Hi, everyone! We’ve got a great Today’s Special Value® to share with you on Saturday, August 16th! As a professional stylist, I know it is important to have the right tool to leave your hair looking beautiful and fabulous! Whether you’re looking for tight curls, loose waves, or bold body, we’ve created the perfect set of ceramic hot rollers just for our QVC shoppers! And we’re giving you an exclusive look at our brand new CHI Smart Silk Volumizing Hair Spray.

Have a question about the hot rollers or hair spray? Ask now by posting your questions below, and don't forget to check back throughout the day on 8/16 for our answers!

Every day will be a great hair day with CHI Smart!

–Lisa Marie Garcia & the CHI Smart team

This Friday is one of my favorite days of the entire year, right up there next to Christmas! It is our 24-hour Klondike Gold Rush(R) Sale, where everything on the entire day is gold jewelry and it's all on sale!

For more than 15 years I have had the honor of visiting the Vicenza Gold Fair with our buyers. Vicenza Italy is the heart of the gold industry. It has been interesting to see how the jewelry industry has grown and evolved. Since 2008, a lot of retailers have gone out of the gold business, but not QVC. We remain one of the largest retailers of 14K and 18K gold jewelry in the United States. It is something I am very proud of. This Friday, you can pick up a little affordable something, invest in a once-in-a-lifetime piece, or anything in between. I am already trying to decide which pieces I am picking up, as well.

I put together a toGather(TM) collection to make it easier. You know, seeing all the top contenders in one place. I thought it would be a good collection to share, as it might help you get started too! Friday is all gold, all day, all on sale, but you can get started right now.

See you Friday!!!! :)
—Lisa

Freezer Corn

• 1 pound butter
• 22 cups corn (approx. 40 ears)
• 1 pint half & half
• 1 teaspoon salt

Jeanne Bice used to always say, ‘Life’s a party – so you have to celebrate EVERY day!’

And one of the best times to celebrate with a party is when it’s someone’s birthday. Jeanne also said, ‘When you have a birthday, you get to celebrate all month long!’

Well, last month was my mother’s birthday – and trust me, I have no doubt that she is STILL celebrating! And I was lucky enough this year to have been able to join her on her actual birthday – in Brussels!

Mom and Dad had never been to Brussels before. They have some really good friends who go there every year – and this year they asked my parents to join them. Coincidentally, they were going to be there this year when Mom celebrated her birthday. Since London is only 2 ½ hours away from Brussels by train, it made perfect sense to me that I should be there as well to help Mom ring in another year.

Here I am about to board the Eurostar train – I still can’t believe how close we live to the mainland of Europe!

I don’t know how much you all know about Brussels – but let me tell you, it is a beautiful city! It’s the seat of the European Union government and many international businesses – but to me, Brussels is known for its beautiful architecture – and its food – especially chocolate and sugar waffles!! On almost every street corner in the central part of the city, you can find waffle vendors – and the sheer amount of different toppings you can get on them is simply amazing!! Here’s a picture of some of the many choices – can we say ‘Quack-A-Licious’?!?!

We also saw a chocolate shop with some yummy handmade chocolate ducks – they looked almost too cute to eat – but that didn’t stop us from enjoying them. After all, this was Mom’s birthday – and we were NOT counting calories on this trip!

One of the first stops we made was to the Grand Market. This is in the center of the city and is one of the oldest market squares in all of Europe. They still have weekly markets – sometimes they are crafts markets, sometimes chocolate markets – and in the spring there are flower markets in the square. I have to say that it’s one of the most beautiful European squares I’ve ever seen. Here we are on the day we visited – you can tell the weather was perfect for Mom’s birthday!

After a full day of wonderful sightseeing, we all headed out to celebrate Mom’s birthday over an incredibly delicious meal. Here we all are celebrating Mom’s special day:

Of course it wouldn’t be a celebration without cake and candles – or should I say ONE BIG CANDLE! It took all the hot air Mom had in her to blow out that giant candle!

One of my favorite pictures of the whole time we were there is this one of Mom & Dad after our meal that evening – don’t they look so happy?!

The next day we all woke up early and took the train and headed out of Brussels for the day to see the beautiful town of Bruges. Now I have to be honest and say that I really enjoyed Brussels, but Bruges is one of the most beautiful and charming cities I have EVER been to – and if you ever find yourself in Belgium, you MUST, MUST, MUST go to this gem of a city. It was my first time there and it definitely won’t be my last – that’s how much I loved it. It’s a small city and therefore it is so easy to walk around – and it’s easy to do in one day’s time. Here is Dad and I waiting to get on the train that morning. (Do you think we look alike?!?)

One of the highlights of our day in Bruges was taking a 30-minute boat trip with a guide through the canals of Bruges. Like Venice, Bruges is full of cute little canals – and by taking a guided boat trip, we were able to see a part of Bruges that cannot be seen from the street – it was simply breathtaking!! Here is a picture of the beautiful waterways – and one of us on the boat: 

After the boat ride, we walked around and I saw this gorgeous hydrangea bush in a public garden.

Jeanne loved hydrangeas – and as you might remember, our incredible design team made a great hydrangea top in honor of Jeanne. Is it part of your Quacker collection? Here’s a picture of my friend Alicia in it at one of the live audience shows last year – doesn’t she look great?! (By the way, click here to check out this beautiful top – AND it’s clearance priced!

The next day was our final day in Brussels – and we headed to the museums – Brussels has some great ones! Here we are at the Magritte Museum – I just love this picture of the 4 of us!

After dinner that night, we ran into some of the BIGGEST flowerpots I’ve EVER seen in my life!! Here’s a picture of me in front of one of them – can you believe how big it is?! I wonder if we’ll see QVC showing any of these next spring?!?

What a Quack-Tabulous trip it was – and it was even more special because we all got to be there together to help Mom celebrate her birthday!

Now before you ask me what I gave Mom for her birthday – I’ll tell you…

Why of COURSE it was more Quacker Factory clothes!!! It’s not hard to shop for a mother who loves Quacker as much as my mom does – especially DreamJeannes! Click here to see our entire collection of DreamJeannes – including my mother’s favorite – the 5 Pocket Straight Legs.

I hope that you’re all having a Quack-Tastic summer!! What have you been up to – and have you been celebrating EVERY day just as our dear Jeanne would have wanted you to?!??!

Quacker Hugs & Love From Across The Pond!

Patrick

xoxo

To stay up to date at what’s Quackin’ at the Quacker Factory, join the email list! Click here to sign up to receive emails from www.QuackerFactory.com - http://bit.ly/Join_QF

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Shop the Quacker Factory collection on QVC.com.

Freezer Corn

• 1 pound butter
• 22 cups corn (approx. 40 ears)
• 1 pint half & half
• 1 teaspoon salt

Husk the corn and remove the silk.  Carefully cut the kernels off the ears.  (Do not boil or blanch first.) 

Mix all ingredients together (you will need at least an 8-qt container or equivalent) and bake in oven at 300 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Cool, package and freeze. Freezer-type baggies work great or any type of freezer container.

Now, you can enjoy "fresh" corn even when it's not in season. I like to freeze both individual and family-size portions to take out later.

Counting our blessings,

Mary Beth Roe  

Hi Darlings!

I could not be more excited to introduce the most amazing ankle pants!

With the look of a refined, woven trouser and the feel of a classic, cozy knit, they really are EVERYTHING. Made in the 24/7 stretch fabric that I know you girls love, these pants will literally become the most comfortable and stylish item in your closet. Trust me, you are going to live in these!

Not only are these done in our best-selling fabric but we’ve also created them in that incredible ankle length silhouette that you ADORE! It is such a flattering style for every woman who wears my clothes.

This GORGEOUS pant is so versatile that it looks completely chic paired with a heel but my favorite way to see you wear it is with your favorite wedge or a simple flat!

You know what I always say – color is the greatest luxury of all! So, you must be dying to know what delicious colors these pants are available in. Of course, there are the classics – black and winter white, but there are two new colors that I’m simply crazy for – Deep Burgundy and Deep Blue! So, so MAJOR! Two perfect hues for fall that you need, darlings. They’re sophisticated and sleek – exactly what you need to be ready for the new season. I know you’ll stock up on the neutrals but trust me – these new shades cannot be missed!

Here are some of my sketches of the 24/7 pant

Transitional, timeless and totally fabulous, I can’t wait for you to own these essential summer-to-fall pants. Tune in Monday for the Today's Special Value. See you on air kids!

xIsaac

#howIroll

TBD

Congratulations to the 15 Winners of the toGather philosophy 15th Anniversary Sweepstakes!

*Benjamin B

*Jeanne T

*Carrie S

*Alissa H

*Lauren C

*Jean F

*Cindy M

*Donna D

*Renae

*Liz

*Lizabeth

*Karen

*Brenda

*Trina F

*Susan S

My friends, Joe and I cannot thank u enuff for ur stories of hope, love and overwhelming support. I can't stop reading them. They hv brought me to countless tears. I am saving them all, to re-read, in my darker hours, when I need lifting. We are grateful beyond words. You will never know how much. Right now hope is what we cling to. You hv given that, and more, to us. God bless you. Ur similar stories of loss make me writhe in sorrow for u too....and the victories u found after, r helping us to breathe.

Shawn and Joe

x

My friends, Joe and I cannot thank u enuff for ur stories of hope, love and overwhelming support. I can't stop reading them. They hv brought me to countless tears. I am saving them all, to re-read, in my darker hours, when I need lifting. We are grateful beyond words. You will never know how much.

Right now, hope is what we cling to and you have given us that, and more. God bless you!

Ur similar stories of loss make me writhe in sorrow for u too....and the victories u found after, r helping us to breathe.

Shawn and Joe

x

So - my family went to San Antonio and saw these beautiful sights. I got a hat. Uh huh - a hat. 

Here they are having a great time in beautiful San Antonio, TX. Don't they look like they're having a great time?!

Looks like fun!

Looks like more fun but this picture is missing something - ME! Wouldn't I look cute sitting on that wall? 

And here's the hat - but I make it look good!

I will remember this the next time they go away! #takeakittyonvacation

-Kiki

Hi, everyone!

Are you craving something sweet? Something fresh, new, and different? I've got lots of great ideas on my recipe page. But here are 5 of my all-time favorite unique desserts.

Rustic Blueberry Tart

Macadamia Chile Brittle

Popcorn Balls

White Chocolate Key Lime Pie

Strawberry Cupcakes

Happy baking, everyone! Feel free to share these recipes on Pinterest! They’re all on my page.

XOXO,
Jill

Here’s Jeff sitting at his desk, the only chest of drawers is to his right.  I was amazed when I saw the size of the room that he would share with a young man from North Carolina.  Not sure why I was so surprised, my dorm room wasn’t any bigger!

Jeff had the bottom bunk.  Whoever arrives first, get first dibs!

I attended Asbury University, only 18 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky where I grew up.  Mother said, “If you’re still doing laundry at home you haven’t really ‘gone off’ to college.  She was right.  It wasn’t until I went to graduate school at Wheaton College, near Chicago, that I really ‘went away’.  So for those of you who are sending students to a college that’s a significant car ride away or even a plane flight away here are a few helpful hints:

1) Only take the essentials.  You can always pick up extra things at a store near campus when you need them.
2) Don’t buy micro-waves, refrigerators or other appliances until your son or daughter connects with their roommate to determine who’s bringing what. This will avoid duplication.   

3) Heavy duty 3-M hooks, over the door hangers, and under the bed storage containers can provide additional storage.

4) Since storage is at a premium in such a small, shared space, I sent both of my boys off to college with our faux leather collapsible ottomans.  They came in handy for both extra seating when friends dropped by AND extra storage which helped keep the room neat….okay perhaps neater is a better word!  And now we have our newer stain-resistant fold-up ottomans that come in lots of college mascot colors: red, blue, orange, green, black and brown!

Jeff walked in while I was typing this, so I asked him what he was glad he had taken to college.
He said he liked having a really soft comforter on his bed.  So think about what “comforts of home” will be important to your son or daughter.  
Jeff was glad he brought his long board with him which helped him get to early morning classes on time!  So, depending on the size of the campus, a long board, bike or scooter might be appropriate.
I tried to send regular care packages from home and he said he liked the ones with homemade cookies best because he could buy candy and other treats at the college bookstore. Note to self: send more home-baked goodies!

For those of you who have helped a son or daughter move into a dorm, please share your helpful hints with other college-bound moms so we can all benefit from the collective wisdom of your “off-to-college” experiences.

Blessings,
Valerie

Hi my friends,

I hope this finds each of you happy & healthy and that you are taking the time to enjoy your summer with friends and family. I am very excited to share with each of you the inspiration behind the launch of our newest collection here at JAI John Hardy which will debut onAugust 21st at 11AM ETwith my sweet friend Antonella and then back again at 11PM ET with my partner in crime Lisa Robertson.

The Bodhi Collection is inspired by the story of the sacred Fig tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where according to Buddhist, the Buddha attained enlightenment.  Commonly known as the ‘Bodhi’ tree or ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, it is considered a place where one can seek refuge in life.  The Bodhi is recognizable by its heart shaped leaves and are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist Monastery. 

Bodhi Tree with roots wrapped around Buddah Head in Ayutthaya, Thailand

While on two of my most recent inspiration trips in Northern Thailand I experienced not only the customs of the Bodhi tree, but also learned the significance trees play throughout the Thai culture.  The more I traveled and explored the villages of Thailand, the more I became intrigued with not only the beauty of these centuries old trees, but the stories their branches told.  Can you imagine if their branches could talk, the stories they could share?  Through these stories, I realized how symbolic these beautiful trees are to the journey of life that each of us is on.

Exploring Wat Umong Tunnel Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Like us, the strength and individual beauty of each tree is a reflection of the life it has lived.  A tree shows us, that from a tiny bare seed of potential, how the self can come into existence.  Comparable to the tree, we are upright in the trunk, long armed with our branches, have slender fingers representing our leaves, and toe the earth with our roots, all coming together to create balance and harmony that reflect the season of life that we are in.  

The JAI craftsmen, worked side by side for months to interpret the beauty of these sacred Bodhi trees.  The roots symbolize our core beliefs which create the strength of the tree’s trunk.  The branches of the tree reflect the lives we have lived, while the beautiful leaves symbolize the seasons of our life.  Each design becomes your personal story, reflecting the life you have lived, and sharing the stories of your journey.

New Bodhi pendant in sterling silver and 18K gold shot in Sukothai, Thailand

The trunk & twisted branches are created in sterling silver while the leaves are accented with 14k gold.  Our best-selling Sukhothai twisted cable is thoughtfully incorporated into the new Bodhi designs, allowing for great styling with your favorite JAI pieces. 

New Bodhi Kick Cuff

Please join me August 21st as I introduce this special collection along with many more amazing new designs in our exotic CROCO Collection and our timeless Sukhothai Collection.  Rich two-tone designs with gorgeous gemstones take center stage in two hours of beautiful jewelry as I bring the world of JAI John Hardy to life.  Join me on our JAI Jewelry FB page& JAI Instagram page for an insider’s look.

New Sukothai gemstone cuffs photographed in Sukothai, Thailand

Safe travels,

Scott

Hello, foodies…

I just can’t get over how BEAUTIFUL this summer has been. I think mother nature knew she had to clean up father winter’s mess and boy, did she do it. In a normal August, I’d be sitting at my kitchen table thanking the heavens I had air conditioning. Right now, it’s 73°F here in the West Chester area and every window in my house is letting in a calm, cool breeze. I hope you’re experiencing the same kind of weather in your area. And, if so, I hope it lasts and you can spend the weekend outside.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the summer than with a frozen treat...like popsicles. Have you ever tried making your own? This Sunday on In the Kitchen with David I'll show you how to make my Pineapple-Mango Popsicles. If you happen to have popsicle molds, great. If not, you don’t need them…disposable cups work like a charm.

Pineapple-Mango Popsicles
Yields 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (1-2/3 cup) fresh or frozen mango chunks
• 8 oz (1 cup) fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup water

Preparation:

1. Place the ingredients into a blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups. (If using paper cups, insert wooden popsicle sticks into each cup when the mixture is partially frozen so the sticks will stand up straight.) Freeze for at least 8 hours, or until firm.

This recipe is prepared with Vitamix 7500 64-oz 13-in-1 Under Cabinet Blender (K41310).

Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

So how are your summer gardens looking? Lots of my colleagues here at the Q have been coming in with bags full of giant tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and herbs to share. If you, too, are swimming in fresh veggies, share the love. Then, you all can make this month’s special mac and cheese recipe: Garden Vegetable Mac and Cheese.

Garden Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb dry penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 5 Tbsp butter, divided
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil
• 1–1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup medium diced onions
• 1/2 cup medium diced carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup roasted peppers
• 2–1/2 Tbsp flour
• 1–1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup grated dill Havarti cheese
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 1/4" thick (about 10–12 slices)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Melt 3 Tbsp butter over medium heat in a large, oven-safe skillet. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley, basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Then, add the melted butter and stir until combined. Set aside.
3. Melt 2 Tbsp of butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Add the garlic, onions, and carrots and saute until the onions are translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the broccoli and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the zucchini, corn, and peppers and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add flour and sauté for another minute. Add the milk and heat until nearly simmering and the mixture has thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add both cheeses, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and then remove the pan from the heat. Add the pasta and stir until it's evenly coated with sauce and vegetables. Top the surface of the mac and cheese with the tomato slices. Finish the dish by sprinkling the bread crumb mixture over the tomatoes.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked through and the crumbs are golden.

This is also a fabulous way to get kids to eat their veggies, parents. Because you’re cooking them twice (sauteing and baking), the flavors are less intense. If your kids are visual picky eaters, skip the tomatoes on top and try blending the veggies into a puree so they’re virtually undetectable.

Foodies, your blog question today speaks to these last few precious days of summer…back-to-school season seems to be minutes away. What’s been your favorite moment so far this summer? Did you escape to the beach for few days? Did you have a family reunion? Did you roast marshmallows by a campfire? I was lucky enough to spend a few days at the shore and I hope to get there at least one more time before the weather turns colder. If you haven’t had your special summer moment yet, you’ve got a whole weekend ahead of you…make it happen! I’ll see you on Sunday at Noon ET for a special 4-hour edition of In the Kitchen with David.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

One of MY favorite things to make with my Vitamix is something I make nearly every morning! It's my friend Chaz Dean's OWN recipe for his "Wake Up Smoothie", which he shared with me recently. You know him from his incredibly popular WEN products, but who knew he was a cook too?!? Chaz often makes one of these for himself to get his busy day started right!

Be sure to watch this week’s Sundays with Carolyn and Dan starting at 9:00am, where we will have lots of goodies for you, including a Vitamix TSV!

See you Sunday!

XO Carolyn 

CHAZ DEAN'S WAKEUP SMOOTHIE

Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients:

6 ice cubes

One very ripe banana

One cup almond milk (unsweetened)

One Tbsp almond butter

One tsp GROUND flaxseed (important to use flaxseed that is already ground)

One tsp hemp seed

Directions: 

Place all ingredients into your Vitamix. Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy!

*If making for more than one person at a time, multiply the above ingredients accordingly.

I went to see my friend Maria McCool (Creator of Calista Tools) yesterday to get a “new ‘do”!! We took some pics to share with you while I was there. I've also discovered the perfect product for short, layered hair! It's the Calista Tools Embellish Texturing Definer. I am LOVING it!!

So what do you think?? Hubby, my sisters, and mom and dad are loving it! Me too! Thank you Maria!! XO :) 

Linda Davies stopped by as my appointment started!

Getting more highlights!

The cutting commences!

You should see how much of my hair is on the floor!

Ta-da!!! New ‘do!

Maria is an artist!!

I am feeling younger already!!

The “before” and “after” shots! Thank you, Maria McCool, I LOVE it!!

I took one last selfie in my car in the salon parking lot and sent it to my hubby. He texted back " Oh my gosh! SOOOOO Cute!"  Now, after 26 years of marriage, THAT made me SMILE! Like when we had our first date! :)

When I travel to Italy, it feels like coming home…..not because I am not proud to be an American – I AM!  1/2 of my family is still in Italy and the other 1/2 is here in the United States.  A lot of the time I feel torn between the two - because I love both families and both countries.  This summer was so special to me because my kids were going to experience the home my mother grew up in;  the home my sisters were born in and the authentic Italian food, language and love that has surrounded me my whole life.  We were just a few miles from Marano Marchesato!!!

It is also such a place of heritage, family memories and stories….stories that I have heard since I was a baby about my mother and her sister, Maria growing up in Nonna’s house. 

One of the most special stories my mother told me and my sisters over and over is of a regular day in their little house in Marano Marchesato. 

The winding cobblestone streets and little alleys with freshly washed clothes fluttering on the line and the wafting scent of the day's fresh pasta sauce simmering in the kitchen would be as vivid for me as my mom told it as if I was actually there! 

She told us that our ma and aunt were upstairs playing while she was downstairs sweeping the steps (for any of you Italians out there – you will understand just how important that job was!!!! )  A beggar was coming down the street and my Nonna yelled up to her daughters to get the money that was on her dresser for the unfortunate man.  Kids being kids, my mom and aunt grabbed the money and threw it over the balcony to the waiting man below.  As he stooped to retrieve the coins, my Nonna said “Don’t you dare pick up that money”  and called her girls to the street.  She told them to pick up every single coin and to hand it to the man with respect.  After the man walked away, she said, “You must always give with grace and respect because you can never understand how hard it was to ask for help.  It is a honor and a blessing that we are able to help someone.” 

I have always remembered that lesson – and my mom, aunt and all my sisters did too.  And here we were, in Italy – standing on that EXACT SAME BALCONY!!!  Looking down on those COBBLESTONES where the lesson was taught all those years ago.  Life really is a circle and now I stood there with my daughter and sons and told them the story again.....and now I have told it to you..........I hope it made you smile.  

Xoxo  A

Over the weekend Lauren & Chelsea participated in the Mudderella Race.  It was a 5 mile course with 12 obstacles.  All the proceeds from the race benefit "Futures without Violence".  Lauren & Chelsea asked me to do the race with them but I figured it was best if I watch this one and consider doing another race in the future. (After seeing what they had to do I think I made the right choice).

Here are some pictures from the event:

Team work!! And a helping hand from a stranger is the only way to get out of the mud!!  Words to live by...

Woo Hoo!!  Great job Ladies!!

Everyone that participated was a winner.  We walked as much of the course as we could and I was worn out from watching.  I can only imagine how they must feel.

It was wonderful to see Lauren & Chelsea working together, pushing each other, helping each other and helping other participants along the way.  I am so proud of them. 

Life lessons... Never give up

Ask for help if you need it and help someone in return

Strong is beautiful!!!