We're celebrating Christmas in July with "throwback" photos of some of our hosts!  Can you guess who? Enjoy!

Nicole's only pic with Santa! -Pat James Dementri

This picture was taken late Nov 1996 while I was performing on a Japanese Luxury Cruise Ship.  This is from one of the Christmas, which we sang/danced on rollerblades!  Yes, rollerblades, on a moving ship & in typhoons, at times! It was a hoot! Merry Christmas in July! -Nancy Hornback

My fav childhood memories took place at Christmas. Mom n dad used to put a mini tree nxt 2 my bed, and we'd open a door on my advent calendar every night, and on Christmas Eve we'd put out real candle luminaries and mom would cook my grandmas famous duck rice for dinner. Christmas morning I'd  awake to ribbon candy left by Santa on my bedside table, santas footprints left in the chimney (tho they looked suspiciously like dads in white cooking flour) and we had to wait at top of stairs sitting on our brown shag carpeting before dad said coast was clear. Then we'd zip downstairs to find all santas loot. One year I got a goldfish. The best years were full of Barbie everything. our dog Jiggs would eat the candy canes off the Christmas tree...and after gifts, mom wud pop a SaraLee coffee cake in the oven. To this day it's my fav! -Shawn Killinger

Seeing a play, having a great dinner & checking out the tree in Rockefeller Center is a new holiday tradition for me. -Rachel Boesing

I love Christmas! The traditions and time spent with those we love are what make it special. Whether it’s greeting Santa, or trimming the tree, or baking cookies, or singing carols, or helping others, there is a spirit of the season that warms the heart. One of my favorite Christmas memories was when I was about 6, my sister Mona was 4 and my brother Clint was not quite 3. The Christmas tree was up and the lights were strung on our house, and the houses of most of our neighbors, in the 1960's tract home where we lived.

The three of us, Mona, Clint and I, were in our living room staring at our tree with all the lights and decorations (what little kid doesn’t love doing that?) and talking excitedly about what we wanted for Christmas.

I remember my mother saying, simply, "we celebrate Christmas, because it is Jesus’ birthday". Well, for little kids, when it’s someone’s birthday, the thing to do is to sing "Happy Birthday". And that’s exactly what we wanted to do. So, my mother got a candle, and put it in the center of the coffee table there in the living room and lit it, and my sister and brother and I sang “Happy Birthday To You” to baby Jesus. We were thrilled and I can still remember the tickled look on my parents faces as the three of us belted out that birthday song. -Leah Williams

Lol... This is me with my first guitar that I got for Christmas. I wanted to be a Beatle!!! I'm singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"... I even had the hair-do right!  Tee Hee  J   Xoxo  Antonella Nester

The Joy of Giving -  "It's better to Give than it is to Receive." From my Catholic upbringing, it seems to me I've heard that phrase a time or two. But as a kid,  when it comes to Christmas presents... receiving is not too bad either!! I vividly remember opening the box, oh so many years ago, to discover that big... yellow... Tonka Truck I'd been wanting. Thank you Santa!!

Santa has continued to be a very jolly, busy visitor to our home through the years. As our sons, Nick and Josh get older, they continue to make lists. And as they're rolling their eyes, we still tell them they have to  'ask Santa'.

Christmas is a time of Joy, family, great food, and for our family, celebrating the birth of Christ. While it's also a time to reflect on the joys of the Holiday season, Christmas, for me, is also a reminder  of time moving on. It's seems like just yesterday I was the little kid opening the presents! What happened??  When I look  at the Christmas card  photos of our sons, I once again drop my jaw at how fast they seem to be growing up. So many wonderful Holiday memories.  Why wait for the actual Christmas Holiday season to celebrate the joys of family. Why not give some extra love during Christmas in July! After all, it's better to give than to receive. :)

Merry Christmas (in July)! -Rick Domeier

This Christmas was special because my sister, Barbara, and I got a kid sized pool  table!  Santa was in such a rush, he lost two of the balls on the way to our house, but we didn't care!  It was one of the best gifts ever!

-Sharon Faetsch

     Based on what I do for a living, the holidays are a very busy time for me at QVC. It’s a fun time, but I don’t get a lot of sleep! I love bringing you all my favorite holiday gifts, I feel it’s my most exciting time of year at QVC! The shows are fun, everybody is in holiday cheer and there are usually lots of goodies around all the time. I see so many great gift ideas because I’m at QVC so much, so I’m able to get all my shopping done early, something that makes me really happy. I keep trying to get it done earlier and earlier each year. 

     Of course, once the shopping season wraps up, I love spending time with my friends and family. We’ve started a traditional seafood feast at my in-laws on Christmas Eve. My husband used to moan about putting up our tree (who can blame him since we are so busy), but once we created our Fold Flat Christmas Tree last year, complaining went away and trees & decorations now go up early. 

Here are some pics I thought I’d share with you from last year:

My good friend’s Aunt Elaine has 25 beautifully decorated trees in her home for the holidays. We love going there, being with them, and seeing the trees! Here’s her son, showing off one room.

Oh by the way, Aunt Elaine's a great baker, here’s just a few of the treats she made last year! 

My mother in law made these cute little penguins out of cream cheese, olives & carrots. Thought they were adorable!

Loved celebrating the holidays with some of my team and showing my appreciation for their hard work all year long. Wine & food was flowing! ;)

My gorgeous Pre –Lit Fold Flat Tree #H200762 which will be launching Friday, July 19^th in the 11PM hour.

Tune in to QVC Wednesday, July 24^th at 11AM EST & 11PM EST, for my Clever & Unique Creations show!

If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to join me on my Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest pages too!

https://www.facebook.com/Lori.Greiner1

https://twitter.com/LoriGreiner

http://pinterest.com/lorigreiner/ 

Xx,

Lori

TQIF! Check out this smoothie that I prepared in my Vitamix. 

Banana, raspberry, blueberry smoothie:

Crushed ice

1 banana

Lots of raspberries

1 single serve blueberry Greek yogurt

Water

Blend

Decorate with raspberries, blueberries, and whipped cream:) 

My favorite memories of Christmas are of the tree that my mother decorated every year. We would go get the tree and bring It home. The lights were those larger bulb-lights that look like they belong in a chandelier now adays. And, the ornaments were shiny blue and pretty silver with lots of homemade ones in between. My mother would use the same tinsel every year. She would put each piece on individually and take them off the same way, saving them in tissue paper. It was magical to see the tree with all the decorations.

My favorite place to be was by the tree at night, with the blue and silver reflecting on the ceiling and around the room. Every once in a while, our parents let us sleep next to the tree. We would get our sleeping bags while dad made a fire in the fireplace. All five of us kids would claim a spot on the floor, our parents would play Christmas albums in the big stereo cabinet, and we would go to bed with Christmas music and dreams of Christmas morning in our heads.

If it was a weekend, we would even get pancakes in the morning with the blueberry syrup my mom made. It was made with blueberries we picked every summer up in Michigan at my great uncle Lyle's blueberry farm. We would bring them back in the popup camper or back of the station wagon and my mother would freeze them and then make our favorite "syrup" with them all winter. It’s ironic, that as a child, I probably was more fixated on the presents than I am now, but the memories I go back to are not the memories of the presents. They’re of the magical place my mom made every Christmas.

This weekend we're celebrating Christmas in July(R) on QVC and I hope we can give you a head-start on turning your house into a magical place this December. Join me on Sunday at 10pm ET for "Decorating with Lisa Robertson" where you'll find some of the decorations I have and love. Here's a sneak peek of just two:

I love Father Christmas more than traditional Santa…he just has a global, old-world type of feel. I like to put my Father Christmas figurines with my other decorations, group them with packages below a tree, or with Bethlehem Lights Poinsettias (H196298) on the hearth. They just bring bits of Christmas into your home.

These are just so cute. They’re little owls with bed head! I fell in love with them last year and I’m happy we have them this year. They work in a sophisticated, formal décor (like mine), traditional décor, and they’re perfect for kids’ rooms. They just make you smile!

See you soon!
--Lisa

Hello my friends.  How was your Fourth of July? I hope it was full of good friends, good food and lots of laughs. My family and I had an amazing vacation on Peaks Island surrounded by people we love. 

I love summertime, heat and all, and I think what I love most is the fact that no matter where I am, NYC, Peaks Island or the country side of Thailand, I can always find fresh fruit at a local farmers market. In fact, some people call Thailand the land of 100 fruits.  I’ve always enjoyed the unique combinations of local fruit they use to create their delicious drinks.

I grew up in South Florida with a yard full of fruit trees. Each morning we would wake to the sound of my mom making fresh squeezed combinations of orange, grapefruit, key lime and lemon juice.  The sound of the juicer would literally act as an alarm clock on school days.

I am a total foodie, but I do my best to live a healthy lifestyle considering all of the travel I do. I have continued my mother’s tradition and try to make a variety of fresh squeezed fruit juices daily. I believe this healthy habit has allowed me to travel the world on planes, trains and automobiles and remain healthy and full of energy.  But I have to say, I’ve been really tested since the arrival of my baby girl six weeks ago.  I’m not sure if all the juice in the world can make up for my lack of sleep!

As summer is in full swing and the assortment of fresh fruit is amazing, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite fruit combinations.  The drinks can be made in your blender or, if you saw last week’s TSV, the Ninja would be ideal.

Rise and Shine Recipe: (2 servings)

1 ½ cup blueberries

½ cup pressed apple juice (2 stemmed and pitted apples)

1 fresh ripe banana

½ cup raspberries

½ cup ice

¼ cup raw walnuts, preferably soaked and drained

Benefits

Blueberries: Contains powerful antioxidants, which improve cognitive function and may help to prevent a wide range of diseases from a variety of cancers to heart disease.

Apple:Contain vitamin C, vitamin B-complex and fiber and are low calories.

Banana: High in potassium and is known for its heart benefits.

Raspberries: Prevents cardiovascular disease, obesity, and possibly cancer.

Walnuts: High in antioxidants, which support anti-aging and prevent neurological, cardiovascular and anti-carcinogenic ailments.

MID-DAY PICK ME UP: (2 servings)

2 ½ cups strawberries

1 cup low fat strawberry yogurt

1 pitted peach

1 cup of watermelon

2 cups ice

Benefits

Strawberries: Contain vitamin C and potassium, high in fiber, promotes bone health and support memory function.

Peach: High in fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Watermelon: Contain potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C and supports healthy cardiovascular function.

I hope you get a chance to try one of these cool, refreshing drinks this summer. Let me know if you have your own favorite combination, I would love to try it or maybe as a featured drink on one of our upcoming JAI shows or blogs.  I look forward to seeing everyone for our July 25th shows. Please join me for our TSV kick off at midnight and again at 11-12pm, 3pm, and 6-8pm.  I look forward to seeing everyone then.

Safe Travels,

Scott Grimes 

The Wishful Dish is back after a week off, and we've got some great things lined up for you! Corky’s is bringing their Hickory Smoked Pork Tenderloin (a Customer Choice Award Nominee!), and it makes an awesome Friday Night Meal. Since The Wishful Dish is on Monday, you will receive any food item that is shipped frozen by Friday. So, by the end of the week you will have an awesome entree waiting for you, and you don't have to go out to a restaurant to get it! If you want to take a peek at the tenderloin, click Here. I love to mix cold and hot foods together, especially during the summer. So, I thought I would share a salad recipe from my husband's Mom that she gave to me when I got married. It's colorful, crispy, and SO easy to make.

Angela's Layered Salad

 1 Head of Lettuce - chopped

 2 Green Onions - diced (just use the green stems)

 8 oz. Colby Jack cheese - cubed

 1 Box of Frozen Peas (slightly frozen)

 1 Pound of bacon, crumbled

 1 Small Head of Cauliflower, cut or broken into small pieces

 1 Pint of mayonnaise thinned with buttermilk

In a large bowl, layer the ingredients in order, starting with the lettuce. Top with the mayo/buttermilk mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The cool part here is that the salad can be prepared way ahead of time. Just make sure to toss it together just before serving, so the lettuce doesn't get soggy. Chilly, crispy, creamy, smokey, delicious!

Also, we have a couple of brand new foods in the hour, and one of them is from My Grandma's.  It's a surprise, so I can't tell you everything here.  Just know that the price will expire at midnight, and this will be the only time you will see it presented on the day. I'm looking forward to you stopping by - Mondays at 5pm!

Happy Christmas in July!   I love pulling together our You're Home with Jill show for QVC'sChristmas in July event....even amidst the heat and sweat of summer, there's something wonderful about looking ahead to the holidays!  I'm excited to show you some of my latest collaborations with Joyce Byers from Byers Choice, which are sure to help you add glow and sparkle to your home, and inspire simple ways to change things up this year, while staying true to your family's traditions. Here's a sneak peek!

We're spending a lot of the summer preparing for some really exciting changes for You're Home with Jill for our fall season...and one of the things I want to share with you moving forward is more of my family's recipes.  I thought this Waldorf inspired Jell-O salad was the kind of recipe you might want to give a try now, since it's cool and refreshing with your BBQ fare....but my Mom always served it as a side dish with all of our holiday meals...she told me she just loved the way it looked on the table!  I agree...love the look and love the taste too!  Enjoy!

From my home to yours,
Jill

Waldorf Crown Salad

Ingredients:

Salad:

2 cups boiling water
2 (3-oz) packages strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 cup apples, cubed (do not remove the peel)
1/2 cup celery, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Topping:

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

To prepare the salad, boil the water in a medium-size saucepan. Empty the gelatin packets into a large bowl and pour in the boiling water. Mix until dissolved and then stir in the cold water. Chill until the Jell-O just starts to thicken. (You don't want it to be set.) Fold in the apples, celery, and nuts then pour the mixture into gelatin mold or a 12" x 8" pan. Chill until firm.

To prepare the topping, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Fold in the marshmallows. When the Jell-O is firm, spread the topping on top. (Or, if using a gelatin mold, release the Jell-O onto the platter and fill the center with the marshmallow topping.) Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Q&A Chat

Today is Day One of Purse-onality and all week I'll be featuring my new Merci Marie satchel. While this chic silhouette looks great hanging in my closet it looks even better on my arm!

Purse-onality Day 2: Meetings, meetings and more meetings! I'm checking out the product for Christmas in July and I brought along my new Merci Marie satchel.

Purse-onality Day 3: A cross-body bag is essential when I have my hands full with little Jericho! I like how my Merci Marie satchel converts to a messenger bag but still looks fashionable.

Purse-onality Day 4: What's in my Merci Marie satchel? Bose ear buds, Halo charger, Footzyfolds slippers, IPad, Skilz flashlight, Jericho's toys and photos, our Inside Q cover, make up and more!

This purse makes me feel stylish when I carry it. I love to take it shopping because it fits my tablet and smart phone that I can't live without. It looks best with jeans because it is rugged chic. Overall, this purse fits into my busy life because it holds everything that I need and looks fashionable at the same time.

July 16, 2013

I'm going to the land of fish & chips. Royal babies. Black cabs, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Jack the Ripper! (And a subway called, the "tube") I love London. My brother used to live there for 5 yrs and his abroad-ness came at the perfect time in my young, unemployed-ness. So I have spent much time in London, Christmas's too, and it is still my fav place in all of Europe. Feel like it's my foreign hometown. (Uh, one can dream at least) Going for a short trip with Joe and his boys and we've already started buying tickets for the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Etc.  We will be doing 4 days of major hoofin' it to see Buckingham Palace and beyond. Have already scoped out lunch at a fav' pub (The Lamb & Flag), dinner at a fav' noodle joint (Wagamama) and a visit to the legendary Harrod's Food Court (Ah, it's amazing. In my next life I want to work at Harrods).

In other news...in spite of the heat wave, I'm pleased to report the garden that I take no earthly credit for creating (thank you neighbors, Dick and Carol) is thriving beautifully amidst Mother's Nature's best attempt to suffocate it in a blanket of fiery air.

Am struggling to hydrate as much as I should. Why is drinking gobs of water so difficult? My friend Jenny loves it. She is in the potty room 24/7 and when we traveled to Italy last year for my 40th, we had to make constant stops...not to buy Italian pottery, wine, or Limoncello. No, we had to keep stopping to buy huge liters of water. In my case, I could live on coffee and wine no problem. Water, no matter how many flavors they try to make it, I just don't crave. Would be great if they could invent a pill that gave you your whole water intake for the day. That, and a pill to stop unwanted hair, and I'd be rollin' in it! Ha.

Dropped car keys at bottom of garbage dumpster today, while tossing boxes. Joy. That one needs little expounding on so I will keep moving. Bought a new clock for the collection.

Couldn't resist. Do you collect anything? I collect clocks. I'm sort of obsessed. I'm up to 9. They are all hanging wall clocks. This latest one I got at Steinmart. Love that place. Always a steal to be had there. Not sure if it's the idea of time going by too fast, or the fact I'm perilously always late, but for some reason, I seem to be addicted to things that tell time. A good psychologist could def figure that one out. (Or maybe I just like the look of clocks)

I have a couple new QVC favs too! if we are talking about purchases and loves: 
Lori Goldstein LOGO T-shirt and tank set 
Isaac hat
LAMO boots
Spring step clogs 
and I'm about to try Tarte's new powder foundation 
and Dr. Gross's new CC cream 
OH!! and mom has me shipping her bulk supplies of Alterna's 48-hr volume spray. 

Speaking of Mom (and Dad), going home for a quick visit to Detroit soon. Don't laugh, but I'm taking Dad, "the pocket hose".

He asked me awhile back why we don't sell it, and I had no idea what it was. So I bought him one, and now I've noticed my neighbors using it. Cracks me up. Another brilliant invention. Hold on, need to have a little sit down with my brain: "Brain, why can't you come up with this stuff!!!?!??!?". Ok, I'm back... 

Time to scoop ya' on some upcoming stuff & shenanigans:

• On 7/29 (Monday) I'm filling in for Lisa on PMStyle (wait to you see the crazy cool thing she did, airing on TV in Fall)
• Big 2-hour "Fall Fabulous"Isaac Mizrahi show on August 5
• Marie Osmond and I are working together on Monday (8/12) at 11p
• The 'Anything Goes' our summer prize contest continues, plus, every Tuesday night we are running 'Man on the Street' interviews that Rick and I did. We learned just how nameless and un-famous we are when virtually no one, knew who we were. It was fabulously funny. My fav was when we interviewed a construction worker, who let Rick pave a sidewalk.
• Orthaheel and LOGO have amaze TSV's coming in next month. Mules and cashmere! I'm in.

Lastly, going for my mammo next week. Sis in law just got hers and all was ok. Speaking of good news, join me on Facebook on Wednesdays for "Wonderful Wednesdays" where we share all the good news we've gotten, or given, in past week. I used to work in local news and tons of folks told me they no longer watched, because it was so depressing. So on Wednesdays, we are lifting you up and celebrating small acts of stranger kindnesses and prayers answered. This week, if you missed it, check it out: this pix is a thank you note from my dear neighbor, Mr. Simpson, who is 90yrs old.

He used to own the general store in town back when kids bought penny candy. Now he's a widow, and you often see him taking a slow, somewhat unsteady stroll around the 'hood with his cane. Such honest and dear eyes he has. Well, awhile back I thought his porch needed sprucing, and I had some leftover Beth Lights hanging plants and urns, plus with another neighbor, we rehung his flag which was drooping into the bushes. It was all meant to be an anonymous act of kindness, until a birdie told on us and Mr. Simpson wrote me a sweet note. I love how he signed it, "a fellow neighbor". Dearest man. So that's the kind of stuff we share, and the responses are awesome. Facebookers using their good news to inspire and give courage to others. I hope you can join the WW club. :) This week the most amazing woman Tisha Evette, announced, that finally she was able to look in the mirror and tell herself that she was beautiful. Another gal said a total stranger paid for her groceries. It's good stuff. Easy feel good.

Off to shower. Work calls. This heat is making me tired. It's 450p and I could easily close my eyes and go to bed.

Cheerio!  

How many of you remember the dark scene of you as a child sitting at your kitchen table, suddenly feeling a strong desire to own a dog, because you weren’t excused until you finished your Brussels sprouts?  And so the famous the negotiation began:

Mom: “Three bites and then you can have dessert”

You : {thinking}  “There is no way I’m putting that baby cabbage head in my mouth.”

Mom: “Two bites”

You:  {gulp}

Mom: “One bite, just try it.  Smell it first.  Lick it.” 

You: “Ok fine”  {a tear drop rolls down your cheek}

Mom:  “Forget it.  Kitchen is closed- no dessert.”

Well, I’m now on the other side of the negotiations and let me tell you it’s not easy. As a mom, I have this uncontrollable desire to make my kids eat their vegetables. It’s in my job description.  And even though I read this great book on how the French raise their children called “Bebe, Day by Day”, I often find myself doing the exact opposite of what they suggest at times. 

The advice in the book is pretty simple and certainly less stressful:

-Make meal time fun. Talk about your day, describe what things taste like

-Don’t be a short order cook. Serve what you are eating. If they don’t like it, they don’t eat (I haven’t been able grasp this just yet)

-Keep cool and casual while introducing vegetables. Don’t make a big deal either way.  The more they see it, the more it becomes normal, and soon they will eat it without a struggle.  (We now do our happy dances and high fives behind them)

-And get this- if they aren’t hungry, they don’t eat.  Genius!

I’m trying to take this advice lately.  But the marketer in me has to take it a step further - I’m on a personal a mission to re-brand the good ole Brussels sprout first.  Due to a lack of creativity, it has been boiled and served with butter- no offense moms, I get it.  But no wonder it spent many years chewed up and hidden in napkins! 

So, I’m happy to report that this simple recipe resulted in my husband and I devouring the new and improved veggie like they were junk food. They were so yummy!  I’m sad to report that even after my greatest attempt, my son gave me the same crazy look I gave my mom in 1976 when I was his age.  However, like the French do… I will keep trying. 

“Don’t hate them until you try them” Brussels Sprouts:

Please note, this picture was taken ½ through the final result will be crispy and golden.

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut the Brussels sprouts into half or thirds. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly.

“Jouir de!” {translation: Enjoy!}

Karen

Hello, foodies…

You know I love the summertime…I’ve shared with you many times that I love being in the warm outdoors. But today, here in the Philadelphia area, outside is the LAST place I want to be. I usually write my blogs outside on my patio but today I’m parked at my kitchen table and I’m not sure there’s anything in this world that could get me to leave my air conditioning. I hope you’re all somewhere cool today and you’re keeping an eye on any neighbors who might be silently sweltering. And PETS! Don’t forget your pets out there, foodies. Keep them inside as much as possible today and keep that water bowl full.

BUT—if there’s ever a time to want ice cream, it’s today and all weekend long because Sunday is National Ice Cream Day!! In fact, I think I just might whip up Sunday’s recipe this evening for dinner. That’s right, I said dinner. We’re making my Gingerbread Waffles & Eggnog Ice Cream this weekend and if there’s ever a time to have dessert for dinner, it’s now…with this recipe.



Gingerbread Waffles & Eggnog Ice Cream

This recipe is prepared with Technique(R) Hard Anodized Dishwasher Safe 10-piece Cookware Set (K19772).

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

Ingredients:

Ice Cream:
•    8 egg yolks
•    3/4 cup sugar
•    1 cup whole milk
•    2 cups heavy cream
•    2 cinnamon sticks
•    6 whole cloves
•    1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
•    1-1/2 tsp rum extract
 
Waffles:
•    1 cup all-purpose flour
•    1-1/2 tsp baking powder
•    1/2 tsp baking soda
•    1/2 tsp salt
•    1-1/4 tsp ground ginger
•    3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
•    1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
•    1/8 tsp ground cloves
•    1/3 cup packed brown sugar
•    1 egg + 1 egg white
•    3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
•    1/4 cup molasses
•    1/4 cup vegetable oil
•    2 Tbsp milk
 
Directions:
 
1.    To make the ice cream, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium-size bowl.

2.    Combine the milk, cream, cinnamon, cloves, ground nutmeg, and rum extract into a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer. Remove from the heat.

3.    Using a whisk, mix about a third of the heated milk mixture into the egg mixture. Then introduce the eggs into the milk mixture in a slow stream, whisking the milk mixture constantly.

4.    Immediately return the pan to the heat and whisk gently for about 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

5.    Strain the ice cream mixture and chill until cold. Then pour it into the canister of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6.    When the ice cream has hardened, make the waffles. Start by preheating a waffle iron.

7.    Place the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground spices into a large bowl. Whisk together until well-mixed. Set aside.

8.    Whisk the brown sugar, egg, egg white, yogurt, molasses, oil, and milk in a medium-size bowl until completely combined. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

9.    Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray and make the waffles. (Refer to your waffle iron instruction manual for help.) Spoon the ice cream over the waffles and serve immediately.

So why gingerbread in the dead of summer? Because we’re celebrating Christmas in July® this weekend on QVC! If you’re going to be doing some early prep for the bustling holiday season, your house has to smell like the holidays. You may remember the waffles recipe…we made this last Christmas on ITKWD and you raved about it here in my blog and on Facebook. But, the eggnog ice cream is totally new, incredibly flavorful, and just perfect with the waffles. The first thing you’ll taste in the ice cream is the nutmeg, and then your taste buds will be “warmed” by the rest of that cozy spice blend. If your ice cream maker has a bowl, just be sure to freeze it before ever beginning the recipe. (I just keep mine in the freezer.) And, do take the time to strain the ice cream mixture…not only are you removing any large pieces of spice, but you’re extracting any egg that may have inadvertently cooked.

I’m off to find all my Christmas music, foodies! But before I go, tell me what one recipe can make it feel like Christmas at your house? Is it the holiday ham? A sweet potato pineapple casserole? Or, is it a big batch of sugar cookies cut into all those Christmassy shapes? I’ll see you Sunday at Noon ET. Keep your eyes open for snowflakes!

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. There are 158 days till Christmas...but who's counting!

We’re back!!  What a great trip!!  For the third year in a row my family traveled to Paradise.  Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  The Atlantis Resort is a beautiful place with something for everyone.  We enjoyed the pools, water slides and beaches.  There are fabulous restaurants, a casino and spa. The people of the Bahamas are warm and friendly and really enjoy sharing their island home.  We even ran into a few QVC viewers from Texas.  Most importantly, we enjoyed the adventure as a family.  Here are a few pictures from our trip. 

Selfie of me and James with photo bombs by Lauren and Chelsea on our way to the resort.

We had a day and a half of rain but for the most part it was in the high 80’s with a beautiful island breeze.  We were usually the first people on the beach.

Lauren, Chelsea and I in our maxi skirts.  We saw lots of maxi skirts and dresses being worn. 

My niece, Avery 6, enjoyed the face painting at the kids club.

 This little guy tried to stow away in my Vera Bradley bag.

Look what they were selling in the airport.

Happy Summer!

Hello PM Stylers! As I write this blog I'm flying high at 29,000 feet and on my way back to Philadelphia :). I got to hang out with my mom this weekend and as always we had the best girlfriends weekend ever :-). We ate and drank wine with friends and even threw in a baby shower for a complete southern soirée. My family always finds a reason to celebrate when myself or boyfriend come home... So it always makes for an exciting time.

  In regards to the baby shower, does it seem to you that babies are now better dressed than you are? When my friend Kalli who is my mother's best friends daughter, opened up outfit after outfit...  I was left thinking "Wow... This child is going to be better dressed than all of us." With babies in general I feel that way. I always check up on my friends who have babies on Facebook and its like between the headbands and sparkly shoes... There's no way these little girls won't grow up to look like they feel out of a kate spade catalog :-). I loved all of the little baby clothes I saw this weekend and it made me more excited than ever to become a mommy one day. A little heads up for all of you that have to attend a baby shower sometime soon... Vera Bradley came out with baby clothes that are printed just like their bags and they come in little cardboard wardrobes... The most adorable little garments ever.  I can't wait to gift one sometime soon!

Beauty Obsession: It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation.

    I think at this point, you know how much I love foundation. As a self proclaimed fair, splotchy skin-toned gal... I don't ever leave home without it. I always feel like there is a fine line that you walk with your foundation and how you put it on... Especially powder; sometimes it doesn't move and makes the problem worse. This 2 piece set of a powder foundation and brush are minimal effort/maximum return beauty products. Here's why I love it:

• It doesn't look like I have on foundation. The best part is, I feel like it blurs the look of nooks and crannys that are my pores without caking.

• I don't feel like I have to buff and buff the foundation onto to my skin to get coverage. Leave it to this amazing brush to get just the right amount on my skin without making me feel like I have to argue with it. I hate powders that settle into the first place you apply them and create and even move splotchy look.

• It stays put. How many of you ever look at yourself come lunchtime and realize you look like the great continental divide because your powder has separated on you? My favorite story to tell with this foundation is that last Christmas, I took the 10AM flight home so I could make my 1am Denim and Company show the next day. After a cold rainy day and two naps I finally went into work. One of our makeup artists who has worked all over the world for famous magazine publications asked me what I wanted to do with my makeup and suggested I keep it simple with the eyes. I agreed to which then he said "perfect, it will go great with the foundation you already have on and it will be a quick and easy look." Our makeup artist knew I had on foundation, but he didn't realize it was from hours before. If that doesn't speak volumes on what it could do for you, I don't know what will :-).

• My skin looks improved when I use this foundation. There's something silky within the formulation that transforms the way you thought a powder could feel on your face. You'll have to try it to see what I'm talking about.

• It travels with me so well... And I take it everywhere.

Have you tried this foundation? Let me know your thoughts and if you have another foundation that you love,let me know and ill try it out. Who knows, it might end up on a future beauty obsession!

PM Style:

   Ok, so I know this isn't exactly PM Style related, but are you so excited for Super Saturday?! Lisa, myself, and our friend Claire will be leaving on Friday to go to The Hamptons to get ready for our big broadcast... Roadtrip! The broadcast, which benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is a great way to get involved with the cause and feel good about picking up a pretty or two. It seems like these days, the degrees of separation between yourself and someone who has been effected by OC is getting smaller and smaller. I urge to read up on its signs and symptoms and educate yourself about this growing disease amongst women just like ourselves. There are a lot of success stories and I would like to think its because of the amazing efforts of women just like ourselves who are getting the word out, being proactive, and research and development. I hope we will see you there this Saturday from 2-4PM :).  I know I'm personally excited about a special little something from Dooney and Bourke and Dr. Dennis Gross.

This week on PMS we have a hot little dress number for you to check out. It kind of reminds me of one of the dresses Lisa wore for a NY Fashion Week broadcast, so I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. Check it out here...PM Style Dress.

That's it for me! I will see you tonight on QVC's page for our weekly PM Style chat. Have a wonderful week and see you back on Wednesday for some Joan Rivers Clearance.

XO, CC

Hello, foodies…

Have you ever had an ice cream cupcake? You know…the kind with an edible shell, cake on the bottom, and ice cream on top? Some of America’s most popular ice cream chains will make them to order for birthdays and special occasions. And, they certainly go above and beyond the average birthday cake. But, these little treats are pricey….especially if you’re hosting a houseful of people. So for your next party, why not make your own. How does carrot cake sound? With cream cheese ice cream?



Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cupcakes

This recipe is prepared with the Cook’s Essentials(R) 1-qt Fully Automatic Ice Cream Maker (K35454).
 
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:
 
Carrot Cake:
Adapted from my Tropical Carrot Cake on QVC.com
•    2/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
•    1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
•    1/4 cup dry-roasted macadamia nuts
•    1/8 tsp ground ginger
•    7/8 tsp ground cinnamon
•    3/4 tsp baking powder
•    1/4 tsp salt
•    1/8 tsp baking soda
•    1/2 cup sugar
•    1/4 cup vegetable oil
•    1 large egg
•    1/2 tsp vanilla extract
•    1/2 cup carrots, peeled and finely grated
•    1 (4-oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained

Cupcake Liners:
•    8 oz white chocolate
 
Cream Cheese Ice Cream:
•    1/2 cup sugar
•    1 egg + 1 egg white
•    2-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
•    1/2 cup milk
•    1-1/4 cup half and half
•    5 oz cream cheese, room temperature, cubed
•    1 Tbsp lemon juice

You will also need:
•    Store-bought orange icing
•    Toasted coconut flakes (optional garnish)
 
Directions:

1.    To prepare the carrot cake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9” x 9” baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Combine 2 Tbsp of the flour, all of the coconut and macadamia nuts in a food processor and process until the nuts are finely chopped. Set aside.

2.    Whisk the remaining flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium-size bowl until the ingredients are well combined.

3.    Beat the sugar and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Add the egg and beat well. Next, add the vanilla. Add the flour-spice mixture and mix until all of the ingredients are well combined. Stir in the coconut-macadamia mixture, the carrots, and crushed pineapple.

4.    Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center  comes out clean. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. While the cake is cooling, make the cupcake liners. Start by melting the white chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat. Use a pastry or paint brush to paint the chocolate inside six individual silicone cupcake molds. Apply at least 3–4 layers per cupcake mold and freeze in between layers to help the chocolate set faster.

5.    To prepare the cream cheese ice cream, whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla together in a medium-size mixing bowl. Combine the milk, heavy cream, and the half-and-half in a medium-size sauce pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour the cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour the mixture back into the sauce pot. Cook and stir over low heat until the mixture coats the back of a metal spoon, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve and then chill the mixture over an ice bath. After the mixture is completely cooled, stir in the lemon juice. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Place the ice cream in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours before assembling the cupcakes.

6.    By this time, the cake should be cool. Remove it from the pan and cut the cake into small circles so they'll fit inside the silicone cupcake molds you made earlier. Wrap the circles in plastic wrap and freeze until needed.

7.    To assemble the cupcakes, place a cake circle inside each of the white chocolate molds. Then, scoop a small cream cheese ice cream ball and drop it on top of the cake. Finally, pipe the store-bought icing on top of the cream cheese ice cream and top the cupcakes with toasted coconut or carrot cake crumbs. Freeze until ready to serve.

Now, this isn’t a weeknight project. This is something you’ll want to start a day or two ahead. But, these cupcakes are absolutely worth the time you’ll spend on them. Plus, with the money you’ll save making the cupcakes yourself, you’ll have the resources to use on decorations, favors, gifts, and more.

If time isn’t on your side, another fun (and inexpensive) way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion is to throw an ice cream social. Just last weekend, Foodie Friend Lori who’s part of our SynQ team, threw an ice cream social for her daughter’s sixth birthday. You can read her whole blog here. But, here’s what she had on hand. Don’t think this is just for kids…I just might have a grown-up ice cream social this weekend!

Foodies, for your blog question today, tell me what you’d have to have at your own ice cream social. Is it a classic vanilla ice cream? Maybe it’s the cookie toppings? Or, is it all about the waffle bowl?Instagram was our social callout yesterday…why not treat your fam to an ice cream social tonight! If you do, post the pictures! See you Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Today is Day One of Purse-onality, and all week I'll be featuring my new Kelsi Dagger Satchel. I'm a fan of adventure and new experiences, so I love exploring Philadelphia and seeing sights you can't see anywhere else. I love how the cobalt color pops next to The Liberty Bell.

Purse-onality Day 2: My week isn't complete until Kerstin Lindquist and I walk. I don't walk with my Kelsi Dagger Satchel, but it's so versatile it even looks great with our workout clothes!

Purse-onality Day 3: I love how this bag looks with a t-shirt and jeans. That's exactly what I had on for this fireworks show. The fireworks light up the sky, and this Kelsi Dagger Satchel lights up any outfit every day!

Purse-onality Day 4: I put my hair in the skilled hands of my stylist Maria every four weeks or so. My Kelsi Dagger Satchel is great for running errands because it holds everything I need for the day: my wallet, water, magazines, makeup, perfume, breath mints, notebook, etc...

Purse-onality Day 5: After brunch at Longwood Gardens. My Kelsi Dagger Satchel fits right in with the beautiful surroundings.

This purse makes me feel pretty/edgy/cool/chic when I carry it. I love to take it everywhere because it fits my need for a place to carry any and everything, and because the color makes me smile. It looks best with jeans and a t-shirt because it's bold enough to be the centerpiece of the outfit. Overall this purse fits in to my spontaneous and adventurous life because it's a satchel with dynamic color and a luxurious and edgy vibe.

Looking to achieve a great blowout at home? Drybar stylists do thousands of blowouts every year, and now creator Alli Webb will show you how to get three great looks on your own!

Learn how to blowout the Manhattan- classic straight and sleek!

Looking for big, voluminous hair? Learn how to achieve the Southern Comfort!

Blowout the messy, beachy Mai Tai- perfect for summer!

What is your favorite classic print? Seen in the windows of Rome, Italy last week, classic prints are still very in, and mixing and matching is being taken to a whole new level. Check out this ensemble I snapped from a store window:

Maybe it’s a bit more than any of us would wear, but definitely well put together. Yes, the prints are in, and animal prints are still very hot. I just had to get a photo of this for you...

Can you imagine being one of the ten people in the world to own this? I didn’t even dare check out the price. They do fun things in the stores in Italy...there is definitely some personality going on here:

Just a couple of girlfriends hanging out 

The nice thing is that we know we can get the hottest looks as well, with all the artistic flair that we want without paying the out-of-this-world prices from our own Bob Mackie and his Wearable Art collection at QVC.  

If you want to see a classic design with a modern twist, be sure to tune in for his next visit. I was able to get a hold of this one ahead of time. Check out how Bob has incorporated houndstooth into this adorable blouse:

 As you can see, this blouse is very versatile and can be dressed up, such as with a wide-leg pant, or worn more casually with a capri. It's fully lined and has a darling covered button, elbow-length sleeve.

You don't want to miss this one and so much more during Bob’s upcoming visits: 

Friday, July 26^th from 5 – 6 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 27^th from 1 – 3 a.m. ET

I'll be with you on Sunday, July 28^th from 4 – 6 a.m. ET.

I hope you can join us for one or all of those days! I look forward to hearing what classic prints you love the best!

Best,

Margaux