Quantcast
Channel: QVC : Community : Blogs
Viewing all 3342 articles
Browse latest View live

What's the Easiest Way to Make Your Outfit Look High End?

0
0

What is the easiest way to make your outfit look "high end?” Add a little gold. Gold is an amazing metal and our love of the metal itself has sparked a love of the color. By simply making something the color of the metal, it takes on the status and wealth of the metal itself. So to discover why we love it so much in fashion, I thought we could revisit why we love gold itself.

The earliest gold jewelry dates back over 6,000 years and was found in the Bulgarian town of Varna. From our earliest records and discoveries, it’s something man has had a love affair with. Long before gold had any use as money, we valued it above mere currency. The ancient Greeks thought it was a very concentrated form of water and sunlight. The ancient Egyptians thought it was the skin of the gods, and only the Pharaohs were allowed to wear it. The Incas thought gold represented the glory of the Sun God, and called it "tears of the sun.”  For centuries, we’ve used gold to show what we believe to be most important in our societies, from the shrines in Buddhist temples to the thrones in royal palaces to entire ceilings in European cathedrals. There is no metal more royal, more divine, more beautiful, and more special than gold.

Gold is also one of the most useful metals. One ounce of gold can be drawn into a wire 5 miles long. It doesn’t tarnish or rust. It conducts electricity and can be alloyed with many other metals. It has uses far beyond being valuable and looking beautiful; there is a huge demand for its use in electronics, computers, glass, dental, medical, and aerospace.

Yet, with all those uses for and love of gold, it’s so rare that the world pours more steel in an hour than it has poured gold since the beginning of recorded history.

This human history and experience with gold is unique, and it has literally made anything that looks like it look more valuable. There has been a huge return to gold in the world of fashion. Gold in textures and sequins, gold in fabric, gold in hardware and accessories, even gold in makeup. There is almost no wrong way to wear gold. We’re going to showcase how to add a little "gilt" to your fashion this week by finishing a number of "Looks" with gold. As you’ll see, you don’t have to go big to wear gold. It could just be the color of the hardware on your handbag or your watch, but you’ll elevate your entire look.

Overnight Success

Good as Gold

Daytime Drama

Caught Red-Handed

Charmed & Ready

We’re also going to meet Gemma Kahng, our emerging designer for this week. Gemma actually hit it big a number of years ago and is really shaking things up again.

And, in addition to our “Looks,” we have a way for you to get a big look in gold with a necklace from our Oro Nuovo collection and a brand-new Bronzo Italia watch that’s in the show by a special request from you know who. (Me! I had to have it.) There will also be new designs from G.I.L.I.(TM) and Marc Bouwer plus something you’ve never seen in Beauty.

Ok, I know I keep saying that it is going to be full week (and by that I mean amazing), but I don't know what else to say because it really is!!!

I hope you can join me for the show, Friday night at 10pm ET.  Hey, maybe we should all wear something in gold. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}
—Lisa

P.S. May is Gold Month! And you could be celebrating with a brand-new, timeless piece. My friend David is our gold buyer here at QVC. If you go to his blog and tell him why you love QVC gold jewelry, you could win a necklace, bangle, earrings, or ring. Good luck!


My Rookie Year As A Mom

0
0

You know how parents always say, “You’ll never experience love like love for your child”? They’re right, totally and completely. You think it’s a comforting sentiment, told to make you feel more comfortable with your growing belly and to calm your expectant mother nerves. It may be, but it’s also the truth, and on May 8th of last year, I had my first child, Ashvin. Since then, life has not been the same.  Reflecting back on my first year as a mother is surreal, partly because my eleven month old son wears size 3T, and partly because so much has happened that it seems impossible that it could all fit in less than 365 days.

Since day one, I’ve been sucked into something my husband and I refer to as the "Baby Channel”. We just can't stop looking at him. His first smiles (at 2 months), his nonstop giggles, and his endless curiosity keep us entertained. At eight months, he learned how to clap in a music class, and he’s woken us up nightly to humor us with his skills.

It hasn’t been easy. Ashvin has had "accidents" on a fancy white silk chair at a friend's home, on my sister's bed and pretty much everywhere in our house. In January, we checked in for our first family getaway to Mexico, only to realize that I in fact  had forgotten to get him a passport and we couldn't get on the flight :( Luckily, we exchanged our tickets for Puerto Rico. Crisis averted, right? Nope. I mistakenly checked his diaper bag and spent the flight shoving airport bathroom paper hand towels in his diaper to keep it dry. Better yet, my laundry skills have been tested in a big way, given that Ashvin thinks every meal is a food fight.

photo credit: Jean Song/Shoptiques.com

I could not and would not have been able to do any of this alone. It has taken a village to raise our child this first year. Between me working and traveling and my husband doing the same, I have been unbelievably grateful for the diaper changes, baths, help and support I have gotten from my spouse, mother, father and in-laws. They have been there to fill in the gaps and keep our son laughing every day.

 At the end of the day, though, the fiascos are overwhelmingly outweighed by the immeasurable joys of motherhood. Ashvin’s birth cemented the realization that my husband, my son and myself are a family. I will never get over the feeling of my son falling asleep against my chest. I have learned to appreciate the love and guidance of my own parents as I see myself mirroring their techniques. I used to fight like crazy with my mom over her insistence on healthy food. Now, I steam and puree everything myself to make sure my son has the healthiest options.  I am continually inspired by how happy my baby seems to be at any and every point in time. I joke that I want a “refund”, because Ashvin has all of my husband’s looks and none of mine (and hey, I did all the work!), but of course, there’s nothing in the world I’d change.

Here's to looking toward another year of motherhood.  What are some of your favorite moments as a mother?

 

Painting Frosting with QVC & Isaac Mizrahi Live!

0
0

I’m back to share a sequel to last week’s collaboration with QVC & Isaac Mizrahi Live!  If you missed it, be sure to check out our post all about Craving Fashion including Cotton Candy, Ice Cream, and Cake–oh my!  You won’t want to miss the fun we had with QVC and Isaac Mizrahi Live! 

Check out my video from this shoot produced by Jeremiah Mayhew!

Paintbrush strokes and watercolors are definitely trending right now. I’ve seen these fun patterns on napkins, cakes, dresses, and even macarons!  As a matter in fact, this Isaac Mizrahi Live! Dolman Marble Print Dress has me thinking about painting quite a bit. I got a little inspired and decided to bust out a paintbrush and a palette filled with blue and green frosting to deck out my favorite treat–French Macarons!

Do you have a favorite treat that reminds you of your favorite dress or an inspiring piece of fashion?  We would love to hear all about it.  Leave us a comment below.

 

Model & Styling: Melissa Johnson of Best Friends For Frosting

Video: Jeremiah Mayhew of JeremiahMayhew.com

Photography: Chantel Elder of Eleakis & Elder Photography

Disclaimer: Best Friends For Frosting has been compensated by QVC for it’s participation

Spring Is Finally Here / More Wedding Pictures!

0
0

This is one of my favorite times of year! The weather is finally starting to warm up here in the northeast, the sun is pushing its way through the winter clouds, the birds are chirping, and the daffodils and tulips are starting to emerge out of the cool soil. I have moved my heavy winter coat to the back of the closet in hopes that I will not need it until next winter and I have snuck a few of my new favorite spring jackets to the front, anxious to wear! Here are two of my favorites: A231970 and A220258.

To me, spring represents rejuvenation and fresh new starts. And what a better way to celebrate than to do a little spring closet cleaning to revamp your wardrobe for a new season! I love pulling out all my warm-weather pieces to revisit and style them with my new items to update and renew their look. This is always so much fun for me and also helps to give me new design inspiration for the future. I'm always looking to improve!

Do you do a spring cleaning each year? Which Susan Graver pieces have you held onto from years past? Do you have any new spring Susan Graver pieces that you just can't wait to wear? I love hearing from you!

And speaking of new beginnings! There was such a great response from all of you out there on my last wedding blog that I thought I should share a few more great shots from the beautiful day. Enjoy!

In the Bridal Suite

Last minute touches!

My daughter Jaclyn and future daughter-in-law Alli

Me and some of the bridesmaids!

Here comes the bride!

I now pronounce you man and wife!

The groomsmen being directed by the photographer

My husband Richie dancing with our dear family friend, Maureen

Party time!

Cutting the cake

The Groom's Cake!

Please join me this Thursday April 25th and Sunday April 28th for two fun days full of fresh new Susan Graver spring fashions! Can't wait!

xoxo,

Susan

Want Silky Smooth Skin? Join the me Revolution!

0
0
me Smooth is our Today's Special Value® for 4/26/2013—just in time for getting beach ready! For today only, you can get the me kit, travel bag, and additional eloscartridge for $299* (retail value $445)!
me Smooth Elos
 
What exactly is the me? The me Smooth is an at-home professional hair removal device that is FDA-cleared for all skin tones (I-VI), including darker skin tones. The me Smooth uses a breakthrough, patented hair removal technology called elos.
 
All Skin Tones

What is elos? This technology is a proprietary combination of the power of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF) energies. The me Smooth uses the same patented elos technology as clinical devices used in many professional offices.
 
An advantage of the me Smooth is how easy it is to use! After selecting your elos energy level, gently place the applicator on the area you want to treat, and start gliding the applicator slowly back and forth on the treatment area without stopping in one place. The handpiece will start emitting elos pulses and you will see flashes of white light. The device is quick, easy to use, and has an intuitive application.
 
Here's a handy table on where you can use me with approximate treatment times for common body areas:
 
Treatment Times
 
In a clinical study, there was an overall average 46% hair reduction after just two treatments with the me smooth.
 
The me is a breakthrough in professional hair removal at home—fast and easy to use on all skin colors. But, hurry! This incredible offer won't last forever. Act now and let silky smooth skin be your best summer accessory!
 
*The Today's Special Value offer ends at 11:59pm ET on April 26, 2013.

AM Style Blog Chat 4/27 at 8:00 am ET!

0
0

Hi--Gabrielle here! Welcome to the AM Style blog chat!  I'm so excited to chat and shop with you during the show.

Simply reply to this blog to join the conversation.  I'll be here throughout the entire show.

PS: I'm loving the prints of this Susan Graver Blazer!

Find everything in the show here > AM Style

Barnes & Noble NOOK HD - Heads and Shoulders Above In The World of Tablets!

0
0

 

 

Uh Oh, my Gadget Geek is showing!!!  Let's talk Digital Summer Beach reads...  I just downloaded Nora Roberts Official Fan Page newest book, Whiskey Beach to my Barnes and Noble Nook. Who's your favorite author for Sunny Summer Days?  I love to read in series, so I'm also crushing on Jayne Ann Krentz right now and all her various Pseudonyms.  BTW, if you want the low down on everything Nook HD, join me and Craig Smith at midnight on QVC for a very very special offer (seriously ridiculously SPECIAL).  I'll cut through the Techno Mumbo Jumbo and share why this is heads and shoulders above in the world of Tablets!  This is a super simple interface to use and even has Parental Controls built in and offers 6 different profiles on each device!  Bottom line....it plays well with others.  I can even show you how to borrow content from the library or lend from a friend for FREE!

 

 

If you have any questions, find me on FB (www.facebook.com/albanyirvin) or leave your questions here!

-Albany

Prepare to Be Wowed

0
0
Hi everyone!
 
My name is Denis de Souza. I'm the artistic director of Color Wow and I'm so excited to introduce our Root Cover Up to you on QVC.

Color Wow
 
I'm a colorist at the Andy Lecompte Salon in Los Angeles, CA. Working in L.A. means a lot of my clients are in the entertainment business. 













Whether you’re an actress going for a big audition, a busy mom who doesn’t have a lot of time for herself, or someone who simply never wants to see a single gray hair, every woman wants her hair color to look perfect 365 days a year.
 
Ask any woman and she'll tell you the biggest complaint about color-treated hair is dealing with gray roots and regrowth. Color Wow Root Cover Up is like a colorist in a compact. It’s a revolutionary professional powder compound that covers roots instantly. 
 
This is the product I've been waiting for all of my professional life. Root Cover Up features a unique oil-based, non-waxy formula that stays in place, creates multidimensional shine, and looks completely natural. Each of the four shades contains a number of colors and pigments to ensure blending with the tones in your own hair. It’s extremely portable and easy to use, which makes it ideal for travel and last-minute, on-the-go fixes. 

Before & After
 
When I color a client's hair, we both want it to look as good as it can for as long as it can. This line was created to keep your hair color “wow” every day, whether you want to hide your grays or keep your highlights looking fresh.   
 
I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself. If you do, let me know what you think!
 
Prepare to be wowed!
 
Denis de Souza—Denis de Souza, Color Wow Artistic Director

Multi-Print Stretch Watch Sneak Peek!

0
0

Hi my darlings! I'm thrilled to be sharing a really fun sneak peek on my blog today!

J277887

Accessories are such an important part of any outfit you're wearing, and I'm so beyond proud of the direction my IML! accessories have taken recently - they are truly fabulous, and it's about TIME we had a watch as gorgeous as this one!

J277887

This watch (J277887) makes it really fun to tell time. It makes the simplest t-shirt chic and adds wit to everything else you wear it with. Also, if you're new to trying color, this is perfect little punch of color to wear with your neutrals. And like I always say, mix prints and patterns darlings, mix! One of my floral cardis and the polka dot watch? Genius. Perfection. Amaze. You NEED this watch... more than one, if I must say.

I'm bringing this watch to you on-air in May, but you can but it on QVC.com today! Enjoy!

-Isaac

The Great American Debate: Easy Melting Cheeses...Real Cheese or Not?

0
0

Hello, foodies…
 
Sunday is our last opportunity to make an ooey, gooey, cheesy recipe! But, I think you’ll be pleased to know we saved the best for last. The good old U.S. of A. is our featured country on In the Kitchen with David this weekend, foodies, and our recipe is representative of its people, I think…a true melting pot! We’re making Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls with what else but VELVEETA cheese.
 
Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
 
Chicken Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
 
This recipe is prepared with the Cooks Essentials® Porcelain Enamel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set (K34146).
 
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.
 
Ingredients:
 
2 tsp vegetable oil, divided
1/3 cup onions, finely chopped
1/3 cup red and green peppers, finely chopped
8 oz chicken frozen cheesesteak meat, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
6 oz Velveeta cheese, diced into 1/8" cubes
8 egg roll wrappers
 
Directions:
 
To make the filling, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook until tender, about 3–5 minutes. Set the veggies aside in a large bowl.
 
Add the other teaspoon of oil to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Place the frozen chicken cheesesteak meat into the pan, add the salt and pepper, and brown until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. While it cooks, stir and break up the meat with two spatulas. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it into the bowl with the onions and peppers. Toss to evenly distribute and then refrigerate until cool. When cool, add the diced cheese.
 
Preheat the oven and a deep fryer to 350°F.
 
To assemble the egg rolls, take one wrapper out of the package and lay out in front of you with a corner pointed towards you. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling close to the corner closest to you and spread it up towards the middle. Brush the edges with a little water. Fold the corner closest to you up over the mixture, fold the left and right corners toward the center, and continue to roll. Brush the final corner with water to help seal the egg roll.
 
Place the egg roll into deep fryer and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown. Move it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggrolls. Keep the other rolls warm in the oven.
 
Peppers SauteingIf you’re in a hurry, you can always buy frozen, chopped onions and peppers in your freezer section. And, feel free to cook from frozen. Just be sure to drain off any water that accumulates in the pan.

A flattop grill is ideal for cooking and chopping cheesesteak meat because you’ve got more room with which to work. If you don’t have one at home, use a griddle, grill pan, Japanese skillet, or any pan with a large, flat, surface area. Get it good and hot before adding the meat to get that golden brown.

Keep that meat moving and use the backs of the spatulas to chop and separate the meat.

Add the chicken in with the veggies you cooked earlier and mix. Pop the bowl in the fridge until the mixture is good-and-cold. Then, add your cheese. Meanwhile, preheat your deep fryer to 350°F.

Water is your friend. It’s all you need to get these wrappers to keep their shape. Lay a wrapper out in front of you with a corner pointed your way, wet the perimeter, then spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center. (Remember—less is more. A stuffed egg roll won’t hold its shape.)

Fold the corner closest to you up over the mixture, fold the left and right corners toward the center, and continue to roll. Brush the final corner with water to help seal the eggroll.

Gently drop one roll into the fryer and cook for 3–5 minutes…just long enough to melt the cheese. Use tongs to rotate the roll frequently so it can brown on all sides. Drain the roll on a paper towel-lined plate and fry the others. To keep the finished rolls hot while you make the rest, keep them in the oven at 350°F.
 
Foodies, "Tamagoyaki" is the Japanese word for Egg Roll. And speaking of Japanese, QVC Japan is our last affiliate to weigh in for “Cheese Month.” Just how do the Japanese like to eat cheese? How else…on pizza!
 

 
I’d like to engage you all in a little friendly debate for today’s blog question. Are you ready? Here goes: Are easy melting cheeses, like Velveeta, real cheese? Or, are they most definitely, not. Let’s hear those arguments and see if we can’t come to a consensus this Sunday at Noon ET.
 
Keep it flavorful!
—David

Come On! Flash Those Pearly Whites!!

0
0

 

 

I've always been a fanatic about my teeth. Learned from my parents to always take great care of them. Had braces for several years as a kid, and have always LOVED to smile!! Over the years,  as a coffee drinker and fan of things like blueberries, chocolate and the occasional glass of red wine, I've noticed my Pearly Whites were not quite as white as they used to be. So, I tried many of the products and procedures available to whiten and brighten my teeth, both over the counter and from my dentist. Some of them worked pretty well, and others, not so much. That is why I was very excited to try our Today's Special Value....BEFORE it was a Today's Special Value! I purchased the Pearl Ionic Teeth Whitening  System a couple of months ago, when I saw it presented on QVC. Luckily I was able to get it before it sold out! I have achieved fantastic results and my teeth are noticeably whiter and look terrific!! The best part is, it only took 5 days!! The Pearl Ionic Teeth Whitening System offers you a Patented Hands Free Ionic Technology, in a revolutionary at-home system that is very easy to use and delivers terrific results with little to no sensitivity or irritation. This is due to the use of a smaller percentage of hydrogen peroxide, which is what has been the culprit that caused sensitivity in other whitening brands and devices. With Pearl, however, you'll still get super white teeth! Pearl is also the FIRST FDA cleared whitening device offered at QVC, which made me feel very confident in trying it. The other thing I really liked about Pearl, is that the patented "double bite" mouthpiece whitens teeth on top, bottom, front AND back....not just a few teeth in the front of your mouth. It's a very "smart" device, too....it's got a self timer so it knows when to turn off after 5 minutes, and it  knows if the whitening gel is applied correctly and won't turn on without the gel being applied into the mouthpiece. It's really goof proof!

And again....just 5 minutes, twice a day, for 5 days, gets your teeth an average of 2.7 shades whiter!! Remember, your best beauty secret is a pretty, white smile!! And it's never to late to whiten your teeth!! I am so happy I found Pearl for MY pearly whites!!

XO Carolyn

 

 

I Dig Gardening!!

0
0

Greetings Fellow Gardeners!

Things are starting to happen FAST in my garden areas this past week!  As my friend Eric Wallien of Roberta's said, when he stopped by a few days ago, "WOW! You guys sure have done a lot of work around here lately!"

He was right!! Last week, my landscapers and I worked for three solid days (you wonder what I do on my days off?!?) to get my gardens in shape for this season! We weeded and trimmed, hauled off the debris and old mulch and laid down the weed preventative before installing the new mulch. We power washed the deck and the fencing and the furniture, with my new Blue Clean!  We drained the pond (putting the koi into buckets for the day) and powerwashed it before refilling it with fresh water, and turning the dormant pump and waterfall back on!

The fish (now awake after hibernating all winter) and the geese (now thrilled to be swimming under their waterfall again) were all VERY happy when our work was done. They were not the only ones! After the crew left (they are a fantastic group of guys!) I got busy transplanting some shrubs here and there and installing my new plants from Roberta's and Cottage Farms. I haven't receive everything that I ordered yet...it's still a bit early for some things....but what I have received is now happily growing in the garden! I've hung my angel windchimes and windy wings bird feeders! I've set up my Plow and Hearth wind spinners and the VERY real looking Plow and Hearth Sheep. (They have fooled not only the horses next door AND my dogs, but also my husband...for a minute, anyway!) I still have work to do, but things are looking really good and my garden is on it's way to a beautiful summer!! I hope you've been having fun in your garden so far this season, as well!

Meanwhile, we've got several  more weeks of Garden Party with Carolyn to look forward to this season, with lots of wonderful products for your garden and patio areas, every  Tuesday at 9am! You'll find many items that you may have missed on my Garden Party page on QVC.com, as well, including the wonderful Pet Memorial Stepping Stones from Plow and Hearth, that many of you have asked for!

Don't forget to take a moment and click here to view THIS week's video tip  from dear Phillip Watson of Cottage Farms! It's a good one! Thanks Phillip! We'll have another tip each week for the next four weeks, as well, right here, so be sure to check back soon!

(VIDEO)

Till next time,

Just keep goin' till it's done!

Happy Gardening!

Carolyn

 

Where have my manners gone?

0
0

Hello everyone,

This is my fourth blog and all I’ve done is talk about JAI John Hardy Jewelry and myself so I would like to ask each of you a question:  What inspires you?  I know this is personal, but I’ll tell you my inspiration if you tell me yours.  Ha ha…

If you are like me, I imagine you have many inspirations.  When I look at the time I have spent on this earth and reflect on all of my ‘life moments,’ I am overwhelmed by how many forms of inspiration have touched me and made me who I am today.  With each day that passes, I am grateful for my experiences and the opportunity to learn.

I have had a passion for art and nature from a very young age.  I was raised the fourth of five children in a very traditional household where my Mom was able to stay home with us (I don’t know how she survived) while my Dad went to work.  My Mom is an interior designer by trade who loves all things unique, while my father, a chemical engineer, believes every question has an exact answer.  What a combination they are!  Close to 50 years later, my father has yet to win an argument, my mother’s creativity always triumphing over his logic. That being said, their little quarrels have taught me that it’s better to listen to my intuition and imagination, so it makes sense that today I work with JAI John Hardy Jewelry, which is inspired by the artisan’s vision and creates beautiful, wearable works of art.

In retrospect, my family was my original inspiration.  I was raised in a home full of love, creativity, colorful personalities, and storytellers.  My ever-expanding family continues to inspire me today.  It was my upbringing that brought me here to QVC and JAI John Hardy.  My love for design, people, jewelry, and travel continues to fuel my passion for life.

Working with JAI incorporates many of the things that inspire me.  Traveling throughout the Far East and experiencing new cultures allows me to get an inside look into the lives of the local artisans.  I get to study the local heritage and learn first-hand from the makers themselves.  I then bring back all of this inspiration and passion to share with our John Hardy trained artisans.  Together, we work to bring these beautiful stories to life.  JAI John Hardy pieces are the treasures that have been exclusively created for each of you.

I believe inspiration is a gift; inspiration is everywhere; choose to be inspired and then inspire others.  Please enjoy a couple of snapshots of the people and places that have inspired me while curating our new collections at JAI John Hardy.

So, I told you my inspirations, what are yours?

Safe Travels,

Scott Grimes

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Secret Ingredient Mashed Potatoes

0
0

Well, I'm back from my vacation to Disney world, and I'm ready for my next installment of The Wishful Dish!  My show is on Mondays at 5pm Eastern, and if you order something frozen, it gets there by Friday!  My Friday Night Meal for this week is from Kansas City Steak Company.  Filet mignon that has been wrapped in the most delicious double smoked hickory bacon.  A classic with a twist!  I was thinking about what would complement the steaks nicely, and of course, I came up with mashed potatoes.  But, my mashed potatoes also have a twist.  My secret ingredient is the Steak and Prime Rib seasoning that comes with the Kansas City Steaks.  Here is the recipe:

 

8 medium red potatoes

2 tsp crushed garlic

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup half and half or low fat milk of choice

1/4 tsp Kansas City Steak seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

 

First, cube the potatoes and place in a pot.  Cover the potatoes with water, and bring to a boil.  Add 1 tsp of the garlic to the boiling water to infuse the flavor into the potatoes.  Save the other tsp for later.  Boil for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.  Drain the water, and add the butter.  If you don't have a potato masher, or if you prefer smoother mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer (or a Kitchenaid!), and mash to your desired consistency.  When the butter is melted, add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, and mash (or mix) to your heart's delight!  If you want to cut calories, substitute low fat milk in place of the half and half.  Just stay away from skim milk!  It really changes the consistency.  Also, if you want extra flavor, go for the pop of garlic powder.  It adds a lot to the flavor, without adding too much garlic "essence".  This is quick, easy and really delicious!  Especially with the surprise of the steak seasoning.  I hope you like it! 

 

Also, we have a new item in the hour at a low price (that expires at the end of the day on Monday!) from Jimmy the Baker.  A brand new 12 piece Summer Muffin assortment that will blow you away! You can take advantage of this amazing price early, by clicking here. I hope you can join me on Monday at 5pm for The Wishful Dish!

On-Air Appearances, Power Outages, Shopping & Yummy Desserts…What A Trip!

0
0

I’m back from visiting my Attitudes by Renee® ladies in the UK and Italy. It was an interesting trip packed with on-air appearances, power outages and intense world events. Travelling is always fun, but I am glad to be home!

My first stop was to the UK, where I presented my Attitudes by Renee® collection. I arrived on the same day as Margaret Thatcher’s funeral. It was a very regal ceremony, and very interesting to see how England pays their respect to a head of state.

One of my traditions while in London is to have lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant, Zuma. I finally made it there after a day of errands and shopping the stores only to find out that they were experiencing a power outage! I’m sad to say that I had to take a rain check on Zuma this go-round.

My main reason for this visit was for my Attitudes by Renee® Dip Dye Cardigan with Sequin Tank; it was the UK’s TSV, and I had full day of shows for this occasion. As always, I had a lot of fun and it was great working with host Jackie Kabler.

Next was a visit to QVC Italia, where I managed to squeeze in a half an hour for an outdoor lunch near the Duomo in Milan. I then shopped the stores and so much inspiration, as well as temptation from Sant Ambroeus dessert shop.

All in all, it was a jam-packed week, and I can’t wait to see you. I will be at the Q tomorrow and throughout the day on Monday. I have an hour-long Women with Control® featuring Attitudes by Renee® show at 9:00 am ET on Monday, so stay tuned!  

Tune in to QVC at the following times:

Saturday, April 27th 2013

AM Style with Leah Williamsbeginning at 8:00 a.m. ET

Monday, April 29th 2013

Fashionably Early with Jayne & Patbeginning at 6:00 am ET

Women with Control ® featuring Attitudes by Renee ® - from 9:00am ET – 10:00 am ET.

PM Style with Lisa Robertsonbeginning at 7:00 pm ET.

Leave your thoughts in the comments section. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to friend me on Facebookand follow me on Twitter.

Also, you can shop the entire Women with Control® and ATTITUDES by Renee®collections anytime on QVC.com.

With Attitude,

Renee


Secret Ingredient Mashed Potatoes

0
0

Well, I'm back from my vacation to Disney world, and I'm ready for my next installment of The Wishful Dish!  My show is on Mondays at 5pm Eastern, and if you order something frozen, it gets there by Friday!  My Friday Night Meal for this week is from Kansas City Steak Company.  Filet mignon that has been wrapped in the most delicious double smoked hickory bacon.  A classic with a twist!  I was thinking about what would complement the steaks nicely, and of course, I came up with mashed potatoes.  But, my mashed potatoes also have a twist.  My secret ingredient is the Steak and Prime Rib seasoning that comes with the Kansas City Steaks.  Here is the recipe:

 

8 medium red potatoes

2 tsp crushed garlic

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup half and half or low fat milk of choice

1/4 tsp Kansas City Steak seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

 

First, cube the potatoes and place in a pot.  Cover the potatoes with water, and bring to a boil.  Add 1 tsp of the garlic to the boiling water to infuse the flavor into the potatoes.  Save the other tsp for later.  Boil for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.  Drain the water, and add the butter.  If you don't have a potato masher, or if you prefer smoother mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer (or a Kitchenaid!), and mash to your desired consistency.  When the butter is melted, add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, and mash (or mix) to your heart's delight!  If you want to cut calories, substitute low fat milk in place of the half and half.  Just stay away from skim milk!  It really changes the consistency.  Also, if you want extra flavor, go for the pop of garlic powder.  It adds a lot to the flavor, without adding too much garlic "essence".  This is quick, easy and really delicious!  Especially with the surprise of the steak seasoning.  I hope you like it! 

 

Also, we have a new item in the hour at a low price (that expires at the end of the day on Monday!) from Jimmy the Baker.  A brand new 12 piece Summer Muffin assortment that will blow you away! You can take advantage of this amazing price early, by clicking here. I hope you can join me on Monday at 5pm for The Wishful Dish!

 

Ask Josie About Her Lastest Breakthrouhg - Argan Glow Self Tanning Body Wash TSV

0
0

Hi, my dear QVC Argan beauties!

I love the coziness of winter, and the crispness of fall, and the blooming renewal of spring—but I’ll let you in on a little secret: summer is my very favorite season. I love everything about it: the feeling of being on vacation even when you’re not, picnics at midnight in the warm summer air, my kids out of school and feeling frisky, and best of all, my family’s favorite: long days at the beach. Of course, we cover up and slather ourselves with sunscreen to protect us from the damaging rays of the sun.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look like I’ve been baking under those golden rays. That’s why I created Argan Glow Self Tanning Body Wash—it gives you a gorgeous summer glow in a flash. There’s no smell, no streaks, no waiting for your tan to “ripen,” and no hassle. It’s infused with aloe vera and vitamin B, and of course Argan oil, so it actually hydrates your skin while it’s working. I included a double-sided loofah so you can lightly exfoliate pre-tan with one side, and use the other side to apply the foam to your body. You’ll be sunkissed in seconds!

Josie Maran Argan Glow Self Tanning Body Wash
Josie Maran Argan Glow Self Tanning Body Wash

If you have any questions about this new product or anything in my collection, just ask! I’ll be checking in throughout the day on 5/3 to answer!

With love from the sunny side of life,
Josie

 

Protecting your Skin, Home Renovations & A PM Style Preview

0
0

Hello to all of you! 

I hope you are coming off a wonderful weekend.  If you didn’t get enough “me” time this weekend I want to introduce you to this week’s Beauty Obsession: Josie Maren’s Argan Skin Renewal Set.   

From the time I was a little girl my mom has taught me to do everything I could to protect my skin.  Whether it was loading up on SPF that was a little higher than I would like or starting my anti-aging regimen when I was 19 I knew the importance of skincare and its benefits early on.  I don’t think it’s enough to call this set a renewal.  For me, a lot of the times it’s a rescue.  Here’s how I use it.

Argan Oil- I drench the ends of my hair with this after every blowout.  A lot of times when I get my hair styled in the salon or if I do it myself on my second day (sans wash) my ends can get pretty dry.  This brings my hair back to life.  Another can’t live without Argan is to use it on my eyes.  After all the skincare presentations I’ve been a part of… I am not taking a chance on keeping the thinnest skin on my face hydrated!  I apply on lids, under eye, and sides of my eyes.  It’s amazing the differences between thinking your eyes are hydrated and knowing your eyes are hydrated.  I look so more awake when I use this! 

Argan Balm- If you have rough skin anywhere… use this once and prepare to do a double take with how your skin looks like in the morning.  My favorite use is on the bottom of my feet.  I layer the whipped Argan Oil and use this to seal it in, so to speak.  Talk about renewal.  My other use is on my lips. Sometimes I feel like with all of the makeup and other skincare I use it can sometimes dry my lips out.  I use this daily to keep my lips looking and feeling nourished. 

Whipped Argan Oil Hand Cream- With all that seems to be going around these days I feel like I am washing my hands and using anti-bacterial like crazy.  Sometimes I look at my hands and think… what happened?  I’m not saying that I can breathe life back into my hands… but this is the closest product, for me.

Whipped Argan Oil- A lot of times with lotion… you get a temporary fix but not one of substance.  The only way I can think to describe the whipped Argan Oil is that it feels like you are bathing in Argan Oil.  When I use this I feel like my skin has substance.  It looks healthy, it feels firm, and transforms the way you feel about your own skin.

PM STYLE:

This week on PM STYLE I feel like I’m leaning towards prints.  Take a look at Marc Bouwer’s Animal Print Pants and Susan Gravers Printed top.  This brings me to ask you, what’s your favorite kind of print? Are you printed top or pant kind of girl?  I never thought I would have been a printed pant type of girl but after picking up a wide leg printed pant… I find them very forgiving and flattering!  Let me know what you think…

 

Weekend Recap:

I am slap worn out.  Do you ever notice that home improvement comes and goes in phases?  Well this was a big phase for us this weekend.  We finished the back splash in our kitchen and took on painting the guest bedroom.  For some reason I am dreading redecorating our bedroom (and by that I mean there has been no decorating besides our beds and dressers).  I have yet to find my inspiration for what’s to come next, but I did purchase a new coverlet from Dennis Basso, so we’ll see where that leads.  Here are some update photos of what we have done.  What do you think of the bedroom color?

Have a wonderful week and I will talk to you soon for PM STYLE!

CC

Ps. Here's a photo of Sandra and I with some very familiar beauty folks you may know who helped make our first ever "beauty with benefits" a fantastic success. For more info, go to www.cancerandcareer.org.

Hosts@Home

0
0

Gotta love the ‘80’s!  Big hair, shoulder pads, lots of bling - we had it all! Ok, maybe not so much, but it is hysterically funny to look at the fashions of 25 years ago!  On May 7th we are premiering a series of shows called “Host@Home.”  I am one of several hosts who had a chance to welcome the QVC video crew into our homes so we can share decorating ideas and favorites from QVC. (Like my love of flameless candles). It got me thinking that our fashions and our decorating styles change through the years.  I had to share this photo of my first home as a newlywed with Sean. That’s me with big hair in a QVC lurex sweater, posing in our dining room. Pure white walls in every room, rugs were gray or mauve, and the vertical blinds were metallic pink!! (I remember we were so happy because they were super inexpensive and fit our contemporary style).

As the years went on, our styles evolved into something very different today. I guess it is more traditional, but I don’t think of a certain style, I just like my home to be warm and inviting and reflecting my love of family.  The white walls are gone and replaced with strong color in every room.  That is thanks to my friend, Linda Dano, who got me to embrace color and I love her for that!  I also love bringing pieces from Sean’s childhood home and mine too so that our parents are always present for our girls. 

And the biggest change, lately, is how we are decorating outside.  In fact, the deck is one of my favorite spots to relax and renew.  And thanks to my solar lights and Valerie Parr Hill globes, it is even better at night!  I think we only had a table, chairs and a grill on the deck in our first house.  Now accessories are as important outside as inside.

When we were shooting for the Hosts@Home show, they asked me what was my favorite QVC home purchase and I had a hard time answering that! But I think this next photo sums it up after giving it some thought, my Royal Palace rug that has been under my kitchen table for 14 years, and is Kiki approved!! 

I hope you can join us on May 7th for Hosts@Home!

-Jane

 

 

Have a Question About the Pearl Hands-Free Ionic Teeth Whitening System? Ask Below!

0
0

Our customers provide us the best feedback and help us understand the products we sell better, each and every day. We've noticed a common theme in our customer reviews about the light on the Pearl not staying green.

Working with Pearl, we stress that the gel must cover the metal strips on the inside walls of the mouth tray. The Pearl team created the How To video to help you visualize the correct application of the gel.

If you have a question about application or any aspect of the Pearl Hands-Free Ionic Teeth Whitening System, please ask in the comments section, and the Pearl team will be online from 1 pm to 3 pm ET on Tuesday, 4/30 to provide answers.

Viewing all 3342 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images