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Mary Beth's Menu - Baked Asparagus

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Don't forget your vegetables. And with this quick and easy recipe, you can set it and forget it, while you make the rest of your meal. Roasting or baking vegetables is so easy, plus they are colorful and quite tasty.

Baked Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus
  • 2 Tablespoons minced parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Place asparagus in 9" x 13" baking dish. Pour melted butter and olive oil over asparagus, sprinkle with parsley. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. For more flavor, experiment with adding Kosher salt, pepper, garlic, etc. or whatever seasonings you and your family like.




How to Take Great Pictures With Your DSLR Camera

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Today I am going to share some shooting tips that I would recommend to any person who recently purchased a DSLR camera and wants to take great pictures!

TAKE HUNDREDS OF PICTURES!

My #1 tip to help you take great pictures with your new DSLR camera is to TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES! {#emotions_dlg.biggrin} 

By playing around with your camera you will get familiar with the different features and determine what functions are important to you. With regular practice you will begin to develop a shooting style.

Recently I test drove the NEW Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR camera and took my own advice and photographed a variety of scenarios to get me used to how this new Canon camera works.

Below are just a few of the photos I took to understand this new Canon camera's capabilities.

Above: Testing how the Canon EOS Rebel T5 metering handles high contrast photos.

Above: Playing with shadows.

Above: Testing how well the Canon lens handles a close-up.

Above: Testing how well the Canon lens holds focus.

Above: Covering my son's soccer game with the 300mm lens (I only took this one shot before the game started, I was too busy being a CRAZY Soccer Dad on the sideline during the game).

Above: Testing many flavors of Rita's Water Ice after the soccer game. {#emotions_dlg.thumbup}

Above: Testing the ability to shoot in aperture priority and then setting the aperture to the smallest number possible to get the sharp focus up front and blurred focus behind my subject.

Above: Testing the timer and ability to freeze the action.

Above: Another timed photo on Easter Sunday. This is my strange but awesome family.

Above: Testing HIGH ISO settings for available light. This photo was taken at 3200 ISO.

Above: Another photo taken at 3200 ISO. Testing the image quality at HIGH ISO settings.


How I Like to Photograph Unique Portraits

After taking thousands of pictures over the past 20 years,  I learned that I enjoy photographing people. My goal with my portraits of people is to capture a real moment. This usually means a photograph that is without smiles for the camera (unless they subject wants to smile). I seek to compose a picture that is visually pleasing to me taking into account the expression/emotion of my subject.

Don't get me wrong, when I take pictures of my kids I still "request", with my sweetest voice, to "PLEASE SMILE FOR ONE PHOTO!" But I always know I am going to get a little more than I asked for. The younger the child you are photographing the more unlikely they are to cooperate with direction. So why fight it? If you don't force an expression out of your subject, you might capture a real moment.

Above: I asked them to smile but my MINI-ME in the middle always chooses to be silly.

Above: And again I asked for a smile...and this is what I get from him...<sigh> {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

This summer I challenge you to take pictures of people and tell them not to smile. You will find telling someone not to smile will actually generate a series of funny expressions that you will want to be on the ready to photograph. You may get a really intense looking stare, which will make you laugh, and then your subject will laugh too. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

My portrait challenge...let your photo subjects be themselves. You might capture a really amazing photo that you will treasure for many years to follow.

 

"The Rule of The Thirds"

Professional photographers generally follow one important rule for good composition: "The Rule of The Thirds"

Imagine as you look through your camera lens, your photo is divided into thirds by horizontal and vertical lines, place your subjects along those lines. Basically, you are trying to avoid taking the photo where you put the subject in the center of the shot.

In addition to not always centering your subject, you should always craft your image as a whole. While viewing the entire frame, make sure it's filled with something important. If it's not , then you might need to get a little closer to the scenery you are trying to capture, are change the angle to change the background.

Here are some examples of not putting the subject in the middle of the frame, and using the background in a creative way to enhance the picture.

Above: An example of not placing your subject in the center but still using the background to complete the image. 

Above: Same concept of placing your subject off center. #sisters

Above: Another example of being aware of all parts of the photo. The background is always important! #MaggieTheDog


Pinterest is a Great Motivator and Learning Tool for Photography

Whenever I am looking for some inspiration for my photography, I like to browse Pinterest to get ideas. You can search a style of photography that you like, and then try to replicate the image using your own camera. I should mention that the photos you see on Pinterest are all given a very high level of photo editing from a photo editing software program like Adobe Photoshop. So the photo you take may not completely match unless you also possess a talent in photo editing. Regardless of your skill lever, I strongly recommend using Pinterest to inspire your photography.

 

Don't be Afraid of Your Camera

It's really easy to get intimidated by a DSLR camera because there are a lot of buttons and menus to choose from. I've been taking pictures for over 20 years and I am certain I have not used every feature available on my cameras. The fact is you don't have to learn of the various functions in order to take great pictures. The best way to tackle all of the various features is to take one function at a time. Over the next few weeks I am going to write about some basic techniques that I use when taking pictures to help teach you some features about your DSLR camera. But don't wait for me, pick up that camera, and the manual, and start taking lots of photos to help you learn.

Thanks for reading my blog, I hope you found the information useful.

- Camera Guy

 

P.S.

I'm really curious about the level of photographers that read my blog, so I hope you will take my poll below.

 

Liam wants your Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Photos and Stories!

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Liam wants your Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Photos and Stories!

Nashville bound, Paris bound, movies & books I'm loving, Q stuff I'm loving...and a gift from London!

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April 25, 2014

About to take off. On board flight. Headed to Nashville. Nephew is getting baptized this weekend. He's 3. He's a disaster. The cutest, most amazing, loving, precious, disaster. He will not leave the house without his full fireman costume on. He's obsessed with firefighters and he watches some British fireman kids show. (Have I mentioned that he used to be terrified of me?) Mom and dad are already in Nashville. My brother found out he's moving to Paris in two months and the push is on to relocate the family so like all good parents, mom n dad, regardless of age, with walkers and wheelchairs in tow, pilgrimaged down south from Michigan to lend support and help.

Ok plane bumpy and that puts me in freak out mode. Focus Shawn. Breathe. Ok. So niece Sloane is 8. She is like my daughter. I was there the day she was born and I helped to nanny her the whole first year when I was between TV jobs. I remember rocking her to sleep to the same Euro chill music cd every night. It's only thing that calmed her. Now, at 8, she loves gymnastics. She has multi-colored braces, lives for American Girl dolls, is so sensitive and so creative, and she just wrote a book report on Betsy Ross. She is going to snap those Parisians into real shape! The best part is how she looks out for her little brother. They are buddies.

I love Nashville. (Um also love the ABC show Nashville, totes guilty pleasure) Nash is so clean, so friendly, so 'America strong' w all the country music. Love it. (Ps have never seen more Amazing strip malls in life.) AND there's this awesome charming town, Franklin (doesn't oprah's dad live there?). Could so live in Franklin. If you go, check out the store, Iron Gate. Omg. I'm telling you it is like crazy amazing "I want to live in this store" store.

Couple random recent recommendations: the book, Jesus Calling; the movie '12 years a slave' (ps: it's hard to watch); and the greeting card company that made a touching and hilarious video on YouTube dedicated to Moms #worldstoughestjob

So Joe and I are house hunting. He wants new, I want old. Also, I can no longer sleep in a queen bed with a human giant. My husband is 6'4". Time for king size. Friend Chuck from Nbc's "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart", is Philly decorator. I may need an intervention. That or could just move into Restoration Hardware, my other favorite store. You have a fav store?

Let's talk my latest QVC acquisitions. I hate Lisa Robertson bc she is making me go broke. Ordered 3 pair of her Gili shoes, to be followed by two more pairs. I can't stop. Plus there is some dress she just had on with a wonky hemline. Had to have. Ordered 2. Other recent purchases include: have I told you how ADDICTED TO MY NEW CUISINART SINGLE SERVE BREWER, I AM?!?!?!!! it's awesome. The end all bomb diggidity for personal brewers. Period, done. Also, just wore onair a 'red carpet show' purchase, sequin skirt by joe zee. And I am currently flying with a qvc acrylic tumbler. The flight attendant happily loaded it with water just now. :) thank you amazing USAir goddess. (Btw, have you ever noticed sipping things through straws makes it go down quicker? Deep thought, I know)

Recently on Shawn Says Accessorize we asked, who would you like to trade places with for a day? Your answers were awesome. The Pope. Dalai Lama. JLo. Michelle Obama. Oprah. Donald Trump. Elizabeth Taylor. Me? I'd pick Princess Kate (or Princess Diana) I have a Royal fixation. Seriously think I may have been British in previous life.

Jacqui Stafford from the Isaac Mizrahi Live team just got back from London (my fav' city ever) and brought me a treat. Maynard's wine gums. It's the Brits approach to gummy bears, but they are so much better than gummy bears. Brother used to live in London and it became my second home. Wine gums, carlsberg beer, Safeway crumpets, Cadbury flake chocolate, maltesers, and chips with salt and vinegar. They are all the best. Ahh the memories! 

Joe and I don't have any grand plans for summer. Other than moving, chilling, and hopefully hosting a visitor or two. And biking! We had best time on our new bikes on Easter. Ten miles. I wasn't sore. Which was weird given how lazy and outta shape I am. You going anywhere this sum'?

I will leave you with a picture that warms my heart. A selfie taken by 8 yr old sloane of her playing dress up in her Jammie's and my high heels. If only life could still be this simple.

X

 

Commitment-Phobic Faux Bob

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Those girls that can just march into their hair salon and chop off ten inches or more…? Wild! Brave! But that was never me. I’m a stickler with my long hair, and though I’ll go for layered looks, my style has pretty much remained the same, since, well…forever!

 

That’s why I’m thrilled that I discovered this too-cool way to create a faux bob, so I can have short hair for a night, with only the help of a few bobby pins. Follow our step-by-step how-to below for a fun, fresh take on the bob…perfect as the weather gets warm and you want long hair off your neck.

 

1. Start with straight, long hair. This style works better if your hair is a little layered and not too thick, read: heavy.

step 1

 

2. Beachwave or curl your whole head for added texture and volume.

 step 2

3. Separate your hair half up and half down. Put bottom portion into a low, loose ponytail.

step 3

 

4. Roll ponytail under and up until you reach the nape of your neck. Secure there with bobby pins, as many as you need to do the trick!

 step 4

5. Let down the top half of your hair and fasten individual chunks into the bob with bobby pins to add curl and volume to the style.

step 5

 

6. You’ve been bobbed! Go out and enjoy your new short-haired look, no commitment necessary!

step 6

 

No-Bake Cookies! As Delicious As They Are Easy

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Warmer weather calls for a different kind of baking. Because who wants to turn the oven on when it’s getting hot in here?

 

One of our team members, who is an extraordinary baker, brings us treats on the regular and introduced us to no-bake cookies long ago. Now it’s an office favorite. Low on effort, low on heat, big on taste and oh-so-gooey. I especially love a no-bake cookie recipe when summer is around the corner. Everyone loves them and no one will ever guess there was no baking required.

 

Follow my recipe to create yours today!

 ingredients

Gather these ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 stick oleo, margarine or butter (I used butter)

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

 

Then proceed to no-baking glory:

 

Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil just for one minute.

Then add the peanut butter and vanilla. Mix until melted. Add the oats and mix it all up again.

Drop medium spoonfuls of the delicious mixture onto wax paper. Cool for a few hours or until firm.

 

Eat and enjoy!

 

Anyone else have an easy no-bake recipe? Let’s swap more ideas in the comments!

 

Dell Stories Sweepstakes Official Rules

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SPONSOR: This Sweepstakes is sponsored by QVC, 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380 (“Sponsor”).

 

ELIGIBILITY: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, excluding Rhode Island, who are 18 years or older at the time of Submission and have submitted a valid Submission prior to the end of the Sweepstakes. Any person who submits any information to Sponsor or any other party in connection with the Sweepstakes is a “Participant”.  Any references to “you” or forms of “you” shall mean the Participant.

 

Employees, officers and directors of QVC or its affiliates, and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each, their agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of the Sweepstakes are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a Prize.

 

Without limiting any other provision of these Sweepstakes Rules, any winner may be required to sign and return a Release as a condition to receipt of a prize under this Sweepstakes.

 

SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD: The Sweepstakes begins on May 1, 2014 and ends at 3:00 am (ET) on May 30, 2014 (the "Sweepstakes Period"). 

 

HOW TO ENTER: There are two (2) ways to enter the Sweepstakes, online via www.qvc.com or by mail.

 

To enter online, you must have access to the QVC Community.  To gain access to the QVC Community, you must open a QVC account.  No purchase is necessary to open an account.  Creating a QVC account requires providing a title (i.e., Mr., Mrs.), first name, last name, email address, physical address, and phone number.  You then submit your “Story” within the comments section of the Blog on www.qvc.com.  Follow the submissions guidelines listed in these Sweepstakes Rules and submit your Submission ("Submission").  A Submission includes any story, text or any other information or data in any form that a Participant submits in any manner, directly or indirectly, to Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes.  Sweepstakes is limited to one (1) Submission per Participant.  Duplicate Submissions will be removed.  In the event Participants exceed the stated limit, only the earliest Submission will be reviewed. No e-mail or fax Submissions will be accepted.

 

To enter the Sweepstakes by mail, send your name, address, and daytime telephone number and Submission Story on a standard 4 inch by 6 inch postcard addressed to Dell Stories Sweepstakes, 1200 Wilson Drive MC – 201, West Chester, PA 19380. (“Mail Entry”).

 

Online Entries must be submitted by 3:00 am ET on May 30, 2014. All Mail Entries must be postmarked by May 30, 2014 and received by June 2, 2014.

           

Limit of one (1) entry per person during the entry period either by mail or online. Any person who attempts to participate with entries in excess of these entry limitations will be disqualified.Any other attempted form of Sweepstakes entry is void. Any person who attempts to participate 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 duplicate entries will be discarded. All Mail Entries are the non-returnable property of Sponsors.

 

Sponsors are 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 device, or lost, late, mutilated, misdirected or postage-due mail. Sponsors are not responsible for the failure of the delivery carrier responsible for delivery of any entry.

 

 

DRAWING:  Each eligible submission will be entered once in a random prize drawing to be held on or about June 2, 2014. QVC, Inc. retains the right to delay the prize drawing. Winner will be chosen at random from the pool of eligible entries received. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received. Winning entry is subject to validation.

 

PRIZE: Twenty (20) Winners will be randomly selected to each receive:

 

  • One (1) Dell Venue 7 Tablet with 7-inch HD Screen

 

Approximate Retail Value:  $149.99 

Total Approximate Retail Value of all twenty (20) prizes combined: $2,999.80

 

Prizing is limited to one prize per person per household. Prize is limited to what is listed in these official rules. Prize winner (“Winner”) is not entitled to any surplus between actual value of prize and stated retail value. In the event Sponsor is unable to award prize as stated, Winner will receive a substitute prize of equal or greater value, at Sponsor’s discretion. Any costs or fees not specifically listed herein are the responsibility of the Winner.

 

If a potential Winner is unable or unwilling to accept the prize for any reason, he/she will be disqualified and the entire prize forfeited; and, in such event, an alternate Winner shall be selected from among all remaining eligible Submissions received.  Prizes cannot be substituted or transferred by Winner. If a Prize must be forfeited, Winner will not be given the cash value of the prize or any component of the prize.  Winner is solely responsible for all expenses not expressly included. All taxes are the responsibility of the Winner. Winner 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 Sponsor, in its sole discretion, believes it is warranted.  PRIZES PROVIDED BY QVC.

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:  Within the comments section of the blog or on a postcard, tell us:

May 1, 2014-May 11, 2014: What is your favorite thing to do on your tablet?

May 12, 2014-May 18, 2014: What is your favorite summer memory?

May 19, 2014-May 25, 2014: If you could go anywhere this summer, where would you go?

May 26, 2014-May 30, 2014: What is your favorite summer food or drink?

Five (5) Winners per week will be selected randomly from all eligible Submissions.

 

ONCE TRANSMITTED ALL SUBMISSIONS BECOME PART OF THE SWEEPSTAKES AND MAY NOT BE REMOVED BY THE Participant, EVEN IF Participant CEASES OR WITHDRAWS FROM SWEEPSTAKES CONSIDERATION. Any Submission may be posted on Sponsor’s website and/or any other website specified by Sponsor and may be available to be viewed by anyone with access to the Internet.  All Submissions may remain on any website specified by Sponsor in perpetuity or for as long as Sponsor deems appropriate to archive.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. By entering the Sweepstakes and making any Submission, a Participant hereby represents and warrants to Sponsor and its affiliated entities that (a) the Participant has obtained all permissions necessary to post publicly the Submission and any portion thereof; (b) the Submission is an original work of authorship, created by Participant, has not been previously published or won any award, and there are no conflicting rights in the Submission, including but not limited to copyright, rights of publicity or privacy, or other intellectual property rights; (c) the Submission will not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party, including by way of example and not by limitation, any copyright, trademark or patent rights or rights of publicity or privacy belonging to any third party; (d) the Participant is a legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia, excluding Rhode Island, and is at the time of Submission, at least 18 years of age; (e) the Participant has the right to agree to, and fully perform the Participant’s obligations under these Sweepstakes Rules; and (f) the Participant has the consent of any third parties as required to grant the rights and licenses granted by Participant hereunder, including without limitation all licenses, rights, assignments of rights, waivers of non-transferable rights, consents and permissions to any portion of the Submission or performance contained in such Submission, and to all underlying elements or other works incorporated into the Submission (including without limitation any dialog/monologue, music, lyrics, voices, statements, photos and likeness releases for any person who appears in or is identifiable in the Submission).

 

Participant hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sponsor, and its respective parents, successors, assigns and licensees, harmless from and against any losses or expenses incurred by Sponsor relating to any right or license granted, or any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made, by Participant under these Sweepstakes Rules.

 

PUBLICITY RELEASE. Subject to applicable law, Participant irrevocably grants Sponsor the right to use the Submission and the Participant’s name, voice, likeness and/or biographical material, and has obtained identical rights of any third parties depicted in the Submission for advertising, promotional and/or publicity purposes in connection with the Sweepstakes, in all forms of media (now and hereafter known), worldwide in perpetuity, without any obligation or consideration of Sponsor, or its affiliated entities.

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Participant must have express written consent of any individual featured in the Submission. Please do not submit duplicate Submissions. Any Submissions that violate the Sweepstakes Rules will be removed. Any Submission using the likeness of others or uses or displays copyrighted material without permission will be removed.

 

Submissions may not portray the Sponsor in a negative light.  Submissions may not contain offensive, defamatory, inappropriate, or obscene material, in the sole discretion of Sponsor. In the event the Submission contains photographic images or likenesses of individuals, those individuals must have provided the Participant with adequate written permission to use the image, and must not be under contract or have any guild or association affiliations that would limit the right of Sponsors to use the Submission for any purpose for which a license or right is granted to Sponsors under these Sweepstakes Rules.

 

Sponsor is not responsible for legal protection or clearance of Submissions in any form. Sponsor reserves the right to request evidence of permission or original work and further reserves the right to disqualify any Submission it deems infringing or inappropriate in any form, according to these Sweepstakes Rules.  Except where expressly prohibited by law, once transmitted all submissions become part of the Sweepstakes and may not be removed by the Participant, even if Participant ceases membership or withdraws from Sweepstakes consideration.

 

Sponsor grants a limited license to use its proprietary text, logos, and trademarks provided and necessary to create a Submission.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, no rights in the Sponsor Content are granted to Contestant for any other purpose.  “Sponsor Content” means Sponsor’s name, proprietary text, logos, trademarks, trade names, service names and any other intellectual property of Sponsor.

 

 

WINNER NOTIFICATION: The potential Winners will be notified on the Thursday of each week in May. The potential Winner will be required to respond (as directed) to the phone and/or e-mail notification within the time period specified in the notification (“Notification”). The failure to respond timely to the notification may result in forfeiture of the prizes; and, in such case, Sponsor may choose an alternate Winner from the remaining eligible submissions. The potential Winner also will be sent an affidavit of eligibility / liability / publicity release ("Release"); and together with the Notification and any other release or document required to be executed by Sponsor, the (“Prize Acceptance Documents”). Unless restricted by law, the potential Winner will be required to complete and return the Release within the time period specified therein. As a condition of receiving a prize, potential Winner shall, in the form specified by Sponsor, provide a perpetual non-exclusive license to Sponsor to use the Submission in any and all media throughout the world, in perpetuity, for any purpose whatsoever, without any additional compensation, the term of which shall be the entire life of the copyright. Should potential Winner be unwilling or otherwise unable to enter into the license, or provide such permissions and/or releases or otherwise cannot accept or receive the prize for any reason, an alternate Winner will be selected by Sponsor from the remaining eligible Submissions until one who is able to meet all requirements can be selected. Potential winner must provide Sponsor with all signatures on the Release and return all documents in a timely manner as required pursuant to these Sweepstakes Rules in order to be eligible to receive any prize.

 

USE OF SUBMISSIONS: LICENSE. Participant, by entering the Sweepstakes or making any Submission to or for the benefit of Sponsor, hereby irrevocably grants to Sponsor a non-exclusive, sub-licensable, royalty-free, fully paid license and right to use, distribute, make derivative works from and otherwise exploit the Submission, in any manner and in any medium now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world in perpetuity, including without limitation the right to use the Submission in whole or in part in merchandising, advertising, marketing or promotion or for any other commercial or non-commercial purpose related to the Sweepstakes or not related to the Sweepstakes. Participant hereby forever waives and relinquishes all so-called "moral rights (droit moral)" now or hereafter recognized.  Participant agrees that Sponsor shall have sole discretion in determining the extent and manner of use of Submission and is not obligated to use any Submission.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Sponsor shall not be liable to Participants for, and each Participant releases Sponsor from, any failure to supply any prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulations(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, threatened terrorist acts, terrorist acts, air raid, blackout, act of public enemy, earthquake, war (declared or undeclared), fire, flood, epidemic, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal), labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other similar or dissimilar cause beyond any of the Sponsor’s control. Sponsor is not responsible for, and each Participant hereby releases Sponsor from any claim with respect to, any: (a) lost, late, misdirected, undeliverable, incomplete or indecipherable Submissions due to system errors or failures, or faulty transmissions or other telecommunications malfunctions and/or Submissions; (b) technical failures of any kinds; (c) failures of any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (d) unauthorized human and/or mechanical intervention in any part of the submission process or the Sweepstakes; (e) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of Submissions; or (f) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from any Participant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any prize.

 

Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Participant it finds to be violating these Sweepstakes Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to require any Winner to submit to a confidential background check to confirm eligibility and help ensure that the use of any Submission will not bring Sponsor into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule or reflect unfavorably on the Sweepstakes as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or suspend the Sweepstakes for any reason.  Sponsor has the right, but not the obligation, to use any Submission. Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, cancel, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes should a virus, bug, computer problem, unauthorized intervention or other causes beyond Sponsor’s control, corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor may prohibit a Participant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines such Participant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, plagiarizing, engaging in any deception, or any other unfair playing practices of intending to annoy, abuse, threaten, undermine or harass any other players or Sponsor representatives. The internal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will govern the Sweepstakes, these Sweepstakes Rules, and any disputes regarding these Sweepstakes Rules and/or this Sweepstakes. Any attempt to deliberately damage or undermine the legitimate operation or fair play of the Sweepstakes may be in violation of criminal and civil laws and will result in disqualification of the Participant from participation in the Sweepstakes. Should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek remedies and damages (including attorney fees) to the fullest extent of the law, including criminal prosecution.

 

PRIVACY: Information collected from Participant is subject to QVC’s privacy statement located at www.qvc.com (“Privacy Policy”).  By entering the Sweepstakes, you accept Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.  In the event of a conflict between these Sweepstakes Rules and Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, Sponsor’s Privacy Policy will govern.

 

GOVERNING LAW / LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, Participant AGREES THAT: (1) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES, OR ANY PRIZE AWARDED, WILL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION; (2) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS AND AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL THIRD-PARTY, OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS INCURRED, (IF ANY), NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($250.00), BUT IN NO EVENT WILL ATTORNEYS’ FEES BE AWARDED OR RECOVERABLE; (3) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY Participant BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN ANY AWARD FOR, AND Participant HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO (I) HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR OTHERWISE INCREASED RIGHTS AND (II) SEEK, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, OTHER THAN ACTUAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($250.00); AND (4) Participant’S REMEDIES ARE LIMITED TO A CLAIM FOR MONEY DAMAGES (IF ANY) AND Participant IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR EQUITABLE RELIEF.  SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Sweepstakes Rules or the Prize Acceptance Documents will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.  In the event that any provision of the Sweepstakes Rules or the Prize Acceptance Documents is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, the other provisions will remain in effect and will be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein.  Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Sweepstakes Rules or any Prize Acceptance Documents will not constitute a waiver of that provision.  Participants agree to waive any rights to claim ambiguity of these Sweepstakes Rules.  Headings are solely for convenience of reference and will not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of the documents or any provision hereof.

 

DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT: Sponsor’s policy is to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA").

 

WINNER’S LIST: For the name of the prize winner, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Dell Stories Sweepstakes, QVC Studio Park Mail Code 201, West Chester, PA 19380.

 

Gluten-Free Nutella Berry Almond Cake Recipe

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Sometimes, you just NEED CAKE. I firmly believe that if you deprive yourself of an entire category of food, it will just make you want it more. Moderation is great, but complete removal is not realistic. You may think it’s not easy to have cake if you are eating gluten-free. That’s not true! There are lots of delicious options out there. I am still thoroughly enjoying my food re-education and plan on making it a life-long journey. Enough of that for now, back to cake!

Gluten Free Nutella Berry Almond Cake

I have been eating gluten-free for the last year and it’s proving to be a great option for me. It was doctor-advised, semi-self-educated, and America’s Test Kitchen-supported. I was doing ok on my own, but really hit the ground running when Julia and the team at America’s Test Kitchen introduced me to their “How Can It Be Gluten Free” cookbook. Every recipe I was looking for is in there. It is my go-to GF cookbook. I will always be grateful for all of their hard work on this fantastic cookbook. They are the inspiration for this deliciously-simple recipe.

Julia Davison & Mary DeAngelis

It’s Springtime and I am loving all of the fresh berries. We are currently in a Strawberry/Raspberry phase in our house, so I had to incorporate them somehow. Also, Nutella. NUTELLA. Let’s get some of THAT into every recipe we possibly can, what do you say?!

Ingredients:

½ cup of softened butter

1 tablespoon almond extract

2 eggs (beaten)

1 cup sugar

½ cup of milk

1 ½ cups gluten free flour (Bob’s Red Mill GF All-Purpose Baking Flour)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

Jar of Nutella

Small bushel of raspberries or strawberries

 

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix the butter, extract, beaten eggs, sugar, and milk together in a bowl. Mix the flour, baking powder, and xanthan gum together in a separate bowl. Add in the flour mixture to the first bowl, a little at a time, until fully mixed together. Pour the mixture into a square (I use my 8”x8” Temp-tations Baker) or round cake pan. Make sure to give them a little spray of Pam for super-easy removal after baking. Once in the oven, please keep an eye on it. The baking times will vary depending on altitude and what type of oven you have (electric or gas). Mine took about 40-45 minutes. Once it is golden brown on top, remove from the oven, let the cake stand for about 10 minutes, and turn it onto a wire rack to cool it thoroughly. Once it is cooled all the way through, cut into serving squares, put on a couple of dollops of Nutella, a handful of cold raspberries or strawberries, and SERVE! Enjoy it, then maybe have a nap.

Side note: I did buy all of the ingredients at my local Wegmans. Check with your grocery store to see where their GF section is. If they don’t have one, request one! I have been reading more and more about grocery stores around the country wanting to accommodate GF requests, so please let them know if you would like one. I hope you enjoy and, as always, please make it your own! I love to read about how you have made these recipes even better! I appreciate you reading, and more to come soon. ~ Mary QVC


Mother's Day Advice Sweepstakes

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Here's where the sweeps will live

Let's Make Vegetarian Taco Cups!

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Hello, foodies…

I sat down earlier to pay some bills (do you still like to do that the old-fashioned way, too…you know, with checks, envelopes, and stamps!?) and I realized that it’s going to be May this week! I think I lost a week somewhere…or two. Time is FLYING! We’ve only got one “Do You Know the Muffin Pan” recipe left for the month of April. Join me this Wednesday night on In the Kitchen with David for my Vegetarian Taco Cups!

Vegetarian Taco Cups

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 12 small flour tortillas (small taco size)
  • 2 (15.5-oz) cans low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1-1/4 cups jarred salsa
  • 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 2 large vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 3/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 (16-oz) container guacamole
  • 12 cilantro leaves, to garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 2 (6-cup) Texas-size muffin pans with oil spray and set aside.
  2. Whisk together the sour cream, milk, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and refrigerate until needed. Place a flour tortilla into each muffin cup. Press down and to the sides, carefully folding back the tortilla edges to form a cup and leaving an opening in the center for the filling.
  3. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until golden brown, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cups cool completely.
  4. While the cups are baking, place the salsa and black beans into a medium-size saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the stove and set aside.
  5. To assemble the cups, divide the lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cooked black beans, and cheese evenly among the baked tortilla cups. Top each cup with 2–3 Tbsp of the guacamole. Drizzle each cup with the sour cream mixture and garnish each with a cilantro leaf.

This recipe is prepared using the Emeril by All-Clad 13-Piece Hard Enamel Cookware Set (K39965).

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

To all my vegetarian foodies out there, you’re welcome. You've been asking for more vegetarian recipes and we heard you. This recipe is a real winner for veggie and meat lovers alike. Thanks to the black beans and Colby Jack cheese, these cups are hearty, flavorful, and filling. If you’d like to add a little shredded chicken or ground beef to these cups, however, feel free! Just add it to the saucepan with the beans and salsa. Whenever you decide to serve these little apps, just be sure to do so on a plate. They’re very much like little taco salads or a layered dip and are best eaten with a fork.

Vegetarian Taco Cups

Foodies, I suspect lots of you have terrific layered recipes. For your blog question today, share those recipes with me and your fellow foodies. Do you make a great pizza dip or layered salad? Maybe you make a great trifle with ice cream? Even a layer cake counts! I’ll see you Wednesday for In the Kitchen with David at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Spring Fever, Spring Wedges + An Early Beauty Surprise

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Hello PM Stylers!!  I hope that you are having a great start to your week :) 

 

 

 

 

I know I am, Momma Bird, Nikki is in town, and we have just been relaxing all weekend.  Tomorrow we are going to NYC to knock some wedding to-dos off the list and I can’t wait to go to the big apple. 

 

Oh wait, it’s going to be rainy and cold.  Don’t you hate that when spring gives you days upon days of warm weather but then when it rains it feels ever so slightly that winter is hanging on with a last grip?  How do you dress?  For Spring, warmth, or both?  I’m ready for tee’s and tanks, and it’s looking like I’ll have to wait just a little it little bit longer.  I do, however, find that no matter how many layers I have to wear for the chill of spring, I never have to sacrifice in the shoe category.  Have you seen our new spring wedges?  Wedges are the must-have when it comes to height and comfort.  Who doesn’t want to walk a few inches higher?  You can checkout our new wedges here and see if something doesn’t strike your fancy! 

 

Beauty Obsession: Loccitane Set of 5 Nourishing Shea Butter Soaps A256231

            This is BIG NEWS!  Get ready for L'Occitane to debut something brand new that will change the way you think about soap.  The best way I can think to explain is that soap has gotten a bad wrap in the last few years.  We grew up on it, yet everyone found a way to say soap was just “take, take, take” when it came to the moisture and look of our skin. 

            For the first time in three years, L'Occitane is going to be joining you for a full hour of Spring tomorrow afternoon.  I was able to get a look-see at what was in the show, and I grabbed my favorite for you and even got it priced early so you could shop before everyone else.

            L'Occitane is known for it’s incredible formulations with Shea… so leave it to them to change the way you think about soap.  This is how sugar is granulated and milled… it starts off as something very big and then works its way into a fine texture by milling and grinding to bring you benefits weather with skin or taste alone :)  The story is the same with these Shea Butter Soaps.  They have taken shea from its finest form and given it to you in a compacted shea bar of soap.  What’s different about this is, you’re still getting that lavish scent form Loccitane that you love, but you’re also getting head to toe suds that are moisturizing leaving your skin soft and supple.  The best about the actually bar of soap? Because there is so much shea butter compacted into the actual bar itself, you will use it for such a long time before you need a new bar.  One person on our beauty teams was quoted as saying she used the bar for a month and half before needing a new bar of soap.  Me, I’m on a 2 week stretch and still going strong :)

 

PM Style:

Here’s What I’ll be wearing tonight:

G.I.LI. Ferrara Patent leather Criss Cross Cork Wedges A254596

Isaac Mizrahi Ceramic Watch with Floral Printed Bezel J284216

G.I.L.I. Bronzo Italia Polished Link Bracelet and Necklace, J291118, J291119

See you on the runway!

 

XO, CC

 

Bobbi Brown Instagram Sweepstakes Official Rules

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QVC, Inc. (“Sponsor”) is sponsoring the BOBBI BROWN INSTAGRAM SWEEPSTAKES ("Sweepstakes"). This Sweepstakes is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. 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.

1.       ELIGIBILITY: The Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States and District of Columbia, excluding Rhode Island, who are 18 years or older as of date of entry.  Employees and agents of Sponsor and their parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings and spouses) and their same household members are not eligible. Void outside of the United States and District of Columbia, and where prohibited by law. Void in Rhode Island and Puerto Rico.  Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

 2.       SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY: There are two (2) ways to enter the Sweepstakes, on your mobile device via the Instagram mobile app (“Instagram”) or by mail.  To enter the Sweepstakes by mail, send your name, address, and daytime telephone number on a standard 4 inch by 6 inch postcard addressed to the Bobbi Brown Instrgam Sweepstakes Studio Park Mail Code 201, West Chester, PA 19380 (“Mail Entry”). To enter the Sweepstakes via Instagram, complete the following steps:

TO ENTER:

Step 1 – Access your Instagram account on your mobile device. If you do not have an Instagram account, you can download Instagram for free in the Apple App Store on an iOS device (iPhone, iPod, iPad), http://bit.ly/zs83d4, or in Google Play for an Android device, http://bit.ly/HbEuQH. After installing Instagram, open it on your device and tap the 'Sign up' button at the bottom left of the screen to begin the account creation process.

Step 2 – Search “@QVC”  and “@BOBBIBROWN” on Instagram and click the “FOLLOW” button (assuming that you are not following QVC and Bobbi Brown on Instagram already).

Step 3 – “Like” QVC or Bobbi  Brown’s sweepstakes photo for a chance to win.

By submitting a Instagram Entry or Mail Entry, you are signifying that you have read, understand and agree to these Official Rules. 

 

Limit of one (1) entry per person during the entry period either by Mail or Online.  Any person who attempts to participate with entries in excess of these entry limitations will be disqualified. Any other attempted form of Sweepstakes entry is void. Any person who attempts to participate 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 duplicate entries will be discarded. Use of multiple email addresses or Instagram accounts by the same individual to enter is prohibited and such multiple entries shall be voided. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an entry, the entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the mobile device associated with the Instagram account of the entry, which the entrant will have the obligation to establish. Sponsor is not responsible for late, incomplete, misdirected, delayed, or undelivered entries, including without limitation inability to access QVC’s or the entrant’s Instagram account, or entries not timely received due to telephone failures, Internet or website failures and disruptions, and Internet service provider problems. Incomplete information may result in disqualification of entry. No entries may be effected on behalf of someone else. All Mail Entries are the non-returnable property of Sponsor. All eligible entries carry an equal chance of winning.

 3.       SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD: The Sweepstakes begins on or about April 29, 2014 at 9:00 am Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends at 2:59 am ET on April 30, 2014 (“Sweepstakes Period”).  Instagram Entries must be submitted by 2:59 am ET on April 30, 2014.  All Mail Entries must be postmarked by April 29, 2014 and received by April 30, 2014.

 4.       WINNER DETERMINATION:  Winners will be determined by a random drawing from all eligible entries and will occur on or about April 30, 2014.  Sponsor reserves the right to delay the random drawing. The number of eligible entries received will determine the odds of winning. Winning entries are subject to validation.

 5.       WINNER NOTIFICATION: Sponsor or a representative of Sponsor shall contact Potential Winner via Instagram on or about April 30, 2014.  Potential Winners may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and (where legal) an affidavit of publicity prior to receiving the prize. Potential Winners will have forty-eight hours from the time he/she is contacted to respond and accept the prize. Noncompliance with the time period described above will result in disqualification and an alternate winner selected. Potential Winners 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.

PRIZE: Three (3) winners will each receive:  (1) Bobbi Brown 5-piece Bobbi’s Basics Collections. Retail Value: $96.75

Total Estimated Value of Prize: $290.25

If a Winner is unable or unwilling to accept the prize 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. 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 Sponsor, in their sole discretion, believes it is warranted. Prize provided by QVC, Inc.

6.       RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Sponsor’s failure to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute the waiver of such provision. “Released Parties” (as defined in Rule 8) are not responsible for any changes or unavailability of the Instagram service that may interfere with the Sweepstakes (including any limitations, restrictions or conditions on Sponsor's ability to use the service for the Sweepstakes) or ability of entrant to timely enter, receive notices or communicate with Sponsor. Released Parties are not responsible for failed, partial or garbled computer transmissions beyond their control, or for technical failures of any kind beyond their control, including but not limited to electronic malfunction, programming errors or failures, or damage or failure of any network, mobile device, hardware or software. If for any reason the Sweepstakes (in whole or in part) is not capable of running as planned, as solely determined by Sponsor, including, but not limited to, by infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud or technical failures or any other problems beyond Sponsor's control that can corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and/or disqualify any individual who tampers with (or attempts to tamper with) the registration process/operation of the Sweepstakes. In any such event, Sponsor shall conduct the Sweepstakes and make the Sweepstakes prize available to be won in a manner which is fair, appropriate and consistent with the spirit of these Official Rules, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Notice of cancellation/termination/ modification/suspension of Sweepstakes will be posted on www.qvc.com. Tampering (as referenced above) includes but is not limited to use of any unauthorized apparatus (be it hardware, software, mobile device, or otherwise) to participate in the Sweepstakes. Released Parties assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to (or any problems or technical malfunctions of) any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, hardware, software, failure of any email, tag or comment to be received/properly recorded on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or mobile service provider, or any combination thereof. Sponsor and its agencies are not responsible for any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation in or downloading any materials from this Sweepstakes or the Website. Further, Released Parties are not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Website users, tampering, hacking, or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes.


  1. Participants further agree not to damage or cause interruption of the Sweepstakes and/or prevent others from participating in the Sweepstakes. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DAMAGE ANY ONLINE SERVICE OR WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST VIOLATES CRIMINAL OR CIVIL LAWS. IF SUCH AN ATTEMPT IS MADE OR AN INDIVIDUAL OTHERWISE ATTEMPTS TO DEFRAUD SPONSOR, SPONSOR MAY DISQUALIFY ANY PARTICIPANT MAKING SUCH ATTEMPT AND SEEK DAMAGES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

 7.       CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating, participants agree to be bound by and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which shall be final and binding in all respects and not subject to appeal. By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies, advertising and promotion agencies , and each of their respective officers, directors, agents, representatives and employees, as well as each of their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all actions, claims, loss or damage to person(s) or property arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part from participation in this Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes-related activity, and/or acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize. By accepting the prize, Winner authorizes the Sponsor and its designees to use his/her name, voice, likeness, photograph, prize information, biographical data and city and state of residence in any media now known or hereafter discovered, world wide, including on the World Wide Web and Internet, in perpetuity, at any time or times, in programming, advertising, trade and/or promotional material relating to this Sweepstakes or on a Winner's List (if applicable) without additional compensation or notice, review or approval (unless prohibited by law). Sponsor is not obligated to use any of the above mentioned information or materials, but may do so and may edit such information or materials, at Sponsor's sole discretion, without obligation or compensation.


  1. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, RELEASED PARTIES MAKE NO WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, RELATIVE TO THE USE OF THE PRIZE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ITS QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

8.       DISPUTES: Arbitration/Choice Of Law: To the fullest extent permitted by law, entrants agree that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or the prize, or the determination of the Winner, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by arbitration pursuant to the Rules of the American Arbitration Association, then effective, and (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes (if any) but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant and/or Released Parties in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard for conflicts of law doctrine, and all proceedings shall take place in the City of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia.

 9.       PRIVACY POLICY: The entry information provided is subject to The QVC Privacy Statement accessible via www.qvc.com. To read the QVC Policy, access the QVC Website and then click on the Privacy Statement link under the “Policies & Information” heading.

10.   WINNER’S LIST: For the names of prize winners, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope Bobbi Brown Instagram Sweepstakes, QVC Studio Park Mail Code 201, West Chester, PA 19380.

New Orleans Food Favorites & Special Offers!

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One of the great things about festival season in New Orleans is the food, and Jazz Fest is no exception. It's a great place to sample regional dishes and get a flavor for the city, which brings together so many different cultures and cuisines. Other than my all-time favorite Crawfish Bread, here’s a list of some of my other favorites:

Watermelon Limeade

Watermelon Limeade

Photo credit: Steven Freeman

This flavor-packed limeade is a real thirst quencher on a hot day.  It’s a go-to at Jazz Fest or any outdoor, all day festival.

Prep time: 5 minutes  Total time: 10 minutes  Yield: 5 cups, 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 cups cubed watermelon (seeds removed), or 1 quart watermelon juice
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar, or more to taste
  • Lime slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Place half of the watermelon cubes in a blender and process until smooth.
  2. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl; discard the solids. Repeat with the remaining watermelon cubes. You should end up with about 1 quart of watermelon juice. 
  3. Add the lime juice and sugar to the watermelon juice, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Taste, and add more sugar if necessary. Transfer the limeade to a nonreactive pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Serve over ice in tumblers, with lime slices for garnish.


Boudin Balls with Creole Mustard Dipping Sauce

Boudin Balls

Photo credit: Colin Lacy

In Southeast Louisiana, folks take boudin (pork and rice sausage), remove it from its casing and form it into balls that are then breaded and deep-fried.  People go crazy for these boudin balls, especially at festivals like Jazz Fest when you want something bite-sized and delicious to keep you going throughout the day.

Prep time: 45 min  Total time: 1 hour 15 min   Yield: 6 servings, 48 balls

Ingredients:

Boudin Balls

  • 3 pounds storebought boudin, removed from casings
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups coarse dry breadcrumbs, preferably homemade
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Creole Mustard Dipping Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 5 tablespoons Creole mustard, or other whole-grain spicy mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

  1. In a shallow bowl, season the flour with 1 tablespoon of the salt. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. In a third shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together with the milk and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. With damp hands, shape the boudin into balls the size of unshelled walnuts, about 2 tablespoons each. Dredge the balls in the flour, and then dip them in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dredge the balls in the breadcrumbs, turning to coat them evenly.
  3. Transfer the boudin balls to a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  4. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Using a slotted spoon and working in batches, slide the balls gently into the oil and fry until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain briefly on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool briefly before serving.
  5. While the boudin balls cool, make the Creole Mustard Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, garlic, and cayenne.
  6. Serve the boudin balls hot or warm, with the mustard dipping sauce alongside.


Natchitoches Meat Pies

Natchitoches Meat Pies

Photo credit: Colin Lacy

Natchitoches is a town in Cajun country and is the oldest permanent settlement of the Louisiana Purchase.  These meat pies are a regional dish featuring the area’s Native American and Spanish heritage that are a favorite come festival season.  They are perfectly seasoned and a savory treat.  Find the recipe here.

What’s your favorite festival food? Comment below and share your stories.  If these recipes got you in the mood to start cooking, check out some great offers on my cookware, dinnerware and more!

 

Emeril


Are You In?

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Three piece swimsuit

Good morning my LCNY fashionistas,

Spring is here...full blown. We wait all winter for the first buds, warm sunshine, fresh air, and then so many are hit with allergies, go figure. I do not usually suffer from allergies but my sore throat and hoarse voice are being blamed on Spring. That being said, we need to have a heart to heart serious talk. BATHING SUITS..the dreaded words. But ever so needed.

Two years ago LCNY launched their first swimwear. It was a great success and we were very pleased. Last year after painstakingly going through fit issues, quality, etc. we did not have any swim wear in our line. However, 2014 is a different year, designs and swim vendor. Wow, what a difference a year makes.

It started with a whisper......a swim dress, tankini, shorts and a top and now a three-piece summer get away...is what I have named the latest creation. The question I have for you is......"Are you in?" I have been asked that question three times this week. ARE YOU IN? Have I decided to give something my all? Am I jumping in with both feet without one foot outside the door? Do I feel comfortable enough and trust what I am being told? My answer? ..... YES ....I am in.

Now is where the girlfriend talk gets serious. Do you need a new bathing suit for this summer season.....probably yes...are you looking for one that fits great, has ideal coverage, updated styling for REAL women, great colors, and several options...probably yes. Do you want adjustable straps and a built-in bra? Probably yes. Do you have a girlfriend Linda Davies who will wear the bathing suit on air because she feels comfortable enough in it? YES, you do. Each and every one of you has given me the confidence to wear one of our new swim suits each Wednesday. I am your friend in the dressing room as you are mine. I think I just heard you say....... "I am in!" Was it a whisper? No! It was a roar! If so, check out the new three piece; a short bottom with two tankini tops A253383. You are gonna love it. See you Wednesday morning. The show is awesome...as are you my friend.

Linda :)

It's a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! Get Our 20 Best Mexican Recipes

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Hello, foodies…

Cinco de Mayo is coming up on Monday! If you’re not having a Mexican fiesta this weekend, you might want to fix that. Or, why not make Monday a little less Monday-like and have a celebration that night! We love Mexican food here on In the Kitchen with David and we’ve made dozens of recipes that are worthy of celebrating, but below you’ll find our 20 Best Cinco de Mayo recipes. Look for that shareable pin on Pinterest to find these!

Kiwi Cilantro Margarita

Kiwi Cilantro Margarita

 

Virgin Pina Colada

Virgin Piña Colada

 

Tex Mex Savory Waffle

Tex Mex Savory Waffle

 

Deconstructed Enchilada Salad

Deconstructed Enchilada Salad

 

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

 

Tomatillo Guacamole

Tomatillo Guacamole

 

Beef Brisket Quesadillas

Beef Brisket Quesadillas

 

Vegetarian Taco Cups

Vegetarian Taco Cups

 

Warm Gazpacho

Warm Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Croutons

 

Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos

 

Mexican Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

Mexican Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

 

Smoked Mexican Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cabbage and Pepper Slaw

Smoked Mexican Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cabbage and Pepper Slaw 

Grilled Chimichurri Flank Steak

Grilled Chimichurri Flank Steak 

Grilled Yuca with Guasacaca Guacamole

Grilled Yuca with Guasacaca Guacamole

 

Mexican Fiesta Wontons

Mexican Fiesta Wontons

 

Stuffed Burgers with Poblano Pepper Relish

Stuffed Burgers with Poblano Pepper Relish

 

Mexican Tamale Pie

Mexican Tamale Pie

 

Mexican Taco Bake

Mexican Taco Bake

 

Sopapillas with Dulce de Leche Sauce

Sopapillas with Dulce de Leche Sauce

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fried Ice Cream

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fried Ice Cream

 

Feliz Cocinando! (Happy Cooking!)
—David


The Inside Scoop on How Clarks Shoes Get Their Names and Why It's All About the Bottom!

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The Inside Scoop on How Clarks Shoes Get Their Names and Why It's All About the Bottom!

Making the Most of a Rainy Vacation

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I was finally coming to terms with the brutal winter we’ve had, and then it snowed in April! I thought “that’s it I’m booking a vacation!” I don’t know if this is dramatic, but I think Mother Nature might have it out for me. Here’s how our latest family vaca went down:



Day 1: Our vacation got off to the right start as we spent our first day soaking up the sun on the beach.   While the Littles took on the waves with their boogie boards, I sat with for hours with a new book and my toes in the sand.

{Cue the Go-Go’s “Vacation,” because this was turning out to be everything we could have asked for in a get-a-way.}

     

Day 2: Littlest Little has an internal alarm clock like you wouldn't believe. She woke up at 5:45 am and to avoid waking up Hubby and the other Littles, we snuck out for an early morning walk on the beach.

  

After our walk we came back to the room to get ready for the day, and within minutes what had looked like the perfect beach day turned into an absolute down pour. WHAT!

One thing you should know about me is that I never let anything rain on my parade. Especially when my “parade” happens to be a week-long vacation! My next challenge was to entertain the Littles for the rest of the week with indoor activities. I picked up every brochure in the hotel lobby and off we were sight-seeing and exploring!

Although our vacation didn’t go exactly as planned, and there were a lot less beach days than I had originally imagined, we still had a great time and made lots of memories! Here are pictures from our adventures!

Day 3: Arcade Fun!

 

I look forward to finding these little "prizes" around the house and in my vacuum cleaner!

After a day full of gaming and skee-balling, we found a movie theatre and saw Captain America 2!

                           

Day 4: Visit to the Aquarium

  

  

I even ran into a fellow QVC Queen while we were there! 

    After the aquarium we had a friendly match of Family bowling!

     

Day 5: We did see some sun on Day 5, but not enough to hang out on the beach, so we found an outdoor kid zone where the Littles had a blast!

     

      

Oh and I found a QVC outlet… and also had a blast {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

        

Day 6: Yet another non-beach day, so we found a place to take the Littles on a helicopter ride!

              

    

On our last night we went to see a Pirate Show and had a great dinner!

               

      

Here is our picture from the Pirate show and dinner... Remember Hubby is not fond of Facebook photos!     

    

My First Temptations Experience

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Since “leaving the nest,” I’ve had to learn many tricks of the trade in the home department.  One of them is cooking a decent meal for myself.  Luckily, my mom thoroughly prepared me in every way and always made sure I knew the basics.

So when I got my newest kitchen purchase, a 24-pc Set ofTemptations Cookware, I was chomping at the bit to make something super gooey and delicious – especially since it’s non-stick! Here are some photos of my experience making Lasagna and my mom’s DELICIOUS recipe!

Ingredients:

1 pound sweet Italian Sausage

½ cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 jar of tomato sauce (I cheated…mom makes it fresh)

Dried basil

Dried oregano

Salt and pepper

1 box of lasagna noodles (I buy the no boil kind)

16 ounces ricotta cheese

1 egg

¾ pound mozzarella cheese shredded

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup of spinach

1 fresh zucchini sliced

 

Directions:

In a medium saucepan cook sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in tomato sauce, and sprinkle in about 2 teaspoons of oregano and basil and salt and pepper to taste.

In a small bowl mix together ricotta cheese with egg, basil and oregano.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Assemble your lasagna! Spread the meat sauce across the bottom of your bakeware, add slices of zucchini, then pasta, then ricotta cheese and mozzarella, then spinach and repeat! Cover with foil.

Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.  Remove foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes.  Cool for 15 minutes before serving. 

 

I was proud to put my mother's delicious lasagne in such beautiful bakeware. I can see already that me and my Temptations are going to be the best of friends!

-Alberti

 

Helpful Tips

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Hey ladies! Thank you for tuning in and supporting our last Today’s Special Value® on March 24, when we launched our new SD Advanced Concentrate. I thought this would be a good time to address the usage of StriVectin products.

 

Let me tell you what you should know if you feel you're not seeing results fast enough. When we conduct our clinical and perception studies and before and after photos, the women involved all use the particular product twice a day on clean skin. You may also want to go further and prepare your skin even more by exfoliating a few times a week—check out our 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel for once-a-week use or our Retexturizing Scrub for use a couple times a week. And remember, you’ve got to use the product as directed to see the results in the mirror. Because each of us has unique skin concerns, we’re all going to have different timelines to see results.

 

When I started using StriVectin, I was over-applying products and didn't realize how concentrated StriVectin treatments really are. Here's my personal dosage guideline for some of the top-selling StriVectin products here on QVC:

 

Hope this helps! Once again, my mission is to give you what you need to look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside. So, please continue to reach out to me and let me know how it goes!

 

XOXO

—Meg Flather

DIY Container Herb Garden & Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes!

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Hi, everyone!

Guess WHAT? A brand new season of You’re Home with Jillstarts tomorrow on QVC Plus, which is QVC’s brand-new channel available to DIRECTV customers and a handful of folks through smaller, select cable providers. But…EVERYONE can watch on QVC.com via our live stream. Go to QVC.com, Watch Live TV, then click on the QVC Plus tab. And, we’ll always have past episodes available on the You’re Home with Jill page if you can’t catch it and want to watch later.

We’ve got a whole hour together and I’ll walk you through every step of our DIY project and recipe…and we’re not just doing one of each in each show. We’ve got SEVERAL! Think of it as the YHJ that we’ve always dreamed of. We have all the time in the world and I have so many ideas to share with you! I can’t wait to hear what you think…PLEASE let me know, okay?

So onto tomorrow’s show! Here’s one of the DIY projects I’m doing…a DIY Container Herb Garden!

Container Herb Garden

Isn’t that an interesting way to grow your favorite herbs? I saw something like it at the Philadelphia Flower Show and knew I could make it even better.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

DIY Container Herb Garden

Here’s what you need—a some wood, hammer, nails, screws—you get it!

 

Plant herbs in mason jars

Plant your favorite herbs into the mason jars—I used oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, and basil.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

Assemble the stand by hammering the two post-like pieces onto the wooden beams that will hold your mason jars.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

Slip the clamps around the jars (to size them), then drill them onto the board.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

Just make sure you have enough space on each row for the jars—plus room to water.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

Fit the jars into the clamps.

 

DIY Container Herb Garden

DIY Container Herb Garden

Voila! If you like, label your plants by simply writing the herb-name on popsicle sticks.

There are so many great placement possibilities for your garden. Imagine this on a sunny porch, the side of a shed or garage, or along a decorative landscaping wall. If your kitchen or dining room gets plenty of natural light, you could even display it there so have direct access to your favorite fresh herbs.

Now, I promised you a recipe earlier and I really like to keep my promises! Here’s one of the recipes we’re making tomorrow…Strawberry Cupcakes. MMMMM.

Strawberry Cupcakes

 

Strawberry Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 (3-oz) box of strawberry Jell-O
  • 5 oz frozen strawberries, thawed
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cold water

Strawberry Syrup:

  • 2 cups sliced & hulled fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 3–4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 4 Tbsp Strawberry Syrup (recipe below), chilled
  • 1–3 Tbsp milk
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

  1. To prepare the cake, preheat the oven to the recommended temperature on the cake box. Combine the cake mix, flour, and Jell-O in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed while adding the oil, eggs, and strawberries.
  2. Mix well and pour into 12-cup muffin pan lined with cupcake liners. Bake the cake according to the package directions. Cool completely before frosting.
  3. To prepare the strawberry syrup, combine the strawberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Remove the syrup from the heat and pour it into blender. Blend until smooth.
  5. To prepare the frosting, cream the butter and the confectioners' sugar together. Add the strawberry syrup, one Tbsp at a time, and the salt (if desired) and beat on high for 30 seconds, until fluffy. If it's too thick, add the milk, one Tbsp at a time, until it's the desired consistency.

This recipe is prepared with the Ninja Pulse 40-oz Blender and Food Processor (K39995).

I’ll see you tomorrow at 7pm ET—I can hardly WAIT! Don’t forget we’re on QVC Plus—check your channel line-up to see if you get the channel. Otherwise, tune in online! Remember, go to QVC.com, Watch Live TV, then click on the QVC Plus tab.

From my home to yours,
—Jill

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