Hi Geller Girls!

Have a beauty question for Laura Geller?  Submit them below and the Laura Geller Beauty Team will be answering them all day Tuesday, May 28th! 

Plus, don't miss her very special collection launching at tonight, 5/28, at midnight EST!  

Get to know Angel Smedley of Quacker Factory a little better!

CMP Cake

If you are from “upstate” Pennsylvania you know what CMP stands for because you probably have ordered a CMP sundae once or twice. My Mom was raised in Mahanoy City Pa, and we spent many happy summers in the Coal Regions when we were kids. One highlight was going to Heislers Dairy to play miniature golf under the pretty lights at night, and finish it off with their famous ice cream.  A CMP is a sundae that starts with vanilla or chocolate ice cream (I have been known to go a little wild and sometimes substitute peanut butter swirl) and then is topped with chocolate sauce, marshmallow sauce, and finally crushed peanuts. A CMP! Here’s a photo of my Mom dressed up for history day in Mahanoy City in the early 1960’s.

I recently re-discovered my Mom’s recipe for CMP cake, super easy and perfect for your summer entertaining.  Since it starts with a crust baked in the oven and ends chilled in the fridge, it is perfect for my Belleek everyday pan, or of course, Temptations.

The crust:

1/2 cup finely chopped unsalted peanuts

1/2 cup of butter melted

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Mix all ingredients together and press into bottom and sides of a 13x9 pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool completely.

First layer                

1/2 cup peanut butter

8 oz. cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

8 oz. thawed non-dairy topping (like cool whip)

Cream peanut butter and cream cheese together, beat in sugar. Blend in topping. Spoon dollops onto cooled crust and then gently spread to cover crust.

Second Layer

2 (3 ½) ounce instant chocolate pudding mix

2 ¾ cups cold whole milk

Beat pudding mixes and milk until thickened. Spoon dollops into pan and spread gently.

Third Layer

8 ounces non-dairy topping, thawed

1 cup marshmallow cream

4-6 tablespoons chopped salted or unsalted peanuts

Beat topping with marshmallow cream, once again spread dollops onto second layer and gently spread.

Sprinkle peanuts over the top. Chill at least one hour before serving, store in refrigerator.

Enjoy!

-Jane

Here is my most recent installment of "At Home with.... ". I was able to interview my friend, Bobbi Brown the last time she was here at QVC and she was wonderful.

Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did taping it!

Trying to figure out which make-up brush to use and when can certainly be a tricky process!  To make things even more complicated, then you have to learn how to actually use them!  We put together this handy little cheat sheet for you to make your beauty routine a little easier! If you have any make-up brush tips or tricks, we'd love for you to leave them in the comments below!  Enjoy!

Foundation brush: smashbox Foundation Brush

Powder brush: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush

Angle blush brush: Mally Beauty Angle Blush Brush

Eyeshadow brush: bareMinerals Soft Focus Eye Shadow Brush

Eyeliner/ eyebrow brush: Laura Geller Professional Eyebrow/Eyeliner Brush

Kabuki brush: bareMinerals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush

Concealer brush: bareMinerals SPF 20 Bisque Concealer & Concealer Brush 

Bonjourno! If you’ve been following me on Facebook, I don’t need to tell you I’m in Italy.  I arrived late last week and have been at the Vicenza Fair looking at some of the most gorgeous pieces I’ve ever seen. I thought you might like a sneak-peek, so here are a few snapshots. 

After a long day, our stomachs were empty and our heads were spinning. We found the cutest little place for dinner.

David, Debra, and I are getting our own "mini-fair" at the hotel. We are seeing the new product from some of our key factories before the Gold Fair actually opens tomorrow. How cool is that?!

Italian jewelry anyone? It's like spending the day in a bakery full of dessert and trying to pick your favorite. My head is hurting for the best possible reasons. 

We came across these beautiful shells that are silver over a real sea shell. Aren't they pretty? 

Fell in love with this heart. It opens up so it can go on anything. Very nice.

So much jewelry…eventually it makes your head swim! :)

A typical meeting in a jewelry factory's booth with some of our Italian partners.

An example of some of the beautiful artwork on the booths in the fair. 

Pasquale Bruni is one of the most prestigious names in Italy. His booth is front and center as you enter the fair 

Just breathtaking! This is one of the windows for Pasquale Bruni. I am speechless. I think these are worth more than my house!

The end of a long day at the Fair. Most people are gone. We are closing it out as usual. 

I don't think this word means the same in Italian! We had a good laugh on that one. We all had to take a picture. 

Ahhhh....this is Italy. :) This is the antipasti buffet at the restaurant where we had dinner at last night. I thought it looked like the set of a movie. The food was excellent too! 

This is dessert at dinner. They really make a pineapple look festive! The fruit over here has so much flavor. I could live on it and be quite happy. 

We went by Carlo's booth, BluOro, to say "hi.” He’s going to be on the remote with a few items in June. He always brings us good things. 

They've done a beautiful, lighted mural for the hallway going to the designer area. The most expensive, prestigious jewelry houses are in this area. I needed a "drool bib." 

David and I working away. It feels like the days of taking exams in school. I guess you're the ones who will give us our grade during the remote in June. :)

I’ve decided that repacking is like trying to re-fold a newspaper. It never goes back quite the same way. But I made it fit, and I’m on the train to Rome. 

I arrived in Rome safe and sound last night and will be spending a few precious days in this beautiful, historic city. More pictures to come!

BE a force of beauty! Natural BEauty that is! Visit our nautral BEauty Pinterest board to see a stunning collection of beauty essentials from bareMinerals that will enhance your natural glow. We’re also sharing our favorite makeup tips, tutorials, and tricks from experts in the beauty industry, and so much more!

Visit our bareMinerals Pinterest board here

Shop bareMinerals here

Jeannine Harkins wrote in asking for an idea for a pencil skirt as she has many Bob Mackie tops that would go well with a skirt like that. I was happy to write back to her immediately that Bob indeed does have a skirt that fits that description:

This is Bob Mackie's Ponte Knit Skirt. It also comes in black, but since it is time for white and that was what Jeannine had requested, I am showcasing that one. Both black and white would be terrific staples for your closet!

This is an easy silhouette to 'wear well' because it offers so much versatility and a lot of different looks.

If you want to layer a bit for a day that might be variable in temperature and you just want something a bit more practical but still with Bob Mackie style, try this one:

Bob's Printed Rose Cardigan has been so popular. It comes in purple, pink, blue and peach, but I had to show you the peach. Love the colors! This is such a wonderful example of the gorgeous artwork that Bob does. I think that's one reason it's so loved. Just look at the brush strokes and the detail in the color. If you just need something in your day that shows off some femininity...this is the one!

Thanks so much to Jeannine for inspiring this week’s chat about wearing it well.

Best,

Margaux

Shop the complete Bob Mackie Wearable Art collection.

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, but for most of us, it is a day to remember those who have served and have been lost in battle while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I tear up just thinking about all of the lives that have been lost to protect the United States. Many members of my family have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and I would like to take a moment to thank them, and ALL of those who serve or have served. And while we consider the sacrifices that many families have had to make, please think of them while celebrating your Memorial Day weekend.

As you all may or may not know—Jeanne Bice LOVED America and Memorial Day!! QVC recently wrote and published an article about Jeanne in the May edition of InsideQ magazine. If you are not currently a subscriber, I would like to share some of the thoughts from the article as well as some photographs.

Jeanne loved her country! Jeanne grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but the Freund family spent their summers at their cottage in Green Lake, WI. Memorial Day is a big deal every year in Green Lake. There’s a parade where the band plays patriotic marches, the veterans squeeze in to their uniforms one more time, the kids get on their bikes, and everyone marches down Mill Street. Flags are waving, and storefronts are trimmed with red, white and blue bunting. Then in the afternoon, a band concert takes place at the band shell opposite the Court House. On the outdoor grills were famous Wisconsin bratwurst, and beer was flowing. What wonderful memories indeed – I am certain that these memories were a huge part of Jeanne’s inspiration for her Americana designs!

Of course, no one loved to decorate more than Jeanne!! Her house was a vision during every holiday season, but when the summer holidays came around, her house was filled with RED, WHITE & BLUE!! Yes, Jeanne Bice truly loved America. She said it; she showed it; she lived it!

So while you are celebrating YOUR Memorial Day weekend, please tune in to all of our fun Quacker Factory shows:

Thursday, May 23^rd from 5-6 PM ET with Jill Bauer

Friday, May 24^th from 8-9 PM ET with Albany Irvin

Saturday, May 25^th from 9-10 PM ET with Albany Irvin

Tuesday, May 28^th from 1-2 AM ET with Kerstin Lindquist

Plus, I will be popping up in Friday’s Q Check, AM Style, AND PM Style!! Lots of fun and fashion on Memorial Day weekend with Quacker Factory & QVC!!

To tempt you just a little…one of the NEW summer styles we will be presenting is our Harbor Lighthouse T-shirt, which is available in the color choices of red and white and in sizes XXS-3X!!! We’ll also have a retuning favorite, our Turquoise Necklace ¾ Sleeve T-shirt, in the brand new color RUBY.  So don’t miss a minute!! 

Jeanne’s tree that was up all year and decorated for every holiday.

Quacker Factory sweater ornaments that were to designed to reflect sweaters in our line.

Jeanne’s dining room off her kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to look at this all day?!

Jeanne’s mantel in her living room decorated for the holiday!!

The lighthouse Jeanne always talked about on air. Did you know that Fond du Lac is French for 'foot of the lake'??

Until next time - Quack, Quack for now!!

Angel

Shop the complete Quacker Factory collection.

Before we get together again on May 28^th, I wanted to share some tips I’ve learned to help people find the style that works best for them…

I’ve always been interested in style.  Even though I grew up in a very modest home in N Long Beach, CA, my mother loved fashion and style. She did what she could to always encourage my sense of style.  My grandmother, Myrtle, was my role model for a take-charge woman but she came from a farm area; her home was simple and comfortable. What I remember most from her home is the smell of peach pie!

When my husband Frank and I started to build a life together, he, too, had come from a modest home.  They decorated with family pictures but not much else.  Frank became a very well known Creative Director in Advertising (think MAD MEN).  Together we built a life together.  I responded to traditional, Frank liked cleaner lines but he also loved rich colors and drama.  In our first apartment, we combined our styles and found out where our tastes came together.  You can do the same.  Whether you’re starting from scratch or re-doing, invest some time in finding what you really love.

Start by getting stacks of home magazines – they can be current or old.  Start looking through the pages to find the things you respond to. You’ll find that the pages you’re accumulated start to make a pattern of your personal style.  That’s your roadmap to making your home reflect who you are!

The people you live with might not love exactly what you love.  That’s why they invented eclectic – it means a mix of things.  To make eclectic work for everyone, you need to find colors that work with all the styles…when I say color, I don’t mean WHITE.

Putting a beautiful home together requires discipline. Stay true to your style; limit your use of color to three colors.  When selecting furniture stick to the basics and add interest with pillows, accessories, window treatments and rugs.

Browse my Home Collection now for some great accent pieces.

If you have specific questions, send email to Linda@LindaDano.com

www.Facebook.com/LindaDano

www.Twitter.com/LindaDano

Linda Dano Home Collection for QVC 

Live 5-28-2013-3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT

Streaming Live on QVC.com

It's five o'clock somewhere! There's something about the kickoff to summer that makes you want a cold, refreshing beverage. This summer, QVC is offering all drink makers on EZ Pay over the weekend. Because of the long weekend, you even have an extra day to take advantage of this sweet deal!

This recipe is from Vitamix and it’s called the islander margarita. 1/3 cup pineapple juice, 1 ounce tequila, 1/2 ounce triple sec, 1 tbs fresh like juice, 1 1/2 tsp grenadine, 1/2 pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup mango, and 1 cup ice. Blend for at least a minute and enjoy.

Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the Braven Portable Water-Resistant Bluetooth Wireless Speaker?   Reply to this blog with your questions and check back throughout the day to get answers from our Braven Experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Braven 440 fully waterproof?

A: The Braven 440 is IPX5 Water Resistant. Braven 440 speakers are not intended to be submerged in water, but are resistant to rainfall and water splashing as long as the water cap is properly closed.

Q: Can you play music from a non-Bluetooth device?

A: Yes. As long as your device has a headphone jack, you can use the included 3.5mm cable to play, using the Braven 440.

Q: Can you pair it with more than one Bluetooth cell phone or device?

A: The Braven 440 can pair with multiple devices simultaneously and will keep the last eight devices in memory. However, only one device can have an active connection with the speaker at a time. In other words, the speaker will play audio from only one device at a time.

Q: Can you pair it with a Bluetooth tablet or a computer?

A: The Braven 440 has been optimized to work with most mobile devices, including tablets. Connectivity with tablets and computers is dependent on the device’s operating system and software updates. 

Q: Does the Braven 440 allow voice dialing?

A: You can use the built-in microphone on the speaker to send commands to voice dialing apps you already use, as long as you use your mobile device to start the apps.

Q: Can you play music through the speaker?

A: The Braven 440 will play music, movies, or any other audio that is transmitted from a mobile device via Bluetooth or the included 3.5mm cable.

Q: Can you charge a cell phone or MP3 player with the speaker?

A: The Braven 440 is designed to efficiently charge mobile phones and other small portable devices that draw power from a 0.5A to 1A charge. Devices must be able to charge using a USB connection.

Q: Can you charge a tablet?

A: The Braven 440 is NOT designed to charge a tablet or any other device requiring a higher-powered (2A) USB connection. The Braven 440 is designed to efficiently charge mobile phones and other small portable devices that draw power from a 0.5A to 1A charge.

Q: Is the battery user-replaceable? If not, can it be replaced?

A: The battery is not user-replaceable.

What other questions can our Braven Experts Answer Today?

Let’s just get down to it. One of the questions I am asked the most is  “what is the difference between a “bridge” and a “professional “camera?” I know it can be very confusing when you are trying to get the most out of your camera investment.  Especially nowadays when there are so many different choices.

It was just a few years back that the choices were instant cameras, point and shoots and professional cameras. Now the lines seem blurred from all of the additional camera versions on the market. Some of them seem so similar it can be confusing on where to start. I have written other blogs regarding some of the other choices. But, I wanted to take a minute and compare two of the most confusing camera styles. A “bridge” camera and a “pro-sumer” camera seem similar but are actually very different when compared side-by-side.

First and foremost, a bridge camera is the perfect size and power to help you “bridge” between a point & shoot pocket camera and a DSLR camera. It usually has a better lens and higher resolution but still it is focused on ease of use with some ability to grow with you as you develop your skills. A DSLR is made to grow and expand with different lenses. They have a big resolution and offer the most flexibility in expanding with you as you grow.

Now where it can get confusing is the different levels of DSLR cameras. Now there are Amateur, Pro-sumer Professional and High End Professional DSLR cameras.  The “pro-sumer” fills the gap between the amateur DSLR and the professional DSLR. The best thing about investing in any DSLR camera is generally once you do, all the lenses you buy will be interchangeable and useable on any camera DSLR upgrade. This means that once you start to build your lens inventory and decide to buy a bigger camera your lenses will still work!

I know it can seem very confusing but if you think of it this way, a “bridge” camera has more automated features built in with a “point and shoot” mentality. A DSLR has more manual controls but still offers auto features while offering the ability to expand your lenses. You need to evaluate your needs. If you want to take better pictures without dealing with carrying extra lenses then a bridge is for you. If you want to learn, grow and expand your photographic skills then consider a DSLR. It is the investment for the future.

Hi there,

I had the pleasure of once again visiting my friend Tova Borgnine at her home near West Chester, Pennsylvania, to discuss the premiere of Jewelry by Tova—featuring Diamonique® airing May 24 at 11am ET.

Tova’s stunning Diamonique jewelry is inspired from pieces in her personal collection, designs from the classic Hollywood era, and pieces borrowed from around the world for Red Carpet appearances. She opened her jewelry boxes to me, showing me both the original and Diamonique pieces—even a jeweler would have a hard time telling the difference!

Her passion and commitment are evident in everything she does, and Tova’s jewelry is no exception. She worked closely with QVC’s jewelry buyers and manufacturer to ensure each piece represented the craftsmanship, settings, and cuts of the originals. “To me, a piece of jewelry has to speak to the wearer as much as the viewer. So I am always watching carefully the color, brilliance, and comfort of each piece. I do this out of my passion for creating and sharing,” Tova told me.

“Each piece in my collection has something that is close to my heart, but more important is what they say about you. My jewelry can be worn by women who love to feel special, whether you are a woman who stays at home or are constantly on the run with work and play. My collection will most certainly attract compliments and most importantly you will feel glamorous, beautiful, and very special.

“I love sharing the stories of romance and history behind my jewelry because I believe in the romance of life. Here are the stories behind Jewelry by Tova—featuring Diamonique®.”

14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver Simulated Aquamarine Necklace

14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver Simulated Aquamarine Ring

14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver Simulated Aquamarine Earrings

“In January of 1972, Ernie and I were in Rome for the premiere of the film The Poseidon Adventure. It was a most romantic and glamorous time... it was part of a seven-country press trip for the film under the pretext that 20th Century Fox Studios were giving us a honeymoon. All that Ernie would have to do was speak to the press in each country before the premiere. As magical as it was for me, Ernie was of course very busy. From London through Rome we had a Cinderella and Prince Charming journey which, by the way, stuck with us throughout our 40-year relationship.

“This is just a small background for our honeymoon trip of a lifetime that took us from Istanbul through the magical adventures of shooting on the high seas to the Isle of Capri, the ‘Enchanted Island’ off Naples, Italy. To me, this is the island I could retire on. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets that go back to Caesar’s time, each step you take has the sense of antiquity, beauty, charm, and lush greenery surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean waters of blue aqua marine. 

“Strolling through Capri’s charming version of Rodeo Drive, I quickly spotted the Gem Boutique and convinced Ernie I was just going in to look. There lay the most beautiful aqua marine ring (that seems to always find its way to my finger to this day). The east/west setting mesmerized me. I tried it on and knew because it fit me it was meant to be mine. Ernie, however, reminded me that I had said I was just going to look. With a bit of fine-tuned negotiating, Ernie was convinced that it was so special because the color was that of the famous Blue Grotto, which is a magical cave lagoon with water the color of the aqua marine gemstone.

“Fortunately for me, the story does not stop there. By this time there was a buzz in recognition of Ernie. Our jeweler started speaking Italian to Ernie, and since they knew some of the same people, the jeweler wanted Ernie to see some of his vaulted pieces. There lay the most spectacular Italian bold gold link necklace with a 20-carat emerald-cut aqua marine framed in a rounded bold gold tubing. Holding this masterpiece were two stations embedded with pavé diamonds. My heart was pounding so hard I could actually hear it. Ernie took a look at me and before I knew it I had it on my neck.

“Over these many years, whenever I was at a loss of which pieces I wanted to wear, these would be my go-to pieces. The only thing missing were the earrings, so a year later I had our Capri jeweler design a pair of beautiful spinel fluted aqua marine earrings.”

14K Gold-clad Sterling Silver Round & Baguette Ring

“Because Ernie had such an insane schedule during our courtship and marriage one thing we had both overlooked was our engagement/wedding ring. During our honeymoon tour, Ernie told the 20th Century Fox PR person assigned to us, ‘I am taking my love, my wife to get her the most beautiful wedding ring this morning, so cancel all meetings.’

“Off he took me to the Spanish Steps and onward down to one of the world’s finest jewelry stores. I felt butterflies as we opened the doors. The exquisite showcases dazzled my eyes and brought a flush to my cheeks. As my eyes focused on the most beautiful array of gems showcased as only the Italian jewelry artisans can do, there lay the ring that became our pledge of commitment. We have duplicated my ring to the same beauty and clarity. The classic design is unique and will always be my Vein of Love ring. The ancient Egyptians believed that a ‘vein of love’ ran from the third finger of the left hand direct to the heart. This ring finger remains true to this day.

“Worn as a pinky ring, this becomes an almost magical piece. Somehow a woman’s pinky is always getting in the act. You hold your cup of tea and your pinky always goes out. The light catches the Diamonique simulated gemstone and it’s flashing and mesmerizing.”

Sterling Silver Pavé Round & Baguette Ring

“During our beautiful and enduring love affair, Ernie and I renewed our vows five times. When our 25th anniversary came, Ernie asked me what I would love to have to celebrate this milestone and auspicious occasion (remember, I was Ernie’s 5th wife). We asked a friend who was also a fine jeweler, and he came back with a design of diamonds that took (and is still taking) my breath away.”

Tova wore the original spinel earrings and emerald-cut aquamarine necklace when she had her portrait painted by Ulisse Sartini, one of the finest portrait painters in the world. (Sartini has portrayed two extraordinary individuals: Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.) In this portrait, Tova is also wearing her 25^th anniversary ring.

Sterling Silver Simulated Sapphire Enhancer with Chain (J281134)

Sterling Silver Simulated Sapphire Earrings (J281135)

Sterling Silver Simulated Sapphire Ring (J281139)

“There are few designs that inspire different expressions. I am always on the lookout for estate sales. I had been looking for a pair of cufflinks for Ernie to celebrate one of our anniversaries. At one particular estate sale was the most beautiful pair I had ever seen.

“A perfect circle of channel-set simulated sapphires maximizes the center brilliant-cut Diamonique simulated diamond. These settings were mostly done during the Deco period, and as many different designs as I have seen in my life I truly believe these are magnificent. Each simulated sapphire baguette has to be perfectly matched and ‘blind set’ (also known as channel set) to create the illumination. It is pure fluidity.

“I was so inspired by this design I had it recreated for us in a magnificent pendant that acts also as an enhancer, the most precious ring that is the exact dimension of Ernie’s cufflinks, and the perfect earrings that dazzle as they bring enchantment to your face and light up when you move.”

14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver Simulated Emerald Ring

Sterling Silver Simulated Emerald Necklace

14K Yellow Gold-Clad Sterling Silver Simulated Emerald and Diamond Earrings

“In 1971 Ernest was doing a film in Columbia, South America. He was taken to an emerald mine by a very well-known jeweler, and because this jeweler loved Ernie so much he picked out three flawless emeralds as a gift to Ernie for all the entertainment he had given to the people of Columbia. Ernie brought them back to the USA and gifted them to me. I had them set into one magnificent ring and classic earrings. They are as special to me today as they were when Ernie first surprised me.

“Columbian Emeralds are considered the most precious in the World and when the cut is Emerald the depth and Color come dancing through.

“One of my precious earrings was lost on one of my frequent flights returning from London. I was heartbroken. No one can wear just one earring and these were always with me. What to do? I discussed this with a friend who is an estate jeweler and at his suggestion I had the single earring made into an enchanting pendant, recreated here with bezel-set stations on the chain.”

Sterling SilverVintage-StyleCultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings

“These earrings were inspired by Grace Kelly. In 1955 Grace presented Ernie with the Best Actor Academy Award for Marty. This was the last professional appearance she made in the USA as a commoner before sailing off to become her Highness Princess Grace of Monaco.

“Every one of us should have a pair of princess-like Diamonique and cultured freshwater pearl earrings in our jewelry wardrobe.”

Sterling Silver Simulated Pear-shaped Aquamarine and Diamond Ring

“The fourth time Ernie and I renewed our vows, I invited 25 couples for a wonderful cruise on the Sea Goddess to renew their vows as well. The morning of the ceremony we were rehearsing and Ernie said, ‘Give me your ring.’ I asked, ‘What do you mean?’ and he told me, ‘I’ve got to have something to put on your finger.’ So I gave him what I had on. That night, as we were renewing our vows, he replaced the ring I gave him with a pear-shaped aquamarine and diamondring, recreated as seen below.”

Do you have a cherished piece of jewelry with a romantic story behind it? Send it to QVCInsider@QVC.com and I’ll post it in a future blog. And be sure to check out Tova’s Facebook page.

Be sure to tune in to Beauty by Tova® May 24 at midnight, 10am, and 6pm ET and the premiere of Jewelry by Tova—featuring Diamonique®, May 24 at 11am ET.

Happy trails!

Troy

Editor, InsideQ magazine

Spring runways were bursting with stripes, from Luisa Beccaria's whimsy, romantic take to Marc Jacobs' 60's jail house stripe versions. The graphic element of today's stripe can really update any outfit and bring it into the season.  I don’t know what it is about stripes, but I LOVE THEM! I'm obsessed with casual Parisian style circa 1970. My weekend uniform is a striped t-shirt, skinny dark jeans & ballet flats. Comfortable yet tres chic.

A good striped tee can pull any look together (office, weekend, even nighttime!). With the help of my fashionable co-workers, we put together a few looks on how I love to style my fave striped tee.

How chic does Jenna look for a day at work? Her nautical blazer keeps the look summery, and her bright pencil skirt adds a dose of professional color. Gold buttons are elegant and work appropriate.

Yes, a t-shirt can work for night. A high-low skirt in silk chiffon totally dresses up the cotton tee, and statement earrings and a metallic clutch say Lindsey's heading out for a fabulous night on the town.

When I need to add a little oomph to my t-shirt I throw on a big chunky necklace. Instant glamour.

What’s your vote on spring stripes? Yay or nay? How do you style your stripes?

Get the look here!

Hello! Sandra and I have taken over PM Style for the night. It's good to be back and chat with all of you.

How have you been? We'll start chatting at 7pm ET tonight.

Gabrielle

Hello, foodies…

It occurred to me this week that I should create one big Social Studies blog, so that when you’re ready to join us on a new social platform—or you need help telling a friend how to join—you can find all the directions in one place. Sometimes, foodies—when all the planets align—I have great ideas. It’s a beautiful thing!

How Do I Follow David on Facebook?

1. Go to QVC.com. Click the gray “Kitchen & Food” tab. Under “Spotlight On” on the left, click on the link that says “In the Kitchen with David.”
2. Below the images, about halfway down the page, you’ll see a bar that says “Stay Connected.” Click on the “Facebook” icon.
3. Click the green “Sign Up” button below where it says “David Venable QVC is on Facebook” and enter the fields. (Be sure to read all the terms and conditions!)
4. Follow the prompts: find friends from your email contact list and others. Fill out your profile information. Then, upload a photo from your computer or take a photo with your webcam.
5. To find me, enter “David Venable QVC” in the search box at the top left of the page. Click “Like” and you’re part of our foodie family!

How do I post a Picture on Facebook? (I know you want to be Foodie of the Week!)

1. Go to my wall where folks are commenting and write your post under the “Status” tab.
2. Click on the “Photo/Video” tab and click “Upload Photos/Video.”
3. A prompt will appear asking you to select the image file on your computer. Browse to find, then click open.
4. It’s now loaded. Click “Post” and your message and image will appear.

How Do I Follow David on YouTube?

1. Go to QVC.com. Click the gray “Kitchen & Food” tab. Under “Spotlight On” on the left, click on the link that says “In the Kitchen with David.”
2. Below the images, about halfway down the page, you’ll see a bar that says “Stay Connected.” Click on the “YouTube” icon.
3. Congratulations—you’ve found my playlist! Click “Like” and you can watch all the videos we’ve done or featured on the show.
4. If you choose to “Sign In Now” (which is optional) through your Gmail or YouTube account, you’ll get alerts when new videos are added.

How Do I Follow David on Instagram?

1. If you have an Instagram account, search for me in your Facebook friends or use “Explore” and type “DavidVenableQVC.”
2. If you’re new to Instagram, go to your App Store or Google Play and search for “Instagram” (which is a free app). Hit “Install.”
3. Click on the “Register” button and create a user name and password. If you like, you can use your Facebook log-in to create a profile. Hit “Done” when complete.
4. Instagram will ask you to find friends on Facebook or via your email contact list. Click as many friends as you like.
5. To find me, search for “DavidVenableQVC” among your Facebook friends or hit the “Explore” icon on the bottom of the screen. (It looks like a star.) Then, hit follow. You're done!

How do I follow David on Pinterest?

1. Go to QVC.com. Click the gray “Kitchen & Food” tab. Under “Spotlight On” on the left, click on the link that says “In the Kitchen with David.”
2. Below the images, about halfway down the page, you’ll see a bar that says “Stay Connected.” Click on the Red “P” icon, which is Pinterest.
3. You’ll automatically go to my Pinterest page. You can browse through the photos without having an account. But, when you’re ready sign up, click the “Join Pinterest” icon at the top of the page.
4. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, you can use that log-in to “join” Pinterest. Or, use an email address.
5. To follow me, go to the search bar at the top-left of the page and type "David Venable QVC."
6. Click on the “Pinners” tab and my profile should appear. Click “Follow” and you’ll see my boards. Some have my personal recipes, some are from bloggers and other pinners, but all are yummy!
7. To pin a recipe (or any photo) on a board of your own, click the picture, then create a board. Use my board-names as inspiration…they can be anything you like. Then, click the red “Pin it” button.

How do I follow David on Twitter?

1. Go to QVC.com. Click the gray “Kitchen & Food” tab. Under “Spotlight On” on the left, click on the link that says “In the Kitchen with David.”
2. Below the images, about halfway down the page, you’ll see a bar that says “Stay Connected.” Click on the Blue Bird icon, which is Twitter.
3. My page will appear and click on the yellow “Sign up” box in the center. Fill in the required information, then “Sign up.” (Again, be sure to read all the terms and conditions!)
4. You’ll be directed to my page: “DavidVenableQVC.” Click the “Follow” button on the right. Welcome to our Twitter family!
5. To reply or retweet one of my tweets (which are in the middle of the page), click it, write a response in the box that says @DavidVenableQVC, then “Tweet.”
6. To find your friends or your favorite celebrities, click the magnifying glass in the top right corner of the page. Then, click "Follow" to see what they’re up to.

WHEW! There you have it, my friends. All of my platforms explained. Now come join in on the fun!

—David

Hi! Gabrielle here.  I can't wait to chat with you during AM Style this week.  We'll be chatting right here on my blog.

Talk to you soon!

Ps- I'm loving the colors of this Denim & Co. eyelet shirt!

Find everything in the show here > AM Style

I know they call Memorial Day weekend the unofficial start to summer...but around our house, the holiday weekend marks the beginning of our outdoor entertaining season.  My husband, Doug, and I love having friends over in the summertime...whether it be for a thoroughly planned shindig or an impromptu BBQ by the pool, warm weather equals party time at our house!  And while the easy, breezy mood of summer is usually our mantra for get togethers, I still like to find ways to put little touches of "special" out for our guests.  As someone who thinks anything can be renovated with a fresh coat of spray paint, I absolutely love taking garden flower pots and repurposing them to help organize our buffet.  Aren't they adorable?  :-)  I used chalkboard spray paint that lets me use colorful chalk to mark what's what, and with a quick wipe of a damp cloth (let dry) I'm able to redesign from party to party. The kids love to help and put their artistic touch on the pots too!  It's just too easy of a project NOT to pass along, so here's how you can make them at your house:

• Purchase Chalkboard Paint or Spray Paint and 6” flower pots
• Either prime or lightly coat the pots
• Spray 3 or 4 coats, allowing to dry after each coat
• Turn them over and add 3 or 4 coats
• Have fun and get creative with your chalk! It’s chalk so you can change it out for each party depending on the theme. Here we did a nice Summer BBQ theme. 

These chalkboard pots are also great for organizing your kids craft areas...think designating one for markers, crayons, pencils. They'd also be super cute for herbs in your kitchen window.  AND - I purchased everything I needed for under $10.00! ... and start to finish - only spent 10 minutes on it!  

Without a doubt, firing up the grill is one of the easiest ways to feed a summertime crowd, but because burgers and hot dogs are so expected on a BBQ menu, I like to deliver something unexpected in flavors and textures for side dishes.  One of my all-time favorite recipes is a black bean avocado salad. 

Light and fresh, you can use it like a salsa, a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or just on the side in place of potato salad.  I've never had any leftovers when I make it....here's the recipe if you'd like to give it a try:

Black Bean Avocado Salad

Ingredients :

2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 yellow or orange pepper, diced
15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup onion, diced
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded with veins removed then minced
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt (I like kosher salt for this)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, ground (optional)
2 avocados, peeled & diced

Directions:

Mix the tomatoes, peppers, beans, onions, and jalapenos together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Pour over tomato mixture. Before serving, gently fold in avocados. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Your outdoor patio, deck, balcony, yard..whatever you might have...should be viewed as an extension of your home, so don't forget to take what you've created indoors and move it outside.  Color, like in an umbrella, a glowing lantern or an outdoor rug can make your space feel more like home and a create a place you'll love to be (and guests will too!)   We just bought some new outdoor furniture, so I know I'll be spending a lot of time outdoors just chilling out...I love summer mornings, before the heat kicks up too much and there's just quiet....it's a good place to be. 

Looking forward to spending time with you over the Memorial Day weekend with a get ready for summer version of You're Home with Jill!  By the way, What are you up to this summer?  Staying close to home or taking the vacation of your dream?  I'd love to hear from you!

From my home to yours,

Jill