I have always loved Christmas!  The lights, the music, the decorations, THE TREES!!!!  My Mom would make a big deal about us decorating our tree as a family, but we usually got bored and ran off to play!  Well nothing could’ve prepared me for the love of trees that we all have within in the Quacker Factory family!!  Jeanne had about 10 trees in her home at Christmas time, and she even had a tree that she left up all year long—the decorations would change depending on the month.  How festive!!

This love of trees also shows in our holiday designs.  Every year our amazing design team creates NEW tree tops & sweaters for you to fall in love with.

With all of that being said, Jeanne also gave our team different Mark Roberts fairies for Christmas gifts.  She loved them & had them all over her home.  When Jeanne passed, her lovely fairies were given to her team to enjoy & to remember her by.  Leslie from our design team, shared with us a fun way to find the fairy hidden in our Christmas trees—can you spot them hidden in our trees??

And another fairy to join in the holiday fun-- 

Next we have a gorgeous tree from Susan—her theme, Roosters!!  If you remember Jeanne talking about her kitchen, she had roosters everywhere.  It is good luck to have a rooster in your kitchen.  So Susan took that theme & created this gorgeous tree!  Can you find the fairy?

Here is my snowman tree—I have been thinking about creating this tree for a while now, and this year I finally did it!!  I have also hidden an adorable snow ball fairy in my tree…. Can you see where he is hiding??

And my main tree is my beloved fairy tree.  All of the fairies Jeanne & Susan have given me over the years are lovingly placed on this tree.  It just makes me smile when I look at it; I hope it makes you smile too.

As I mentioned earlier, Jeanne had many trees decorated for the holidays & I wanted to share one with you.  It is so bright & fun!!!  This is her girlfriend tree.  There are photos of all of her girlfriends on this tree—I think this is just so thoughtful, but then—that was Jeanne!  She and our entire team have always thought of you, our Quackers, as our girlfriends.  And during this holiday season, and always—we are so happy to have “met” you—whether in person, online or on the phone during a show at QVC.  Thank you for being our “girlfriends”!!! 

I hope that our trees inspire you to decorate your tree with something inspirational this Christmas season!  Happy Holidays!

Quack, Quack

Angel & the Entire Quacker Factory Team

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 Quacker Factory - http://bit.ly/PH_EmailLists

To follow Angel on Facebook, click here:  http://bit.ly/A_Facebook

To follow Patrick on Facebook, click here:  http://bit.ly/P_Facebook

To follow Quacker Factory on Facebook, click here:  http://bit.ly/QF_Facebook

Follow Angel on toGather, click here:  http://qvc.co/toGatherAngel

Hello Girlfriends!

I am in awe of our Today’s Special Value®! It is full of timeless essentials that go from every day to black tie!

Our Black-Tie Affair holiday assortment contains all of the necessary "little black dress" pieces of beauty - all you need to give or get!

This holiday collection truly creates alluring elegance for any occasion! Black-Tie Affair features a new Baked blush in a shimmering, berry pink and our most loved low-glow Baked highlighter in sheer beige to add radiance to all your favorite features. A new Baked eyeshadow duo creates the ideal dramatic duo. A sweep of GlamLASH Mascara defines eyes for added impact. Color Enriched Lipstick in a deep pink hue creates a bold pout. Get a complete, party-ready look for face, cheeks, eyes, and lips. All packaged with a beautiful, chic black sequined clutch to add that extra bit of sparkle for your holiday soiree!

Be sure to check out my ToGather story for even more holiday inspiration!

Thank you to everyone who is tuning in throughout the day. I am so happy you can join me!

Happy Holidays!

xoxo, Laura

Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the NeatDesk Desktop Organization Scanner.  Don't see an answer to your question? Post your question to this blog, below, and check back throughout the day on Monday, December 8, to have your question answered by our NeatDesk team of experts! 

My family and I have had an amazingly blessed year and you may not know it, but many of those blessings were bestowed upon us by you.  Thank you for not only joining me on our journey together with JAI Jewelry, but for embracing me and trusting me to bring you beautiful works of wearable art.   Your love of JAI Jewelry, has allowed many of my dreams to come true.

 I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list -Scott

It gives me great pride to know that you have enjoyed exploring SE Asia with me and that some of my inspirations have made their way home to you.  Together we have explored the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, we’ve launched our first figurative (and most coveted) Croco Collection and most recently you’ve fallen in love with the Bodh Collection and all that it represents.

 The Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand

Visiting an elephant sanctuary outside of Chaing Mai

Please know I’ve heard your desire for new JAI designs and I’m very excited to announce, Tuesday, December 9^th from 1-3AM ET will feature new additions to your favorite collections.

 Stackable Sterling Silver Croco beaded bracelets in choice of colors

 Figurative Croco gemstone Earrrings choice of gemstones

This 2 hour show of new, most wished for, and special priced designs will have you checking everyone off your list, starting with yourself.  Please join me for one last trip before the New Year and let’s enjoy the inspirations behind our wonderful JAI designs.

Sterling Silver & Solid 14k Trellis Statement Cuff

Please join me on our JAI Jewelry Facebook page so we can keep in better touch through the holiday season.

Safe Travels /\ Scott

There is no better feeling than when my friends like a GILI piece, and there's been a lot of "Host Buzz" about this leather jacket TSV!

Shawn Killinger

I am SO ordering this jkt, have been dreaming about it ever since Lisa told me about it. But am struggling with whether I want blue or brown. Grrrrr, it is just so ridiculously cppl, this jacket, the collar, the assym zipper, the EVERYTHING!!. So getting. Which color do you think?

Albany Irvin

I love the Sleek, Sexy, Sophisticated vibe of this jacket!  Perfectly tailored all zipped up and nipped at the waist; and the ultra cool--kinda Rocker Chic with a longer tunic peeking out the bottom.  Now, I just have to decide on a color... or two!

Amy Stran

I’m so impressed with the quality and fit of our new GILI jacket! I’ve shopped around for others and for something similar I know we would typically have to spend much more. Plus, you feel fabulous in it, and that is priceless!

Antonella Nester

My girl Lisa hit it out of the park with this stunning jacket. I especially love the unexpected blush color in a moto jacket!

Gabrielle Kerr

I love the dramatic collar on this jacket.  It looks so 'high fashion' like something out of a magazine!

Jennifer Coffey

Love love this look from GILI! It's edgy but mature, fun but still functional, and shows off curves while still giving coverage. I just can't decide on a color! Help!

Pat James-Dementri& Jayne Brown

Jayne and I are having a hard time gift shopping with this gorgeous leather GILI jacket... The leather is scrumptious and the style is so fashionable and flattering too... Maybe we'll remember to buy one as presents and get one for me too!

Sandra Bennett

Glamorous, sophisticated, ultra figure flattering, cool, and a bit edgy… That’s how I would describe this jacket. In fact, I almost didn’t recognize myself when I put it on! Haha! This is instant chic with a zipper!!

Stacey Stauffer

I love this GILI jacket because I think it has the right amount of edge to it while feeling slightly sophisticated. I would wear this over a plain sheath dress with opaque tights and high heeled boots for desk to dinner as much as I would with dark denim ankle boots and a t-shirt for a rock concert. 

Rachel Boesing

Uber-soft leather, curvaceous fit, zippers, beautifully detailed and a color for every skin tone! It’s a timeless beauty :)

Kerstin Lindquist

This leather is so soft and you can wear it so many ways. It can look chic, moto, vintage…all depending on your outfit and mood.

Courtney Cason

This is automatic Cool Girl factor! I love how this gives you immediate style status :)

Don't they look great?! I love how everyone styles it their own way and makes it their own :)

- oops! number of voters selected "none of the above" in our community poll last week 

- tell us what we missed! 

Hi, everyone!

I know it’s Thursday—not my typical day to blog. But, when you’ve got something adorable to share, you just can’t wait! Last year—right after the holidays—I saw an idea for reindeer ornaments on Pinterest. I was so bummed I didn’t find it before the holidays, but Christmas comes every year...and it's Christmastime again. Time for my ornaments!

Do you see the colorful ornaments on and under the tree? We just dipped our cookies in some colorful chocolate and added some decorations. I think they look great. Here’s the complete recipe for you...this is also on the You're Home with Jill recipe page.

Ingredients:

Colorful Ornaments:

• Assorted pearls/balls/snowflakes
• Large package of Nutter Butter cookies
• Ball of red/white baker's twine
• Food spray paint (Duff brand) or 8 oz each colored dipping chocolate discs
• 1 egg + 2 Tbsp water, for egg wash

Reindeer Ornaments:

• Large package of Nutter Butter cookies
• Ball of red/white baker's twine
• 8 oz dark chocolate, for melting
• Small chocolate curls
• White candy "eyes"
• Red candy balls
• Pretzels

Equipment:

• Metal screen-type cooling rack
• Small clean paint brush

Preparation:

1. To make the colorful ornaments, divide the assorted pearls, balls, and snowflakes in separate bowls.
2. Place the twine around the perimeter of the cookies and leave 6–8" excess for a hanging loop. Tie the twine in a knot and then tie the excess twine in another knot to create the hanging loop.
3. Lay the cookies on top of the cooling rack and spray with the colored food spray paint. Allow the cookies to dry for 15 minutes. OR, melt the colored chocolate discs in glass or ceramic bowls in the microwave 50 seconds at a time until melted. Hold the strung cookies by the hanging loop and dip each cookie in the melted chocolate. (Be careful not to get the chocolate on the loop.) Gently lay each cookie down on the screen cooling rack. Let them cool for 1 hour.
4. Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the front of the chocolate-dipped cookie with a paintbrush and then "glue" on the pearls, balls, ornaments, or other decorations. Brush each cookie again with egg wash to seal the decorations onto the cookie. Let them dry for an additional hour. Ready to hang!

1. To make reindeer ornaments, divide the curls, eyes, and red balls in separate bowls.
2. Tie the twine around each cookie, as directed above.
3. Melt the dark chocolate in glass or ceramic bowl in the microwave 50 seconds at a time until melted. Dip the strung cookies into the melted chocolate. Place two pretzels on the back of the cookie for "antlers."
4. Gently lay the cookie down on screen cooling rack. Place 2 eyes near the cookie-top, the red nose near the bottom, and chocolate curls in the middle. Let cool for 1–2 hours before hanging.

If you plan to keep these cookies as decoration, follow the instructions above to the “t.” If you think the kids may eat a “decoration” or two, or you would prefer to make these edible ornaments, you’ll want to dip the cookies in chocolate and stick your decorations on while the cookies are still wet.

Flashback Friday blog coming tomorrow…have a great night!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

P.S. It's National Cookie Day! I hearted some of my favorite cooking-baking items on QVC's toGather(R). Check out my collection!

to come

to come

Hello, foodies…

Hot drinks and warm bowls of soup are like hugs for the soul. They’re just so comforting. And, there’s no better time to enjoy them than now…when the weather’s brisk and the holidays are near. Here are 15 of our favorite recipes. Go put on your favorite version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and get cooking.

Butter Grog

Chocolate Mint Hot Chocolate

Classic Holiday Eggnog

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Warm Mulled Cranberry Punch

Winter Wassail

Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

Chicken & Dumpling Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Creamy Cheddar Cheese Soup with Crispy Bacon and Chives

French Onion Soup

Easy, Elegant Lobster Bisque

Seafood Stew

Lamb Stew

Grammie’s Noodle Soup

This is just a taste of the soup recipes on QVC.com...go check out the full list. You can find all of these recipes in a collection on Pinterest. Pin it and then your friends and followers can have warm “hugs!”

Keep it flavorful!
—David

The QVC Social Team Fa La La La... fell in love with the QVC Addicts decorated Christmas trees! Here are some of our favorites:

Karen Greskoviak

Dorothy Dunne-Farrell - "My tree of memories"

Myra Reed

Susan Moyer Santiago

Lorene Coffey - "Country Christmas"

Missy Dumaw Condello - "Merry Christmas"

Debbie Byrd Williams - "The most Wonderful Time of the Year!!"

Deborah Bright

Patti Getty Boyce - "My 7yr old granddaughter did most of this tree."

Nat Rice - "Our Woodland Winter Tree...QVC helped with decorations."

Barbara Estelle - "Happy Holidays!"

Doris L. Eller Hamm - "Family room tree with stockings for our dogs hanging on fireplace."

Kim Swindell Richerson - "Merry Christmas!"

Debbie Cornelius-Cartner

Debbie Dambeck

Thank you to all of the QVC Addict ladies you shared their Christmas trees with us! We loved all of them so much that you might just see more soon!

Comment below and let us know who you thought did a fabulous job decorating their tree this year!

…and hosted by our good friend Mary Beth Roethis Friday!!!

Almost 25 years ago, Joan made her debut on QVC. The host for her very first show, the show that launched Joan as superstar on QVC, was Mary Beth Roe.  From that first day, Joan held a special place in her heart for Mary Beth.  Both smart, working Moms… I think this gave them a special bond. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful memories of Joan with Mary Beth.

I always enjoyed time spent in the greenroom with the two of them. Joan with her outrageous sense of humor and salty tongue; Mary Beth “shocked” and secretly loving every word! 

Mary Beth is also an expert in the world of fashion jewelry, having worked so closely with the legendary Kenneth Jay Lane and the late Nolan Miller. For this very special all jewelry show we’ve put together a stunning collection of classics and must-haves that are perfect for right now… and forever.

Mary Beth and I have a have a packed hour and some highlights include:

A favorite bee pin design from earlier this year that is finally back!

J318917- Grape Cluster Bee Pin

The Pave' Dove of Peace Pin. What a wonderful inspiring symbol of hope.

J271451- Pave' Dove of Peace Pin

TheSet of 5 Simulated Pearl Button Earrings. Classic, tasteful and a must-have for every well dressed woman. And, attention clip earring lovers - both pierced and clipped are available in both silver and gold! And individually gift boxed!!

J293164- Set of 5 Simulated Pearl Button Earrings

These sleek pavé earrings  were a special copy we made of a favorite earring that Lisa Robertson bought in Italy. I wonderful tribute on Lisa’s last day here at QVC!

J284816- Italian Inspired Drop Earrings with Pavé

This Magnificent Crystal Statement Brooch is a classic, Joan Rivers statement pin.

J317406 - Magnificent Crystal Statement Brooch

At 5pm I have another show with Jacque Gonzales. Fabulous fashions, a brand new sequined scarf just in time for your holiday parties and….. more amazing jewelry. I just adore Jacque and we always have the best time on air.  Join us!

A final thought: I couldn’t sign off from this blog without a special goodbye to the fabulous Lisa Robertson. I wish you the very best in everything you do. It was a pleasure working with you all these years! As Joan would always say: Love ya, mean it!!

December Show Dates:

Friday, December 12

9-10am    Joan Rivers Classics Collection ALL JEWELRY HOUR!!

5-6pm    Joan Rivers Classics Collection
10pm-Midnight   A Lisa Robertson Christmas—Lisa’s Posh Presents

Saturday, December 13
7-9am    AM Style with Leah Williams

Follow Joan’s FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/joanrivers

Or INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/joanrivers

Follow David on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/daviddangleqvc

Or on INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/daviddangle

Or on TOGATHER at http://qvc.co/DDprofile

www.joanrivers.com

I absolutely love this Christmas song. The Doris Day Christmas album was one of my favorites growing up, and still is! Now that I am a Grandma of three, I think I’m feeling a little more nostalgic this season. In my quest to come up with the perfect presents for the little ones, I have been thinking back on the most memorable gifts from my childhood.  My mom raised her four children alone. While we didn’t expect many material things throughout the year, somehow she always pulled off the most amazing surprises on Christmas Eve.  She lovingly refers to her late brother Johnny as “Santa”, because he helped her make this happen financially. In addition to the beautiful clothes my mom would sew for us, she created some magical memories under the tree. First there was my Dancerina doll, which was extremely hard to come by, but my Aunt Jenny went all over the Twin Cities to help my mom make this moment happen! I still remember the regret I felt the year I peeked into the closet where my mom hid the gifts before they were wrapped. In an instant, I ruined my Christmas Eve surprise….when I saw her…. just what I had prayed for…… Jane West! 

!  I did my best to hide my guilt as I opened up my box with Jane, her horse and lots of accessories (yes, accessories have always been very important to me)! Johnny West joined Jane on my birthday. And I will never forget my Suzy Homemaker oven, which lead to many other SH appliances.  These pieces also delighted many of my cousins when I outgrew my turquoise kitchen. My passion for music began with my first guitar, followed by a Magnus organ, and later a flute. Thank you mom and Santa! Speaking of music, another song I love from that same Christmas album just came to mind….Toyland .  Merry Christmas!  Love, Carolyn

Let’s be children again for a moment….. Please share your wide-eyed, joyful memories here!

It’s that time of year!  Baking season is in full swing and to help with all of your baking needs we’ve partnered with QVC to bring you a very special offer, the KitchenAid 5 qt. 325W Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl!  This TSV is not only celebrating KitchenAid’s 95th Anniversary, but it’s our Deluxe Stand Mixer Edition, available in 14 beautiful premium high polished finishes and includes a glass bowl and a bonus flex edge beater!

With this versatile and legendary appliance, you’ll find that baking is just the beginning.  With 10 speeds and a power hub that works with all of our attachments, our Stand Mixer can make everything from ice cream to pasta, sausage to salsa and so much more.  As we mentioned in our blog post last week the stand mixer is assembled at our manufacturing facility in Greenville, Ohio, home of KitchenAid since 1919.  If you missed our post, check it out here to learn more about KitchenAid’s history!  

Don’t forget to celebrate KitchenAid’s 95^th Anniversary with QVC.  They are featuring Free S&H on select KitchenAid items that ends tonight!   They also have a special promotion of All KitchenAid Stand Mixers and Food Processors on EZ pay!

What better way to get started with your new stand mixer than some wonderful recipes!  We’re including some of our KitchenAid team members’ favorite recipes for holiday baking.  You can also check out our recipe page for some additional ideas for the holiday season!  So tell us, how will you be using your stand mixer this holiday season?

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup dark corn syrup

3 squares (1-ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted

2 cups pecan halves

1 unbaked 10-inch pastry shell

Directions:

1. Beat eggs, sugar and corn syrup with electric mixer on medium-high speed 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl.
2. Turn mixer to medium speed and gradually add in chocolate; beat 1 minute, until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour mixture into pastry shell. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes or until slightly soft in center.

Makes 1 pie

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3⁄4 cup brown sugar

2-1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Place butter, vanilla, and brown sugar in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and flat beater to mixer. Turn to Speed 6 and beat 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl.
2. Turn to Speed 2 and add flour then beat 30 seconds. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Stir Speed and quickly add pecans, mixing just until blended.
3. Shape dough into a log 1-1⁄2 inches in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper and chill 20 minutes. Slice dough into 1⁄2-inch thick cookies.
4. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 325°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 2 Dozen Cookies

Tip: Soft cookies should be stored between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container. A piece of apple or bread, changed frequently, will help keep cookies soft. Store crisp cookies in an airtight container with a loose-fitting lid. If they soften, place them in an oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!

The KitchenAid Team

I can't believe it's December!   This year has flown by! 

We had Theresa's 8th Birthday this week - so she's excited to be able to try some 8+ Toys finally!  We'll be looking for some of those this weekend! 

But she has a few great Toy gift ideas for you for boys and girls!!! 

Here we go!

Snuggle Pads All-In-One Pillow Tray by Lori Grenier(Choice of Monkey, Cat, Dog, Lion, or Panda) 

(Theresa had the Monkey and loves it!)

Theresa:  Mommy, I think all kids would like this fuzzy tray!  It's soft and cuddly.  I like that it opens up so I can have a snack after school on it! 

Me:  Those a great reasons!  But do you remember the other way you've used your monkey tray? 

Theresa:  I fell asleep on it in the car. That was fun! 

Set of 2 Sky Dancers with Launcher & Star Registry - Ages 4+

Theresa:  These are so fun to play with!  They go up really high! 

Me:  And they don't need batteries - I love that!  Did you know what it means to "Register a Star"? 

Theresa:  No, what is that? 

Me:  We can officially name a star up in the sky your name!  It will FOREVER keep your name!  It will be your star!

Theresa: WOW!!!  I love it!!!  Can we go do that now? 

Me:  Yes, sweetie!  So you think this would be a good gift?   

Theresa: Yes!  They're fun to make them go in the air - but I can't wait to name my star!!! 

Disney's Frozen Peel & Stick Wall Decals

Theresa:  All of my friends LOVE Frozen!  They would love these wall stickers in their rooms! 

Me:  The parents will be glad to know they they don't ruin the walls or paint - so you can take them down and move them around! 

Theresa:  I think I'd like the caste on my door!   

Me:  Great idea!  Then we'd be entering Princess Theresa's Castle! 

Theresa:  Hahahaha! 

Carver 3 Wheeled Self Propelled Scooter by yVolution - Ages 9+

Theresa:  Mommy, I know I'm not old enough to ride this until I turn 9, but can I pick it as a toy for an older kid? 

Me:  Of course sweetie!  I got to ride on this before and it's a lot of fun - and good exercise! 

Theresa:  I saw you wiggling your legs to make it go! 

Me:  Yep!  And mommy was sore the next day!  This would be a great toy to get kids outside exercising! 

Theresa:  Yes!  I hope I can ride one next year when I turn 9! 

Me:  Only if you wear a helmet! 

Theresa:  Ok, fine!

Have a great weekend!  If you need some expert kid toy advice - write your question below to ask Theresa and we'll do our best to help you out in her next THERESA'S TOY SHOP!

 BTW - stop by and look at all of her toy picks here -> http://qvc.co/Theresas_ToyShop 

And you can always find me on Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc

Best wishes and blessings, 

Jacque & Theresa

Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the KitchenAid 5 qt. 325W Tilt Head Stand Mixer w/ Glass Bowl.  Don't see an answer to your question? Post your question to this blog, below, and check back throughout the day on Sunday, December 7, 2014 to have your question answered by our KitchenAid team of experts!

Q: Are there any other bowls that will fit the Deluxe Anniversary Edition Stand Mixer?

A: Yes, the following KitchenAid bowls are available for separate purchase and will fit the Deluxe Edition Stand Mixer:

-          5-qt Polished Stainless Steel Bowl with Handle – KA Model #K5THSBP

-          5-qt Hammered Glass Bowl with Handle – KA Model #K5GBF

-          5-qt Frosted Glass Bowl with Handle – KA Model #K5GBH

-          3-qt Polished Stainless Steel Bowl – KA Model #KB3SS

Check the KitchenAid Brand Shop on QVC.com for availability.

Q: What attachments can I use on the Deluxe Anniversary Edition Mixer?

A: All KitchenAid Stand Mixer attachments are universal and will fit any KitchenAid Stand Mixer. All KitchenAid Stand Mixers feature a Multipurpose Attachment Hub that powers the attachments. By using the various attachments, you are now able to expand the capabilities of your stand mixer. Simply remove or flip up the Hub cover, insert an attachment, and convert the stand mixer into a meat and cheese grinder; a fruit and vegetable slicer, shredder, strainer, or juicer; a pasta sheet roller, cutter or shaper; a grain mill, a sausage stuffer, and many more culinary options. You can even enjoy delicious homemade ice cream and sorbets with the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment. Although it is not powered through the Hub, it comes with an adapter that enables it to be used on all KitchenAid stand mixers. All attachments come with a use and care guide. Check the QVC.com KitchenAid Brand Shop for availability.

Q: What is the Flex Edge Beater and what does it do?

A: The Flex Edge Beater is a coated metal beater with a flexible edge. It provides more thorough and faster ingredient incorporation. It also makes an excellent tool to wipe the bowl clean when pouring finished batters, and is dishwasher-safe.

Q: How will I know when to use the Flex Edge Beater versus the Flat Beater with my recipe?

A: The easiest way to decide which beater to use is to read through the recipe and if the directions read "stop and scrape the mixing bowl" that recipe is a candidate for the Flex Edge Beater. The flex edge does the best job on foods that tend to stick and/or collect to the sides of the mixing bowl, like cream cheese, butter, nut butters, and honey. Use the flex edge for end products that would be described as "creamy" and "silky".

The Flat Beater works well for foods that have texture. Mashed potatoes that are smooth but not gummy, quiche, vegetable casseroles, and many quick breads are all good choices for the Flat Beater. Use the Flat Beater when cutting a solid fat-like lard, shortening or butter into flour. The fat encapsulated by the flour needs to retain its structure to produce the flaky texture so desired in items like pie crusts, biscuits, scones, and shortbread.

Q: Are the beaters dishwasher-safe?

A: The nylon-coated Flat Beater and dough hook are dishwasher safe. Handwashing is recommended for the 6-Wire Whip.

Q: Is the glass bowl microwave-safe?

A: Yes, the glass bowl is microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.

Information provided by KitchenAid

Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies

• Package Nutter Butter Cookies
• Vanilla Bar or white chocolate chips
• M&Ms
• Orange Tic Tacs
• Black Decorator Icing

Melt vanilla bar and spread over Nutter Butter cookie

Place 2 M&Ms as buttons

Place orange tic tac as nose

Dot the eyes and mouth with black decorator icing

Let cool to set — eat and enjoy!

With Hanukah coming up in about two weeks, I wanted to share with you what I did last year to celebrate. Justin and I were fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday with friends in Sydney, Australia! We went to a party where my friends’ son brought his own menorah. While traveling during Chanukah, he always remembers to bring his menorah. How beautiful it was to light the candles surrounded by dear friends. 

It’s important to continue traditions while traveling across the globe, especially during the holiday season. We all have such hectic schedules that we need to remember the importance of taking a breath and appreciate where you are and who you’re with.

This year Justin and I are looking forward to lighting the candles with our granddaughter Aya and continue this beautiful tradition of lighting the menorah. Afterwards, we celebrate by spinning the dreidel and eating my homemade latkes.

I wanted to write about all the people that have become part of The Lisa Robertson Show "project" for lack of a better term. But I warn you now, it's going to be long!

It started out with The Lisa Robertson Show, then the G.I.L.I.(TM) line, then A Lisa Robertson Christmas, everything coordinating with Facebook, then adding The Lisa Robertson 360 page. I know, it seems like a lot of me. But ironically, it's really about an amazing team. I have to begin with Jen Volansky. She is the managing producer for PM Style and all things Lisa Robertson. It's a big job! Jen and I had worked together for a number of years when I did the Vicenza remotes. It was in those shows that I grew to admire her. She is a smart, strong, amazing woman. I never have to worry when she is in charge. Things will get done, they will be right and nothing will fall apart. She does her job so well, I can relax and focus on mine. I was thrilled when she agreed to lead our team. She has become a good friend, and I could not have done it without her.

One of the other very important people, is Angelo. He is the stylist for G.I.L.I.(TM), PM Style, The Lisa Robertson Show, and anything else I can get him for! He is passionate about his work, doesn't mind working long hours, is extremely talented, very loyal, has a weakness for studded, high end smoking slippers, and always makes it a lot of fun. 

Nancy, keeps my schedule and generally bosses me around, which would be an enviable position if it weren't so much work. She will make you smile no matter how bad your day is. She brightens my day.

Katie, who handles and coordinates all the things going on in the social world, which has become really complicated! We spend so much time together people are going to start talking. (Just kidding). I am going to miss hanging out with her.
I have been very lucky with the people I've worked with on the social team, Claire, Megan and Erin. They have all been amazing.

And the list just keeps going. Amy who helps decide what blog we're going to do each week. Denise and Priscilla who are the team that do the 360 page. (Don't get in a texting match with Denise, she will win every time and you will be on the floor laughing!)

Irene who has a laugh that just makes you laugh harder, and she coordinates all the G.I.L.I.(TM) product placement.

And of course, my dear friend Eva. She has done my hair and make up for many years and The only thing she is better at than making me look my best, is being a good friend.

The team that does our shows on Friday nights is an amazing team. This is a show that required a new look at everything. I believe it is the most highly produced live show that we have ever done. Sean and Brian lead the way in the control room. Yes, they are exceptional at what they do, but they also know me and can tell when I am tired or stressed. Then they joke accordingly in my ear to make me laugh.

Scott makes model movements look smoother than water ballet. Jay suits up in what looks like a coat of armor with a big elephant trunk on the front. He is the man that literally wears the camera you see through. Teresa directs on the floor. Cherie and Noelle are coordinating and moving product. The models come in and out and make the most complicated movements look easy and beautiful.

Amy Stran was such a joy to work with doing the social part of the show.

And Alberti has been more fun than "a barrel full of monkeys", LOL! I love them both.

When you see extra video, during the show it is Chanelle's team, Dan, Joe and sometimes Paul, that make it happen. It is amazing how much we can get shot in one day, and how much we can laugh in between every take.

The Christmas Decor shows would never happen without Valerie Par Hill and her team of elves, Bryan, Suzanne, Marcy and Liz. They make as much magic in a day as it would take me a month to do on my own.

And believe it or not, there are more people I should name; Jonathan, Toi, Travis, Ilana and Howard, just to name a few.

One of the joys in life is spending time with people that make your day better. I have been surrounded with them on this project, and it has truly been a joy. I will miss spending Friday nights with them and you. But we have one more week, so let's enjoy the time we have, and be grateful for the time we were given. :)

See you soon,

--Lisa

Hello, foodies…

Happy Easy Pay Days! Every single item here at QVC is on Easy Pay today, tomorrow, and Monday…and that includes our collection of Le Creuset items on QVC.com. In case you haven’t seen all we have to offer, we've compiled a small  sampling. You’ll find many of these items in my own personal kitchen and I can’t think of better foodie gifts for everyone on your list.

Le Creuset 16-piece Dinnerware Set

Le Creuset Serving Platter

Le Creuset 4-Qt Covered Rectangular Casserole

Le Creuset 8-oz Cream and Sugar Set

Le Creuset 27-oz Stoneware French Press

Le Creuset 4-1/2-Quart Bean Pot

Le Creuset 6-Piece Revolution Utensil Set

See you tomorrow for In the Kitchen with Davidat Noon ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David