Hello my LCNY fashionistas!

The ground hog has poked his head out, Valentine's Day has come and gone and we are right in the middle of the February freeze.  If you are living somewhere warm...we are all envious.  That being said I thought I would tell you about a love story that would warm your heart.  It began sixty plus years ago.  A handsome guy....a stunning petite redhead.  They met at Ohio University.  He was a junior......she a freshman.  The story goes they were at a dance and the handsome guy spotted the redhead.  She was with a date of course not him. 

Their versions of said meeting vary a bit.  The gentleman chuckles when he says he bumped into her date and asked her to dance.  She recalls maybe a trip and an apology and then the dance.  He went in to the army after graduating.....they got married and she followed.  The rest they say is history.  This history runs sixty years deep.  Three children...two son in laws..a daughter in law..eight grandchildren and now two grandson in laws. 

Oh my what a trip on a dance floor can start.  This love story is about my Mom and Dad ....Marcia and Bruce.  They still hold hands.  They kiss a lot.  He tells her she looks beautiful. She laughs at his stories. They say I love you all of the time. They cook together. They shop together....yes he goes shopping with her.   They love to entertain. They argue and always make up.  They laugh a lot. They go to bed at the same time....never separate.  My father is adventurous my mother is not.  She has gone up in hot air balloons, flown over glaciers, ridden on the back of motor bikes, flown in small planes and helicopters and traveled to many interesting places. 

When her three children have questioned her what was she thinking.....just say no.  Her response has always been I would rather be with my husband if something went wrong.....then without him.  That my friend is the ultimate answer to how love lasts 60 years.  It is the hand holding, kissing, laughing and rather be together than apart that keeps that marriage ticking.  Through good times and bad, heartache and sadness the thread that binds is ever so strong.  Mom and Dad from a grateful daughter who grew up in a loving wonderful home....you have taught your children how to be caring loving spouses and the next generation is now following your lead. 

You inspire us all...happy 60th wedding anniversary.....

With much love,

Linda and your Gang

Believe it or not, Spring IS right around the corner! So breathe a sigh of relief – and breathe in that fresh spring air!  Pack away the Winter blues, and take a stroll out in that bright Spring sunshine!  Time to freshen up those closets with some color, sparkle and FUN! So Spring into HAPPY with Quacker Factory!  Take a peek at what we’ve got in store to let some sunshine into your wardrobe!

Don’t miss the Quacker Factory Lady Leopard Collection coming soon!  Bright spring colors make this feminine take on our favorite feline print just FABULOUS! Sparkle Cardigan, matching Embroidered T-shirt, and we didn’t forget to give you some DreamJeannes too!  With three “purrfectly” matched pieces - we’ve made it easy to live, laugh, and love Leopard from top to bottom! 

Oops a Daisy!  Forgive us - we just kicked winter out of our minds and closets!  What is HAPPIER than our Quacker Factory Oops a Daisy ¾ Sleeve Top!  That chilly weather will be a distant memory when you are wrapped in sparkling sequins and sunny fun daisies! 

Don’t hide in the corner – it’s time to make a splash in our Quacker Factory Floral Splash Split Neck Top.  Bright blossoms bursting with beauty in your choice of Heart, Butterfly, or Wildflower designs.  Spring has sprung!   

We are HAPPY to be American!  The Quacker Factory Celebrate America T-shirt is a Star Spangled salute to the good ole’ USA!  Fireworks, Flags, and the Red, White, and Blue are patriotic perfection!

Our Quacker Factory Floralicious Top is simply garden party pretty!  Perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, Brunches, Lunches, and any day you need a little whimsy and floral fun!  And the sweetheart neckline is an added touch of special – just for you.  Treat yourself – you’ll feel floralicious!

If you loved this little “sneak peek” of BRAND NEW designs, be sure to sign up to receive email alerts from Quacker Factory.   Just click HERE: http://bit.ly/Join_QF and you’ll be the first to know when these NEW items are available to purchase!  

 We are celebrating 20 Years ofHAPPY at The Quacker Factory and we have lots of Spring surprises in store!  Spring is bursting at the seams with lots of sparkling new styles and you won’t want to miss a minute of the fashion and fun!  So come and join the party!  Everyone’s welcome! 

~Angel

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I'm no actress, but I do love Oscar weekend in LA! This year I was so grateful to have time off to attend a couple of the parties with my husband Sean and best friend Rachel where we celebrated the most talented people in Hollywood. Ok, let's be honest, it was also a great excuse to get away from the freezing weather in NY!

Traveling with my husband is so much fun! As a model, I've become used to traveling the world alone.  I definitely can't complain, but I do treasure the times I get to travel with my loved ones!

We stayed at the Andaz in West Hollywood with an amazing view of the Sunset Tower hotel, built in 1929.  I sat imagining the golden age of Hollywood.  What an incredible scene it must have been with luminaries like Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra and many more walking those halls!

If you're ever in Beverly Hills I highly recommend the Hotel Bel-Air for lunch! The cruditè was just too pretty to eat, well almost :) We made sure to balance our healthy appetizer with a mouth watering margherita pizza.

After lunch, Sean and I walked around the gardens of the Hotel Bel-Air where we spotted a few swans.  As a California girl, I felt right at home in this warm winter weather and was so thankful for this time to soak up some vitamin D.

My friends and I started off Oscar Sunday with an incredible workout at Xtend Barre in West Hollywood.  It's a powerful mix of fast pace ballet and pilates. I was definitely struggling later that night in my heels!

I think all women will agree with me when I say that getting ready is half the fun. Maybe even three quarters of it!  I've known my best friend Rachel for ten years. We met in Milan at a Burberry fashion show and instantly connected.  I often do her makeup for events.  Rachel wore a gorgeous plum colored gown so I opted for a rose gold metallic cream eyeshadow and matte berry lipstick to complete her look.

I chose a peacock inspired smokey eye for my makeup look.  First I smudged a kohl liner (FYI very easy to use!) into my upper and lower lashes, then smoked it out with a shimmery teal shadow.  I added a few coats of glossy black mascara to my lashes and finished off my look with a pinky nude lipstick.  

Sean and I squeezing in a quick YouTube lesson on how to tie a bow tie.

Don't let these dresses deceive you, after posing for a few pictures Rachel and I ended up in a serious match of ping pong at the Weinstein Oscar party.  

Don't forget to follow @Wander_Beauty on Instagram.  We are launching in just a couple months, I can't wait to share more with you! Stay tuned for my next blog post, you never know where I'll be wandering next!

xo,

Lindsay 

What were some of your favorite hosts doing BEFORE they came to QVC? They're sharing their stories and fabulous old job photos below!

Mary Beth Roe:

By the time I graduated college, I had an audition video ready to send out for a potential news job. Within two weeks, I was hired to be the first female evening news anchor in Eau Claire, WI. It was a great place for me to start and get my feet wet while really learning the business. That was 1981 when a lot of cities still only had male news anchors behind the desk. So it was rather groundbreaking back then. I was there 3 years and only left to get married to Mark.

Kerstin Lindquist:

I’ve had some pretty interesting jobs. One of my very first jobs, when I was 14, was a roller-skating snowflake during the Disney parade in Anaheim, CA where I had to wear a fabulous white leotard.  Next, I was a lifeguard. I absolutely loved it. I made some of my best friends and got to be out in the sun all day and get paid for it. I was also a news broadcaster for 8 years, working on everything from undercover work in Mexico to investigative reporting from Guantanamo Bay. I even won 4 Emmys! But the funniest old job story of all? I replaced Rachel Boesing as the weather girl in Las Vegas!

Shawn Killinger:

This is me in 1997. I worked for CBS News. I was an Assistant on the Foreign News desk. To this day I consider working in that newsroom, the Dan Rather one, the greatest accomplishment of my life.  I was a low level, starter out-ter. I faxed, answered phones, prepared passport apps for our Foreign correspondents. I was gifted at ordering lunch.

Leah Williams: (sorry do not have original picture)

Fast asleep and still in my uniform after a long day making burgers at Jack In The Box circa 1978.

Jacque Gonzales:

I really need to sit down and write about my almost 19 years in radio (I started when I was 14) - and some of the best friends and mentors I've ever had! I'm going to start digging through my old photos too! But this photo I thought would be fun for some of you to guess who he is?!?!? Without radio - I wouldn't have ended up at QVC - I'm eternally grateful - and will ALWAYS be a Radio Girl at heart!!! Oh, and this is Slick Rick.

Dan Wheeler: Here are two old photos from my first job in radio.  When I was 19 years old I worked a summer job as a disc jockey at WWOG-FM radio station in Boca Raton, Florida.  The station was located in the middle if what seemed to be "a jungle."  I had to sign the station on the air at 6am - meaning I arrived at 4:30AM. It was a little scary showing up there in the dark.  One morning I was putting my key in the door and I heard a hissing sound.  I looked up and a water moccasin snake was about two inches from my face!  It had slithered up a bush and was wrapped around the light fixture above the door.  I was able to get a long stick and put that snake back into the jungle. But what a way to start your day! Oh, and it was all for $1.60 an hour!

Jennifer Coffey:

Before QVC I owned four clothing boutiques in Texas! This was my first, in a 160-year old building in New Braunfels.

What was your very first job? Tell us in the comments below!

Are you starting to get Spring Fever yet?  I am!  And it still may be awhile until our spring flowers appear so I thought I would share with you a fun paper flower craft that you can do that will brighten up your décor.  You can use these flowers to decorate a party, to top a birthday or shower present, to decorate a tree!  I hope you enjoy my “How To” video.  

Share with me the flowers you create!

Step 1:  Line up your tissue paper so its fairly even.  Pick a medium weight tissue paper.

Step 2: Fold paper in one inch folds, back and forth.

Step 3: Take folded tissue paper and twist a pipe cleaner in the middle

Step 4: Cut each end at a diagonal.  Use a sharp pair of scissors to get through the folded paper.

Step 5: Gently pull each individual tissue paper out.  Continue to pull the next tissue paper out and fluff as you go.

 Step 6: Viola!

... Enjoy the video!

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 “Everything goes with anything,” seems to be the mission statement and mantra of style extraordinaire, Lori Goldstein. Lori is one of the most influential stylists in the fashion industry today, having worked with a number of iconic celebrities and photographers over the last twenty years. In fact, the last time I visited Lori in New York City she casually mentioned her upcoming shoot with Katy Perry.

To think… Katy Perry and I have something in common!! That’s pretty amazing don’t you think? Lori Goldstein balances a full plate of artistic, extravagant, and amazing projects all at once and touches each with impeccable class, sophistication, and of course her unique style. According to Lori, her LOGO by Lori Goldstein line here at QVC is one that she takes deep pride in; perhaps what she is most proud of. She blends 20 years of notable experience in the fashion industry, combined with her eccentric style and brings a line of on trend fashion for everyday women like me and you.

It’s never “why?” to Lori, it’s more like “why not?” Why not mix prints and colors? Remember what I said before, “Everything goes with anything!” Sometimes we may see a look similar to Lori’s and think “I could never pull that off,” but what I’ve learned from Lori Goldstein is, yes. you. can. It’s all about confidence and owning any room you walk into.

Confidence is key when it comes to Lori’s line at QVC. To feel confident, you must feel comfortable and oh my goodness is there anything uncomfortable about LOGO?? Answer: No. Everything is designed and made to fit the everyday woman at any age. Her pieces are functional, stylish, and unique – is there a better combination? While I was up visiting Lori in NYC, she styled a couple of different looks to really show off how versatile her line can be. From running errands, to date night, you really can’t go wrong with her collection!

If you didn’t hear already, Monday nights on the Q are transforming to the ultimate night of fashion. In fact, we’re calling it Fashion’s Night In. You can join me and Lori at 8pmET after an all new time for Inspired Style at 7pmET. After Lori and I have had our fun shopping with you, stick around because the night is still young!! Next will be everyone’s favorite duo Shawnie Sue & Isaac followed by two hours of PM Style with Shawn Killinger! … Did Monday just become the best night of the week?!

Wahoo!! I’m so excited and I hope you are too! There will be a lot of fun to be had with Lori in the future! 

With award season upon us, I decided to have some fun and recognize my fellow coworkers, so I made cookies in the shape of Oscars! 

Each person won for a topic that related to him or her.  Some of them included “Best Professional Phone Voice,” “Always Keeping a Full Candy Bowl,” “Funniest Facebook Posts,” and “Best Shoe Collection.” 

This was a fun way to have our own Academy Awards at QVC, while taking a break to indulge in something sweet, too!

Enjoy!

Your Foodie Friend Sam

Sugar Cookies with Icing

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Oscar shaped cookie cutter (If you don’t have an Oscar shaped cookie cutter, make a paper template, place it on the dough, and cut around it with a sharp knife.)
Circle cookie cutter

Directions

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until mixture is pale and blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until egg is fully incorporated into sugar mixture. Add vanilla extract and beat. Reduce mixer to low and add flour, a little at a time, until dough is fully combined, taking care not to over mix.

Divide into two disks and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate dough for at least one hour, or preferably 2 to 3 hours. Dough can be left in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove your dough from the refrigerator, let it sit for a minute or two so it is easier to roll out, then put your dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out with a rolling pin to approximately 1/8 of an inch in thickness. Using your cookie cutters, cut out Oscars and circles and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut slits into the middle of the circle cookies that are big enough to fit the base of the Oscar cookies. Bake 10-11 minutes, or until cookies are just starting to become golden in color around the edges. Remove from oven, and if the slit in the circle cookies has filled in during baking, use a sharp knife to re-cut it before the cookie cools.

Royal Icing:
Ingredients:
4 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons water

Additional Materials:
gold sprinkles

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together for 7 – 10 minutes until icing stiffens. If icing appears too stiff, add more water one teaspoon at a time. You want it to be thin enough that you spread it on the cookie easily.  Add gold sprinkles to finish!

Several years ago I made this recipe for a casual family get together.  My niece, Kennady, at the time was a picky eater and would only eat chicken nuggets & french fries.  I begged her to try my potatoes, which she did because she loves her Aunt Jayne   and to my delight she LOVED them.  It is the easiest side dish. Perfect for when you are cooking for a crowd.  I took it to a potluck dinner with some friends on Sunday.  Once again it got rave reviews.  Enjoy!!

Onion Soup Potatoes

2 lbs red bliss potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/3 cup olive oil

1 package onion soup mix

Put potatoes in a casserole dish.  Drizzle with the olive oil and onion soup mix.  Stir to coat all of the potatoes.

Bake @ 400 for 30 minutes to desired firmness.

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Who is ready for March? Now, don’t get me wrong I love February. I had another birthday on the 14^th. My husband, Jamie, my niece, my siblings and I all bundled up and trekked to our favorite, local Turkish restaurant and had a festive celebration. Jamie’s dear mother, Robin had just passed away on February 3rd, and my Jamie came home from Australia with all the jewelry she wanted me to have. So, I felt her hovering, smiling and toasting with all of us as I wore her jade necklace and matching bracelet. I just know she knows how grateful I am for her son and the unconditional friendship she always gave me. So, it was my kind of celebration- reflective while joyous.

But I’m looking forward to March and spring! I went from singing, “Baby, it’s cold outside” to “Baby, enough cold outside!” During this particularly cold February I came up with a couple of tricks to move spring in gear. First, no matter how cold it is outside I buy tulips. Tulips remind me of spring and warm me up. Second, I pull out and wear my most colorful pink and coral lipsticks and matching blushes. Third, I start preparing my skin for spring. When the hats and gloves come off, our skin is waiting to be restored. It needs to be hydrated, repaired, nourished and protected. Our skin is begging us right now for the ideal moisturizer.

On Friday, April 3rd at 4 am, Stacey and I will be launching StriVectin’s most luxurious moisturizing day treatment to date: Repair and Protect with SPF 30. StriVectin formulas are known for cutting-edge technology developed by teams of scientists, chemists and doctors, but we took this treatment one step further after our formulation process….you’ll have to tune in to find out why!

So, in the meantime buy those tulips, pull out those pinks and coral lipsticks and soon your skin will be ready for spring StriVectin style!

Hello Everyone!

I am I am overjoyed about the Perricone MD Super-Size Daily Treatment Essentials!  Not only will all three products be Super-Sized, but this is the first time Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum is available in Super Size!  You will only find the Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum super-size and the Cold Plasma Sub D Super-Size here at QVC! 

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer is the ultimate luxurious moisturizer that is super packed with Dr. Perricone’s most powerful anti-oxidants. Super rich in hydration and gives your skin the ultimate glow and softness to the skin. The results are glowing hydrated skin that is so youthful and gives you the look of love. This is the Perricone difference and the one product that everyone who uses it falls in love with it. You have a loving relationship with your skin 

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum is the most powerful eye product that Dr. Perricone has and it is an obsession with many of the QVC hosts.  Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum will blow you away with its results. Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum addresses deep creases above and below the eye and on the eye lid skin. Yes, you must apply this to the eye lid!! Applying it 360 degrees on every area of the eye and eye lid gives you a firmer, wider, smoother and younger looking eye area. Deep creases are dramatically reduced. Dr. Perricone discovered that glutathione is the boldest master antioxidant. He created a way to deliver this to the skin which tackles advanced aging. 

Cold Plasma Sub- D is on fire throughout the world and is changing the way women view themselves when they look in the mirror. Dr. Perricone has created the most powerful in home treatment for your neck, chin and jawline. Cold Plasma Sub- D dramatically targets the bands that run up and down the neck, the deep lines across the neck, the loss of firmness and the definition on the chin and jawline. The active ingredients along with Dr. Perricone’s Plasma Delivery System is what changes your neck area to a younger, firmer, smoother more defined neck, chin and jawline. I urge you to take a before and after because you will be astounded with the results. Use it twice a day, always applying it to the front of the neck and the back of the neck taking it up behind both ears and up to the chin and jawline. 

Dr. Perricone is offering a bonus item with the TSV for Auto Delivery! When Dr. Perricone invented the Nutritive Cleanser, he wanted to invent a cleanser that leaves your skin super radiant and super clean but always feeling dewy and glowing. This cleanser will never dry your skin out. The most important part is it is packed with antioxidants and fight off free radical damage. You will receive a 6oz Nutritive Cleanser with your Auto Delivery Shipments!

Enjoy!

Dana

In the final days of Black History Month I thought I’d share a brief clip of me with a few of my friends. As women of color, we understand the historical significance of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” so we decided to sing it at a recent gathering in friendship. Although we mixed a few of the lyrics, the power of the song and all that it represents is why we all joined in.

Black History Month is a celebration of achievements by black Americans. If you’d like to know more about “Lift Every Voice and Sing” you can read about it here. http://www.naacp.org/pages/naacp-history-lift-evry-voice-and-sing

Hello, Friends!

Are you a tea drinker or a coffee drinker?

Lately, I’ve been noticing how much more relaxed and laid-back tea drinkers are compared to coffee drinkers. Coffee drinkers want their extra-hot half-caf soy mocha chai caramel latte in a double cup—and they want it NOW. Meanwhile, tea drinkers just throw some Earl Grey in a little hot water and wait around for ten minutes while it steeps.

It makes me think that, at least once in a while, we should all take a breath, kick back, and be tea drinkers. So, my ED On Air collection for spring includes this lovely Tea for Two set.

The design is definitely inspired by my love of animals, and my own dogs and cats. In my house, the dogs are always running around, following me everywhere, while the cats find a sunny spot to curl up in and quietly rule the house. I’m pretty sure, if they were people, the dogs would be coffee drinkers and the cats would be tea drinkers. But, anyway…

The animal accents on this set have all been beautifully painted by hand. Also, the prints on the tea cups are based on vintage textiles that I’ve collected over the years, and the patterns have been hand-drawn by artisans. I worked really, really hard with my team to get this special item just right. Whew! I could really use a tea break!

Do you know someone who needs a tea break? This set makes a great gift—I’ve already given it to some of my close friends.

And, speaking of friends… don’t forget to check out my friend, Taniya’s video blog for some fun decorating ideas.

Oh, and PS—if you really want to, you can use these cups for coffee, too.

Enjoy—

Ellen

This Friday is QVC’s annual Big Bonanza Silver Sale(R), one of my favorite days to shop with you of the year! I’ve now been a part of this day for 21 years. Anyone remember when we used to wear saloon girl type costumes?  Thank goodness our fashion direction for the day has evolved! I’m not sure what I’m going to wear yet, but I’ve pulled 2 looks to match up with some of the key pieces on the day, and thought you might like a sneak peek.

This year’s assortment is filled with statement pieces, pops of color, and updated essentials. I’m loving this puffy, marine link necklace--which isn't available quite yet on QVC.com. (But lots of other items already are!) Talk about updated and statement at the same time. Those links are sometimes called gucci links and I love how they float with the delicate chain in between. Looks great against the neckline of this navy shift dress that’s in the mix for my wardrobe!

If you want statement…check out the boldness of this byzantine soft bangle…wow! The texture of those hand assembled links is gorgeous. And I love it on one wrist with a great watch on the other.

As any silver gal knows, you have to have a great sterling watch…and Ecclissi has taken the multi strand look that has been popular in fringe and gladiator sandals and used that as inspiration for this new piece. As you can see, it comes in other colors of metal, but I’m a purist, and I think the all sterling is the best.  I also love the scale of the watch…easy to read, not too big, but not petite either.

And why not ring in the spring fashion season with pops of color…in a ring! From the saturated look of turquoise, to the wearable luxury of colored Affinity diamonds to the fabulous cocktail ring designs by Graziela Kaufman, these are 3 of my favorite looks on the day. (You can get Graziela's ring now, stay tuned for the other two rings!)

I hope you’ll come shop with me for the Big Bonanza Day finale on February 27 from 9-12 midnight ET, and then for a second show, our encore, on Sunday, March 1, from 4-6pm ET?

See you soon!
—Jill

I can’t believe it’s finally here but dang if the new Monday night on Q isn’t ready to launch tomorrow. AHHHH! We are all so excited (and secretly sick to our stomachs with joyous nerves)

Starting tomorrow, Monday nights on QVC will be called, “Fashion’s Night In”. Amy Stran will be joining you starting at 7pET with Inspired Style, followed by LOGO by Lori Goldstein, at 8pET.

The big news on my end is Isaac is now moving to 9pET!!!! Set your clocks, your calendars, your everything! Wait there’s more. Drumroll pleassseeeeee….

PMStyle is moving to 10pET, and I’m taking over the esteemed reins. I am so excited to put my own ‘Shawn-i-fied’ twist on this show that I know you have loved and set your DVR’s for, for years. What an honor for me. Now the scoop...

For starters, you will not recognize the PMStyle set, it has gotten a huge, MAYYY-JOR facelift. SO huge that it's not quite done yet ....

but tomorrow it will be by tomorrow at 7p ET, just can't wait until you feast ur eyes on the completed new set of PM Style!!!

And, since I love inspirational jewelry, we are starting a cool new segment on PMS called “Soul Speak”. It will be home to all those things, jewelry and accessories, that uplift you, empower you, give you hope, courage, and stir your faith.

First up Monday night, a gorgois new item from Honora pearl. Ladybug pearl earrings. My college BFF Jen went to heaven at the age of 29. She was a newlywed. She had Kidney Cancer. Her nickname was ‘Ladybug’. I have a ladybug tattoo over my heart in her memory, and I collect them. They are lucky little gems for your ears these new Honora. (PS doesn’t hurt that critter jewelry is wicked cool right now too). I see ladybugs at the weirdest times and I’m convinced it’s angels smiling on me.

**PIC ladybug earring**

I know how much you love your PMStyle models ..... Well, there are some new faces joining us starting Monday and I cannot wait for you to see everyone. Our Fashion Stylist behind the scenes, weaving all the magic on the girls (and me) is a fresh, new, gifted fashionista cutie named Amanda (she has saved me from countless fashion faux pas over the years in working with me on Friday’s Isaac and Shawn Says Accessorize shows)

We even have a new Producer (Aka the person who talks to me in my ear through the show) and her name is Erica. She’s expecting her first little one in April btw, so we are all placing wagers. (Girls are more fun to dress so I’m personally rooting for pink balloons on the big day.)  

So there you have it. I cannot wait to see you all. We plan to ‘keep it real’ and have tons of fun. I don’t want to give too much away but there is also a new Oryany bag in the show. I rarely carry a handbag, but Oryany is one of my uber favs. And I’m hoping-praying-begging for some GILI in the show Monday. (I own like 4 of their leather jackets, and just bought a silver GILI clutch. A girl could go broke doing this job. Anyone have a spare room for me if I spend my way out of house and home??)   

I didn’t date much and I wasn’t voted Homecoming Queen, but I was involved in just about everything else while in high school.

My senior portrait

I loved being a cheerleader for both basketball and football for all four years, jumping up and down, doing the splits, hooting and hollering for our team and wondering if any of the jocks would ever ask me out. They didn't

I also loved to sing! I was in the school choir and competed at a lot of music contests. I also sang in two different high school singing groups from my church that toured around the Midwest, ministering at various churches.

The true highlight of these years was being in our champion high school band. Our band was rated as one of the top bands in the country. I was one of the head majorettes for parades and a field commander who directed the music on a podium during a field show on the football field. This was a great experience in self- discipline, endurance and teamwork, which earned us first place trophies at almost every parade for a period of about four to five years. It also earned us the opportunity to travel to several locations, such as Florida, Washington, D.C., Alberta, Canada, and most memorable to me, the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, during the Bicentennial year of 1976! What a gorgeous parade route that was, but seven miles long! My feet ached for days from those high-heeled, knee-high, white go-go boots!

I was the head majorette when our band went to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. We visited Marineland and this photo appeared in our local newspaper.

Needless to say, I wasn’t around much to help Mom with the dishes, but my parents always made sure I found time for studying and part-time secretarial work during the summer to earn money for college.

You don't realize until you're older how experiences even in high school prepare you for your future career and help build your character and reputation. Even though I wasn't asked about by a jock, I wouldn't change a thing!

Counting our blessings,

Mary Beth Roe

A few weeks ago, I planned a trip to California to visit my daughter Jaclyn and her boyfriend Kevin. The day before my trip, Jaclyn face-timed Rich and I with the exciting news that Kevin had proposed to her with a beautiful engagement ring!

Kevin secretly set up a video of the proposal... How cute is this?

(Insert video of proposal)

Well, to say the least, our trip to California turned into 4 endless days of joy and celebration!

​

All my love and congratulations to Jaclyn and Kevin... I couldn't be happier!  Let the good times roll!!  

xoxo

Susan

I spent time recently in our jewelry archives at Joan Rivers Worldwide. I’m so proud of the amazing things that Joan and I designed over the past 25 years. From our Marie of Romania egg charm necklace to the incredible Noah’s Arc inspired charm sets to countless lorgnettes and collectible boxes and Faberge inspired eggs. Not to mention over 200 original bee pin designs!!

Joan taught me to appreciate jewelry from other time periods and different countries. Whether we were in St. Petersburg, Russia holding actual Faberge objet d’art in our white gloved hands, (You read that right! The Hermitage Museum invited us to tour storage rooms and view Faberge that had never been on display!), in our beloved Portobello Road in London, foraging for vintage inspiration, or off to Sotheby’s auction house for a personal viewing of the Duchess of Windsor’s jewels, we never stopped looking for the next great inspiration!

What incredible adventures Joan and I had in the name of “work”!

As Melissa and I continue this journey without Joan, I am confident in knowing she would be proud of our newest designs. Joan always encouraged me to grow and evolve her business. We honor Joan’s memory with every new piece we add to the collection.

Our jewelry hour this Monday, March 2nd, at 5pm with Jane Treacy is filled with a mix of iconic, classic styles, updated new trends and of course, a stunning brand new gemstone inspired BEE PIN! 

{Candy Color Bee Pin}

Here is a sneak peek of other fabulous items you will see in the hour:

This amazing set of 5 earrings includes colors that match back to the new bee pins!!

{Candy Color Set of 5 Drop Earrings}

I am in love with this beautiful new collection of crystal pave flower pins. (J288303/J318697) Over a year in the making and some of the most stunning flowers we have ever designed!

{Jeweled Blossoms Pavé Pin Auto Delivery- Pavé Gardenia Pin, Pavé Bluebells Pin, Pavé Peony Pin, Pavé Rose Pin}

Our latest version of our famous Italian-styleearrings!  This new design features an elegant crisscross of crystal pave that will sparkle and light up your face. 

{Pavé Marquise Lever Back Earrings}

Attention watch collectors:  We have recreated Joan’s favorite double wrap chain watch!  It’s one of the chicest timepieces I've ever seen and is available in silver and gold-tone!!

{Double Wrap Curb Link Watch}

We created a new coral color for Joan’s favorite, the Starlet Style necklace and I’m sure she would adore it. Here’s Joan wearing our pink version on Fashion Police!

{Starlet Style 20' Necklace w/3' Extender}

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry from our past collections? I would love to know what it is. You never know what I might find in the archives!

I hope you will join me for all of our shows in March! Here are the dates and times.

David

UPCOMING APPEARANCES:

March 2^nd

11am-noon   Joan Rivers Classics Collection 

5-6pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection  ALL JEWELRY HOUR!!

March 6^th– FASHION DAY

5-6pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection

March 26^th

1-2am   Joan Rivers Classics Collection

4-5am   Joan Rivers Classics Collection

6-8pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection

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

Or INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/joanrivers

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

Or on INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/daviddangle

Or on QVC Collections at http://qvc.co/DDprofile

www.joanrivers.com

I usually try to avoid using chemicals in my own household cleaning projects but there are times when you just have to call in the Calvary. Let me tell you a little story about something I found many years ago that has never disappointed me in its results. Some of you may know that my passion is automobiles. 

So much so, that two years ago I opened a small auto restoration shop as a way of keeping the art form alive and also being able to employ the best in the business.  It can be very dirty work some times.

De-greasing a fifty year old motor takes something a little stronger than a normal "household" cleaner.   I wanted something that worked but was not harsh or dangerous to be around.  After a lot of research I was told about family owned company based out of Baltimore Maryland.  The family only makes one product, just one.  And that product is called GP66.  It is a commercial quality de-greaser and cleaner that they sell in fifty five gallon drums to clean airports, warehouses, hospitals and schools.  The product is used to clean 900 million square feet of office, retail and industrial spaces every single day here in America.

A good friend of mine and fellow "neat freak" was the one who told me about the product and his name is Scott Hynd.  You may have seen Scott on the air with me many times. Scott convinced these nice folks that they needed to make it available to the consumer market and they did.  QVC is the only retailer to make it available for home use.  Same great product, same great results, just now available in a set of (2) 32 oz. bottles.   Already over 85,000 sets have been ordered by our customers.  The item number is V31232 

Imagine something that is strong enough for the toughest jobs but easy enough that you don't need rubber gloves or a face mask.  I have used it not only in my shop but on tough messes around the house.  When everything else fails this stuff seems to get the job done.  From tough soap buildup in the shower to even cleaning pots and pans in the kitchen it cuts right through the dirt also cuts down on my cleaning time.  Scott was in the studio and was showing me some of the demo's he does with GP66 on the air and I thought I would share with you one of my favorite little cleaning secrets.

If you have tough jobs around the house I highly recommend it and I like the idea of supporting a family owned manufacturer as well.  Give it a try.

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/danhughesqvc

www.gather.qvc.com/member/DanHughes

After posting my photo of my short rib dinner I had while staying at the hotel during the snow storm, I was inspired to try my own Short-rib recipe... here it is!

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetable Mash Ingredients

(Serving for 2)

 Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic

8 oz rainbow carrots (or organic carrots)

4 oz shallots

2 short ribs

1 tsp veal demi-glace (store bought)

2 TB light brown sugar, divided

2 TB Worcestershire sauce

1 cup Apple Cider

4 springs of thyme

1 sweet potato

1 small parsnip

1/2 cup Coconut Milk (or Buttermilk)

Olive Oil

Salt Pepper

 Directions: 

1. Prepare Ingredients

Mince garlic.  Rinse carrots, trim and discard tops and halve lengthwise on a diagonal.  peel shallots and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.

In small bowl, whisk together demi-glace and 1 cup water

2. Sear Short Ribs

Rinse short ribs and pat dry.  Season with salt and pepper both sides and rub 1/2 of brown sugar on top.

Heat 1 TB olive oil in large high sided pan over medium-high heat.  When hot, add short ribs and sear until browned on outside about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove and set aside.

3. Saute Vegetables

Add garlic, carrot and shallot to pan from short ribs.  Over medium-high heat, cook until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add Worcestershire sauce and cook until reduced, scraping up brown bits on bottom of pan.

4. Braise Short Ribs

Return short ribs to pan and nestle into vegetables.  Add apple cider, thyme sprigs, demi-galce mixture and remaining light brown sugar.  Make sure ribs are submerge in liquid. Increase heat to high and bring to boil, then cover pan, reduce heat to medium and braise until very tender, about 35 minutes.

5. Make Mash

Peel sweet potato and parsnip.  Cut into 1 inch pieces.  Place in medium pot and cover with cold water.  Add generous pinch of salt and bring to boil.

Boil for about 10 minutes or until tender then drain and transfer to bowl.  Add coconut milk (or buttermilk) and mash until smooth.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Final

When rib are done, remove short ribs from pan and set aside, reserving vegetables.  Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.  Boil uncovered until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Divide short ribs, carrot and vegetable mash evenly between plates.  Spoon over sauce and serve!

I hope you enjoy!! Be sure to check out my Facebook page for more recipes, fashion fun, beauty banter, and some pictures from home every once and while!

Hello Gardening Pals!

I recently asked my Facebook friends what was the BEST gardening tip they've ever received?? And I loved reading all of the answer so much, that I decided to put them in a blog and share them with everyone! You can read them all below. I love when we fellow gardeners can help each other and swap tips!! Thank you to everyone who shared one, and happy gardening! You can check out some of my garden favorites in Carolyn's Garden Party page on QVC.com!

XO,

Carolyn

Best Gardening Tips

Leslie:

Run your fingernails over a bar of soap before starting. Makes for easy cleanup and no digging at dirt under your fingernails when you're done.

Pat:

Plant perennials!! Least maintenance and expense. Love my daylilies!!!

Linda:

Plant potatoes around the perimeter of your garden. If you need to dust for bugs you aren’t contaminating the produce and bugs won’t move into the inside of your garden.

Mickey:

Best advice I received many years ago is to remember that gardening is a process that requires patience. Sure comes in handy now that I live in the mountains of Utah. At 6500' it takes a year or two to get the results most people get the first year…but worth the wait!

Teresa:

Use disposable diapers in the bottom of hanging baskets for extra moisture! 

Zella:

Never plant before Mother's Day! (I grew-up in Delaware.)

Kim: 

The best garden tip I have is don't give up on your dream that you can grow a garden. I live in Florida, and it's hard to grow a lot of things, but sometimes just moving a plant from one area to another is enough to see it thrive.

Susan:

Patience! Perennials take time to get established. My mom always said "The first year they sleep, second year they creep & the third year they leap!"

Charleen:

Before you place your hydrangea in the ground, plant a penny. It adds acidity to the soil which will give you vibrant blue flowers. Tip comes from my mother who always had the most gorgeous hydrangeas!

Carol:

Best tip I ever read was using human hair, saved from haircuts, on rose bushes. Sounds weird right? But this tip was wonderful, made my roses grow and thrive.

Tina:

Place plastic down then cut a hole for your plant. No weeds!

Ann: 

Use cut grass clippings fermented in water overnight as a fertilizer - it stinks to high heaven but it works amazingly to make BIG healthy plants.  This tips is from an old (94) Italian gardener friend.

Linda:

Take all your shredded paper, place around plants and wet down. NO WEEDS!!! I save my shredded paper all winter.

Nancy:

Terra cotta planters are porous, so they evaporate quicker. You'll need to water plants in those containers more often.

Shirley:

Cut potatoes for planting. Just lay them on top of ground cover with hay and you will have a good crop. Ground doesn't have to be worked. Potato will have little dirt on it. Really neat, AND it works!

Rhonda:

Gerber Daisies are the easiest to grow…they come back every year, but they need lots of sun & water. One of my favorites. 

Linda:

In 1964 my grandmother gave me poppies from her garden and told me to plant them when it was the dark side of the moon. They have come up every year since!

Mj:

To feed roses monthly-a mix of crushed egg shells and shredded banana peels. It makes them bloom magnificently.

Jo Ann:

Using newspaper under mulch to control WEEDS works great!

Patti:

Hire a landscaper.