Hello, I hope this finds you well. I am enjoying my vacation!  My mom is teaching everyone how to knit.

Avery (6) is really picking it up quickly, Lauren is almost finished a scarf and Chelsea found this really cool technique on YouTube called "arm knitting". 

Bring in the new year with my new Puffer Coat with Removable Faux Fur Trimmed Hood! This well-insulated, slimming and stylish coat will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe year after year!

It's officially winter, and whether you love being outside in the snow or walking the city streets, my super flattering puffer coat will keep you warm during the cold weather. It's designed to cut the brisk air, keep you warm, and, of course, look fabulous! You don't have to sacrifice style for warmth!

I've given this coat the princess seaming we all love, which narrows at the waist, giving you that perfect hour-glass shape, and slightly flaring toward the bottom with a double zipper so you can move freely. The length offers great coverage, and it's the perfect weight…not too heavy, but not too light. I've added faux fur around the removable hood for a beautifully finished look. This jacket offers high-end style without breaking the bank!

Keep warm and stylish in my new puffer coat! Choose your favorite color for a personalized look you'll love. It's young, modern, and right on-trend.

Please join me Thursday, December 26^th, at 8am ET, 2pm ET, 5pm ET and 8pm ET.

Also, here's a video I wanted to share with you about me, my family, and my design process. I hope you enjoy it!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

xoxo, 
Susan

Shop my complete collection on QVC.com.

SO, I am a self-proclaimed organizational queen but we all have parts of our life that need cleaning up.  Aside from your closet, which you should do a THOROUGH cleansing of (see tips below), ….there are plenty of other places for improvement. We all have our “things” but I though I’d share mine—let me know if you can relate, have similar issues or share problems you are looking to solve.

 1)   CLOSET CLEAN-OUT

This one I have down (as I should- I have a whole line devoted to JUST this) but I always feel like there is room to cleanse. Here are a few tips to get your closet whipped into shape

A)  Anything you haven’t worn in a year goes…donate/consign (whatever) just get it out of your closet

B)  Anything that is BIG on you GOES… if you are looking to slim down (great!) but there should be nothing in your wardrobe that accounts for you gaining weight. We feel and look out best when we are our healthiest selves. I know this is easier said than done---- but it’s a first step in the process.

C)   Let go of anything that is trendy (or designer) but it doesn't work on you! Just because something is “on trend” does not mean it is right for your body…. if it doesn't look like a “10” on you it goes!

Now onto New Years plans…what are you doing? I find holiday travelling and New Years Eve to be extremely overrated and filled with tons of pressure to have FUN. This year I am dating someone who has to work on New Years Eve…. so we are just having a quiet dinner after & celebrating the New year on the 1^st… don’t feel compelled to buy-in to the gimmick if you don’t yet have plans—so unnecessary… AND everything tends to be super-expensive. Do what works for you!

I am spending a few days in Miami solo during my time off (the boyfriend has to work.) I love getting into the warm weather and feeling a little sunlight (New York has been so chilly.)

I took up paddle boarding a few years ago & love it because it combines working out & a good time. I reward myself with a few cocktails after (which always makes it worth it!) I love any hobby where I don’t/can’t bring my phone with me…. we are all so addicted to technology that I often find myself ignoring what’s around me (to send a text that can wait.) My father always says, “Nothing you are working on can be THAT important that you cant have a peaceful dinner.” I have made a promise to myself that my phones are off the table during all meals.  There is nothing more rude than making someone feel like their time is not as important as yours. In the New Year, I plan to spend even less time with my Computer, Blackberry etc…. you ? thoughts?

Have one work day in the middle of my vacation…. not sure many of you know, I am also a broadcaster for the New York Knicks…….working on the 27^th but then back to a little time off. 

Hope your new year is filled with love and light and see you on Jan 7^th at 6am and Jan 27^th at 9am.

Happy Holidays! XOXO jill

Hello, foodies…

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I’m in North Carolina for the holiday visiting my family. I hope you all spend at least a little time with family, friends, and loved ones over the next few days doing all of your favorite things.

There won’t be an In the Kitchen with David this Wednesday since QVC closes on December 25. But, you can tune all day and watch some of your favorite videos and moments from the year…including a few from In the Kitchen with David. When I think of my favorite moments this year, I immediately think back to the day the ITKWD team visited the Chester County Food Bank.

In this season of giving and caring, I urge you to perform one last random act of kindness if you haven’t already, or you have extra time and resources to share. Visit your local food bank and help give a family in need a Christmas meal. Go caroling at the nursing home down the street. Put some extra bills into those bell-ringers jars. Remember what makes this season so special.

I’m grateful for each and every one of you, foodies. Thanks for another unforgettable year.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

As Joan is about to depart for her big family vacation with Cooper and Melissa, we both want to wish all of you the very best holiday and a spectacular New Year in 2014.

While Joan is in Mexico soaking up the sun and being Super-Grandma to Cooper, I will settle in to my weekend place in Pennsylvania, not too far from QVC.

We have some terrific shows planned for you while Joan is away (please see the schedule below for times). I will have the pleasure of working with my dear friend Mary Beth Roe.

I spoke with Mary Beth recently, and we both agree that these shows are jam-packed with amazing jewelry and apparel items that will really start your new year off right! (Including the debut of our BRAND NEWLuxe Knit ™, a stretch fabric so soft you will swear it’s silk!)

Here is a sneak peek at a few of Joan’s BRAND NEW favorites:

J286483 - Bold Medallion Necklace and Earring Set

Joan and I love a matching necklace and earring set. It always creates such a pulled together look!

J286495 - Set of 5 Faceted Clover Lever Back Earrings

And, for all of you who LOVE Joan’s famous earring sets, a BRAND NEW set of 5 fabulous new lever back earrings in both silver and goldtone.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Q!

DAVID

Upcoming Shows:

Thursday, December 26^th  

1-2pm  Joan Rivers Classics Collection

10pm-Midnight  Carolyn’s Closet

Friday, December 27^th  

1-3am  Joan Rivers Classics Collection

3-4pm  Joan Rivers Classics Collection

10pm-Midnight  PM Style with Lisa Robertson

Follow Joan on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/joan_rivers

Or on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/joanrivers

Or on INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/joanrivers

Follow David on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/daviddangleqvc

Or on INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/daviddangle

For Joan’ concert, TV and QVC schedule go to www.joanrivers.com

Do you have one of those friends who can travel anywhere with just an overnight bag? What about the ones who can pull an outfit together in less than 10 minutes and still look fabulous? Or even the ones who claim they never have to iron anything, yet their outfits are always pretty much flawless? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, well then it seems that you already know a Wardrobe Warrior. And now it’s your turn to become one.

I travel often, and no matter the destination or the duration, I never check my luggage. It’s always carry-on or carry nothing! Many people have asked me how, and my answer is always the same: it’s all about packing the right pieces. After a while I thought, instead of telling everyone what these pieces are, why not design them? And that’s how I create Attitudes by Renée® designs. My Attitudes by Renée® 4 Piece Wardrobe Warrior Set (A235944) works not only with my other Attitude by Renee ® pieces but with our Women with Control pants and, of course, other items in your closet! You have shown me that you love how we have been putting our Wardrobe Warriors together so here are a few new ideas! 

A235949 Women with Control Regular Fit Pull-On Knit Leggings

A238403 Women with Control Regular Hollywood Waist Tuxedo Pants

A211013 Women with Control 3/4 Sleeve Knit T-shirt

A238401 Attitudes by Renee Asymmetric Hem Top with Laser Detail

A237094 Attitudes by Renee Long Sleeve Knit Top with Bead Detail

A237095 Attitudes by Renee Drape Front Cardigan with Rib Detail

A235944 Attitudes by Renee Jersey Knit Regular 4-Piece Wardrobe Set

A true Wardrobe Warrior is great at mixing and matching, and I have plenty of designs for you that will boost your wardrobe, Attitude, and Control!

With attitude,

Renée

Shop my complete collection at QVC.com

I hope that your Christmas is filled with people you love and food you love to eat; and that your New Year has more laughter and fewer challenges than the past.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thank you for all your support and kindness. In the coming year we will have weeks where this blog is dedicated to answering your questions. So, start thinking of some really good ones! :)

See you soon.
—Lisa

Forty-eight years ago, I played my first paying gig as a rock n’ roll musician.   I was the rhythm guitarist and vocalist for the group, The Falcons.  We performed two songs at the Civitan’s  Annual Christmas party in 1964 in my hometown of St. Joseph, Michigan.  Our drummer’s dad was the president and my dad was the vice president of this community organization (so we did have connections!) My fourth-grade buddies and I were each paid a dollar for our performance.  And, so my life as a Rock n’ Roll musician began.  I’ll never forget hearing the applause after we performed our version of Herman’s Hermits’ hit song, “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.” 

Shortly after that performance The Falcons broke up.  Hey, we were ten years old and there were baseball games to be played, frogs to be caught and ravines to be explored.  Besides, everyone knows it is tough to keep a band together.

When I was fourteen, I actually did learn to play guitar on a ten- hour bus ride from St. Joseph, Michigan to Word of Life Camp in Schroon Lake, New York.   Knowing three chords by the time we arrived enabled me to play “Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds.

My self- taught guitar skills made it possible for me to play briefly in another band in high school but, after graduation in 1973, I thought my rock career was over.  And it was….. until 2005, when at the age of fifty, I joined my current band - Blue Sky.  Our name comes from the song by the Allman Brothers but, since we play for various charities, we also think of it as our mission statement - which is to help bring blue skies to people who are going through the storms of life.

I’ll never forget the night in February of 2005 when my physical therapist and friend, John Spangenberg, asked me to sit in on a rehearsal with his band.  I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough to play with them but the guys were very welcoming and I had a blast that night!   I loved all the songs they played and even taught them a couple of songs that night.  Just a couple of months later I played my first gig with Blue Sky at a local bar/restaurant.   I was introduced as a “friend of Blue Sky.” There were about two hundred people there and we raised over six hundred dollars from the cover charge for a local hospitals’ brain rehabilitation unit.   Shortly after that performance, the bass player for Blue Sky was transferred to another state.  The boys in the band asked me if I played bass guitar and I said, “No but I will learn fast!”  I took a few lessons and I’ve now been the bass player and one of the vocalists for Blue Sky for the past nine years.

Blue Sky Band @ legendary Brownie's in Ardmore, PA for Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts!

I have always had a deep love of music.  As a child, I played trombone in the school band until the ninth grade.  I quit, however, when it started to interfere with school sports (another great love of mine.)  My interest and passion for music, however, never stopped growing.  I learned in college that my highest aptitude is in music.  So, when I am playing and singing with the band, I feel like I am fulfilling a lifelong dream. 

Over the years the band has steadily improved.  Our repertoire of classic rock songs has now grown to over one hundred.  We cover a wide range of artists including Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Lynard Skynard, Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers.  Every year the number of requests to play for charitable organizations in the Philadelphia area grows.  We have already booked five gigs for some of the biggest charities in the Philly area for 2014.  The amazing part of this is that we never promote ourselves or seek out gigs.  People either hear us play or hear from others about us and they call.

The music is awesome but the guys who are in the band are even better. Our drummer builds multi-million dollar homes by day and his company is renowned for their quality and expertise.  One of our lead guitarists is a highly regarded Neurologist and heads up the brain trauma unit at a prestigious local hospital.  The other lead guitarist is a Senior Vice President of Engineering for an international air compressor company.   Blue Sky’s keyboard player is a Vice President of commercial lending at a bank while our sax player is an Executive Vice President at a competing bank in the area.  My Physical Therapist owns his own Physical Therapy Workshop and is our lead singer and rhythm guitarist. Then there is me, the bass player/vocalist, a QVC Program Host.  Seven guys who love playing rock n’roll and helping others.  It was recently estimated (by one of the bankers in the band) that we have helped to raise over three hundred thousand dollars for various charities over the past nine years.

I know I am not your typical rock n’ roller but Blue Sky Band is not your typical rock band.  The average age in our band is sixty (I’m on the young side at 59.)  We have never taken a penny for playing and we all STILL really love playing music together.  We are all great friends as well as band members.

One of the best feelings I have ever known is being onstage, hearing all seven musicians blend together and watching people dance, laugh and SMILE.  And knowing that all of the monies raised at an event are helping put a smile on the face of someone who is in desperate need of help makes it one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of.

I feel so blessed that I have been a part of the QVC family for over 25 years and I pray that I can continue here presenting products to you for many more.  But when my time in front of the camera is over I hope to keep rockin’ with Blue Sky. 

Merry Christmas!!!  May all your dreams be realized in the New Year and may all of your Skies be Blue!!!

-Dan

So, it's that magical time of year again, where there are lights on the tree, and there's a chill in the air.  It's that special time of year where we hope for new beginnings, make resolutions, and enjoy a box full of sunshine.  What's inside this box of sunshine, you ask?  Honeybells, of course!  Just when you feel like the winter is starting to get you down, and you would like to take a cruise to some tropical locale, Honeybells come to the rescue!  They are one of the sweetest citrus fruits I've ever had, and one of the juiciest.  They are so juicy, they come with their own bibs!  But they only happen at this time of year.  For about a month they are available, and then *POOF* ...........you simply have to wait almost 11 months for them to come back.  

I enjoy scooping the sections out with a grapefruit spoon, and squeezing out the extra juice for a tasty treat when I'm done.  But if you are really in the mood for a smoothie, you've gotta’ try this.... 

Honeybell Smoothie: 

3 cups of Honeybell juice (about 4 Honeybells)

1 cup milk (whole or low fat)

2 Tbsp sugar (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10 ice cubes 

Blend until smooth, and enjoy!  This will make 3-4 servings, depending on how large you like your smoothies.  It's also easy to cut this recipe in half, if you want to make less. 

If you have any recipe ideas for Honeybells, feel free to leave them here.  I hope you enjoy your box of sunshine before they're gone for the season! 

-Sharon

Merry Christmas, friends!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful holiday. It's been quite a year...and I'm always amazed at how the years seem to go by more quickly the older I become. My children still have the wonder of Christmas in their eyes and more important, in their hearts. Trevor is hoping for LEGO sets, books, Skylanders, and (I never thought I'd write the following words...) a Despicable Me 2 fart blaster. I hope you're laughing...it cracks me up to write!  Trev is a Jim Carrey in the making. He loves to make people laugh and he's really good at it! Kylie is a teenager who loves anything fuzzy and warm and wants puzzles to do with her Grandma (my mom) and as many books as Santa is willing to bring. My children are my greatest gifts...I'm sure you understand.

My hubby Doug and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year, so our Christmas gift to each other is a 2nd honeymoon to the Caribbean in the spring.  I have a few surprise gifts for him under the tree too. He's hard to buy for, but we love to give each other tickets to concerts or events...don't want to spill the beans too much in case he's reading this before he opens the packages!

I'm so happy my mom now lives right down the road so that she can be part of it all. As an only child, I have a really close relationship with my mom. I just love her so much...she has taught me so much about raising my children, as well as how to find strength in the face of sadness. I just adore her.

My mother in law, and Doug's brother, sister, and their families will be heading to our house for Christmas dinner. I'm a sucker for tradition, so I make many of the recipes my grandmother made....it's not fancy, just good! Christmas Eve will be a cake baking, cookie making, and decorating kind of day. I can't wait.

And so, as we all get ready to enjoy Christmas, from my heart, I wish all of you a merry, merry day. May it be filled with love, family, hugs, and fun! Thank you all for your wonderful support over the past year...and the past 20! You are a huge reason why I've stayed at QVC, and why I love to go to work. Your company and friendship makes me happy!

From my holiday home to yours,
--Jill
xoxo

So that our employees can spend time with their loved ones, our phone lines will be unavailable from now through December 26 at 8am ET.

Need to reach us? You can still place orders online at http://qvc.co/-QVC, on our mobile apps & via automated ordering (1-800-345-1212).

Merry Christmas!

“To draw, you must close your eyes and sing”

~Pablo Picasso

When I received my first box of crayons as a little girl (the big box, 64 colors with the built in sharpener) I thought WOW!  It was like a rainbow in a box. I remember spending hours coloring page after page in my Barbie coloring book.  I was an inside the line kinda girl back then.  My mom always told me I was very artistic.  I didn’t think much of it then but I guess the seed had been planted.  (Thanks Mom).

My mom loved Paint by Numbers. Do you remember them?  She ALWAYS stayed inside the lines.  They were beautiful and hung in my grandparents’ home for years.  One day I decided to try my hand at one of the pieces she was working on while she was in the other room.  Oops, she was not happy but it was then that she realized it was time for me to have my own painting supplies. 

I took art classes in high school.  I never thought I was very good but I did a few pieces that I was proud of.  I continued drawing and painting as an adult.  I took a class at a local art school.  My family wanted the pieces that I did and still have them framed and hanging in their homes.  My love of painting and drawing was re-energized this year when Leah, and Barb and I went to Painting with a Twist.  Now I can’t stop! 

For Christmas, I painted something for everyone in my family and a few friends you might recognize.  Here are a few of my latest pieces.  I never call myself an artist.  I paint for fun.  I paint to relax.  I paint to watch the color move across the canvas and become what I see or imagine.  And now, I paint outside the lines.

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.”

~Andre Gide

TBD

TBD

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of QVC vendor Barry Ort. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Barry will be remembered for his wit, creativity and philanthropy. Barry brought the iconic Kenneth Jay Lane brand to the QVC customer in 1991, and eventually became the on air spokesperson for the brand around the world.  He was known for his commitment to creating products for QVC that generated awareness and raised funds dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Barry was beloved by many at QVC, and his warm personality and great sense of humor will be missed.

Claire Watts

CEO, US

Happy Friday, everyone!

I’m Kristy, another member of Team Quacker! I hope you’re all having a splendid holiday. I just LOVE this time of year…the cold weather, delicious food, gift giving and meeting up with family and friends. This Christmas I decided to hand-make presents for my Quacker team, girlfriends and for our Bingo night! It was so much fun and VERY easy to make (but don’t tell them I said that)!   

Coming up with the idea and inspiration was also quite simple. As you have probably noticed from pictures on our website and Facebook, my Quacker Factory team and I like to “celebrate” any and all occasions, IN STYLE…which always includes great food and wine! Of course, we learned so much about that from our dear friend and mentor Jeanne Bice, who practically coined the word “celebrate” as far as I’m concerned! In fact, I recall Jeanne saying more than once, “Good friends are the wine of life!” Hence, I decided to decorate wine glasses to give as gifts this year. 

What I love most about this craft is how creative and versatile the gifts can be! I made decorations with Christmas themes, but you can use themes for birthdays, weddings, showers, anniversaries, Easter, and any holiday…the list is endless! These are so great my daughter even made one for her teacher as a Christmas gift!

You’ll need these supplies to get you started…

Wine Glasses (I got mine at the Dollar Store!)

Enamel Acrylic Paint - For Glass or Ceramics

Paint Brushes / Foam Dabbers / Q-tips / Toothpicks

Rubbing Alcohol & Cotton Balls

Hair Dryer

HERE’S THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS …

1 - Clean the wine glasses with soap and water, then wipe them off with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dirt.

2 - Choose a design that you want to make - I searched the Internet for ideas. You can paint the designs on freehand or you can tape a design on the inside of the glass as a guide. Use paint brushes, Q-tips, foam dabbers, etc. for different sizes and shapes. Be creative! If you need to add details to your design as I did on the Snowman, use your hair dryer to help the paint dry quicker.  

3 - For a personal touch - Having a party where everyone does not know everyone?? Make a glass for everyone and put their name on their glass. This way there’s no need for ugly nametags! Don’t forget to sign your name and the date on the bottom of the glass! 

4 - Once your design is complete, put the wine glasses on a cookie sheet in your COLD oven. DO NOT PRE-HEAT your oven. Turn the oven on 350 degrees for 30 minutes then turn it off. The wine glasses or mugs need to heat up with the oven and cool down with the oven. Allowing them to heat up at the same time as the oven prevents them from shattering. You should also reference the directions on the paint.

I also recommend hand washing instead of the dishwasher.

That’s it! Your design is now permanent on your wine glass!

For my BINGO girlfriends, I simply wrote their names on the glass and painted some fun polka dots all over!    

And…here’s some more Christmas themed glasses I made for the design team! 

So I raise up my glass to all of you…May your New Year be filled with laughter and love, sparkle and shine, and health and happiness!

CHEERS!

Kristy

Shop the complete Quacker Factory collection on QVC.com! 

Over the last couple of months I’ve been using my Facebook page (http://qvc.co/GK_fb) as a way to invite you inside the Q! Every Wednesday I post a picture from somewhere inside the building giving you a small glimpse at what it’s like to work at such an amazing place! When I say there is always something happening at QVC, I mean there is always something happening at QVC.

Here is a recap of my “What’s Happening Wednesday” posts from the end of November and throughout the month of December!

11/20/13: Guest Training! Every week QVC holds a Guest Training class where the hosts go over the on-air do's and don't's! It's a fun way to test out products and give upcoming guests a taste of live TV!

11/27/13: In the atrium at QVC there six are monitors that  broadcast live shows from QVC channels around the world. One night when passing by the monitors a German designer named Harald Glööckler stopped me in my tracks. He describes himself as a fashion prince. I would love to meet this eccentric designer if he ever decides to visit QVC US!

12/4/13: During Black Friday Weekend we worked extra hard here at QVC to bring you the best deals without all the craziness! While we pride ourselves on our hard work, we also know that there is some fun to be had along the way! Canon set up a red carpet photo booth for everyone to enjoy! So many of us stopped to pose for a picture with fun holiday-inspired props!  

12/11/13: Every year the hosts gather before the holidays for a pot-luck styled lunch! It’s a fun way for all of us to get together while enjoying each other’s specialty dishes! Carolyn Gracie made a delicious quiche and I was extremely impressed with Jennifer Coffey’s homemade jambalaya!

12/18/13: No one does the holidays quite like QVC. One day during the week before Christmas, all QVC employees were treated to a complimentary breakfast. There was a wide spread of breakfast delights from fresh fruit to delicious pastries. Naturally I only grabbed pictures of the sweets  

12/18/13: Later on that day the QVC Singing Club performed in the middle of the atrium. Employees took a break from their work and gathered around to hear our talented singers and musicians. It was wonderful reminder of what the holidays are truly about!  

So that is what's been happening here at QVC! Keep your eyes peeled every Wednesday on my page to see more behind the scenes pictures!

Dear Friends,

Another year has passed by… I notice how the kids have grown and how we are getting a little older too. We had a wonderful holiday season in Israel. We actually did not travel anywhere and spent a lot of time with the kids and the family. I have to admit that after so much traveling all year long, I would rather spend my vacation at home relaxing with the family, playing with the kids and taking local trips in Israel. We spent some time in Jerusalem and we had really an amazing time.

This is the time of the year that I think about the past and the future…It is almost five years since we launched Or Paz . I can share with you that those years have been the best in my career. The love and trust I get from you continuously stimulates my creativity to design and bring to life fresh ideas, concepts and looks. I think Or Paz brought a new perspective to the jewelry world and the Organic, Artisan-crafted look of the jewelry is something that everyone can relate to.

The December PAZ shows are my favorite of the year!! First of all, I love the time between Christmas and New Year's - There is something so festive in the air. It is also a great opportunity for me to present the new spring collection that we worked on since September and I'm super excited to present it. From all the new designs I have for the PAZ shows over the weekend, I'm especially excited about 2 new ones. I invite you to check them out.

The first one is a new Or Paz ring (J286124), which is the first item of a new collection I have worked on for a long time. I call it the Lace ring! This silver ring combines the Filigree - lace traditional look with the hand-finished hammered modern look. The ring came out amazing and the price…oh well…I have to keep something for the surprise.

The second item is a new organic 14kt mesh design ring (J289612) with genuine tanzanite that you love so much!

Please join me over the weekend. I can't wait to share holiday stories with you!

Yours,

Danny

It’s the end of December and I had originally planned to write a top 10 list. You know...the obligatory chronicling of the important and not so important events of the past year. But then I heard about the passing of my friend, Barry Ort. And I thought about how my year started -- with him.

With Barry at the 2013 Inaugural Ball

It was January, just after the Presidential election, and Barry had invited a select few of his “girls” to attend one of the Inaugural Balls in Washington D.C. I wasn’t originally planning to go, but a change in my schedule made it possible. Barry called me to tell me how excited he was because, as he put it, “we were a fun bunch”.

Time with Barry was always fun. He was was a joy to know. He took such pleasure in sharing his gifts. Whether he was explaining the details of the jewelry collection that he brought to QVC or filling you in on the best places to go in New York City, Barry was a delight. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. I hope they may find some comfort in that fact that Barry touched so many in such a positive way.

I have many fond memories of Barry Ort, and I will miss him dearly. But I am forever grateful that he was my friend.

Leah