Hi, everyone—Happy April!

Are your crocuses peeping out of the ground? Are your daffodils blooming? Spring is HERE. It’s really here! And I’m thinking about gardening, spring parties, and Easter. The holiday is a little late this year, but I just think of that as more time to plan...which I really need. After all, we’ve got decorating to do, eggs to color, and the Easter dinner to think about.

But, here’s the most important question: do you still have Easter egg hunts at your house? I’m not sure how much longer my kids will want to do Easter egg hunts (hopefully forever), but as of yesterday, Easter egg hunts are still cool. So the Easter Bunny is going all out for them this year. Ready. Set. Glow-in-the-dark eggs!

Isn’t that fun!? And it’s so easy…not to mention far less smelly. I KNOW I’m not the only one who has found a pink hard-boiled egg behind the couch weeks later…

All you need are glow bracelets—and the eggs, of course. I was able to get bracelets in packages of 12 or 16 at my local craft store. Bend the bracelets to activate the light, roll them into shape, and they should fit nicely inside the eggs. I’m always surprised how long the bracelets glow, but that juice doesn’t last forever. So, tell the kids to play with their DS or iPod for 20 minutes while the Easter Bunny stuffs the eggs...surely he won't forget to also put candy and money in there! If it’s a nice night, perhaps he'll hide the eggs outside. Otherwise, he'll hide them inside and turn off all the lights.

I’ve got a few more spring entertaining ideas up my sleeve for the month of April…recipes, centerpieces, and more. And remember, you can always look for ideas on QVC.com...search You're Home with Jill. Check back for another new blog next Tuesday.

 From my home to yours,
—Jill

A couple of days ago, it was my daughter's 7th birthday.  I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last seven years.  From sleepless nights and colic, to first steps and first days of school.   Now she is reading books about Laura Ingalls Wilder and Martin Luther King Jr. 

I can't imagine what is going to happen next!  She wanted to have a party at Build-A-Bear this year, and I was a little apprehensive.  We had never had a birthday party for the kids outside of our own house before, and I had no idea what to expect.  Luckily, everything went well, and all of the kids just loved it (even the boys)! 

It means the world to me to see her happy.  I only hope she knows that I see how hard she tries at everything.  Every time I look at her, I am just so proud. 

Happy Birthday, my Kaylee-Bear!

When we sat down to think about the things in our home that make it so special to us --- it's the sentimental things that mean so much.

My husband Jim and I both have a strong connection to items that bring back memories.  This photo from my parents on their honeymoon is one of my priceless possessions --- and my husband Jim has the United States military burial flag for his father that he cherishes.  Theresa loves her stuffed "Puppy".



We love watching movies together.  Theresa loves to draw and play with our doggie Grace.  Grace has boundless energy and is all about giving love!  When we adopted her last June - she was 11 pounds --- now she's close to 50 pounds!  After chewing through EVERY chew toy she's ever had - finding a comfy place to sleep is next on the list!  Can you believe that MyPillow now has DOG BEDS?!?!  Yes!!!  Small, Medium & Large sizes!  We got a Large  one for Grace!  So...Jim and I tried to take pictures of her on it.  Not so easy!  

She didn't like it in front of the door...

She sort-of liked it in the corner of the family room...

...finally she LOVED it ON TOP of the love seat!!!  Really Grace?!?!  Silly puppy!  

I've been collecting pieces from Jim Shore for years!  I adore him!  My favorite pieces are his Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Collection - and his Angels!  I love his beautiful Mother's Day Angel called "You're My Angel"!  Angels have always been very special to me - for those of you who already know that I always wear an angel wing next to my wedding ring set!  Angels are always with us - we're never alone! :)



We are a household filled with faith!  Last year when I saw the Home Reflections Rosebud Cross Flameless Candle with Timer - I knew I had found the perfect gift for our daughter!  Not only does she love to pray - she's named after St. Theresa (St. Therese) - The Little Flower - who's known for beautiful roses --- and my Patron Saint.  With Mother's Day, Confirmations and Easter coming up - what a wonderful item to add to your home or to give as a gift.  We move ours between the entry way table and the mantle in the family room.  The flicker from the flameless candle at night is beautiful - but you can really see the detail of the carved roses during the day.



Another favorite of mine - Butterflies!  I've always loved the story that when you see butterflies - it means that angels are among you!   Theresa and I had a great time a couple summers ago hatching Butterflies in an enclosed mesh tent!  Then we got to release them a few days after they hatched!  She wants us to do it again this year!  You can do it too with the Butterfly Garden by Insect Lore - and for some indoor butterflies I'm liking this rug I found from Royal Palace!

Now to my outdoor fun --- my garden!!!  My love for gardening came from my mother Connie.  We would spend hours outdoors together.  I loved planting flowers and growing radishes when I was little.  Now in my own garden I have items from Cottage Farms and Roberta's Gardens - to Plow & Hearth and Bethlehem Lights --- we make our outdoor area an extension of our indoor living area!  I can't wait to add in Valerie Parr Hill's Mercury Glass Spheres with Garden Stakes for some outdoor magic!  I'm getting a set of blue and a set of silver to mix in the garden!  AND I get to finally put out my new Plow & Hearth St. Francis Bird Feeder --- I just haven't picked the perfect spot YET!  We're also planning to add some outdoor entertainment lights around our deck with Bethlehem Lights NEW Frosted Globe lights --- I love their Patriotic color choice! 

Can you believe these lilies in my yard from Cottage Farms?!?!  They get bigger every year!!!  This year I'm adding the Cottage Farms Jacque's Pick Colossal Daylily Collection around them!   

You should see my  hydrangeas and calla lilies too - gorgeous!  I promise to take plenty of pictures of them this year when they bloom!

This spring and summer we're really focused on organizing!!!  We need places to store toys, dogs supplies, crafting items and odds and ends!  SOLUTION!!!  Valerie Parr Hill's Indoor/Outdoor Fold-Up Ottomans!  In Solid Colors and NEW Scroll Patterns.  I love that we can use them indoors and outdoors!  Valerie is an amazing woman!!!  Such a sweetheart!  

Theresa wanted me to share with you the new sign she made for her room!  :) 

If sleeping was a competitive sport - I'd be the World Champion!  I love to sleep!  Since I work different hours every week - I need to make sure I get quality sleep!  We love PedicSolutions - and we miss our beds when were away!  If you need a comfort and support makeover for your bed - give the PedicSolutions Gel Memory Foam Topper a try!

What are your favorite decorating and personal items that make your house so special inside and out???  What are your favorite QVC Home products that you love???  I'd love to hear your favorites!!!

You can always find me at my Facebook page - www.facebook.com/JacqueQVC 

Best wishes and blessings,
Jacque :)

Need a side for dinner? Let's do this!

Ingredients:

1 TBSP oil (vegetable, coconut, olive – whatever type you prefer)

1 medium yellow onion (diced)

12 oz. broccoli (one Wegmans steamer bag)

1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup light sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 TBSP. Sriracha (optional)

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 large eggs

2 TBSP cornmeal

Directions:

Heat oil in a sauce pan over medium heat until shimmering. Cook diced onion in heated pan until the onions are translucent.  Place cooked onion in a large bowl and set aside. I use the broccoli in the steamer bags because it is crazy-easy.  However you buy your broccoli, heat 12 ounces of it thoroughly and place in the same bowl as the onion. To that same bowl, add 1 cup of cheese, the sour cream, the mayo, the Sriracha (if you dare!), and the salt and pepper. Mix all of these ingredients together thoroughly.  Beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl until you have a well-beaten egg mix. Pour this egg mix into your broccoli-cheese-heaven bowl and mix the two together thoroughly. Pour the contents into an 8” x 8” square baker. Using a teaspoon, shake the cornmeal evenly over the top of the uncooked casserole. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes on the middle rack.

NOTE: I use a gas stove, so please, if you have an electric stove: keep your eye on the cooking time and adjust accordingly for the type of oven you have.

DONE! Now you have an incredible side to serve with your chicken, fish, or steak! What would you add to it? I would love to hear! Maybe some corn? How about Spinach? Are mushrooms out of the question? I sure would love to hear your spin on it. Thank you for reading and talk to you soon! ~ Mary QVC

When we first got the Agave Vapor Iron in the office, we all just stared blankly at it. Of course, we were immediately enamored by the cool design and promise of help to our distressed locks. We had heard about the amazing concept—a straightening tool that helps smooth  your hair with a nutrient-rich steam as you use it, but we were a little unsure about how to wield this particular straightener. It has a few more ins and outs than what you might be used to, so follow along the steps and figure out how to make the most of it with me.

*Press button in front to release vapor holding device                                 *Squeeze (some, but not too much) agave oil into the chamber

 

We loved the Agave Vapor Iron, what do you think? Feel free to ask me anything in the comments!

I had some fun with my four year olds this week as we got ready for Easter and enjoyed the awesome weather. 

 I got this idea on Pinterest and it was sooo easy.  Just took pipe cleaners, which we have tons of since my girls like to put beads on them, popsicle sticks, pom poms and glue. Every item was available at our local dollar store so it was a cheap and fun craft.

I let the girls pick their colors then just helped them wrap the pipe cleaners around the sticks.

Then I helped Grace and Georgia put a dab of glue on the top of the sticks and drop on the pop poms.

It was a quick little spring time project, but I think we had the most fun playing with our bunny whiskers afterwards.  They are still carrying then around!

I also helped the girls with another fun project.  This one came from my friend down the street who got cute little pots (again from the dollar store) and let the kids paint them.

She then let each child take home a plant in the pot.  Now they have their very own little flowers to start off spring.

 Happy Easter!!!

By the way....You can find me at www.facebook.com/kerstinlindquistqvc  and every Thursday at noon and Saturday at 10am on QVC!

Blessings!

Kerstin

Who isn't a little hooked on makeup?! We all subscribe to the idea that some cover-up, blush, mascara, and lipstick go a long way in boosting a girls confidence—and thanks to QVC & CEW Present Beauty with Benefits—which airs Thursday, April 17 at 8pm ET during our Share the Love event—our beauty rituals are taking on an even greater purpose!

Shop your favorite beauty items and help make a difference in the lives of people living and working with cancer. Eighty Percent of your purchase price of donated merchandise benefits the Cancer and Careers program of the CEW Foundation! Take a peek at a few questions and answers from three of the event’s leading ladies: Claudia Lucas, Carlotta Jacobson, and Tiffani Thiessen!

Claudia Lucas, QVC beauty merchandising director

What is Beauty with Benefits?

Beauty with Benefits is a concerted effort of the beauty industry to come together and combine its resources to present a compelling fund-raising event that will benefit so many. We know that we have very passionate beauty customers who shop at QVC and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to get great beauty items from leading brands while being part of an event that will support and help so many men and women affected by cancer.

What are some of the beauty brands customers can expect to see?

We have an exciting lineup including Algenist, bareMineralsR, CHI, Clarins, Clarisonic, Dr. Denese, IT Cosmetics, Fresh, Laura Geller, Dr. Gross, Mally, Josie Maran, Dr. Perricone, Peter Thomas Roth, philosophy, StriVectin, tarte, T3, and WEN.

Carlotta Jacobson, president of Cosmetic Executive Women, creator of Cancer and Careers, and on-air guest during Beauty with Benefits

What does Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) provide for the community?

CEW is a nonprofit professional organization for women and men in the beauty, cosmetics, and fragrance industries. Our mission is to develop the leadership potential of our members (over 5,700 executives strong!) through knowledge sharing, access, and networking opportunities. In 2001, the CEW Foundation launched Cancer and Careers, a groundbreaking initiative that helps cancer survivors thrive in the workplace. It is the enthusiasm of the beauty industry that makes Cancer and Careers’ free support system possible for over 250,000 people annually. The only organization of its kind, the program addresses all aspects of balancing cancer and work, with essential advice from experts and fellow survivors alike, interactive tools, and educational events. Eighty percent of the top cancer centers use our services and publications.

What was the inspiration for CEW to start Cancer and Careers?

During a period of two years, five out of 40 CEW board members were diagnosed with cancer. All five women continued to work during or after treatment, and encountered similar problems. They were courageous. They had to be—there were really no resources to help them address their work-related challenges—namely, how to manage a career and cancer at the same time. CEW is committed to filling that void. We are here to eliminate fear and uncertainty and to support those in a key position to help, including healthcare providers, managers, and co-workers. Our everyday work is helping survivors work through it.

Tiffani Thiessen, actress, and Beauty with Benefits spokesperson

How does it feel to be a part of Beauty with Benefits and help a great cause like Cancer and Careers?

I am extremely honored to be a part of this amazing cause that brings confidence to people who have battled cancer. Cancer hits close to home for me—from family members to very dear friends in my life.

Since we’re talking about beauty, do you have any beauty secrets?

Yes—confidence is key to feeling beautiful inside and out!

And now for the age-old question—if you’re running out the door and can only grab one beauty product, what would it be and why?

Mascara. Your eyes are what everyone looks at the most!

Sometimes you need a beauty overhaul without traveling the distance to your local spa. Whether you’re cutting costs, being a homebody, or just too busy to take a moment out of your day, luckily some treatments were made for savvy, lazy, overbooked women like us!

Dr. Dennis Gross has designed products with spa-quality but refined usability for the lady who likes to do at-home beauty…and let me tell you, the perks are endless. In fact, as I write this blog from my office, I have the Dr. Gross Facial Steamer running next to me, sending through a steady stream of super-moisturizing steam. It’s perfect in the spring to help clear up my nasal passages when I have allergies and I use it on my son when he has a stuffy nose too! It’s a humidifier and facial steamer all in one. Now, that’s what I call multitasking! (And true luxury.)

But let’s get down to the business of at-home beauty treatments, after the rundown of these stellar products, you might just be inspired for a home makeover.

There’s no quicker way to help your skin than pumping it full of moisture with the Dr. Gross Facial Steamer. Set it up wherever you are, and enjoy the humidity! You can do work while it runs, or read! Try a hair mask by massaging some olive oil into your scalp while sitting with the steamer on to help aid encourage penetration. But if you want to go full-on relaxation, take a moment out of whatever you’re doing, tie your hair back, sit and enjoy the steam!

If you’ve ever considered a peel, look no further than the Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads. These little disposable pads, (there’s two kinds in the box) work first to help refine your skin’s surface, then improve cell turnover while brightening the skin.

Forget glowing from within, and get some skin brightening effects with Dr. Gross’ Ferulic Acid + Retionol Brightening Solution. For any woman who may want an even, brighter skin tone, this is your new best friend. This solution works overtime to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps your skin appear younger and firmer. Keep your spa day flow by using after the Alpha Beta Peels as recommended.

The best part of your at-home spa day is getting ready to go out and show off all your hard work (hard work may be an overstatement, this stuff is as fun to do as it looks.) Use Dr. Gross’ CC Cream to finish off your look. It protects with an SPF 18, and helps to both moisturize and hide flaws and redness. Perfect end to a makeover if I do say so myself.

If you’ve ever used any of these major impact products, let me know what you think in the comments!

Easter has always been a fun holiday for my family and I. I especially have fond memories of sitting around the kitchen table with my Grandma and sisters making special Easter eggs! Every year without fail my Grandma would visit and we would all gather around with newspapers spread out across the kitchen table and plenty of paper towels handy for her favorite way to decorate eggs. It was delicate hand blown painted eggs.

We would first carefully make a small hole on either side of the egg. Then, using a toothpick we would beat the inside so it would easily pour out. Then, it was the fun part! We would blow into one side until almost all of the yolk was out. It got pretty messy at times, but I preferred it that way. We would always mess up on the first few eggs, but eventually one would come out perfectly and we got to paint it. Mine was always hot pink!

Easter is almost synonymous with these memories and I, now, try to recreate them with my own kids.

Just as my Grandma used to, I gather the kids and spend a evening making her special Easter eggs with them. But, of course my son doesn’t like to paint his eggs pink! Ha ha. On the morning of Easter, we go to church and then come home to do the traditional Easter egg hunt with the whole family. Thanks Grandma, Mom and Dad for always making my Easter holiday so special! And from the Potempa family, we wish you all a very Happy Easter!

xo,

Sarah

After a beautiful weekend of temperatures in the 80's --- one last blast of cold (hopefully) pounced on us with a very late April Fools Joke!  

That didn't stop me and Theresa from taking some time to make something fun, crafty, colorful AND yummy!  We made a few tasty treats for Easter out of PEEPS!  

In case you weren't aware, PEEPS are made in Bethlehem, PA --- right up the road from QVC!  (Hmmm...I sense the need for a field trip!)  

Which is your favorite Peep?  
The traditional Peep Chick or the Peep Bunny?

Theresa and I got out all of the ingredients for our first tasty treat: PEEP KABOBS!  

*You'll need wooden skewers

*Mixture of fruit (choose your favorites or a variety for color.)

*Peep Bunnies (Pick your favorite color OR more than one color to add more color to your kabob!)

Unfortunately our season fruit isn't looking as colorful as fruit in the directions -> http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/03/peeps-fruit-kabobs.html

But we had FUN anyway!!!  What a great treat after an Easter Egg Hunt!

------------------

Then we HAD to make PEEPS BUNNY RACECARS!

To make ONE car you will need:

*Twinkie style cake
*2 Large Marshmallows
*1 Peep Bunny
*1 mini traditional pretzel

Cut out a compartment in the Twinkie for the bunny to be able to sit in the "Racecar".

Cut a notch out in front of the bunny to inset the pretzel steering wheel.  Push down into the cake to secure.

Cut each large marshmallow in half.  Attach the sticky sides to the side of the "Racecar" as wheels!  

Vroom vroom!!!

Complete directions here -> http://www.freefuneaster.com/easter-recipes/easter-bunny-racecars/

(We didn't use the frosting to adhere the bunny or the wheels - the marshmallows and the cream from the Twinkies were enough for ours to hold!)

---------------

I may have created a monster with our last treat!!!  Theresa loved this!

PEEPS S'MORES!!!

*Graham Crackers
*Bar of chocolate
*Peeps Chicks

We assembled the graham cracker and chocolate on a plate.  The we added the poor, unsuspecting Peep on top.  AND THEN ....... Put it in the microwave for a few seconds until it tripled in size ... then smushed the top graham cracker on top!  Voila!  

Full directions here ->  http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/03/peeps-smores.html

YUMMY!!!  What a fun Spring twist on s'mores!

Then we had fun and just put a couple of PEEPS Bunnies in the microwave!  It's fun to watch them puff up so quickly!

Do you have any fun Spring / Easter treats you love to make?  Share your recipes below or please post then on my Facebook page -> www.facebook.com/JacqueQVC :)

Have a Happy & Blessed Easter!  

Hoping it's a beautiful Spring for ALL OF US!!!

:) Jacque 

We're beyond excited that Amy Stran and Gabrielle Kerr are pregnant at the same time! It's even more fun that they're due around the same time too! So, we thought it'd be fun to play a little game.  We want you to guess the date you think their little bundles of joy will arrive + a few other fun things :)

Fill-in-the-blanks & leave your answers in the comments below!

* Amy's due date is April 20th *

Amy's daughter:

Date of Birth:______

Time:______am/pm

Weight:_____lbs._______oz.

Length:_______inches

* Gabrielle's due date is May 1st *

Gabrielle's son:

Date of Birth:______

Time:______am/pm

Weight:_____lbs._______oz.

Length:_______inches

PS: We have a little Q trivia for you. Did you know the last time two hosts were pregnant at the same time was in 1996?! Do you remember who they were?

Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the HALO Choice of Men's or Women's RFID Wallet with Built-In 3000 mAh Cell Phone Charger .  If you don't see your question listed in the FAQs,  Post your question to this blog, below, and check back throughout the day on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014  to have your question answered by our HALO team of experts!

If you watch A.M. Style then you know that host Leah Williams loves to do arts and crafts.  Every season Leah likes to challenge us AMS gals with a project and this Easter we are decorating baskets. 

I will admit I’m not the most crafty and creative but I try my best.  I usually turn to the internet for inspiration and I did see some great ideas but for this challenge I’m turning to Jericho for some help! 

 Here are the props and goodies we have so far...

Here is a sneak peek at the blinged out egg I made for our AM Style themed basket. See, I can be creative sometimes! 

So make sure to tune in to A.M. Style on Saturday at 8 am ET and check out my Facebook page {Gabrielle Kerr QVC} to chat with us and to see our finished basket!  

I am so excited to share my new super soft three-piece pajama with you. This full-length set is designed to give you a fresh, modern look that offers ease of movement and instant comfort both in and out of the bedroom.  With exciting summer colors and a beautiful Sunset Blossom print, it’s easy to see why this fabulous set can make you forget all about the cold.

This sporty set is the perfect seasonal outfit. The vibrant hues of aqua blue, coral, navy, pink and deep violet will carry you into spring whether you’re lounging by the pool or relaxing on the patio. You can get one for yourself or give to Mom for a VERY memorable Mother’s Day.

I Know Mom will love the solid short sleeve top and floral print at the shoulder and neck. She can discover feminine details as they adorn the neckline, sleeves and jacket pocket. The floral printed full-length pant is travel-ready with pockets and an elastic and drawstring waist. The most transitional piece of this set is the jacket. Flattering on any shape with it’s a-line silhouette and three-quarter sleeves.

My hope is that you will truly be able to relax this summer and Most of all enjoy some quality time with the people you love. Those are my summer plans.

Let the sun shine in!

Carole

We are overjoyed for Amy Stran and her husband Steve on the birth of their beautiful & healthy daughter, Bree!  We want to surprise the new mom with your best tips & tricks for first time parents! Leave your advice below.

Some of my best girlfriends are my 3 sisters, Susie, Cindy and Julie & my mom!  They have been there for me through thick and thin and shown me unconditional love!  And so did my Grandma Ann

This is me, my mom, my grandma, Cindy & Sue at Christmas dinner one year.  We all love this picture. We were sad Julie wasn't in the pic with us.

My Grandma Ann is my mother’s, mom.  She & her younger sister grew up in a pack of boys during the depression.  Her first husband died when my mom was very young.  Despite my great grandma’s complete disapproval, she got remarried to the most wonderfully kind man, Ed, a few years later.  (They were married over 50 years!) My grandma worked in LaGrange, IL at Montgomery Wards in payroll until she retired.  Not too long after retirement, she and my grandpa moved to Indianapolis to be closer to us.

Now, my Grandma was one a tough cookie.  She would “give-you-what-for” if you stepped out of line; you definitely knew when she disapproved; and she rarely doled out hugs and “I-love-you’s” until later in life.  Gratefully, I was the beneficiary of an enormous amount of love from her.  I spent quite a bit of time with grandma while I was going through some of my most challenging times.  She was so good to me.  After my crisis passed, I continued to spend time with her.  When I moved from Indy, I called her every Sunday until she died, just to check in and tell her I loved her.

The things I loved about my Grandma were her sugar cookies, her collection of angels, her faith, the way she said, “Oh, Nancy!” when I said something a little off-color, and her “wave”. (She waved up & down versus side to side, and she did it kind of fast.  I channel that wave a lot!  So, if you ever see me do it, you’ll know where I got it.)

Okay, now where do diamonds come in?  First, let me say that my Grandpa absolutely adored my grandma.  He exhibited the kind of love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. (Read that passage from the Bible, and you’ll know my grandpa.) 

This my grandma & grandpa with my mom at my parents wedding in 1955.

On my grandparents’ 50^th wedding anniversary, my grandpa gave her this diamond and gold necklace (see picture below). 

She was overwhelmed that he gave her such an extravagant and beautiful gift.  It was so sweet to watch as he slipped this token of his love and life with her around her neck. She wore it nearly every day until she went to be with the Lord.  I was given this diamond necklace in remembrance of her…one of my best friends!

Have you been given a diamond by someone you love?  If so, is the diamond or the person who gave it to you, “a girl’s best friend”?

By now my family, friends and viewers already know about my obsession with "pretty sparklies." I'm a sucker for shiny things! And what sparkles more, dazzles more, delights more than diamonds?

But when I started to write a blog about diamonds, it got me thinking: what is it about diamonds that are so appealing to me??

(Now bear with me. If you follow me on Facebook then you already know I have a strong tendency to wax VERY nostalgic, philosophical, even downright mushy. And I’m about to do so again here)

There are so many very beautiful stones out there. Many of which I have no problem telling you I’m obsessed with (ex: morganite, labradorite, garnet, to name a few).  Think of your favorite color gemstones.  What’s the first thing you think about when you envision them? I’m guessing their rich color is one of the first things that come to mind.

But there is something about a colorless diamond that resonates so deeply with me. And I realized it’s because of an amazing task diamonds complete all day long. They take light and energy and divide it up into a rainbow of colors. They love light. They soak it up and pour forth in return an array of beauty. In short…they pay it forward. This is something I strive to do on a daily basis. Take the joy, the energy, the light that I feel in abundance every day, and pay it forward. In my own unique way.

And diamonds are inherently used as symbols of enduring love and family ties. Which is exactly how I see my 3 stone pendant.

One day, I will pay it forward to the light of my life – my daughter Gabby. I hope that when I pass this pendant down to her it will bring her as much joy and meaning as it has brought me.

Mushy, I know. But I’m one of those that truly loves to assign meaning to my jewelry. It makes me appreciate it more. You many often see me wearing this simple “past, present, future” pendant on air with three diamonds set in white gold. It was my first diamond gift from a sweetheart of days past. When I look at the top stone, the “past” stone, I am reminded of happy times from long ago, as well as the struggles and hardships I endured before becoming the person I am today. When I see the middle “present” diamond, I am reminded to live in the moment, as every day is a gift and a blessing. Finally, when I look at the bottom “future” diamond, I see all my hopes and dreams that I have not yet fulfilled, and I see all the wonderful possibilities the future holds.  

Shine Bright, my friends!

As the world waited for spring I have to admit that I was dragging my feet into the realization that Nicole's senior year would soon be over...37 days till graduation...

It was a beautiful spring night and I thought I would take advantage of Nicole being home with me and asked her to accompany me on my nightly walk.  I use my walks to think, clear my head and just enjoy life.  So as we set off on this beautiful night, I kept thinking of things that maybe I need to tell her before she goes off to college...

I really wanted to make this a teaching moment as we passed a memorial on our corner for a young man who died just a short month ago...the reality of the loss of a young life weighed heavily on our hearts.

I remember the morning that this young man passed away because I was later than usual for work because Nicole had the stomach flu...as I pulled out of my garage I saw a huge burst of light in the sky and then police cars.  Later that day everyone in our town learned that a young man lost control of his car and hit a tree..word about town is that his girlfriend was driving behind him and both just a short distance from home...

Our town held a candlelight vigil for him...and now a memorial stands marking the spot of the accident...it breaks my heart to see the saddened messages left at his memorial and how now a family must find a way to move forward without their child, a girlfriend without her true love, and friends who just want to rewind that night...

I used our walk this night to try to remind Nicole of how precious life is to us...next week is Senior Awareness Week, our town will try desperately to remind each senior of how quickly life can change...and the week will involve a reenactment of an accident, drunk goggles driving a golf cart and the reality of a victim's car...The next few weeks are filled with proms, picnics and graduation....

I hope I remembered to tell Nicole everything she needs to know....my Mom told me that spring brings great joy and also great sorrow...Prayers of comfort and protection for our children and grandchildren...

I hope I have a lifetime to tell her what I might have forgotten...thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

½ cup of softened butter

1 tablespoon almond extract

2 eggs (beaten)

1 cup sugar

½ cup of milk

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

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

Jar of Nutella

Small bushel of raspberries or strawberries

Directions:

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

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