Thank you all SO MUCH for sharing your fur babies favorite springtime outdoor activities with us! Here is this week’s Showcase…

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers, Carolyn and Dan 

Greetings, fellow gardeners of all levels!!  I thought you'd enjoy hearing about a project that launched last Summer and is currently in it's second  year....The QGarden! (A partnership which launched last May of 2013 between QVC, The Chester County Food Bank and the Triskeles' Food for All program.)  The QGarden consists of 24 raised beds at Studio Park and 5 raised beds at our neighboring facility, Founder's Park, both in West Chester, PA.

The QGarden beds are all built and maintained entirely by QVC employee volunteers....folks from many different QVC departments, and with many different gardening skill levels! Folks who love to garden or who want to learn to garden, just like you and me.

The QGarden is 100% organic and  grows many kinds of produce.  Last year, QVC volunteers grew, maintained and harvested almost 1600 pounds of produce from 12 raised beds, between June and October!!   60% of the produce was then donated to local food pantries, all part of the Chester County Food Bank, to help feed those in need. The rest was given to the volunteers to take home with them. This means that even those volunteeers who love to garden, but don't have the space to have their own vegetable garden at home, can still grow their own produce to enjoy.

THIS year, we're very excited that we got an early start, so that we could add some Spring crops to the mix!! It's a lot of fun too, with the gardening "Experts" (like the wonderful Sebastian Kretschmer, who is a Master Gardener, pictured here in a couple of photos) sharing their knowledge and skills with those who have never gardened before.

The QGarden employee volunteers are responsible for everything from building the beds, hauling in many wheelbarrows full of garden soil, planting the seeds, fertilizing, watering, weeding and finally harvesting the fruits (and veggies) of their labor!

The QGardeners are divided into teams, and each team is responsible for about 3 raised beds. Each team is provided with all of the tools, resources and guidance that they need and each  person agrees to work about an hour a week in the QGarden, but can always spend as much time as they like! This year, teams with fun names like "Working Over Thyme", "The Roots", "Hearts and Spades", "Le Jardin Enchante", "Lettuce Grow", "Inner Bed", "Outer Bed", "Wyld Scallyns", "Give Peas a Chance", "Turnip the Beet", "Perfect 10", "Digg'n It", and of course MY team, "Denim and Grow".....will be growing lots of yummy spinach, loose leaf lettuce, radishes, peas, cabbage, beets, turnips, head lettuce, carrots and herbs!! AND having lots of fun and learning lots of new gardening success tips along the way!

THEN, after the produce is harvested, another team of employee volunteers know as the "Transporters," will deliver most of  it to local food pantries associated with The Chester County Food Bank!

Many of the volunteers with gardens at home,  also plan to "grow a row" of their own garden to  donate to their local food bank, church or other community organization.  In fact, if you'd like to "grow a row" of  YOUR own garden along with us, you can help some folks out in your own community as well! And be sure and share your photos on my Facebook page...Carolyn Gracie QVC....and let us know what you're growing!

Stay tuned on QVC.com and on my Facebook page for updates on the QGarden throughout the next few months!! We're just getting started!!  Hope you can garden along with us, at YOUR home too!  

Here are some resources you can click on for Gardening Info or Items:

Carolyn's Garden Party

QVC Garden Information

QVC Garden Center

I gotta get weeding! And I think Peter Rabbit is back in my cabbage patch! :)

XO,
Carolyn

Carolyn & Dan’s Pawparazzi Showcase

Thank you all SO MUCH for sharing your “Backyard Oasis” with your furbabies with us! Here is this week’s Showcase…

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers, Carolyn and Dan 

Dear Denim and Company Fans -

Designer Gary and Your's Truly (the resident Denim Diva) have been at it again and have found two brand new, beautiful Denim and Company tops that we've been fighting over!! (In the nicest way possible, of course!  ) They are both perfect for the summer season, right on trend, look terrific and of course have the stamp of Denim and Company quality approval that you count on!!

So, now it's up to you to cast YOUR vote on the one that you like the most!! As always, the catch is, you won't know which one GARY chose or which one I chose until we announce the winner on my upcoming Tuesday 11am show on June 24th!! You'll have one week to vote, starting today, so take a look at the descriptions and photos below and decide which one will get YOUR vote!!! Designer's pick or Diva's!!

Have fun and and as always, be sure to leave your comments and feedback, 'cause we REALLY DO LOVE  to hear what you think!!!!  Thanks for voting!!

XO, Carolyn and Gary, and your Denim and Company Team

PS: Don't forget, you can order one or both tops right now! OR wait till we reveal the winner and present both items on the 11am show on Tuesday, June 24th!!

ITEM NUMBER ONE:

D&Co Perfect Jersey Top with Lace Jacquard Front  BRAND NEW!!

If you, like many of our D&Co customers, love LACE and the feminine touch to your fashions, then this beautiful top is for you! It is done in our popular Perfect Jersey knit, with a 100% cotton lace overlay that is soft, not scratchy. It also features short sleeves and a round neckline. The fabric content, other than the lace,  is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, and this top is machine washable and tumble dryable. It is available in lovely color choices of Spring Peach, Natural, Sunlight Yellow and Light Aqua. It is a "semi-fitted" garment and is offered in sizes XXS to 3X, with length measurements ranging from 25 1/2 inches in the XXS to 29 3/4 inches in the 3X. It is a beautiful, lightweight, feminine top for the summer season, which can be worn casually or a bit more dressy too, because of the pretty lace overlay. It's perfect with crop pants, capris, pedal pushers, or bermuda shorts, as well as skirts and jeans.

ITEM NUMBER TWO:

D&Co Perfect Jersey Stripe Top with Extended Sleeve   BRAND NEW!!

This fun, sporty top incorporated the "must have" STRIPES of this summer season, which instantly give you that Americana, nautical, summer picnic look!  The Denim and Co team has taken the idea of a classic top and make it more fashionable with a fun new take on a classic. This top will also keep you cool and comfortable on a hot summer day! It would look great dressed up with your favorite jacket and jeans or on the weekend with your favorite pair of shorts! It is also done in our popular Perfect Jersey knit (95% cotton and 5% spandex), is a "semi-fitted" cut and features an extended sleeve with shoulder detail, a soft v-neck and side slits at the hem. The length measurements range from 25 1/2 in the XXS to 29 3/4 in the 3X.  It is offered in popular summer season color choices of Medium Denim Blue, Moss, or Warm Coral, and of course it is another easy care D&Co top with machine wash/tumble dry instructions.

VOTE HERE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!!

(and tell us WHY by clicking the COMMENT button above)

Father's Day is this Sunday, and I wanted to stop and take a moment to jot down a note of thanks to a GREAT and humble man, my wonderful Dad. I have been blessed with two incredible parents, and both have influenced me in many positive ways throughout my life, and while my Mom and I are best of friends and talk nearly every day, I will admit that I've always been, as long as I can remember, a Daddy's Girl.  That's me...less than a year old, reaching for my Daddy's hand!   

I have always adored my Dad....from my earliest memories of standing in the bathroom door, gazing up at him as he shaved in the morning and listening for the clackity clack of his wing tip shoes in the foyer and the jingle of his keys as he got ready to leave each morning for work.  My Dad was an executive in the Steel business, and was always dressed to the nines during the work week, switching happily to a t-shirt and jeans after work to take us on a bike ride or to hit pop flys to us while teaching us to hit and catch in the backyard. I remember him pushing me along on my first two wheeler without training wheels and then letting go, while cheering on that little girl on her wobbly bike. I remember him patiently teaching me put a spin on a football (which still impresses my grandsons today) or to swing a golf club ( he was always an ace golfer and still is).  Here he is with one of his many "golf themed" birthday cakes:

Over the years, I have never had a better golf instructor than my Dad. He taught me how to drive a stick, detail a car, meticulously mow a lawn, put a worm on a fishing hook, and to balance my checkbook. Mostly though, Dad taught me to have patience, honor, confidence, character and self-worth. I inherited my love of animals from my Dad, a man who always had a dog (and now later in life, two cats). Really when you think about it, so much of what I am has been inspired by my Dad....a talent for sales and an ease in making and keeping friends....my love of family...as well as  animals, gardening, and cars.  Here we are at his 80th birthday celebration in 2012:

I am proud to be Jack Gracie's daughter...and will always be Daddy's girl. Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you!!!

And best wishes to ALL the wonderful Dad's on this special day that is just for YOU!!

XO,

Carolyn 

Hello Fellow Q Beauty Shoppers!!

Nowadays there are many choices when it comes to anti-aging skincare. They all claim to do this or that, and some actually do and others not so much. As a gal in my 50's, I have been asked by many of you about my skin care regimen. So today, I am thrilled to be able to tell you all about our Today's Special Value from Peter Thomas Roth, a man and a brand that I am a total FAN of !!

 I have been incorporating Peter's powerful, effective anti-aging skin care products into my daily and nightly skincare routine for quite some time now. Personally, I am also a total FAN of less fine lines and wrinkles and a more youthful complexion too!  You can imagine how excited I was to learn that today we would be offering you TWO of PTR's MAJOR Customer Favorites in a SUPER SIZE DUO, which can ONLY be found at QVC! Introducing, the Peter Thomas Roth Super Size Retinal Night Duo, both in a big 2 oz size, which of course means big VALUE as well!

It is truly a "dream come true", as as these proven anti-aging formulas help you get some REAL beauty sleep!! The set includes Peter's 2013 Customer Choice Beauty Award winning Retinol Fusion Serum, which YOU voted the Best Retinol product on QVC! It also includes Peter's new and improved Unwrinkle Night Cream, which is now  approved to be used on the neck and decollete area as well as the face!!  Throughout the day, you will be seeing some amazing "before and after" photos which show results after only ONE week of the combined use of these two products, as well as even more impressive results after four weeks of use.

Peter Thomas Roth's skincare line is famous for rejuvenating and promoting clear skin and for addressing all skin care needs, including anti-aging and hydration.  Peter works closely to research and develop his products in his own lab, using only the latest, most progressive methods and formulations.

In our Today's Special Value, the problem of fine lines and wrinkles and skin texture is addressed by the first product in the set, the Retinal Fusion Serum. It uses a potent concentration of 1/5% microencapsulated retinol to encourage your skin's renewal  process while you sleep! 

It is clinically proven to make the skin appear more vibrant, more youthful, and with a more even skin tone. It is infused with vitamins C and E to help fight free radicals which are so detrimental to our skin!  PLUS, you are ALSO going to receive Peter's new and improved Unwrinkle Night Cream, which provides intense hydration while fighting signs of aging overnight! AND you can now use it on your neck and decollete too! This has been a big customer request and many have been waiting for the green light to use this amazing night cream on the neck area. Along with intense hydration, the retinol in this cream helps to rejuvenate the skin and imparts a more clear and vibrant complexion.

All of this and value too!! Our QVC Beauty and Skincare customers like you and me, LOVE to see Super Sizes of their favorite products, because that always means you get a lot more product for your money!!  We're offering you the opportunity to "lock it in" with Auto Delivery today as well, which means you'll receive a new shipment of this amazing duo every 4 months for 2 years. Personally, I am a big fan of auto-delivery when it comes to Peter Thomas Roth!!

One last thing....if you are currently using a different brand of skin care, or maybe you enjoy using a combination of products from different brands (like me), this TSV set is a perfect way to try Peter Thomas Roth, because it is only used at night, and you can use your other favorite products during the day! This is an easy set to incorporate into your current skincare regimen and still see the amazing results we all love from Peter Thomas Roth!

Here's to some REAL Beauty Sleep.....from Peter Thomas Roth!!

XO,

Carolyn

Dear Pet Loving Friends -

It's time to showcase another of our precious fur kids! THIS month, we've decided to feature one of our kitty girls....and her name is Libby. Libby is the only one of our dear kitties who has a "pedigree" and she certainly knows it!!  She had a very special story.....  You see, Libby was born on THE 9/11.....September 11th, 2001. (We also have a very special nephew born on that same day). Libby  was born on that fateful morning and was originally named Justice by her first family. We were actually searching around online for a cat to adopt for my parents, when we stumbled upon a photo of this little fluff ball with the special birthday and the patriotic name. As it turned out, my parents decided instead upon a Ragdoll kitten, so we decided to make Libby our own.

Well, in the 12 years that have followed, little miss Libby ....(we added to her name, so that her full name became Liberty Ann Justice...Libby for short) has become the Princess of our little "zoo".  She insists upon having her own eating and drinking bowls, insists upon daily brushings, insists upon sharing mom's coffee creamer, insists upon having her own special kitty bed and her own spot on the bookshelf and her own windowsill.

She loves my husband and I...but "merely tolerates" the other pets. You see, we had a white Persian cat named Mischa, whom we lost a few years back to cancer, and he was Libby's great pal.

But since then, she's a PURR-fectly regal loner....gazing upon her housemates from a distance, but always ready to snuggle with mom and dad. We adore her right back, and love that we have two special 9/11 birthdays in our family...my nephew, John Logan AND Miss Princess Libby. 

Here are her "stats":

Name: Liberty Ann Justice  (Libby for short)

Birthday:  September 11, 2001

Breed: Dilute Calico Persian

Sex:  Princess! (I mean, female)

Favorite food:  Fancy Feast in the Shiny Green Cans! (I can tell when mom tries to give me the stuff from a can of a different color....May I just say, YUCK!!)

Favorite Spot....Anyplace perched "above the throngs of commoners" in this pet kingdom!

Pet I WILL tolerate:  Now that my buddy Mischa went someplace called Rainbow Bridge, I suppose I like Eliza Jane, even though she IS  (ahem)  a DOG.

Favorite PastTime:  Pretending to groom myself AGAIN, while waiting ever so patiently for mom to brush me!!

PS: I actually LIKE going to the groomer (aka Kitty Spa) occasionally and getting pampered!!

Favorite Treat:  Sharing Mom's Coffee Creamer in the morning! (I make SURE she doesn't forget to give me some!!)

Favorite Q product:  A MYPILLOW pet bed ALL to myself!! 

XO,

Carolyn

Here’s a collection of yesterday's Sundays with Carolyn and Dan viewer pets on the first weekend of summer.

Hope you enjoy them!

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers,

Carolyn and Dan

Dear Denim and Co Divas, Friends and Fans-

After hearing your MANY requests for a new, slimmer leg "Active" French Terry pant, I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to our Today's Special Value from Denim and Company!!  Please meet our brand new D&CoActive French Terry Straight Leg Pull-on Pants!! These are what you have been asking for....a "Go-To" pant for ALL seasons,  to get you through those busy days when you have a long "To Do" list and you want to be both stylish AND comfortable!

As you know, the new "Active" line from Denim and Company (which is somewhat inspired by the former Sports Savvy line at QVC), has been very successful and popular with the Denim and Company customers. You have raved about the French Terry fabric, which is smooth on the outside, and has the soft, tiny loops on the inside.  You have told us you LOVE the updated SLIMMER leg shape, which is very slenderizing, but NOT tight-fitting like a legging, and won't look boxy. You have told us you love this fabric weight, which is not see-through and does a great job of hiding those pesky lumps and bumps! And of course these pants have POCKETS!! (But you won't even notice them unless you need them!)

You'll find ALL of these customer favorite features in these new TSV pants, as well as "wear now/wear later" transitional colors of Black, Navy, Light Heather Grey, Dark Olive, Chestnut Brown and Deep Wine.

We're offering these pants in all sizes, XXS through 3X and in THREE inseams....Petite (27inches), Regular (30 inches) and Tall (33 inches). And of course, they are easy care, machine wash and tumble dry!!

I LOVE these Denim and Company Active pieces for my casual, everyday lifestyle activities like walking my dogs, running errands, or just relaxing at home or with friends. But, with our NEW TSV pants today, I also love that they have a more polished silhouette, so that I will definitely feel comfortable and appropriate when wearing them as part of a career look for work, or for a luncheon with the ladies!

"Insider" Tip Alert!! Since we have introduced the Denim and Company "Active" Collection, nearly every single piece has been extremely popular and has quickly sold out. Unfortunately, there is usually also a long waiting list to get them back in stock. So don't be disappointed, and order your favorite colors and sizes EARLY. You'll love having them in your closet and will wear them often!!  Click here for more info about our Today's Special Value and stay tuned for more new tops and bottoms coming soon to the D&Co Active Collection! Happy D&Co shopping!!

Love,

Carolyn

PS: Hope you'll join me every Tuesday morning at 11am eastern for Denim and Company!

       You can always shop online for your D&Co favorites as well! <Click Here>

       For more about what I've got going on at QVC, "like" my Facebook page and Follow me on Twitter! 

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of sun, sand, and sea time with your pets for yesterday’s Sundays with Carolyn and Dan! We loved seeing all of the adorable shots of those guys running around in the sand. In case you missed them on air, we’ve complied a few here in this month’s Paw-Parrazi blog! Hope you enjoy

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers,

Carolyn and Dan

Hey Denim Divas!!

What's better than a Denim and Company "Active" TSV?? How about a Denim and Company "Active" TSV set!?!?!  That's right, after hearing tons of feedback and requests from YOU, the team went to work to create a matching D&Co "Active" jacket and T-shirt, especially for our TSV today!! It is DARLING and SLIMMING...I just love it!!  It will assist me and YOU with tackling the day in comfortable style, even when our "to do" list is at least a mile long!!

As you know, Denim and Company created the "Active" apparel line last fall. It’s all about that perfect French terry knit that has been getting rave reviews from our D&Co customers!! (Remember, back in May, when we featured a TSV that was a D&Co "Active" French terry SKORT?!? It was incredibly popular!)

Today, we're offering our first ever "Active" SET as a TSV—per your request!! Yes, you get TWO pieces for an amazing price, which will create lots of versatility for your wardrobe, especially if you get a couple of sets to mix and match! Each two-piece set can be worn together or separately. The first piece is a French terry jacket, which features seaming detail that’s extremely figure-flattering and active inspired. It also features a zip front, two front pockets, and a hood (we love our hoodies and our pockets!) The additional details are terrific....you will LOVE how you look in this jacket! The set also comes with a T-shirt—which is a striped knit top—done in our Perfect Jersey fabrication of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with our top-selling V-neckline and short sleeves. Stripes are all the rage, and make everyone look so sporty and youthful. (Not to mention the fun, nautical factor!). The set comes in SIX amazing colors to wear NOW AND LATER, with all stripes on the shirts done in white, on a color background.

I can see this becoming a major "go to" for me, especially as we get later into summer and early fall!

This jacket looks fantastic open or zipped up. The fit is perfect and it's easy care too....machine wash and tumble dry.

So, what are you waiting for? Come on, get "Active"!! Even if active means taking a walk with friends or meeting your friends for lunch and a bit of shopping! You will look and feel your best in this Active Set from Denim and Co!! See you every Tuesday morning for our always FUN Denim and Company time together!!

Love,

Carolyn XO (Your resident Denim and Co Diva and Fan!!)

PS- Remember you can always connect with me and get insider information on my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter and toGather™ for more about what I’m up to at the Q!

Why so grumpy?? We all know that look our furry friends give us, and we can only image the thoughts running through their heads! Thank you so much for sending us your grumpiest pet photos for yesterday's Sundays with Carolyn & Dan. We recevied so many adorable pictures, so we're sharing a sampling for you all to enjoy! Be sure to check out Carolyn's Faceook page to see them all!

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers,

Carolyn & Dan

HAPPY SUMMERTIME, FELLOW PET LOVERS!!

Once again, it is time to showcase another one of my beloved fur kids! This month, I thought you would enjoy meeting one of our adopted Coton de Tulear's, Monty!

Monty is one of our most joyous pets....always happy and smiling and sweet! AND he loves to do his happy dance!! Monty walks around on his back legs more often than on all fours!  He also jumps up and down and spins around on his two back legs....for no other reason than that he enjoys it and is having fun!

Monty arrived here to join our pet family about 2 years ago and has been bringing us non-stop smiles ever since! He loves to run and play outside (although is still a little nervous during car rides) and his best pals are fellow 2 year olds Dobie, Blackie and Maisie. (Maisie is also a Coton, while Dobie and Blackie are Coton/Shih Tzu mixes).

Coton de Tulears are known as little clowns and are absolutely one of the sweetest breeds of dog that we've had the pleasure to have as a part of our family. They are a small to small-medium breed, and have long silky fur that is more like hair. They look similar to a Maltese or a Shih Tzu and are usually white, although they can be brown or black or tri-colored or patched. The breed originated on the island of Madagascar.

Monty says, Happy Dance!! Happy Dance!! Let's have some Summertime fun!! XOXO

Name: Monty

Breed: Coton de Tulear

Age: 2-1/2

Weight: 20 lbs. (Mom says I'm a bit of a "snausage". Hmmm, that sounds like a doggie treat!)

Favorite past time:  Doggie Dancing!! I can think of many reasons to do a Happy Dance every day!

Second Favorite past time:  Watching TV with my mom and Maisie!

Best Fur Friend:  Maisie Sue Biscuits!! (That's her full name, according to mom!)

Least favorite thing to do: Car rides....although they don't make me as nervous as they used to!

Super fun moment:  ZOOMING around our big front lawn with Maisie, Dobie and Blackie! We are the Four Fur Flashes!!!

Monty Says:  Adopt a pet like me from a local shelter or rescue group!! All shelter pets have a Happy Dance waiting on the inside just for YOU!! Love, Monty :)

Greetings Denim Divas, Denim and Company Fans and Brand New Denim Gals too!

I know you look forward to Denim and Company's Must-Have Leather Jacket for Fall, every year! Well now....THIS YEAR the D&Co team has outdone themselves with the best one yet!! Introducing our Denim and Company Lamb Leather Motorcycle Jacket with Pockets!!

Now, before you start envisioning yourself looking like "the Fonz" or one of the "bad girls" from Grease, stop right there!  This beautiful jacket is not straight out of the 50s and 60s...but instead, Denim and Company has taken all of your favorite "moto-inspired" details and put them into a jacket that is not only beautiful, but easy to wear with just about everything in your Fall closet!! 

You best get ready to turn heads when  you wear it! Truly, if you are going to buy only one leather jacket this year, THIS is the one to get! Why? Because not only does it look great, and gives you that "edge" and that "cool factor", but it is the highest quality leather we have ever used in a Denim and Co leather jacket TSV. It is the quality lamb leather that you have told us time and again that you love.

The motorcycle silhouette is "modern Denim and Company"....classic, on trend and very fashionable for the upcoming Fall season! IT is being offered in gorgeous leather colors of Navy (my favorite!), Cognac Brown, Black, Fall Wine, Evergreen and Mallard Blue. We've updated this silhouette per your requests and have made it less "boxy", and slightly more fitted.  We've incorporated princess seaming details as well, which make this jacket wonderfully figure-flattering! We've given it a "split sleeve" so you can roll it up or leave it long, as  you choose. It looks amazing whether you zip it up or wear it open. I was VERY pleased when I tried it on and checked it out in the mirror. Just like "the Fonz".....two thumbs up!  It's yummy, it's fun, it's easy, it's great looking, it's Denim and Company!! Vrroooomm!!! Fall, here we come!!

Love,

Your resident Denim and Co Diva

Carolyn XO

PS- here's a look into my closet: Carolyn’s Closet, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and toGather.

Thank you so much for sending us your photos of your pets and you enjoying the summer season during yesterday’s Sundays with Carolyn & Dan. We received so many adorable pictures, we HAD to share them! We really look forward to seeing these each and every week and you never let us down!

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers,

Carolyn & Dan

Calling all Denim & Company fans!! It's time to cast YOUR vote in our new Designer vs Diva Poll!!

As usual, lead Designer Gary and myself have searched through a lineup of beautiful new items for the season, and have each chosen one that we like the best! Now, we'd like YOU to choose which of these is YOUR Favorite Transitional Embellished Fall Top!!  Simply take a look at the two photos here, and read through the brief description of each and the reasons why we like them so much! Then, cast your vote below for the one  you like the best between the two. The poll will remain open until Tuesday, August 19th at 1:00pm ET. Then, on the following Tuesday, August 26th, Gary and I will reveal the top that received the most votes and which of us picked it during our two hour 10am Designer vs Diva Denim and Co show!!

So here are the two terrific tops!! Tell us which one is YOUR favorite!! (PS: you CAN order one or both tops now, or wait until the presentation of each on air, during the August 26th 10am show!)

Denim and Company Knit 3/4 Sleeve Top with Embroidery (A256318)

We LOVE this top because of the super cute and feminine Embroidery detail, which makes it an early Fall transitional top that you will wear nearly all year round. The trim is very unique and very pretty. It also has terrific versatility, and depending on if you dress it up or down, you can wear it to many different types of occasions, including the workplace or a nice luncheon date. It features a RELAXED fit, 3/4 sleeves, and a round neckline with embroidery detail. The fabric content is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It comes in several lovely colors that are not season specific. Hmmm....did Gary pick this one or did I pick it????

Denim and Company Perfect Jersey 3/4 Sleeve Top with Stud Detail (A256321)

We LOVE this top because it is a rock star!! By that, we mean, it will be a welcome addition to your Fall wardrobe because of the terrific colors, the updated pop of the stud details (which are all over the place at ladies retail stores this Fall!) and the great,classic silhouette that goes with just about everything currently in your closet for Fall.....jeans, skirts, dress pants, your Active wear and more! We love the touch of sparkle you get from the stud detail, without being over the top or trying too hard. This top is FUN!

It features a SEMI-FITTED silhouette, 3/4 sleeves, a round neckline with stud detail at the yoke and a super flattering Hi-Low hemline. The fabric content is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Gorgeous Fall colors! Hmmm....Did Gary pick this one or did I pick it???

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERE: 

(and don't forget to leave your comments and suggestions as well, 'cause we LOVE your feedback on Denim and Co!!) HAVE FUN, DIVAS!!!

Love,

Carolyn XO  (See you Tuesday mid mornings for Denim and Co....check your schedule...we're starting an hour early on some of the upcoming shows, at 10am!!)

One of MY favorite things to make with my Vitamix is something I make nearly every morning! It's my friend Chaz Dean's OWN recipe for his "Wake Up Smoothie", which he shared with me recently. You know him from his incredibly popular WEN products, but who knew he was a cook too?!? Chaz often makes one of these for himself to get his busy day started right!

Be sure to watch this week’s Sundays with Carolyn and Dan starting at 9:00am, where we will have lots of goodies for you, including a Vitamix TSV!

See you Sunday!

XO Carolyn 

CHAZ DEAN'S WAKEUP SMOOTHIE

Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients:

6 ice cubes

One very ripe banana

One cup almond milk (unsweetened)

One Tbsp almond butter

One tsp GROUND flaxseed (important to use flaxseed that is already ground)

One tsp hemp seed

Directions: 

Place all ingredients into your Vitamix. Blend for 1-2 minutes and enjoy!

*If making for more than one person at a time, multiply the above ingredients accordingly.

I went to see my friend Maria McCool (Creator of Calista Tools) yesterday to get a “new ‘do”!! We took some pics to share with you while I was there. I've also discovered the perfect product for short, layered hair! It's the Calista Tools Embellish Texturing Definer. I am LOVING it!!

So what do you think?? Hubby, my sisters, and mom and dad are loving it! Me too! Thank you Maria!! XO :) 

Linda Davies stopped by as my appointment started!

Getting more highlights!

The cutting commences!

You should see how much of my hair is on the floor!

Ta-da!!! New ‘do!

Maria is an artist!!

I am feeling younger already!!

The “before” and “after” shots! Thank you, Maria McCool, I LOVE it!!

I took one last selfie in my car in the salon parking lot and sent it to my hubby. He texted back " Oh my gosh! SOOOOO Cute!"  Now, after 26 years of marriage, THAT made me SMILE! Like when we had our first date! :)

Thanks for sending us your photos of your pets for yesterday’s Sundays with Carolyn and Dan. We received a ton of adorable pictures--and lots of them are some great close-ups!! We just had to share them...thanks, as always, for sending these each and every week!

XOXO from your fellow pet lovers,

Carolyn & Dan

My friend and QVC on-air guest for Authentic Gourmet (and other favorite foodie brands), Richard Lyntton, recently spent time in Paris at a Patisserie School, learning to make homemade croissants! I asked him if he could share a favorite recipe or two with us that he learned in his classes! I’ll admit, this may not be the easiest recipe I’ve ever seen, but just imagine the fun you could have making homemade croissants! And if not, there’s always the amazingly delicious Authentic Gourmet Croissants See Richard’s Facebook page for more fun from his Paris travels!  

Croissants of la cuisine Paris

Ingredients:

(Starting Dough)
8.8oz bread flour
1 tsp / 0.17oz salt
1.23oz sugar
0.35oz fresh yeast (0.17oz instant yeast)
4.05 oz warm water
1 TBsp/0.88oz melted butter

(Butter Block)
4.4oz unsalted butter

(Eggwash)
1 whole egg

(Garnish):
Chocolate Sticks or
Chocolate Chips or
Pearl Sugar or
Raisins, Cinnamon

(Sugar syrup):
3.38 oz water
1.76 oz sugar

Instructions:

1.Take a flight to Pareee!

2. Sample croissants in local café and decide to make some for yourself!

3. Go to la cuisine Paris, a local cooking school on the banks of River Seine opposite Notre Dame Cathedral. 

4. Starting dough: start by making a “fountain” with the flour on the worktop, then combine the ingredient in the fountain. Knead the dough until elastic, create a ball, then wrap in plastic film and refrigerate. The dough should sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours before the lamination stage.

5. Prepare the Butter Block: Using a rolling pin and parchment paper, pound 4.23 oz butter into a thin rectangle. Refrigerate until cold and firm.

6. Lamination: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place the butter block on the bottom two-thirds and start folding (there should be 5 layers). Roll out and then make a “Double Fold”. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. Take the dough out of the fridge, then roll out again into a rectangle and make a “Simple Fold”. Wrap in plastic and leave to rest for another 30 minutes. At this point, dough can be refrigerated for a maximum of 48 hours, or frozen for up to two months (defrost in the refrigerator).

7. Shape Croissants: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Trim and straighten the edges. Shape the croissants (triangle), the chocolate croissants (rectangles), and the pinwheels/baskets (squares). Place them all onto baking trays. Brush with the egg wash. Shaped croissants can be frozen for up to 2 months to be baked later (defrost in refrigerator).

8. Rising: Leave the shaped croissants on trays at room temperature for 2-3 hours until they look and feel puffy, and have doubled in size.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven at 395 degrees. Place the croissants into the oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes until golden in color, including the creases. Create steam by spraying water into the oven occasionally. Prepare the sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar together. Glaze the croissants with sugar syrup as soon as the trays come out of the oven.

Enjoy!!