Green - Nail Color Trend

We all know that when it comes to fashion, color has made a comeback. 

Adding color doesn't stop with your clothes and accessories. We are used to seeing reds and dark tones on nails, but this year neons made an appearance. Now that summer is officially over, it is time to put our bright nail polishes down and turn to the new fall polish hues, like green. Yes, green! It seems that everyone is designing a shade of green for fall. 

Chanel has come out with "Jade," OPI has come out with "Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow," and MAC has "Beyond Jealous."

What do you think of this new nail polish hue? Would you wear green nail polish? We are thinking that we could try MAC or OPI's green versions because they are so dark the green isn't as apparent. When it comes to Chanel's "Jade" we just don't think we could take the plunge. Discuss under "comments." 

Labor Day No Bake Desserts

Need a couple of quick and easy no bake dessert recipes for a Labor Day bash? We have your covered! Check out our favorites below.

Blackberry Fool

Ingredients:

2 cups blackberries (8 ounces total), plus more for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions: 
1. In a blender, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice; blend until smooth. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing with a rubber spatula to push through. Discard seeds; transfer 1/2 cup berry puree to a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate; reserve for topping.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream and vanilla; whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold remaining berry puree into cream. Spoon mixture into custard cups. Cover loosely and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to overnight). To serve, drizzle blackberry fools with reserved berry puree, and garnish with blackberries.

Oreo Balls

12 Oreo cookies

1/4 cup milk

8 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter

Spoonful of honey

Crush the oreos in bowl. Add the milk and mix. Add the peanut butter and honey. Roll into balls. Refrigerate on a plate for at least 30 minutes. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bonbons

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup chopped dates (NOT the prepackaged chopped type)
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

In large bowl, combine peanut butter, pecans, powdered sugar, dates, and butter and mix well; form into 1" balls.

Melt semisweet chips and 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips together in a glass measuring cup in microwave on medium power about 2 minutes, stirring once, until melted and smooth. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips and stir constantly until smooth (this tempers the chocolate, setting up crystals so it will harden). Dip each ball into melted chocolate mixture and set on parchment paper. Let stand until chocolate is firm, then store tightly covered at room temperature.

Labor Day 2009

We would like to wish everyone a very happy Labor Day. Everyone who gets the day off of work enjoy and relax! 

Rachel Zoe for QVC

Rachel Zoe's collection for QVC is finally ready! 

Her collection will include jewelry, luxurious looking faux furs, and sparkly evening bags. The style will be one of Zoe's signature styles - retro-glam. 

The best part is the price! Her collection will range from $32 to $130 and will debut on QVC.com September 12, 2009 at 8pm EST. 

We cannot wait to get our hands on Rachel Zoe's collection for QVC! Are you excited? We think our favorite piece will be the faux fur vest. Discuss Rachel Zoe and the fact that she is designing for QVC under "comments." 

Tip for Post Labor Day Party Hangover - Asparagus?

A new study suggests that asparagus could aid in relieving a hangover and protect liver cells against the toxins in alcohol. 

Researchers in South Korea studied the effects of asparagus on human and rat liver cells and found that the cells could be protected by the amino acids and minerals found in the green veggie. 

We would definitely be willing to give this veggie a try. Asparagus is also high in vitamins K, C, A, folate, and potassium, which is definitely better to try than greasy fast food. 

Click here to read the article accompanying this story. 

Make sure to add an asparagus dish to your Labor Day party menu! 

Labor Day is almost here!

Labor Day is quickly approaching and during this holiday it is great to celebrate outside with a nice barbeque, light summer sweets, and delicious cocktails. This holiday marks the end of summer (and the end of white pants!). 

Cocktails for your Labor Day celebration:

Champagne Punch

Makes 2

3 tablespoons grenadine
3 tablespoons Cointreau
2 tablespoons brandy
1 3/4 cups champagne
Raspberries, apples, or other seasonal fruit

Directions
Fill a small ice bucket halfway with ice. Pour grenadine, Cointreau, brandy, and champagne over ice. Stir gently, and ladle punch into 2 wide-mouthed stemmed glasses. Garnish punch with raspberries, apples, or any other fruit in season.

Spearmint Juleps

Serves 4
2 1/2 cups bourbon, preferably Maker's Mark
1 cup packed fresh spearmint, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
2 to 3 tablespoons superfine sugar
Ice cubes, for serving

Directions
Combine bourbon and mint in a large pitcher, cover, and refrigerate 12 hours or up to 1 day. Strain, discarding mint. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Divide julep mixture among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish each with a mint sprig.

More recipes and decorating ideas to come, so make sure to check-in with us again! 

Product of the Day

Every woman needs a great pair of diamond stud earrings. Luckily, Ex-cessories.com is here to help you find a beautiful piece of jewelry at an affordable price! Check out our product of the day... 

14 karat white gold 1.08 carat princess cut diamond earrings - $816

* 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

Click here to learn more about these earrings or click here to purchase these earrings.