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Eric and Alice's Wedding Reception in the States

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Several of you asked that I share pictures from Eric and Alice

s wedding reception in the states ... I am so touched and will gladly share. There are so many photos and they keep coming in, so I will have to share them with you in pieces. Here is the first round ... I think you will recognize a few familiar faces.

Enjoy!! More to come ......... be patient with me :) 

 


Hitting the Road? I've Got the Snacks!

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Hi, everyone!

When I was growing up, we never flew anywhere for vacation. We piled into the family station wagon and drove. One summer, we hit the road for six weeks and went to Maine and it's one of my fondest memories as a kid. My mom made us snacks and my dad (who should have worked for Igloo) had a red and white cooler of cold water. He would stock it with ice at every single stop...we were ALWAYS going to have ice-cold water at the ready. And we did.

We played at least one car-game every hour, like the license plate game (who can get the most out-of-state license plates) and “my father owns a grocery store.” Have you played that one? You say...“my father owns a grocery store and in it he sells…” Then, you start with an "A" word and go all the way to xylophones, yoyos, and zebras.

We had so much fun in the car, and to this day, I play those games with my kids. Trevor is SO good at the grocery store game...I think he wins every time. I also make sure they have their modern toys and drawing pads and pencils for when we stop for dinner at restaurants. And blankets and travel pillows are a must.

But my mom was one smart lady: snacks are the KEY to a happy car. Here are two of my family’s favorite snack mixes. Just be sure to give everyone their own bag!

Crunchy Ranch Snack Mix

Crunchy Ranch Snack Mix

This recipe is prepared with the Crisp-Ease Set of 2 Non-Stick Oven Crisper Trays (K40835).

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups pretzel nuggets
  • 2 cups plain oyster or cheese crackers

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Whisk the vegetable oil, ranch dressing mix, dill, lemon pepper, and garlic together in a small bowl. Pour the pretzels and crackers in a large bowl and pour the seasoning on top. Stir to coat. Spoon the snack mix onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

Grandma's Snack Mix & Crunchy Ranch Snack Mix

Grandma’s Snack Mix

This recipe is prepared with the Crisp-Ease Set of 2 Non-Stick Oven Crisper Trays (K40835).

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4-1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion salt
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 2-1/2 cups rice cereal
  • 2-1/2 cups corn cereal
  • 1 cup wheat cereal
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup unsalted peanuts

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Melt the butter in a small bowl and then mix in the Worcestershire and spices. Dump the cereals, pretzels, and peanuts into a large bowl. Pour the butter mixture on top and stir to coat. Spread out the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until light brown.

This second recipe was my grandmother’s…she always had a tub of mix on her kitchen counter. It was one of the first things she taught me how to make! Don’t be afraid to be creative with your add ins…these are my favorites, but any mix of nuts or crunchy crackers will be yummy.

What I love about both recipes is they won’t make a mess. All it takes is one road trip with those cheese curls to know they were a very bad idea. Cheese. All. Over. The. Car. YUCK. Even so, I don’t leave home without the trunk organizer stocked with hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and tissues…and sometimes toilet paper, and paper towels. (You just never know.) And depending on the trip, other necessaries like towels, toys, and sunscreen.

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What are some of your best road-trip memories? Did you spend six weeks in the car, too? Are you planning a trip this summer? I’d love to hear about it. Have an awesome weekend…and safe travels, if you’re headed anywhere!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

Kitchen Sink Nachos - Sometimes More Is, Well, More!

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Hello, foodies…

I was incredibly honored and humbled this week by this:

New York Times Article

That’s a New York Times article (I still can’t believe it really exists…) on me and on In the Kitchen with David. I’m thrilled our little show was given so much time and attention and I’d love for you to read it if you haven’t already. I couldn’t do this without you support, or without the support of my ITKWDteam. So to all of you and them, THANK YOU.

What have you thought of our virtual road trip so far? We’re really just getting started and our next destination is in East Lansing, Michigan, where a local restaurant is making some of the best nachos around. Here’s our take on the Nachos at El Azteco!

Kitchen Sink Nachos

 

Kitchen Sink Nachos
Serves 6-8

This recipe is prepared with the Green Pan 10-Piece Cookware Set with Ceramic Non-Stick (K41657).

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

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup medium diced onions
  • 1 (8-oz) jar taco sauce
  • 1 (15-oz) can seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 (12 to 14-oz) bag tortilla chips
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and finely diced
  • 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
  • 1/2 cup small diced red onions
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Sour cream, for serving

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add the ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet and place the skillet on medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and then drain the beef. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, taco sauce, beans, and jalapeños. In a smaller bowl, combine the sharp cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses.
  2. Lay half of the tortilla chips out on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Spread half of the beef mixture over the chips and top the chips with half of the mixed cheeses. Sandwich the spread with the remainder of the tortilla chips. Use the remaining beef and cheese to create a second layer. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  3. While the nachos are baking, combine the avocado, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil in a separate bowl. When the nachos are done baking, add the avocado mixture on top. Serve with sour cream.

Sometimes I tell you it’s really important that you follow a recipe closely because the procedure and ingredients are important. That’s not really the theme with this recipe. If you like chicken, add chicken. If you love olives, add them. If you don’t like avocado, skip it. The end result will still probably be the best nachos you’ve ever had. At parties, these can go a long way. If it’s you and the fam, make these for dinner.

El Azteco, East Lansing, MI

That’s El Azteco, which was THE best Mexican place near Michigan State University, according to Nancy.

Nancy, from Michigan

Since she graduated in 1982, I don’t think Nancy’s professors will mind if I tell you she and her girlfriends sometimes skipped class to go to El Azteco for “the most delectable nachos and a cold pitcher of beer,” which, at the time, sold for just $5. When Nancy was in school, the restaurant was in a dark basement…now it’s got its own rooftop bar. We’d like to give a shout out to Nancy and to the folks at El Azteco for serving up Spartans and the East Lansing community for 39 years. Thanks so much for your submission!

Join us on Sunday at Noon ET for In the Kitchen with David. And don’t forget to check out QVC’s Founder’s Days. The special sale is going on now on QVC.com and lasts through the weekend.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Look Fabulous in 5 Seconds!

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My first TSV!!  This is that special top that takes you from normal to fabulous in 5 seconds!  Pair it with jeans for a casual outfit or fancy it up with white slacks for a classier occasion.  I wanted to make this available in those perfect summery shades and neutrals for every season.  This knit top really epitomizes my California-cool look and adds the laid-back luxury to your wardrobe.  And it comes in regular and petite sizing!

I had some help from the Hosts here too...they wanted to share with you all on how they styled or completed their look with my TSV.  Take a look! Don't they all look fabulous?!!  

{I paired mine with white jeans and a pair of hoop earrings}  -Lisa

{I'm taking the boho route in styling this top. It has the perfect print and comfortable feel to pair with a pair of boyfriend jeans. Casual and comfortable never looked so cute!!}  Host, Amy Stran 

{The perfect chic top for this on the go mommy!  Throw it on with a pair of jeans and a low ponytail...and GO!}  Host, Gabrielle Kerr

{I was inspired by the gold bar accent on the top, so I went for Marc Fisher gold wedges, a gold hoop, and 24/7 stretch trousers from Isaac Mizrahi. When my fashion stylist Ed saw me he said "You need bangles!" So we completed the look!}  Host, Jane Treacy

{Perfect for the poolside in my white jeans and wedges}  Host, Jayne Brown

{I styled my top with a pair of Not Your Daughters Jeans, Cole Haan wedges and lots of silver jewelry.  The one thing I would have added to this look was a pop of pink to my lips, to complete the outfit.  So I grabbed a rose from the host lounge instead!} Host, Jill Bauer

{I love this top because it fits into that California cool beach/pool attire I wear.  Love the color, love the feel and love the vibe!} Host, Kerstin Lindquist

{I styled my Lisa Rinna top with a pair of grey jeggings and my favorite heels, but for a more casual look I would also wear this with my Vionic thong sandals. Both looks are still so incredibly comfortable, and that is why I may need one in every color when it comes to this top!} Host, Sandra Bennett 

{This top is a must have for summer! I love the comfy style in exclusive fun prints and colors!!  Another reason to love Friday} Host, Pat James-Dementri

{I styled 2 looks.  One simple look with my LOGO stretch twill shorts}

{The second look: out for the day in my crops, White Mountain Wedges and GILI bag}  Host, Sharon Faetsch

{I normally wear a statement necklace to complete an outfit.  But this top and that beautiful gold bar accent, I didn't need too!  So easy to put this on with a pair of my skinny jeans and a blazer}  Host, Stacey Stauffer

 

I hope you love and enjoy this top as much as I do!!  

xo, 

Lisa

Sheila's Avocado Spring Salad

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Below is Sheila's (AM Style Model) recipe for Avocado Spring Salad. As with any recipe, get creative and feel free to substitute.

Don't care for mangoes? Try apples or pears. Skip the tomatoes if you're not a fan; add your favorite spice or salad dressing. Experiment and have fun!

Sheila's Avocado spring Salad

  • 3 diced avocados
  • 2 chopped mangoes (Sheila prefers champagne mangoes) 
  • 1 diced cucumber 
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes (Sheila prefers to cut them in half)
  • 1 cup fresh corn (I cut corn from a cooked corn of cob)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (use less if jarred)
  • 1/4 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • Juice of two fresh limes (or 4 Tablespoons lime concentrate)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (try blue cheese, if you prefer)

Stir together all ingredients. Top with feta cheese.

 

 

I hope to see you tomorrow forAM Beauty and AM style beginning at 7am ET!

Join me on Facebook and Instagram!

Best Regards!

Leah Williams

It All Started with a Pencil!

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When I tell this story, nearly 29 years later, I still can't believe it happened to me!

I was working as a television host and producer in the fall of 1986.  I loved my job but it wasn't full time, and I had a car payment to make! Promises that the job would evolve to full time weren't coming true, so I decided to answer an ad in the newpaper for a host position on a new thing called QVC. It was a home shopping channel, and  even though I had never seen shopping on TV,  I figured I'd go for it!   However, when friends in the TV business heard my decision they told me I was being ridiculous and I would never get a real job if I aligned myself with this new venture.

But, I needed a job! The day I was called to come for the audition dawned dreary and rainy. It matched my mood. I sat in my Mom's kitchen, starting to second guess my decision. For goodness sake I had never sold anything in my life! Why was I going to this audition??  My Mom replied, "Oh Janie, you are a natural born sales person, here, sell me this pencil!"

So I took the pencil and told her a pencil is a wonderful tool, because a child can get an A on a math test, and a lover can write a love letter, and an artist can draw a picture.....  And she said get in the car and go to the audition.

I drove out to West Chester, ran through the raindrops to a makeshift studio (since the studios were still under construction) and went into a small room with two guys and a camcorder.  The one gentleman said, "Now this is very simple. I just want you to sell me this pencil."

Whoa. We stared at each other for about a full minute, and then I launched into exactly what I said in my Mom's kitchen about one hour ago.  At the end he said, "This is where we usually say don't call us we'll call you but can you come back tomorrow??"

I was on the air two weeks later. I know that QVC and I were meant to be!!

Meet the Kitties, Allie and Millie!

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June is officially "Adopt a Shelter Cat Month" here in the U.S. and with that I thought I'd give a quick blog shoutout to my kitties Allie and Millie. 

Allie, formally Allison Catherine is a Mississippi girl. I found her underneath my car during college and we've been best buds ever since.  Allie prefers the life of luxury. She likes to curl up in fine linens, watch TV, and is always up for a late night snack. She is plus sized and fabulous, and is the best health a kitty could be in!

 

Millie was rescued right here in Pennsylvania when I first started at QVC in July 2010. She's a character. She speaks to no one, is super snuggily, loving, has a fascination with boxes and making them her permanent home, and loves a good piece of fashion. 

All in all, these beautiful kitty babies add so much to our family. They are their own character and our family would never be the same without them.  If you are looking to adopt, this a great month to bring home a sweet furbaby. So much love and so much fun ;-) 

Maven Meet Up!

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On Thursday QVC hosted a Maven Meet up for the lovely Julep Mavens and QVC customers. When I heard about it I was so excited to attend to see the newest collection from Julep coming to QVC in July, to meet some of our wonderful customers, and also to spend some time with Jane, the founder of Julep!

     

Jane is amazing! She is gorgeous, kind, brilliant, and her story is absolutely amazing. It is always nice catching up with her, but I am just so thrilled that some of our customers and the Julep Mavens had the opportunity to meet her and learn more about the company and her mission.

    

Over some appetizers, refreshments, and of course polish, Jane shared her vision with the group of attendees and gave some background on how Julep was born. After that she explained Julep’s partnership with QVC, gave a sneak peek at the newest collection of polishes, and even shared some of her beauty tips!

    

Here is one of my favorites from the collection: 

     

One of my friends Rachel, that works in our beauty buying office, happened to match some of the new colors you will see in July!

     

I was so happy to spend some time with fellow polish lovers at the event. I saw some fabulous manis and nail art that I had to share!

 

 

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I feel like I should also mention, the room full of fabulous QVC fashion! Seriously, from LOGO to Isaac to Vionic, these QVC Queens were fully decked! I'm so thrilled I was able to stay and chat with the group!

 

     

Overall it was a successful night with new friends and old friends! Thank you so much to the lovely ladies that work in our beauty buying office for coordinating the event. I work very closely with this group and it is always such a pleasure. Finally, a huge thank you to Jane for joining us here at QVC with her contagious energy and spirit!  

     

Be sure to follow me on social for more Polish Picks, beauty tips, recipes, and more!

FB: Sandra Bennett QVC

Twitter: SandraQVC

Instagram: SandraBennettQVC

 


I Can See Clearly Now...

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I typically spend time checking email at my computer every day and I can’t see a thing without my readers. If you wear reading glasses, you know exactly what I mean. You keep them handy EVERYWHERE!

For me, it started out simple enough... I noticed when I hit my forties the type was a little easier to read if I held things away a bit. Once I realized I needed readers, it was all about finding ones that were as stylish as I like to think I am. :-)

That’s why I’m so excited about the Tashon brand of readers. They’re all about stylish “looks”, that help us “see”!

I thought I’d share just a few of the places I always keep my reading glasses. The list is long, which is why having many pairs is a must. By the way, if you like the Tashon readers in the photos, join me at midnight tonight for the first ever Tashon Readers TSV! Great colors, 7 pairs, cute styles, and plenty of magnification. :-)

Here I am wearing my Tashon anti-glare computer readers. I love the shape of the frame.

I keep readers in my junk drawer.

I keep readers with my datebook.

I keep readers in my glove box.

I keep readers on my desk.

I keep readers in my purse.

I keep readers on my nightstand.

Cool colors

Neutral Colors

And when I'm feeling blue.

Where do you keep your readers?

I’ll “SEE” you soon,

Leah :-)

More Information About The New Community Launching Monday June 15

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Hi Everyone,

Thank you for posting your questions regarding the new Community that will be launching Monday morning. Below you will find more information about the most popular questions.

All of the changes on Monday are only for the forum experience and does not impact your account you use to place orders on qvc.com.

Preparing the Move to the New Community

On Monday at 12:00am ET we will close commenting to the forums in preparation for the transition to the new Community. You can expect to have access to the new Community by 9:00am ET.

Post Count & Registration Date

Customers who have been participating in the Community before March 2010 will see a smaller post count. Registered dates will not be older than March 2010. 

Nicknames & Signatures

Your current nickname will remain the same in the new community. You will not need to create a new nickname.

The Signature feature is available but you will need to setup your signature in the new Community.

Email & Notifications

The 1st time you sign-in to the new Community you will be required to provide a valid email address for participation. You can provide a different email for this one time registration process if you do not wish to use the same email you use for your QVC shopping account. Using a different email is optional.

Your personal email is not shared with other members of the Community and, at this time, private messaging is not available.

You will not receive email notifications. You will only receive notifications within the Community alerting you when another user has engaged with you by responding, "hearting", or sharing your post.

Moving Existing Discussions to the New Community

Discussions in the current Community are being moved to the new Community, however we have identified some inconsistencies that we will not be able to resolve prior to launch. There will be some discussions that are lost.

Moderation

Our new community will make it easier for us to engage with you and moderate conversations. “Poofing” is a thing of the past! “Poofing” is a term often used by the Community to explain when a post is deleted from the forums by a QVC moderator. In the new Community posts that violate Community Standards will be removed; but there will always be an explanation for the post’s removal.

iPad Safari Browser compatibility

The new Community supports the iPad Safari Browser and will format messages with proper paragraph breaks.

New Terms & Symbols

Here are just a few terms that you will see in the new Community.

“Breadcrumbs” is a term used to describe the path you have taken to arrive to the page you are currently viewing.  Breadcrumbs are always located at the top left of every page on qvc.com and the words in the breadcrumbs are clickable.

“Topics” in the new Community means discussions or original posts.

“Posts” in the new Community means a replies to a topic.

There are a variety of symbols to help you navigate the new Community. When you see a symbol that you are not aware of, place your pointer (using your mouse) directly over the symbol without clicking on the symbol. You will see a text box appear with a description of the symbol (this is not a feature available from a tablet or mobile device).

Post Questions for the QVC Community Team (Monday June 15)

The suggestion to have a specific place for questions has been requested a few times and we think this is a great idea. There will be a featured topic titled “Post Your Questions and Suggestions Here” in the Suggestion Box category of the new Community. This is where you can leave all of your questions and suggestions for the new community. We will do our best to respond to your questions related to the new Community. 

 

Additional information posted this week regarding the new Community:

What You Need to Know Day One

Countdown to the New Community

FAQ Forums & Blogs Changes






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