Hair: Summer Waves

Wavy hair or "bed head" can be a great summer look while giving your hair a break from the heat of your blow dryer and straightening iron.

To style your hair and give it a natural wave:

* Shampoo and condition hair

* Work your favorite curl product into wet hair (we recommend curl holding mousse)

* Brush through and tie your hair into a low braid

* Let hair set in braid until mostly dry (we do this overnight)

* Unbraid hair and shake out the natural waves

To get more of a "bed head" look:

* Follow the steps above but shake out hair more and scrunch curls

* Tease several strands of curls for a more extreme look

Go wavy this weekend while bringing nourishment back to our overly worked hair!

Memorial Day Potato Salad

This weekend marks Memorial Day Weekend and many will celebrate with barbeque or a day at the beach. Whether you are throwing the party or attending a party, a great potato salad is a staple side dish.

We like Martha Stewart's 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

Click here to see the rest of this recipe.

For an alternative twist on the basic potato salad, we recommend the Farmer's Market Potato Salad.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)
Ingredients
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
2 pounds fingerling potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray
3/4 cup vertically sliced red onion
3/4 cup diced zucchini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the rest of the recipe, click here.

Sex and the City 2!

Sex and the City 2 is almost here!

This time, the ladies go on a luxury trip to Abu Dhabi and have a chance to reflect on who they are, where they are and also about their future. Director and writer Michael Patrick King said the movie is all about fun, friendship and fashion. Costume designer Patricia Field was provided with yet another chance to display her flair as a trendsetter, as the film's wardrobe budget was reportedly $10 million.

We cannot wait to see all of the fabulous fashions! Are you excited for Sex and the City 2? Will you see the movie on opening day?

Check out the picture above from the premiere in NYC. We are loving the neon sported by Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis.

3-minute vegan maple oatmeal cookie

A snack that is healthy, tastes good, and will give you the energy you need to get passed the afternoon work lull!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup regular oats
1 vegan egg white (combine 1 tsp ground chia, chia seeds, or ground flax + 4 tbsp water)
1 tsp sucanat (brown sugar works)
2 tsp whole grain spelt flour
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp dried fruit like raisins (I used chopped dried apricot)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp Nature’s Path gluten-free rice crisp cereal
1/2 tbsp cacao nibs (or dark chocolate chips)
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt

Directions: Mix the dry ingredients together and then pour on the vegan egg white, maple syrup, and all of the vanilla. Mix well. Microwave for 60-80 seconds. Let it cool for several minutes and gently pop the cookie out with a spoon. It will look like a big oatmeal cookie!

Nutritional info: 197 kcals, 3 g fat, 41 g carbs, 6 g fibre, 18 g sugar, 4 g protein.

Click here to read more.

Clogs are back - Ahhhh or Yayyy

Clog shoes are back in style! We are immediately brought back to memories of our elementary school days when we trotted around school with clogs.

Today, Chanel has embraced the clog as well as Sex and the City 2 star, Sarah Jessica Parker. Once they are on board you know the rest of the fashion world will follow suit.

What do you think of clogs? Are you screaming ahhhh noooo or yayyyy yes? Let us know under "comments".

If you are looking for a less expensive pair of clogs than Chanel's version, check out Steven by Steve Madden's high heel clog for $97. Click here to see more.

* New Item *

Platinum and White Gold 0.72 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Ring - $2,850

* Stamped platinum and 750 white gold

* Round-cut diamond engagement ring with a half round shank and with a high polish finish

* The ring weighs 3 dwt

* There are five round-cut diamonds mounted on each side of the center round cut diamond

* The ring is a size 5

* Containing: One prong set round brilliant cut diamond, measuring 5.60 – 5.50 x 3.60mm (depth est.) approx. weight of 0.72 carats. Clarity is SI-1 and color is G

* Ten channel set round brilliant cut diamonds, measuring 1.30 – 1.30 x .78mm (depth est.) approx. weight of 10 stones = 0.08 carats. Clarity is VS-1 to SI-1 and color is G-I

* Total weight of diamonds is 0.8 carats

* Appraised by Ex-cessories

* Total appraised value - $4,950.00

Click here to learn more and click here to purchase.

ADHD Linked to Pesticide Exposure

A couple of weeks ago we blogged about purchasing organic produce and asked you if it was really that important. Well... according to a new study, it looks like it might be worth handing over the extra dough for organic produce.

A nationwide study suggests, children exposed to higher levels of a type of pesticide found in trace amounts on commercially grown fruit and vegetables are more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than children with less exposure.

To read more about this study, please click here.

Scientists are not saying that eating conventional produce that is treated with pesticides will automatically lead to the development of ADHD, because many other factors may be involved, but this study may offer yet another reason to choose organic foods whenever possible.

* New Item *

We just posted a large Spanish-style turquoise cuff bracelet to Ex-cessories.com.

The cuff has a large stone in the center and intricate stone detail on either side. This item was purchased in the New Orleans French Quarter and is on sale for $175.

To purchase the item displayed above, please click here.

This item is the perfect accessory for summer. Pair this cuff with a long sundress or white jeans and great top and we guarantee you people will be asking about where you purchased your fabulous bracelet!

TGIF - Starbucks Happy Hour

When you think of Fridays you often think about happy hour. This Friday would be the perfect Friday to take advantage of Starbucks' Happy Hour.

Visit a participating Starbucks between 3 and 5 p.m., and enjoy a half-price Frappuccino blended beverage. This is the last weekend of Starbucks' Happy Hour, which ends on May 16, so take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts!

What is your favorite Frappuccino flavor? Do you often go to Friday Happy Hour? Let us know under "comments". Happy Friday!

Kim Kardashian Sans Makeup

Reality star Kim Kardashian is usually dressed to the nines with a full face of dramatic makeup and big hair.

Life & Style Magazine has a picture of Kardashian stripped down... usually this isn't that shocking for the star, however this time, she has stripped her face of all makeup.

We aren't too sure why she has chosen to do this, but when the magazine hits stands Friday, perhaps we will learn more about her reasoning behind this picture.

What do you think of Kardashian without makeup? Do you wear makeup everyday? Are you comfortable leaving the house sans makeup? Let us know under "comments".

Amanda Seyfried's Hair Secret: 'I don't even have a blow-dryer!'

Actress Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Letter to Juliet, etc.) says this of her laid-back approach to her hair:

“Nowadays I don’t do much with my hair, I don’t even have a blow-dryer because I don’t dry my hair. I probably flatiron my hair once every six months.”

To read the full article about Seyfried we will have to pick-up the new issue of InStyle. But, we wanted to ask our blog readers how you feel about Seyfried claim that she doesn't own a blow-dryer. We could not imagine life without our blow-dryer or flat iron, so it is difficult to relate to her statement. We understand the hair health benefits to not using a blow-dryer, but with the type of hair we have, we just cannot get away with not using one.

Let us know how you feel about your blow-dryer and Seyfried under "comments".

Purseblog's 5 Best Beach Bags

Purseblog has ranked this summer's 5 best beach bags... well perhaps not "the best" but 5 bags that they love for 5 different budgets and personal styles.

(Clockwise, from top right)

1. Fendi Zucca Print Canvas Tote: This is the beach bag for the girl that’s worried about being glamorous in all facets of life. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1050.

2. Prada Plex & Mistolino Tote: If you’re a bonafide city girl gone temporarily coastal, this is your bag. Buy through BlueFly for $636.

3. Juicy Couture Beach Cooler Tote: If you paid more attention to the drinks mentioned in the previous two descriptions than the bags that they were about, then this is your new best friend. Buy through Saks for $128.

4. Diane Von Furstenberg Glazed Canvas Beach Tote: If you’re a fashionable 20-something on a budget but still want the coolest beach bag possible, this is the one you want. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $75.

5. Ted Baker Print Basket Tote: If your style is more classic and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a bag that’s only useful on the beach, this slightly more formal option is perfect. Buy through Nordstrom for $110.

Our favorite is Diane Von Furstenberg's glazed canvas beach bag. What is your summer tote pick? Let us know under "comments".

Click here to read more from Purseblog.

Easy-to-grow vegetables

More and more people are growing their own vegetables or partaking in community gardens.

Do you have your own garden? If so, what vegetables do you find easy to grow?

Some easy-to-grow vegetables:

'Black Seeded Simpson' Loose-Leaf Lettuce

'Bush Champion' Cucumber

'Carnival' Sweet Pepper

'Chioggia' Beet

'Danvers Half Long' Carrot

'Kentucky Wonder Brown' Bean

'Saffron' Summer Squash

'Super Sweet 100' Cherry Tomato

If you are thinking about starting your own garden we say "go for it!" Fresh vegetables in your very own backyard... For tips on planning and preparing your first garden, click here.

CHANEL Bag Exhibit at NYC Flagship

Starting on May 8, Chanel’s New York flagship on 57th Street in New York City will host "The Secrets of the Chanel Handbag", an exhibit demonstrating the construction and history of the company’s iconic purses. Displays explaining how the bags are built and how they have evolved over the past half a century will be there, as well as a number of bags from the brand’s Paris archives.

If you are in New York City, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity! If you step by e-mail us any photograph you take or let us know what you thought of the exhibit under "comments". The exhibit will run through May 16.

Always buy organic?

We strive to do the best we can at being green and eating healthy home-grown foods. Eating organic fruits and vegetables is best, however due to availability and cost, this is not always the easiest task.

We came across an adorable produce "cheat sheet" created by the Environmental Working Group that we now carry around, making our organic grocery shopping much easier. The "clean 15" is made up of conventional produce that's low in pesticides, and the "dirty dozen" are foods that you should always buy organic. So when shopping at the grocery store you can take a peak at your "cheat sheet" to guide you through your produce purchases. Eating organic and healthy made much easier!

Additionally, if you have children, this is a great way to teach them about healthy fruits and vegetables.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a voluntarily observed holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

We will be observing Cinco de Mayo by enjoying one of our favorite cocktails, margaritas! See the video below to learn how to make the famous Skinnygirl Margarita by Bethenny Frankel.

Are you having a Cinco de Mayo party and need some food ideas? Try our suggestions below...

Authentic Mexican Recipes by Martha Stewart - Click here

Nacho Recipe Makeover by Cooking Light - Click here

Mexican Bread Pudding by Bon Appetit - Click here

Skinnygirl Margarita - Click here

2010 Costume Institute Gala

Last night was the Met's annual Costume Institute Gala, one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Stars are decked out in one-of-a-kind designer gowns or gowns made specially for the event. Usually, the star is escorted by the designer. For example, this year Oprah was escorted by her gown designer, Oscar de la Renta.

Our favorites of the night:

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang and Emma Warson in Burberry.

What did you think of last night's fashions? Did you have a best dressed? Let us know under "comments".

Source: FabSugar

Gwyneth Paltrow - Iron Man 2 Attire

Iron Man 2 comes out in theaters May 7 and everyone is eagerly awaiting the films premiere.

The film premiered in LA on April 26, 2010 and the event was definitely star studded. At the premiere Gwyneth Paltrow (featured in the film) wore a fabulous white short suit by Giorgio Armani. We are completely obsessed with her outfit! We think it is chic and sophisticated while being fashion forward. We also love how she paired the short suite with neutral makeup, subtle straight hair, and black accessories.

What do you think of Paltrow's premier outfit?