I love container gardening!  We can all have the decorative, convenient and delicious gardens of our dreams with container gardening.  They are versatile easy to fit in any space and decorative adding a beautiful look to any space either on a patio deck or in a garden.

My favorite types of container gardening are:

1. Colorful Flowers:  with so many varieties of plants and flowers you can’t go wrong!  Have fun with mixing and the great thing is that containers can add color anywhere – front porch, patio, in our gardens, borders of our yards, windows, rooftops…

2. Edible plants:  An edible container I make every year is what I call the “grill guy” for my husband Joe.  I fill a large terracotta pot with Rosemary, Basil, Chives that all complement anything we grill – steak, chicken, and fish.  And an added plus is that each of these herbs is natural mosquito repellents.  No pesky flies bothering us while we grill or eat!  Contained fruit trees are one of the most decadent pleasures on my patio and one that everyone should treat themselves to!  Ok, so I show-off a bit when entertaining friends by pulling a fig or two off my tree to compliment my cheese tray.  

3. Succulent containers are so easy and full of texture and castes of blues, greens and pinks.  I like the look of succulents because tghey are so understated and have a lot of style.  And when I might not get to watering as often as I should, succulents thrive with limited watering.

The types of containers I like to use include:

1. A collection of pots that have the same theme but different shapes such as terracotta.  Terracotta containers come in countless designs, prices, and shapes.  Another container I love is anything cobalt blue and again it’s fun to match the pieces as a collection, not as perfect pairings.  With any collection, whether 5 pieces or 50, you can mix and match, make a statement with many or subtle designs with a few.  Whatever your style and personality is, it will surely show with your container collection!

2. Window Boxes – Who says a window box has to be flowers?  I sure don’t!  I love my window boxes full of fragrant herbs such as Lemon Balm (I cut into slivers and add to ice water and also add into ice cube trays to use in cocktails) Mint (the clean fragrance alone is fabulous and I also like to place sprigs into my flower arrangements and into watermelon salad)  Rosemary (ideal for anything I roast, like chicken and vegetables and I also add into olive oil to use on my salads)  Basil (I like Lime and  Sweet Thai Basil both are very aromatic and great in cooking with distinctive flavors)  And the aroma of these herbs coming through my windows is delightful.

3.Hanging Baskets again, wonderful with colorful flowers but also as decorative with strawberry plants, ferns, ivy or pennywort. 

Container gardening is really satisfying and if you haven’t given it a try – do!  And let me know your results!

Check out the Gardening Guide for more helpful gardening tips!

- Barbara

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 17, 2014 and ends at 11:59 pm (ET) on May 26, 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 May is Gold Month Sweepstakes, 1200 Wilson Drive MC – 202, West Chester, PA 19380. (“Mail Entry”).

Online Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on May 26, 2014. All Mail Entries must be postmarked by May 26, 2014, and received by May 28, 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 May 28, 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: Three (3) First Prize Winners will be randomly selected to receive one of the following three prizes:

(1)   14K Gold 7-1/2” Bold Polished Triple Rolo Link Bracelet, 13.3g (Retail Value: $1,450.00) and a Vicence 1.00 ct tw Black Spinel Dial Ceramic Link Watch, 14K (Retail Value: $680) – Total Approx. Retail Value: $2130.00

(2)   14K Gold 18" Textured & Polished Status Design Necklace, 19.3g (Retail Value: $2060) – Total Approx. Retail Value: $2060.00

(3)   EternaGold Adjustable 18” Crystal Cut Bead Necklace 14K Gold, 11.3g (Retail Value: $1695) and EternaGold 12mm Bead Dangle Earrings w/ Secura Catch 14K Gold (Retail Value: $215) – Total Approx. Retail Value: $1910.00

Total Approximate Retail Value of Two (2) Prizes Combined: Not to exceed $2,130.00

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 what is the most special piece in your jewelry box and why. The Winner 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 Winner will be notified on or about May 28, 2014. 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 names of prize winners, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to May is Gold Month Sweepstakes, QVC Studio Park Mail Code 201, West Chester, PA 19380.

Hello, foodies…

I was just sitting down to look over my notes for the MAWFF and I decided to take a break and blog. Tomorrow’s presentation at the Doubletree Hotel in Wilmington is all about a summertime brunch and I’ll be making three recipes…Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast, Quiche Lorraine, and my Ham and Goat Cheese Croissant Sandwiches. I think I shared with you all that this is my 20^th year on QVC and I’ve been cooking and doing presentations for the last five years.  But you know what, I still get a few butterflies before these events. If you’re a singer or performer, I know you know what I mean. The day I stop feeling those butterflies is the day I know I’m not being challenged…and I hope I NEVER see that day.

Our In the Kitchen with David road trip continues this Sunday at Noon ET.We’re off to Cape May, New Jersey to honor the guardsmen at the Coast Guard Training Center. Our girl Mary’s churning out the blogs this month to shed some light on the bases we visit. Check out her latest blog for more on that.

Foodies, let’s all say thanks to Carol B from Cape May, New Jersey for entering her town’s base!

Here’s just a snippet of what Carol said in her entry:

Being a native of Cape May New Jersey I am always proud to tell everyone about this special place. Known as the nation's oldest seashore resort, Cape May is on the National Historic Register and has been the summer playground of presidents and renowned people throughout history.

Cape May has played a large role in the defense of the colonies during the  Revolutionary War and played a huge part in the early beginnings of the Life Saving Service which evolved into what today is the United States Coast Guard. We are very proud of the fact that we have the only Coast Guard Recruit Training Center. I can't begin to explain to you the thrill we feel when the recruits are out and about running information during their training. I think you can hear their cadence throughout the entire town. They are a valuable addition to the community as well as the defense of our nation. Many that remain to serve here as well as those who are transferred here become involved in the community which just helps to enrich the Cape May experience. We are proud of the men and women who come through their training here and their presence gives us a sense of security.

I would be honored to see service men and women walking around my town, too, Carol. I think we all would! Carol went on to say that the restaurants in Cape May are excellent, serving some of the freshest seafood around. Carol, folks of Cape May, and especially our enlisted corps, we’ve made a very special recipe in your honor…homemade crab cakes! And they’re gluten-free!

Gluten Free Crab Cakes
Makes 6–8 Cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 5 Tbsp finely chopped red onion
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped roasted red peppers
• 1/2 cup finely ground gluten-free, cracked pepper-flavor lentil crackers
• 1 lb jumbo lump crab, drained

Directions:

1. Place the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and the egg in a medium-size mixing bowl and mix until combined.
2. Add the chopped onions and peppers and mix until incorporated.
3. Gently fold in the ground crackers and the crab. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. To form the cakes, roll 3” patties, about 1" in thickness. Heat 2 tsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

This recipe is prepared using the Walah 10-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set (K36559).

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

Foodies, now’s the time to start thinking about joining us in Buffalo, NY for our final “tribute to the troops” broadcast. We’re taking the whole show to Canalside Buffalo—a beautiful outdoor military park in the heart of the city—on Wednesday May 28 from 8-10pm ET. You can get FREE tickets online!

Your blog question is inspired by all the folks out who have been requesting gluten-free recipes to both Mary and me. What kinds of recipes would you like to see next? More gluten-free desserts? More classics gone gluten-free like pasta and casseroles? Give it some thought and let us know here in the blog and on Sunday in the chat. I’ll see you Sunday at Noon ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. Have you seen QVC Plus yet? It’s QVC’s new second channel designed to bring you more of the shows you love. Foodies, they’re re-airing this Sunday’s ITKWD at 3pm ET. Check your television guide to see if you get the new channel. If not, you can watch on QVC.com. Just find the “Watch Live TV,” button then click on the "QVC Plus" tab. I hope you can join us!

My beauty truth: I’ve always been extremely self-conscious about the dark circles under my eyes.  In fact, when I was told I had to wear glasses, I was a bit relieved because the glasses went a long way toward hiding the dark circles. For our beauty truth or dare, I decided to tackle the dark circles…

Here’s my “before” without any make-up (and dark circles front and center). My first step was to apply It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in tan.

After I blended the concealer, I swept my eyes with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Finishing Powder.

Then I added Laura Geller’s Balance N Brighten Baked Foundation in tan.

A brush of Laura Geller’s Blush N Brighten, in pink grapefruit, and a kiss of tarte LipSurgence and I’m done.

Now I feel pretty, and I’m ready to face the world, without that little voice in my head worrying about the dark circles. Come on and play, what’s your beauty truth? Or is there some make up trend that you’re itching to try… go ahead, I dare you :)

Find me on Facebook: Rachel Boesing QVC

We're looking to hear from you, QVC Community! Did you already vote on the Community Poll this week?  What's your favorite part of summer?  Do you most enjoy vacation, no school, BBQs, or relaxing by the pool? Or maybe your favorite part of summer is warm weather fashion?

Please share your comments below, after you vote, and tell us why that is your favorite part of summer!

Last week, the Julep team came to QVC for an in house manicure party! A lot of ladies at the Q stopped by the try out Julep's latest tool, the Plié Wand!If you ever struggle to create the perfect manicure on BOTH hands (because who doesn't), than you are going to love this new tool! The wand has an extended handle that twists, pivots, and bends, giving you better results, even when polishing with your non-dominant hand!     

This 4-pc set comes with the Plié Wand, a brush head, a stipping tool & dotting tool. These extra pieces allow for you to get creative with your nail art and get a more precise polish. 

 http://images.qvc.com/is/image/pic/co/DotBrushPlie.jpeg 

Here is a quote from Jane Park, CEO and found of Julep Beauty, about the Plié Wand:

“We hear from lots of women who don’t think they’re good at polishing their nails. They love the look of a fresh, neat manicure, but not the process. That’s why we created the Plié Wand, an ergonomic nail polishing tool that allows for more accuracy and control, especially with your non-dominant hand. The long, balanced handle twists and bends, so it’s easy to find a comfortable grip that keeps your brush steady. The Plié Wand is a game changer, and I’m so excited to introduce it to QVC customers.”

 Here’s how it works:

Step 1: SWAP - Separate the Plié overcap from the precision brush in your kit.  Pull the standard overcap off any Julep nail color and replace it with the Plié overcap.

Step 2: SNAP - Attach the magnetic wand to the Plié overcap and you’re ready to polish!

Step 3: POLISH- As you polish with your dominant hand, try holding the wand like a pen.  The familiar grip and balanced design will help keep your brush steady.

Step 4:SWITCH: Once you move on to your non-dominant hand, try bending the handle and resting it in the crook of your hand.  This will stabilize your brush and give you more control.

I'm not sure about you, but I'm super excited to add the Julep Plié Wand to my manicure set. Once you try it, you will wonder what you have been doing all of these years without it! Expect to see some improvements in the quality of my Weekend Polish Pick posts on my Facebook page {Sandra Bennett QVC}.

Recently a request was submitted in the Suggestion Box forum to have the subscribe to a poster feature be removed.  This morning we removed the ability to follow individual posters because we did not want this feature used in a negative way. You can still follow blog authors with this tool.

Thank you for continuing to post your suggestions in the Suggestion Box.  We do read all of your comments and concerns. 

All summer long our shoe shopping family will be sharing summer adventures called, “A Walk in Your Shoes!” and we will show the pictures on Shoe Shopping with Jane. I went first! Here they are in case you missed them last night.

We took a quick trip to the most magical place on earth. We dressed as our favorite characters for the 24 hour special event (and were there for about 16 hours!) And we were thrilled to spend time with my nephew, Dan, who was working in Orlando! 

Here we are as Mary Poppins and Bert.

Cara was Elsa and Deirdre was Anna from Frozen.

Rides!

My nephew, Dan.

I hope you will join the fun during Shoe Shopping with Jane every Thursday night to see more great vacation photos of our shoe family!

-Jane

Our vegetable and herb gardens are not only a joy to tend to and admire, but a true luxury come harvest time.  It would be impossible to find a gardener who doesn’t savor “the fruits of their labor” whether it be flowers, fruits or vegetables. We all know the truth; anything you grow smells and tastes better. 

A few summers ago, a good friend of mine came out to our farm for the weekend and brought me one of greatest hostess gifts ever – a basket full of herbs and vegetables from her garden!  We had so much fun trying out new recipes together with her summer squash and tomatoes and also making delicious vinegar's and oils scented with her just picked rosemary and tarragon.

I have taken my friend’s “fresh hostess gift” and played it forward many times over the years with pickings from my gardens.  Why not make an herb basket for a friend that they can keep in their kitchen for months and snip from anytime?  Or take herbs from your garden, dry them and either bottle as gifts or make sachets – you can’t go wrong with a lavender sachet!   Or write out a favorite recipe of yours and put it in a basket with the fresh ingredients from your garden?  To all of my fellow gardeners anticipating all of the peas that will be ready to pick come June (see my St. Patty’s Peas Blog 3/17/2014), I hope you will try my Summer Pea Soup with fresh mint recipe below.   And as always, please share any tips and recipes with me.  I love hearing from you!

Summer Pea Soup with Fresh Mint – Combine a finely diced large shallot and slivers from a sprig of mint and sauté with a tablespoon of butter until soft.  Add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil.  Add a pound of fresh peas (because you will be reaping so many from your garden – but you can of course use frozen peas too) and bring back to a boil and then reduce to a simmer – about 3 minutes.  Puree in a blender until smooth.  Add about ¼ cup heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.  Serve this hot or cold with finely sliced mint leaves.

Summer’s Here and Soups On!

- Barbara

We're looking to hear from you, QVC Community! Did you already vote on the Community Poll this week?  What's your favorite kind of thing to buy from QVC?  Do you love to purchase beauty items, fashion, or jewelry? Or maybe you love to buy electronics or kitchen and food items from QVC?

Please share your comments below, after you vote, and tell us why that kind of thing is your favorite.

TBD

I'm thrilled to introduce De-Spot Plus and 40% Triple Acid Peel—here just in time to get your skin ready for summer. Get great-looking results in the convenience of your own home! When developing products, I strive to use the most efficacious ingredients. Everyone deserves access to the best skin possible and the confidence it brings. Stop waiting and get results.

What is De-Spot Plus?

• A lightening treatment that helps gradually fade age spots and sun spots.
• Potent solution of 2% hydroquinone (the maximum level available without a prescription) combined with a powerhouse complex of Illumiscin, Actiwhite, Chromabright, and Lipochroman-6.

Who can use De-Spot Plus?

• Anyone looking to help improve skin tone, and lighten and gradually fade spots, discoloration, and pigment blotches.

Product Usage:

• Use nightly on cleansed skin.
• Apply to affected areas on face, décolleté, and tops of hands.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Use with a sunscreen daily; a hat or umbrella is recommended.
• If irritation occurs, rinse off immediately.
• We suggest using De-Spot Plus continuously for three months, followed by three months of non-use. Continue to repeat the cycle of three months on and three months off hydroquinone.

What is Triple Acid Peel?

• A complex of three acids (TCA, Glycolic, and Salicylic).
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps improve the look of skin texture and uneven skin tone, and helps diminish the look of pores.
• This facial peel delivers advanced treatment to your home.
• Uncovers radiant, younger-looking skin.

Who can use Triple Acid Peel?

• All skin types, except sensitive.

Product Usage:

• Shake ampoule prior to use, as normal separation may occur.
• Dispense onto a cotton pad.
• Apply evenly to clean skin; a slight tingling is common.
• Leave on for two minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• If irritation occurs, rinse off immediately.
• Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product.
• For best results, use once a week.

—Peter Thomas Roth

Well the month of June is finally here and I am hoping that we can share ideas to help make graduation memories… I found some ideas that I was going to use for Nicole’s graduation and I am hoping you can give me some additional ideas!

My mom and I decorated multi-colored mason jars for table decorations.. I placed tags on them spelling out 2014...we also added decorative pebbles to anchor the graduation caps on the sticks...I love the adorable candy grad caps! The day before we will take the lollipop sticks and take mini Reese peanut butter cups and pieces of chocolate bars, mini M&M's and pieces of licorice.. Everything will be held together with icing... Place them in the mason jars and grad table decorations..

I used two long candy sticks and wrapped with a ribbon as diplomas for place settings..

I bought a large 2014 sign and will back with foam board so that family and friends can leave messages...Ordered a cake with her picture and balloons..

Please share your ideas! I really want to make this a wonderful memory for Nicole so I could use your suggestions..and I promise to share pictures...!!!

Here are a few special ideas I received from Colleen, Janie and Mandy:

These would be cute in the school colors. This is Reese mini peanut butter cups with a block of Hershey chocolate bar broken up for the hat.

Have Nicole and her friends write their future goals and keep them in the mason jars to only open ten or 15 years from now. They can also write each other notes and read them when they open! Like a home capsule!

Place flowers in unique vases then after the party take the flowers and press them in a special book  for life time memories… I still have my mother’s carnations from when she graduated pressed in her yearbook.

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

Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/PatJamesDeMentriQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PatJamesDeMentriQVC

Hi, everyone!

I’m sure you’ve been to a wedding or formal event where there’s a buffet, right? But have you ever considered having a buffet of your own at home? I find it’s a super easy way to host guests—you really only need to decorate one central table. And, with pretty oven-to-table bakeware, there’s no need for many serving plates and platters. A buffet is also more casual than a formal sit-down meal and I think guests feel more relaxed and are free to do what they like and eat what they like.

A weekend brunch buffet is one of my favorite ways to entertain…you get to make all those yummy breakfast foods and you can really be creative with your decorating. For example, have you ever tried decorating with a single color? It’s super easy way to create a classy, cohesive look. See?

Doesn’t that look sunny and happy? And so chic?

Here’s what pulls this whole look together…

The white and greens in the flower arrangement make the yellows on this tablescape look natural. I then just added more natural accents using the flowers as my guide…a rustic silverware tray, natural wooden stands to bring height and more color to the table. White plates and china don’t detract from the yellows, only enhance. (Virtually everything on my buffet table is available on QVC.com! The complete list of items is at the bottom of this blog.)

Notice the menu plate right in the front? It’s SO easy to make one of these!

I used chalkboard paint you can buy at any craft store and a plain white (dollar store!) plate. Then, I bought a chalk pen to write the small recipe names on the front. You can find lots of my great brunch recipes on QVC.com.

This buffet table and menu plate are both part of the next You’re Home with Jill that airs this Wednesday on QVC.com and QVC PLUS®. Our topic for the day is Family Celebrations and I have a very special guest joining me…my mom! :) Happy Friday to you all, I hope you have a glorious weekend. Blue skies are in the forecast here in West Chester. YESSSS!!!!!!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

P.S. All of those gorgeous dishes and appliances are available on QVC.com...here are the item numbers!

Le Creuset Rectangle Casserole: K297135

Lenox Flatware: H196303

Dualit Toaster: K302355

Gravy Boat: H364893

Sarabeth’s Preserves: M42705

Lenox Baker: H179862

Le Creuset Square Casserole: K297081

When I was on vacation last month, I took a golf lesson.

I never played golf, but many of my friends do, so I thought I’d check it out. I worked with a terrific pro named Matt. Lucky for me, Matt was a very patient instructor.

Hitting a golf ball is a lot harder than it looks. But in the end, I was inspired enough to consider learning more. So I’ve added “learning to play golf” to my summer “to-do” list.

I think summer is great time to learn something new, whether it’s golfing, or painting, or guitar playing, or a new language.

If you could learn something new this summer what would it be?

I look forward to reading your answers! Who knows? I might even be inspired twice! : ) 

See you tomorrow for AM Beauty and AM Style.

Leah 

Hello, foodies…

June is here, which means we’re starting a brand-new theme on In the Kitchen with David…No Bake, No Fuss Recipes. No one wants to be using a hot stove or oven in the summer months so we’ve created ten recipes that we’ll share throughout the month starting with this gem: Roast Beef Club Sandwich.

Roast Beef Club Sandwich
Serves 2–4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 6 slices whole-wheat bread, toasted
• 4 lettuce leaves (romaine or green leaf)
• 8 thin slices tomato
• 16 thin-sliced deli roast beef (approx. 1/2 lb)
• 4 slices horseradish-cheddar cheese
• 12 slices bacon, cooked
• Sandwich toothpicks

Directions:

Combine the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Spread about 1-1/2 Tbsp of the mixture over one side of each slice of bread. Place one lettuce leaf, 2 tomato slices, 4 slices roast beef, 1 cheddar slice, and 3 slices of bacon on top of two slices of the prepared bread. Place two more prepared slices of bread, mayonnaise-side down, on top of each sandwich. Top both of the sandwiches with another 1 lettuce leaf, 2 tomato slices, 4 slices roast beef, 1 slice cheddar, and 3 slices of bacon. Top each sandwich again with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise-side down.

Pierce the sandwiches with toothpicks along each side of the bread, creating a cross shape. Slice the sandwich diagonally from corner to corner, creating 4 triangles.

This recipe is prepared using the Technique® 7-Piece Knife Block Set (K39858).

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

My Grilled Steak Fries, Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Bundles, or Grilled Corn Salad  would be AWESOME with this sandwich. And all are no-bake! Check them out on David's Recipes page.

Let’s talk No-Bake, No-Fuss Recipes for your blog question today. What’s your favorite no-bake recipe? Do you make a great hearty salad? Do you like to grill anything and everything? Maybe a Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for dessert? I’ll see you Sunday at Noon ET, foodies.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

P.S. Speaking of No-Bake, No-Fuss Recipes, have you seen QVC’s new online magazine…Q In? Their editor, Divya Gugnani posted a cookie recipe in a recent issue that’s just terrific…check it out!

Confession: every time I'm on air and speaking about possible graduation gifts, I'm also doing something else you can't hear or see: I'm thinking about my own daughter's graduation! Not the big cap-and-gown, can't-believe-college-is-next graduation (thank goodness that's four years away!). No, my Gabby is taking the leap from 8th grade to high school.

 She's my only child, and so I do my best to savor every milestone. And I can't believe this one is already here. I'm sure you can relate...it feels like yesterday I was groggily changing 3am diapers!

 (Don't tell her I said that :-) )

 One of the ways that Gabby's school marks the end of this big year is with their big 8th Grade Formal dance. Gabby's first boy-girl dance...eeek! It reminded me of my first dance, after which I found out my mom had been parked in the lot outside the school the whole night "just in case I needed an early ride home" (I still let on that I believe that one, by the way!). And now that I'm a mom I understand the emotions that arise out of this big event. But rather than let these passing milestones get me down, I've found only great joy in them. Yes, I'll never get these moments back. But to me that's the amazing part.

 Each of these celebrations is a gift. Just Like every day I'm blessed to live. And so as our own QVC makeup artist Lia styled Gabby's hair, I said aloud to God:

 "Thank you."

As Gabby and her friends giggled and helped each other straighten out their dresses, I said aloud:

 "Thank you."

 As I snapped photos of my princess, the most beautiful creature I ever have and will ever see, I said aloud:

 "Thank you."

And as Gabby stepped out of the car for her last function as an 8th grader, I said aloud:

 "Thank you."

I'm working every day to live more in the moment and be grateful for every blessing. That night left my cup overflowing. Here are a few photos of this milestone. Thank you for sharing in it with me...I'll let you know how I'm holding up as the mom of a high schooler!!!

Track our progress as mom/daughter and best friends here on Facebook:

Oh, and if you want to check out the Beachwaver Lia used to make Gabby's crazy-cool hairstyle click here!

Thanks for reading! 

-Jennifer 

Hi, ladies! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day holiday! With summer soon approaching, I was wondering if anyone has tried any of our Denim & Co. Beach items yet? These are new styles for Denim & Co., with the same easy-care, easy-wear comfort, but designed to wear to the beach, pool, picnics and other summer fun days! 

How are you wearing your cover-ups? What do you look for in a cover-up? Please let us know what you think. 

We have a new style in today’s show, our Denim & Co. Beach 3/4 Sleeve Cover-up with Metallic Detail (A254809).

If you have any questions about any items in the show or just want to chat, just let me know. 

Talk to you soon!

Heather

Check out the complete Denim & Co. collection on QVC.com.

Mexican Dip

• 1 can refried beans
• 8 oz. mayonnaise
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, peepers or whatever you like : ) 

Mix the first 4 ingredients together in a bowl. Blending until smooth.

Spoon into serving dish of your choice and top with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce or anything you like. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or bread. This is delicious and couldn't be easier to make. 

You can serve it from one dish or leave the toppings separate for a build-your-own type of appetizer.... see pictures below in the Entertaining Set from Temptations. Enjoy!

Counting our blessings,

Mary Beth Roe

Mexican Dip in one dish without lettuce

Mexican Dip in one dish with lettuce

Mexican Dip in one dish with lettuce and hot peppers

Mexican Dip served in our Entertaining Set from Temp-tations

As always, experiment and have fun!!!

When I was in college at the University of Pittsburgh, I worked part-time as a waitress at a downtown bistro. 

Inserting 90's college hair photo lol.

Often I would pull “doubles” working both lunch and dinner shifts in the same day.  During my break in between, I would walk around the city to get some fresh air.  Downtown Pittsburgh had a Saks Fifth Avenue department store back then and I would often go inside and just look at all of the gorgeous clothing I couldn’t afford!!  It was fun window shopping.  Looking, feeling and dreaming of wearing designer clothes.  One day I saw this particularly stunning blouse and immediately tried it on.  It was 100% silk and had mint, pink, brown and white stripes.  One look in the mirror and I knew I had to have it.  It was from Isaac Mizrahi. 

My first picture with Isaac during AM Style.

It felt unlike anything I had ever touched.  The fabric was luxurious, the design was bold, the blouse was sophisticated.  It was $200!!!!!   That was almost my rent for the month!  But I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I saved.  And saved, and saved and saved all of my tip money until I had enough to pay for it (plus a pair of Isaac’s silk chocolate brown pants to go with it..lol!)

Isaac's reaction when I told him the story of the blouse I had to have!

I loved this outfit sooo much.  The problem was, I was in college and had NO WHERE to wear it.  So, it sat in my closet and I just stared at it day after day.  Finally, I did venture out in my Isaac outfit months later -  to a college bar, of all places!!  What was I thinking??

While I felt fabulous wearing it among the jean, flannel and sweatshirt-clad people who surrounded me, it took all but 10 minutes to have someone SPILL a fuzzy pink drink on me AND some beer.  That’s when I learned how tough and EXPENSIVE silk can be to clean.  The stains did come out and I held on to the outfit for a few years, wearing it only for special occasions.  Sadly, I gave it away after losing all that college weight!

That was almost 20 years ago, and now to be able to work with the very man who seduced me into saving all that tip money so I could feel gorgeous and beautiful, is such an honor.  If someone told me back then that one day I would be working with Isaac Mizrahi and presenting his fashions to millions of women, I wouldn’t have believed them for a second!  How things sometimes come full circle.  And the best part of it is that you don’t have to pay what I did to feel just as fabulous, gorgeous and luxurious while wearing Issac Mizrahi's clothing!  That's the beauty of QVC! What is your favorite piece of Isaac's clothing?

xoxo Stacey