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Wander Beauty

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For the past 10 years I've been incredibly fortunate to travel the world as a model! I was discovered at 19 while studying Biology at The University of California San Diego. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Paris and walking in my first fashion show for Christian Dior. And so began this exciting journey!

{Attending UCSD was a very special year of my life, here I am after a competition in Daytona Beach, FL with my dance team.}




{John Galliano started my modeling career, this is one of many runway shows I walked for Dior.}


I've walked in hundreds of runway shows, including the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show for 8 years and have been featured on numerous magazine covers. My passion for beauty sparked as I worked with the industries most talented makeup artists. I learned valuable tips and tricks including how to apply makeup, hide flaws and accentuate your best features. I’ve tried and tested absolutely everything and I know what works! Last year I set my eyes on a new dream, I began developing a beauty experience of my own!




{All smiles backstage before I walked the Victoria’s Secret runway for the first time! by Justin Melnick}




{Backstage at a Gucci fashion show being touched up by one of the top makeup artists in the industry, Pat Mcgrath.}


I'm so excited to announce Wander Beauty will be launching in April! As Co-founder and Creative Director, this is an exciting new venture for me and a way for me to share all of my knowledge and travel experiences through beauty! As a model, I have had the opportunity to jet set across the globe, and have been so inspired by the unique fashion & sense of style found in each city. This is the foundation upon which Wander Beauty is built.




{Testing out makeup samples during my down time on a job in Hamburg, Germany or Testing out our Wander Beauty collection on the red carpet!}

Wander Beauty is an internationally-inspired luxury cosmetics brand designed for style-savvy women craving luxury that seamlessly suits their on-the-go lifestyles. Our premiere collection of on-trend beauty products captures the spirit of destinations across the globe, while delivering on innovative formulations and packaging and a high tech experience that will change the way you shop for cosmetics.


Hydrating blushes, multi-benefit lipsticks, and eye shadow pigments that take you from Manhattan to Monte Carlo and are packaged to deliver flawless, easy application designed for women on the move. The colors in each collection are shade matched to be expertly blended, we do all the work so you don’t have to!


Show us how you #wanderout on Wander Beauty's Instagram


Winter Family Fun

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The weather outside may be frightful, but we decided to have a blast this winter season. As a busy working mom, I feel like I am always rushing somewhere, trying to juggle family and work. But I made sure to prioritize the family this winter break and planned some fun for all of us.

In-between my busy media and office schedule, we managed to take some time out and travel to Colorado. It felt great skiing for the first time in 20 years!

 

 

With the help of an amazing ski instructor, my kids took their first steps in skis and they did pretty well! I was particularly proud of their perseverance not to give up despite the cold weather and a few tumbles. After an exhilarating day, we all had fun by the fire.

 

 

Next day brought lots of winter activities as well. Along with practicing our skiing skills, we also went ice skating.

 

 

Although all good things must come to an end, we returned home feeling refreshed, energized and ready to embrace the New Year. My New Year’s resolution? I want to focus more on the moments of my life I love best of all: snuggling with my boys while I read them stories before bed.

 

-Dr. Raj

Christmas in Texas

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Christmas in Texas…that was a first for Mark and me and all 4 kids!  Since our children are now teens to young adults, we wanted to do something different.  Instead of spending money on ‘things’, I wanted us to spend the money on ‘making memories’!  With Eric, our eldest, getting married in April, this was the last Christmas with just the 6 of us.  Plus, since his fiancé, Alice, is from London, I’m sure the two of them will be spending several Christmas’ in England.  Therefore, off we went to Dallas to do some fun things in a place we’ve never been!

The first two days we were there, we took in a couple of ‘sports’ activities.  First it was to attend an NHL game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Mark and I had lived in Toronto for 3 years back before the kids came along, so everyone had a good time.  Then the next day, it was off to tour the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  Now understand that we are MN Vikings fans and Philadelphia Eagles fans, but that stadium is a work of art!  Not only is it massive, it is beautiful, costing 1 billion dollars to construct! The tour takes you into the box seats on the various levels, the ‘perch’ where the owner and his family sit, the locker rooms of both the cheerleaders as well as the players and even right out onto the field.  Wow!  It was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be, especially because the same company who built that stadium is the same one building the new dome in Minneapolis, so someday….

We also toured the memorial for John F. Kennedy at the sight where he was assassinated.  That was very interesting, because it was also about the Kennedy history, information on his time in the Presidency as well as the minute by minute of what happened that fateful day.  It was a history lesson, but one that even the kids really enjoyed!

The last night before we flew home, we had the highlight of the week – a rodeo at the Fort Worth Stockyards!  That was a blast!!  We found a street vendor who was selling cowboy hats for about $10/each, so we each picked out what we liked and wore them all night.  That was a first!  We spent the entire night laughing – at each other and how we looked in our hats, at the clowns that are so talented and take a lot of risks, at the bull riders who look like Gumby with their bodies flopping all over, to the kids ages 8-12 who were invited into the ring to chase a calf and a sheep around trying to get the prize of what was attached to them!  Definitely a highlight!!!

We also stayed at a very family-friendly hotel called the Gaylord Texan.  It’s very large, but they go all out for Christmas with the decorations and activities, so that, too, would be a recommendation of mine.

All in all, we did what I had hoped for…we made sweet memories of being together, having fun and laughing, as well as some good relationship conversations.  God has blessed Mark and me so much with four wonderful children, who now being pretty grown up, can appreciate how precious memorable experiences are even more than individual presents! 

Happy New Year, Everyone, and may God bless you over and over again!

Mary Beth

General Tso's Noodle Salad & Homemade Pot Roast--3 Ways!

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Hello, foodies…

I’m enjoying my last few days of vacation and am looking forward to joining you again this Sunday for In the Kitchen with David. As for this Wednesday, I asked my friend Rick Domeier to join you and taste-test our next Budget-Friendly Make-Ahead Meal…General Tso’s Noodle Salad.

General Tso’s Noodle Salad
Serves 5

This recipe is prepared with the Lock & Lock 10-Piece Nestable Bowl and Zen Storage Set (K41325).

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

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup General Tso's sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 (3-oz) packs oriental-flavor ramen noodles
  • 1 (12-oz) bag Asian-blend chopped salad
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:

  1. Whisk together the sauce, vinegar, and ginger in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing until needed.
  2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a 3-quart sauce pot. Add both seasoning packs and the ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles in a colander and place them in a large bowl. Add half of the dressing and toss until all the noodles are completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  3. When the noodles are completely cool, add the chopped salad, scallions, red pepper, cilantro, and the remainder of the dressing. Toss until evenly combined.

General Tso's Noodle Salad

Make the sauce ahead of time, cook the noodles ahead of time, and when you’re ready, add the veggies. It doesn’t get easier than that. I love the simplicity of this dish.

Speaking of easy, when’s the last time you made a pot roast? A finished pot roast is a thing of beauty and looks like it should take equal parts effort and time. But did you know you could make this quintessential dish in just over an hour with a pressure cooker? Or, have you thought about making it “ahead” with the help of your slow cooker?  

 

You can find that pot roast recipe from my first book on my recipe page on QVC.com…just go to the “beef” section under entrees. Foodies, I’ll see you soon—stay tuned for a special blog tomorrow and be sure to join Rick this Wednesday night at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

CES Day One: Greetings From Las Vegas!

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The team touched down in Las Vegas to blue skies and a buzz in the air. The CES show floor opens soon, and the atmosphere is--dare we say it--electric.

 

While we're about to embark on a multi-day journey of technological discovery, we're already in awe of just how much technology we used to get here. From the instant we settled into our seats on the plane, our smartphones and tablets were on our laps, keeping us connected to the world even at 30,000 feet. At the hotel, we kept track of events and fine-tuned our itinerary with the CES app. It seems only fitting how much technology we’re using, given how many technological innovations have debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show over nearly five decades.

The VCR. The camcorder. Microsoft’s first Xbox. Plasma TVs. These are just a few of the innovations that have been unveiled at CES since the first show took place in 1967. For almost 50 years, the Consumer Electronics Show has been the place to see not just the latest and greatest in technology, but what the future held.

So what’s on the horizon this year? It’s early yet, but judging from the floor plans and schedule, we can get an idea of what’s going to be big in 2015 in beyond. First up: wearables! From fitness bands to smart watches, wearable technology is only getting bigger. Then there’s 3D printing, which is fairly new to the consumer market. Making an object out of thin air sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but that’s exactly what consumer 3D printers aim to do: make it easy for people to print three-dimensional objects in their own homes.

Of course, you can always count on new computer hardware and software to make an appearance at any tech show, and there’s also going to be a big gaming presence at CES 2015. You might not consider yourself a gamer, but chances are you’ve played Angry Birds or Candy Crush on your smartphone, or maybe bowled a few rounds of Wii Sports with the kids--from mobile to PC to consoles to virtual reality, there are so many ways to play.

Prior to arriving in gorgeous Las Vegas to attend our first CES, we thought we had an idea of how big the show actually is. People kept saying "wait until you see it--it's huge!" We certainly didn't dispute that fact. After all, it is the largest show of its kind in the world, so we figured it would be a big deal. Man, were we wrong. It is an ENORMOUS deal. Check out these numbers to get an idea...

 

According to the CES 2015 website, last year's show featured:

  • Almost 160,500 total attendees
  • Nearly 3,700 exhibitors
  • Over 2 million square feet of exhibit space (!)
  • 144 countries represented
  • More than 20,000 new product announcements
  • The hashtag #CES2014 being used across social media more than 250,000 times...and seen by 40% of the entire world's population

Yeah, it's that big. Over 160,000 people from all walks of electronics life gathered in Vegas, representing countries all across the globe, from Argentina to Vietnam. Technology dominates our lives, which is precisely the reason CES news is covered worldwide and followed by hundreds of millions. It's amazing just being a part of it all.

Tuesday will be our first taste of its enormity as we stretch, put on our comfortable shoes, and get ready to walk the floor to check out all the cool gadgets and technology on display. Stay tuned for updates, and please feel free to let us know what technology you're excited to see and hear about this year!

 

Gem Day

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Have you ever heard of Cleopatra’s famous Emeralds? What most people don’t know is that many of them were really Peridot!

They were actually extremely fine Peridot from the legendary mines on St. John’s Island (Zabargad) in Egypt.  This is believed to be the oldest site for Peridot as a gem material and has been mined since antiquity.  The island, located 35 miles off the Egyptian coast, was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia (circa 79 AD) and was well known as a mining location in the Hellenistic period (circa 100 BC). In the 19th Century, the mines on Zabargad Island produced millions of dollars’ worth of Peridot. After 1905, production of the gems peaked, but by the late 1930’s the mines were pretty much finished.  It’s easy to see why Cleopatra thought her stones were Emeralds:  This type of Peridot is known as an “Evening Emerald’ under artificial light, the stone glows a brilliant green. 

From the underground vault of a prominent Gemstone Family in Thailand, locked for over 30 years, comes a treasure of a 10ct. (minimum) fine Peridot Ring J268963 mined on the fabled St. John’s Island in Egypt.  Peridot of this size and color are extremely rare today and unheard of coming from Egypt. 

These rare Peridot Gemstones are just one of the amazing Vault Discoveries for Gem Day, a day defined as showcasing gems considered :  Rich & remarkable, hard-to-find gemstones, and only available in limited quantities. Each unique piece was selected from the vaults of extraordinary gemstone cutters from around the globe & placed into our collection.

The largest and most magnificent Morganite Ring we have ever had is set with TWO carats of Champagne diamonds.   Morganite of this color, quality, and size are difficult to find today.  Most of the rough gemstones we are seeing are much smaller and have a brownish tone.  J264413 is limited to 14 pieces and each one is a true treasure.

Want to own 70-88 carats of fine cabochon Amethyst from Africa?  The first we have ever had, and definitely the largest carat weight amethyst, is bracelet J27421, set in 14k gold, and we only have 7 units. Gem dealers will tell you the finest amethyst comes from Africa, mainly from Zambia in southern Africa.  The Zambian amethyst tends to be a highly saturated deep purple, sometimes with blue or red flashes.

There are so many great Vault Discoveries featured on the day.  I have to mention a few more: a 50 carat single stone Uruguayan Amethyst pendant (J261333) with that flash of pink that is so sought after, a 38-43 carat Aqua tennis bracelet (J319137) where the stones were originally mined in Nigeria but have been in a vault in Thailand since 2004, and a Neon Blue Apatite ring (J268972) from the closed mines in Madagascar, held in a vault in Hong Kong since 2008. 

I should also mention a couple of the diamond pieces: an 18k Affinity Diamond Tennis Bracelet (2.8-3.3 cts) (J319038), with graded diamonds of H color and VS Clarity, and a first ever, magnificent 98 facet Affinity Diamond Ring (J319139).

There are many more beautiful and rare pieces so please tune in for the stories behind each one.   There is a great story about our discovery in Tucson of a large bucket of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise that was used for the TSV, a large single piece of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise set in sterling silver for under $100.  Wow!  The Vault Discoveries are only a small percentage of the day.  There are gemstone pieces in every color, style, and price point.

A very happy and healthy New Year to you all!

Take care, Peyton

 

 

 

 

A Resolution I Can Keep!

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Resolutions! How many resolutions have I set that I kept in my 50 years on this planet? I am afraid to find out. I start off with the best intentions and then somewhere around mid February things start to trail off (especially when that resolution is about exercising more - UGH!) Well, my friends, I have a fitness resolution of sorts that I, and you, will be able to keep! Can you imagine if you could help your entire face look toned and conditioned without lifting a finger? I know - too good to be true, right? Well, no, actually! I will be launching StriVectin’s new LABS Facial Toner (our first device ever!) in my 2 am hour show on January 22nd.

 

So, here is the deal - when you look in the mirror and you see that, yes, you are addressing the lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, keeping your skin nice and moist, but now see a less than toned face where there once was a happy, perkiness looking back at you, then you are ready for the LABS Facial Toner. (I knew it was time when my face looked like it had moved south to Florida while still living in NYC!) You have to go to the source of the problem. You see, most muscles in your face are attached to skin.   This device is FDA-cleared for facial stimulation, and offers a hands-free solution that uses electrotherapy (that feels like a massage) from Bio-Medical Research Ltd who has over 30 years of electrotherapy research. You don’t have to apply any sticky gels, or learn and complete exercises in front of your mirror. You wear a headset! Yup, a headset that sends micro-currents (that feel like gentle flutters) through the paddles to the two nerve bundles on either side of your face (near the temples) and that stimulates your muscles, symmetrically.

Sit at your computer, check your Facebook, watch QVC, prepare your coffee or the family meal in the kitchen, or walk the dog, while helping tone your face! You decide where to fit this solution into your busy life. In a 12-week consumer use study of a facial toner device with the same microcurrent technology as our LABS Facial Toner, 94% reported their face felt firmer and 90% reported their face looked more toned - just by wearing a head set 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks! Think about those muscles above the brows, between and around your eyes, around the nose, mouth, along the jaw line! Again, hands free, no sticky gels, no choreography to learn and master. A resolution we all can keep! 

So, tune in ladies (January 22nd at 2 a.m. ET) and watch how easy the Toner is to use, see the incredible Before and After photos, and hear more about my experience. (This blog photo was taken about 2 weeks in!) Happy New Year, friends. Let’s make it a fit one!

Love,

Your face’s personal trainer,

Meg

31 Days of Organization - Quick Tips for the Kitchen & Beyond

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Hi, everyone!

Happy new year! I’m not someone who often makes new year’s resolutions…I prefer to make goals for myself throughout the year. This year is no exception—I didn’t make a “resolution” per say, but I am craving a little order in my life after the holiday. So, I set an organization goal for the month of January: do one small project every day to make the Bauer household run a little more smoothly.

I’ve been posting these projects on my Facebook and toGather pages and thought I’d use my blog to recap those tasks. It’s not too late to try these at home…better late than never!

Storing Ornaments Before

Storing Ornaments After

On January 1, I focused on properly storing your holiday decorations—particularly tree ornaments, which are SO fragile. If you take time to use a special storage box like this one (Santa’s Best 27-Count Tier Organization System) you can ensure your family’s precious memories will last a lifetime. Also, I love the color of this box...I like to organize all my Christmas decorations into red and green containers so they're easy to find.

Paper Before

Paper After

January 2: Keeping a tidy desk is almost impossible…unless you have something like the Neat Desk. While the mail—at least mine anyway—is mostly junk, important bits come in and you just never know if you’re going to need to keep. Instead of filing it or leaving it for another day, take five minutes every day to sort and scan your papers. Do it every day and it will pay off.

Toys Before...

Toys After!

January 3: Tidying up the living room shouldn’t take forever. But by the time the toys, clothes, jewelry, and shoes are returned to their appropriate spots, a half hour is gone before you know it. This year, I got smart and bought every Bauer—even Brosky—an ottoman. And tidying up takes half the time. If you’re feeling really ambitious, think about what you’re putting in those bins—like toys. Now that the kids have newer, “better” toys, donating the old ones is a great idea.

Desk Organizer

January 4: Last year, you might remember our shoe organizer DIY…we made one to house the kids’ school supplies. This idea is along those same lines…hang your office supplies in a shoe organizer. If you want to keep those things within arm's reach, hang them right next to your desk on the wall. If you want to hide it a little, hang it on a door, on the side of a book shelf or inside a tall cabinet.

Inside Cabinet Display

January 5: If you’d like to make your kitchen feel neat and tidy, hang your papers, photos, and stuff inside a cabinet. I read in a design magazine one time that the number one reason kitchens look cluttered is because of the things we hang on the fridge. Do me a favor: take a picture of your kitchen with your fridge decorated as is. Then, remove everything and take another picture. See the difference?

Cabinet Before...

Cabinet After!

January 6: By standing your cookie sheets and cutting boards up--and using the tension rods as dividers--you can organize and maximize space. Now, if you've got an astute eye, you'll see there are a few less items in our "after" picture. We did that on purpose...part of the organizing process includes weeding things out. Do you really need six cutting boards? Is there a better place to store that basket? Be sure to take some time to ask these questions and try to be as objective as possible.

I'll recap again next Tuesday…remember to check Facebook and toGather every day for a new tip!

From my home to yours,
—Jill


Today’s Special Value®: THREE Age-Defying Bestsellers from Dr. Dennis Gross

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Age Defying Solutions set

Hello, QVC beauty fans. For this Today’s Special Value® collection, I’m offering my Age Defying Solutions set exclusively to you. The set includes three antiaging bestsellers from my NYC practice: Alpha Beta® Peel (45 application jar), Ferulic + Retinol Brightening Solution, and Fibroblast Moisturizer.

Why are they special? The numbers tell it all. In a consumer use study, 100% of those using Alpha Beta® Peel agreed that it was gentle on their skin. Additionally, in a consumer use study, approximately 90% of those using Ferulic + Retinol Brightening Solution reported younger-looking skin. In another consumer use study, 87% of those using Fibroblast Moisturizer reported smoother, softer skin after two weeks. Ferulic acid and retinol are one of the most powerful ingredient combinations available for antiaging.

Hope you take advantage of this offer—your glowing skin will certainly thank you!

– Dr. Dennis Gross

The Big Game… Of Choosing the Right Television for You.

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Ahhh.. I remember it like it was yesterday: January 11, 1970, Super Bowl IV. Our very own Minnesota Vikings vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, played out (in living color!!) on our Magnavox TV. When it was over, and our Vikes had lost (oh the heartbreak!), my dad asked me to ‘change the channel’. Yes, that’s right. Before the invention of the remote control, if you wanted the channel changed… you asked your son to do it.

Oh, how the Game has changed. Not only football, but the game of choosing a new TV as well. LED? Smart TV? What is 4K anyway? What’s with these curved TV’s? With the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show happening in Las Vegas, should I wait to buy a new TV? But I’m having friends over for this Year’s Big Game, what to do??

Before you Call your Play, here’s some quick strategy to help you score your TV Touchdown.

 4K Televisions:  When I first saw them at the Consumer Electronics Show, my jaw dropped. First because of the mind blowing resolution (they offer 8 million pixels, or about four times the resolution of 1080p 2 million pixel high definition. You might see them marketed as "Ultra-HD."). But when they were first introduced, the high price made my jaw drop as well. The good news is, prices in 2015 look to be  in a range that some of us can afford. One note about 4K: in order to truly appreciate the resolution, programs must be broadcast in 4K. More good news: while traditional Network TV isn’t here yet, some streaming services have stepped up with programming in 4K.

 Curved TVs: Aesthetically speaking, they’re nothing short of a work of art. And according to some experts, including our Buyer Jenne Frackelton, “The concave shape reduces some of the reflections on a screen by eliminating certain angles from which they can be created. It produces amazing  darker image content and perfect blacks, which won’t  be spoiled by ambient light reflected off the screen.” If you want to truly step into the Future… check out--E278620 on QVC.com--- It’s 78”… both 4K and  Curved. You may never leave your Living room again.

My current pick 4K pick on QVC.com is LG 55" Class UHD 4K Smart 3D LED TV w/ Magic Remote & Tablet . You'll be good-to-go for many years to come.

If that’s not in your budget, and you want to make sure and get awesome HD quality by game time, there’s more reason to stand up and cheer. QVC.com has great offers on High Definition, LED Smart Televisions (meaning you can also access the internet right from your TV), and the prices won’t make you want to throw a penalty flag. They’re easy to set up, and with virtually all networks offering High Def Broadcasting Channels, there’s no need to wait for Future technology. The Game starts Now. Here are a few of my picks to kick off your 2015:

Best Seller: Proscan 50" LED 1080p HDTV with Roku Stick (please add photo)

Samsung 60" Class LED 1080p HDTV  

Some of these prices won’t last, just in case you want to make your choice before the whistle blows.

Enjoy!


 

 

What Can You Do with Lock & Lock? Your Fellow Foodies Shared!

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Hello, foodies…

A little birdie told me that Lock & Lock has a great Today’s Special Value for you tomorrow…a 10-piece, nestable storage set with both Zen (square) and round containers. I wanted to be sure to let you know in advance! And, I wanted to offer some suggestions—courtesy of your fellow foodies—on how you might use this new set…should you decide to pick one up.

Christie's Pantry

 

Deborah's Lock & Lock

 

Erin's Leftover Chinese

 

Linda's Spices

 

Toy Storage!

 

Paige's Lock & Lock

I’ll see you on Sunday for In the Kitchen with DavidRick Domeier will be with you tomorrow night at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

CES Day Two: we came, we saw, we learned!

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Day two at CES...we came, we saw, we learned. A lot! Before walking the ginormous floor to see the thousands of exhibits, we sat in on a morning keynote speech. The message we came away with? "Innovate or die." These words were spoken by Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), and they resonated.

 

Those three little words are essentially the mantra of CES, and they ring truer than ever. Learning about some of the technologies on the horizon and the brilliant ideas that will soon become reality, it's hard to imagine any of the the hundreds in attendance leaving that room uninspired or not in awe of the products and devices we could be using in the very-near future.

 

Among the amazingly innovative tech trends you're soon to see are monitored healthcare via wireless sensors, drones that can do everything from enhance the Hollywood filming experience to make rooftop deliveries at businesses, 3D printing that literally creates something from thin air and places it into your hands, and vehicles that are completely driverless.

 

Mark Fields, President and CEO of Ford Motors, took the stage to discuss the aforementioned autonomous vehicles and quite a few other interesting topics being developed within the auto industry, and more specifically, by Ford. Among those were connectivity between drivers and cars, predictive technology, and social collaboration. What exactly does that mean? Check out these ideas...

 

  • Technology that learns the reasons for your trips and your driving behaviors, which could result in personalized insurance rates.
  • Car sharing, car swapping, and on-demand driving, all set up through mobile devices, helping commuters and drivers in cities all over the world.
  • Rapid recharging and sharing of electric vehicles to help reduce harmful emissions.
  • Parking spotter technology to help you find the closest and cheapest parking, painless parking that guides you throughout the terrifying process of parallel parking.

 

This type of technology goes far beyond use in vehicles; sensor technology, the focus on social platforms and connectivity--this will have major ramifications on virtually every aspect of everyday life. Of course, not everything at CES is as world-changing as driverless cars and 3D printers that can make objects appear out of thin air… sometimes, you’ve gotta have a little fun with your technology.

 

 

{Program Host Jacque Gonzales checked out all the ways to "get connected"!}

The living room has evolved. In the '80s, things were simple. You had maybe one TV in your house. Video games were played in the living room, with the person next to you, end of story. By the mid-'90s, the graphics had changed, but the living room itself? Not so much. Sure, having second (or third or fourth) television sets in the house wasn't unusual, but the biggest TV was still your main entertainment hub. Now? Picture this: your whole family is together in the living room, playing video games--but you're each doing something different. Your son uses voice commands to switch from live TV to video games, instantly jumping online to play with friends in other states or countries. Your daughter is curled up on the couch with her handheld gaming system, which houses dozens of digital games on its memory card. Your husband's got his favorite mobile games going on his tablet, and you're enjoying a raid with your guild on your laptop. That's the present of gaming--so many ways to play, so many ways to connect.

 

 

{Program Host Jacque Gonzales is well-protected by Iron Man!}

And for the future? In the SuperSession "Emerging Trends in Gaming," we heard all about what's on the horizon when it comes to video games. The good news is, there will be more and more ways to get the games you want. For years, there were consoles, a handheld or two, and PCs, and that was it. Now, your options are almost limitless. You can go to the store and buy physical games. You can download games to almost any device you own. You can order online. You can stream games via services like PlayStation Now. It's all about options, and the companies that were ahead of the curve in social and mobile gaming (think Rovio's Angry Birds) are paving the way for what's becoming the standard.

 

 

{Program Host Albany Irvin hangs with her new friend, #RobotButler at the Quirky booth}

But that's not all! One of gaming's biggest emerging trends is VR, or virtual reality. It sounds like science fiction, but these VR headsets, like the Facebook-acquired Oculus Rift or Samsung's Gear VR let you strap on a headset and get up close and personal with your games. And, as Oculus' Jason Rubin pointed out, VR is exciting for reasons that go far beyond video games. Once the technology becomes mainstream, there's no limit to what it can be used for. Use a headset to turn a less-than-ideal seating arrangement (on a cramped plane, perhaps) into your own personal theater. Virtual reality headsets can be used as training devices, theoretically--just picture a fleet of med students learning to "operate" with a headset on. Or perhaps, in another example used by Rubin, you could build your dream house and use a VR tour to show your architect exactly what you're looking for.


 

 

Those hypotheticals are still a ways off, but it's exciting to think about how a technology developed for entertainment--gaming--could have limitless practical uses. In the meantime, get back to your favorite games--those Angry Birds: Star Wars high scores aren't going to beat themselves! And don't forget to check back in with us as we spotlight more inventive products and ideas at CES--including some of the 2015 CES Innovation Award honorees.

New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin!

Freeze It for Later (in a Lock & Lock!): Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Ziti

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Hi, everyone!

Raise your hand if you’re getting the Lock & Lock Today’s Special Value. I know…you can’t see me, but my hand is UP! I use Lock & Lock every single day in my kitchen to “wrap” up leftovers, store extra ingredients, and lately—freeze some meals for later. (I told you I’m getting organized!!!)

It’s true that there are some foods that just don’t freeze all that well. For example, some dairy ingredients—like heavy cream—can separate in the freezer. And crumb toppings like breadcrumbs or those crunchy noodles will get soggy if  frozen beforehand. But I’ve always had luck with pasta. Here’s a recipe that just went into my freezer this week…Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Ziti.

Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Ziti

 

Baked Ziti in Lock n Lock

Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Ziti

This recipe is prepared with the Lock & Lock 10-Piece Nestable Bowl and Zen Storage Set (K41325).

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16-oz) package ziti or penne
  • 2 (10-oz) containers refrigerated Alfredo sauce (you can use jarred too, you'll need about 1-1/2 jars)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 (15-oz) Ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided in half
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and drained
  • 1-3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella (I use part skim)

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it and return it to the pot. Add the Alfredo, sour cream, and chicken. Spoon half into a 13" x 9" pan that has been lightly buttered.
  3. Combine the eggs, Ricotta, 1/4 cup Parmesan, Romano, parsley, and bacon (in that order) in a medium-size bowl and spread the mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta and then sprinkle with the Mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
  4. Cover and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 10 minutes more, or until cheese is bubbly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Freezer directions:

Now, to freeze this, you want to cook it completely, as directed. Then, transfer it into a Lock & Lock container and freeze. The day before you need it, put it in the fridge to thaw overnight. Return it to a lightly buttered casserole dish before baking. Cover the top with foil and let it reheat in the oven for about 30 minutes at 325°F. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but use a lower power setting (50%) for about 4 minutes per serving (microwave wattages vary, so you might need a little less or more).

Here’s my word of caution about this recipe. If your family sees you making and freezing this…and they don’t get to eat any that night…you’ll be in trouble. Plan to double the recipe and make two casseroles…one for now, one for later. Trust me.

From my home to yours,
—Jill

P.S. In his blog yesterday, David shared some Lock & Lock photos that you all submitted! Go see if you’re famous!

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps

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Sweeten up your snacking with a fruit-filled recipe that satisfies both sweet and crunchy cravings. This recipe was made by a friend--who found it on Pinterest--and served it at a party.

Fruit Dip

It’s perfect for picnics and other occasions throughout the year.

 

Enjoy!

 

Your Foodie Friend,

Lesley

 

What you’ll need:

Ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients.

 

For cinnamon crisps -

  • 10” flour tortillas (about 10)
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

 

For salsa -

  • 2 granny smith apples
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 kiwis
  • 1 lb strawberries
  • 1/2 lb raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons preserves (raspberry preserves were used here)

 

What you’ll do:

 

For crisps -

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Combine cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
  3. Work with three tortillas at a time; spray both sides with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar.
  4. Stack and cut into 12 wedges--using a pizza cutter makes this a lot easier. Spread out wedges on tray
  5. Bake 8-11 minutes or until crisp.

Fruit Dip Cinnamon Crackers

Yummy!

 

For salsa -

  1. Zest lemon and set aside.
  2. Peel and finely chop apple; squeeze lemon juice over pieces and mix.
  3. Chop strawberries and kiwis.
  4. Combine with raspberries, preserves, and brown sugar.
  5. Instead of chopping all the fruit, I used a food processor to chop and mix the salsa. 

Fruit Dip Blender

Ready to blend!

 

Be careful not to process too much or you may end up with a fruit smoothie--still delicious, but not the point.

  1. Allow to sit for about 15 minutes before serving.

Fruit Dip Dish

Delicious!


Heath Bar & Chocolate Sliced Apples

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A few of you asked about the apples my sister made for our girlfriends New Year’s luncheon.  It is soooo easy and really delish.  What is that old saying? “An apple a day…” I think they would make a great after school snack for the kids.  Enjoy!

 

Heath Bar & Chocolate Sliced Apples

3 sliced apples

½ cup lemon juice

Heath Bar chips

Chocolate sauce

Caramel sauce

Chopped almonds

Directions: Slice apples, drizzle with lemon juice.  Place the apples on a tray drizzle with chocolate sauce & caramel sauce.  Sprinkle with chopped almonds & Heath Bar chips.

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HELLO LASHES, It's Me, Antonella!!

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Sooooo... As many of you know, I'm NOT a beauty host, but that doesn't mean I don't like to dabble in our goodies. Lol. When I find something really cool, I love sharing it with you!

Here's how it all started: I was curling my eyelashes and got sick of seeing half of them stuck to the lip of the curler. Do you know how LONG it takes to GROW  an eyelash?? Sheesh!! So I'm watching Jamie, from IT Cosmetics, demonstrating HELLO LASHES. She said it curled your lashes and made them super long. Hmmmmm... The very next day, I saw Jamie and enthusiastically started bombarding her with HELLO LASHES questions. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm crazy at this point, but she was sooooo sweet and kind. Jamie is the same as what we see on TV, except nicer (she's really pretty too).  Jamie gave me a tube and told me to wiggle up my lashes and hold the brush at the base line for a few seconds, before moving out to the lash ends. Okey-dokey, will do. I went home that night and gave it a whirl..... OMG!! I'm hooked!!

BEFORE HELLO LASHES

AFTER HELLO LASHES

The lashes swooooped up (without that tell tale sign of an 'L' shape, ratting you out that you curled your lashes). They were long and lush. I'm pretty sure I heard swooshing sounds every time I blinked, tee hee hee...My lashes are fierce and the great news is... I get to keep all of them (no more lashes stuck to the evil eye lash curler). Hahaha.. And no more glue or false eyelashes to wear.

SWOOSH!!

I'm really happy about all of this and wanted to share. Please excuse the 'no make up'.. I really wanted you to see JUST the product and nothing else enhancing my look. I'm naked faced. Ugh, but you guys are worth it.

Xo

A

The Making of a "Man Cave"

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When it turns cold outside we tend to redirect our thoughts to the inside of our homes. This is the busiest season for basement and room remodeling.   Hey Guys, what about that man cave you always wanted?

 

The floor space doesn't have to be large to truly enjoy a little "Guy Time" and a place you can call your own.  Here are few tips I have learned in my own remodeling projects that have become the “envy” of anyone with a "Y” chromosome.  Now, first remember that you are the King of your Castle, the Master of your Domain.......lol…So go ask your wife's permission and let's get started!!  Believe me that's how my project got started, I am NOT the boss in my house, I am just the tallest one who lives here.

Let's start with a few simple concepts, first size "Does NOT Matter."  Some people can afford to add a new addition, blow out a wall or two and really dream big.  That's not what I am talking about here.  I do all my projects on a budget; hardwork and pre-planning can cut costs dramatically.  When conceptualizing your space… think about that spare bedroom after the kid goes off to college, a corner of the basement or even a part of an existing room can become "Guy Space" and fully enjoyed.

Now let me begin by saying I was lucky, the living room of our 18th century farm house was the last room of our home here on the farm to remodel.  We rarely spent time in that room because the heating ducts don't reach far enough from our civil war era furnace to warm that room past 50 degrees in the winter and the wood stove was our only heat in there.  My wife is not big on building a fire and the mess and work so that room was somewhat abandoned during cold weather.  PERFECT man cave material.

You will see some photos of the finished project but believe me we did no structural changes and the entire project other than hanging French doors and we kept to our budget of under $6000, (And that included the man cave size TV that my wife still rolls her eyes over).  The beams you see on the ceiling are cosmetic only and came from an old barn that was being torn down.  I do a lot of recycling in terms of construction materials and that saves a fortune compared to buying new.  Plus it gives the place a nice old feeling to it.

  

First define the main purpose for the room, is it TV time, a place to watch sports, read, nap...what do you like to do and build the space around those thoughts.  For me it was a place to hang out with buddies and watch a race or a movie and just sit and relax.  We entertain often and it was also nice to have an overflow area other than just the kitchen for people to congregate. I know it is hard for us guys to get in touch with our emotions but what do you want the room to FEEL like?  

I wanted a place that felt like a lodge setting, lots of wood, comfortable and homey.  Conceptualize the space as finished and picture yourself in it.   The whole idea is to make this space your own.  We will talk about "construction" and I will share with you many money saving tips in later blogs, but for right now let's plan and prepare.  What do you want to surround yourself with?  

Sports memorabilia, music stuff, automotive, crochet, (ok just kidding on that  last one), but what makes you happy?  For me it was things that reflect on me as a person, I have some QVC stuff in there because that had been a part of my life for the last 26 years but this was not about work, this was about who I am. 

I have two old saddles in that room from my riding and roping days.  As a writer I love my old 1920's type writer I found at a flea market and paid $10 bucks for and took it apart and cleaned it, and it sits proudly on my counter top.  My Grandmother's favorite chair sits in the corner along with a few accolades that I have been fortunate to have received over the years.  Make it a space that pleases you, a place to reflect on the good things in your life and the things that make you  who you are. 

Deep thoughts I know and my head hurts now but that is the whole goal of a "Man Cave".   If a stranger walked into that room would they get a good idea of what makes you different from everyone else?   Will they understand your passions in life and feel like they somehow know you better by just having been there?  Set that as your goal and next time we will talk about how to make it all happen.

Enjoy the pathway. 

Till next time.

 

 

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DanHughesQVC

Twitter: www.twitter.com/danhughesqvc

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Questions about Dyson? Ask one of their expert Engineers here!

New Year, New Skincare!

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Every year, just about the time I start putting away my Christmas decorations, my skin goes into a post-holiday slump. I think it's a combination of winter's dry air, not eating as much healthy food, and taking a break from exercise (not sure why in my mind the holidays mean not working out). This combination really throws off my routine and starts to take a toll on my overall appearance. (Insert post-holiday slump selfie... Haha! Just kidding, I'll save you the horror!)

So, this year, I decided that along with getting back to my healthier habits in 2015, I was also going to ramp up my skincare routine. An invitation to visit Dr. Dennis Gross at his Manhattan practice could not have come soon enough!

But girlfriends before skincare! I hadn't seen Dr. Gross' lovely wife, Carrie since the summer and I wanted to catch up with her. We are both passionate about our kids, travel and wellness, so we always have a lot to talk about. While Dr. Gross spends his days seeing patients and researching anti-aging technologies, she runs the family skincare business. They are fantastic duo!

Here's a picture of Meghan from QVC's social media team, me, Carrie, and Kendra, who works with Dr. Gross. We all had a great time at lunch and then walked a few blocks to the office.

As you can imagine, the office of a prestigious skincare doctor like Dr. Gross, is nothing short of amazing. As I walked through the doors of his Manhattan office,  I immediately felt a sense of energy. A very specific sense of energy -- A refreshing blend of prestige, class, and a touch of modern edge. 

Dr. Gross has been a sought-after NYC dermatologist for over 20 years. Not only does he have decades of clinical experience, he is an award-winning skincare researcher.

Every day in his practice, Dr. Gross meets with women who want to improve the appearance of their skin, because helllo, is that so much to ask for?? Unfortunately, yes -- that is a lot to ask for.  So many of us just don't have the time or resources to seek professional treatments on a typical basis, which is exactly why he and Carrie decided to develop at-home formulas. This way his patients were able to use the professional products created for in-office treatments, in their own homes and on their own time.

 Fun Fact: Dr. Gross came up with the idea for his popular at-home peel while riding in the back of a taxi. (Where most people are typically dozing off after a long day at work or holding on for dear life!)

So back to my visit...First, Dr. Gross looked at my skin. Good news: he said he could tell that I'm an avid sunscreen user and that my skin is in good shape for a woman in her mid-forties. However, he could also see some of the loss of firmness and radiance that starts to occur as we age. Additionally, he said that it looked like some of my current products where blocking my pores and I could benefit from a peel. I opted for his in-office peel, which was surprisingly comfortable. I'm thrilled with the results.

While getting a professional peel from Dr. Gross is great, I don't get to New York often and with the whole full time job and Mom gig, it's tough to make time for local professional beauty treatments. I was going to need an at-home solution to keep up with my new skincare regimen.

Dr. Gross recommended that I try three of his most popular products. In fact, not only does he recommend them to most of his patients, he believes in them so much he put them together as part of his Today's Special Value

Results Without an Appointment:

While you can get all three of these groundbreaking products in Dr. Gross' Today's Special Value, you can also purchase them separately.

1. Start with the Alpha Beta Peel Pads. This patented 2-step exfoliating and firming peel can be used every other day. It will be your first step after cleansing. You'll wipe Step 1 on your face to exfoliate and prep your skin. After a couple of minutes, wipe on the Step 2 pad to deliver anti-aging ingredients that will leave your skin firmer and younger looking. You might already know about this peel, because it has been featured in a lot of magazines. It's very popular among beauty editors because it works!

2. Next, you'll apply the Ferulic Acid & Retinol Brightening Solution. We have all heard of retinol,but this groundbreaking formula combines retinol and ferulic acid, which is derived from natural sources like cherries, artichokes and fennel. By combining two antioxidants that deliver benefits on their own, Dr. Gross says he has significantly increased the anti-aging benefits to the skin. You can use this twice a day as an allover treatment.

 

3. Finally, you'll apply the most recent addition to Dr. Gross' anti-aging skincare regimen, his Ferulic Acid & Retinol Fibroblast Anti-Aging Moisturizer. This mult-tasker will provide increased moisture and firmness, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture and brightening skin. In addition to the breakthrough combination of Ferulic Acid + Retinol, he has also added a new ECG Complex, which stands for Ellagic Acid, Collagen, and Gallic Acid. I'm loving how this makes my skin feel and look!

So, I'm back to working out and making green drinks in my Vitamix. I'm also giving my skin some extra attention! I'm glad to say I'm already feeling more energized and l love that my skin is starting to look the way I feel! 

Be sure to find me on social media for beauty updates, recipes, and so much more! 

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