Growing up outside of Philadelphia, every summer as soon as school let out, we would head "down the shore" to Wildwood Crest NJ.  It was more affordable to rent early in the season, so we would head to a little house a few blocks from the beach for a week of pure joy. I loved it!  We only went once a year. At the end of the trip, I would be quite dramatic leaving my beloved beach and not seeing it till the next year.  Days on the sand, nights on the boardwalk, coming home to play board games and watch old movies while the Phillies' game was on the radio - are precious memories to me.

No one loved the beach more than my Dad. He sailed around the world as a Merchant Marine, and the sea called him home each summer.  Once I grew up, and we headed to the beach more often, he loved traveling with us. I have a photo of him from the beach that makes me think of him waving at us from heaven, thrilled we are at the beach once again.

I have been coming to Wildwood Crest since I was five years old (that's 47 years!) and I never grow tired of our trips to the beach.  Walking along the sand towards the bird sanctuary will take the stress out of your day!  

Wildwood Crest has a great bike path that leads right onto the the famous boardwalk, and then to Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood.  Most days you can find us starting our day with a bike ride!

And of course we love the rides! My Dad took me on all the rides when I was little.  I still remember the pirate ship and the Golden Nugget rides that only exist in our memories. But we make new ones each year when we find a new favorite, like Deirdre's Kanga Bounce!

We are just over the bridge from Cape May and spend many nights exploring the shops, heading to Sunset Beach for the flag ceremony at sundown, and stopping for ice cream on Washington Street Mall.

Stepping out of our favorite restaurant, Lucky Bones, we are usually greeted by the most amazing sunsets to end our day.

Sean and I are lucky to share childhood memories of loving the Wildwoods and are so happy we can pass that love onto our daughters.

Of course, any summer getaway involves packing, and for me it's all about the shoes!  I like to take styles that serve several purposes: a casual sandal perfect for biking that can also work with a casual summer dress or maxi skirt, comfy thong sandals that are at home on the sand in a swim suit and in a restaurant with capris and a cute top.  I also try to take shoes, clothing and accessories all in the same color story so everything mixes and matches easily.  My last tip is, always throw in a pair of dressier shoes, for me it's wedges in the summer.  Once we went away and I didn't have the right shoe with me and I felt underdressed at the restaurant. So I make sure I pack a cute pair of shoes just in case!

Wherever this summer takes you, have a wonderful time, and don't forget the shoes!

-Jane

Knowing that there was a host team meeting yesterday (the only time most of us are able to get together with our crazy schedules), Steve and I decided to bring Bree to QVC to surprise everyone! Here are some pictures from her big debut. 

Before the meeting let out, we fed Bree in the host lounge. Wanted to make sure she was fueled up and ready to meet everyone!

Then the meeting let out and all of the hosts immediately flocked to her...

I love this picture of Jane and Jennifer meeting Bree for the first time! 

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but my guess is that this is the first diaper change to ever happen in the QVC host lounge, lol! 

And after an exciting hour of meeting her QVC family and five minutes of being rocked by our friend Christine, Bree was out like a light! 

It was so great to see everyone and I am so happy that Bree was finally introduced to the crew! I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was to watch everyone soak up Bree's presence and love her just as much as we do!!

I want to thank all of you for your love and kind words over the last 2 months (can you believe it's already been 2 months?!). I'm very excited to get back to QVC in July but in the mean time we will continue to share Bree updates and pictures on my Facebook page. :) 

Love,

Amy, Steve, and Bree :)     

There’s my dad who gave me life,

and another who helped raise me. 

There’s my uncle who became more like a father when he stepped in and became one to me more than thirty years ago.

And there is the daddy who I gave that title when I placed our baby girl in his arms five years ago this week. 

Dad’s day for me, has never been simple. 

A child of divorce, I have learned over the years to see the good that came out of that sad ending of a family. I've had two men to influence my life at different times growing up, and two to love me.

 Two men to give me away at my wedding, and two grandfathers for my little girls.

But I also had to overcome (and continue to overcome) the damage done as a result of being a small child without a father in her home. Thankfully I had a wonderful mom who pulled double duty and became a mom and dad to me. She should really be recognized on father’s day too!

 I also had the love and knowledge of my heavenly father, my first daddy. If I could send him a card, I would.  And I had an uncle who took me to father daughter events and has never stopped being like a dad to me.

My children’s father has paid dearly for the less than traditional role of fathers in my life. It took years, but my husband has been patient and kind proven he is a man that will never leave.

When I see him father my two daughters I feel like I am seeing exactly what a dad, in the strongest, purest meaning of the word should be. 

Even if I didn’t grow up with one father at one time to be there through every stage, I am so blessed by the two dad and countless others who played that part from time to time. My relationship with my biological dad blossomed as I became an adult

And my step father taught me to love the Lord and showed me how a man should love his wife. 

This weekend I celebrate all these fathers in my life.  Including the ones I don’t remember.  My grandfather who died when I was three

And the one grandfather had in my life as a child, but who I lost before I really got to know him as an adult.

I could never forget my father in law, who is an incredible grandfather! I am convinced he had both knees replaced in the last couple years mainly so he could carry his granddaughters around and keep up with them.

There is even the man I spent six months with while his girlfriend was pregnant with my daughter.  A dad who knew he couldn’t be a father, and made the ultimate sacrifice for his child and gave her to us.

Father’s day has never been simple for me, and it probably never will be, but not because it’s a sad day, or a hard day.  It’s a day I get to praise and love on all the men who have made me me.  To all of them I say thank you, and God bless you for being a part of my life.

Happy Father’s Day!

Share with me the men who you are thinking about this father’s day.  Write about them below, and on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/kerstinlindquistqvc

You cried tears of joy with me when I found out I got my dream job.

You make me laugh.

You fix things...like EVERYTHING. Home and car repair is your superpower!

You drive (!) and fly from New Orleans to Philadelphia to visit your girls like it's a trip to the corner grocery without batting an eye.

You send us King Cakes at Mardi Gras, bring beignet mix in your suitcase, and Community Coffee in your carryon so we never have to be without a taste of our Native New Orleans.

You text me "Who Dat!" on Sundays in autumn. We're a cross-country two-person Saints fan club.

You heard me mention my obsession with Morganite on air once, and bought the piece I was presenting as a Christmas gift...as though it were no big deal (that's a huge deal, btw).

You're a better grandpa to Gabby than I ever could have hoped for. She loves you so much.

You're my financial advisor.

You leave packs of gum on Gabby's pillow before you head back to the airport every time you visit. I can hear her giggle downstairs when she finds them every time.

You don't know this, but when you visit I sleep better. When Superman is in the house, what's there to worry about??

You worked over 40 years at the same job. Amazing.

You kick my tail at Words With Friends...but I suspect you let me win every once in a while. Thanks, Dad.

Most of all, you give me infinite reasons to be grateful on Father's Day. I reflect on them here and now, but I hope you know a day doesn't go by that I don't give thanks for the miracle that is you. I love you dad!

Oh, and there's this leaky faucet...so maybe next time you come up you can take a look? ;-)

 Here we are in front of my parent's super-cool groovy van. Is that sodapop in my bottle?? Don't answer that.

Dad pays us a visit every couple of months from New Orleans, and is so obliging every time by posing for selfies...here we are right before I hand over the massive Daddy-Do List. Did I mention he's a mean Mr.-Fix-It?

 He's not only a wonderful Dad, but World's Best Grandpa! Gabby counts down the days until he comes up north to visit his girls.

I went to New Orleans this past Christmas to visit Dad and his two brothers. We are SUCH a serious bunch. Ha!

Dad took his girls on a Disney cruise a year ago. He dotes on Gabby so much, and she counts down the days until she can see her grandpa.

Speaking of that Disney cruise, Dad got picked out of the audience to participate in a Tarzan-impression contest. I think he did so well because of all the years of hollering at me to clean my room?

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Share memories of your father figures with me on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jennifercoffeyqvc 

The last two months have been filled with many "firsts." Our first meal as a family, Bree's first bath, my first Mother's Day, and now that June has rolled around it's time to celebrate Steve's first Father's Day. I know I'm constantly posting pictures of these two on my Facebook page, but there are SO many more where that came from! 

I'm sharing some of my favorite Daddy and Bree photos to celebrate a special "first" for all of us, especially Steve! 

Happy Father's Day to all of the amazing Dad's out there (including my Dad-- you're the best!!) 

Love, 

Amy, Steve, and Bree

Hi, everyone!

Thank you all for your kind comments about our wedding…it’s CRAZY how fast time flies. I remember my wedding day so vividly—as I’m sure all of you do—and somehow it was 11 years ago!? Do you still get your wedding photos out from time to time? I hadn’t looked through my album in a while and it was fun for me…and Doug. I bet your husbands will feel the same way. :)

Did you enjoy our summertime barbecue on You’re Home with Jill last Wednesday? The only thing that was missing was…a POOL! So guess what!? We’re having another party this Wednesday on YHJand this one will be pool-inspired. I’ve got a fun idea for sprucing up those strands of outdoor lights, I’ll show you how to make ADORABLE bowls out of paper plates, and then I’ll show you this…how to make a Fancy Cocktail Wreath!

Here’s your shopping list for the craft store:

• About 50 drink umbrellas, toothpicks shortened
• Medium-size Styrofoam wreath base
• Colorful tulle or paint (to cover the wreath)
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Ribbon, for hanging
• X-Acto knife
• Glue

And again, here’s how you make this:

1. Decorate that ugly Styrofam with something…you can paint it or use brightly colored tule like I did.
2. If you use tulle, straight pins can help you hold the fabric in place as you twist it around the base.
3. Choose a “back” side and create a hanging loop from the ribbon. Glue in place.
4. Use your X-Acto knife to pre-poke a hole in the base for an umbrella. Fill with glue, then add your umbrella. Fill in the outside perimeter, inside, and then middle with umbrellas.
5. Create holes on the perimeter, inside of the wreath, and then fill in the middle.

That’s all there is to it! Just make sure you find a space that your creation can really shine—like on a serving cart or perhaps even your front door. Guests will get that “pool party feel” as soon as they walk to your door.

Look for Wednesday’s episode on QVC.com all day long, or QVC PLUS® at 7pm ET. Have a terrific weekend and HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the dads and granddads out there!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

So - our summer Walk In Your Shoes mini series continues and last week was a special birthday edition with the fabulous Sally Combs - who celebrated her 50th birthday with us! I'm sharing the photos of such a fun night. We have her vacation photos AND her birthday photos in case you missed them. Enjoy!

Sally, little Viggo and hubby Mark.

Sally's sisters, Leigh and Marna and her mom, Martha.

Sally's little guy it 3!

 Awwwww

Sally trying on her mama's nightie.

Christine, Amy and Leilani wishing Sally a happy birthday!

Beautiful gals of our shoe family!

You know we just had to do the "Sally kick!"

Yes, it was as delicious as it looks.

Talk about being Fabulous at Fifty! Happy Birthday beautiful lady!!

Tune in next Thursday to Shoe Shopping with Jane to see who from our shoe family is featured next! 

-Jane

Hi, everyone!

It’s Pool Party time tomorrow on You’re Home with Jill! My kids love to swim—in fact, did you check out my Facebook page earlier? My family escaped for a quick trip down to the beach and my son Trevor and his best friend were in the ocean ALL DAY. It was their first official day of summer and I felt like a kid again just watching them.

Fellow Philadelphians, we're pretty lucky—the Jersey shore is so close! But we're in the minority...I know lots of you are hours away from the nearest beach, which is why a Pool Party makes sense for everyone. On Friday I showed you a fun decorating idea using drink umbrellas! And today, my good friend Laura Geller and I will show you how to make a great party recipe: my Easy Cheesy Corn Dip.

Easy Cheesy Corn Dip....

Ingredients:

• 3 cans Mexicorn
• 2 (8-oz) blocks pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is always best, but canned is fine, too)
• Scooped corn or tortilla chips (for serving)

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon the mixture into a large casserole dish and bake for about 25 minutes.

Two quick tips—I’ve found “Mexicorn” in two places at the grocery store: the canned veggie aisle and the ethnic foods aisle. It may have a slightly different name, so just look for corn with red peppers. And two, be sure to get the scooped or curved chips…this is a heaver dip, and you need that spoon-like shape to help you get all those wonderful ingredients in one bite.

So that’s one recipe Laura and I are making tomorrow on You’re Home with Jill. Here’s another…White Bean Hummus!

I'll share the recipe on the show tomorrow...it's on at Midnight ET and all day tomorrow on QVC.com. If you’re lucky enough to get QVC PLUS®, you can watch at 7pm ET.

From my home to yours,
—Jill  

This week I'm preparing for our family vacation next week - but this trip is going to be bittersweet.

We're first headed to Alaska where my mom now lives in a home that specializes in the care of those with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.  My mother is now transitioning into Alzheimer's.  Some days she recognizes my sister, nieces and their families - some days she doesn't.

I've been trying to prepare my 7 year old daughter Theresa --- Explaining that her Grandma Connie may remember her one day and not the next - but that she loves her very much.  Theresa reassures me that she understands and that Grandma could be fine --- but that she'll pray for her to be healthy.   It melts my heart.   I know that at 7 years old - she doesn't understand this completely.  How do I explain my moms condition to her - so she's truly prepared?

I'm actually nervous to see how just how much has changed with my mom since seeing her last summer.  I'm sad and happy to see her - but I knew we needed to get to get before she gets worse - and create memories with Theresa.

A little background on my mom ... she was tough ... really tough growing up. She'd never smile for a photo, would take 3 hours to get ready to even go to the grocery store --- and she'd be furious to know that she'd be in the condition she is now.

With that said...this illness has made my mom sweet, innocent, happy and she smiles for photos all the time.  It's been a complete transformation...but occasionally the mom we knew sneaks out in her personality.   

My sister Beverly is a true Super Hero.  She had been taking care of my mom for the last few years.  (Mom is also a Diabetic, in Heart Failure and now Kidney Failure.)  During that time my Brother in Law became ill - and my sister had been caring for both of them  (and honestly, neglecting her own health.). As my brother in law's condition became more serious and my mom's health declined - the only option was to place her in a skilled home to care for her around the clock.  Her residency was changed from New Mexico to Alaska - so luckily she was accepted right away.  We discussed her coming to Pennsylvania or Florida (where my sister lives in the winter) - but there were large waiting lists and she wouldn't be a state resident.

I can't wait to see the place where my mom lives.  It's a private home with just a few residents.  My sister worked with Alzheimer's patients before and knew the woman who started this home.  My mom loves it there.

My sister, nieces and their children go to visit - and take my mom to art classes - that apparently she loves (she NEVER would have done art before!)!  The health care providers love her and say she's always happy.  However, she can't leave the house as much because it takes her days to readjust.  She occasionally thinks she's back home in Albuquerque and asks to get back to her room before it's too dark outside.

She's also starting to have issues with "Sundowning".  It's a term that after looking it up - really saddened me.  Definition: "The term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night. Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering."

I also worry if Alzheimer's Disease is in my future - and if my daughter will be going through this with me when I'm older OR if she'll have this disease.  We don't know if my grandparents would have had it - unfortunately both died from accidents.  Or if it started from a bad fall my mom had (she blacked out and went face first into her cement sidewalk.).

The good news is that we'll be spending our 10th Wedding Anniversary with my mom and family.  Eating New Mexican food - and spending quality time together.  Then we head to Hawaii to reunite with my old staff friends from when I lived there. It will be Jim & Theresa's first trip there and my first return in 14 years - very excited.

Thank you for any advice you may have for me - and my daughter - and my family!

Best wishes and blessings,

Jacque :)

You can always find me on my Facebook page directly at www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc (since I cannot reply directly on this blog!) 

Our summer Walk In Your Shoes Mini Series on Shoe Shopping with Jane continues. The member of our shoe family featured this week is Leilani Learn from Ryka. During the show she shared these great pictures of her beautiful family and their trip to Fenway Park. I wanted to share them with you in case you missed them. They are adorable. Enjoy!

Hubby Sean with Connor, Gabby and Patrick!

Tune in next Thursday to Shoe Shopping with Jane to see who from our shoe family is featured next!

-Jane

Summertime pleasures: sun on your skin, sand in your toes, and fresh, beautiful berries as far as the eye can see! For your fourth of July event, make the most of these delicious fruits in season and make cool treats that your guests will love.

Red, White & Blue Parfait

Whip up an easy themed treat with your favorite low fat yogurt. Collect blueberries and strawberries and gently layer with yogurt in a tall glass. Don’t forget a dollop of granola on top for good measure!

Fruit Kebabs

Many BBQ’s feature meat & veggie kebabs, but these easy-to-make fruit kebabs are so cute and fun. Use a star shaped cookie cutter to make star-shaped watermelon pieces, then skewer on blueberries and top with a melon star! Making these with the kids is a great activity to get them pumped to play and eat yummy and healthy fruit!

Lightly Flavored Water

This is almost as beautiful to look at as it is delicious! The perfect refresher, just add blueberries, strawberries and again, star-shaped cutouts of pineapple (or feel free to use watermelon if you have leftovers) to water. Let it sit for a while to soak up the flavors, then put it on ice in a clear pitcher for maximum effect.

Editor’s Note: As lovely and tasty as these treats are, blueberries and strawberries are packed with lots of antioxidants, too! Double yum.

What are your favorite ways to use berries this season?

Hi, everyone!

How much entertaining have you done this summer? I know, I know…it’s only been “summer” for a few days, but I’ve been making the most of the gorgeous weather. And, surely you’ll be doing some entertaining when July 4 rolls around….NEXT WEEK! Where does the time go? Anyway…I’ve got some fun, functional, entertaining ideas that you can try at your next get-together and there’s really nothing to it. You might even have most of the supplies on hand.

First thing’s first: drinks. In the summertime, the colder the better. Why not trade your cooler for something a little more fun?

Okay, you’ve got the drinks chilled. (If you're loving the blue trunk organizer you can find it on QVC.com!) Now let’s talk about the tabletop. How do you really incorporate the look and feel of summer onto your table? Answer: beach buckets…complete with the shovel!

The easiest way to decorate is to use things that remind you of the season. Blow up beach balls and scatter them around the yard. Drape brightly colored beach towels on your yard chairs. Scatter seashells—and maybe a fishing net across the center of the table. You can also take paper plates—the foundation of every summer picnic and fold them into bowls just like you see in the photo. I made those for our Pool Party episode on You’re Home with Jillthat you can still watch on QVC.com. You can watch EVERY episode from the season, too!

I’ll blog with you again next Tuesday—then every Tuesday throughout the summer. In the meantime, you should start thinking about your July 4 party menu…check out my recipes on QVC.com!

From my home to yours,
—Jill

It has been an exciting couple of months at our house with the new addition to our family, Jace. He is such a great baby in all aspects... terribly cute and also a great sleeper! Jericho is adjusting well into her roll as as a big sister. She loves being around him and is always trying to help Mommy and Daddy out. Unfortunately she just isn't big enough to really step in during the moments when we could really use an extra set of hands!!

I wanted to share some photos we had taken after Jace was born. Warning: They are dangerously cute and you may find yourself tearing up.... Or maybe that was just me and my husband!! 

Special thanks to Beth Erisman for the beautiful photos. We will cherish these forever. To see more of Beth's work you can visit her page. {http://betherisman.com/#!/HOME}

10 years ago today it was raining all morning - and as we drove to the church the sky cleared and the sun came out.  It was our wedding day - June 26, 2004.

My bouquet

Getting ready with my dog Bo (my original baby)

Jim and I met at QVC and were very good friends.  He kept causally asking me out, but as a newer host my schedule was tricky.  Finally when we went out on our first date - it was great. When we got engaged everyone was thrilled - and not surprised!

My mother was unable to travel at the time to attend the wedding - so I was privileged to have my brother Paul walk me down the aisle.

My brother Paul

Our wedding party was: My Maid Of Honor - one of my best friends Laura, her daughter Korreena was the flower girl, former QVC Host Patti Reilly and yes, QVC Host Lisa Robertson!  For the guys, it was my Stepson Jimi as the Best Man, Jim's best friends Mike, Joe and QVC Host Dan Hughes.

Can you name all the past and present QVC hosts???

The wedding party

Bride & bridesmaid

Dan giving the toast

When picking the bridesmaids dresses - I went with black and options for each one of them to dress to their style!  Whew!

Bridesmaids (Laura, Korreena, Patti & Lisa)

With bridesmaid Lisa Robertson

At the reception - my Stepson Jimi caught the garter ---- and we made sure that Lisa Robertson caught the bouquet!!!  He was so happy to take a picture with her!  He was 12 years old at that time!

Stepson Jimi and Lisa

10 years later - we have our beautiful daughter Theresa to add even more happiness to our lives!  And now our doggie Gracie!

Kiss the bride!

(Can you tell who the person behind me is by her gorgeous smile???)

Married!

What advice do you have or have received for a happy marriage?

I'm excited to see how our marriage evolves in our next 10 years together!

Happy Anniversary Jim - I love you!

Jacque xoxo

You can always reach me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc

And Twitter at: www.twitter.com/jacquegonzales

It is so nice to have Amy Oselkin from Clarks shoes back with our family after having little Dylan! She's was our featured gal for this week's edition of A Walk In Her Shoes Mini Series on SSWJ - along with beautiful Dylan and hubby! Guarantee you will say awwwww when you see the baby's photos! 

Out and about in Central Park. 

Beautiful family!

Amy's bff, Jackie, visiting from London.

Ok - this is it....get ready to awwww....

I told you!! Such a beautiful baby. How can he not be with such beautiful parents - inside and out! I love watching our shoe family grow!

Thanks for sharing, Amy!

Tune in next Thursday to Shoe Shopping with Jane to see who from our shoe family will be featured next! 

-Jane

Happy July 4th!!! One of my favorite holidays! We are celebrating with my shoe shopping family with a "red, white and shoe" party! I wanted to share some photos that show how much I love this holiday and our country. I am an American Revolutionary history lover so this is my holiday! I also included my smoothie recipe!

Deirdre's class went on a field trip to The Betsy Ross House where it all began. God bless America! 

Dad's flag that reminds us every day of his service and the service of so many for our great country!

Here I am at the Smithsonian doing a lot of walking in my Molly’s from Orthaheel! 

Even Kiki loves her country!

Combining three loves - my children, my country and Mickey!

Here's the smoothie recipe a.k.a. "Daddy Milkshakes"

Daddy Milkshakes

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup fresh blueberries

½ Cup milk

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

1 Tbsp. blueberry syrup

Garnish:

Whipped cream

Ripe strawberry

Combine all ingredients and blend on high speed in the Vitamix for about 30 seconds, a little less for a thicker shake, or a bit more for a thinner one. Garnish with whipped cream and a strawberry for a red, white, and blueberry shake!

Happy 4th!!

-Jane

I wanted to share this beautiful post from one of my Facebook Friends, Linda R.  She wrote this during the Black Hills Jewelry show on Memorial Day.  (BTW – the Black Hills Gold Guy is Jim Whittaker. J) 

Enjoy!

“I am so enjoying the Black Hills Gold show.  I would so have loved to speak to the Gold man as my mother's wedding set from the 1930's was Black Hills Gold. I don't know whether she knew what is was as her method of getting it was a little different. It was during the depression and she always said they were married after church one Sunday morning with a cigar band as that was all they had. (I never knew whether she meant a real cigar band or a small ring!). One of my aunts had married Harold Smith, Sr. in Reno and he invited all of her Texas brothers and sisters to come out there and work. He had plenty of jobs for them. My dad went out there and my mother and I followed (I was less than a year old.)

Mr. Smith thought my mother deserved a real ring and so told my dad that someone had lost a wedding set at the tables in his casino and he wanted my mother to have them. And that is how my mother had a Black Hills Gold wedding set.

As a child, I was fascinated by those rings as I had never seen a gold ring with pink gold roses and green gold grape leaves around it. The engagement ring was also set with tiny ruby and diamond chips, all in all a very appropriate depression wedding set.

When my dad bought her new rings for their 25th anniversary, I have no idea what he did with her original rings. I never saw them again, although they may be put away in the box her granddaughter was given at her death.

Wherever they are, I never knew what they were until I saw Black Hills Gold on QVC whenever they began many, many years ago. I have since bought several pieces for myself and always look at it and remember my mother and dad and their story and their love together.”  Linda R.

During the holidays it's tradition in my New Orleans-based family to take all the leftover turkey and turn it into a gumbo! Here's the recipe...hope you like life spicy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs cooked turkey off the bone

8 cups stock (chicken is fine, but bonus if you used the turkey bones to make the stock!)

1 lb. fresh or frozen okra, sliced into small rounds

1/2 cup cooking oil

1/2 cup flour

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 can chopped tomatoes

3/4 pound andouille sausage, sliced into small rounds

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. sage

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne (more if you're adventurous!) salt to taste steamed rice 

Directions:

Saute the okra for 15 minutes in a drizzle of oil until the "stickiness" is gone and set aside. Heat the remaining oil in a large stockpot and add the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a caramel color (this is called a "roux"). Add the onions, bell pepper and celery and cook until tender. Add tomatoes, sausage and okra. Cook 15 minutes more then add all the spices and the stock. Simmer for an hour, add the turkey and simmer another 15 minutes.

Serve in soup bowls with a scoop or steamed rice. Even better then next day!!

Enjoy!!

-Jennifer

My mom and Founder of skinnytees, Linda Schlesinger, always loves to send my brother, David Schlesinger and I boxes of “goodies”.  Seeing that us kids are in Los Angeles, and Mom, in Michigan, can’t run over and fill our fridge from time to time, she spoils us by sending boxes of little mom gifts. Well, six years ago when I ripped open a box of skinnytees tank tops in about ten colors with a note saying “I think I’m onto something”. I would have never guessed that here we would stand today, a team of three family members with an incredible line of smoothwear that as a woman I can say, is a wardrobe essential!

Upon joining the family team I continue to be impressed and proud of the company my mother and brother have created and grown. Linda, being the creative stylist she is, has found her match with David's tech savvy strengths. Finding my own place within skinnytees has been exciting! My years experience as a talent agent paired with my work on both Barcelona and San Francisco's Fashion Week events has allowed me to get creative with our line, shooting new models for a fresh new website (coming soon!!!), setting up pop-up events and creating more of a local buzz around the brand in Los Angeles, where both David and I live.
Our continued growth and involvement with QVC is incredible and I am thrilled to be on board for this upcoming TSV!

-Annie

Just one Christmas is not enough these days. For those who love to get a serious jump start on Christmas shopping, enjoying the fantastic sales at QVC (guilty!) why not take the inspiration to next level fun and throw a mini Christmas party in July? Your kids will love it (especially the chocolate-y strawberry recipe below) and the parents will think it’s just too-cute (and delicious with the strawberry arugula salad recipe below). Using strawberries is a fun and fresh way to incorporate some cheery color into the treats and is super seasonal to boot!

For the Parents: Balsamic Strawberry Arugula Salad

Ingredients:

Arugula, tossed in olive oil and a bit of salt

Quartered strawberries, tossed in 1 or 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar and black pepper

Crumbled goat cheese

Walnuts (candied walnuts really takes you to the holiday spirit)

Directions:

This is so easy, just throw all the ingredients together, using your own judgment on quantity, depending on how big of a salad you want. Serve & Enjoy.

For the Kids: Strawberry Santa Hats

Ingredients:

Brownie bites from your local supermarket

Enough strawberries for as many bites as you want to make, hulled & trimmed

Whipped cream

Directions:

Making these treats are simple & really fun to do together as a family. Lay out the brownie bites on a serving platter. Make a small layer of whipped cream on top of each one. Then place strawberries on top of each one, with their tips pointing up. Add a final touch of whipped cream to tips. Keep cool and serve.

Does anyone have any Christmas in July rituals they would like to share? Do so in the comments!