Belleek
The Art of Making Belleek
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Irish Apple Cake
This is a version of my Mom’s "Kerry Cake." Perfect for breakfast or coffee break!
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ cups self rising flour
¾ cup butter softened
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
¼ cup whole milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 apples (we use Granny Smith) peeled and thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. sugar mixed with 2 Tbsp. cinnamon, OR 4 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar already mixed (in spice aisle)
In first bowl, add 1 tsp. cinnamon to the flour and mix well. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, milk and vanilla and mix until combined. Add the flour mixture to this and stir together until combined.
In another bowl, toss sliced apples in with 2 Tbsp. of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Grease bottom of an 8x11 baking pan (I am using the Belleek everyday Baker. Spread ½ the batter into the pan, layer the apples, and then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top (sometimes I add a little more because I love cinnamon!)
Bake at 350 in preheated oven for about 45 minutes, serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired!
Hmmm...looks like someone snitched a piece. No worries - the best part is the easy clean up!
-Jane
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BRAND NEW IRISH JIGSAW PUZZLES FROM ROISIN O’SHEA
I am soooooo excited, my brand new jigsaws have landed in America today. I am so proud that these jigsaws are not only Irish made, but made in my home, Waterford City. When I met Siobhán from QVC last year we chatted about what new things I could make from my work and jigsaws came to mind immediately. I can remember spending many Summers in Kilrossanty, Co. Waterford at my Grandparents farm, where we spent our holidays, doing jigsaws when the weather was too wet to go outside. There is nothing like that crazy pleasure you get when you place the very last piece into the jigsaw and its complete! So after meeting Siobhán, I went to the factory down the road from my house in Waterford City and set the ball in motion. It has been a fascinating process. I wanted to select paintings of mine that were colourful, close to my heart, and interesting enough to be a challenge for even the most dedicated jigsaw puzzle fans, young or old. My partner Shane ( who I refer to as The Loved One) designed the box lid lay-out, and we both got a crash course on the different processes involved in making the puzzles. I stood over the machines wanting to make sure they were perfect, the factory manager thought I was hilarious 
When the production day arrived, I rolled up my sleeves and got stuck in working with the ladies who were packing and boxing the jigsaws. Some of the ladies have worked in the factory for over 20 years, and they quickly set me to rights with the best way to work! I have to say that I really enjoyed chatting with these amazing Waterford women, who have worked hard all their lives, they've seen the good times and the bad, and they were so proud to be sending these jigsaws off to America, with art from one of their own. In the next couple of days I'll put up some photographs of the jigsaws and the paintings, so you can see what they look like.
Can't wait to get over to America to celebrate St Patrick's Day with you on QVC, now the only question is, what on earth will I wear! Any suggestions?
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Accessorize your HALO Portable Power Charger and stay charged and connected!
Phones, tablets, cameras, portable gaming systems…your family has so many digital gadgets, and yet chargers are always in short supply. The E222580 HALO 5,500mAh Portable Power Charger for Phones & Electronics, fixes that problem by giving you one handy charger that powers up… just about everything! If you’re considering picking up the HALO portable charger, here are a few other items to check out.
If your family is always on the go, then you might need the E223669 HALO Auto/Wall Charger w/ Retractable USB Cable & Tips to stay powered up. It charges almost any USB, micro USB, or Apple 30-pin device, and with a wall and car charger, it works just about anywhere. When you’re home, recharge your smartphone, power up your tablet, or plug in your MP3 player—your devices will never be without a charge. And when you’re heading out to the kids’ soccer game or school play and want to make sure your camera is ready to go, just power it up in the car on the way over! Because it has a retractable cord and comes with a carrying case, it’s even easy to transport, so when you’re fully charged, just safely store it in your purse until next time.
But what if you don’t have a wall or car outlet nearby and your phone’s battery is running low? That’s where the ultra-compact E223301 HALO 2800mAh PocketPower Charger for Cellphones & Electronics comes in. Like the other handy universal HALO chargers, it works with a variety of digital devices, but this one doesn’t require an outlet. Just power up your pocket charger before you leave the house, slip it in your bag or pocket, and when you need a power boost, plug in your phone, tablet, or camera! So don’t spend the day trying to preserve the last sliver of your phone battery because you can’t get to an outlet—with this pocket charger, you’ll never be without power.
Now that you can power up your phone on the go, you need a way to use it safely when your hands are full. The E167864 HALO Bluetooth Retractable Cell Phone Ear Piece w/alarm is ideal for hands-free calls, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. It even sounds an alarm when you have an incoming call or it’s out of range, so you’ll never be out of touch.
With so many convenient charging options, you’ll never be without power again! How will you accessorize your HALO power charger?
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What Makes You Feel Lucky?
Hello, foodies…
Sunday is St. Patrick's Day! Maybe if you tune in for In the Kitchen with David at Noon ET a little Irish luck will come your way. Or, at the very least, you'll have two great recipes to whip up that night!
Now, I'll be traveling for a few days, so my friend Jill Bauer's hosting the show. And, I've asked her to be keeper of the recipes! Here's my contribution you can find on my recipe page…Guinness Beef Stew.
Guinness Beef Stew
This recipe is prepared with the 8-quart stockpot from the Technique® 10-Piece Hard Anodized Dishwasher Safe Set (K36575).
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.
Ingredients:
3-1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1-1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1-1/4 tsp salt
3 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-1/2" cubes
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2-1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2-1/2 cups beef stock
2 cups Guinness beer
3 Tbsp tomato paste
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 (16-oz) bag baby carrots
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Place the flour, salt, and black pepper in a medium-size bowl. Add the beef cubes and toss until completely coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in heavy large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes, on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic, onion, and celery, and cook for 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaves, beef stock, Guinness, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes, baby carrots, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute evenly. Cover and simmer on low heat, until the vegetables and beef are very tender, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle with the parsley right before serving.
And here's Jill's recipe…and that Irish luck I was talking about! Go to Jill's Recipe page on QVC.com for a print-friendly version of this recipe and more tasty dishes!
Luck of the Irish Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
Sauce:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp Irish Cream liqueur
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp corn starch
2 tsp water
Bread Pudding:
10 cups French bread, cubed with crust
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 oz white chocolate, chopped
4 eggs
1/2 cup + 4 Tbsp sugar, divided
4 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1/2 cup whole milk
Directions:
To make the sauce, bring the cream, liqueur, sugar, and vanilla to a boil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Mix the cornstarch and 2 tsp water in a small bowl to blend; whisk into the cream mixture. Boil until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Cool, then cover and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
To make the bread pudding, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine the bread and chopped chocolates in a large bowl. Toss to blend.
Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs, 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar, and vanilla. Gradually beat in 1-1/2 cups of the cream and all of the milk.
Add the liquid mixture to the bread mixture and stir to combine. Let it stand for 30 minutes.
Transfer the pudding to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream and 2 Tbsp sugar. Bake until the pudding edges are golden and the center is set, about 50–55 minutes.
Cool the pudding slightly before serving with the refrigerated sauce.
For your blog question today, tell me what makes you feel lucky? Are you lucky to have a loving family or circle of friends? Are you lucky to have good health? I'm lucky to have such a wonderful family of foodies…you! I'll miss you this Sunday, but will be back soon. Be sure to check my blog on Monday. Jill's doing the writing! And boy does she have a cute Easter entertaining idea for your holiday table!
Keep it flavorful!
—David
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Have questions about the HALO 5500 Portable Power Charger? Ask the Experts!
Have questions about the HALO 5500 Portable Power Charger? Our experts are here to answer your questions! Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the HALO 5500 Portable Power Charger. Reply to this blog with your questions and check back on Tuesday, March 19th starting at Midnight ET and get live answers from our HALO experts.
Q: What is the difference between this HALO and the previously offered Pocket Power 2800?
A: This charger has almost twice the battery power of the Pocket Power 2800 (5,500 mAh versus 2,800 mAh). This increased capacity allows the user to charge a greater range of electronic devices, including those that require a higher input voltage, like tablets. The 5500 is also designed to allow the user to charge two devices at the same time (assuming one of the devices requires a micro USB charging connection).
Q: Is this compatible with all cell phones?
A: Yes, the output voltage is compatible with all cell phones and will work with all cell phones provided the user has the appropriate tip to fit their cell phone or has a USB connector cable that came with their phone or was purchased separately. The cell phone industry has moved to standardize all the charging inputs to a micro USB connector so all new cell phones will work going forward. Cords or tips that allow the Portable Power Charger 5500 to work with all cell phones do exist in the marketplace.
Q: How do you charge an iPhone 5 with the HALO?
A: The user would need to use the white cord that came with the iPhone from Apple. Plug one end into the phone and the other end into the output USB port on the Pocket Portable Power 5500. A convertor connector is also sold that will allow a user to go from the micro USB tip or 30-pin connector tip to the iPhone 5 tip.
Q: Can it charge a GPS?
A: Yes.
Q: Can it charge tablets including the newest versions of iPads?
A: Yes, partially. Click here to see information about the Battery Life!
Q: Will it recharge a rechargeable digital camera or camcorder?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you charge this unit itself?
A: There is a standard USB input charging cable built into the unit. The user can plug this into a computer USB port to charge the unit through the computer while the computer is on. The unit can also be charged thru an AC wall or car charger with a USB port using the built-in USB cable. (These chargers often come with most phones and all iPhones or may be purchased separately.)
Q: How long does it take to charge this device?
A: It takes approximately 7 hours.
Q: Does the HALO have a charge indicator to let you know when to recharge it?
A: Yes, there are three lights on top of the unit that indicate the battery level.
Q: Are you able to make phone calls while your phone is charging on the HALO?
A: Yes.
What other questions can our experts answer for you?
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Trending now in beauty: a gorgeous sheer glow. QVC Employees put It Cosmetics new Vitality Flush Stain Stick to the test!
With spring upon us, one of the biggest trends in beauty is the natural-looking, sheer all-over glow. The Vitality Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lip & Cheek Stain Stick (launching in the 3/18 It Cosmetics TSV) is supposed to do just that!
You may have already tried It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Lipstick Stain– this is the same technology but for your cheeks, lips and anywhere else you want a sheer wash of color.
The new Vitality Flush is offered in the popular Je Ne Sais Quoi shade that adds the perfect pink flush based on YOU!
Gorgeous sheer color - This truly gives your complexion the look of vitality! It enhances your checks and lips, giving them a natural looking glow.
We decided to try it here at QVC and see how the same Je Ne Sais Quoi hue showed up on each of our skin tones. You can definitely see the same shade shows up on each of us differently, making for a very personalized color experience.
What do you think? Will you be trying for yourself?
I’m not a big fan of lipstick or lip gloss in general, I usually just stick to lip balm. This is great for me because I get the color I would from lipstick, but the smooth, creamy (not at all sticky!) feel of lip balm. Plus, I usually prefer a cream blush so having this one product for both lips & cheeks is incredibly convenient!
-Hillary, Beauty Sales Team
Pure magic! It's clear but the color is so stunning. I get so many compliments and my lips feel sensational.
-Madeleine, Beauty Sales Team
I love the lip shade. It’s just the right “tint or hint” of color – not too overpowering or shiny – just downright pleasant. Long-lasting too!
-Lynise, Wellness & Fitness Sales Team
I loved using this cheek and lip product! It gave my lips a nice pink color and the color on my cheeks was fresh and fun as well!
The product was very easy to use, and I plan on incorporating this into my beauty regiment! Everyone’s skin showed a different color, but it was universally flattering!!
- Nicole, Beauty Buying Team
I love the color Je Ne Sais Quoi gave my lips! It’s the perfect rosy-pink for me that I haven’t been able to find. And while I’m not usually a blush girl (…addicted to my bronzer), I really liked the tint and will definitely keep wearing it! Plus, the idea of color just for me is a pretty sweet thing. Feels VIP!
-Eleni, Social Marketing Team
What I love most is the subtlety of the color on me. I think it compliments my skin tone nicely.
-Kina, Strategic Programming Team
I love how convenient it was to have a lip and cheek stain in one. It's the perfect pop of pink for both!
- Jackie, Jewelry & Beauty Buying Team
Sometimes the right blush is hard to find – too pink, too peach, too dark, too bright. This product gives just the right flush of color for me, as if it’s custom created just for me. I love that it has that effect for everyone!
-Pam, Beauty Buying Team
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Host Kerstin Lindquist explains why she loves her HALO!
The surprise hit on my Christmas list last year was the HALO. I bought a whole bunch for the ever difficult “man” gifts and then one in pink leopard for myself. I hear the guys use them all the time, but let’s be honest; I am more concerned about me. It's a lifesaver!!! I’m sure this happens to you when you are gone from your house for more than 6 hours at one time: your phone battery dies, your tablet loses charge, you don’t have access to an outlet other than begging a store clerk to let you plug in or hovering around the outlets at the airport. I was in New York City recently, out to lunch with my husband, and I asked the waitress if she had a plug I could use for my dying phone--my lifeline to my kids back home--and she said she gets asked that almost every day! It’s no wonder the HALO Today's Special Value in November was such a hit.
Here is mine being used on vacation at the beach. Who wants to get up off the chair long enough to go plug in!?
What my leopard friend was lacking was the ability to charge my tablet. So, when I was found about the new 5,500mAh version that will, I was thrilled. The fact you could charge or power your phone and tablet/e-reader at the same time was even more of a bonus!
One of the many perks of being a QVC host is you get to try out products ahead of time. When I brought my new HALO home it was immediately snatched up by my dear husband. He was in-between business trips with all his dozens of different devices working overtime. He was cute enough to tease me with pictures from his overseas trip. I will admit he did seem to really need it. Not only for charging his phone and iPad, But he also used it in place of a converter since he was in many locations where he couldn't plug into a wall because he didn't have the appropriate German/French/English plug.
Snapped this picture when I first got it home, funny how the song on the radio happened to have the same name!
Some notes on how to use your new charger:
You'll get your new HALO home and charge it with the built-in USB before you use it. Once full, it will charge or supply back-up power to all your devices--ranging from smartphones to tablets to e-readers to gaming devices to Bluetooth devices for anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the device. It has a sleek profile so I carry mine around with the included adaptors for all the different devices and (seriously couldn’t the electronics company come up with a universal adaptor!) in my Pursefection for when the inevitable “battery low” symbol comes up on my device. It has become like my lipgloss, baby wipes, and mints: I just don’t pack a purse without it.
Hope you love your new HALO like I love mine. It’s a great answer to a busy mom's crazy plugged-in life.
— Kerstin
See more pictures of my family and share your journey with me on my facebook page www.facebook.com/kerstinlindquistqvc and on Twitter, www.twitter.com/kerstinlindqvc
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Bringing You Even More Windows 8 Tips!
HP Windows 8 “How To” Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnsZC48QebLpivzjf9WOFMNyE6EPahdtL
Shortcut to Desktop:
Windows logo key + “D”
Cycle through Open Apps:
Alt + TAB- From Desktop to see open applications
Windows logo key +Tab | Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps | |
Windows logo key +Ctrl+Tab | Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) and snap them as they are cycled | |
Windows logo key +Shift+Tab | Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order |
Bring Back Start Menu (Downloadable Option)
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
Enable Aero Flip in Windows 8:
As you know, Vista and Windows 7 allowed users to activate Flip 3D feature with the help of Windows + Tab hotkey. If you are not familiar with Flip 3D, it’s similar to Alt + Tab but shows all open windows in a 3D style. Though Flip 3D is one of the less used features of Windows 7, some users may like to see the feature in Windows 8 as well.
In Windows 8, Windows + Tab (the original Flip-3D hotkey) keyboard shortcut allows you quickly switch between Metro apps.
If you are used to Flip-3D and can’t live without it, you can install third-party software such as the Switcher program to enable your favorite Flip 3D in Windows 8 as well.
How to install and use Switcher program in Windows 8:
Step 1: Download Switcher program from here and install it.
Step 2: Once installed, run the program. If you can’t see a desktop shortcut of the program, simply type Switcher in Start screen and press enter key to launch the program.
Step 3: When Switcher is running, you will see a small icon in notification area (system tray). Right-click on that icon and select Settings to change the default settings of Switcher.
Things you may like to personalize before Start using Switcher:
# In the left pane of Switcher settings, click General and then select Grid style.
# Click on Appearance and turn off the feature named Enable window numbers.
# Click on Shortcuts, and set a hotkey for Flip 3D. Though you can set Windows + Tab as the Switcher hotkey, we suggest Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab.
Step 4: Finally, click Hide button and press the new hotkey to see Flip 3D (Switcher) in action.
The only downside of this program is that it works great only in Metro mode.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 8:
[WIN KEY] Open Metro Start Screen
Arrow (Direction) Keys will scroll through Start tiles
[WIN KEY] >Desktop, (Can need tapping depending on location)
[Esc Key] (Once or twice) > Desktop
[WIN KEY] + C Open Charms bar
[WIN KEY] + I Desktop settings, quick access to power/shutdown/restart
[WIN KEY] + I pops the Charms Bar out whilst on any screen or APP.
[WIN KEY] + <-- or --> Snaps grab an open window or an app, at the top, take it left or right to Snap (split the screen).
[WIN KEY] + Up Arrow gives Full screen
[WN KEY] + Down Arrow back to original window state
[WIN KEY] + W Search Settings
[WIN KEY] + F Search Files
[WIN KEY] + D Go to Desktop anytime, from anywhere
[WIN KEY] + . Snap current app to right side
[WIN KEY] + Shift + . Snap current app to left side
[WIN KEY] + , Peek at the Windows desktop
[WIN KEY] + Q Search Apps (from Desktop)
[WIN KEY] + Z (from Start) Display app bar & ALL APPS icon > All Apps display Rt Clk, when on Start, also, gives app bar w/ All Apps icon
[WIN KEY] + Enter Narrator
[WIN KEY] + K Devices
[WIN KEY] + L Lock Screen
[WIN KEY] + H Share options
[WIN KEY] + P Projector/Display options
[WIN KEY] + R Run a command
[WIN KEY] + U Ease of Access Center
[WIN KEY] + X Quick access to a variety of system functions
[WIN KEY] + PageUp/PageDown multiple monitors, swap which 1 the Start screen is on
[WIN KEY] + PrtScreen Save .png screenshot of desktop in Pictures library
[WIN KEY] + = Magnifier Larger
[WIN KEY] + - Magnifier Smaller
[WIN KEY] + Tab Gives LF Side Panel scroll through open windows (nicer than Alt + Tab)
[WIN KEY] + Pause gives System window
Alt + F4 gives Shut Down (Options) Window!!
Alt + Tab Scrolls through open windows
You can just hit Ctrl at the lock screen instead of dragging with the mouse.
Ctrl-Alt-Del Access to lock, switch user, sign out, Task Manager, power, accessibility
Mouse Tips for Windows 8:
• Move mouse to upper or lower right-hand of screen will open the Charms bar, slide mouse up or down to access.
• In Desktop app, click far right of taskbar to show desktop(minimize all apps), just like Windows 7
• Move mouse to upper-left, then slide cursor down to reveal running app thumbnails
• Move mouse to lower-left, then slide cursor up to reveal running app thumbnails
• Move mouse to upper-left and click mouse repeatedly to cycle through apps
• When in the "app thumbnail bar" (upper-left) right-click thumbnails for options to snap left/right or close app.
* Pull an open App to the bottom of the screen & it will close.
• Move mouse to lower-left and click for Metro Start menu (you can right-click it for a handy menu)
• Move mouse to top edge of screen in a Metro app and the cursor will change to a hand, drag
• down to the bottom of the screen to close the app.
• In Metro Start screen click button in lower-right to activate semantic zoom. You can right-click a group of tiles to name them. Click anywhere to exit semantic zoom. Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel zooms the Start Menu in and out too.
• Drag tiles anywhere to arrange them. Drag between two groups of tiles and a vertical thick white bar will appear,
dropping a tile on that bar will create a new group.
The menu one gets by Rt Clk at the bottom - left... not only can you get that when on Desktop but, also, when on Start or any other screen, even an App screen.
While on Desktop, Start is at bottom - left & Apps at top - left
But, at Start, Desktop is at bottom - left, Apps at top - left
And when at an App, Desktop is at top - left & Start is at bottom - left
You can, also, Search by beginning to type anywhere on the Start screen
Start & Win8 Store APPs can be moved laterally by the mouse wheel & w/out using the scroll bar. Also, Win+PageUp or PageDown.
Alt+E4 gives Power Options menu window
Enable “Snap” feature from any screen:
Force Windows 8 to Enable Snap Feature In Any Screen Res.
1. All Open Run Command by pressing Win+R. Then type regedit and then hit enter. This will open up your Registry editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell\
3. Under the ImmersiveShell key, create a new key AppPositioner. (Right Click to create- choose “Key”)
4. Select the newly created key “AppPositioner” and in right-side pane, create a new DWORD AlwaysEnableLSSnapping and set its value to 1.
5. Restart your computer to activate the snap feature.
If you have any quetions about Windows 8 visit my new "Ask Chrstine" blog and I will get your questions answered!
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Weekend Get-Away Photos!!!
Last week after my Thursday show, I hopped on a plane to Florida. After a crazy busy week, and snow in the forecast for the northeast, it was so nice to head toward warmer weather! My son Michael joined me and my husband Richie and we stayed with Richie's parents, Audrey and Jack. It was such a great little weekend get-away!
My son, Michael concentrating on lunch in Delray!!
My days were spent relaxing by the pool, discussing fashion with Audrey, and soaking up the sun, while the evenings were filled with dear old friends over dinner. On Saturday we escaped to the town of Delray and had so much fun exploring and shopping.
With my dear friend Sandi! We have been close friends for 40 years.
Richie with our dear friend for over 40 years, Larry. (Sandi's husband)
Dancing in the streets of Delray!
Overall, I could not have asked for better weather... Florida truly is the sunshine state! I loved being able to test out some of my new spring pieces in the warm weather.
It was such a pleasure getting away and having a few relaxing days to rejuvenate, but as always, there's no place like home!
Do you have any spring break get-aways planned? Are you packing any Susan Graver pieces? I love hearing from you!
Join me Thursday, March 14th for fun spring fashion with Pat!
xoxo,
Susan
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13 Years of Friendships at QVC!
One of my very favourite moments at QVC was actually my very first on-air appearance! I was very nervous, and very young, only 20 when I first presented a product on-air! Everything went great, of course, I presented with Mary Beth Roe who is an absolute angel, and she looked after me very well indeed! When I came off air and back to the Green Room everyone there was clapping and cheering me on! I was so touched and felt so privileged to be working with such an amazing group of people! 13 years on and I still love my trips over to QVC and have made many firm friends along the way! I was overjoyed when Stephen Walsh and John Cullen were able to travel to Scotland to help celebrate my wedding! Pictured with us is Jeremy, who helps coordinate our group with QVC, and Joe Harbourne, my father.
The year I was getting married was when we first started working with peridot, and we had supplied these Sterling Silver Peridot Shamrock Stud Earrings (J146751) earrings to QVC on St Patrick's Day. I totally fell in love with them and had planned to wear them on my big day! I just love how pretty and feminine they are, and the colour green is so beautiful, definitely my favourite of the 40 shades of green! Lucky girl that I am, though, my wonderful parents gave me a pair of diamond earrings on the morning of my wedding, and I wore those instead :-) I still wear these earrings lots, though, and always get great compliments on them! I'd love to know what you think of them if you also own them!
Eve, JMH Jewelry
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Stephen Walsh Heads to QVC for St. Patrick’s Day!
The big day is almost here! I'm really excited about St Patrick’s Day, and I'm already in the mood! I really enjoying dressing as a leprechaun, it's such fun and seems to bring a smile to everyone I meet!
And here in Dublin, the city is getting all set for the Celebrations, and hopefully the spring-like weather we are getting will continue all the way. I dug out my trusty piece of Connemara marble from under my desk and gave it a quick polish up so it’s ready to bring to QVC.
All the hard work designing new products, getting them made and shipped on time for the event, and now the big day is upon us. I see one of my brand new items is already available on QVC.com. It’s a really pretty angel pendant - J273924 - check it out! As I always say, you will be "first up and best dressed" with your new Connemara marble pieces!
Looking forward to meeting all my friends at QVC, having a lot of fun, and taking part in a really exciting celebration.
See you soon!
Stephen
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Perfumes for Princesses!
Before I travel to QVC, I am conscious of spending individual time with my kids. Mae, my eldest daughter, loves nothing more than heading out with mom to a coffee shop, where a glass of milk and a muffin are always required for energy!! She also loves that her mum ‘makes perfume’. ‘Bring Your Parent to School’ Day is fun when your mum brings in bottles with lots of different smells: smelly socks, freshly cut glass, and hints of the ocean can all be on there to try out!!
When she visits my office, she loves looking at the packaging designs and looking at the colour variations that we play around with in addition to the imagery and mood boards we put together when developing a new fragrance. Her favourite, though, are the perfume bottles – she loves the blue of our Inis Moonlight bottle and LOVEs the gold on Inis Ór – “that is what Princesses probably use” – so when we are out and about she loves checking out the perfume counters – trying to spy the ones we make! While out and about I got this cute picture!
I normally miss the ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ or ‘Irish week’ festivities at home, as I am at QVC for St. Patrick’s Day, but this year the ceili (Irish version of a disco!) will was March 3rd. There were high kicks in our kitchen as our six-year-old taught myself and my husband jigs!! Some of the staff at Fragrances of Ireland donned the best green threads for our ‘Wearing the Green’ photo, which we will be using on on St. Patrick’d Day cards – 40 shades or what!!
See you soon!
Barbara
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Can You Spot Any New Solvar Jewellery?
I am a girl who loves Ireland and Tradition, and I am so excited about my big trip to the USA to bring all our lovely products to QVC! I couldn’t wait to pack my bags, organise my clothes, and make space for all my new purchases from America!! I also can’t wait for the cookies! Mmmmm! Last Friday I bought home all the fabulous jewellery that I am going to have on QVC to show my husband and daughters! My husband didn’t really get into the spirit of it all but my daughters, I am proud to say, are just like their mum and wanted to put it on right away. I told them all the wonderful stories that came with the jewellery and when I look at these photos I don’t know who had more fun: me or them!
I look forward to the day when I can give my twin daughters their first Claddagh, the story of Love, Friendship and Loyalty. Did you know that the Claddagh was designed by Richard Joyce, who hailed from a fishing village called Claddagh in the west of Ireland? In this village the women were really important and were responsible for the selling of the fish and making all the purchases, even the Carrick fishing boats! It was and still is a tradition that a Claddagh be handed down from generation to generation. My mother gave me my first piece of jewellery, a Claddagh ring, the day I made my Holy Communion, and I will do the same for my daughters, Caoimhe and Alannah.
Please tune in to hear all my wonderful tales of Irish traditions and funny stories on St Patricks Day, and don’t forget Solvar has there first ever hour of celebrating our Heritage at 2 AM ET. Can you spot one of the new items on Alannah’s wrist?
It’s our Solvar Sterling Silver Claddagh Bracelet - J275983.
Slán!
Sinead
Shop Solvaron QVC.com.
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New Belleek for St. Patrick’s Day!
It’s time for one of the most important events in the Belleek calendar! All of our new products are ready, my bags are packed (well nearly!), and I am very excited about my trip to the US for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations on QVC! I must say, though, that while in the US I will be missing my new granddaughter, Lexi, who was born on March 2nd– isn’t she beautiful?!
I will be travelling to the US with John Maguire, Belleek Group Managing Director, and our good friend Masterchef Neven Maguire. We are all very much looking forward to introducing the new range of beautiful Belleek that our designers and craftspeople have created especially for our QVC customers!
I have to admit, I do have a few personal favourites! We will be offering two new exclusive baskets. The Shamrock Garden Basket is hand-woven in the shape of a shamrock, with shamrocks decorating the rim and a lucky goldtone shamrock adding the finishing touch. It really is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day gift! The Butterfly Meadow Spring Basket is a stunning piece, decorated with a variety of colourful springtime flowers. I just love how baskets represent the rich heritage of Belleek and a craftsmanship that has been around since 1857!
I also love the Butterfly Meadow 6 x 8 Mirror, it is such a pretty piece decorated with spring flowers, butterflies, lady bugs and a few other surprises! As Easter is just around the corner, I must also mention the adorable Easter Egg Mini Teapots. With a choice of either a Bunny or Chick, these are perfect for your Easter decor and will be loved by kids and grown ups of all ages!
We have so many new and exciting pieces, too many to mention now, but tune in to the Belleek shows on St. Patrick’s Day to see all of our new additions to our popular Belleek “Everyday” tableware and many more new home decor pieces!
Looking forward to seeing you all!
Slán libh go léir,
Patricia
Shop Belleek on QVC.com.
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JOIN THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION! CHAT WITH OUR IRISH GUESTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us from the Emerald Isle!
We’ve arrived at QVC, and we couldn’t be happier to spend St. Patrick’s Day with you! We have lots of new products to share with you!
Tune in beginning at midnight ET and shop our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on QVC.com.
Celebrate along with us! We will be chatting live with you throughout the day right here on our Irish Insights blog! Many of our Irish guests will be taking turns chatting with you today! Who will it be? Want to know what goes on behind the scenes? Check back here throughout the day today, March 17th, to find out! We’d love to hear from you so comment below, and we’ll try to answers as many of your questions and comments as we can!
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New Drusy Pieces from JMH Jewellery!
Hi Everyone!
The wait is finally over! Our new drusy pieces are here! Joseph, our designer, and I wanted to share some of the "behind-the-scenes" pics with you! All of our designs start with an original drawing by Joseph, in which he sets out his plans for how the piece should take shape...if you look closely here, you will see the lucky 4-leafed clover nestled among the shamrocks! Notice too the fantastic trinity knot latticework that can be seen at the back of the piece that helps to secure the gorgeous drusy in place!
Our Sterling Silver Shamrock Drusy Quartz Pendant with 18" Chainhas matchingearringsand aring, and they are available in 6 gorgeous colours! Check out the beautiful Platinumtone, which reminds us of the streams that trickle down the Irish hillsides, the Goldtone, which represents the Leprechaun's Pot of Gold, and the Blue, which reminds us that Ireland is an island surround by waters of the deepest blue! Also, we have the gorgeous Rainbow, one of my favourites! I love how this colour tends to pick up the colours you are wearing, almost like a pearl, and the breathtaking Rose, the same colour as the Irish sunrise! And last, but most certainly not least, we are bringing this to you in a gorgeous, gorgeous Green! Take a look at the picture of Joseph working on the Shamrock earrings!
Hope you enjoy these new pieces! What color is your favorite?
Eve & Joseph Harbourne
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Spring is in the Air! Add Some Sparkle with Our Pieces from Killarney Crystal!
I can’t believe we are back at QVC for St. Patrick’s Day – time really passes so quickly! I packed my bags and made the annual Irish “pilgrimage” to celebrate the day with our lovely friends at QVC. I’m so excited to be able to share our new exciting creations with you, and I hope you like them! I have some beautiful new shamrock jewellery to share with you – each one glistening with our sparkling crystals! We have our new Sterling Silver Shamrock Cluster Ring, Sterling Silver Shamrock Necklaceand matching bracelet, and our beautiful Sterling Silver Large Crystal Pendant.
I always love this time of year when the first real signs of Spring are evident and the days are becoming a little longer. My youngest child, Esme, has just turned four years old, and she is totally ‘blown away’ by Spring this year – she is so earnestly searching for signs of spring everywhere, especially the daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops that look so cheery and colorful. She loves checking the trees for signs of new leaves, and her most favorite tree this year is the cherry blossom – there is much excitement coming from the back seat of the car when she spots one on our travels! It’s great to have a little one in the house to make sure we keep a focus on nature. Here is a photo of Esme greatly appreciating the scent of daffodils!
Hope you enjoy everything we’re bringing you today!
Anita
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A Look Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Colm de Ris Emerald Tea Pot
My goodness, how quickly six months goes by! I can’t believe it’s QVC time already! I am so thrilled to be in the USA once again and especially as this time around I have my magical Emerald Tea Pot with its wonderful twist, which I hope you are going to love!
Have you ever wondered about the process of making pottery? I will show you the journey of this tea pot from raw clay to the finished product. It is always such a pleasure being at the wheel!!
Where It All Begins
The start of the journey:
Centering the clay:
Making the form:
Nearly there:
Finishing the lid:
The Second Stage
The clay firms up overnight so it can be handled without affecting the various parts that create the finished product. This is a very relaxing time as all the hard work is done, and I can relax as the piece starts to come to life. It’s almost there now, all I have to do now is wait for it to dry so I can put it through the firing process and transform it into a beautiful, functional form that will be part of many chats and cherished memories.
The Emerald Tea Pot is born:
Wow! I love that every time I open the kiln, there is always such a wonderful surprise waiting for me. The past few weeks it’s been bowls, jugs and, of course, the stunning Emerald Tea Pot with the gorgeous twist. The beautiful blue and green variation of the glaze never ceases to amaze me as it allows each piece to be as unique as a snowflake. This is because over the years I have been developing a top secret glaze formula unique to my pottery that is a very complex combination of ingredients that are layered over each other to ensure the uniqueness of every single piece.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the journey of the making of my tea pot; it’s been a pleasure making it for you.
Colm
You may also like the Colm de Ris Emerald Shamrock Pottery Vase.
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The Inspiration for Aran Craft
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The Aran story is firmly one of the centerpieces of today’s fashion. I was rummaging through some old photos, and I dug out this old photo of myself and Matt Doolin back-set in the first years of the Irish Show on QVC! Myself, and all here at Aran Crafts, are glad to be part of this community for so long. How the years have flown!
One of the most common questions I get when travelling over for QVC shows is, ‘Where do you get your inspiration from for Aran Craft?’
My answer is simply ‘Nature.’ Outside of designing fabrics and sweaters, I am a keen mountaineer and enjoy climbing and visiting remote places. I have travelled to some of the most remote and highest peaks in the USA and Canada, and I appreciate how beautiful, remote and kind Mother Nature has been to the continental United States.
It is very easy to gain inspiration when visiting some of the most remote and beautiful places in the modern world! Below is a glorious sunset over Donegal Bay, which I took when, visiting the area this year!
John, Aran Craft
Shop Aran Craft on QVC.com.
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More Pages to Explore .....
