Back in January, My husband and I were out to dinner and I got a text from Chaz Dean, the creator of Wen. It was a picture of me that Chaz had found on Facebook. My hair was pushed behind my shoulder, making it appear much shorter than the actual length. Chaz wrote, "I think we should do this." "Long bob?" I texted back. And so the saga began. 

I really wish I could tell you that I cut my hair on an impulse or that I gave it no thought, but I spent six months thinking, "should I or shouldn't I?" Chaz and I continued to text each other pictures and have conversations about it. If you are thinking, "It's only hair! What's the big deal?" You are right! I only tell you this because I see the humor in it. We were talking about three inches of already dead hair, not major geo-political issues. Yet, we carefully weighed our options. This is just one of the many reasons I love Chaz. He takes more hair more seriously than I do. Haha!

After having long hair for at about 15 years, I decided to go shoulder length. I also wanted highlights, which I also have not had for more than a decade. Chaz has been cutting my hair for about seven years. Actually, that is an understatement. He not only cuts it, I usually let him pick the style.  I can't remember the last time I didn't sit in his chair and say, "Do what you want!" I trust him and he has never steered me wrong. When I got to Chaz's Pennsylvania salon, my girl Courtney Cason was already getting her hair done.

I was next!

Chaz does not use bleach to highlight hair, so it takes a bit longer, but it is totally worth it. Here I am ready for the cut to begin.

(pic of chaz and assistant drying) 

After the cut, I asked Chaz to give me a tip to share with you. He said, when applying styling products, put them on from thickest to thinest. It's the opposite of skincare, where you start with thin layers (serums) and end with thick layers (night creams). I wrote down what he put on my hair so I could duplicate it at home. Just last night, I did this routine, and I was able to get my hair to look almost as good as when Chaz styles it! For me, that was a big accomplishment because I'm not great with styling.

1. After cleansing, he put in a 1/4 pump of Cleansing Conditioner as a leave in conditioner. We used Summer Honey Peach (LOVE!)

2. On soaking wet hair, he raked in two pumps of Styling Creme and then 14 pumps of Mousse. (You actually can't use too much of his mousse. It doesn't weigh your hair down and it actually treats the hair.)

3. He then dried my hair, keeping the blow drying constantly moving to never burn my hair. 

4. He finished with a pea size amount of his Finishing Cream, 3 pumps of Glossing Serum and 5 spritzs of his Volumizing Treatment Spray, which you can use instead of hairspray. These products cut the frizz and make your hair look smooth and shiny.

 It might sound complicated, but it is actually really simple and this "recipe" is making it so much easier for me to get the style I want. Here's the finished result.

Before:

After:

Be sure to check out my Facebook page for more Beauty Banter and other fun things {Sandra Bennett QVC}, and follow me on twitter at {@SandraQVC}. 

Hello my LCNY fashionistas,

I am two thirds of the way through the Davies trifecta.  Meghan and Matt's wedding lovingly done...Kevin's senior prom and pictures done. Last, but not least, is Kevin's graduation from high school, today, same day as our LCNY TSV. I am going to be so bored tomorrow, whatever will I do the rest of the summer? 

All joking a side, I function much better in an organized chaos life.  My baby is graduating. So many thoughts, already a lot of tears. The other night I wrote him a letter, it will be on his pillow when he wakes up this morning. I will be at QVC with all of you, but I have been there for every first day of school and of course, the last.  No more lunches to pack or calling him from work to make sure he is UP.  He and I have held on tight these past four years. Kevin was the child still living at home when Larry passed.  I would be lying if I said it was an easy ride, both of us had to find our new normal.  I am so incredibly proud of who he has become. 

So, tonight night the Davies clan will celebrate together another milestone.  The fab five has now become the fab seven. Am I blessed, you bet!!! Will Larry be there? He will fill the stands with happiness. 

Please join me today for our LCNY TSV.  A maxi dress and crochet shrug, I will be on at midnight..the morning show...a two hour show starting at 9am with MBR, and then Q CHECK.  Then Caroline will continue on at 4pm so I can go to Kevin's graduation. I thought you might enjoy some pictures of MY guy.  See you soon my friends :)

Hello, foodies…

I’d like to take a moment to thank those of you who submitted video clips in honor of my fifth anniversary on In the Kitchen with David. For those of you who didn’t catch the show yesterday, the ITKWD team surprised me with a video montage—featuring your personal messages! I was humbled then and I’m humbled now—you all are so supportive and I appreciate your encouraging words more than I could ever say. Without you, there would be no ITKWD. I can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring!

We’re in a brand-new month, foodies and that means a new theme—No Fuss, No Bake Recipes! We kicked things off with a Roast Beef Club Sandwich on Sunday…Wednesday’s recipe is my Garden Veggie Dip in a Bread Bowl!

Garden Veggie Dip in a Bread Bowl
Serves 8–10

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted red pepper
• 1/2 cup halved canned artichokes
• 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, packed in oil
• 1 scallion, cut into 2" pieces
• 1/4 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup packed basil leaves
• 12 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 round loaf of pumpernickel bread

Directions:

1. Add the carrots, peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, scallion, garlic, cucumber, parsley, and basil to the bowl of a food processor and pulse the ingredients until finely chopped. Transfer the mixture to a medium-size bowl.
2. Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar to the food processor and mix until smooth. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the chopped vegetables. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. While the dip is chilling, prepare the bread bowl. Cut a 1"-thick slice from the top of the bread and slice it into cubes for dipping. Hollow out the inside of the loaf, stir the chilled dip, and scoop it into the bread bowl.

This recipe is prepared using the KitchenAid 13 Cup 3-in-1 Wide Mouth Food Processor with Accessories (K35182).

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

Foodies, not only will I see you this Wednesday on In the Kitchen with David, but Wednesday is QVC’sCooking on Q Color Your Kitchen Event! We asked to see some photos of your colorful kitchens and here are just a couple. Thanks, Iris and Kathleen!

Let’s go back to the Veggie Dip for your blog question today. Because this flavorful appetizer is chock-full of vegetables, tell me…what’s your favorite garden vegetable? Do you go crazy for fresh carrots? Or do prefer green varieties like broccoli or celery? String beans get my vote!! I’ll see you Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
--David

We had a BLAST in Buffalo and the city treated us incredibly well. From a warm welcome, to three shows, to an incredible send-off: I sure did love my time in Buffalo. I figured: no better way to share the whole trip with you than in a photo blog!

Started off the trip by jumping on a tiny airplane:

We knew we had to do two things immediately: get some WINGS and go see Niagara Falls. Both were awe-inspiring for different reasons. The BBQ wings at Gabriel’s Gate were the best wings I have ever had in my life. NO KIDDING.

Niagara Falls is even more beautiful in person than you have seen on TV. Nobody prepared me for the sound. You have to hear it – it’s a stunning showcase of the power of nature.

Next day, it was on to the show! We did hits live from Buffalo throughout Sunday’s ITKWD. Robert Geist from Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Outfitters gave us a live demonstration of an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) used in the military.

On Monday, Memorial Day, I got to be on air again! I did live hits from the Buffalo & Erie County Military & Naval Park. I got to make friends with John, Jess, Bob, and Chief. These guys are docents at the museum and they are incredible wealths of knowledge. Please check out their website and volunteer!

Also, we had the opportunity to thank our soldiers for their service. Boy, it makes me happy to honor them. I am right in my element since I grew up in an Army family, but these folks deserve as much praise and support as we can muster. Thank you for sharing your photos throughout the month with all of us. I loved seeing every single one. Want to support an awesome Veteran’s group? Please search in your area and support! Please check out Flatline Fighters too, they rock!

Tuesday, we had an incredible tour of Buffalo! HUGE thanks to Robert G and Chris Hawley for the amazing day in Buffalo:

We went to City Hall:

City Hall is also incredibly beautiful on the inside:

They accidentally left me alone with a gavel too long…

Then we went to the roof and WHAT A VIEW!

Then Wednesday came!!! Live audience time! We got the stage set…

Get your make up done and hair whipped up better than it has EVER been, thanks to the one-and-ONLY Lia!!! I just love her

Quick, super-excited selfie with the audience:

Put on your Army PT shirt (represent), slap on your 4-inch heels, Maverick jacket, climb a Destroyer and get this show started!!

The best part of every trip? YOU. Getting to meet you in person is the highlight of every QVC excursion. It is a privilege, every single day, to get to know you. Thank you for making this one a BLAST. Let’s do it again SOON!

xoxo - Mary DeAngelis

Weekend Recap:

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoying the first few days of summer. I know we've been waiting all year for the slower paced, more relaxed, outdoor time and I for one am so glad it's here. 

Aaron's family is here visiting for the week and we kicked off the weekend  grilling out. My dad gave us a little recipe for burgers which included powdered onion soup mix, Eggs, and garlic and they were delicious! As new Griller's the only thing we had a little tough time with was how long to cook the burgers on the grill. Do you have any tips or rules of thumbs for doing so? Luckily... Our burgers came out medium well  but we had to cut into the burgers a few times to make sure :).  Have you ever had pesto on corn? One of my favorite goodies, Bobby Flay once introduced me to this marvel and I haven't been able to go back since. Basically, you grill your corn with butter and pesto sauce (out of a jar from the grocery store) for about 10-15 mins slowly on the coolest part of your grill. I dare you to try it... You may never go back :-).

Food Idea to get your week started:

During the warmer months of the year, I crave smoothies. They are a sweet little treat that I look forward to everyday. The neat thing about smoothies is that there really is a choice for every facet of life; smoothies for energy, skin, diet, health and/or indulgence.  My pick this week is an energizing Triple Berry Smoothie. Find it here -> Smoothie Heaven

Need a little fun?  This past week we dined on seafood burritos and I found the perfect summer cocktail recipe from fellow foodie, David Venable. It's a mouthwatering Kiwi Cilantro Margarita. Check out the recipe here in my ToGather collection. 

Beauty Obsession: Clarisonic Plus Sonic System with Bliss a254456

I think by now we all know and love the story of what Clarisonic can do for our face... But I always feel like we are leaving out the best part... Total body cleansing. Here's why I bring it up...

During the summer months I feel like there's a lot that goes into our skin... Sticky SPF's, self tanners, moisturizers with illuminizing  properties, sweat, dirt, and gosh knows what else our hectic life entails...

Why not treat yourself to total body exfoliation so you can set you skin up to receive all the goodness of your beauty products, but then if you decide to go au natural, you skin is back to basics, feeling soft and smooth.

Here's where Clarisonic is genius ... They give you a body brush which magically sends the Plus a message to switch its timer to three mins- I'm glad they have the timer function on there. I either exfoliated way too long or not enough. Clarisonic then paired  it with Bliss' amazing exfoliated for body and face that takes this grainy exfoliate to a frothy soft spa like experience- and I can say that because they use this in their facials world wide.

What do you think? Are you up for full body exfoliation?!

PM Style:

What's your fav Wen Scent/formula? I just picked up Bamboo Green Tea, which is step out of the box from my tea tree days but I'm really excited to try this treatment based formula :). We've got the gallons in the show tonight... So get yours before they're gone, a255710.

Here's the jacket I'll be wearing from Joan tonight...a235133

See you on the runway!

XO, CC

Find me on Facebook here!

Hello my LCNY fashionistas,

I am two thirds of the way through the Davies trifecta.  Meghan and Matt's wedding lovingly done...Kevin's senior prom and pictures done. Last, but not least, is Kevin's graduation from high school, today, same day as our LCNY TSV. I am going to be so bored tomorrow, whatever will I do the rest of the summer? 

All joking a side, I function much better in an organized chaos life.  My baby is graduating. So many thoughts, already a lot of tears. The other night I wrote him a letter, it will be on his pillow when he wakes up this morning. I will be at QVC with all of you, but I have been there for every first day of school and of course, the last.  No more lunches to pack or calling him from work to make sure he is UP.  He and I have held on tight these past four years. Kevin was the child still living at home when Larry passed.  I would be lying if I said it was an easy ride, both of us had to find our new normal.  I am so incredibly proud of who he has become. 

So, tonight night the Davies clan will celebrate together another milestone.  The fab five has now become the fab seven. Am I blessed, you bet!!! Will Larry be there? He will fill the stands with happiness. 

Please join me today for our LCNY TSV.  A maxi dress and crochet shrug, I will be on at midnight..the morning show...a two hour show starting at 9am with MBR, and then Q CHECK.  Then Caroline will continue on at 4pm so I can go to Kevin's graduation. I thought you might enjoy some pictures of MY guy.  See you soon my friends :)

Kevin's prom, I'm wearing the TSV maxi dress & shrug in Mocha

The face I have kissed a thousand times

College tour to visit his brother

What happens in Vegas…

When Chelsea turned 21 last year she asked if we could take a family trip to Las Vegas.  I love Vegas, so I said let’s GO!!  What can I say about Vegas that hasn’t already been said.  It is crazy, wild, live and always unpredictable.  I guess that is why I love it.  Of course the world class hotels, entertainment and dining are worth mentioning.  We stayed at the Aria Hotel.  It was stunning and definitely worth seeing.  Every hotel has a different vibe.  We walked to as many as our legs could handle.  On average my Fitbit registered over 14,000 steps per day.  Clarks& Orthaheel helped me through every step.

We left the mild spring weather of PA and went right into summer in Vegas.  The high temperatures were 100 – 105!!  Hot stuff.  We spent most of the day relaxing by the pool and in the evening’s dinner and sight seeing.  The city is beautiful day and night. We had every intention of going to a nightclub Saturday, but after a long day of fun in the sun we were cooked.  Literally.  Party animals we are not.

The Blue Man Group show never disappoints.  This was my 3^rd time seeing it and I would see it again.  Everyone enjoyed the quirky humor and amazing percussionist.  If you go be prepared to laugh and look out, you might end up in the show.

Yes, we gambled.  Lauren & Chelsea my sister and I hit the slots.  They won $100 dollars and headed to the stores.  New bathing suits!  Thank you Aria!

We had a great time!  We did not hit any jackpots on the slot machines but I did hit the jackpot when it comes to great times with my family.  And as much as I loved the opportunity to go to Vegas, I was equally excited to get home and get into my own bed!  I guess what they say is true, there’s no place like home.  I hope your summer vacation is fun and full of great memories for you and yours!

Blessings,

Jayne

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaynebrown1

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaynebrownqvc

Cooking on Q 

At philosophy, we encourage a sense of joy and indulgence, and bring that to you with our recipe-inspired collections. We create them in scents so true and exact, if you close your eyes and inhale you will be transported to your best childhood memory or favorite escape. We call this a multi-sensory shower experience...the best 10 minutes of your day!

We are proud to bring to you one of our most fun Today's Special Value® collections ever! With this collection, you get super-sizes of 3-in-1 shower gel, body lotion, and hydrating body spritz so you can enjoy head-to-toe luxury. These amazing formulas will add a touch of pure joy to your daily routine. You will not only smell and feel good, you will be cleansing and hydrating with wonderful skin-loving formulas. Whether you are soaking in a tub of rich, decadent bubbles or just have time for a quick shower, we guarantee that you will come out feeling clean, refreshed, and renewed.

This must-have trio is a joyous start to your day, offered in your choice of these favorite scents:

fresh cream: simply sweet, fresh, and decadent, sure to become an everyday favorite.
raspberries & cream: tart, juicy raspberry with the sweetness of fresh cream on top.
apricots & cream: savory sweetness of freshly sliced apricots, nestled in fresh cream.

philosophy 3-piece super-size cream favorites bath & body set

What makes this collection special?
Dara Lynn: We would love to take all the credit, but we simply cannot. It is you, the QVC customer we thank for the inspiration behind this fantastic trio. It is 100% inspired by you telling us exactly what you want to see: a perfect fragrance profile to make everyone happy; a 64-oz shower gel that gives you mounds of plush, fragrant bubbles; a 32-oz body lotion with soft and subtle fruit and cream notes to hydrate your skin; and a 16-oz hydrating body spritz that carries the fragrance throughout the day.

Mari Lyn Meier: My favorite food on any menu is always on the dessert menu. It's the first place I look when planning my meal out. With these fresh treats, you not only enjoy the scent, but no calories are counted and you can indulge all you want. Each of the scents are universal; loved by men, women, kids, grandmas, grandpas…if you want to put a smile on someone's face, this Today's Special Value is a sure thing!

Heidi Guest: the scents alone are spectacular, perfectly timed for the summer season. along with that, our3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath has recently received the 2013 qvc customer choice award for best body cleanser. the fact that these two beloved qvc customer favorites (a.k.a: rock stars), plus so much more, are the centerpieces of this tsv says a lot about how special this offering is for the qvc community.

Why do you love this collection?
Dara Lynn: This collection is all about what philosophy does best in the bubbles and body category. There are three decadent homerun fragrances to choose from, all blended with creamy, juicy, mouthwatering notes. Your skin will thank you when you bubble up with the lush bubbles. Your body will thank you when you use the sweetly, softly fragranced body lotion. Then, top off with the hydrating, fragranced body mist and you are set to go! I have one tip: be prepared for compliments, because you will get them wearing this trio of deliciousness!

Mari Lyn Meier: Personally, I LOVE this collection because I get more of what I love at an amazing value. These products are part of my daily routine and they fit right into my active lifestyle. I get compliments every time I wear any one of these 3 scents—and no one knows they are rooted in skincare. I can always count on philosophy to keep me feeling happy, smelling good, and looking my best.

Heidi Guest: I have to say that my favorite thing about this TSV is the skin-loving formulas. Living in Arizona, my skin and hair is naturally more dry. All three items provide some form of much-needed hydration. Both individually and collectively, the products in this set make my skin the best it can be: soft, and glowing.

Who will love this TSV?
Dara Lynn: fresh cream is a runaway hit for those of you who love a light softly sweet yet clean fragrance with a touch of whipped vanilla cream and a tiny spoon full of sugar. If you crave creamy vanilla mixed with fresh apricots and blended with a hint of peach and sweet sugar, apricots & cream is for you. And if rich red juicy raspberries whirled together with fresh whipped rich cream sounds good, raspberries & cream is a daily delight you will look forward to using.

Mari Lyn Meier: My friend Savanne in Texas is going to go ga-ga over the apricots and cream. It reminds her of how much her dad loves apricots, and, she likes to blend this with falling in love. What a great combination!

raspberries and cream is for my sister, pam. She likes to begin her day with fresh yogurt and berries. I think she is going to really like how the formulas fit her busy life. She will love to use the body spritz before and after the gym.

And, lastly, because fresh cream is so universal, I would love it! I never have any of my own because it is the first scent I give to anyone. I don't have to think about it because I know they are going to love it. So, this big one is all mine!

Heidi Guest: When I first saw this trio, I immediately thought of my mother. She is famous for her entertaining. She is one of those very special women who can whip up a dinner party for twenty people on a moment’s notice. When I was a child, she routinely served scrumptious fruit cobblers for dessert throughout the summer and into the warmer days of fall. We would pick both apricots from the trees in the backyard and raspberries near our summer home in the pacific northwest, and mom would make fabulous fruit desserts…always with fresh cream on top.

I have given my mom all three of these scents over the years and she always says they give her all the joy of making these fabulous fruit desserts, and all of the happy memories associated with summers past—but in the comfort of her bath or shower, without a smidge of stress, and without a calorie ingested or pound gained.

Hi, everyone!

I know I tell you I’m excited about every episode of You’re Home with Jill that’s coming up, but tomorrow’s episode features a VERY special guest…my mom.

I’m so lucky that my mom lives close by…I love spending time with her, my kids love their grandma, and I’m just so grateful to have such a close relationship with her. She’s given me the tools to be a good wife, mother, and friend. And without her, I wouldn’t be me.

I convinced her to join me for Wednesday’s episode because our topic is preparing for a family brunch! And not only did she come, but she came bearing her original recipe for Sock It To Me Cake.

Of course I asked her to help me make it...it's always easier when you're cooking with someone don't you think? Here’s how it went:

Sock It To Me Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2–1 Tbsp cinnamon, to taste
• 1-1/2 Tbsp nuts (such as pecans)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.

Beat the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, sugar, and oil for three minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.

Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts in a small bowl. Sprinkle the nut mixture on top of the batter in the pan and then pour the rest of the batter on top. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Doesn’t it look delicious? I’ve got three more recipes to share with you in tomorrow’s episode…Raspberry Lemonade, Broccoli Chicken Casserole, and homemade bread you bake in little terracotta pots! They're ADORABLE. If you missed Friday’s blog, be sure and check out my yellow and white buffet table, which is our main DIY project for the show. You can watch the episode anytime tomorrow on QVC.com. If you’re tuning in on QVCPLUS, it’s on at 7pm ET.

From my home to yours,
—Jill

We're looking to hear from you, QVC Community! Did you already vote on the Community Poll this week? 

Do you think that QVC should participate in the Community Forums?  We want to hear why you say Yes or No thanks!

Please share your comments below, after you vote, and fill us in.

We asked to see how you #ColorYourKitchen. Take a peek at some of our favorites below!

Share your colorful kitchens in the comments below!

The Lisa Robertson Show is off for the summer, but you can still watch it. Confusing, right? Let me explain: we decided to shoot some special episodes of The Lisa Robertson Show for QVC PLUS over the summertime.

Every Sunday night at 9pm ET you can catch a new episode of the summer version of LRS. Every episode features all G.I.L.I.(TM)! G.I.L.I. fashion, G.I.L.I. shoes, G.I.L.I. handbags, and G.I.L.I. jewelry, some of which was used in "Looks" from past seasons. On Sunday, you'll see these:

If you don't have QVC PLUS, you can tune in on QVC.com. :)

Hope to see you Sunday nights at 9pm ET!
--Lisa

I was at a party once when the hostess pulled out this little clear box filled with cards. Each card had a question printed on it, and the questions were designed to get people talking and share information about themselves. It was a great way to break the ice, and get to know more about people. I went out and bought one of those card boxes to have for my own parties -- and it’s always fun.

I brought the box into work a couple of Saturdays ago, and asked each of the AM Style models, and our stylist Jillian, to select a card and answer the question that was printed. Luckily for me, they’re all good sports and happily obliged. I share their questions and answers as a way for you get to know the AM Style Ladies a little better.

Enjoy!

Leah

By the way -- how would you answer the questions? Feel free to share.

Amanda -- When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well, when I was little I always carried around this white plastic doctor kit and I would tell everyone that I wanted to be a doctor and make a lot of money!!!!  I think my parents burned that money part into my brain ;) So I guess I always wanted to do something in the medical field but I think you need to pass algebra II to become a doctor?? Hahaha!!!  

Amanda

Coleen -- If you could be brilliant in one subject which would you choose?

 If I had a choice, I would love to be "brilliant" in physics.  It is a subject that encompasses math, sciences, spatial relations, mechanics, energy, light and sound, electricity, the nature of matter, the structure of atoms and allows you a unique view of the world....as though you can look at any living being or built or amassed structure and comprehend how it all comes together to work from the atoms on up!  Not only would being great in this area help with advancements in medicine, technology and infrastructure, but I think it would allow me a greater appreciation of the miracles we see around us every day:  life, nature, the arts and architecture that bring it all before us!

Coleen

Jese -- If money were no object what kind of party would you throw and where?

I would want to throw a party for youth excelling in academics in disadvantaged communities. It would be held somewhere really nice to honor their efforts. I would want to host it at a location that they only dream exists. I would want them to understand everything is possible with hard work and perseverance. It wouldn't have to be lavish but impactful.

Jese

Jillian -- If you could master one instrument what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to play the drums and never learned. I had a friend in high school that played the drums and he was really good! I was always jealous of him! I just always thought it would be really cool to be able to rock out an awesome drum solo. I guess it’s never too late to learn!!

Jillian

Michelle -- What is your dream job? 

Well in a way I already have my dream job. As a kid I always dreamed of being a model and I'm so blessed to have made it a career. I have to say now that I've reached a different point  in my life, my dreams have changed. I would love to be a designer or boutique owner. I love fashion and after being in front of the camera for so many years, I would love to go behind the scenes and create. Most likely a swimwear and accessories designer, or move somewhere warm and open up a boutique. Whatever it is, I love the idea of being a boss and in charge of my own brand. It will happen one day for sure. :) 

Ok I also have a dream retirement job. Gift wrapping! I could do it all day. Lol

Michelle

Sheila -- At what age do most people become old? And what is the secret to staying young?

Old should not be labeled on people because we are emotional beings and it’s offensive. So “old” should only be used in describing objects and things. Staying young starts from the heart. First is spirituality. Through spirituality comes inner peace, humility, acceptance, and contentment with life. Happiness is acquired. When one is happy, one lives a “stress-free” life and that’s how you stay young.

Sheila

Working with Willie Nelson on September 12, 2013 was one of the most memorable experiences of my forty year career working in radio and television.  It seems like it was last week, but it has now been almost nine months since his last visit to QVC.  As Willie wrote in one of his iconic songs, Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away?

It doesn’t get any better than working with a music legend/icon who also happens to be a really nice guy.  I am blessed to have another opportunity to hang out with him and listen to him again on June 12th when we will launch his brand new CD called, “Band of Brothers.”  In anticipation of this appearance I thought I would share a little bit about what it was like to work with him.

Willie and his band, the Family, showed up right on time for rehearsal at 2pm on that September day.  Our show was scheduled for 5pm.  I was introduced to them all before they began and then watched them rehearse. I was so impressed how hard Willie worked to get each song just right.  He spent extra time on his duet with Lily Meola who performed Will You Remember Me with Willie on his cd titled, “To All the Girls.”  She told me she was so excited and nervous when Willie asked her to record with him and to perform on QVC.  She was only 18 years old at the time and Wille had heard her sing in a small café in Maui, Hawaii where he lives.

After the rehearsal, Willie’s road manager said that Willie wanted to meet with me on his bus, The Honey Suckle Rose IV.  We sat down at a breakfast nook in the kitchen area (this bus is a home on wheels and a beautiful one at that) and Willie was sipping a cup of coffee.  I said, “How are you doing, Willie?”  He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know?”  I asked him why and he said, “It’s way too early in the day to tell!”  We broke out in laughter.  It was 3:30pm.  

Willie has that way of breaking the ice and making everyone around him feel right at home.  I began going through the rundown for the show.  This is standard procedure for me as I want all of my guests to be comfortable with the topics we will be discussing.  It’s also important that everybody is on the same page with the flow of the show.  He politely nodded as I was going through each element and every question I would ask.  Finally, I looked at him and said, “Do we really need to go through this Willie?” He immediately responded, “No Dan…..I’m comfortable with any question you want to ask me.  Ask away and I’ll play my songs whenever you tell me to.”  Willie is as laid back and comfortable in his own skin as anyone I have ever met.

We chatted about a few other topics and I told him that I admired his energy  (he was 80 at the time) and was amazed that he was doing over 200 performances on the road in 2013.  His eyes got the size of quarters as he looked back at me and asked, “Am I really doing over 200 dates this year?”  I responded, “Yes according to this press release.  He said, “No wonder I’m so tired!  I just ride this bus and when we get to where we are going they tell me to go play my music and sing and then I come back on the bus and ride to the next city.  I don’t know where I am most of the time!”

We had a wonderful show that evening in front of a packed house in our live audience studio at QVC.  

I asked him about some of his early songwriting efforts and he told me that he was with Patsy Cline’s husband at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville when he talked the owner into playing a demo version of a song he had written called Crazy on the juke box.  Patsy’s husband said they had to let Patsy hear it right away.  Willie said they could do it in the morning as it was after midnight but he insisted she needed to hear it right away.  They drove to her house and woke her up and the rest is history.  Willie had penned her biggest hit ever!

I was in Nashville with my wife, Beth, and daughter, Kelsey last month.  The first place I took them after we checked into our hotel? Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge! 

The walls are lined with photos of all the country music legends who had started their careers playing at this well-known honky tonk. 

As we sat down at our table, I looked up and whose picture was staring down at us?  You guessed it: Willie Nelson.

He is On the Road Again and I am so looking forward to welcoming him back to QVC at 8PM ET on Wednesday, June 12.  Join us for more great stories and music from his brand new album Band of Brothers.  It features nine brand new songs composed by one of the greatest songwriters of all time.  QVC will be the first to offer this amazing collection of new songs written and recorded by Willie along with a bonus CD of some of his most beloved tunes. 

Join us on June 12^th at 8pm ET for another special evening with a true American original: Willie Nelson!

-Dan

Woo Hoo! Summer is here!

No matter where you live in this great land of ours, the kickoff to summer has arrived. Any day now, the school doors will burst open with screaming kids dashing into the sun. The pool will be packed with splashing happy faces, and hopefully you’ll be able to find a slice of paradise to enjoy. With all this time outside, there seems to be a focus on getting away from it all (technology included), but there is definitely a place for some really cool gadgets this time of year. Here are a few to keep by your side this summer season:

Bluetooth Speakers- What’s summer without great tunes? Whether its Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, or classic rock, a summer soundtrack with great speakers is a key element to that backyard BBQ. Bluetooth technology is standard in almost every smartphone or tablet, and many laptop computers. If you’ve never used it before, now is the time to start. The speakers built into your favorite device is good enough if you are by yourself in a quiet room, but there’s no way it will be good enough for that summertime bash. Bluetooth allows devices to wireless connect, and a wireless speaker is essential to boost the sounds of summer. In order for both devices to communicate with Bluetooth they need to be within 30 of each other. So keep your phone in your pocket, play DJ, and keep the party alive with your summer favorites.

To view our full assortment of Bluetooth speakers click here!

Tablets & e-Readers- You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of the iPad and it can be a great travel companion. However,  if you want to read outside by the pool, sometimes I prefer to pull out my e-Reader. I love reading books on my iPad, but in direct sunlight, the LED screen can be a challenge to see clearly. Many e-Readers have what is called an e-ink screen that doesn't have any back-light. It gives the reader a book-like experience without a 500 page thud of weight on your lap. Keep in mind, if you do choose an e-Reader like the Kindle, you can always download the Kindle app on your iPad or Android tablet and enjoy the book in both places. Of course, you only have to pay for the book once, even if you are reading the books on multiple devices. I will often start a book on my reader while lounging in the backyard and continue reading on my iPad during those rainy indoor days.

To shop for a tablet or e-Reader to take with you on your next adventure or stay at home vacation, click here!

Staying charged – Portable power is the final must-have of the season. I am always on the go in the summer with swim meets for the kids, long bike rides down quiet country roads, or just strolling along the shore. The point is, I am nowhere near a place to plug in my stuff. Thankfully, something as simple as a Halo means I don’t have to be. The more mAhs the better when it comes to these on the go chargers. Many smartphones have a battery of about 1500 mAhs, and a charger of 5000 mAhs is about the same size of that phone. Having that extra juice in your pocket could mean the difference between getting a picture of that perfect sunset or just trying to remember what it looked like.

Click here to make sure that you stay powered up on your next trip. 

Of course, unplugging is ideal from time to time during the dog days of summer, but don’t be shy about letting tech make those summer time memories even greater. Happy summer to all, and don’t forget your sunscreen

Don't forget to tune in every Thursday at 9pm eastern, while I take a look back at some of the great moments from the week before with Program Host Kerstin Lindquist on our new show called Q- Review! If you think you missed it, don’t worry because we’ll have it. The greatest products, the funny moments, the cool behind the scenes stories that you won’t find anywhere else is what this show is all about. If you are new to QVC Plus, it is a 2^nd channel QVC launched with the goal of getting us to better connect with you. Not every cable system has picked it yet, so check the list below to see if you can watch in your area. If not, don’t worry. You can always see cool stuff like Q Review on qvc.com.

If you have any questions check me out on facebook at Craig Smith for QVC! See ya Thursday 

- Craig Smith

It's #ThrowbackThursday: Graduation Edition! We're celebrating this special time of the year with some fabulous pictures of our hosts on their graduation day. Take a peek below!

David Venable:

Jane Treacy:

Jayne Brown:

Kerstin Lindquist:

Leah Williams:

Nancy Hornback:

Pat James-DeMentri:

Shawn Killinger:

 Stacey Stauffer:

Antonella Nester:

Hello, foodies…

Did you pick up the Genius Mix, Slice & Chop Set? I hope you love it. And, I hope you’ve already found some recipes that are perfect for this do-it-all-tool. I happen to have a few more recipes that can be made with the help of your Genius…my Tomatillo Guacamole and Chocolate Fruit Dip. We selected these recipes to be part of our how-to video segments, and shot them before I ever had the pleasure of meeting the Genius. So, when you watch the videos below, just focus on the ingredients, the steps, and the tips!

I created a “genius” collection on my toGather™ page that will help you get even more use out of your new purchase. And, you can always check out my library of recipes on QVC.com and on your free In the Kitchen with David app for the iPhone.

Keep it flavorful!

—David

Jamie

This is the time of year when big memories are made….and none are bigger and more important than graduations!  They’re the end of an academic ‘journey’ and the commencement of a new phase.  ( I guess that’s why  people prefer to call them ‘commencement’ addresses, not graduation talks.)

It’s so important to celebrate them with family, I think.  First, because it takes a ‘village’ or a family to help get a kid all the way to graduation.  In a way, the family is graduating—and they deserve to celebrate!

It’s also important to show the graduate how proud everyone is, so they will remember the support they’re getting at they mark the beginning of their next journey.  So many high school graduates ‘leave home’.  Maybe not literally or forever.  But they go away to school in the Fall, or they take a job in another city.  Regardless, they’re not the kid they used to be.  They’re more independent. It’s a really big step for everyone.

It’s an emotional time.  For the graduate.   For parents.  And for proud, loving aunts like me!

Last weekend I flew to Port St Lucie Florida with my younger sister Vickie& her son Ben (my “sparkly quacker” nephew) to see our twin nephew’s graduate from high school!  As you may know, I have six nephews.  I also have three great nephews, two great nieces & one more baby on the way! 

All of my nieces & nephews are very special to me.  Michael & Robert are no exception.  When they were babies, I would fly to Florida as much as I could to see them.  I did not want to miss seeing them.  However as the years grew on, it got harder to visit as often as I would’ve liked. 

This is a photo of them from a trip in 2005. (Robert is on the left, Michael is on the right)

The trip this year was great.  Ben, who is five and a half, was a champ!  Here is a fun picture I took of him while we were in Philadelphia waiting to board the plane.  You can just imagine how excited he was!

When we arrived my sister Kim had lots of things planned for us!  Friday night we had a huge family dinner at a really great Italian restaurant to celebrate the twin’s graduation!  The food was yummy as you can see from the photo below!

My sisters in-law attended as well as her brother in law & his family.  Kim’s oldest son, Steven was there with his wife & their three kids.  It really was great to see my family, I hadn’t seen them since last summer!

 Michael, Steven, Jay (Kim’s husband), Kim & Stevie

Michael & Robert’s Grandparents, Aunt & Uncle on their Dad’s side.

After a big meal & flying all day, Vickie, Ben & I were pretty tuckered out, so we retired to our hotel for the night to get some rest!

Saturday morning, our brother-in-law Jay took us out for breakfast—it was great to have him to ourselves for a bit!!  And then we all went to the pool for some relaxing before the big graduation ceremony!!

This is the pool & clubhouse at my sister’s condo community.  I took this pic because I loved the clouds against the clubhouse—I thought it looked very exotic!!

After swimming we then got ready for the graduation ceremony.  What a beautiful day!

The ceremony took place at the local Fairgrounds.  Boy was it humid inside of this pavilion!!! I thought I was going to melt for sure!!  We also tried to keep Ben occupied during the ceremony.

Vickie & Ben

Victor, Vicky, Kim, Steven, Michael, Robert & Emily after the ceremony

It’s official—they have graduated!!!  

Finally here is a picture of me with my God children… I welled up all weekend because I am just so proud of them.

They both graduated with academic honors & will both be heading off to different colleges in the fall. 

It always amazes me how time flies, it seems like only yesterday I was in Florida for their christening… and now I watched them graduate from high school.  Life is incredible! 

Next thing you know, they’ll probably be bringing a girl home to meet the family….and planning another big step in life.  But I cannot deal with that now!  One step at a time!