Hello, foodies…

Guess who’s coming to QVC on March 16? The MUPPETS! Kermit, Miss Piggy, Rowlf, and the whole gang are stopping by Studio Park to promote their brand-new movie: Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted in theatres March 21. You can watch the trailer, see extra TV spots, and learn all about the cast of characters right here on QVC.com. AND, be sure to check out our QVC Sweepstakes Celebrating Muppets Most Wanted. You could win a trip to the movie premier in Los Angeles!

How much fun would that be!? I wonder if I can enter. Where’s Mary?

Mary!? Can we go to Los Angeles…

Keep it flavorful!
—David

“Are the Halos charged?”

It’s a common battle cry in our household this winter.  Every time our weather man comes on and tells us we will get yet another, round of snow, ice, wind, rain, pain, I call out to make sure every Halo is fully charged and ready to go. We have always been a Halo portable power family. We got the very first lipstick size charger that set so many records at QVC and started the whole portable power craze two Christmases ago

And since then we have upgraded to all the new versions along the way.   But this one has been a blessing this winter since it has more power and it has all the cords included we need to charge all the numerous tablets and phones we have in our home.  Yes, even our 4yr olds have tablets. I’m not proud, but we have very generous family members.

When I was in Las Vegas in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (you can read my blog about that here), portable power was finally seeing the attention it deserves, with most companies trying to do some sort of power charger.  In fact, you may see these portable power cubes and cards and sticks at your local drug store or electronics store.  The difference is Halo. 

Truly, even at CES Halo had the biggest, the brightest, and the most cutting edge booth in the portable power category.   They were the first ones to understand the problem of the 2pm dead cell phone and they have since been able to expand to save our car trips, cross country flights and vacations from the curse of a dead battery. At your local electronics store or drug store you likely won’t get the amount of power, that will last as long as what you get from Halo.  The batteries we test them with at QVC are held to the highest standard.  We know, I know, that cell phones can be a lifeline to a child, or a babysitter; its peace of mind, and you have to be able to rely on it.  Or in the case of my cousin, it’s the power to be able to pull up an online coupon at the local home store.  HA!  Whatever it is that you need your Halo for, I’m thrilled that we now have one that has more power to charge more than one device and it comes in fun colors & patterns.

Just a tip, I keep one charged in my glove compartment.  We also have three charged in the home at all times and I keep this one in my Pursefection so when I change bags, I always have my Halo.  

These days they are working overtime with all the power outages. I mean, we couldn’t possibly just sit and talk to each other in the dark right ;)  We’ve got to have our cell phones and tablets!

Hope this winter isn't treating you too terribly bad.  Praying for an early spring and that you only have to use your Halo for those dreaded 2pm dead cell phone days, and not because yet another storm took away your electricity.

Remember, you can always find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kerstinlindquistqvc and on Twitter www.twitter.com/kerstinlindqvc

I am so excited about my Today’s Special Value!!!  I just finished pulling the clothes that our lovely models will wear throughout the day.  It was a blast playing with all of the colors in the closet.  From neutrals, to pastels and brights, this bracelet is always right!  

The three gemstone choices are each set with a faceted quartz on top, which creates a gorgeous luminosity! The sea foam beauty of the turquoise accents all of the colors you would see under the sea!  I love it with browns as well. Of course the mother of pearl choice is always perfect, as it softly reflects any color it is paired with.  And I have to tell you, the lapis stone is pure magic!  The quality of this particular lapis glows as if it’s electric! It is fabulous with jewel tones and amazing with black! While I am thrilled with the colorful beauty of these gemstones, I have to say that the silver work in this bracelet takes my signature design elements to a whole new level!! 

As I walked through our production studio over these last few months, I personally experienced our artisans’ passion and attention to every detail on this bracelet, and there are MANY details!  Not only is the silver scroll and rope motif beautifully displayed at the top of the bracelet, but also on an additional layer on the inside.  The result is a highly sculptural and dimensional work of art that feels as incredible as it looks.  I guess it’s pretty obvious how much I love this bracelet, and I am pretty positive you will too!!!!

I look forward to our colorful day together!!!

Love,

Carolyn

HAPPY is in the air TODAY...and EVERY day at The Quacker Factory! 

All of us at The Factory already know how LOVING and SPECIAL Quackers are! Jeanne Bice was the absolute authority on all things Quacker. Jeanne taught women around the world to be bold, whimsical and sophisticated – and always happy – and always attention-getting! She knew that women who wear Quacker Factory are SPECIAL women! 

Here’s a picture of our Head Quack showing us that beautiful and loving smile of hers!

Just the other day on QVC, I wanted to know what "YOU" think makes Quackers stand out in such a SPECIAL way! So, in commemoration of our 5th annual National Quacker Day show on QVC, I asked you during my on-air chat the following question:                                                                                           

WHAT MAKES A QUACKER...A QUACKER?!

And WOW – you all came up with some Quack-tabulous answers!!!!                                                                                                              

A QUACKER IS...

I had so many wonderful responses, but these were some of my favorites:

"We're Jeanne's Army Of Sparkling Angels...Spreading Happiness Wherever We Go!"

"A Quacker Is Someone With A Sparkling Personality And A Wardrobe to Match!”

And how about this beautiful response:  

"A Quacker Is A Soul Filled With Laughter, Sprinkled with Sparkles, And A Friend To All!"

I think that Jeanne is definitely smiling down from heaven seeing all of your loving and heartfelt responses.

I personally think that what makes a Quacker a Quacker is that she is FUN, FUN, FUN – and here’s a picture to prove just how much fun our Princess of Quackers, Angel, is – what do you think?!?!?

Quacker Hugs & Love to you all from across the duck pond!!!

Patrick

xoxo

THIS YEAR... SHARE THE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, THE SMILE ON YOUR FACE, AND WEAR THE SPARKLE ON YOUR CLOTHES!

Photo shoots r tot out of my comfort zone, but with the help and support of my close friend and hair stylist, Maria McCool from Calista Tools, an awesome photographer and styling staff, my fav music, some props from home and my pseudo bro, Rick stopping by, I ended up having a blast! 

See you tom!

Shawn

x 

FOOD FEST: ROAD TO RED CARPET 2014

OFFICIAL RULES

QVC, Inc. (“Sponsor”) is sponsoring the Red Carpet Food Fest (“Sweepstakes”). NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. By entering this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to abide by all terms of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor whose decisions shall be final and binding. HOW TO ENTER: Sweepstakes to commence on February 24, 2014 at approximately 3:30:00 PM ET and end on February 24, 2014, at 6:00 PM ET. All eligible persons may enter this Sweepstakes by participating in the specific, Red Carpet Food Fest Facebook chat using the hashtag #QVC during the times provided above or sending their name, address, telephone number and question answer on a standard 4 inch by 6 inch postcard to Road to Red Carpet Sweepstakes, QVC Studio Park Mail Code 190, West Chester, PA 19380. QVC shall randomly select one (1) winner from all eligible entries. QVC or a representative of QVC shall contact Winners through Facebook or by telephone on or about the night of the show by approximately 6:30 pm ET. If contacted by the Facebook, Winners shall be prompted to respond to QVC via email with Winner’s full name and mailing address. Winners must respond within forty-eight hours of being contacted by QVC or a representative thereof. Sweepstakes limited to one entry per person. Any other attempted form of Sweepstakes entry is void. Any person who attempts to participate with multiple e-mail or street addresses, under multiple identities or uses any device or artifice to enter in excess of this entry limitation will be disqualified; use of programmed, automated or like means of entry is prohibited. All Facebook comment entries must be received by 5:45 pm ET weekly on the night of the show and all postcard entries must be postmarked by February 24, 2014 and received by February 26, 2014. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, misdirected or late entries caused by hardware or software errors or other technological malfunctions or failure of any kind or invalid/non-operational email address, disconnection or garbled email, or lost, late, mutilated, misdirected or postage-due mail. Sponsor is not responsible for the failure of the delivery carrier responsible for delivery of any entry.

Sponsor is also not responsible for any incorrect or incomplete Sweepstakes information on the Dan Wheeler QVC, Sharon Faetsch QVC, or QVC Facebook Page whether caused by web site users, the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes or other cause. In the event of a dispute, all entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the Authorized Holder of the Facebook account, who shall be considered the valid entrant. “Authorized Holder” as used herein is the natural person who is registered with Facebook.

The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

DRAWING – One (1) winner will be determined by a random drawing from all eligible entries and will occur on or about 5:45 pm ET the night of Food Fest: Road to Red Carpet show airing on Monday, February 24^th, 4:00pm – 5:59pm ET. QVC reserves the right to delay the random drawing. The number of eligible entries received will determine the odds of winning. Winning entry is subject to validation.

PRIZE – One (1) Winner will receive a varying surprise prize based on QVC kitchen product, retail value not to exceed $500.

Total Estimated Value of prize: $10 to $500. If Winner is unable or unwilling to accept the prize or fails to abide by these Official Rules, in general, he/she will be disqualified and the prize forfeited; and, in such event, an alternate Winner shall be selected from among all remaining eligible entries received. Prize cannot be substituted or

transferred by Winner. If a Prize must be forfeited, Winner will not be given the cash value of the prize. Prize Winner is solely responsible for all expenses not expressly included. All taxes are the responsibility of the Winner. PRIZE PROVIDED by QVC (“Prize Providers”). Winner and/or parent or legal guardian may be required to sign an IRS Form 1099, Form W-9, or the equivalent for all prizes valued at $600 or greater, or for any prize as to which QVC, in its sole discretion, believes it is warranted. By entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of the Sponsor. QVC or a representative of QVC shall contact Winner through Facebook or by telephone. If the Winner is contacted via Facebook, the Winner will have forty-eight hours from the time of notification to accept the prize by responding via email with their full name and mailing address. If the Winner is contacted via telephone, they will have forty-eight hours to respond from the time of notification as directed to accept the prize. Noncompliance with the time period described above will result in disqualification and an alternate winner selected. Winner may be required to present proof of identification prior to claiming prize. Acceptance of any prize shall require acceptance of the terms of these Official Rules and shall grant Sponsor the right to use Winner’s first name, last name and city and state of residence for any publicity associated with this Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any individual that Sponsor determines in its sole discretion to be tampering with the Sweepstakes (including the entry process). Sponsor may prosecute fraudulent activities to the full extent of the law. Prize Provider reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to substitute the advertised prize (or component thereof) with another prize/prize component of equal or greater value should the advertised prize/prize component be unavailable for any reason. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, Winner grants Sponsor and their affiliates and subsidiaries permission to use Winner’s name (as described above) for advertising/trade/promotional purposes and to disclose Winner’s name and city without further notice or further compensation. Winner agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor, Prize Providers, and their affiliates and subsidiaries and their directors, officers, employees, and agents from any damage, injury, loss or other liability that might arise from their participation in this Sweepstakes, or from their acceptance, use/misuse of prize, or from the malfunction of prize. ELIGIBILITY – The Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States and US Military establishments, excluding Rhode Island, 18 years or older as of date of entry. Employees and agents of QVC their parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings and spouses) and their same household members are not eligible. This offer is void where prohibited by law, and is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Sweepstakes sponsored by QVC, Inc. Prize provided by QVC, Inc. For a list of winners, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Food Fest: Road to Red Carpet Prize Winners, QVC, Inc., Mail Stop 190 West Chester, PA 19380.

I can finally let you in on a BIG secret! Yes, the rumors are true. Yes, you heard it right. And yes, you can believe what you're seeing. Drumroll, please…

Introducing bareSkin™ Brightening Serum Foundation SPF 20, bareMinerals® first-ever foundation in a liquid form. Liquid? Yes, but liquid done the bareMinerals way. bareSkin is going to blow you away. I assure you it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen or felt before.

Here’s the deal. We know women are on a constant quest to achieve perfect-looking skin (including you and me both, right?). We've been there, right alongside them in that quest. We're obsessed with giving women alternatives to traditional foundations, following our less-is-more philosophy.

Millions of women have found their perfect foundation with bareMinerals Original Foundation. We started a revolution. But, we know there are millions of you out there who are more partial to liquid foundation. So, being the problem solvers we are, we were determined to give you a solution: a beautiful liquid foundation done the bareMinerals way. Something you'll feel good about putting on, and something that'll give amazing coverage while looking and feeling like beautiful bare skin. And that, my friends, is exactly what bareSkin Foundation does. It follows our bareMinerals philosophy to a tee (it was nonnegotiable, really). Flawless coverage. Famous no-makeup look and feel.

Let me share some major bareSkin scoop:

The formula is so innovative and unique. In fact, it doesn’t look, feel, or behave like a normal liquid foundation at all. I describe the texture as "liquid silk." It’s an ultra-thin, skin-perfecting fluid that’s a tone-correcting foundation and skin-care serum all in one. Genius. The goal was for it to feel like a skin-care serum. It’s virtually weightless on the skin.

bareSkin delivers a radiant, more youthful-looking appearance while providing seamless, adjustable coverage with a natural finish. Trust me, the coverage is insane, and a little goes a long way. I couldn’t believe it the first time I put it on my skin. I was a skeptic-turned-believer in a matter of moments. You won’t believe the lightweight feel, easy blendability, and flawless coverage. But guess what? It looks like YOU. Beautiful bare skin.

The skin-loving formula is hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores!), and dermatologist tested. No oil. No silicone. No parabens. No fragrance.

The skin-care benefits are also amazing. The mineral foundation target skin imperfections with key ingredients like vitamin C, and mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 20.

Now, I have to tell you about the brand-new, genius brush. Welcome the Perfecting Face Brush (trust me, it's going to revolutionize foundation application). It’s designed specifically for bareSkin Foundation and has a one-of-a-kind reservoir that holds the fluid formula while the longer bristles smooth out the application. Drop by drop, you'll achieve adjustable flawless coverage. The brush has been all the rage.

Perfecting Face Brush

Application is key. The bareSkin motto? Shake. Drop. Buff. (You can turn it into a dance if you want to…we all have back at the office). Shaking is SUPER important, then 1–2 drops at a time to build coverage. I swear, 1–2 is all you need, then add drop by drop for additional coverage. Check out my application video for additional tips!

So, there you have it: bareSkin Foundation. Like I said, it’s going to blow your mind. I'll continue to blog about it over the next few weeks, hopefully answering all of your questions and providing you with more tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes scoop as we introduce this ground-breaking foundation to the world.

Here’s to beautiful skin…

—Jessica Foust

Questions? You can always find me on Facebook and Instagram.

Spring Color

We horticulturists and floral designers are some of the craziest, creative people on our green planet.  During the winter months when I miss getting my hands into the soil, I trade in my clippers for paint brushes and create colorful plant markers and containers.

While we are still planning our 2014 flower and vegetable gardens, let’s continue our organization with lists, you know how I love lists, of the plants, fruits and vegetables we can’t wait to tend to and harvest.  Armed with our “catalogue” we are ready to paint stick plant markers.  These markers will not only let us mentally organize our garden spaces, but also be decorative additions to them. 

Begin with a simple trip to your cabinet or local hardware for paint sticks (or stirrers that you get free with paint purchases), paint, paint pens and polyurethane (if you like the shiny effect).  Paint the sticks one coat at a time after each drying period.  Finish with a glossy look - or leave as is for a future “worn” effect.  Use the paint pens to not only label, but have fun adding descriptions and notes (Lemon Basil direct sunlight – grilled fish & gin and tonics)

And don’t forget your clay and fiber stone pots can be painted too (I recommend spray paint for pots).  Pots will take on a wonderful look for your patio, kitchen or even hang a few on your fence.  Of course you can fill your colorful containers with plants, but also consider using them as decorative “bins” for just about anything – grilling utensils, sun block, lotions. The process is fun and easy:

 -Lay newspaper or wax paper down on an even surface

-Place the pot upside down on the paper

-Spray the pot approx. 12’’ away in swift spraying motion

-Let dry, turn over and repeat painting the inside of the container

 Create the look you desire with many coats, one coat, glossy look or “antique” finish.  Consider making a few extra to give to a fellow “plant person” as a thoughtful gift.

Last but not least, my favorite project came to me from my grandpa who used to “borrow” items from grandma’s kitchen and create beautiful “solutions.”  One frustration that needed a “solution” was how best to use the umbrella table on grandpa’s patio.  Placing pots on the table just didn’t work, so into the kitchen my grandpa went coming out with grandma’s Bundt pan.  And Voila!  After painting the pan, drilling some drainage holes in the bottom it became the perfect centerpiece of the umbrella table.  It looked great each summer whether filled with strawberry plants, herbs, or flowers. Like I said, crazy creative!! 

- Barbara

Hello, foodies…

It’s been a busy day! I ran a dozen errands this morning, got my haircut, and then zipped into the office for a meeting with my In the Kitchen with David team. The Philadelphia Flower Show is just around the corner and I’m honored to be featured guest again this year. The theme of this year’s show is “ARTiculture,” so I’ll be talking about the power of presentation and the importance of plating. Yes, those little sprigs of herbs really can transform your plate!

If you’re in the Philadelphia area March 1–9, come on down to the flower show. You needn’t be a gardener to enjoy it. The floral displays are breathtaking and the exhibits are fun. My demonstration is on March 6 and tickets are available online. My friend Jill Bauer is also doing a demonstration this year—how to get your kids excited about gardening. Look for her on March 1.

Now, back to CHOCOLATE! I didn’t know if it was possible to top the recipes we made earlier this month...Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Cups or the Nutella-Filled Cupcakes. but we’ve got a Cookies and Cream Pie for you this Sunday, foodies. Say it with me…hello, OREOS!

Cookies and Cream Pie

Ingredients:

Pie Filling:

• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz whipped topping
• 12 Oreos, crushed

Crust & Topping:

• 1 store-bought, ready-to-use Oreo pie crust
• 8 oz whipped topping
• 8 Oreos

Directions:

1. Whisk together 3/4 cup of the sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder in a small bowl, until evenly mixed. Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated into the dry ingredients. Set aside.
2. Bring the milk and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to a simmer in a medium-size pot. Slowly pour the sweetened milk into the bowl with the cocoa mixture, whisking constantly until combined. Add the mixture back to the pot and cook on medium-low heat until thickened, stirring constantly with a wire whisk so that it doesn’t clump up or stick to the pan. Stir in the vanilla and then pour the mixture into a medium-size bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure to press the plastic directly onto the cream so that it doesn’t form a skin. Refrigerate until completely cool.
3. When the pudding mixture has cooled, fold in 4 ounces of the whipped topping and the crushed Oreos until evenly incorporated. Pour into the pie crust and spread to distribute evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Pipe or spread the other 8 ounces of whipped topping around the pie in your desired pattern, and decorate with the other Oreos. Refrigerate overnight.

This recipe is prepared using the Cook’s Essentials® 10-Piece Porcelain Enamel Cookware Set (K40431).

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

Your blog question today is an easy one: how do you eat your Oreos? As is? Dunk and eat? Twist, lick, dunk? I’ve always been a dunker. And, I also sneak them into as many pie recipes as possible.

We’ve got four fun hours together on Sunday plus a special-guest visit from Mario Lopez!

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite ITKWD moment from 2013. You can also vote for your favorite #foodiefoto!

This has been a harsh winter for us here in the West Chester, PA area.  Many school days have been cancelled, started late, and ended early due to interruptions from Mother Nature. After being in the house for several days, the activity ideas were running low.  Also running low - the children’s’ patience and usually good natured attitudes!  Squabbles were all too common and this Mom was nearing the end of her rope.  

As I was clearing the breakfast dishes and rustling around in the pantry I came across a family project that we had started but had forgotten about: our Gratitude Jar.  

The idea was that starting on January 1^st, anytime someone does something kind, something that makes you happy, or something that you find yourself thankful for, you write it down and place it in a jar or container.  On December 31st, you spend New Year’s Eve opening the jar and reminding yourself of all the special moments you experienced and delivered throughout the year.  

The timing was perfect.  I couldn't think of a better way to refocus these squabbling siblings and adjust their attitudes.  It was time to re-visit our Gratitude project!

To give it a fresh new feel, we created a new container for our "Blessings" as the children decided to call it.  I found a large glass jar with a lid in the basement storage area, a tag from the Christmas gifts, a chalkboard sticker from my scrapbooking supplies, and we were all set!  I found a white paint pen to write on the chalkboard stickers, placed one on each side of the jar, and attached a tag to the lid of the jar.  We placed it on the center of the island in the kitchen with markers and paper close by.  (This seemed like the best place as it is our family hub.)  With this, our new "Blessings" jar was born.

 Everyone embraced this idea immediately! It was so nice to see the kids all have fun with this and really spend some time thinking about what they would write.  One of my favorite parts was watching the ten year olds help the 6 year olds with their ideas.  They helped them write their thankful notes and draw pictures to illustrate them since reading and writing is so new to them.  Makes my heart so happy

Just starting this small activity over the snowstorms helped to change the feel of our household.  Everyone started playing together again, scowls were replaced with smiles and laughter could be heard through the house again.  

Later that day, we all had fun melting chocolate, crushing candy, and creating our own candy pretzel rods.  Hot apple cider was the drink of choice on this day, and the candy pretzels and cider were the perfect combination.  My family was back in action and all was well. 

Both writing and reading our "blessings' has helped us develop our appreciation and all we have to be grateful for. We've found our kiddos like to go through spurts - some days they fill the jar with many different things they are thankful for and other days are quiet.  Sometimes we will all be sitting together and one of the kids will wander into the kitchen and we hear the glass clink as they set the top back on the "Blessings" jar.  Keith and I can’t help but smile and know they've added something to our collection. But what we love most is reading them after the kids are in bed.  It really is such a sweet experience to pick out random notes from our jar.  Some of them are silly, some are cherished memories and some are more serious.  But no matter what is written, I am looking forward to reading them as a family on New Year’s Eve. It is such a gift to relive these little moments.

If you are thinking about starting your own "Gratitude Jar" for your family I found these beautiful pieces on QVC.com by Valerie. They would be perfect and be a gorgeous way to hold your own precious notes.  

Hope you enjoy this as much as we do. XO

I remember the good ol' days when matte lipstick was HUGE!  I always wore a dark red matte lipstick - and my hair was the same color!

Well - what's old is now new again - but with better technology!

My dear friend Laura Geller has created a set of 3 beautiful colors!  A240545 Laura Geller Color Impact Long Wear Matte Lipstick Trio!

You can wear them all day without feathering or transferring!  Love that!  Know that a formula like this isn't creamy like her traditional lipsticks - this is meant to stay in place and not budge!  So this does take time to apply correctly - but when done you get wonderful results!  You can apply a gloss after you apply or a moisturizer before - but it will cut down on wear time slightly.

First is the much needed pick me up color of Pink Peony!  A deep vibrant pink shade:

 Then we go into old Hollywood glamour with Red Tulip!  A classic red:

 And finally - when you want warmth and depth - you put on Plum Dahlia!  A deep berry purple:

So excited because we have A LOT of new lip color choices headed to QVC to get us ready for Spring!  So you'll be seeing A LOT more of "Pucker Up With Jacque"!

-Jacque

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

And Twitter: www.twitter.com/jacquegonzales

Looks like spring is arriving in Ireland, and I can't believe there is just one month to go until St. Patrick’s Day!

Last evening I hosted a dinner party for my sisters, and it was lovely to get together with them as we don't get to meet all together that often. We had roast duck with potatoes, served with red cabbage and ginger. For this dish, I used the Belleek “Everyday” Baker (H197751), which was just perfect for both baking and serving! A lovely evening was had by all, and when you get us Walsh's together you can hardly get a word in edgeways!

Putting the red cabbage and ginger into the oven to bake.

With my older sister, Aine, and younger sisters, Bernadette and Joan.

See you on March 17^th! You can check out our St. Patrick’s Day Preview now on QVC.com.

The 21st Annual Church Chili Cook Off was a blast!  And although I was not the winner, boohoo!!   My family said my recipe was tasty and they loved it! And families know best!  LOL!  We have some really talented chili cooks at my Church, so next year i am going to need a secret ingredient!  

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions, as I did use a few.

Here's the recipe:

1 medium onion chopped

1 lb ground beef

1 can creamed corn

1 can black beans

1 can red kidney beans

1 can chopped tomato & green chili peppers

1 can tomato soup

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp vegeta

Directions:

• Brown ground beef.  Add onions and saute until meat is cooked.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Put all ingredients and cooked ground beef into slow cooker.  Cook on medium for 4-5 hrs.

We enjoyed our chili over rice topped with cheese and sour cream.  This is a mild chili, add more chilies and chili powder if you want it HOT!!

Selfie!! Janet, Jay & our choir director, Joel setting up Friday evening.

This year's theme was the 1971 FBI office break in which happened in Media, Pa. my hometown and where my Church is located. Myself, Jay and our Priest Father Adam, all dressed as FBI agents.  

We decorated our fellowship hall in fun patriotic colors.

One of our choir members, Cathy, made "WANTED" posters of some of the parishioners.  We used them to decorate the walls.

After everyone had eaten their weight in chili, cornbread, salads and sides we all gathered for a sing along and talent show. This year my sister Cathy, my nieces Avery & Kennady, and Lauren performed our version of the "Cup" song. Then Kennady sang a Adele song to the delight of everyone there.  (So proud).

The Chili Cook Off is one of our Church's most beloved fellowship event.  Fun, Food and Fellowship. Doesn't get much better than that!

Bacon Quiche

12 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1/3 cup chopped onions

2 cups milk

1 cup Bisquick

4 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch pie plate. Sprinkle bacon, cheese on onions into pie plate.

Beat eggs, milk, bisquick and salt and pepper until smooth. Pour into pie plate right over top of the bacon, cheese and onions. 

Bake for 35 minutes or until top is golden brown and knife inserted halfway in the center comes out clean. Let stand ten minutes before cutting.

Counting our blessings,

Mary Beth Roe

Since our pets ALWAYS treat US like celebrities, we thought it would be fun to reciprocate this week and have you post photos of your fur kids all dressed up for the Red Carpet (or a walk around the neighborhood.) There were so many wonderful submissions this week and unfortunately we could only pick a few.  Thank you to everyone who shared their fur babies with us! 

Look for this adorable showcase feature for Sunday's with Carolynand Danand to look for it every Monday by clicking on our Facebook pages. Tune-in on Sundays with Carolyn & Dan.  XO

Hannah is the fur baby of Donna Shelly and is showing off her beautiful Christmas dress. On the skirt one of the sayings is "the Princess of Quite a Lot". The Mary E. print dress was handmade and purchased at an art fair on a hunch it would fit her perfect, which it did !!!!

Here is Ruby who is helping support the Girl Scouts with her cookie time theme uniform! She is the fur baby of Jan Nehring.

Miss Meow Meow is the fur baby of Pamela Pearlman and is a Christmas stray rescue.

Violet Jewell is sporting a lovely hat and is the much loved fur baby of Diane Jewell.

Chewbacca (chewy) is ready for a night on the town.  He is Douglas J. Scherbak’s fur baby.

Max is Betty Jo Tunget Gogel’s 3yr old white miniature schnauzer and is the funniest fur baby ever.

Bruiser in his Christmas bow tie is the fur baby of Debby McMullen.

Sweet Emma loves to dress up in her St Patty's dress.  She is the fur baby of Beth Ann McClure…and they both love QVC!

Macy is the fur baby of Tiffany Echols and is all ready for her limo and the Red Carpet! 

Corinne is the fur baby of Nanette Zundel Baker and is in her Sunday best. 

The Mystic Krewe Of Barkus Parade In New Orleans. Happy Mardi Gras! Fur babies of Della Ann Munch-Delaune.

Roxanne in her Sunday best and is the fur baby of Marilyn Laramee.

     I can’t believe it’s here, PM Stylers! Our Road to Red Carpet kicks off tonight during PM Style and we are thrilled to be headed back to the Town of Beverly… Hills that is (I hope you get that reference ).  Last year was incredible… our party was star studded and the places we took you… oh my.  To me Beverly Hills is about indulging in some luxury and for one week let us bring you that life style in fashion, mind, and body.

     I hope that you will follow me on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, because I will be taking you all over Tinsel Town.  You’ll even be meeting two of my bridesmaids .  This year I’ll be checking in from Big Sexy Hair’s Institute of Courage, Inspired Style, and hosting our first ever pre-show online and on our QVC app starting at 8PM EST.   I’ll be in the party and working the Red Carpet during our broadcast so don’t forget to check in to see who were talking to at the most talked about party Friday Night.  

     Here are some photos from last year’s Red Carpet Event Week:  Cheers to the best one yet!   Side Note: The incredible cuff I am modeling was actually a styling accessory to one of the amazing gowns Mark Zunino was designing for someone walking in the BIG Award Show.  That blue stone was and still is the biggest gem I have ever seen!

Beauty Obsession: Kate Somerville Polish and Renew Clinic-To-Go and RetAsphere Duo, A254549

     Kate Somerville is an esthetician and has an incredible Med Spa that services some of the most prominent women and A-listers in all of Hollywood.  I have been lucky enough to visit there twice during my times in LA, and every time, it never fails to see someone famous in the waiting room.  These women, who could see anyone, go to Kate and her staff to get them ready for some of their most important events so that they can showcase their flawless, radiant skin.  What does she do that is so different from everyone else?  Is it something in the water?

     If you can’t make it to the Clinic, this is the set you bring home to renew your skin, Kate Somerville Style.  With Clinic To-Go think about out with the old and in with new.  These are actually the peels they would use on you if you were sitting in their spa in Hollywood.  This is a nighttime treatment peel that quite honestly I would hoard if it were possible.  It is so gentle.  If you are someone who has a hard time with exfoliation… this is one of the most gentle peels I have found.  On clean skin you will buff the pad onto your skin for about a minute.  Leave the peel on your skin for two minutes and then rinse.  Now touch your skin.  Notice the silk like texture? That’s thanks to the lactic acid in the formulation and it’s a pretty big WOW right out of the box.  I also noticed the look of instant hydration (strangely enough given that it’s a peel) and radiance… yay for loads of Vitamin C .  This is the one result that will have your friends thinking you went on a Spa Retreat to LA and there must have been something in the water.  Finally- your skin is alive!!

     To sweeten the deal Kate made this a duo with a powerhouse crème that’s designed to deliver extraordinary ingredients into the skin to help combat fine lines and wrinkles.  I’m not going to say much other than take a look  at this clinical before and after.  Are you convinced on why you need to get this home?! Look at that After!  Use it once a day at night and enjoy massaging this one into those fine lines and wrinkles!

PM STYLE:

     All you need to know… the GILI Leather dress… FINALLY AVAILABLE.  Shop before anyone else .  http://qvc.co/GiliLeatherDress

XO, CC

to come