Hi! I was able to snap some pictures over the weekend with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. Want to see what I came up with??

These were pink flowers from my yard... (so pretty!!)

and a guardian angel statue...

This set of photos was me coming into QVC (I had to work!!) and I love the lush green driveway and pretty foliage outside of the building.

Then I went shopping for scrapbooking items for my daughter's kindergarten class!

All my goodies set out & ready to go!!

I had a busy weekend - but happy to share it with you!! Let me know what you think on my Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc

Twitter - www.twitter.com/jacquegonzales 

Best wishes and blessings!

Jacque G :)

Hi ladies! I'm excited to chat with you during Saturday Morning Q! I'll be here at 10 am ET chatting right on my blog.

Talk to you then!

-Kerstin

Shop the show here!

Love,

Your QVC Family

Memorial Day Weekend is finally here!!

I tell you, something about this winter just felt eternal!! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the start of Spring and Summer (or more specifically, warmer temps!). This Texas gal is ready for some heat!

So here we finally are. My daughter is counting down the days until school ends (21..she keeps me updated) and we are beginning our summer ritual: choosing our Summer Anthem!

You see, each year Gabby and I pick a song that sets the tone for our summer: the only rule is it has to be happy and upbeat! Past winners include Sean Paul’s “Temperature,” Jason Mraz’ “I’m Yours,” and Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling.” This year I’m going to compile all the past selections into a playlist and take it with us during our summer adventures. And today, we’re presenting the perfect way to play that list on the go:

Check out Braven’s 440! This powerhouse of a speaker doesn’t just bring your tunes to life on the go. It does so wirelessly, and is water resistant! So that Summer Playlist is going with us to the beach, poolside, riverside, even in the shower!

Here’s a couple of pics of the Braven at work. We’ve already taken it to our favorite “zen” spot: a little park near our home with a bubbling brook running through it. Where will you take yours?

And more importantly: what’s YOUR summer anthem this year?? Give me some suggestions! Always looking for ways to expand the Summer Playlist. Happy Summer!

Hello, foodies…
 
Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope a warm, sunny forecast is in your future this weekend. Sounds like we’ve got a mixed bag near Philadelphia. In fact, right now, it’s so dark outside I’d swear it’s nighttime! I think what I need is a tasty, summery recipe to get me in the holiday spirit. My Grilled Potato Salad is just the ticket!


 
Grilled Potato Salad
 
This recipe is prepared with the Technique® Punched 18/10 Stainless Steel Grill Roaster (K37116).
 
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.
 
Ingredients:
 
Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
 
Salad:
3-1/2 lbs red bliss potatoes, halved lengthwise
3-1/2 tsp salt, divided
3 medium red onions, peeled and cut into 6 wedges
2 large red peppers, tops removed, seeded, and cut into 3 pieces
2 fennel bulbs, cut into 1/2" slices
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp ground black pepper
 
Directions:
 
To prepare the dressing, place the oil, vinegar, mustard, pepper, salt, and tarragon into a blender or food processor and mix until completely combined. Set aside.
 
To prepare the salad, place the potatoes into a large stockpot. Cover the potatoes with water, add 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt, and stir. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, about 15–20 minutes.
 
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the grill to medium-high.
 
When the potatoes are fork tender, drain and run cold water over the potatoes, cooling them. Drain again and set aside.
 
Place the cooked potatoes, red onion wedges, red pepper pieces, and sliced fennel into a large bowl. Pour the oil over the veggies and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper and toss again.
 
In batches, grill the veggies until nicely charred and tender, flipping them often to ensure even cooking. (The onions and peppers will take about 8–10 minutes; the fennel will take about 10–12 minutes; the potatoes will take 12–15 minutes.)
 
Spoon the veggies into a large serving bowl and let them cool for 5–7 minutes. Then, transfer the veggies to a large cutting board and cut into bite-size pieces. Return the veggies to the bowl and drizzle with the dressing.
 
Here’s the recipe in photos, foodies. Veggies can be a little tricky to grill, so I wanted to show you that step.
 

Halve the potatoes lengthwise. You don’t want them any smaller, otherwise they might fall down the grill grates. Cook about 15–20 minutes, then drain.
 

While the potatoes are cooking, prep your veggies and go turn the grill on. You’ll be cooking the veggies over medium-high heat.
 

Again, cut the veggies in large pieces for grilling purposes. You’ll cut them down after grilling.
 

Fennel is one of my favorite veggies…it tastes a little like licorice. The entire plant is edible…from the fronds (those frilly green things) to the seeds, which are what gives sausage its unique flavor. You only need the bulb for this recipe. Save the fronds if you like to garnish salads or soups.
 

Move the veggies to a big bowl…note the large chunks!
 

Drizzle with the oil, salt, and pepper and give the veggies a good toss.
 

In batches, grill the veggies until nicely charred and tender. Flip them often to ensure even cooking. The fennel will take about 10–12 minutes to cook.
 

The onions and peppers will take about 8–10 minutes to cook.
 

And  the potatoes will take 12–15 minutes.
 

Spoon the veggies into a large serving bowl and let them cool for 5–7 minutes, or until you’re able to handle them comfortably. Then, cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces.
 

While the potatoes are cooling, mix up the dressing. This is fresh tarragon. You can use dried, but as with most herbs, fresh are more aromatic. If you have leftover leaves, freeze them. They’ll keep for about 3-5 months and you don’t need to defrost them before using.
 

If you’d rather just mix up the dressing by hand, feel free. Just chop those tarragon leaves finely. If you use a food processor, no need to chop at all.
 
That’s it! Now, let’s say you’re outside ready to grill these veggies—or getting ready for your Memorial Day Cookout! Do you have any propane? Here’s an easy way to check. Thanks, America’s Test Kitchen!
 

 
Let’s get to your blog question. Tell me what you’ll be feasting on during this Memorial Day weekend. Hamburgers? Hot dogs? Fresh fruit salad? Maybe my Grilled Potato Salad? Have a very happy holiday, foodies, and do take time to recognize all those who sacrificed their lives to protect our precious freedom. We salute you!
 
Keep it flavorful!
—David
 
P.S. If you’re looking for another great barbecue side, my good friend Jill Bauer’s got a great Black Bean Salad recipe.
 

 
Check out her blog for the recipe and a great DIY idea for your serving table!

Where does inspiration come from? As designers, we look to everything for inspiration…from what’s happening on the runway to watching what people are wearing on the street (as we usually say). All of you ladies out there are inspiration also, and we definitely listen to what you are saying. As I talked about in my first blog, we get the opportunity to travel all over the world to shop. But sometimes the best inspiration can be found right around the corner. That is why I like to comb the aisles of flea markets, and now that the weather has turned warm…it’s even better! I recently visited a large outdoor flea market in Pennsylvania and found some really fun ideas.

It was a beautiful day to be out and looking for ideas!

A fun shop of accessories!

I love Christmas, and it was so much fun to come across some vintage Christmas decorations!

Maryanne shopping at a flea market!

In this week’s blog, we’re welcoming back Amanda:

Hi, Ladies! It’s Amanda again from the Denim & Co. buying team. We are so excited to be able to get feedback from you through our Denim & Co. blog! As Maryanne mentioned in her blog post, we are already working on Spring 2014! One detail that we are incorporating for the season is eyelet. It is a classic detail but also feminine, which is perfect for spring. Gary, Maryanne, and I are working on some new eyelet items for Spring 2014. Below are photos of us selecting different eyelet patterns. If you are looking for eyelet this season, my favorite that is available now is our Denim & Co. Gauze Tiered Skirt with Eyelet Trim.

We would love to hear what you like about eyelet and which of the three sketches below you would like to be able to add to your wardrobe for Spring 2014! Vote for your favorite, and please feel free to click the "comment" button to leave your feedback as to why you liked your choice. Be sure to look out for the winning design available for purchase on-air next spring! You have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 5^th to cast your vote, and then on Tuesday, June 11^th, we will reveal the winning design during the Denim & Co. show beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

Sketch #1: This is an elbow-sleeve, button-front, eyelet blouse with solid side panels. The sides panels give you stretch for comfort.

Sketch #2: This is a ¾-sleeve, eyelet-front blouse. It comes with a knit tank top so you can wear the blouse open or buttoned up.

Sketch #3: This is a short-sleeve, button-front camp shirt with a front patch pocket. It has all-over lace and comes with a knit tank top.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Have a great week!

Amanda

Shop Denim & Co. on QVC.com.

Hi Denim & Co. ladies!  It’s Heather from the design team.  I can’t believe it’s Tuesday already!!   If you have questions about items in today’s 11 AM static show or just want to chat about Denim & Co. fashion, ask away!  I’ll be here during the show to chat and answer your questions.  Feel free to leave more comments after the show, and I’ll check back throughout the day.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend, and in honor of the Memorial Day holiday & the un-official start of summer, here is my question today:  What does your favorite pair of shorts look like?  What inseam length works best for you? What fabric & colors do you prefer?  What is your favorite styling?  Fly front or pull-on??  Check out some of our great shorts.

Waist Stretch 5 Pocket Shorts

Waist Stretch Pull-on Shorts w/Front Pockets

Warm weather has finally arrived, which means summer is finally here! It’s time to dust off the sandals, bring out the dresses, and go "bare" by freshening up your summer makeup routine! We have so much in store for you on May 30 and 31. Be sure to tune in for six hours jam-packed with limited-edition deluxe sizes of your favorites, plus brand-new, innovative products and best sellers. Every product in these shows will have you saying, “Hello, summer!" Flawless skin, bright perky lips, and a killer tan are all part of my summertime look and should be a part of yours, too!

Flawless Skin: My secret weapon for a flawless complexion? bareMinerals® Foundation and Mineral Veil. Period.

Our original foundation stole my heart over 10 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. bareMinerals limited-edition Deluxe Original Foundation is one of my picks for the season. It covers everything, yet feels like nothing on the skin. It’s so weightless that you won’t even know it’s there, and there's no makeup meltdown, so you’re covered on hot summer days! Its natural broad-spectrum SPF 15 gives you the protection you need.

bareMinerals Deluxe Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Tip: Try buffing on very light layers of foundation. I like to build the sheerest layers to get the most gorgeous, natural-looking complexion. Less is more, and buffing is your friend!

Mineral Veil (in any way, shape, or form) is a must-have throughout the year. Need to control shine? Mineral Veil. Need to freshen up your look throughout the day? Mineral Veil. Want an airbrushed, soft-focus finish? Mineral Veil. This product is truly a bareMinerals icon. Lucky for you, we have all sorts of different varieties to choose from!

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder

Take your pick:

Deluxe SPF 25 Bronzing Mineral Veil: You guys asked for it, so we bring it once a year!

Multifunctional Mineral Veil: It perfects, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores, and helps to give you a gorgeous bronze glow (that’s not shimmery!).

Tip: Don’t forget to buff it on the tops of the ears, hair line/hair part, or even down on to décolleté…voila, extra sun protection!

NEW bareMinerals READY® Illuminating Mineral Veil & Brush: We're debuting one of your favorites in a solid form. Achieve the softest illuminating radiance that lights up your complexion while enjoying all of the other benefits!

Tip: Pack this one in your handbag, beach bag, or car. It’s great for on-the-go touchups.

Deluxe Balance & Boost Mineral Veil: This has been my favorite since December. The warm apricot tint evens out the complexion and gives the skin a boost with a gorgeous perk of tone.

Tip: Try putting it on before foundation!

Power to the Pout: It’s all about lips…and we’ve got yours covered! The perfect complement to flawless summer skin is a bright, fun, perky lip look. Playing up your lips is more unexpected (and a lot easier) than your eyes!

NEW Marvelous Moxie Lipstick & Lip Liner Duos: We're debuting our luxurious, rich, super-saturated Moxie lipsticks and lip liners in a choice of four duos. They glide on like butter, give gorgeous full coverage, and instantly bring out your inner moxie. I seriously can’t wait for you to try these!

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick & Lipliner Duo

Jack of All Trades Lip Balm Trio: Jack is back, and you guys are pretty happy about that. Jack combines a lip balm chockfull of hydrating and nourishing ingredients with a punch of color. These balms are the ultimate summer lip products. They give you a vibrant wash of color that looks as natural as the color you get after eating an ice pop or two. :)

The Tan: You can stop searching for the perfect sunless tanner because it’s been here all along! It's bareMinerals Faux Tan, a three-time QVC Customer Choice Award winner. It’s the perfect olive color, it doesn’t smell like feet, it’s an emollient brown gel (so you can see where you’re putting it), and the big-daddy size comes with the body-buffing brush, which makes tanning fast, easy, and mess free! You’ll love the instant glow and the rich golden tan that develops over a few hours. It’s a vacation in one big bottle!

So, there you have it...my summer must-haves! Tune in on May 30 and 31 to see these items, plus so many more special innovations. Can’t wait to “see” you then.

Happy summer!

—Jessica Foust

Sandra’s “Pick Me!” – Should You Try a CC Cream?

BB creams are getting some new competition. The CC Cream is here! CC creams are very popular in Asia, where many beauty trends are now born. However, we haven’t had many hit the shores of America just yet. I just started using It Cosmetics’ new  Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ and really love it. I’ll tell you more about it, but first, let’s talk about BB versus CC.

It seems nearly every beauty company now has a BB cream on the market. BB creams, short for “beauty balm”, typically give you a primer, anti-aging ingredients, tinted moisturizer, and SPF in one product. CC creams work like BB creams, but they also help to neutralize the appearance of discolorations. In fact, CC stands for “color correcting.” If you are just looking for sheer coverage with some sun protection, a BB cream will be just fine. CC creams tend to do a better job of covering redness.

Keep your eyes open for more CC creams in the upcoming months. A lot of beauty companies are working on their versions right now. However, It Cosmetics already has a CC cream that recently launched on QVC and it is very popular.  I just started wearing it two weeks ago.

My goal when I’m not working is to look like I have flawless skin, but not look like I’m wearing makeup. Finding a product that gives me coverage without the look of foundation can be tricky, especially when I don’t want to spend a lot of time getting ready. I also never skip sunscreen, so that is another consideration. I feel like Jamie Kern Lima and the team at It Cosmetics used my wish list when they were developing Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+! It is designed to give you a full-coverage color-correcting cream, anti-aging serum, and broad-spectrum physical SPF 50+ in one product. During the day when I’m not working on air at QVC, this provides all of the coverage I need. On work days, I have been wearing it into the studio before putting on foundation and it works great as a primer. 

Although you can wear this CC cream over clean skin because it has anti-aging and moisturizing ingrediants, I love my skincare products so I layer it on top of my treatments and serums.  If I want a more matte finish after applying the CC cream, I dust on a very small amount of It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation or press on Mally’s Pore Defender. That’s it! A little mascara, blush and lip gloss and I’m out the door.

CC+ SPF 50 is available in 5 shades. I wear the medium.

You can see the coverage in this picture. My hand on the left has the CC+ cream, my right hand does not. Notice, my left hand doesn’t look like I’m wearing makeup, but my skin flaws and redness have been covered. It’s a subtle but very significant difference. Love it!

This blog is part of my “Pick Me!” series where I review products I am currently using and enjoying. Have you tried a CC cream yet? Any It Cosmetics products? Feel free to comment here and please join the discussion on my Facebook page. Have a great week!

-Sandra

Hello everyone,

I am so excited to announce that our first JAI John Hardy show will be hosted by the amazing Jill Bauer.  I found out a couple of weeks ago when I met up with the QVC buying team and Jill was there to welcome me.  As many of you know, Jill has been wearing her John Hardy bracelets and bangles for years on air and is a true John Hardy aficionado.

When we met, she wanted to know everything about the new JAI line.  We went through each design, piece by piece, and I took her on a journey through the monuments, the markets, and the sea of green rice fields that inspired many of the designs.  Jill loved all of the inspirations and was thrilled with the innovativeness, quality, and authenticity of each new design.  She looked up after we reviewed the last piece and with a big smile told me how excited she was for everyone to experience the stories and magic behind our new line.  When I saw how enthusiastic she and the entire QVC buying team were, I asked them if we could do something that was a little unconventional for our upcoming JAI show.

When I traveled around North America while working for John Hardy, I would host private luncheons and bring with me exclusive designs created for a select group of John Hardy collectors.  I want to bring this same service and experience to you, so Jill and I want to invite you all to experience a little taste of Thailand, May 30th at 8pm EST.

Invite your friends and family over and enjoy traditional Thai mocktails while we take you on your own private tour through the Kingdom of Sukhothai, Thailand for a fun-filled hour of romance, inspiration, and, most of all, gorgeous jewelry!

This is the perfect excuse to get everyone in the kitchen to make some Thai-inspired food - or order in from your favorite Thai restaurant.  I have attached two of my favorite Thai drink recipes below that I enjoyed while exploring the country.  My wish is that my inspirational journey becomes your inspirational journey.  My hope is that you find a piece of jewelry that reflects your individual style and will become a lasting memory of your excursion with us through Thailand.  Together, you, your friends, and your family can start a new tradition of joining me each month for another inspirational journey as we travel the Far East together.  Life is short; let’s enjoy every minute of it!

Please RSVP below so we can welcome you by name at the beginning of the show with a toast.  Make sure you take pictures of your JAI Soiree and share them with us on our JAI Jewelry Facebook page or Jill Bauer’s Facebook page so that we can share them on future shows.  You never know, you may see yourself on TV!

Safe Travels,

Scott Grimes

Hello, foodies…

How was your weekend? Food-and-fun-filled? I sure hope so. Mine was terrific…I managed to get a little beach-time in at the Delaware shore and the weather was just beautiful. I may have even sampled Wednesday’s recipe while I was there: Frozen Summer Sangria!

Frozen Summer Sangria

This recipe is prepared with the Vintage Wine Estates Vineyard Favorites 3 or 12 Bottles (M41943).
 
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:
 
6 oz frozen mango chunks
3 oz frozen peach slices
3 oz frozen pineapple chunks
4 cups ice
1/2 a lime, peeled
1 orange, peeled and halved
1-3/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup sugar
 
Directions:
 
Place the ingredients into a blender and blend for 45–60 seconds, or until the drink is completely smooth. Serve immediately.

This drink is perfect with any of the grilled dishes we made this month…Chimichurri Flank Steak, Grilled Scallops, or Risotto-Stuffed Chicken Breast. Or, you could even try it with our Foodie Challenge Winner’s Recipe, Yuca Hash, submitted by Wanda and Charlie B! A BIG thanks to everyone who submitted a recipe. Check out our Foodie Friends blog this week to see all the finalists. And, do try the recipes…especially the Yuca Nut Pie submitted by JessileeV286. It was AMAZING!

Here’s Wanda and Charlie’s recipe for Yuca Hash:

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tsp salt
Water, enough to cover yuca
1 to 1-1/2 lbs yuca, washed, peeled, and diced into 1/2” chunks
1 tsp pepper
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (hot or mild)
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small onion, diced
8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp hot pepper flakes (optional )
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. In a large, deep-sided skillet, combine 1 Tablespoon butter, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the yuca chunks and reduce the heat to medium. Cook only until fork tender, about 25–30 minutes. (You don’t want the yuca to be falling apart.) Drain the yuca and set it aside.
3. Return the skillet to the stove and melt the remaining butter. Add the mushrooms, onions, and celery and cook until tender. Add the pepper, hot pepper flakes, and the tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the yuca and cook until hot. Top with cheese and enjoy!

Did you hear Mary and I talk about Twitter on Sunday? If you’re not tweeting yet, you’re missing out! Here’s how you sign up and how you follow me:

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.” 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.
2.    My page will appear and click on the yellow “Sign up” box in the center. Fill in the required information, then “Sign up.” (Be sure to read all the terms and conditions!)
3.    You’ll be directed to my page: “DavidVenableQVC.” Click the “Follow” button on the right. Welcome to our Twitter family!
4.    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.”
5.    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.

In honor of tomorrow’s fruity recipe, your blog question is what’s your favorite summer drink? Do you like margaritas, piña coladas, or mojitos? Or, are smoothies and milkshakes more your style? Whatever your fancy, just grab one of those colorful cocktail umbrellas. It makes it official! See you tomorrow night at an early start time…7pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Hello Friends!

I will be back at QVC this coming Thursday, May 30 from 4-5pm EST.  I am excited to be brining you lots of new items and collections just in time for Summer.  Here is a video to give you a sneak peak.

Please join me this Thursday... 1 hour will go by so fast!

See you soon!

Robert Lee Morris

The delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to show the signs of aging. Many patients come to me looking for a solution to address signs of aging in this area.

After seeing this problem time and time again, I was inspired to develop a new solution that addresses the most stubborn signs of aging around the eyes. Drawing on my Neuropeptide technology, I formulated Neuropeptide Eye Therapy with a new Neuro-oligopeptide Complex and the results have been amazing. In a controlled consumer use study, after just four weeks of use, 92% of users agreed that their eyes appeared more resilient and youthful. Many users also saw improvements in their skin’s radiance, firmness, and elasticity.

Neuropeptide Eye Therapy with Neuro-oligopeptide Complex is now paired with QVC Customer Choice Award Winner Neuropeptide Facial Cream in a duo that's exclusive to QVC until 7/31/13. I encourage you to try it and see the results for yourself.

Perricone MD Dramatic Results Neuropeptide Face & Eye Duo

— Dr. Perricone

I love to travel with luggage that looks good and protects my things. Enter: Heys 3-piece Hardside Spinner Luggage Set that’s our TSV(R) this Monday! You’ll never end up with anything crushed if you have Heys luggage, no matter how many suitcases they throw on top of it. The fact that it looks fashionable and makes it easy to spot on the luggage carousel are bonuses!

Now that you’ve got your suitcases, what should you pack? Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before you leave.

1. What activities do you KNOW you're going to do? 

The reason I was an over-packer was because I allowed my mind to go crazy with 'maybes.' Maybe I'll want to do this activity, maybe I'll want to do that activity, and pretty soon I was taking my whole closet because I wasn't focusing on what I was really going to do. So first and foremost: what activities do you KNOW you're going to do? Start there, and then you can tweak at the end as space allows.

2. Can you avoid taking something that has to hang in a garment bag?

If you have to take a garment bag, you're automatically committing to two pieces of luggage and you've 'upped the ante' considerably in the logistics department. If you can find things that fold in a suitcase, (or my favorite, the rolling duffel, which is what I used in India), you'll have a much more streamlined baggage experience. A small, structured, foldable garment bag that you can put a few items in and still fit into your suitcase is a good compromise. Sometimes you can find luggage with the bags included. Otherwise, just buy a bag separately.

3. What do you love to wear when you're at home?

When you're trying to pack smaller, you're going to need to re-wear things, so pick what you love to wear. Which T-shirt do you find excuses to wear and always go back to? Which jeans are your favorite? Re-wearing items you love will make it fun; re-wearing items you don't will make you wish you had packed more.

4. Should I pack that strappy dress?

How many times do you pack something thinking that you'll probably want to wear it on vacation, but you've never wanted to wear it when you're home? Our taste and comfort zones don't usually change with location. (That usually takes something with salt on the rim or a little umbrella in it!) So if you're not comfortable wearing it at home, you probably won't be comfortable wearing it when you're away.

5. How many pairs of shoes should you pack?

Shoes take up more room than anything else in your suitcase, so even though it's difficult, try to limit how many you take. I try to take one comfortable pair for sightseeing all day, one pair of heels, and a pair of sneakers if I feel I'm going to be working out. If I take a pair of boots, I wear them when I'm traveling, so I don't have to pack them in my luggage. P.S., the same goes for handbags. My rule is one to carry and one that packs flat in the luggage, no more.

6. Is everything machine washable?

Depending on where you're going, dry cleaning can be an issue, either time-wise or money-wise, so anything that's machine washable is a safer bet. Anything you can wash out by hand and hang up overnight is ideal. Then your clothes are at your beck and call, and you're not waiting on the hotel's service.

7. How many basics can multitask with different accessories?

What simple top can you wear with jeans for a casual look, but can be dressed up with heels and nice jewelry for a dinner out? What dress is good for sightseeing, but with different shoes and jewelry, can take you to a dressier occasion? The more your clothes multitask, the fewer you have to take.

8. Do I have to sit on it (to get it closed)? 

A packed suitcase is like a map: once you unfold it, it never really goes back the same way. If you leave the house with a suitcase that you can barely close, you'll return home with an additional bag. So, either plan for that, or leave a little room.

9. Am I a "Girl Scout" (i.e., always prepared)?

Especially if you're traveling internationally, make sure you do a little research on any special requirements for your destination. Is the electricity the same? Do you need a converter or adaptor? Do you need to dress a certain way? Do you have your passport, visa, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, extra batteries, and memory cards? Some things you can pick up at your destination. Others you've just got to remember to bring.

10. What would Lisa do? (One of the few times I have an example worth following.)

A couple things I learned from traveling is that I'm not happy if I'm hungry. So I always carry some snacks with me that I can carry in my purse. (I like Ostrim sticks, protein bars, or almonds.) I pack extra in my luggage and replenish my purse each day, so I'm never stranded without food. Then I have a little extra room in my suitcase on the way back after I've eaten them. This also means you don't have to choose between something you want to see, and dying of starvation. Second, I'm also not happy if I'm cold, so I always carry a wrap or two. A wrap can be your blanket on the plane, a scarf if it's not too cold, or a good bit of warmth if it is. They also take much less room than a jacket, are much easier to carry, and are much more versatile fashion wise (they can be dressy or casual).

On my trip to Rome, I took one of my favorite leather jackets by Alice & Olivia. Talk about a great multitasker!

This is our new friend Chiara. She was our guide for the Colosseum and the Forum. She is so adorable, she's like a happy little ray of Italian sunshine. How nice to meet people you really like when you travel.

We finally have a day without rain! We toured the Colosseum and the Forum. We had a great time even though it was COLD.

The story goes: if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain when you visit Rome, you are sure to return. I did it a number of times, just to make sure. It’s time to come home, but I could never tire of this city. The warm friendly people, the breathtaking churches, the beautiful art, the unbelievable food; there is a feast for each of the senses. It’s a magical city, as I am sure you know if you’ve been here. There are few places I’ve been that I feel the need to return to. But Rome I will always want to visit again and again and again...

See you soon.
—Lisa

Hi there!

Foodie Challenge Yuca has come to an end, but we wanted to share the yummy recipes that were made and tast-tested by the team...including David. Thanks for all of your entries!

--Amy, Foodie Friend

Casava Cake
Posted by Trang

Ingredients:
2 (16-oz) packages of frozen grated casava, thawed (available at most Asian food markets)
1 (14-oz) can of coconut milk
1 (14-oz) can condensed milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour the mixture into a 9” x 13” pan. Bake for about 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes. Cut it into squares, wedges, etc.

*This cake is best served warm and can be reheated in the microwave oven. It’s also good room temperature.
*Variation: to make it more tropical, add 1 cup of grated frozen coconut.


Garlic & Onion Smashed Yuca
Posted by SherryPA

Ingredients:
3 bags peeled, frozen yuca
3 sticks butter
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 medium-sized yellow onion, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Boil the yuca for 25 minutes, or until tender.

Meanwhile, sauté the onions in butter. Add the garlic after the onions are caramelized and cook until tender.

Drain the boiled yuca and return it to the pan. Add the garlic, onion, and butter mixture, then season with salt and pepper, to taste.


Yuca Nut Pie— Honorable Mention!
Posted by JessileeV286

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked, mashed, and cooled yuca
2 cups sugar (all white or a white/brown blend)
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk
3 Tbsp white cornmeal
3/4 cup flaked coconut
2 Tbsp bourbon vanilla
Handful of pecan halves

Directions:
To cook the yuca, peel, remove the stringy core, and cube. Boil in salted water for 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. (I cut the yuca into very small pieces and I use my pastry cutter to mash the yuca. Immediately submerge the tool into hot soapy water after mashing, as yuca is very sticky.)

While the yuca is cooking, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Combine every ingredient, except the pecans, and pour it into the pie shell. Complete the pie by placing pecan halves on top in a special design, or evenly spaced. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.


Yuca Hash – Winning Recipe!
Posted by Wanda and Charlie B

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tsp salt
Water, enough to cover yuca
1 to 1-1/2 lbs yuca, washed, peeled, and diced into 1/2” chunks
1 tsp pepper
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (hot or mild)
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small onion, diced
8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp hot pepper flakes (optional )
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:
In a large, deep-sided skillet, combine 1 tablespoon butter, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Add the yuca chunks and reduce the heat to medium. Cook only until fork tender, about 25–30 minutes. (You don’t want the yuca to be falling apart.) Drain the yuca and set it aside.

Return the skillet to the stove and melt the remaining butter. Add the mushrooms, onions, and celery and cook until tender. Add the pepper, hot pepper flakes, and the tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the yuca and cook until hot. Top with cheese and enjoy!


Sweet and Spiced Yuca Fritters
Posted by sonykarate

Ingredients:
Fritters:
2-1/2 lbs yuca
3 egg yolks
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Neutral-tasting oil (like canola), for frying

Spiced Syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions:
To prepare the fritters, peel the yuca and boil until tender. Remove the stringy veins then mash until smooth.

Separate 3 eggs (only the yolks will be used in this recipe) and whisk the yolks with the sugar and salt. Combine this mixture with the mashed yuca and stir until well incorporated.

In a deep fryer or heavy, deep-sided skillet, heat the oil until it reaches 325-350°F.

Use a spoon to scoop and form the yuca into 1” balls. Place the balls on a plate or cookie sheet until ready to fry. Carefully place the yuca balls into the hot oil, taking care to not crowd the pan. Fry until the fitters are evenly browned on all sides. Remove the fritters from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with remaining fritters until all have been cooked.

To prepare the spiced syrup, combine both sugars and water in a medium-size saucepan. Simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to low, add the whole cloves and cinnamon stick to the syrup mixture and simmer for about 10 minutes. If necessary, strain the syrup (with caution as it will be very hot) and serve along-side or on top of the fritters. Dust the fritters with powdered sugar, if desired.

*Keep the fritters warm in the oven at 350°F until the syrup is ready.


Yuca Crab Cakes with Mango Chutney
Posted by anlo

Ingredients:
Cakes:
1 cup crab meat
1/4 lb yuca, boiled and mashed (or use canned)
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
1/4 Tbsp curry powder
1 oz lemon juice
3 oz mayo
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/8 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Peanut oil, for frying

Chutney:
1/2 cup mango, diced
1/2 cup papaya, diced
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp vinegar or rice vinegar
Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Directions:
To prepare the crab cakes, mix the crab, yuca, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, mayo, curry, cilantro, salt, and pepper and mix until incorporated.

Put the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Use your hands to mold the mixture into patties, then dip the cakes into the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Refrigerate the cakes for an hour.

Preheat the oven 325°F. Pan-fry in the peanut oil until the cakes are brown on both sides. Then, bake for 6–8 minutes.

To prepare the chutney, combine all the ingredients and spoon it on top of the crab cakes.

The recent heat blast in the northeast has prompted several questions from my own pool of friends. The mother of a child in my daughter's class just said the other day: "I can't stand when it gets this hot because you don't want to wear anything with sleeves, but I don't like to show my arms."  

Solution: CAFTAN!

If you tuned in to Bob’s recent shows on QVC, you saw a couple of them. They are a great answer to wearing something that is light and not revealing, yet offers full arm coverage.  

I talked about this one: Bob Mackie's Tulip Print Boat Neck Caftan with Tank.

If you love tulips the way I love tulips, this is such a great pick. The movement of the stems is one of those artistic design features that Bob does so well to enhance the figure. As you can see, it is a sheer, lightweight fabric that will keep you cool and airy, but it comes with its own tank so you will not need to worry about what to wear underneath.

Another great choice is: Bob Mackie's Boat Neck Caftan Top with Sequin Detail. 

Teal and purple are your choices for a great look that gives you a nice solid color and the sparkle to illuminate your neck and face. Dress it up or dress it down, all the while feeling cool and comfortable.

If you are looking for the combination of something a little bit mod but still classic, this one is for you: Bob Mackie’s Sheer Printed Caftan with Built In Shell & Sequin Detail.   

This gorgeous design is full of movement on the front and the back. Seafoam, lilac, and coral are the delicious color choices that will be wonderful additions to your summer wardrobe.

I love all of the above choices, but the one that I chose for myself: Bob Mackie's Boat Neck Placement Print Caftan Top with Tank.

This is the green combo choice, which is so fresh. The other 4 choices are black, coral, pink and yellow. This one is so much fun with the 'flower power' vibe. You can see how the arm is open and airy.

I do want to share that with all of these silhouettes the arms are not open so that your sides are exposed to all the world. They all have stitching that closes off the garment on the sides, but the coolness and built-in air conditioning will keep the flow of air, especially on those hotter days. Aside from all of that, you have gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, work-of-art pieces that everyone will notice.

I once heard an expression: "Live life everyday like you're on vacation." I know it's easier said than done, but, in the summer with the warm weather and the outdoor fun, you can try, and there is nothing that says vacation like a pretty caftan.

If you are looking for more Bob Mackie, be sure to visit his entire Wearable Art collection. Have you liked us on Facebook? Visit us there on Bob Mackie's page.

Margaux

Hello, WEN fans!

It's finally that time of year again when WEN gallons are available at QVC. Since they're only offered this month, we recommend that you stock up on your favorite scents before they fly off the shelves. As many customers who have purchased gallons in the past can attest, they sell out fast so you should get your hands on them while you can!

 Do you have questions for me and my team? Ask away. We will be answering once a week throughout the month of June!

Hello, foodies…

Our June Road Trip Contest is underway!

What? Who? Are you confused?

Let me back up.

If you caught last night’s show, you probably heard me say that June is Road Trip month on In the Kitchen with David. I’m so excited…we’ve got nine destinations mapped out across the country and recipes to accompany each region like Lobster Rolls, Loaded Breakfast Baked Potatoes, and Fortune Cookies.

BUT—here’s where this contest comes in. There are so many places to see and foods to sample, I want YOU to tell me what makes your town a must-see foodie destination. Is there a local diner that makes the best coconut cream pie? Is there a barbecue joint that serves-up melt-in-your-mouth brisket? Email me a video or pictures with a message at davidsroadtrip@qvc.com. You’ve got until June 30 to submit your entries. We’ll be choosing five finalists throughout the month. And, if my team and I think your town’s fare looks the yummiest, I’ll be comin’ to visit…and eat!

Now, you’ve got to get permission from the restaurant or establishment you’re highlighting before you submit your entry. And, you've got to be 18 or older to enter. You don’t have to purchase anything to enter. Void where prohibited, of course. Finally, just to be safe (and so legal doesn’t hang me), check out the rest of the rules.

Good luck—make me hungry, foodies!!

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Hello my LCNY FASHIONISTAS... Can you believe Memorial Day has come and gone? Yikes! Time is flying by and summer has begun.  So I am going to share a moment, stay with me because as usual it ties things together.  I went with Sarah for her first bridal gown fitting on Tuesday.  What a moment.  So she is putting the gown on and I flash back to her as a newborn, ever so perfect, her first day of kindergarten with her new shoes on, and a lovely crooked smile, senior prom looking like a princess off to the ball, dressed in her first suit heading out the door to her new job, and as she turns around I am breathless. My first born stunningly beautiful and a gushing bride to be.  She asks "mom?". My reply... all the thoughts I just stated running through my mind the only answer I could come up with was "I love you Sarah, you are beautiful".  Wow... ok move on to the rest of the week...

An awesome two hour show with MBR and you of course.  Now getting ready for an amazing crochet cardigan with tank! To be honest I am nervous and sooooooo excited, just like Sarah I cannot wait for you to see it and hear the story behind this beautiful cardigan.  As you know, Kari, part of the design team in New York, hand crochets.  She is extremely talented.  This particular cardigan has been in the works for awhile.  She hand crocheted the piece in the picture below and like they say the rest was history.

Everyone fell in love.  From the three different stitches and the covered buttons it is a work of art.  I am so proud of Kari and our design team.  It is kind of like watching the swatch of crochet mature throughout the past 18 months from kindergarten to prom and now here is the big day.  I hope you give it a try.  This item is a great way to get your LCNY on.  I look forward to being with you all day on Friday.  An hour at MIDNIGHT, two hours at 9am ET, and another at 5pm ET, with some hits in between.  As always I thank you for your support I could not do this without you. P.s. I told you I would tie the two stories together.

Linda :)