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Recap of my TSV Day!

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WOW! What a DAY!

Thanks for joining me for so much fun throughout our big event, which began at 11pm on May 26th and ended 8pm on May 27th.  I have MANY great memories from our day together. But this one was priceless! 

The photo to the left is me doing a little dance as I left the studio salon, excited to meet up with Jane for our grand finale.When Jane walked into my greenroom she about lost it. There I was, in the exact dress and jacket she had purchased in February for her upcoming Gem Day kick-off!  What makes it even funnier is that we had chosen the same jacket to wear with the dress, and both received comments from the store associates…  “Wow, that looks great, I had not thought of that”! My purchase was made in Albuquerque, Jane’s in New York!  This moment set the tone for the next two hours on air…..need I say more?

Every show was an absolute joy! I was so blessed to share time with the amazingly talented Hosts Rick, Mary Beth, Antonella, and Jane: and our beautiful (inside and out) models Deanna, Brenda and Susanne. And Bill had a wonderful time with the fabulous Alberti at 3:00am!

Each show had its own twist, thanks to the unique personality and perspective of each of these special people, coupled with the unpredictable magic of live television and my lack of sleep!  I am often asked how I manage to talk for so many hours on a day like that, having not slept for 36 hours. It is ALL about being in the company of amazing friends, all of the talented and devoted live studio crew, and most importantly YOU, our collectors. I feel your energy and love, and look forward to your calls and on-line social media interaction. We have a very special community, and I am so grateful.

Thanks for all of the magic moments I will cherish!

Love,

Carolyn 


Cherry Sunshine Cupcakes & Chicken N'Cheddar Biscuits...Ready for a Road Trip??

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Hello, foodies…

Happy June! We’re leaving on our annual In the Kitchen with Davidvirtual road trip…today! We’re honoring college-town eateries this year and asked you all, several months back, where folks in your college town go for the BEST food. Lucky for us, we got some amazing suggestions and we’ll share the winner later this month. Meanwhile, every recipe we’re making throughout the month of June on ITKWD is based on a dish at the restaurants nine of you submitted.

Wednesday’s featured recipe is Cherry Sunshine Cupcakes!

Cherry Sunshine Cupcakes
Makes 20 Cupcakes

This recipe is prepared with the KitchenAid 4.5-qt 300-Watt Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge (K41789).

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

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

  • 1 (16.25-oz) box super-moist white cake mix
  • 1 (12-oz) can lemon-lime soda
  • Zest of 2 lemons

Frosting:

  • 1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup cherry jam or preserves
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cherries, pitted

Preparation:

  1. To prepare the cupcakes, position an oven rack in the middle-lower level and preheat to 350°F. Line a 24-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
  2. Fit a stand mixer with the wire whip attachment. Beat the cake mix, soda, and zest until creamy and the mixture has no lumps. Spoon the cake mixture into the muffin cups, filling no more than 2/3 of the way. Bake for 17–19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely before icing.
  3. To prepare the frosting, fit a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla and mix until evenly combined and the mixture has no lumps. Add the preserves and mix until just incorporated. Fold in the cherries until evenly distributed. Pipe or spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each cupcake, dividing evenly among the cupcakes. If desired, garnish each cupcake with a fresh cherry and a lemon twist.

Cherry Sunshine Cupcakes

This recipe was inspired by the Cherry Lemon Sundrops they make at College Barbecue Drive-In down in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Sandra, North Carolina

Sharon nominated the restaurant, which is right near Catawba College, and said they’ve got the best foot-long hot dogs, French fries, and hush puppies…not to mention barbecue!!! But the Cherry Lemon Sundrops really brought back memories for me, which is why we made these light, airy cupcakes with a lemon-lime soda you can find everywhere…North, South, East and West.

I also want to give a shout-out to Allyson, another North Carolina gal, who echoes my love for the Chicken N’Cheddar Biscuits at Time Out, right around the corner from UNC Chapel Hill. We didn’t make Time-Out a finalist in the contest (now THAT wouldn’t be fair, would it??) but we did give the classic sandwich an Honorable Mention. Here’s our version of the famous Chicken N’Cheddar Biscuit:

Chicken N'Cheddar Biscuit

Chicken N’Cheddar Biscuit

This recipe is prepared with the KitchenAid 9-Cup Exact Slice Food Processor with French Fry & Dough Attachment (K41122).

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

Ingredients:

  • 1-3/4 cups self-rising flour
  • 1-1/2 tsp course ground black pepper
  • 4 oz (1 stick) butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cups milk
  • 1-1/2 tsp course ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg, beaten with a dash of water
  • About 13 oz of warm pulled fried chicken (we used store-bought chicken and pulled the meat from 2 breasts, 2 thighs, and 2 legs)
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the flour and black pepper into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 2-3 times. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles a course meal. Add the milk, while pulsing, and mix until JUST combined.
  3. Turn out the dough on a floured work surface and kneed until it comes together. Be careful to not over-kneed (otherwise your biscuits will be tough). Form the dough into a 6'' x 7'' square. Cut the dough into 4 squares, and keeping the cut edges touching, place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each square with the egg wash. Bake on the center rack in the oven for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the biscuits from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F. When the biscuits are cool enough to handle, carefully slice each one in half (horizontally) with a serrated knife. Leave the bottoms on the baking sheet and divide the chicken among them. Top the chicken with two slices of cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Put the biscuit-tops on each sandwich. Serve warm.

Foodies, I’ll see you this Wednesday night on In the Kitchen with David at 8pm ET. Check out our Road Trip map on QVC.com to see where we’re headed this month!

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Happy June!

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Hello myLCNY fashionistas...happy June second. What a lovely time of the year. You probably were just with your Gang over Memorial Day weekend and now most of you are winding down for summer with school out.

How about a Davies update? Kevin is home for the summer after completing his first year at Temple University. He has been invited back so that is always a good thing. :) Sarah and Bryan will celebrate their 2nd year Anniversary this month ... so hard to believe. They are so fun to watch building their home and life together.

Meghan and Matt just celebrated their first year anniversary. We were all together at the beach for Memorial Day weekend. Talk about in a blink of an eye.....last year we were in the craziness of planning a wedding. My tall drink-of-water son, Larry recently got promoted and is making his Mom and (Dad) very proud. Am I blessed? You bet!!

Matt and Meg

As for me....I have decided to work really hard on eating healthy, exercising, and taking time for Linda. You know your job as a Mom is never over .....but sometimes it is good to let go of the reins and find yourself. So as my motto goes, "I am desperately seeking Linda".

As always I get such joy and fulfillment with LCNY but most importantly touching base with you my friend on Wednesdays at 9am. My favorite day of the week. Speaking of that join MBR and yours truly ....PLUS Carolann this Wednesday starting at 9 am for a two hour show. We are trying something a bit different during our two hour shows Carolann will be live on the set with us on Mary Beth'a Facebook page "chatting" with you. More ways to connect with you! : ) 

See you soon. Don't forget your cup of joe..... 

Linda

A Before & After Model’s Experience

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Let me introduce my new friend, Linda! Well, actually, without knowing it I have known her for months now. Linda was one of the women who took part in our QVC Before and After photo shoot for two of our most iconic products – SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles and TL Advanced Firming Neck Cream. Our team went to great lengths to find women, like you and me, who truly experience the "issues" we all want to improve. Linda joined our Before and After photo study as our most mature model to date, (but age is just a number isn’t it? {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}) and both StriVectin and she saw continued improvements week after week, so much so that her photos were chosen to show on-air and she decided to write about her personal experience in an article.

 

 

I called Linda to thank her recently for her passion, her enthusiasm and for taking the time to write about her great experience. I was so moved by her article, that I wanted to share it with the QVC Community. Enjoy the read ladies and make sure you tune in June 5th at midnight for a special offer containing the very same items Linda tested.

Oh, the injustices of life!  I am a legitimate television personality and model and yet no one knows who I am!  I walk down the street and am not swamped by throngs of people as if I was just another woman about town. This truly can’t be true because I have me DVR’d and can see me on television whenever I want.

Last year, I became a model for a product advertised on QVC.  It was a progressional for a neck cream that is supposed to ease the look of wrinkles and creases due to the aging process.  During a progressional, you are photographed prior to using the product, after two weeks, and then a full month later to see the results, if any.  Models were not allowed to wear any make-up and had to pull their hair back with a two-inch wide headband.  Certainly not my best look!

Every morning and night I carefully applied the cream to my neck and the area below my ears.  At this age, who isn’t willing to try anything that will bring back that wonderful, youthful look we all had in our twenties and thirties.I was one of the lucky few who made it on-air. The show was broadcast at four a.m. so I DVR’d it and watched it the next day. I fast-forwarded until minute 43, at which time the neck session started.  The first model looked pretty good and then the hostess said, “Now we have our most mature model.”  I looked at this woman and thought, “No, that can’t be me.”  This woman had a few moles or age spots on the side of her face and neck so I was sure it wasn’t me.

Well, I kept looking and looking at this mature model and then paused the DVR.  I ran to the bathroom and found a hand mirror so I could see my profile in the mirror. What a shock!! This “most mature model” was me and I never knew I had these few marks (how about we call them beauty marks!) and I was stunned!

After watching my segment a few times, I actually realized that some of the wrinkles and creases appeared softened and it was noticeably evident that the cream really worked.They showed my segment one or two more times, and I just hoped no one else would recognize me!

I was again called, a few months later, to do a progressional for the same company’s face cream and I jumped at the opportunity - same process, photos first, prior to the study, then the scheduled photo sessions.  Also, the same preparation – no make-up and hair pulled back with a thick headband.

I learned of the date of the face cream airing, and since it was running at 2:00 a.m.,I DVR’d it and watched it the next day.  I was anxious to see if I was selected as I look in the mirror every day and didn’t seem to notice any changes.    

As they zeroed in on the first model with a forehead to chin view, she was very pretty,even without make-up and there was a noticeable difference on her face from the before and after shots. The hostess, my old friend, then says, “Now we have our most mature model, the oldest model we’ve ever used.”  You guessed it, it was ME!                                  

A full-face view of me without make-up or hair to border my face, is not a pretty picture.  I could scare a ghost with this look!  I’ve been wearing make-up since I was 13.  Every morning, I put in my contact lenses and put make-up on – even to go to the supermarket.

After the shock of seeing me this way (they showed me at least four times), I actually noticed there was a difference between the before and after shots.  The cream really did smooth the look of some wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes.  Shock of shocks, this cream really worked, too!

But now, how frustrating! I’m a television model and star and no one knows me! The good thing is, I guess, I won’t be bothered by all those groupies and autograph hounds.

How to Pack Your Suitcase (And Make the Most of Every Inch)!

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Hi, everyone!

June is here! My kids are almost done with school and I can hardly believe it. It feels like yesterday when we were sending them off to start a brand-new year. Do you have any vacations planned this month? Any weekend getaways? We have a couple small trips planned so I thought we’d spend the month of June talking about prepping for those trips, the car-ride there, and even a few recipes to make along the way.

First up: the suitcase. How do I pack my life into an incredibly small, unforgiving container? My first (and maybe the best) tip I have for you is to roll your clothes:

Suitcase Before & After

Suitcases have lots of nooks and crannies, so by rolling your clothes instead of folding them, you can get a lot more in that bag. Obviously, you’ll need to pack some things that won’t wrinkle like rayon and polyester blends. I like to pick clothes in the same color scheme (usually black) so I need less accessories. The same jacket, jewelry, and shoes will work.

Speaking of shoes, I shoot for no more than four pairs when traveling for a week or more, and I wear the bulkiest shoe on the plane or in the car. I think you always need dressier flats, flip flops, a nicer walking shoe, and a comfy athletic shoe. I usually slip each pair in a plastic bag (to prevent my clothes from getting dirty) put them on the bottom of the bag and then layer the clothes on top, around, and in-between…anywhere they fit!

Especially for beach vacations or tropical getaways, I always bring a big, roomy tote bag so we can still enjoy that final day. When we went to Mexico a month or so back, we had an early-afternoon shuttle to the airport. We had to check out of our hotel room at 11 but we each wore our suits to the pool and had a change of dry clothes in the bag (which, by the way, were the same clothes I wore on the way to Mexico. No need to pack a separate outfit for traveling…I think you can repurpose!) Anyway, after we were done at the pool, the wet clothes and towels went into the bag and that became my husband’s carry-on.

Here’s another great idea if you have younger kids:

Outfits in Zip-Top Bags

I used to pack Trevor’s clothes in individual zip-top bags. Everything from the swimming diaper to the bedtime clothes. At the end of the day, the dirty clothes went right back into the bag and into the suitcase…none of the dirty stuff mixed with the clean and both Doug and I knew what was what because I labeled the bags. I always found it was so easy to lose little shirts and shorts, but nothing got lost this way! For our dirty clothes, I bring extra plastic bags.

I’m sorry to say the exact carry-on bag I own and love (by Vera Bradley) isn’t on QVC.com at this moment, but there are SO many other great bags to choose from. And, I also love Lori Grenier’s Ready Set Go 2-Piece Bag Organizer

H200475

 

…and Set of 2 Silver Safekeeper Metallic Jewelry Cases.

H201641

I hope you found this blog helpful...next week, I’ll give you my best road trip tips!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

My Brother's Wedding Story

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I read this quote .. " A happier family is but an earlier heaven.." and I thought that is exactly what we experienced a couple weeks ago when my step brother married his best friend. My family in Seattle is the epitome of tight knit. They do family dinners, support each other and all live within minutes of one another.

Getting us all together with another 150 of the coolest people ever was like spending the weekend in heaven. There were too many good pictures for just Facebook so I put together this little picture blog.  My new sister in law, Erica has been a part of my brother, Chris's life for quite a while and in fact they welcomed my first niece, Clair last year. We loved Erica and Claire with all our heart before she married Chris but seeing them say "I do" and now having a real sister makes my heart melt. Isn't she gorgeous!? It was a fabulous weekend we are all blessed to have been a part of.
 

{The Bride}
 
 

{Grace and Georgia and their cousin were flower girls with the most darling dresses!}

{Selfie with my husband and brother on the dance floor}

{My fave pic of Grandpa & Grace as she puts a flower on him}

 

{My absolute favorite picture of all is Grace looking at the wedding party while taking pictures}

 

{Me and my brothers Chris and Taylor at the Rehearsal the night before}

 

{Me and my cousin Jeff}

{Georgia fell asleep in the cab on the way to the wedding}

{And Georgia fell asleep right after the ceremony with her cute (dirty) little feet sticking out of the bridal robe.  She must be growing!}

{Me and my Dad}

 

{Me and Dan}

{Me and my girls} 

{Perfect shot of them walking down the aisle w/ their baby girl & their canine baby}

God bless you four! Please join me in sending some love to the new couple.....

Anyone else have some weddings coming up this Summer or this year?  They are such wonderful moments to cherish.

xo

Kerstin

 

A Day at Longwood Gardens

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Hello friends and fellow nature lovers! If you live in Pennsylvania near QVC's Studio Park, or perhaps if you have visited the area, you may already know about Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. It has a truly magnificent four-acre conservatory that blooms with amazing flowers and foliage inside and outside, all year long…it is most certainly worth the trip if you have never visited!

Longwood Gardens is one of my favorite places to reconnect with nature and to find creative inspiration. The shapes, textures, and colors I see every time I am there provide plenty of fuel for my crafting projects. I decided I was due for another visit, so I took my dear friend Wendy. Inspiring and colorful...our day at Longwood Gardens was nothing short of fun and amazing!!

This perfect day gave us an opportunity to explore the massive gardens filled with humor, Italian water gardens, and secret paths…

 

Their orchid display is absolutely beautiful.

The array of texture & shapes is so inspiring!

 

And nothing compares to the natural colors on display…

 

The gardens span 1077 acres…but my Fitbit said 6 miles, so I think I have more to see...

 

Wendy and I had an opportunity to see some of the gardens being planted so I had to ask about how they control weeds...they hand pick every weed…seriously! Can you imagine?!

We ended the day with fun shopping and a bite to eat.

We were so inspired by our visit that we created some fun crafts... look for my flower teapot and how to make these fun flower shoes in a future blog!

I am looking forward to our next trip back to Longwood Gardens! In the meantime, please share your favorite garden inspiration with me! I'd love to see it!

Enjoy the beauty!

Pat

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pdementri

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PatJamesDeMentriQVC

 

QVC Backyard Party

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Each quarter, QVC changes the themes of our promotional spots and photography to correspond with the season. Our theme this season is “Summer Fun”—and we’re focusing on backyard parties and entertaining. Definitely two of my favorite things about summer!

Since Sharon, Dan, and Leah host a lot of the QVC food shows and I host a lot of the entertaining and decorating shows, we were asked if we would like to be featured for the summer theme and we all gladly agreed!

We were invited to bring a guest and I brought Chelsea.  We really had a great time and she loved being in the photos. It’s so hard with our crazy schedules to catch up with other hosts, and it was such a nice afternoon spent together. 

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a fabulous pre-summer weekend!

Blessings,

Jayne

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaynebrown1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaynebrownqvc


A Breath of Fresh Air

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I found this article about Jennifer Coffey and me from the March 2012 Inside Q and it felt appropriate to share for Founders Week at QVC!!

Story by Mia Rodriguez-Lopez

QVC's Newest Program Hosts: Jennifer and Kerstin have essentially been joined at the hip since they started working for the Q. On air, you’ll see that they’re very different in how they present and sell—but as individuals, they’re the same height, the same shoe and clothing size, and during their auditions they chose the same two favorite brands to sell—kindle and philosophy. they keep the same traditions for their kids, too. Kerstin admits, “We always joke about how we’re so similar we’re almost the same person!”After speaking candidly with these two women, it became evident that their backgrounds are similar, too.


Jennifer Coffey:

Jennifer’s adventure began when she reluctantly agreed to audition for program host at the suggestion of a friend. “I used to own a chain of clothing stores in texas and ran a small public relations firm,” she explains. “I would be on television a lot promoting these businesses, and I found I really enjoyed it. Then, I was asked to co-host a morning show in San Antonio. “My best friend is a photographer and videographer. When I mentioned to her that I saw an email about QVC host auditions she egged me on to submit a video. She wouldn’t leave me alone about it and offered to film it, so I submitted the video. then I crossed my fingers, said a prayer and a couple weeks later I got a phone call from QVC saying they wanted me to come in for an interview and live audition! Then after another, and another, and then the final round—here I am now!” As a single mom, Jennifer says she’s overjoyed to have her daughter, Gabby, on this adventure with her. “It’s a big change living here rather than in Texas.

I tell people there’s a remarkable amount of southern hospitality up here. People are very accepting of me and answer all my silly questions. My daughter likes the students she’s with and she’s been very well received.” When asked about adjusting to the changes in industry, Jennifer tells me, “It’s not much of a big switch for me, from running a store to selling products on air. I feel like it’s much the same thing, but to a wider audience. It’s thrilling for me to know that I’m not just having this conversation with one person, but rather millions. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the QVC viewer, which I’ve already started to do via social media, reading the community blogs and meeting people on the street who recognize me. I know it’s a family in here—but it’s a family out there, too, that I want to get to know, because I plan on being here for a long time!”

Kerstin Lindquist:

Kerstin is a Southern California native who spent nine years as a news reporter. “I definitely prefer QVC to doing the news, that’s why I’m so glad I chose to work here. I loved being a reporter, but with news there are a lot of constraints on being able to speak openly and show who you are. here they want to see your personality. It seems like everyone has to work, so I feel that it’s important to be in a place you love, doing what you love doing. I found that here!” When asked if she misses the sunny shores of California, Kerstin concedes, “I’m a big beach girl, so it was a hard decision. my husband and I lived three blocks from the beach in a little tiny cottage. We have a much bigger house now, which is really great when you have 2 two-year-olds and two dogs!” The real passion in Kerstin’s life is the love she and her husband have for their two daughters, Grace and Georgia, born five months apart. “We couldn’t get pregnant so we started adopting, and while we were adopting, we managed to get pregnant!

We were very blessed; our daughters are just the reason for everything. that’s why I started writing my blog, which became very popular and turned into the foundation of a book I’m writing that lets others know about infertility and adoption, which I feel is something that everyone should talk about. “That’s why the people and culture are my favorite parts of QVC. I can be open about these subjects that mean a lot to me and be accepted warmly. I can honestly say I really like everyone I’ve met. I love education, and with this job there are so many different products that you’re constantly learning."

Here's to many more years to come!

Hope you can come join me on Facebook to stay up to date with me, my kids, my shows, my recipes and my Living For Me segement!!

Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/KerstinLindquistQVC

xo

Kerstin

 

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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We love mushrooms, yes we do…we love mushrooms, how ‘bout you?  Chelsea & I have been obsessed with mushrooms.  She made this recipe as an appetizer but honestly with the larger mushrooms, add a salad and there really are enough for a meal.  She used canned crab meat but I am sure fresh would be even better (that is to much work for me)  Enjoy!

 

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

12-24 large button mushrooms

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon minced garlic

8 oz. lump crab meat

5 oz. softened cream cheese

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

4 strips cooked bacon, chopped

Olive oil spray

Wipe mushrooms with a paper towel to clean.  Remove stems.  Chop the stems and salute with garlic in butter.  Remove from heat let cool.  Combine sautéed mushroom stems, cream cheese, chives, parsley, hot sauce, parmesan cheese, bacon, salt & pepper.  Add crab to the mixture.  Fill mushroom caps.  Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mushrooms spray with olive oil.  Bake @ 350 for 25 minutes. 

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaynebrown1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaynebrownqvc

My Favorite Questions From YOU!

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The QVC viewers have been the icing on the cake of my entire QVC experience. Meeting the QVC community (and it truly is that large and wonderful) who share my love of outdoor living, food, flowers, and plants has been nothing less than delightful. The questions I am asked from viewers in and of themselves are great – here are a few, that so many of you ask me, that are my favorites to answer!

What Are The QVC Hosts Really Like?

The reason you love the hosts is exactly why I do. They are just being themselves, real people with their own individual personalities. Many of the hosts are some of the most interesting people I have ever met. They are the real-deal, good people.

How Did You Get Started At QVC?

Many years ago, I designed the flowers for a fundraiser for the Thorncroft Equestrian Center at Philadelphia’s Bellevue Park Hotel (I have been working with Thorncroft for years – it is an exceptional organization.)  So I went downtown earlier in the day, set-up the rooms with a crew of my designers and then went right into the women’s bathroom to change into my dress, throw some makeup on, and fix my hair – very classy indeed! Anyway, at the table I was seated next to a person who was a gardening buyer at QVC. He insisted I would be great fit for the selling their products. On a lark, I went in and interviewed and a few days later I was asked to come back and learn about how to present at QVC. For the record, I did stretch the truth a bit when asked if I had on-camera experience (well, I had taken many pictures of my sons on vacation, soccer games and been filmed waving madly behind a local TV reporter as she reported during a storm) The rest is my little slice of history.

Have You Ever Been Star Struck at the Q? 

Yes, in a very round-about way. Last year, I was in the green room before I was to be on-air. There was a good looking man with two friends who looked faintly familiar. We chatted and I introduced myself and he introduced himself; Curtis Jackson aka “50 Cent” the famous rapper. Now I am not “hip” enough to know his songs, but I surely had heard of his success. And he was so nice, I asked him if he would take a picture with me. I became an immediate fan.  Making this experience even better, was that that very morning, my sons had helped me with a 5am sell and were scheduled to come back for a sell at 10pm.  “Problem was” they were “too tired” – boo hoo – and stood me up (saying I was furious would be an understatement.) SO I promptly sent them the picture of me and 50 Cent – they had heart attacks and cried with envy. They never stood me up for work again. Thanks 50 Cent. I truly am a big fan of yours!

What Is Your Favorite Part Of Working At QVC?

First and foremost the best is all of the people I have met the QVC viewers, staff, and hosts. Second would be that viewers let me know what products they like or sometimes even more important – what improvements they would like to see in items. I love taking this information to the Barbara King Home and Garden team and making the product you asked for.

Thanks to everyone for loving gardening, flowers, and QVC as much as I do!

-Barbara

Baked French Toast Casserole

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Growing up my mom always made us a special Sunday breakfast before Sunday school...Here is a yummy French Toast casserole to take you back to your childhood...

 

Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 loaf French Bread (13 to 16 ounces)

8 large eggs

2 cups half-and-half

1 cup milk

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Dash salt

Praline Topping:

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions:
Slice French bread into 1” slices (approximately 20). Arrange slices in two rows in a buttered 9x 13-inch flat baking dish, overlapping the slices.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat or whisk until blended but not too bubbly.

Pour milk egg mixture evenly over all the  bread slices.  Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. 

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pdementri

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PatJamesDeMentriQVC

JOAN RIVERS BIRTHDAY MEMORIES

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"When a man has a birthday, he takes a day off. When a woman has a birthday, she takes at least three years off."–Joan Rivers

On Monday June 8th, Joan would have turned 82. I miss her every day. With her birthday approaching, I thought I’d share a few of the many birthday memories I have of her.

Birthdays were a very funny thing for Joan. She really had no use for them. Her way of dealing with turning a year older was to make sure she was busy working. She had a concert or a TV taping or QVC booked well in advance of June 8th! If you tried to wish her well, she would shush you off!

Joan’s desire to ignore the birthday made it difficult for me to wish her well. I always made sure to send a huge bouquet to her house a few days before the actual day with a note that read:

While she hated that day, she always sent me a gracious thank you note for the flowers.

We were so fortunate to have Joan spend many birthdays right here at QVC. Her 80th was the most fun. The entire QVC community turned out to wish Joan well.

While she reluctantly celebrated her own birthday, Joan loved the birthdays of those around her. She was a generous soul who would make sure everyone in her world received a beautiful orchid plant, a cake or a handwritten note on that special day, without fail. Our office still makes sure we have a cake (or cupcakes!) for every employee’s big day. It meant a lot to Joan. It means a lot to me to honor her tradition.

When I turned 50, I held an incredible dinner party in NYC for 40 of my close friends and family. Joan unfortunately was working out of town that night but surprised me by arranging a champagne toast to be served at the restaurant. Typical Joan: elegant and classy even when she couldn’t be there.

A brand new bee to honor Joan’s memory:


J323884- Forever In Our Memory Bee Pin. The bee pin will debut in the ALL JEWELRY HOUR on June 11th at 11pm.

We have created a wonderful new bee pin in honor of Joan. It’s a beautiful pin filled with a lifetime of memories. Some of you know that I wear a small golden bee in my lapel when I am on QVC, so Joan is always with me.

May she always be “Forever in our Memory”!

If you are not familiar with why the bee pin was so important to Joan, here is her story:

The bee was Joan’s personal inspiration. In aerodynamic terms, bees shouldn’t be able to fly. Their bodies are too heavy; their wings are too small. Yet they do fly! Joan believed we all possess the ability to achieve the impossible, every day!

Join me in wishing Joan a Happy Birthday. She will always be in our hearts.

OUR UPCOMING APPEARANCES:

June 11th

1-3am    Joan Rivers Classics Collection 

1-3pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection

8-9pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection  QVC Plus

10-11pm   Joan Rivers Classics Collection ALL JEWELRY HOUR!!

June 12th
2-4pm   Shawn Says, Accessorize!
June 13th
8-10am   AM Style
June 22nd
7-8pm   Inspired Style
June 25th
4-6am   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 TRENDING at http://qvc.co/DDprofile

www.joanrivers.com

Za'atar Beef Koftas with Babaghanoush & Tomato Mint Salad

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When I can't get to my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant, I make this easy dish to satisfy my craving:


Za'atar Beef Koftas with Babaghanoush & Tomato Mint Salad - Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 TBS pine nuts
8 cloves of garlic
2 lemons
1/4 bunch parsley
Handful fresh mint leaves
2 medium to large eggplants
1 1/2 ground beef
1 TB smoked paprika
1 TB sherry vinegar
2 TB Za'atar (spice aisle)
3 TB tahini paste
8 TB olive oil
salt and pepper

 

Step 1.  Preheat oven to 425 F.  Rinse produce.  Half tomatoes.  Finely chop pine nuts. Mince garlic. Halve lemons. Finely chop parsley leaves.  Pick mint leaves discarding stems.

Halve eggplant lengthwise. Pat beef dry with paper towel.

 

Step 2. Roast Eggplant

Season cut side of eggplant with paprika and salt.  Arrange cut-side  down on foil-lined baking sheet and roast until very tender, about 25 minutes.  Set aside, let cool slightly.  Meanwhile, in a bowl whisk together sherry vinegar, 1 TB olive oil and add tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste and mix.

 

Step 3. Form Koftas

While eggplant roasts, in a bowl, combine pine nuts, beef, Za-atar, chopped parsley and 1/2 of garlic.  Season generously with salt and pepper and with hands combine well.  Form into 2-inch cylinders.  Makes about 8-10.

 

Step 4. Make Babaghanoush

After eggplant cools a bit, scrape out flesh and transfer to food processor or blender, discarding skin.  Add remaining garlic, juice of lemons and tahini paste.  Blend and while motor is running add 4 TB olive oil until smooth and combined.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Step 5. Cook Koftas

Heat 1 TB olive oil in large pan over medium-high heat.  When oil is simmering, add koftas and cook until browned on outside and medium inside, about 2-3 minutes per side.  (don't overload pan, cook in batches if you have to)

 

Step 6.  Plate

Add mint leaves to bowl with tomatoes and toss to coat.  Add a few dollops of babaghanoush on plate, lay kaftas over the babaghanoush, serve with tomato salad on side and enjoy.

Enjoy!

Stacey

Do It Yourself with Dan: Over The Door Shelf

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Well here we go again with another addition of DIY with Dan.  If you have been following my blogs the whole idea is to show “Easy to Do" and "Rewarding" projects that you can build and then use around your home.  Projects that don't take a lot of time and don't cost a lot are the most fun to do.  So this week we will tackle building a simple doorway shelf. 

 

Check out my video:

 

My home space is at a premium; we live in an old farmhouse and never seem to have enough shelf space for books or nick-knacks.  So I wanted to find where I could “create” open space easily and cost efficiently and the thought came to me that the space above doors is underutilized. 

 

Each door way will vary in size, so be careful to measure correctly.  I measure the width of the doorway, add the width of the trim that surrounds it, then add an additional 8 inches to get my overall width.  I played around with these measurements and that seems to give the best esthetic look to the overall size of the shelf. 

You material list will be simple: 

  • A single piece of standard 3/4 inch thick pineboard (you will cut it to the measurement we just decided on).
  • A single piece of 3/4 inch decorative trim approximately 6 feet in length
  • (2) readily available shelf supports (I used wooden ones that were available at my local hard ware store)
  • A few screws and finish nails
  • Some sand paper, glue and little paint or stain.

This is the easiest of the projects we have finished so far in the blog series and you can make each shelf in under 30 minutes (minus the time it takes for the stain or paint to dry).I had them up over most doorways in my home and only change the paint or stain to match that rooms décor.

 

After cutting the board to the appropriate length, you then cut your decorative trim  for each side of the shelf,  I start by cutting the side pieces and miter them to an inside degree of 45 degrees.  If your shelf is 6 inches wide cut them to a length of about 8 inches. (The reason for the 45 degree angle cut is to make the pieces come together at perfect 90 degrees on each corner). 

 

Starting on just one side attach a piece of trim with a little wood glue and some fine finishing nails (they are thinner and leave less of a hole to cover over), being sure to get your mitered end to line up perfectly with the corner of the board. 

 

At this point the opposite end of your trim piece from the miter can be cut flush with the board (this end will be against the wall). Take a long piece of trim and cut an opposite 45 degree angle on it and it should fit nicely against the cut you made on the first piece of installed trim. While holding this face piece of trim in place and mark the outside edge of the shelf board on the far end of your piece of trim. 

 

I know that all sounds confusing but you might have noticed that other than cutting the original length to the shelf itself you have not needed a tape measure for anything else.......

 

Now cut that end of the face trim to another outside 45 and glue and nail it into place.  The final piece of trim is cut with a 45 degree miter and glued and tacked into position on the one remaining side and then cut flush with the back of the shelf.

Were almost done.  To install the shelf supports I once again take my measurement of the door width with trim and make a center point on the top of the shelf.  Add an inch to each side and that will be where the inside edge of your shelf supports will be attached.  Screw each support into place from the top of the shelf (you may wish to drill a hole partially through the board to "counter sink" the screw heads...and your done with the assembly.

 

Now just finish your new shelf as you so desire and you have some extra usable space.

Thanks for checking out the blog and enjoy the process.

Dan Hughes

P.S. the same construction techniques work for any type of shelf and can be used anywhere in your home...just change the measurements to suit your needs.

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/danhughesqvc


15 Crowd-Friendly Recipes for Graduation Parties...and Beyond!

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Hello, foodies…

Do you know a high school or college grad? Are you headed to (or hosting!?) a graduation party? Then finger foods, salads, and irresistible desserts are just what you need. And don’t think for a second that these wouldn’t be great at any summertime party.

Antipasto Pinwheels

Antipasto Pinwheels

 

BBQ Pulled Pork Egg Rolls

BBQ Pulled Pork Egg Rolls

 

Ginger-Mint Lemonade

Ginger-Mint Lemonade

 

Summer Fruit Punch

Summer Fruit Punch

 

Artichoke-Spinach Dip

Artichoke-Spinach Dip

 

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

 

Deviled Egg & Ham Salad

Deviled Egg & Ham Salad

 

Summer Pasta Salad with Arugula, Bacon and Feta

Summer Pasta Salad with Arugula, Bacon and Feta

 

Garlic-Curry Hummus & Sweet Potato Chips

Garlic-Curry Hummus & Sweet Potato Chips

 

Cannoli Cups

Caprese Panini

 

Grilled Chicken Salad Flatbread Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Salad Flatbread Sandwiches

 

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake

Chocolate-Strawberry Shortcake

 

S'more Dirt Cake

S’more Dirt Cake

 

Ricotta & Marscapone Cheesecake

Ricotta & Mascarpone Cheesecake

 

Chocolate Hazelnut No Bake Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut No-Bake Cookies

You can find SO many more great apps, sides, desserts, and drink recipes on QVC.com and on the ITKWD section on the QVC app for the iPhone and Android. I’ll blog with you again tomorrow.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. Here’s a “Throwback Thursday” picture I thought appropriate. Congrats to all the grads out there!


UNC Chapel Hill Graduation

 

PM Style Blog - "Off the Cuff' with Shawn and Lisa Rinna

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Hey PM Stylers...so excited for the blog this week because it has us launching a brand new thing. It's called, "Off the Cuff". We are going off script and off the cuff, with our celebrity guests at QVC, to interview them about things that...don't matter but totally delight us!! Ha. Those personal-silly-irrelevant questions that allow us to get to know them a little more, beyond the brand! (It's my dream job frankly, always wanted to be Barbara Walters in those sit down interviews...or James Lipton on 'Inside the Actors Studio' when he used to ask celebs things like, "If Heaven exists, what do you hope to hear when you get there?")

First up, Lisa Rinna, our amazing designer friend who also stars on Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She is adorable, disarming, real, brave, funny, tell it like it is, and so easy to like and laugh with. Plus, the girl's a real looker. Boom! Total Package. :)


Fun, right!?!

Join me on Facebook and Instagram and if you've missed anything from PM Style, you can catch it here.

Mwah
Shawn

 

QVC Plus Crush: June Edition

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June is always an exciting time of year. We have a whole summer ahead of us bursting with possibility, and finally things tend to slow down for a little while. It's a time of getaways, beach trips, and time spent with family and friends. What could be better than that? Nothing if you ask me.

QVC Plus Crush Picks

The QVC Plus Crush blog is a post every month where we share what we're currently crushing on around the halls of QVC Plus. Items we're dying to try out, products that we're head over heels for, and just products that we think you guys should know about. Here are our picks for June: 


ISAAC MIZRAHI LIVE! FLORAL PRINTED SILICONE WATCH

Isaac Mizrahi Watch QVC Plus

There's always time for a great watch. And yes, I realize how awful that pun is - but in all seriousness: how cute is this watch from Isaac Mizrahi? It's a perfect summer pick for a multitude of reasons. The great floral design is completely on trend for summer on 2015, and that sillicone strap makes it perfect for poolside. I'm featuring the black here, but it's available in a ton of great colors. It'll be the perfect finishing touch to all your summer styles.

Shop Now: http://qvc.co/QPlusCrushJunewatch


 SUSAN GRAVER AVIATOR SUNGLASSES WITH SOFT CASE

Susan Graver Aviator Sunglasses

I’ve talked before on the QVC Plus Blog about how much I love aviator sunglasses. As I stated previously, they're awesome and they make you feel like you’re in "Top Gun". Also, I’m only 4’11 so I love anything that makes me look tougher than I actually am.  

During one of our weekly Susan Graver Style shows on Sunday nights, Susan revealed that she was now designing sunglasses and I had to take a peek – guys, they are amazing. They have the quality of a much higher end pair of sunglasses, but are being sold at a really reasonable price. And as somebody who constantly loses their sunglasses, I can really appreciate that lower price tag.

Shop Now: http://qvc.co/QPlusCrushJune-Shade


SELFIE ON A STICK

Sefie on a Stick

I’m calling it – 2015 is definitely going to be the summer of the selfie.  Summer brings about so many great photo opportunities – picnics, beach trips, and summer weddings (just to name a few). Naturally, you’re definitely going to want to make sure your selfie game is on point.  Come prepared to all your photo friendly events with this Selfie on a Stick. It looks a little strange, but I assure you it’s actually really easy to use! You just connect your phone to that brace up top, extend the handle as far as you need to fit everybody in (even Aunt Ida) and then snap away with the bluetooth remote. If you love taking pictures, this is something you’re going to want to check out for sure.

[Also! If you take any great selfies of your summer style, we’d love to see them! Use the hashtag #QVCPlusStyle! On instagram and twitter]

Shop Now: http://qvc.co/QPlusCrushJuneSelfie


JOSIE MARAN ARGAN OIL LIGHT

Josie Maran Argan Oil Light

In the summer, I don’t like anything too heavy on my skin – I try to go as light on makeup and moisturizers as possible. So as the temperatures rise, this light version of Josie Maran’s fantastic argan oil is my saving grace.  It’s perfect, you don’t even feel like you’re wearing any sort of moisturizer at all. Yet, it makes your skin completely glow, and who doesn’t want to glow?

Shop Now: http://qvc.co/QPlusCrushJune-oil


WEN CLEANSING CONDITIONER - GALLON
Wen Gallon

June means one thing around QVC and that is the return of the famous Wen gallons. Everybody at the Q looks forward to this year after year. Honestly, I’m surprised there’s not an annual parade down the halls of Studio Park celebrating the return of the gallons. Maybe there should be…every workplace could use a parade or two! Anyways, back to the gallons -  when it comes to Wen, I’m a tea tree girl through and through.  I’ve always loved the smell of Tea Tree oil and this cleansing conditioner does not disappoint. It’s perfect and refreshing and I cannot get enough of it - just like summer itself.

Shop Now: http://qvc.co/QPlusCrushJunegallon


 Remember to tune in on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights for live programming on QVC Plus. and be sure to email us at QPlus@qvc.com to tell us what you're crushing on this month!

My Granparent's Drive-In Theaters

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Happy National Drive-In Movie Day! Do you remember?? I vaguely remember my parents taking my brother and I to see a flick or two in New Orleans. The window-side speakers, the concession trays that propped on the side of your car, getting out of the car and running around (even though we weren't supposed to!). But the reason this day resonates with me is that my grandparents used to manage several drive-ins in TX and LA!

In fact, it was at the concession stand at one of those drive ins that my parents met. My mom was working the concession stand when my dad stopped in for snacks. The rest is history! I asked my mom if she had photos of any of the drive-ins where the family worked. And being the family historian, of course she delivered in spades! Check out my tour down Drive-In Memory Lane...

 

Do you have fond memories of the drive-in? What was your favorite outdoor flick??

xo,

Jennifer

My Trip to the JCK Jewelry Convention in Las Vegas

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I had so much fun at the JCK Jewelry Convention in Las Vegas.  Here’s my photo diary from my trip.  Enjoy!!

 

These adorned the Wynn Hotel where the couture show took place!

 Judith Ripka banner at the airport

We visited the Judith Ripka villa at the Couture show and LOVED her lobster claw in color!!

 These are from Judith’s couture collection and she’s bringing something very similar to QVC!

 

These gemstone open cuffs are all the rage.  Stacking the colors on your wrist is a big trend.

 Rough Diamonique before it’s cute.  How cool!

 Are you a cat lover or dog lover? Or both!

 With my good friend Carolyn Pollack!

 

Everywhere I turned, friendship bracelets were in style!

 

 I’m loving the organic look & feel of this Or Paz watch cuff!

 Did you know June is pearl month?

 We work with our vendors from sketch & mold to completion!

 

 

If you like my photos I’m always sharing new ones on my Facebook& Instagram! Follow along!! Xo Alberti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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