I was thrilled to be able to attend the 186th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show earlier this week and wanted to share some of the beauty, exciting creativity, and talented artistry with you, my fellow gardening enthusiasts!!

[The creativity was so inspiring!]

The Philadelphia Flower Show, presented by the esteemed Philadelphia Horticultural Society, is an annual event and it's HUGE! In fact, it is the world's LARGEST INDOOR FLOWER SHOW!  In 2014, it was honored with the Grand Pinnacle Gold Award as the world's top event, by the International Festivals and Events Association!

My day at The Flower Show was spent admiring the amazing displays, following this year's theme, "Celebrate the Movies". The very talented Floral and Garden Designers used Disney and Disney-Pixar films as inspirations for their exhibits. The Cinderella exhibit, for instance featured not only gorgeous flower displays fit for a princess, but atop the display was an exact replica of the glass slipper featured in Disney's new Cinderella live action film!

[Cinderella Exhibit, notice the slipper!]

[Aladdin & Peter Pan Exhibits]

[The Emerald City!]

I was also excited to participate as Emcee of the annual professional Floral Arranging Contest in the Designer's Studio area of the Flower Show. My co-emcee was Mr. Tim Farrell, President of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Floral Designers. We had a packed crowd for each of the two competitions, which featured some of the most talented and creative floral designers I've ever met, who came from some of the most prestigious Florist establishments in the Philadelphia area, including Valley Forge Flowers, Robertson's Flowers and Events, Edgemont Flower Shop, and Flowers by Jennie Lynne.

[The Winners!]

The audience asked lots of questions throughout the timed competitions, which were answered by the designers themselves, as well as by Tim Farrell. I had quite a few questions myself! We all learned quite a lot about flower arranging and how to keep our arrangements looking beautiful for as long as possible!

In the end, the audience chose the winners of each round via their applause! The first round ended in a three-way tie and the second round was won by John Lynch of Valley Forge Flowers (which is the shop owned by our Gardening Expert Barb King!)

[The Clap-o-Meter Determining the Winner!]

Of course there was definitely some time for shopping, in the amazing gardening vendor area! I came home with some beautiful decorative items for my garden (including some bunny statues, of course!) and several interesting new tools as well!

It was a wonderful day and I encourage anyone in the Philadelphia area to come and visit the Philadelphia Flower show this year! It runs daily through Sunday, March 8th. You can find out more details at www.PHS.org or www.theflowershow.com!! And don't forget to check out ourGardening Guide on QVC.com for more inspiration this garden season!!

Hello my friends!

Well, last week we didn't have a Sunday's with Carolyn and Dan, but I still wanted to bring you your regular Monday dose of FURRY cuteness! So this week, I went back and picked some of the fluffiest and furriest I could find :) Hope you enjoy, and thank you, as ALWAYS, to my Facebook friends who share their photos with me!!

XO,

Carolyn

Happy PAW-Parazzi Monday my friends!

As we get into the season for Spring Cleaning, I wanted to see some pictures of how your furry friends help you "improve" around the house! I couldn't stop laughing at all of your very helpful pets!! Hope you enjoy :)

This is Kisshu helping her mom with the wash!

Rudy's helping helping his dad get ready for tree trimming

 Nani claiming a good spot while "supervising" yard work

Denise shared this picture of her mane coon cat, Scrappy, helping put away groceries!

Sophie the Sheltie welcoming the geckos out of hibernation in Sedona, Arizona!

Another kitty, Kaity Cat, helping her mom put away groceries!

This kitty approves of mom's new ground cover!

Heather's cat, Bob, helping to install a new bathroom sink last weekend.

Dylan helps around the house by keeping mom and dad warm!

Rudy keeps the kitchen counters crumb free!

Peggy's three-legged rescue Maltese Jasper loves to help his family pack when they travel...he wants to go too!

Nitto Puppy Boy loves the cattle feed!

Dad's ready for flip flop season, and Little G loves guarding them for him to make sure they're safe!

18-month-old Mick, a 3-legged brave boy protects his mom from ATTACK PLANTS!!!

Bella showing his mom Lisa what areas need to be cleaned with her new vacuum!

Pugs feels he does a much better dusting job than his daddy!

Darcey & Levi gather their toys from the snow during our last snowstorm in Jersey so their mom Priscilla can shovel a walkway for them!

Molly watches her little sister while mom vacuums!

Lucy "helping" her mom Mary clean up the yard...

Here's Abby, snoozing as her mom straightens up the living room.

Sweet Pea helps with the dishes!

Hello my friends!

Spring is a great time to have a Vitamix with all of the fresh produce we start to see! Here's one I love...feel free to improvise!

Ingredients:

1 cup washed and chopped strawberries (hulls and stems removed)
1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
1 cup chopped fresh peach
1/2 cup raspberries and/or blueberries
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice or pineapple juice
2 or 3 ice cubes

Directions:

Put all ingredients in the blender and process on high speed until smooth (less than a minute). I usually pulse the blender mixture a few times before turning it on high. You can add granola or protein powder to the mixture and have it as your total breakfast on the go! Try adding different fruits, fruit juices, skim milk, or yogurt flavors...even sorbet...until it's exactly the way you like!

Hello Fellow Denim Divas!!

With spring just around the corner, it's about time for a new Denim and Company Designer vs. Diva viewer poll!! This time, Designer Gary and yours truly, the resident Denim Diva, are getting to the "bottom" of it and have each chosen our favorite D&Co crop pant for the upcoming season. We'd love for you to choose which one YOU like the best!! We'd also like for you to TELL us, in the comments section here...what is YOUR favorite "bottom" for your spring/summer wardrobe: long pants, crops, capris, pedal pushers, skorts, or shorts?? Choose your favorite CROP between the two below, and then tell us your favorite type of wardrobe bottom as well!

We'll reveal which gets the most votes, and WHICH of us picked it, the Designer or the Diva, in 2 weeks on Tuesday, March 10th, during our 11am Denim and Co hour! Let your voice be heard!!

Here are the details on each, along with a photo of me modeling each one with a favorite Denim and Co top, while Gary points out the "total look"!  Check them out and cast your vote below:

Choice number one:

A264207 "How Comfy" 5 Pocket Crop Pants (pictured with A230860)

Our "How Comfy" fabrication is a soft, stretchy knit ...a more substantial French terry...that looks like denim, but is more comfortable! These have a classic 5-pocket styling, a zip and button fly closure and are very slenderizing with just the perfect amount of smoothing and stretch. The inseam is 23 inches and they come in loads of your favorite colors for spring, which match and coordinate with all if your favorite Denim and Co tops! They are done in 96 % cotton and 4% spandex and are easy care, machine wash/tumble dry. These are truly a go-to wardrobe element throughout spring and summer!

Choice number two:

A262592 Printed Twin-Stretch Crop Pant (pictured with A213037)

These fitted crops provide a fresh look and a super-slimming effect to your spring wardrobe! They are very stretchy and comfortable. This is an easy print to wear, and printed bottoms are a big trend for the upcoming season! They are done in colors that will coordinate beautifully with your favorite Denim and Co tops and will look especially great under your tunic or longer length tops, due to their smooth silhouette. They have zip front and button closure, with pockets in both front and back. The inseam is 23 inches and the fabric content is 94% cotton and 6% spandex. Easy care machine wash and tumble dry.

Have fun and thanks for voting!!

See you soon on the Q-

Carolyn :)

Hello my friends!

Well, it’s been almost a year since I first got my new, shorter “do” and I’ve been so flattered to see how many of you have loved it! I get so many questions about how to explain the cut to your stylist so that you can get the same one, so I decided to enlist the help of my friend and AMAZING stylist, Maria McCool of Calista Tools!! I did a mini “interview” with her to share all of the details about how to get the cut. I hope it’s helpful for you!! And thank you for all of the support and sweet comments you’ve shared with me about my hair! AND, if you do take this to your stylist, PLEASE share pictures with me on my Facebook page!! :)

Carolyn: If someone were to ask for my haircut what would they tell their stylist? Is there a name of the cut?

Maria:Well,I call it the “Carolyn!” It’s a shorter style with a very, very long top, so it doesn’t give it that traditional short look. The most important thing to tell your stylist to get a similar cut is that the top layers are actually the longest ones! By leaving the length longer on top, it doesn’t give a short “crop” cut. Normally when people layer hair, the top is the shortest part, but in this cut the layers on top should be 3 times the length of the layers anywhere else in the cut. For example, if the layers in the back of your hair are 1 inch, then the layers on top should be 3 inches! That will TOTALLY change the look of your cut!

For the Color, we do a multi-color. I use foils with lightener and 10 volume peroxide (that’s on the very low end) to keep your hair shiny and soft. Most people use really high volume, which can be damaging. In between, I use hair color to lighten the base color two shades lighter than your natural color. So the end result is a very light honey-brown base with bright golden-blonde highlights.

Carolyn: Is there a particular type of person this style would look best on?

Maria: Well, this style works well for you because you have very thick and straight hair. But I have to say, you don’t need to shy away from this cut if you have fine or thin hair. It will work for you too because they layers will give you extra volume.  

I would tell someone, if you have really thick hair you can ask your stylist to texturize the top of your hair with a razor or shears. I do that a little bit on you, Carolyn.

Carolyn: What products do you use on when you do my hair?

Maria: I shampoo with Amplify and Refine Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. I spray on Embellish EXPAND Thickening Styling Cream while wet. And if I want a lot of “voom voom” I put in the Root Lift Volumizing Mousse Sprayjust at the roots, also while wet. Then I blow dry and perfect with the 1-inch Perfecter. Then to finish, I use the Embellish Volume Finishing Spray.

Carolyn: Can you give any at-home styling tips specific to this hairstyle?

One of the biggest things you can do to make this style pop is to over direct when using the Perfecter, which means your pulling away from the roots. Also, if you always style your hair to left, pull it to the right and then flip it over, it will give you more volume. Styling the hair in the opposite direction from where you usually have it lay will always give more lift!

Carolyn: Any advice for taking care of color treated hair?

You should always use professional-quality shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t strip your color. You also have to be careful with how much styling heat you use on color-treated hair; another reason why the Perfecter is great. The fusion technology uses non-metal heat, so there’s no singing, burning or depleting your hair’s natural oil like curling and flat irons can do.

As far as maintenance for your color and cut, we re-do it every 6 weeks to keep it looking fresh!

Carolyn: Any tips for someone who is thinking about a big change for their hair?

I do have an important tip about choosing a stylist: the absolute best thing you can do is when you’re out and about and you see a woman whose haircut you love, don’t be shy!! Stop and ask them where they go. Do this every time you see a cut or color you like so you can find out who is out there giving great cuts! So many women have a lot of anxiety over “breaking up” with their hairdresser (that’s really what it feels like isn’t it?!) But you have to remember that it’s about you, and making yourself happy. If you decide you want to try a new stylist but aren’t sure how to make the move without offending your current stylist, try this: pick up a nice card and say, “I’ve decided to go in a different direction with my hair and got a recommendation from a great friend. I’ve always enjoyed working with you and thank you for everything!” It’s that simple.

A HUGE thank you to Maria McCool, a true hair genius!!! Be sure to check out Calista Tools on Facebook to get lots of fun tips too! Happy hair-cutting my friends!

XO,

Carolyn

Hello Fur Mommas and Poppas!

We all know the signs that our fur babies have been having a good time...muddy paw prints on your clean kitchen floor, pillow and toy stuffing all over the living room, shredded toilet paper rolls in the hallway. We may hate cleaning it up, but there's just something so darn cute about it too!! Thank you to all of my Facebook friends who shared pictures of their fur kids in the mess-making act for last week's Sundays with Carolyn and Dan! It looked like a lot of you might benefit from picking up that Dyson :)

XO,

Carolyn

Hello fellow pet-lovers!!

I was so excited to put this blog together this week...in honor of our Serta TSV last week, I received SO many adorable pictures on my Facebook page of your fur babies snuggling up in your beds, taking up MORE than a little space! But it's true, we love it don't we!? Here are just a few, and thanks as always, to those who posted!!

XO,

Carolyn

I recently spent the day with my friend Barbara King, and she whipped up this yummy dip for us!! I told her I just HAD to share it, it was so good! It’s a great thing to make when you’re just lounging on the back porch, or when you have guests over!

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 Tbsp vinegar

2 eggs, beaten

pinch of salt

2 Tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Place sugar, vinegar, eggs, and salt in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Put aside to cool. Beat cream cheese, salt, and butter. Add egg mixture; beat until smooth. Add onion and bell pepper.
2. Refrigerate one day before serving.

Last weekend I was thrilled to be able to head down to Arlington, Texas along with our fantastic remote broadcast team, to host a QSessionsLive show with the amazing Clint Black.

My fellow show host, Courtney Cason, came along as well to do interviews and color commentary, which you will be able to see at a future date on QVC. We were there as part of the big celebration leading up to the 50th Anniversary Show of the Academy of Country Music Awards.  It was SO much fun to be there, and I met so many great folks who were there attending the festival at Globe Life Park (where the Texas Rangers play) and the two nights of outdoor concerts from country music greats. QVC had a booth at the festival during the day on Friday, which allowed folks to stop by, take some really fun photo booth "moving pictures" and grab a free download card to try out our new music download service called Q The Music, which you can try out here!

My good pal Carolyn Pollack was there and we did some serious shopping at the festival, as we are both huge fans of cowboy boots, hats, accessories and jewelry! Carolyn had a sneak peek of her new American West jewelry collection in the QVC booth as well, which you can see here.

These are amazing new pieces inspired by the ACMs and you can find them here. I wore several of the pieces for my show with Clint Black, along with a fun Denim and Company jacket, a G.I.L.I. tank top, and some Nomad cowboy boots from the Q as well!

Speaking of Clint, what a super person he is!! Not only did we have a blast during the show, (which I hope you got to see, by the way) but he was so great with everyone there, from crew to guests to fans. He may seem a little shy on camera, but he will talk your ear off and make you laugh till your sides ache! It was such a pleasure having in him on QSessions and we hope he'll be back on QVC again real soon!! What a talented guy!!

My visit to Texas was short, but packed with excitement and fun and great memories were made!

I hope we're invited back next year!!  I'm already packing my boots and practicing my two-step!!

Till then, I remain more than just a LITTLE bit country!

Your pal,

Carolyn

Wow, you all had SUCH adorable pictures this week!! Since we've finally made it into the lovely month of MAY, I decided to ask you for pictures of your pets' "Mother-MAY-I" faces, and asked you to fill in the blank of what they would say! It had me laughing all morning!!

Enjoy!

XO,

Carolyn

"Mother, may we have another frozen peanut butter treat?"

"May I have frozen green beans, please??"

"Mother, MAY I be with you all day long?" --Princeton

"

Mother-May-I pleeeeeze have a cookie"

"Mother-May-I please take another class?" --Buster the 5-year-old Chocolate Lab/Pitti mix

"Mother my I have what your eating?? Harley luvs snacks!"

"Mother may I please bring my bone in the house to chew?"

"Mother, may I please have some peace and quiet? I am trying to sleep!"

"Mother may I please stop posing for pictures?"

"Mother, May I please come with....please, please, please??"

"Mother MAY-I go on a walk with you? There are some bushes I need to check out." --Stanley Cup

"Mother may I please sleep in your chair?"

"Mother may I please get a haircut, so I can see you?"

"Mother may I bring my baby to bed?"

"Mother may I please dig out under the fence?!"

"Mother may I play with the fish"

"Mother may I please kick this cat off the bed?"

"Mother may I have a belly rub!?" --Alea

"Mother may I PLEASE go on the other side of the fence to dig in the dirt!?"

"Mother may I...pweeese hab som ob dat ice cream ????Pweeese???"

"Mother, may I please have my supper?"

"Mother may I have my breakfast now????"

"Mother may I help with the laundry?!" -- Callie from PA

"Mother, may I have a word with you?"

"Mother may I have this WHOLE box of treats for my birthday today?"

"Mother may I have a belly rub?"

"Mommy may we stop for ice cream" --Maggie & Sofia

"Mother may I have another five minutes...or more?????" --Zeek

"Mother may we have our treats now?"

And finally, for the REAL truth...

"Silly Carolyn, cats do not ask for permission."

Dear Q Friends,

This Sunday is Mother's Day....A day we set aside to honor our mothers, step-mothers, sisters who are moms, daughters who are moms, and those who have been like a mom to us in some way throughout our lives. I am one of the very lucky ones who has a mother who is truly a gift from heaven above. My husband, half-jokingly, calls her "a saint". She would be the first to disagree.

The older I get, the more I am amazed at how much I've become like my mom. When I was younger, everyone always remarked about how much I was like my dad....in both personality and resemblance. As much as I adore my mother, I really never thought I was very much like her. My younger sister, Jennifer, definitely always LOOKED much more like her than I did. In personality, I was, and am vibrant and outspoken, a leader, very driven to do well, and be successful....just like my dad. I also love cars, pets, taking care of the lawn, baseball, buying presents for those I love, and am the proverbial "life of the party"...like my dad.

But now that I am older, something peculiar has gradually happened to me, without my even noticing. I have become much more like  my mom. I now see we have the same smile, and the same laugh. (Even though I still have dad's brown eyes and command of a room). But I've become more gentle and kind, patient and helpful, emotional and happy to be in the background... sometimes.....just like my mom. And I love that. Because if I could be even a "smidgeon" of the remarkable person my mother is, I would be honored. She had taught me the gentleness in life, to have a huge heart, to notice the little things of beauty along the way. (Although I STILL cannot make her apple pie or spaghetti sauce HALF as well as she, no matter how hard I try!) I have come to realize that my mother is every bit as strong and outgoing and a leader as my father...sometimes more.... but she was always very subtle about it.

She was and is exceptional and has raised 6 exceptional children, all very different from each other, but all a credit to her and to my dad.

I am very lucky to have two wonderful parents, who both have had a huge positive influence on the woman I have become. I am so proud to be their daughter. I am so happy I am now,  so much like my mother. Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's, Step Moms, Pet Mom's and EVERY type of Mom. Thank you for the love you give us every single day. We would not be here without you and we are so happy to have you in our lives, or in heaven watching over us. God Bless you and have a wonderful day!!

Love,
Carolyn XO

Hello Fellow Denim Divas!!

It’s starting to really heat up here, and during summer especially I am all about COMFORT! Summer is all about cute casual, and Denim and Company has some fabulous options for us this season. As always, we want to know what YOU think!! We’d love if you would vote in the poll below on which is YOUR favorite casual look?? Designer Gary picked one, and yours truly, our resident Denim Diva picked the other!! Can you tell which one was MY favorite??

We'll reveal which gets the most votes, and WHICH of us picked it, the Designer or the Diva, in 2 weeks on Tuesday, May 26, during our 11am Denim and Co hour! Let your voice be heard!!

Here are the details on each, along with a photo of me modeling each one! Check them out and cast your vote below. Can you guess who is describing which one???

Choice #1:

Denim & Company Perfect Jersey Sleeveless Drop Waist Dress(A265640)

I love this dress because it is the perfect easy way to get ready. This is uncomplicated dressing at its best. Just add a jacket or a shrug and you have a total look. The drop waist styling is very flattering for all sizes and it is the perfect length for the hot weather ahead sure to keep you cool and breezy. This dress is truly versatile and can be worn for many different occasions either dressed up or more casual…even think of it as a beach dress.

Fabrication is Cotton/Rayon/Spandex. It’s one of our  May “Must Haves” “The Summer Dress”.

It comes in 5 colors, including the Warm Coral pictured.  It is an appropriate length for all sizes and all ages. So many dresses at retail are quite short these days!!

Choice #2:

Denim and Company Active Knit Dolman Cap Sleeve Tunic  (A265689)

I love the “Active” inspired top/outfit because it is a comfortable very modern way of dressing. It’s all about the new casual lifestyle that is right for every age and size. This look/style automatically creates a youthful appearance. So, whether you are actually exercising, walking in the park or relaxing at home, you are sure to feel cool and easy and ready to start the day. You can also play with the top as a layering piece to go under shirts, jackets and sweaters.

Fabrication is cotton/spandex and it is a flattering tunic length, perfect for those knit bottoms in your wardrobe, as well as woven twills and denims. Dolman sleeves are very comfortable and make that fresh fashion statement!  This one comes with three color choices.

VOTE HERE!

My dear friends,

I want to share some news with you, because even though it is personal, I feel you all are just as much my friends as you are my customers. I am going to be out for the months of June and July, because it has become necessary for me to have some surgery that will require that I take this time away from work.

Please do not worry....I am fine and I am not sick....but this is something that I need to do for my long term health and well being. I am expected to make a full recovery and will be back on QVC for all of our favorite shows together before you know it! I do not wish to go into further details at this time, but I promise I will update you soon, after I am back home with my family and my furries, and into recovery mode!

Meanwhile, I ask that you please be considerate of my privacy and also, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. If you wish to post a note on my Facebook page, Carolyn Gracie QVC, while I am out, I promise I will read and will surely appreciate every message. Since I will not be able to post on my page for a little while, I have asked my good friend, co-worker, and social media expert, Kaitlin, to keep you up to date about me AND my favorite things like pets and gardening, as well as some QVC items and programs I don't want you to miss. She will be posting on my page on my behalf....so if you see a message or a post signed by Kaitlin....now you know who she is!

Again, please do not worry, I will be just fine and I WILL be back in early August, better than ever!

Please stay tuned for a new blog with a health update from me in a couple of weeks. Please know I will be  thinking of you and hoping you are having a wonderful summer!!

Much love to you all,

Your friend, Carolyn