slice of pizza but don't want to compromise your diet, ambiance or a nice glass of vino? Then you absolutely must try Nonna Mia Cafe & Pizzeria on Esplanade Avenue.

Situated in a charming New Orleans-style house, Nonna Mia boasts gourmet pizzas - made from the healthiest and puriest ingredients, fresh salads, paninis and specialty dishes like lobster ravioli - are you sold yet? Nonna Mia proves that a good slice of pizza doesn't have to be enjoyed in an outdated booth or on your couch - the restaurant is as contemporary as it is Tuscan. Our recommendation? The Paradiso paired with your favorite red.

And don't forget to enjoy great conversation with the owners (if they're in) & the staff - like only we New Orleanians do! Need a dinner date - the Ex-cessories gals are in! Check it out at NonnaMia.net and enjoy!

Tiger Woods - Friday's Statement

Tiger Woods is set to make his first public appearance and comment this Friday.

The briefing will be held at PGA Tour headquarters and only close family, friends, and invited media will be allowed in attendance.

"While Tiger feels that what happened is fundamentally a matter between he and his wife, he also recognizes that he has hurt and let down a lot of other people who were close to him," the statement continued. "He also let down his fans. He wants to begin the process of making amends and that's what he's going to discuss."

What do you think of Tiger Woods now? Is it too late to make a statement? Are you pleased to hear him finally speak? Do you feel that he lives in a bubble and won't address anyone he cannot control?

Picture above is Woods jogging yesterday morning, which is one of the first pictures anyone has seen of him in months.

Girl Effect

We wanted to share something very special with all of our blog readers... The Girl Effect. Please watch the video below to learn more about the Girl Effect. It all starts with a girl... www.girleffect.org

Item of the Day

18 karat white gold 2.56 carat black diamond ring - $3,900

* Contains one 8.3 x 8.15 x 5.99mm or approximately 2.56 ct, black diamond

* This black diamond is chipped with fissures along the star and crown facets, chipped along the girdle

* Ring also contains 24 baguette diamonds, VS2-SI1 in clarity average, J-L color average, 2.56 total carat weight

* 7.23 grams

* Replacement cost - $8,000

Click here to learn more.

Alice + Olivia for Keds

Keds has collaborated with one of our favorite designer, Alice + Olivia.

According to WWD, founder Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia created a sequin version of Keds’ classic Champion style inspired by her spring collection. The Alice + Olivia for Keds collection will launch this spring at select Neiman Marcus stores nationwide and on neimanmarcus.com, followed by Alice + Olivia boutiques, aliceandolivia.com and retailers worldwide. Available in four colors — black, silver, pale pink and safari green — each retails for $88.

What do you think of these Keds, pictured above? We love the metallic look, but are not crazy about this sneaker style. Perhaps, Keds remind us too much of playing at camp as a child or decorating our Keds in elementary school. Let us know what YOU think under "comments".

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Despite public awareness campaigns, almost half of all American women still don’t know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, new research finds.

Even more concerning, only slightly more than half of women would call for emergency help if they were having heart attack symptoms, according to the latest survey for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women public awareness campaign.

Lead researcher Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City said, “Only about half of women knew what heart attack symptoms are.”

We need to ban together and raise awareness about our health and heart health! To learn more about heart health click here.

Remember American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7

* Get Active

* Control Cholesterol

* Eat Better

* Manage Blood Pressure

* Lose Weight (if needed)

* Reduce Blood Sugar

* Stop Smoking

Mardi Gras - New Orleans

We are loving Krewe of Muses' shoes!

Sparkly, bright, and unique with a twist of show girl - what could be a better fit for Mardi Gras?!

The krewe rolls Thursday night in New Orleans, so make sure not to miss out!

Click here to view the Mardi Gras parade schedule and maps.

The Perfect Valentine's Day Flower Arrangement

We found the most adorable Valentine's Day flower arrangement that can be used to decorate your home or as a fabulous centerpiece.

Fill a clear short glass vase with conversation hearts. Then add tulips in complimentary colors, such as cream, pale pink, apricot, and pale yellow. The arrangement is pictured above.

If you are looking to decorate a larger dinner table we recommend filling votive glasses with conversation hearts or red hots and placing them around the table. Add homemade special touches to your home this Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day 2010

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but it isn't too late to get help from the Ex-cessories.com team!

Are you spending Valentine’s Day with that special someone? Are you looking to purchase the perfect gift without breaking the bank?

Well… Ex-cessories.com is your one-stop-shop for budget-friendly jewelry and engagement rings. With consumers keeping a closer eye on price tags this Valentine’s Day, we are working with shoppers to tailor price tags to individual budgets.

Check out Ex-cessories.com today – an incredible resource for all of your gift-giving or engagement needs. Finally, there is an upscale boutique to alleviate the economy from controlling our lives.

Ex-cessories.com offers:

· Diamond rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces 50-70% off appraised values

· Name brand jewelry 50-70% off retail value

· Unique vintage pieces

· Superior customer service – personal shopping, one-to-one guidance and customized pricing to fit your needs

For additional information or personal shopping, please e-mail us at info@excessories.com.

New Orleans Saints Win the Super Bowl

The New Orleans Saints have won Super Bowl XLIV!

They beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 at Sun Life Stadium in South Florida.

What an amazing accomplishment for the New Orleans Saints. We could not be happier for our beloved City and team. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and thank you for a terrific season!

Go Colts Game Day Outfit 2

If you plan to cheer for the Colts this Sunday our game day outfit recommendation is...

Top - Junk Food brand Colts tee (pictured above)

Bottom - your favorite jeans

Shoes - silver ballet flats or sandals

Accessories - Bop Bijoux's made with love blue bracelets (pictured above)

Go Saints Game Day Outfit 1

Are you a fan of black & gold? Will you be screaming "Go Saints" on game day?

If you aren't a fan of a bulky football jersey but still wish to show your team pride, try our recommendations for game day attire.

Top - purchase a fitting Saints tee shirt representing your favorite Saints player or your favorite Who Dat? tee. We love the Qui Que tees (pictured above)

Bottom - your favorite pair of jeans

Shoes - gold ballet flats or sparkly gold TOMS shoes (pictured above)

Nails - paint your nails black or gold by Mink nails

Whatever you choose to wear this game day, make sure you are representing the Saints!

Munch Smart - Light Dip for Super Bowl Sunday

You always want to make sure you have a healthy alternative around the table during the Super Bowl. So, if you have to munch due to nerves or are munching out of boredom you are munching smart!

We recommend a ton of fresh veggies with nonfat yogurt dill dip.

Dip Ingredients
6 ounces of nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours.
2. Serve with chopped veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.)

Lighter Super Bowl Recipes

Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner! Super Bowl parties usual bring large amount of food and the Super Bowl is notorious for going hand in hand with unhealthy greasy food. However, this does not have to be the case! Disguise the Super Bowl classics with healthy fresh ingredients and lighter substitutes.

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip

INGREDIENTS
1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy”
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
4 scallions, sliced
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, chopped
1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional)

PREPARATION
1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese.
2. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using).

NUTRITION

Per Serving: 146 calories and 7 grams of fat

Over "Friend" Chicken Fingers

Ingredients
SAUCE:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup spicy brown mustard

CHICKEN:
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders (about 16 pieces)
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup coarsely crushed cornflakes
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon instant minced onion
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

PREPARATION
1. To prepare sauce, combine honey and mustard in a small bowl; cover and chill.
2. Preheat oven to 400°.
3. To prepare chicken, combine chicken and buttermilk in a shallow dish; cover and chill 15 minutes. Drain chicken, discarding liquid.
4. Combine cornflakes and next 5 ingredients (cornflakes through pepper) in a large zip-top plastic bag; add 4 chicken pieces to bag. Seal and shake to coat. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken. Spread oil evenly in a jelly-roll pan, and arrange chicken in a single layer in pan. Bake at 400° for 4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with sauce.

NUTRITION

185 Calories and 3.7 grams of fat

Come back tomorrow for more Super Bowl party ideas!

'Buddy D Dress Parade'

In honor of the late local sports broadcast legend Buddy Diliberto who said he would wear a dress if the New Orleans Saints made it into the Super Bowl, tons of male fans did just that as they paraded from the Louisiana Superdome to the French Quarter on Sunday, January 31, 2010.

To those living in NOLA, did you get a chance to see the parade? Do you know anyone who participated in the parade? Tell us your stories under "comments". WHODAT!

Lady Gaga - Grammy Awards

Lady Gaga wore Giorgio Armani Privé gown to the grammy awards. Thoughts? Comments?

Dell + OPI

With colors like “I’m Not Really a Waitress,” “Big Apple Red,” “Strawberry Margarita,” “Rosy Future” and “Kyoto Pearl,” nail polish can say a lot about personal style. Now, those stylish colors and more will be available exclusively on Dell consumer laptops through a partnership with renowned nail lacquer experts OPI.

The OPI partnership adds 26 OPI fashion shades to the color and artwork offerings available as options in the Dell Design Studio. Dell offers OPI 20 classic colors plus six Holiday Collection colors including “Dear Santa,” “Merry Midnight” and “Smitten with Mittens.” Seasonal choices will vary with Dell and OPI will periodically revise its other color offerings based on what’s most popular.

Do you have a PC? Do you add your own personal cover to your PC? Let us know under "comments". What do you think of these OPI inspired Dell covers?