As a floral and decor event designer, I work very hard throughout the year creating gorgeous works for all sorts of events. It's a job that I love because no two events are the same and it allows my creativity to flow. Christmas is the one time of the year that I host my own event where I go all out with the floral and decor…Christmas Eve. It's almost become a contest each year of outdoing the last. When my guests arrive now they are always so curious to see what the table looks like. We literally remove everything from the living room to accommodate the tables and chairs. The guest count changes from year to year. This year it's going to be 24 people. The decor? Well, I have been very inspired by color lately, but not the usual red and green Christmas colors. They are in there, but I have included many other colors. Our Christmas tree had the first touches:

My kids and I made the round ornaments and the garland out of felt and felt yarn. We used about 10 different colors. Since I have the opportunity to do something different each year, I've decided to be a bit daring by using this theme for the Christmas Eve dinner tables. The colors will be in the flowers, linens, chargers, seat cushions, and napkins. The kids are really excited because it's much more whimsical.  

What do you think? Are you a person who enjoys bold designs with color? I think the secret is if you are going to do it, then you have to really do it – not just halfway.  

Bob Mackie knows how to do it. This is one example:

Bob Mackie's Elastic Waist Abstract Print Wide Leg Knit Pants (A233367)

His artwork is what you wear! The color choices are blue multi, yellow multi and red multi. Now, you may not think that this will be a choice that you would want, but just like me with my bold move for design and color on my Christmas table…think about it for a second…do you want to be a little daring? 

You'll see that they are a pull-on, wide-leg, easy-to-wear pant. But, the really good information is the reviews from other Mackinistas who have these. They all say that they are so very comfortable and slimming. Who would not want that? One of the ladies does say that "you can't be shy" to wear these, and that is true, but if you are someone who wants to have some fun and add something different and eye-catching to your wardrobe, go for it. I'm going for it with our décor, and I'll report back with photos!

We are now just days away from Christmas Eve! We've already gotten more snow this year than all of last year in my area. What about you?

Enjoy your week!

Margaux

Shop the complete Bob Mackie Wearable Art collection on QVC.com.

Imagine strolling down the sidewalk on a brisk afternoon, your soft hands enveloping the plush strap of lavish pebbled leather, the lightweight pressure of orYANY’s fresh, multi-colored Lian satchel in your hand.

Created with a luxe imported leather, the Lian is durable and strong, capable of the trendy “slouch,” and shapeable to meet your needs. orYANY has composed each bag with a harmonious color palette: the neutral and subdued Sand Multi, the romantic and mysterious Bordeaux Multi, the playful and bright Saddle Multi, and the rich, somber Teal Multi.

Lined with a lustrous zipper embellishment, the Lian blends opulence with every day functionality. Spacious exterior zip compartments provide simple and safe access to essential items, such as smart phones or keys, during travel. Each leather pull is delicately imprinted with orYANY’s trademark logo. The bag’s interior is highlighted with orYANY’s signature emblem and hue. Accompanying the brand lining are three vast pockets which allow for on-the-go organization.

Be sure to check out the Lian in it’s four multi-colored arrangements, and give the gift of luxury this season!

Theresa saved one of the best for last! It's something that is special to our family - a Nativity Scene.

This is a very special gift with guaranteed delivery for Christmas if you use a credit card - it's the VEGGIE TALES 16 Piece Light Up Nativity Set with Christmas DVD.

Since I was a little girl the true meaning of Christmas always resonated in the beautiful Nativity Sets we had at home.  I have always loved them and collected them over the years.  When Theresa was 4 years old - on her own - she got down on her knees in front of a large Nativity scene and started to pray.  We all fought back tears.  No one had ever show her to do that - she just did it!  Our daughter is filled with faith!  We are so blessed!  My husband always had the tradition that Baby Jesus doesn't go in the manger until Christmas morning when he's born.  This is now Theresa's favorite job - putting Baby Jesus in the manger!

Me:  I'm so glad you love the Nativity Set from Veggie Tales sweetie!

Theresa:  Oh mommy, it's adorable!  I love watching Veggie Tales!  Look how cute!  Baby Jesus looks like a little bean!   I love Mary and Joseph - and the animals and Wise Men.  Look at the Angel, it's so sweet.

Me:  Press the Angel on top! 

(Theresa presses the Angel and it lights up and plays "Away In A Manger")

Theresa:  I love it mommy!   Let's put Baby Jesus away until Christmas when he's born, ok?

Me:  Did you see the DVD that's included?  It's called "Merry Larry and the True Light Of Christmas".

Theresa:  Oooooh, can we watch it now?

Me:  Sure sweetie!   Do you think this would make a great gift for another kid like you?

Theresa:  Yes it would.  Kids would learn about Jesus and Mary and Joseph.  They would learn about the Angel that watched over them when he was born in the manger too.  I love Christmas!  It's the birthday of Jesus!

Me:  Yes it is!  This Nativity Set could start a new tradition in someone's home!  I love you so much and thank you for helping everyone pick out wonderful toys for the kids in their lives.  Did you know that you helped a lot of people find fun gifts?

Theresa:  I did?  (She smiled the cutest smile!)

Me:  Yes you did!  You were a great helper!  I'm sure that Polka Dots The Elf knows that and has told Santa Claus too!  Now let's watch that Veggie Tales movie!

Theresa:  YEA!!!! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you all so much for being so kind to Theresa with your wonderful postings to her!  That really made me smile!  I'm going to read any new posts to her over her Christmas vacation!

For those of you still looking for the perfect gifts - here are ALL of Theresa's Toy picks that are GUARANTEED to be delivered by Christmas when you use a credit card (or ask for "Bill To Ship To" if you're sending it to someone else far away!)


Flashpad

Stunt Cars

Veggie Tales

Elf On The Shelf

AND here are the remaining fabulous Theresa's Toy picks that are available - but NOT guaranteed for Christmas delivery:

Zylie

Snowballs

Glow Spheres

Bracelet Maker

And of course - every gift pick came with "THERESA'S SEAL OF APPROVAL"!!!

Best wishes and blessings to ALL of you!!!

Now it's time to get back to decorating the tree.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Theresa & Jacque :)

You can always find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc

I am so excited for all of the upcoming holiday parties, shopping and festive get togethers! One of my favorite part is getting ready and styling holiday hair. If you are like me and don’t have a lot of time, I am here to help you achieve the perfect hairstyle at home in minutes. It will literally take you from the holidays to New Year’s and beyond! From glamorous waves with the touch of a button to an updo with a glittery flare, check out some of my favorite looks that are quick, fun and easy!

 
The BEACHWAVER™ How To:

Step 1:Select L or R (left or right) based on the side you are curling.

Step2: Clamp end of hair.  Always face clamp toward the mirror.

Step3: HOLD GO to start rotation! RELEASE GO to stop rotation. Hold for a couple seconds, open clamp & slide out.

The WRAP UP™ Updo How To:

Step 1. Gather hair to back of head leaving some texture on the top and sides

Step 2. Pull The WRAP UP™ through the hair and pinch closed. Slide it down and begin to wrap hair up.

Step 3. Once wrapped tightly, bend ends down and move hair around bun to cover.

*Add a vintage inspired headband to take this look from casual to party ready!

Hope you enjoy some of my favorite holiday hairstyles! Happy Holidays!

Xo,

Sarah

As 2013 comes to a close and the New Year approaches, so many of us are considering our New Year’s Resolutions. This is the time of year when we focus on change. How many of us vow to change our diet, our exercise routine, our lives in some sort of way?  But do we really need to change? Aren’t we wonderfully special the way we are? But, for the sake of the season, what if we created a resolution together? One that would mean feeling more beautiful! I believe every woman is beautiful and I believe 2014 can be your most beautiful year yet! That is the inspiration for our Today’s Special Value®: New Year, Your Most Beautiful You (A236961)! It’s all about products that truly help you look and feel your most beautiful and I am so excited to share it with you!

(image)

Resolution #1 – Feel the MomentTM!

Feel The Moment is the name of our new serum and primer in one. This anti-aging formulation is ultra-hydrating and it has aromatic essential oils. It's my resolution this year to feel the moment a little more. Sometimes, days fly by and I'm not sure I took even a second to enjoy the time! I love to use a serum and a primer and this combines both technologies. They are essential to prepping your skin but what we’ve created is so much more than a typical serum primer. Caviar extract, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and silk work to nourish, hydrate, prep, and prime the skin while Vitamin E and argan, jojoba, and avocado oil infusions help skin stay soft, supple, and younger looking. This is like a spa trip in a bottle, and it's the perfect way to FEEL THE MOMENT every single morning.

Resolution #2 – Celebrate…and Illuminate!

When we launched Celebration FoundationTM, I was beyond excited because a full-coverage powder foundation was something I never thought I could use – we named it “Celebration” because I truly wanted you to celebrate your skin every single day, even if you have skin issues like I do! Powders gave me cake-y, incomplete coverage that made me look older. I created Celebration so that I could get the fast coverage of a powder and never worry about the cakey finish again! Now, we have another reason to Celebrate…and Illuminate! This full-coverage powder foundation, anti-aging formula treats your skin with hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants, silk, and aloe, and it gives the skin a soft, candlelit glow. A subtle radiance gives the skin that youthful luminosity! Celebrate your skin and illuminate your beauty with this brand new foundation!

Resolution #3 – Always (Look Like You) Get Enough Rest

“Get more sleep” would be one of those resolutions I know I could not keep.  Sometimes, life is just too busy! I know I’m not the only woman who feels this way! So while this resolution feels a little bit like cheating, this will quickly become one of the go-to products each and every day even if you haven’t sat down in days! On one end is our Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, a full-coverage concealer that will never crease, never crack, and is infused with anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and antioxidants so your skin gets anti-aging benefits while you cover dark circles, breakouts, and any other areas that need that extra coverage. On the other end is our brand new Hello Light Liquid Brightener. Created to add the look of light and the look of lift wherever you need it. Light plus coverage means that no matter how dark your circles are, no matter how little sleep you got the night before, you can always look like you slept. If you can’t get more rest, at least look like you do!

Resolution #4 – Tell Yourself That You Are Beautiful.

Every time you look in the mirror, make it a point to focus on what makes you feel beautiful. Tell yourself that you are a beautiful, special, and a radiant woman! And if you ever need a reminder, check in with another IT Girl and she'll tell you!

As 2013 comes to an end, I look forward to spending a beautiful new year with you. Together, let’s commit to Living Beauty Fully in 2014!

XOXO Jamie

IIMAGE!!

In recent years, I’ve stood by as lots of people threw “Ugly Sweater” parties during the holidays. It’s definitely hilarious, but I prefer to wear beautiful holiday sweaters instead. What can I say! I want to look good at a festive event, not purposely bad. So I’ve rounded up my 4 favorites that you can wear in place of an ugly sweater. Trust me, you’ll get compliments galore!

This sweater has both a cable knit and sequins! Double trouble, tons of fun.

A sweater dress perfect for layering over leggings or festive tights, plus it has pockets!

A beautiful rose pattern makes this a subtle alternative to a holiday print.

This sparkling snowflake makes a serious winter-wonderland statement.

Which one is your favorite?

Hello, Denim & Co. fans!

I wanted to wish everyone a very wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Here’s hoping you have fun with family and friends to truly enjoy what this special season means to you!!!

I am very excited to present our Today’s Special Value for Monday. December 23^rd. It is our Denim & Co. Active French Terry Tunic (A251145). You are going to love this top! Not only is it warm, cozy, super comfortable and a great value, but it is also very versatile. Plus, it comes in regular (A239284) and petite (A251140) sizes. Believe me…you are going to want more than one!

I asked some of my fellow employees here at QVC to try the top, and you can see the pictures and their comments below.

Please join me and Amy Stran as we kick off the TSV at midnight. Plus, I will be joining Albany Irvin during the Denim & Co. show from 3 – 5 PM ET as well as making an appearance during PM Style, which begins at 7 PM ET. I hope you tune in and let me know what you think of this great top!

Siobain, Maryanne, Gary, Amanda and Caroline

Amanda:“This new Denim & Co. Active top in French terry will be a great casual addition to your wardrobe. The length gives you the perfect amount of coverage and the pockets are my favorite feature!”

Maryanne:“I like being able to layer with this top. The belt gives me some waist definition, the vest provides some added warmth and texture, and the necklace dresses it up a bit. I’m ready to go to a movie and my favorite restaurant.”

Caroline:“I love that the French terry is so soft and comfortable, and I like the versatility that the tunic length provides. I would definitely wear it with more active pieces or throw a scarf and leggings on and dress it up.”

Nanette:“I really like this top. It is super comfortable, easy to move around in, and the pockets are roomy!I love to accessorize, but keeping it simple with Bronzo Italia jewelry works great with the dark color.”

Gina:“I really like this top because it is soft and comfortable. The pockets are great – large enough to be useful and situated nicely, yet they don’t detract from the clean line of the shirt. I also like that it can be easily dressed up with a bright scarf.”

Alice:“I just love my Denim & Co. long sleeve French Terry hi-low tunic with side seam pockets. I love to dress it up with my Honora pearls. I look dressed up, but I am the most comfortable guest at the party.”

Ann:“I love this top! The extra length in the back is both warm and flattering, and the fabric is so soft and comfortable, yet it holds its shape beautifully. Perfect with a scarf to dress up for work but also great for hanging out on the weekends!”

Patricia:“This French terry top is super comfortable and cozy, and it’s just the right length to flatter every figure. I will wear it with yoga pants as my go-to weekend outfit for trips to the grocery store and running errands.”

Jessica:"As a busy mom of toddler twins, this is the perfect addition to my ‘weekend uniform’; easy, comfortable and has pockets!"

Tammy:“I love me French terry hi-low top because it is comfortable yet stylish, and the pockets add just an extra element of detail and function!”

Razieh:“I absolutely love this top! It’s so comfy, and it covers any areas you may not want to show. The fact that it has pockets is amazing! I love that addition! I love that it looks like a sweatshirt, but isn’t as bulky. I would wear this with my leggings and boots.”

Carly:“I love the top because it’s cozy and comfortable and is perfect for a day of running errands or meeting a friend for lunch. Add a fun printed scarf or statement necklace to dress it up!”

Monika:“I like this top because it’s very versatile. I can wear it to work and look professional but also pair it with yoga pants and look polished while grocery shopping. Best of all, the top is comfortable.”

Heather:“Being a mom of three, I need fast, comfy, easy-to-wear and easy-to-clean, while still being fashionable. And this top is all that! I love the hi-low hem that covers me in all the right places. And I love the heather colors. It’s one of those tops that I can size up for an over-sized look or size down for a more fitted look. It’s a must-have piece!”

Looking forward to hearing from you and letting us know how you will wear this special top!

Gary

Shop the complete Denim & Co. collection on QVC.com.

TBD

Wow!  Christmas is NEXT WEEK!  How did THAT happen?!

When you're a child, Christmas is a huge part of your year. You look forward to it, you anticipate what presents you might get, and, if you're in my family, you dream about what you might eat that day. For so many, Christmas means a big family meal. Now that I'm older, however, my family is spread out all over the world.  My brother and his family are in England. My parents are in France. I have a few cousins left in Canada, but most of my extended family is either in England or Trinidad. So, I find myself having small, intimate Christmas celebrations with friends and those I love, and I find it all really quite lovely. What makes these celebrations Christmas-y to me is the traditions that I've kept from my childhood along with the traditions that I've created myself.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions when I was a kid was breakfast (go figure!). We weren't allowed to open our presents until my lump-of-a-brother (7 years older than me) would get out of bed, we all showered AND we all had eaten breakfast. When you're only 6 years old that feels like an eternity! My mother would be up hours before all of us (possibly for another good reason that I didn't realize at the time!) making me my favorite breakfast of the year - Accra and Float.  What's "Accra and Float"?  Good question. 

Accra are fried salt cod cakes and the float is a fried bread. It takes some time to make, since you have to soak the salt cod for a few days, make the dough for the float, mix the batter for the Accra, and then you have to fry everything in batches. It's a production, but the result is SO tasty! It's a rib-sticking start to the day! Served up with some hot sauce, it really kicks the day into motion. I didn't make Accra and Float after I left home for many years, but when I did, floods of memories of Christmas morning as a kid came flying back to me. It was very special.  I don't have Accra and Float every Christmas, but when I do...

Frying Accra

Frying Float

Another Christmas tradition, which I didn't start until I was an adult, involves dinner. For several years now, I've started having Osso Bucco (braised veal shanks with lemon zest, garlic and parsley on top) for dinner. The meal braises in the oven all day long and makes the whole house smell so delicious. (You can also make Osso Bucco in the pressure cooker if you don't want to spend all day making it.) I serve it over the traditional risotto Milanese (saffron risotto) and lick up every drop. There's usually some braising liquid left over, which, served with egg noodles makes a great meal the next day when you're in recovery mode! 

The one tradition that I've really come to love the most, however, is taking the dogs for a beautiful walk in the middle of the day. In my perfect Christmas world, there's snow on the ground, the dogs run and roll around (or in Sadie's case, get pulled on a sled!).

This year, I'll probably skip the traditional breakfast and keep the morning simple, perhaps with a mimosa to get started. Then, it will be dog time.  After that... Osso Bucco.  Sounds pretty perfect to me.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

ML

Less than a week until Christmas! Angel here from the Quacker Factory! It’s been a joy for me to bring some sparkle and shine to your holiday wardrobe this season! But as you know, we have an awesome Design Team working “behind the seams” to bring you all of these fun and fabulous fashions! And it’s time for you to meet Susan who is the head of our Quacker Factory Design Team! Susan was one of the first people Jeanne Bice met at QVC back in 1996, and Susan has been “quackin” with us ever since! I’ll let her share some more with all of you!

Happy Holidays! I was recently going through some holiday photos of Jeanne’s, and I wanted to share with you a special tradition she loved – and that she taught me to love too! As you all know, Jeanne absolutely LOVED the holidays! And she loved celebrating! Celebrating anything and everything! She loved to surround herself with people and things that made her happy – and one of the things she loved to do was to decorate “Christmas Trees” – not only at Christmas – but all year long! She had a Halloween Tree, a Valentines Tree, an Easter Tree, a Fourth of July tree, and more! She would say, ”We need to keep this up all year long.” And at Christmas time, well, more trees came out! She had a beautiful “Rooster” tree in her kitchen, and a “Fairy” tree in her bedroom! The one that always made me laugh was her “Margarita Tree” where she hung some hilarious signs! Some rooms had several trees in them – it was like going to a Christmas Tree museum!

The displays she would create were so beautiful and magica,l and she really had a “knack” for decorating them….or should I say “quack”. I wish you all could have seen them!

Now over the years, my own Christmas Tree collection has grown a little bit thanks to Jeanne! My sons are just thrilled when I tell them it’s time to start bringing down the boxes for my “several” trees! But after seeing all of Jeanne’s trees, I realized that a Christmas Tree is more than just a “tree with lights”…it’s about special memories that make you smile and the magical feeling you get when you see a Christmas Tree. And best of all, you can have that feeling all year long – just put up a Tree!

Here are a few more of my favorites! I especially like the sign on the Margarita Tree! That was so Jeanne!

Well I definitely learned from the best! And now I love to create trees just like Jeanne taught me! Here are two of my trees and the stories behind them.

Sophia’s Pink Tree 

One of the happiest days in my life was the day my daughter Sophia was born. She was born in the month of November, and I remember the first thing Jeanne said to me was…”She needs to have a Pink Christmas Tree, Susan!” As a mom with a new baby, it wasn’t at the top of my priority list to get out there and start shopping for ornaments for a Pink Christmas Tree! Well one day a huge box arrived filled with beautiful ornaments for a Pink Christmas Tree! And guess who they were from? You guessed it…Jeanne. I almost cried when I pulled out the “Glinda Tree Topper” as Jeanne knew I was a huge fan of “The Wizard of Oz”. One by one I pulled out beautiful ornament after beautiful ornament. Sophie is now 8 years old, and I still see the twinkle in her eye every year when we put up her special Pink Christmas Tree!  Here’s a few photo for you to see it too!

The Rooster Tree

I just fell in love with Jeanne’s Rooster Tree when I saw it in her kitchen for the first time, and I immediately went home that year and did a Rooster Tree of my own. Here’s a shot of the Rooster tree I now have in my kitchen! I’ll bet Jeanne is up in heaven still hanging things on the trees up there! And she would be so proud to see how she has inspired us to celebrate the magic of Christmas!

So, if you’d like to see some more of Jeanne’s holiday trees click here.

Wishing each and every one of you a holiday filled with peace, love, joy and smiles!   

Susan     

Shop the complete Quacker Factory collection on QVC.com.

Hello my friends,

Wow, what a fall the states are having! I know it already feels like the middle of winter and it’s still only fall. I know my friends near QVC have already received lots of snow and it has turned into a winter wonderland. I wanted to share with you some pictures that a dear friend took of a recent snow fall in Jerusalem. The last time there was such a heavy snow in Jerusalem, was in the middle of the 19th century, 1927. This is so unusual and magical! Many people came from Tel Aviv to see the white streets and covered roofs while women wore their fur coats and big winter hats and scarves.

I'm sure many of you are preparing for the holidays with your family and friends and celebrating with elaborate food festivities, beautifully wrapped gifts, brightly colored Christmas trees with sparkling lights and gorgeous ornaments and your homes are filled with the aroma of pine and scented candles.

I will soon be traveling to the states for my December 29th show from 1am-3am. I am introducing some new pieces and very happy to bring back J260166, one of my favorite pearl rings which has a white pearl as white and iridescent as the snow. But most of all, I am looking forward to seeing the snow, holiday lights, and decorations on the houses. It is all so pretty.

I wish you my friends, a beautiful white and happy Christmas from Israel!

All the best,

Hagit.

Thank goodness I am sneaking in my last QVC visit of 2013 on December 23^rd!  Hopefully you have finished running around making sure your loved ones’ Christmas wishes come true, and you can sit down with me for a few minutes of American West Jewelry to treat yourself!!  Or maybe you can tune in to the shows as you finish up your wrapping, baking, or decking the halls! I am really looking forward to celebrating Christmas with you, my dear friends!  I invite you to join me on Monday, December 23^rd from 4-6 am ET and 1-3 pm ET.  Sleeping Beauty turquoise is back and there are new inspired styles from award-winning Native American designer Kenneth Johnson. He’s designed a new collection that truly celebrates community, ceremony and gathering and features one of my favorite creatures, the turtle! We’ll kick off our Christmas celebration in authentic American style and craftsmanship together on QVC!

Can you believe how quickly this year has flown by? It feels like just a month or two ago I was at QVC celebrating my 50^th birthday with you! I was blessed to meet so many of you who came to QVC Studio Park in West Chester, PA to celebrate with me this past February.  And it’s time for another Carolyn Pollack Jewelry celebration! Our gathering of “Fabulous Friends” is definitely worth repeating! Save the date for February 21. There will be a special celebration at QVC and a new Today’s Special Value that I think many of you will be adding to your “wrist” list!! More to come!!

As we look to 2014, Bill and I are honored, inspired and encouraged by your passion and enthusiasm around collecting our jewelry, which we design and craft in America, right under the roof of our Design and Production Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our entire Team is dedicated to elevating our jewelry so that you will continue to be delighted. What we do is quite special, and I appreciate this more and more with each passing year. You see, we don’t send a sketch over to some other factory in some other country, crossing our fingers that it will come back as we envisioned. We (and this includes close to 200 of us in Albuquerque) work together each and every day; from sketch, through development, to delivery. And everyone is involved throughout the process, making continuous improvements in order to “Create Jewelry You Will Love”!! That is our wish, our dream, and our commitment, from all of us at Relios!

This holiday season ABC World News with Diane Sawyer has been highlighting Made in America gifts and asking its viewers to have a Made in American Christmas. We love this effort and everyone here at Carolyn Pollack Jewelry is so honored to be included in World News’ holiday gift list for the second time. 

May you all have a blessed holiday and a year of health and happiness!

With Love and Cheer,

Carolyn, Bill, and everyone at Relios!

Happy Holidays!!  I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for sharing some of your time with me. I always look forward to my next show and can’t wait for your calls and your feedback. I will not be with you again until January 16 for my next Taxco Traditions show so that gives me a bit of time to enjoy the holidays with my family. It is a winter wonderland here in Vermont and I am looking forward to snow shoeing when the weather warms up a bit. I hope it will help burn off some of those holiday calories

I was recently at QVC UK for a you tube interview conducted by Will Gowing (what a fantastic young man!!). I would like to share that link with you because everything that we discussed pertains to my QVC US designs as well. I am sure that you will recognize some of the designs and pictures. I hope you take a moment to watch it.

May the coming year bring you peace, health and joy.

Peace and tranquility, 

Dominique

We want to extend our warmest wishes on a very happy 20th anniversary to host Jill Bauer! We wish her many more years of success and happiness!

Leave your well wishes for Jill in the comments below!

I wanted to share some of my holiday decorations from this year with all of you.

Here is an "up close" view of a section of our Santa's Best Christmas Tree....Our Christmas Tree is always packed with ornaments ....and each and every one is special and tells a part of our story together over the years!

Our fireplace mantle is "just" big enough to hang all of our stockings, including the ones we had specially made for our dogs, cats, birds and bunnies!

A sampling of our Byers Carolers collection, with our Irish ornaments on the small tree behind them!

These are some of the vintage reproductions that Mr. Christmas did for us this  year, based on my originals from the 1950's and '60's. Many of you who purchased these have said you really like them too!

My original vintage Three Kings figurines. I found these and gave them as a gift to my late brother, Matt. He adored them. They now reside with us and are proudly displayed every Christmas season.

On this section of our fireplace mantel, I've displayed the Mr.Christmas reproduction Choir Boys (they can be ornaments or standing figurines), and they are grouped in front of my mother's Antony and Cleopatra statues from the 1950's. The little girl in the red Christmas hat is also vintage.

This is a rare "lady head" holiday candy dish from the 1960's. (Usually filled with peppermints or chocolate kisses!). I love finding vintage pieces that are still intact. They are even more beautiful now than they were when they were new!

Thanks for letting me share some of my holiday decorating treasures with you! I know you have special pieces that are a wonderful part of your family's holiday traditions as well. It's fun to share what we love with our special friends!  Wishing you and yours all the peace and blessings of the season!

Love,

Carolyn 

I wanted to share some of my holiday decorations from this year with all of you.

Here is an "up close" view of a section of our Santa's Best Christmas Tree....Our Christmas Tree is always packed with ornaments ....and each and every one is special and tells a part of our story together over the years!

Our fireplace mantle is "just" big enough to hang all of our stockings, including the ones we had specially made for our dogs, cats, birds and bunnies!

A sampling of our Byers Carolers collection, with our Irish ornaments on the small tree behind them!

These are some of the vintage reproductions that Mr. Christmas did for us this  year, based on my originals from the 1950's and '60's. Many of you who purchased these have said you really like them too!

My original vintage Three Kings figurines. I found these and gave them as a gift to my late brother, Matt. He adored them. They now reside with us and are proudly displayed every Christmas season.

On this section of our fireplace mantel, I've displayed the Mr.Christmas reproduction Choir Boys (they can be ornaments or standing figurines), and they are grouped in front of my mother's Antony and Cleopatra statues from the 1950's. The little girl in the red Christmas hat is also vintage.

This is a rare "lady head" holiday candy dish from the 1960's. (Usually filled with peppermints or chocolate kisses!). I love finding vintage pieces that are still intact. They are even more beautiful now than they were when they were new!

Thanks for letting me share some of my holiday decorating treasures with you! I know you have special pieces that are a wonderful part of your family's holiday traditions as well. It's fun to share what we love with our special friends!  Wishing you and yours all the peace and blessings of the season!

Love,

Carolyn 

Hi All,

Holidays at the Q are always an exciting time. We've already had over 12 inches of snow in the West Chester, PA area (good thing I had my boots ready!). Even though Christmas time is a busy season at the Q - throughout the building we are always reminded of the holiday season. Even before Thanksgiving we could hear Christmas music playing in the atrium. The on-air sets have been transformed into a winter wonderland – filled with festive Christmas trees and beautifully wrapped presents. I’ve captured a few pictures to share the QVC holiday spirit.

How creative are Christine and Sam’s homemade ‘ugly’ sweaters? They won first place at the ecommerce holiday party.   

I hope your holidays are filled with family, friends, and great joy. Cheers to a fabulous 2014.

XO,

Lauren 

Hello, foodies…

Winter officially begins tomorrow, yet the weather forecast here in the Philadelphia area is supposed to be summer-like for the next few days. We’ve already had about 6” of snow this month and all of it came in the “fall.” How strange it will be to go back TWO seasons! BUT, no matter. Whether it’s 75°F or 25°F on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is coming to town. I’ll be making another batch of cookies this weekend because mine seem to have mysteriously disappeared. At least I have carrots for the reindeer!

“Christmas Around the World” month continues this Sunday on In the Kitchen with David and our next stop is France. I’ll bet—at some point during your Christmastime festivities—you turn on your TV and find the channel with the burning yule log. The burning of an actual yule log is a French tradition. And, a popular recipe at French dessert tables is a cake that looks just like the real thing.

Here’s our version of a Christmas Yule Log (Buche de Noel). Many thanks to ITKWD team member Chef Andrea for sharing this recipe—a family secret—with us.

Christmas Yule Log (Buche de Noel)

This recipe is prepared using the Prepology® 6-Piece Nonstick Cutlery Set with Sheaths (K39560).

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

Ingredients:

Chocolate Pastry Cream:

• 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp sugar, divided
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup + 1 Tbsp whole milk
• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Sponge Roll:

• 5 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup + 6 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2/3 cup cake flour, sifted
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt

 Ganache:

• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup corn syrup

Garnish:

• Small meringue cookies
• Pine tree branches
• Maraschino cherries
• Decorative holly

Directions:

1. To prepare the pastry cream, whisk together 1/3 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch, and the cocoa powder in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Set aside.

2. Bring the milk and 2 Tbsp sugar to a simmer in a small pot. Slowly pour the milk into the cocoa mixture, whisking constantly, until fully combined. Add the mixture back to the pot, and cook on medium-low heat, until thickened, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Stir in the vanilla.

3. Pour the mixture into a small glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic onto the cream so that it doesn’t form a skin. Refrigerate until needed.

4. To prepare the sponge roll, place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Lightly spray an 11” x 17” jelly roll pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, and then lightly spray again.

5. Whip together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar, and the vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer (fitted with the whisk attachment) until pale yellow and creamy. Carefully fold in the sifted cake flour, then pour the entire mixture into a separate bowl and set aside.

6. After cleaning the bowl of the stand mixer, whip the egg whites with the whisk attachment until frothy. Keep the mixer running and add the salt followed by sugar. Whip until firm peaks form. Fold the egg white mixture into the cake batter, in 3 batches, until fully incorporated. Be careful not to over mix.

7. Pour the batter onto the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 5–7 minutes, until it’s light golden brown and springy to the touch. Let the cake cool completely.

8. To prepare the ganache, place the chocolate chips in a medium-size bowl and set aside. Bring the cream and the corn syrup to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture stand for a couple of minutes, and then lightly whisk until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is fully incorporated. Refrigerate the ganache for 45 minutes, or until set but still spreadable.

9. To assemble the log, place the sponge roll upside-down on a sheet of parchment paper. Carefully remove the paper on which the cake was baked. Evenly spread the chocolate pastry cream all over the cake. Carefully roll the cake, starting with the widest end, to create a long log. Tightly wrap the cake in the parchment paper and twist the ends to secure. Freeze the cake for 90 minutes.

10. Slice a 1” piece of cake from each end of the log. Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache all over the cake—except for the ends of the log—and freeze for another 45 minutes.

11. Evenly spread the remaining ganache on the cake and use a fork to create a bark-like texture. Decorate with your choice of garnishes. Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

So not does Chef Andrea help bring many of our recipes to life, but she’s worked in restaurants around the globe and has family everywhere.

So where Andrea hasn’t worked, she’s traveled! Her father’s side of the family is from France and Andrea convinced six of her relatives—from Lyon and Paris—to tell us a little about their Christmastime traditions.

Andrea: What are some of the most popular Christmas customs in France?
Schwob Family: It’s really important for all of the family to be together during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or tree, so Pere Noel can fill them up with small toys and candies.

A nativity set., or a "creche" as we call it, is a must in every house, church, and all around town. Normally, they’re made out of the traditional clay figurines called “santons” (little saints) and the only piece missing is baby Jesus. He is put on the nativity set the 25th at midnight.

Andrea: So what was Christmastime like in Paris? And Lyon?
Schwob Family: In Paris, it’s fun to walk around the city and look at the window displays in every store. They’re some of the best we’ve ever seen and the candy stores were our favorite ones.

In Lyon, stores display santons in store windows and there are a lot of stores that had different kinds…anything from a baker or farmer to a construction worker or dancer. 

Andrea: Is Christmas Eve just as important as Christmas Day? Is there another day in December when you prepare/celebrate?
Schwob Family: December 8th is a really important day in Lyon. It’s called "La Fete des Lumieres" (The Festival of Lights) and pays homage to the virgin Mary. Every house in town puts a light by the window and it lights up the whole town.

In Paris, we picked up part of the tradition of celebrating Epiphany on January 6th. We call it "The Day of the Kings,” and it celebrates the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. We loved this tradition because we got to eat a "Galette des Rois" and whoever found the hidden bean was king for the day. AND, we also got more gifts in our shoes!!!!

For many families, Christmas Eve is more important. Families normally attend midnight mass and then feast during Reveillon, which is a very late supper after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Reveillon literally means "to wake up or revive," and is the culinary high point of the season. It’s something everyone looks forward to and it takes days to prepare the food.

Andrea: So tell me more about “Pere Noel.” Is he “Santa”?
Schwob Family:  Yes, children believe in Pere Noel. He brings gifts on Christmas. Some families believe in both baby Jesus and Pere Noel.

Andrea: What kinds of food are enjoyed at Christmas?
Schwob Family:  In Lyon, you havegood wine (of course), turkey with chestnuts, vegetables, lots of cheeses, Grandma’s fruit cake, Buche de Noel, and lots of different dried fruits for dessert.

In Paris, you have wine and champagne, salads and vegetables, lots of oysters and foie gras, and, of course, Buche de Noel and Grandma’s Fruit Cake. Sometimes we had a beef loin sprinkled with fresh chopped herbs and sliced fresh truffles that were wrapped in dough and baked.

Many thanks to Andrea and her family: Daniel, Janine, Marianne, Philippe, Maurice, and Andree.

As I mentioned, today’s special recipe was a Schwob family specialty. But, our cream is unique. Andrea’s family fills their cakes with a chestnut pastry cream. Don't be intimidated to make Buche de Noel this Christmas, foodies. The recipe does take a little time, but Christmas is about tradition and making those extra special recipes.

I’ll see you on Sunday at Noon ET—Ree Drummond is back with her Christmastime cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Holidays! Don't miss it. What are you most looking forward to now that we’re so close to Christmas? Is it the food? That candlelight service on Christmas Eve? Maybe seeing your family and friends?  

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Happy Holidays, Denim and Company Divas!!

With only a couple of days till Christmas, I am happy to sit back, relax and enjoy my family, my friends, my Christmas Tree AND our Today's Special Value from Denim and Company ACTIVE!!

It's our first ever ACTIVE TSV from D&Co and we have been so anxious to show it to you! Ever since we debuted our "Active" family of separates, they have taken off like a rocket ship and your feedback has been fantastic!! So, today, we're debuting a beautiful, comfortable, chic and YOU....it's our Denim and Company Active French Terry Tunic! (Oh, and did I mention that it comes in PETITE sizes as well as REGULAR??!!)

In fact, this is also our first ever TSV TOP from Denim and Company offered in the Petite choice! One more "first" for you on this TSV....it's our FIRST EVER French Terry Sweatshirt TSV!

Lots of firsts and a very SPECIAL top that you will love! It comes in 8 gorgeous and wonderfully wearable colors....Marine Blue, Light Heather Grey, Black, Heather Oatmeal (MY personal favorite), Bright Navy, Bright Rose Pink, Blue Iris, and Summer Green!! These are pretty colors, flattering colors, and colors you're not currently seeing in stores! This top has the VERY popular  hi/low  hemline, which has become my favorite flattering silhouette! The french terry fabrication is just the right weight for year round wear...it covers any imperfections and is not clingy or fitted, but does not add bulk either!!

The comfort factor of this top is huge! It's as comfy as your favorite grubby sweatshirt (maybe borrowed from hubby!) but has a very feminine look! Oh, and of course, it has POCKETS!!!

I love this new Active top, and I know you will too! Time to splurge a little on yourself, now that you've been such a good Santa's helper all season!!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!!

Love,

Carolyn 

This is a rich and hearty soup. It's a nice warm-me-up on a cold day. I hope you enjoy it!

Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound bacon (cooked crispy, drained and crumbled)
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of potato soup
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded American cheese
• dab of minced onion
• dab of parsley
• salt and pepper, as desired

Mix all ingredients (except bacon) in a large pot and bring to a slight boil. Stir, turn down heat to a simmer and cover for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Add bacon. Stir and remove lid. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers.

Counting our blessings,

Mary Beth