Happy, happy, joy, joy...and good morning to you all!

Sitting here in my bath robe, sipping coffee, day off, and hair is tragic. Bed head, multiplied. And all I can think about…is Christmas shopping…and putting up the decorations…and turning on the Christmas music. Is it too early?

Yesterday, I hosted three hours and stumbled on some awesome gift ideas. First, a keychain/tire gauge that’s dummy-proof to use. Great, because the old school tire gauge looks like a thermometer, and I’d be lost trying to figure it out. I had no idea that proper tire pressure not only affects your fuel efficiency, but also makes driving safer. Anyway, I think this little gizmo is a must-have for women. But my mom even called me after the show to say she wanted me to order two of them for my dad and brother. Done. It's V28994.

Off the phone just now with Dad. He was bringing Cami, the skittish Sheltie, back from the vet and got a speeding ticket. It's official — I'm getting him a radar detector (E18766) for Christmas. Oh, Dad.

I also hosted an hour of philosophy yesterday with the hilariously delightful Dara Lynn. Like me, she has a language all her own, so I felt right at home with her. We giggled over absurdly overflowing bowls of sudsy water. I have to tell you, the philosophy gift items this year are gorgeous. My friend Jenny is getting some for her six lunch mates in Alabama at Honda. Perfect. Getting philosophy shower gels in those darling bottles with fun flavors...they just make you smile when you open them. And they last way longer than a bottle of wine or calorie-packing cookie plates.

Isaac Mizrahi is coming to QVC in December and we're running the most adorable spot (commercial) with him right now. He's a genius...and a doll. I spent some time with him at his studio in NYC where many of his shows will go live...he's pure fun. His product is faboo, too. Gorgeous, big, colorful leather handbags and clogs done in wool plaid. China with painted faces of his dog, who is his life — totally precious and cool. I think he debuts live from our Posh in the Park show December 5 with Lisa Robertson in NYC. Be sure to tune in.

Has anyone seen the new Heritage pattern from my friend Tara's Temp-tations collection? Holy mama! OK, so there's a gift to the cook in your life. Gorgeous. I’m giving her famous Old World pattern to a handful of my friends who are bakers and neighbors this year.

Enough of my shopping addiction. I went to a Philadelphia football game last weekend. Friend of a friend got us tickets. And field passes. AND we got to go (I almost said backstage — duh! wrong event) into the tunnel and back near the locker rooms. They played Dallas. Lost. Bummer. Friend is the wife of one of the coaches. So funny to be on the field before the game with all the diehard fans. Here I am, clueless to sports and couldn't care less about the game, just excited to be there. Some of these guys standing next to me were melting down. They were shouting so loud that I think I lost hearing for a short time. I completely cracked up. Think I spent most of the time eating and hanging out near the food and drink court. A fan challenged me to a dance off. No idea why, but it was hysterical. I’ll tell you what — the real scene is in the parking lot for those games. Oh man, the tailgaters are unhooked. HUGE painted buses, big screen TVs…they even cart in their grills. Amazing. Tell you what — just stumbled on a HUMUNGOUS lot of NFL stuff on QVC.com. Wow. There’s a no-brainer gift for the sports fiend on your list.

Reading a great book right now — "Trusting God" by John Eldridge. So good. I tuck into bed each night and read a few pages. Somehow it calms my soul. Speaking of books, just sent Dad the audiobook version of the new Dan Brown (of "DaVinci Code" fame) novel for his birthday.

Great news (sidebar on a personal note) — if you ever read my Q Check "Girls Power Hour" blog, remember me mentioning my friend Jenny in Alabama who has twins? Well she just found out she doesn't have MS. God is good, baby, so good. I cried when I heard.

Toes are freezing. Would love to bury them in a hot bath right now. Ever wonder why our feet and noses get cold when the rest of our body is warm? Weird. Mine feel like they are in deep freeze.

David Venable just called. It was his birthday yesterday. He and I will be with you again Saturday morning for our big gifts show. I'm not a morning person, but when I'm asked to wake up early in order to shop, c'mon…feels like a pretty darn good trade-off.

OK, feel like I'm rambling and losing purposeful things to say. Not surprising...story of my life.

—Shawn

Hello dear shoppers!

How's the pocketbook and package hiding going? David and I hosted round two of Saturday Morning Gifts — SMG for short, from here on out — this weekend. Hmmm, my favorite thing from the show…tough pick, but I loved Slanket for kids. David’s "What's Under My Tree" gift was a microwave s'mores maker. I can't describe the luxury of making s'mores with peanut butter cups. Where was this idea when I was a kid? And I think I’m going to get the Cabbage Patch Snugglies for my niece Sloane for her 4th birthday in late November. The biggest surprise from the big show? Haan. It’s the number-one name in steam cleaning in Korea, and it was a runaway hit. Who knew you guys would think of gifting a steam mop for Christmas? And yet, this thing is like the Ferrari of steam mops, so it kind of makes sense. Anyway, the Haan was a big favorite. I have to say…I own a competing brand (not as good looking, but still does a decent job) and I’m addicted to the idea of steam cleaning. It’s so simple, clean, and sanitizing...and so cheap! All you do is use water...no gross buckets of dirty green water to dump. No weird, fake pine smell in the house. No residue. No toxins. Just hot water doing what hot water really does. Brilliant. Sometimes things in life really can be that simple.

This Monday, November 2, is my birthday. I have to work . So tonight, a handful of my gals are taking me out for a surprise dinner and drinks. I love surprises. It’s such a shame they tend to dwindle off once you pass the age of…say, 10. So I’m headed up to shower any moment, but wanted to jot a few thoughts down about SMG and other random things.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but Halloween was only just yesterday and I’m already counting the days until I can take down the harvest decorations and put out the Christmas ones. I have these great battery-operated Bethlehem Lights mini trees in faux cement pots that flank my door. I think they are so chic. And I’m sure once the 24/7 Christmas songs start later this month, I’ll have that channel permanently on in my car. I hope Pennsylvania gets a ton of snow this winter because our snowfall has been bare and unimpressive in recent years. I must admit, I’m a Michigan girl at heart. I LOVE snow. I love watching it fall. I love waking up to a front yard full of it. It just feels so peaceful. So cozy. The only thing that's a bummer is driving in it...and not getting snow days off from work. When it comes to live TV, the show must go on no matter what Mother Nature does!

The Philadelphia baseball team is playing in the championship series tonight. I wonder if we sell any team garb on QVC. I’m not a real sports fanatic, but I love the social side of sports. Haven’t watched my Nittany Lions much this year. Somehow, every Saturday, I forget they're on and hear about it after.

Have a belly full of Halloween candy from last night. Trick-or-treaters were sparse on my block, so I made up for it by scarfing candy throughout the night. Actually, the last group of kids was teens who clearly saw opportunity knock when they came to my porch while I was upstairs. They proceeded to take GINORMOUS handfuls of candy…so much so that when I came downstairs, it looked like someone had taken a vacuum to the inside of the bowl. No worries. Better they eat it than me...and I was poised to have had a lot of leftovers had they not gotten greedy and taken most of it. Ha!

Our L'Occitane Today’s Special Value® kicks off at Midnight ET, and I’ll most likely be getting myself one. My friend Christine is addicted to the stuff (she has insanely dry skin), so one more Christmas gift down. Christine gets "LOC," as we lovingly call it at the Q. Oh, and be sure to tune in on Tuesday, November 3 — if you want good gift ideas and you're wondering what some of your favorite hosts would pick, we're having a big host favorites day on air and on QVC.com. Log on to the website and check out what some of us LOVE for holiday gifts. Hint, hint — my list includes Hagit Gorali jewelry, my fave Dooney & Bourke bags, and My Wines Direct (I love gifting a nice bottle). And to make the latter go down smoother (even if it's a $10 bottle), the Vinturi wine aerator is a great gift. They sell in Sonoma and Napa! I gifted two of those last year. Fun gadget!

Okay, must go scrubba-dub-dub. Gals will be here shortly. I’m going to be 37 tomorrow. Wow. Life is crazy…and good. I hope this year brings all sorts of blessings, joy, and lessons. Sometimes the best things in life are born out of pain...that's when you learn the most about yourself. This time next year, I hope to travel more...somewhere new...and to places old, where old friends dwell. The kind of friends that know you and warm your heart and love you with all your flaws and hang-ups. I wish I could get all my best pals and live with them under one roof (or on one block) so we'd never be apart. Now there's a birthday wish! But I think I better brainstorm something a little easier and more realistic for God to grant me. Ha! See you next week!

—S.

Ho ho ho! Hello, Q CheckSM-ers...oops, I mean, Saturday Morning Gifts gals (and guys)! So, I've changed ZIP codes. I'm off Q Check and on Saturday Morning Gifts, so I hope you were able to find my little humble blog. My dear friend, David Venable, and I are co-hosting the big holiday show every Saturday starting at 10 a.m. ET! So put on the pot of Joe, warm up the waffle maker, get the pancakes cooking, and settle in for an awesome show that'll help you rise, shine, and shop! We had our four-hour debut this past Saturday…what a blast. David is a total hoot — so fun to play with, shop with, and be silly with (and trust me, I'm a hard girl to please because I'm not the morning type). And of course, at 6' 6", he towers over me and can fit my entire head in the palm of his hand. His bear hugs and silliness on camera make me laugh because I feel like a speck of dust standing next to him. He rocks. Get ready ‘cause we're poised to find the most phenomenal gifts for those on your list this season...and, of course, I'll be drooling over, and sharing, my shameless favorites!

So let me say, I have already bought Temp-tations oven-to-table serveware for my neighbors and my best friend Jenny in Alabama. The Old World pattern baker set is Tara's most popular pattern, and I think I'll fill each dish with a baked item. Bought from a bakery, of course…not cooked by Shawn. Or maybe I’ll put a fun recipe and top it with a bow. I also bought Tara's recipe boxes and cards. Those are going to Jenny and my other cooking friend Laurie in Michigan. Tara is a great friend of mine, so I need to figure out what to get her. I’m guessing Temp-tations, while fabulous, would be a very bad idea. Poor form. Ha.

My best friend from childhood, Justine from NYC, was here this weekend. We went to a Halloween party. I was going to be Princess Diana, but I chickened out. I recently got my hair whacked and any remote, distant, far-off resemblance that some viewers have commented on vanished! So I got completely lazy...and went as a QVC host. I carried a homemade microphone, took some blue cards with me (have you seen those on air?), and wore my earpiece (tech talk for the little ear plug we wear to hear our producers during a show). It was a decidedly terrible costume, and I'm embarrassed to be sharing it. But Justine made up for my lack of ingenuity. She went as the most convincing Frieda Kahlo. At said party, I think I consumed a record amount of Nathan's pigs in a blanket. And pot stickers from a brand I forget…I know we sell them on QVC. Ugh, so divinely delicious. Get the pot stickers for company this holiday.

One of my faves from Saturday Morning Gifts — the Temp Wii gaming system (it was the Today’s Special Value®). It’s such a wow gift for everyone in the family. I recommend starting with bowling if you have no coordination like me. It's the most effortless fun. But don’t wear high heels...I fell over on a guest while playing Saturday. The "What's in Shawn's Stocking?" item was aLori Grenier silver-plated jewelry box in square or heart shape with 2 ct. Diamonique® stud earrings inside...for $34! I highly recommend having it engraved. And the Sacchi insulated lunch tote is trés chic. My mom got the Husky Plushee interactive animal from WoWee for my niece, Sloane, for her fourth birthday. And I'm telling you, if you have a chef on your list, I adore the set of 5 Lori Greiner oversized no-mess kitchen tools with colored silicone grips …and I don’t even cook! Mom bought me big, professional-grade stainless steel tools from that lovely, hoity kitchen store at the high-end malls in the past. What’s she thinking? Does my own mother not know that I don't cook or deserve such high-end tools? Anyway, I'm sure they're three times the price...and yet I still grab for my Lori Greiner...when I'm stirring and scooping my carry out. And I'm currently staring at my red faux-leather disc gear. That was in the show. I love it. Such an executive, chic way to store CDs and DVDs. I have a mostly brown and golden-yellow living room, so the red is such a cool pop since I have red throw pillows.

I’m listening to Jill Bauer present Paola Valentini silver Italian jewelry...when really I should be working out. Ugh! I’m so struggling with getting into the workout groove. I'm off tomorrow, so I'm taking a Pilates class. Done. No more excuses. Gotta get up to the ship store today. Sending my friend Jenny a Bible. She's going through some tough stuff right now, and she needs a big dose of hope. I bought her the Life Application version, which translates some of the heavy stuff into more relevant terms. I love mine.

And THE birthday — 37 — is in one week (mine). My friend Justine turns 40 on November 12, too, and I told her if she feels woozy about thinking about the big 4-0, she should instead refer to it as...39 plus 1.

Okay, I can’t avoid it anymore. I’m wearing my jammies and tennis shoes (attractive) and I have to pop in the workout DVD and get moving. So gals (and guys)...I hope you enjoy the blog and the big holiday show with David and me. Happy happy, joy joy! And more than anything, even if money is tight this year and you don’t have a lot of coinage to drop on the people you love, don't despair. We're all in the same camp together. And even the smallest little token of love, gifted with a hug, and a hope, and a wish for the new year...well, that's all it takes.

—S.

Hello Q Checkers!

This is it…the last one. The last blog from me. This is my last week on the show before I head to other pastures on the Q. And trust me…I caught a glimpse of me the other day on tape from one of my shows. You’re lucky to be getting rid of me! I’m entirely annoying! How do you watch me? Oh man, I had to turn the tape off. It’s kind of like when you hear your voice on somebody's voicemail machine...and you're shocked that it's you!

Well, it's official — I love Christmas shopping. And for me, it has already begun. Tara McConnell is a dear friend, and I bought two of her recipe jars and the debut recipe cards from Sunday's cook event for my friends, Jenny and Laurie. Avid cooks. Then I bought her Hot Pick in the Old World pattern. It’s eight pieces, so I plan to divide it up amongst a handful of neighbors with cookies and baked goods as gifts. Since Sloane is obsessed with the Fancy Nancy storybook series, I think I’ll get her the parfait board game for Christmas. Gifting my friends Justine and Christine a WoodWick candle — the big one in the circular box. Gorgeous. And Chrissy, who I grew up with in Mexico and now lives in Greece, is getting Bobbi Brown because she’s a total makeup addict. Bobbi just launched her chrome Holiday 2009 collection so I'm gifting Chrissy her lip gloss trio and eye/lip palette. And since Chris just put down her dear dog, Tula, I think I may get her a photo throw if I can scrounge up a good photo of them together. Just bought Dad (at "another" store) the new Dan Brown book on audio tape. Something about a symbol or something. He loves audio books and, I have to say, Dan Brown's are brilliant. I love his Angels and Demons movie, and I have been waiting for months for it to come out on DVD. What else…getting Mom 100% Pure for a stocking stuffer. Getting Sloane this great glass photo ornament. Oh, and I hear we’re going to launch some cool night vision goggles in November, so I will probably grab those for my brother for his stocking.

So let's just say, I hope no one I love reads this blog or the gig is up.

Tonight's dinner — leftover chili and three Milky Way candy bars. Friend from NYC is coming to visit this weekend for Halloween party. Excited about the party, but not excited about dressing up as a celebrity. It’s tormenting me. I have no good ideas, nor any energy to execute them. Still think I’ll go as Princess Diana...although I highly doubt I’ll be recognizable. Going to buy a plastic crown and...where am I going to get a floor-length, cheap ball gown? Speaking of Princess Diana, I went to the exhibit in Philly displaying her dresses. Her wedding dress was there. Stunning. She got married when she was 20 years old! Prince Charles was 32. I love royalty. My brother lived in London for five years, and I loved to visit him during the summer and see the Royal Museum attached to Buckingham Palace. It’s the royal stables where Queen Elizabeth's horses and carriages are housed. In the gift shop, you can buy old horseshoes that are taken off the royal horses. So cool. One sits on my coffee table. I brought home several and gifted them. I love all that stuff. Maybe in a former life, I had some connection to British royalty. I’d love to sneak into the Palace after hours...peer into the queen's quarters, sneak a peek inside her medicine cabinet. Amazing…the history of those who've walked those halls. I can't lie — QVC UK, if you’re listening, and in need of a fill-in host, I could make myself available! Hehe.

I’ve been running my gas fireplace on these chilly fall nights, but wondering if that costs a lot to run. Want to keep the energy bill down. I have the heat set at 64°F and am sleeping under my Northern Nights® blankets M at night. And I sit on the couch with a Dennis Basso throw during TV time.

So, I just want to say thank you. You guys have been my joy, my friends, my purpose, my silver lining, and my laughter every day at Noon. I think I’ll be back occasionally to visit, but until then...just know I’ll always keep it real with you and tell you like it is. So never hesitate to e-mail me with questions. I hope I haven't melted your ears too much over the past year with my fast talking and made-up words. I know, it's crazy...but it's me. And I’m just so glad some of you enjoyed it enough to watch and call in and stop your day to be part of our little girl party. Long live the girl's power hour! I think my last day is this Wednesday. I hope you all have the most blessed Christmas and holiday season. And you're in for so much fun with Antonella and (oh, I can't keep a secret...) Dave James this winter! They’re going to be such a blast. Ask them about their love of karaoke. I know one of them will break out into song for you! So much fun, they are. As for me, you can check out David Venable and me every Saturday starting 10/24 for our Saturday Morning Gifts show at 10 a.m. ET in November and December. Ladies, you rule, you rock...and together, we will always, "roll it!"

— Shawn

Hello ladies!

Sitting on the couch, staring at the gas fireplace subtly roaring, eating Goldfish, watching Katie Couric on the news, sipping an adult beverage, and nursing a cold. Not sure wine is good for a cold, but I hear it's good for the heart.

So I’m getting a little sappy this week. I haven't said anything up until now because it's not a big deal and I didn't want to make one of it, but…I only have a few days left on Q Check. This week is my last official week doing the show before I move to other hours. "Santa" and the Q are calling me to duty elsewhere on the program schedule. Though I’m excited (look for me mostly late afternoons and evenings I think), I’m quite sad. I love our show — the time we get to be girly and real together. And I love having time with you each day, kind of like a regular coffee date. That said, I think I’m back for a brief respite in November. I hope I can find a home for my own personal brand of hyper elsewhere on the Q. Wish me luck! I hope you'll watch. And I also want to thank you. I know that personal brand of hyper can be "an acquired taste" for some of you, but you have made my life over the past year so fun and amazing on this show. Okay, that said, enough sappy-sappy...we've got shopping to do before I go!

Last night, I ordered a Marc Bouwer top (A91020) I saw interior designer Sharon Hanby-Roby wearing it the day we had the photo-to-oil Today’s Special Value® portrait (which is easily one of my top 10 gifts on QVC for the holidays). It’s this darling ruffle blouse that's so awesome — trendy, holiday chic. So I got it in black. Truth be told, since I’m currently addicted to ruffles, I so wish this little Dialogue® number I saw Lisa Robertson rocking one night on PM Style® was still available in my size in navy (A89304).

For the record, I have already begun my Christmas shopping. My sister-in-law (who hopefully has no idea how to find this blog and read it) is getting an Clarisonic in her stocking. My mom is getting a photo-to-oil portrait of my niece, Sloane. My friends Laurie and Justine are getting WoodWick candles (H15720). And my friend Christine, who has über dry skin and loves L'Occitane, is getting, well, something from L'Occitane. I wish I had someone to gift this spectacular ring from an Israeli designer, Hagit Gorali (J140932).

So I’m very excited because Kiehl's Since 1851 debuted on QVC last night. Kiehl’s is a big-time, old school apothecary — very downtown NY. Great gifts, BTW. Oh, I think come January I'm going to be hosting a new show called No Problem! with Shawn Killinger. A kind of problem/solution show that tackles all sorts of issue-laden areas of my life…which basically is everything...starting with the kitchen and anything involving food prep. P.S. I think Goldfish and wine may end up being my dinner. Last night it was cheese and potato chips. Sad.

Halloween is coming! I have a party to go to. BTW — have you seen the cool Halloween masks we sell on QVC? One day when I was off Q Check, I saw Antonella hosting and presenting these awesome masks. Whoever was modeling them was way creepy, but then Antonella put the mask on — it was awesome. She's the bomb. BTW, little secret — she's one of your new hosts for Q Check, and she's going to rock. The other host…is a holiday surprise! Anyway, Halloween party, I’m taking two friends and we have to go as celebrities. One is going as Marlene Dietrich...one is going as Kate Gosselin. I think the latter is so funny. And me — no idea. I’m not good with dress up. I'm lazy with it. I may try going as Princess Diana, but I need a ball gown and a tiara so already it sounds a little high maintenance. Thanksgiving — no big plans. May try cooking a bird on my own. Wish we had really gourmet mail order birds with the trimmings. I work most of the holiday, so it'll be a quiet one. But I get to take some time off at Christmas, and I think the Killingers are going to Boston. Niece Sloane turns four on November 23 (her aunt turns 37 on November 2!) and it'll be her first Christmas at her house...since most have been spent with family out of town. Update — Sloane has a boyfriend named Shea, she's in love with Fancy Nancy books, and her voice sounds like she's talking with helium gas. Since getting her tonsils out, everything sounds different.

Well, I think, begrudgingly, I need to find something to eat for dinner other than Goldfish. I wish you all peaceful good nights. God bless. Okay, going to blow my nose now. Hate the tail end of a cold!

—S.

Hi gals...very irritated. Just had an entire note to you all that vanished "poof" into thin air when my computer battery died. UGHHHHHH. Sitting here in my living room. Chilly. Fall is here. Wearing a Susan Graver fleece jacket. Caramel creme candle burning. Smells cozy in here. I love fall. So romantic when there's a chill in the air. I put up my fall wreath this weekend (it fell down twice before I jimmied it and got it to stay) and went to an Oktoberfest concert last night with Amy Stran and her darling husband. A cooler, quilt, pizza, chill in the air, great band, and such good talk. Good friends...they're the best. Amy's quilt is currently camping out atop my dryer. Red wine spillage. The girl is as klutzy as me. I love it. I'm excited about the Dr. Denese show this Saturday. She's launching her first-ever beauty tool, a resurfacing tool that smoothes and polishes the skin. The tip of this thing is made with real diamond dust. It looks fabulous and I need it. I'm turning 37 in one month, November 2nd. I've noticed a pesky smile line on one side of my mouth. It couldn't be symmetrical and happen on both sides, noooooooo. It just had to creep up on the one side so the deeper it gets, the more lopsided my face will appear. But that pales in comparison to the river gorge I have that sits between my eyes. I don't mind telling you at some point, Botox or some sort of filler, is in my future. This deep nasty gorge is starting to make me look perpetually mad.

I had a lackluster dinner. Poached chicken, hummus, cold sugar snap peas. Blah. Hate cooking. Could go for a Nathan's hot dog or a Kansas City Steak Co. beef Wellingtons right now. Back to my birthday…I want to go to an amazing dinner. A huge blowout yummy incredible indulgent big fat dinner. Not sure where, but I love food...and on your birthday, you can order whatever you want and never look at the price or care. When I was a kid, we used to go to Bill Knapps, this family restaurant chain. They sold lobster, tiny ones, nothing luxurious. The only time I was allowed to order it was on my birthday. And for dessert — I can still taste it — hot fudge ice cream cake with tons of whipped cream. I can seriously still taste it. This year, well I can always do cake, but lately I've had a taste for anything with hot bananas and caramel...like a 'foster' kind of thing. And I don't even like bananas! Nothing big on my birthday wish list...just health. And I think I'd like to get a sterling chain from Barbara Bixby to wear with this cross mom bought me over the summer. What else…my stereo is mysteriously dead so I could "wish" for a new one (but why waste a wish, I don't really listen to music). And, well, just joy...that's what I want. Joy.

I need to get a cross-body mini bag for my iPhone. How come no one makes these? I should suggest to the handbag buyers that Vera Bradley makes one. Ya know, just a tiny little thing to carry your phone. I'm always trying to juggle it in my hands along with my keys and wallet and coffee mug. Disaster is imminent. Speaking of disaster…I have clothing moths and I'm paralyzed. No idea if the damage I have is old or new, and I've washed and dry-cleaned…I'm now contemplating the pest experts. I also hear you can freeze things for six days to kill the moth eggs. My freezer is not big enough for that task. Ugh, it's the worst not knowing if tiny creatures undetectable to the naked eye are feasting on one of your priciest investments.

Spoke to Mom today. She's in love with 100% Pure cosmetics. She's lost 13 lbs. and is on her way to hopefully getting knee and hip replacement surgery. And she's sending me a book from Joyce Meyers.

Oh and did I tell you I'm using that Tria Laser system? No hair falling out yet so I think I may have to stop being a total baby and turn up the setting so that it's more effective. I'll keep you posted. Target area: underarms. One less thing to wax if this works. The pictures look amazing from the doctor who invented it.

So I think this year I may make a bucket list. Did you ever see that movie with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? Oh, I bawled like a child. Touching. Someone the other day told me they had done something on their bucket list and it got me thinking. I kinda already have one in my journal, but I think I'm going to make it official and start checking things off. The big birthday is one month away. I have one month to make my list of all the things I want to do before I kick the bucket. On the list: skinny dip, visit Croatia and Turkey, fly international first class, learn how to change a flat tire (I really should), do something to help another person on a regular basis, make peace with flabby tush that's self-induced, and break my need to control…that'll take a way bigger bucket, but there's always Home Depot if I find I need a trough!

I could go on and on, but it's time to hunker down, get warm under the covers, retire early, and do some reading. Have a good cozy cuddle yourself...hope you can smell the fall air or someone burning a hickory chimney tonight as you sleep. Best smell.

—Shawn

Happy fall everybody!

It's my favorite season, hands down. I grew up in Michigan going to the Franklin Cider Mill. We’d stand in long, chilly lines to get a brown bag of freshly fried and sugared donuts, plus a quart of pressed cider. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories. And unlike most things as you get older, going back year after year is still fun! The cider is still sweet and sour. The donuts are still greasy and delightful. The old mill and the creek that it sits on still hold their charm, surrounded by leaves turning colors and all sorts of toddlers trying to feed the ducks.

Funny though — it's officially fall...but it's steaming hot like summer! I hate this transition time when you don't know what to wear. It feels like you should wear boots and sweaters, but if you do, you'll be sweating buckets before you even get to the car. I’m very excited — Lori Goldstein is debuting the fall collection from her LOGO line this week on QVC. Lori is an über celebrity stylist. Humongous pop stars like the "Material Girl" call her for fashion advice when they perform in public. And yet she’s the most down to earth woman. So cool. I love her ruffled blazer with the gold buttons from last fall on QVC.com. I just wore it in NYC. And how about this — I wore a Joan Rivers python-esque clutch to a QVC party in the Hamptons this summer, at which I felt frightfully out of place given the “rich and famous” factor, and Lori loved it. Ha! She could buy real python from the biggest fashion houses, yet she adored my yellow Joan Rivers bag from QVC. Anyway, cool lady, amazing eye for fashion, haute kind of stuff. And speaking of designers, I’m so excited that Isaac Mizrahi is launching his line at QVC soon. That’s going to be so exciting. I loved his talk show — I think it was on the Style Network. And my little $30 dress from his old collection at the “bullseye” store is still one of my favorites — I get so many compliments when I wear it.

So I’m tired this morning. I had such weird dreams. The elevator doors weren't working, Isaac was there, and a girl was dressed as a ballerina for a photo shoot. My old friend from high school, Kathy, was there...and my mom...and a Winnebago. Isn’t it funny how bizarre and random dreams are? Somehow, I’ve been going to bed early but still waking up feeling fried and tired. Story of our lives, I suppose. This weekend, I have a few extra days off, and my brother- and sister-in-law may come to visit. I think Amy Stran and I are getting together too. And my neighborhood has a block party planned, so I have to bring a dish. How scary for all of them! On Sunday, I’m doing one of my favorite things — going garage sale-ing! Oh, it’s such a guilty pleasure, although I’m hoping for good luck. It's a bummer when you gear up to find amazing treasures and hit a stretch of all bad garage sales with little more than old kids' toys. Love kids, but don’t have any. So I don’t need a $5 highchair. Although...I did have a dream the other night I was pregnant…so who knows? Ha! Just kidding.

I should be in the shower right now but wanted to write you all. Joan Rivers celebrated her 19th Anniversary on QVC on Monday. I was so excited — I have long told Joan’s team that I love her brooches, especially the fabric ones she used to sell before I came to QVC. So she launched a huge fabric brooch in four colors — sold out — and I’m putting all four colors on my wish list. It’s spectacular. Brooches are such fun ways to reinvent old tops. I also love her new python bead necklace — chunky and fabulous. Joan says while the design is big, you can layer two if they’re the same color. And I love these new chandelier earrings done in gunmetal with faceted simulated stones. They’re big dangly drama things...gorgeous. I still want to read Joan’s book on plastic surgery; it sounds like a hoot. Doing lots of reading lately — all that “make yourself better” kind of stuff. And the Bible. It was time that I dug in. I’m in Book of Psalms, but my favorite so far is Isaiah 41:13. If you're having a bad day, read it.

So what else? I have to dream up a Halloween costume for a party around the block in October. I’m going with a friend from NYC. She’s going to be Marlene Dietrich. You have to come as a celebrity. I’m completely stumped. I’d like something easy, clever, and cheap. If you've got ideas, please float them my way. Jill Bauer’s son is going to be "muscle man”. He’s been wearing his costume around the house for weeks. He has these little padded puffy muscles. Ah…to be a kid again.

—Shawn

Tomorrow is our big Stop the Stresses event — 10 hours of programming dedicated to helping you relax, unwind, organize, and de-clutter your life. Sitting here, tired…typical Monday kind of fatigue. Thinking about ways in which, no matter how often Oprah talks about its merits, I need to de-stress. For one, bring down the pitch and speed of Q Check from Mach-10 to, perhaps, a mild Turbo-5. Ha. Actually, it strikes me as a little funny that Q Check is the show kicking off Stop the Stresses. Note to self — must make every effort to talk a little slower and breathe a little deeper during tomorrow's frenetic "girl's power hour".

So, I really want to take a meditation class. I’ve been reading a lot of self-help books lately; reading Psalms in the Bible for strength and focus. I’m also journaling...which is something that I just can't totally embrace. Having to write a novel at night before I go to bed, recounting moments and thoughts and experiences…that I've already had! C'mon. Just kidding. But I'm trying. The kind of reflection you get on things, moments, and encounters when you're able to read about them after the fact is pretty helpful and interesting. I've also made a pact with myself to love where I am in life, and spend no time wishing away today to get to tomorrow. I think sometimes I tend to be a little "grass is always greener". The risk in that is that you never learn to love where you are and why you are in that moment — you’re always busy "looking around the corner". So, no more of that for me. And frankly, though I'm a stubborn, head strong ox, that one I'm actually having no trouble executing. There’s a peace that comes from accepting where you are. So many preachers and therapists and wise, healthy souls often say, "Where you are right now, good or bad, is exactly where you are supposed to be". That brings me peace...and less stress.

Now I must admit — the thing that’s bringing me stress is my diet. I can’t seem to find the time and energy to cook. And since I’ve gone on a strict budget, ruling out carry out and pricey pre-made food, I find my lack of cooking skills has me eating eggs for dinner. It’s about the only thing I don’t mess up, and knowing I’m getting a dose of protein feels like a good thing.

So I didn’t see the big NYC Fashion Week show this past Saturday, but I hear it was a major hit. Love that we do that...really feels very current and big time that we’re able to produce an amazing live show of that caliber. There’s another one this Wednesday, so I hope to watch. Very exciting. I actually went to NYC this past weekend to visit a great friend. I think we spent most of the weekend eating and chatting. Food and friendship — it's all I need. (Correction: I also need tweezers, waxing, lipstick, and my philosophy fix. Okay, and love too!)

So perhaps it’s stress-inducing to say this, but I began my Christmas gift list tonight. The one where I give into my OCD and write down all my ideas for gifts I want to give this season. I think I may get my dad a radar detector from QVC. And my friend Christine just hinted tonight she'd like some L'Occitane. My mom is going to get one of those photo-to-oil portrait paintings... those are amazing. I got one for my brother last year and had it reframed in this chunky, gilded frame. No idea what I'll get my little munchkin niece, but it won't be silly string. Tried that over the summer and her parents were none too happy. In the wrong hands (those of a three year old) that stuff really does stain clothing — who knew? Hmm. Not a good move on my part.

Very excited for fall. The leaves. The pumpkins. The smell in the air. Apple spice candles. Disney Halloween specials that make me feel 10 years old again. There’s a kind of cozy in fall that is like no other. I love cocooning.

Well, off to bed. Opting out of TV tonight in lieu of some good therapeutic reading. Must begin my "de-stress" and "power down" mantra now, so by Noon tomorrow I’m somehow less "off the hook" than usual.

Sleep tight all!
―Shawn

Hi everyone!

OMG! Whitney Houston CD is here on QVC.com. That’s crazy! And amazing! Okay, now I feel like we're really big time.

Belly is full. I’ve been stuffing my face since 10 a.m. Our Today’s Special Value® is a smoker, so I’ve eaten ribs, salmon, and smoked macaroni and cheese. Sidebar: my mom is officially addicted to QVC because I work here. She didn’t even order the Today’s Special Value today nor does she even own a smoker...but she wants me to order her the "Smoke & Spice" cookbook we're selling. Too funny. Okay, so in addition to my food fest this morning, I ate some crazy-good malted milk ball pie made out of...only five ingredients. The recipe was from Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley’s cookbook that speaks to my soul — "500 Fast & Fabulous Five-star Five Ingredient Recipes". Brilliant.

Have a leak in my roof, so hoping we don't get rain this weekend. Unfortunately, I happen to know for a fact that we are. Joy. And I just bought a bike. Wish we sold those on QVC. Bikes are expensive! Unbelievable. I didn't pay a lot though — this girl is on a tight budget, so I was determined to get a bargain. I got a basket for the front. Yes, I ride "old school".

So, did you hear Isaac Mizrahi is coming to the Q with home décor? Very exciting. Oops, David Venable just walked in. Have to tell him a story so hold on a minute...

Okay, so I’m working the Sterling Designer Gallery event this Saturday — very excited to see Carolyn Pollack. Pssst...hint hint, we're debuting FOUR new collections from her. Big stuff. Show is from 3 – 5 p.m. ET…and then I think Carolyn and I are going to have dinner and drinks!

So my niece is having her tonsils out on September 1. She's almost 4 years old. My brother and sister-in-law are terrified but they have no choice — her tonsils are too big for her throat and they're giving her sleep apnea. Anyway, just sent my sister-in-law a T3 hair dryer. Theirs broke while I was visiting on vacation, and I figured a little surprise treat in the mail might take her mind off of her only child having surgery soon.

And lastly, if you love the Clarisonic like I do, hold on to your seats ladies — there’s a heaven-sent Today’s Special Value coming up in September that has "holiday gift" written all over it. Fantastic.

So, that's all I have to report. Sorry it wasn't more compelling this week. It’s the end of summer "ho-hums"! See you on the flipside. Oh, and if I don’t talk to you all...have a very safe, blessed Labor Day weekend! If only the three-day weekend could be more the rule, not the exception!

—Shawn

Hello ladies!

Back from vacay. Bummer. I like having no cares, no stress, and sleeping in every day. When my biggest care in the world is deciding between renting the pink or blue bike on Cape Cod, life is good. Wish we could live like the Europeans and spend more time on holiday...and less time working. Perhaps we wouldn't be the world super power that we are, though. I should stop my complaining...life overall is dog-gone good.

Eating turkey on wheat and a yogurt right now. Trying to bring my lunch from home so I eat better. Had major explosion in the kitchen the other night. Not literally. But what I made for dinner topped all records for grossness. I overcooked salmon in the microwave and proceeded to concoct my own dill dipping sauce using dried herbs and sour cream. I don’t belong in the kitchen. That said, Ming Tsai was just our Today’s Special Value® guest (see his cool fusion pan on QVC.com...my mom bought it). He’s so lovely and so cool. He has an award-winning restaurant in Wellesley, MA. My brother and sister say it’s magnificent. The guy went to Yale and the Cordon Bleu. Too bad he's not smart, talented, or successful — ha!

Buying a bike this weekend. Not that any of you care about these pedantic incidental updates, but I'm now hooked after riding on the Cape. I'm going to get a Cruiser — one of those old-fashioned bikes with a basket. And I need to buy some new sunglasses. My niece Sloane stepped on mine during an impromptu tickle fight at the pool. Somehow, I didn't care.

So I just ordered a SLEEP NUMBER® mattress for Mom and Dad. While they were staying with me, Mom slept on mine and said it was the best sleep she’s ever had. I have the Majestic model, so that's what I ordered them. And since Mom is now hooked to the Q and watching me every day, she also bought the Ring Guard ring sizing silicone gel I sold the other day. My poor Dad — I don't think he has any idea how much money secretly flows out of his bank account to QVC.

One of my best friends is in the process of being diagnosed, well, MAYBE, with M.S. Her mom has it, along with some other issues. My heart bleeds for her because she already has such a full life plate — a rocky marriage and twins that keep her very busy (and tired). If any of you have a direct hotline to the big man upstairs, please pray for my friend Jenny. She deserves so many blessings and somehow, life is testing her right now. Maybe you can relate.

So, I cannot WAIT for the weekend. Want to see a few good movies that are out. I watched Pride and Prejudice on TV last night. Keira Knightley. Oh, so romantic, so beautiful. The language they used back then to express their love and adoration for one another is other-worldly, like something out of a poetry book. Amazing that in regular passing daily life, they spoke so prosaically. The main character talks about loving someone "incandescently" — I have to steal that. In 2009, that word refers to overhead lighting. How is it there was a day when that meant true, fairytale, unbridled love? How lovely. Anyway…

Off to meet with some guests. I hope you’re all well and that end of summer has you soaking up the best of everything!

—S

Hi, Q Checkers!

So, just back from a few days in the Hamptons. No, I'm not rich and famous and fabulous…Lisa Robertson and I just did Super Saturday Live from the Hamptons to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Two-hour live show every year...what an awesome cause. Fun show. Great guests. I love Cherie Christmas from Maxx New York …such a cool, fun, real lady whose laugh makes you laugh. And Lori Goldstein...she's a huge, I mean big time, celebrity stylist. Her clients include Madonna. She's new to the Q family and designs her LOGO clothing line for us and it's fierce. Current, but not too edgy. Anyway, she was there. I adore her. Went to a party the night before our live show at a typical Hamptons house — you know, stone gates, valets, zebra-covered ottomans, crazy manicured gardens like the Queen's house. And there was some fun celeb gazing. Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn were there. I introduced myself. (Pushy, I know, but c'mon…how often do you get the chance?) They seemed so nice and real. Isaac Mizrahi (who launches a new housewares and décor line this December on the Q) was there. So cool — while everyone else was decked out in Hamptons-chic frocks, Isaac was in Nike rubber beach flip-flops and a black suit. I love not having to try too hard, just being comfortable in your own skin and setting your own trend. And a couple hottie starlets were there who I'm not as familiar with — Gossip Girl star, a girl who was in the movie Ray. I'm not so up on my TV and movies at the moment. Big Vogue editor was there, Fern Mallis. Oh, and how funny — Bethenny Frankel (from The Real Housewives of New York City and former cast member with me on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart) is coming out soon with a second book. Well done, Bethenny. I won't expand on this, but I nearly chipped Gretta Monahan's front tooth with a champagne glass after gesturing too widely during a story. I'm a nightmare.

So, the pearls I wanted from Kenneth Jay Lane sold out. Sick six-strand-long stunner. But I have a new fave in the necklace department — the most adorable itsy-bitsy pendant from a hip, handmade-esque company in California, Dogeared. We had them on Q Check the other day. (J33344) I just ordered two in silvertone: the wishbone and the heart. And I wish I wore glasses because Hillman Optical has the most gorgeous, hefty, quality, New York-esque fashion readers that make me wish I had eyesight problems. I wore them throughout Q Check the other day and I just felt smarter. (A91517) I highly recommend the red, they're just hot.

Speaking of Q Check — we're celebrating our one-year Anniversary. Oh, how far we've come! So all this week we have cool stuff at Anniversary Prices. How dandy — this week is our Anniversary week and next week I'm on vacay! Sorry, ladies. I know I've been gone a lot lately (hey, maybe you like that! ha!), but it's summer and I've needed some time off to get my life together and spend some time with Mom and Dad. They leave this week and I'm getting sad about it. Anyway, next week, I'm going to Boston to visit the toddler monster niece and brother/sister-in-law. Planning on vegging out and reading some good books all week. And wine, plenty of leisurely sips of wine. And I hope to laugh hard. And I hope there are some fun surprises. I think life is nothing without them.

So, movie I want to see: The Ugly Truth. Book I want to read — it's a cross between these self-help books my mom got me by a psychologist (I love learning about myself) and Joan Rivers' new book on plastic surgery because it looks hysterical. New product I really want to try: help me by philosophy. It's their at-home retinol treatment for night. It sounds so good because it's a gradual release so if you've had trouble with redness or reacting, this might be a good one for you because it's a slower, gentler delivery system.

Okay, well Mom and Dad are waiting for me at home. Must run. Thanks all...see you on the flipside when I'm back from vacay!

—Shawn

Hi, Q Checkers!

Sorry I've been so MIA lately...finally took some much needed time off. Where'd I go? Big fat nowhere! My days off are spent buying trash cans and trying to figure out how the heck I got a major scratch on my driver's side door...and what magic auto potion can maybe remove it. Yes, I know…thrilling. But I’m actually a bit of a homebody and I'm also, frankly, a little, "healthily" OCD, so I like getting my life in order. I like taking the time to get organized and cross things off of my proverbial list. I love lists. I love crossing things off lists.

So a little Chinese food, some wine, the company of Mom & Dad (who finally go back to Michigan soon), and some indulging in my greatest guilty pleasure of late — watching ABC's The Bachelorette. That's all she wrote for my time off. And I try not to watch the Q while I'm off. I really do need to snip the umbilical cord sometimes.

So, not much exciting to share since I've been gone. Worked with Bobbi Brown the other day — she's very mellow, very real. Going to the Hamptons this weekend to help Lisa Robertson with Super Saturday — the big event that benefits Ovarian Cancer research. That should be fun...and I'll give you a play by play of my celeb spotting. Especially if I see anything funny...or salacious. And my good friend Maria, who's also my hairstylist, just launched a super-cool new product on the Q last night during PM Style®. It's "high-speed hairspray". It's like the next generation of spray. Comes out faster, less needed, more hold, no crunch factor. And it's a root lifter if you need some volume when you're setting the tresses. Love her. I often say that if I were stranded on a desert island, the three things I would want with me (assuming food, water, and a cell phone were not an option) are Burt’s Bees tinted lip/chapsticks, tweezers, and Maria (complete with a hair warfare kit of color and scissors so while stranded, at least I look good).

Isaac Mizrahi is coming to QVC! How cool, right? I have to admit…I have a few pieces from his old "bull's-eye store" collection. My favorite is a dress with a tuxedo bib that I always get complimented on, and I've worn it on air…and it cost $35! Great fashion does not have to cost major "moolah". And I heard Kiehl’s — that very swanky NYC apothecary (I think it's NYC) — is coming to the Q, too.

Can’t wait to see some movies that are out — is it 500 Days of Summer? And The Ugly Truth — Maria tells me it’s laugh out loud funny. Over vacay, I watched some heavier movies with brilliant plots. Taken with Liam Neeson — oh God, my heart was beating out of my chest. Fantastic plot. And Vengeance with Daniel Craig — tear-jerking, deep, and profound. It's about Jews back in the Nazi era, hiding in the forest to survive. Amazing true story.

Starving. Mom made amazing shrimp salad for dinner last night. Then a major storm blew in and Cami, my Sheltie, proceeded to hide in the bathroom. Could go for fried rice right now — made with brown rice (my attempt at being healthy). I do love brown rice. I'd like to add that to my "stranded on a desert island" list.

Oh hey, before I cruise, Q Check's one-year anniversary is coming up soon! Can you believe it? I sorta can. Wow, what a year...kinda feels like longer than a year. Anyway, be sure to tune in for a week-long event with awesome deals and steals and darling stuff. Plus, with any luck, we'll have cake. If anyone is listening, I like chocolate with buttercream vanilla frosting.

Well, I hope you’re all hanging in there. I know, I know, the economy is in the tanker, the world is depressing, and nothing feels like it's going to turn around. Well, we’re in this ship together, so let's not despair. And if we shipwreck on my desert island, at least we'll have tweezers, lip balm, fried rice...and Maria!

—Shawn

Hi Q Check-ers!

This is going be a quick blog today — woke up late! Sitting here sipping sweet tea and coffee. I’m not sure why I’m doing double morning beverages today, but cold and hot sounded good. I’m about an hour behind…an hour! Thank goodness it's Friday. I just couldn't wake up this morning. I need a vacation. I don’t mind saying it. I need a good, long, "sleep in late, do nothing, have no cares in the world" vacation. The best I can do this year — a little time with family in August in New England.

Working with Richard Simmons today. He'll brighten my day. I adore the man — he makes me laugh like nobody's business. Just thinking about his antics makes me chuckle. Adorable. Precious. And tomorrow — big day! An entire day of host favorites! All scheduled show hosts picked the products in their shows based on the things they truly love and use. How cool — a two-hour weekend edition of Q Check with my faves! Lucky girl am I. Joan Rivers,Richard, Chloe Dao, Kate Somerville, Dr. Perricone, Cheryl and Co. cookies — they'll all be there! My only disappointment — my gal pal Jillian from Prescriptives can't be here so I can't bring you my current favorite mascaras. LOVE their Motoreyes, but not sure if we sell it anymore. It was admittedly pricey, but it was a battery-operated wand that made applying so slick and easy.

Mom and Dad are still here. We had leftover sushi for dinner last night. Why does sushi rice get so hard and crunchy "the next day"? And, of course, because I have a big 'ole box of Cheryl and Co. cookies in my house, Mom and Dad feasted for dessert. Speaking of Mom and Dad, I’m bummed that they're only in town for a few more weeks. I wanted to order Dad some of those Orthaheel thongs by that Australian podiatrist, but the brown ones are on wait list. See, I really don’t have any strings to pull — I’m at the mercy of wait list just like you. I know, it's a huge Debbie Downer when that happens.

How about Michael Jackson? Tragic. This has been a big sad month. Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Michael, and here in Philly we had a very popular local sportscaster pass. Life is funny. Hard to understand sometimes. When I get to heaven, I’m going to take my sweet time in line when I finally get to ask God some questions. If, per chance, you're behind me, let me apologize now. But I’m going to be there a while because I’ll need some serious answers to things. If you want to eavesdrop, you can.

Have you seen the adorable promo running for Carolyn Gracie’s new show called Happy Hour? Looks darling. I love shows like that and Q Check that allow you to tune in at the same time, every day. It's like a regular coffee date, and it makes it so much easier to get to know you and vice versa. Wish we had more of them.

What -- and where -- would you be if you could be anything and anywhere right now? Sometimes I like dreaming like that. I would take my top five loves from QVC, get on a plane first-class style, fly to somewhere in Europe (maybe Italy), head into wine country, rent a villa (tiny, not mansion-like), and just dissolve into Italian culture. I'd wave at the old guy with the mustache and beret who walks with his morning paper. And the old woman who sweeps outside her steps. And it would be fun to wave at the cute young Italian boys who "beep beep" by on their Vespas. My second dream — perhaps more realistic because it would actually give me a source of income — would be working as a host at QVC UK. Love London. My brother used to live there. Apparently when they have American hosts on, they often get a chuckle because sometimes words we use, in their culture, can be taken as slightly silly or raunchy. I’d make a fool of myself for sure, but it would be fun!

Alright, really running late now. Going to go shampoo with my Ojon for thickening. I'm overdue for a faux tan with my bottle of Bare Escentuals, but no time for that now. I’ll slather on my shu uemura eye cream along with my absolute obsession — hope in a bottle serum from philosophy. Oh, guess what? I got that new laser hair removal system from Tria. I’m a little nervous to do it, but my hate for unwanted hair will override that. I'll tell you the scoop later. I meet with the buyer today and have it in my show on Saturday.

I’m going to be so late today...
Yikes! — S.

I’m sitting here with a huge vat of Chex mix seasoned with bacon salt. It's the July food of the month — J&D's bacon salt. Such a great story. These two friends have a late night on the couch watching movies or something and realize, "why not marry our favorite flavor — bacon — with salt?!" One of them had $5,000 he won after his video with his son won on Americas Funniest Home Videos, so he used that to help launch the business. And now, this bacon salt — fat free, zero calories — is taking nation by storm. They've done the talk show circuit, and they even send free bacon salt to the troops in Afghanistan. That is the most awesome part of the story, if you ask me.

So here I sit, binging on bacony-snack mix, feeling like it's Friday when really it's still only Thursday (Ergh!). Holiday weekend is this weekend. No big plans. Movies, maybe a glass of wine poolside at Jill Bauer's house, a pedicure with Mom...and lots of relaxing. Couple things on Q Check today I wish I had for the weekend. These fantastic flip flops invented by an Australian podiatrist — I think they're called "Orthaheel”. Also, bacon salt (duh!) and a set of 10 beaded stretch bracelets in bright pops of candy colors. And, well, to be fair, it wasn't in my show today but it was a Hot Pick yesterday — the famous QVC pineapple slicer. Oh how I love juicy, sticky, sweet, tangy chunks of fresh pineapple. It's like being on vacation in Cancun, Mexico and eating it nonstop at those breakfast and lunch poolside buffets. Mmmm.

Guess what's coming to QVC? Kiehls — the high end chemist brand of skincare products, like an old school apothecary. Their boutiques are all over NYC. Guess what I can't wait to try? I just splurged on the Tria — that laser hair removal system we sell. I'm skeptical so I'll try and really tell you if it works. Oh, I hate hair...and to remove it, even semi permanently...bliss. I had a whole waxing episode recently that has warded me off of waxing for the moment. Ingrown hair...cyst...doctor’s office...not good. It's such difficult work being a woman. P.s. I’m so overdo for a lip wax. I have three dark hairs, man-style, that have taken up residence on my face. Pleasant, I know.

Forgive me for how brief this blog is, but Mom, Dad, and Cami the sheltie are sitting at home waiting for me. Before I get there, I have to go pick up my sick car at the dealership — the car that the mechanic says is not sick. Hmmm. Anyway, I’m scooting out of here because my day is running late. Btw, Mom and I watching a lot of movies at home lately since she can't go to the theater. Bride Wars was cute. Benjamin Button we turned it off 25 minutes in. I just couldn’t commit, and Mom thought it was depressing.

Must take off this Denim & Co.® before I mistakenly walk out of the building with it on. Stealing unintentionally from your company — not good. Have a glorious day...a safe weekend...and God Bless our incredible troops.

Shawn

I met Kenneth Brown yesterday. You know, from HGTV and Fine Living Channel. His show is called ReDesign. He brings a signature line of bedding to QVC and, I have to say, I'm in love with something I just sold. It's H1843, and so gorgeous and rich. His bedroom sets and sheets are so luxe...but for such little money. Anyway, he was just out from L.A. to do a Linen Closet Anniversary show for us. I love those home makeover shows. You know what else I love on HGTV? House Hunters International. I dream and pine for the day I can move back abroad. There's something about it that’s so exciting, charming, and delightful. And they eat the loveliest long lunches...at least in the places I would go!

So Mom and Dad are still here and we cooked king crab on the grill for Father's Day. I know, indulgent right? I feel very bad — I gave Dad a Christmas card for Dad's day. It was one of those you buy because you love the message, but squirrel it away because it's not Xmas yet. Anyway, I scratched out Christmas and put Father's Day. It goes from bad to worse — I also didn't get him a gift. Ugh, and for a guy who's the best, most kind, gentle, and giving Dad in the world. So, today I must give some real thought to Lee Sand's eel skin wallet in Q Check. I need a little luxury to get myself out of the gutter with my #1 man. I love Lee — he always wears those Hawaiian shirts. I feel like he just smells like seashore and pineapple when he's here. Lovely man.

So Lisa Robertson, my mentor, is in host lounge eating yummy leftovers while I write you. I'm so hungry. I think tonight Mom is making her famous meatloaf. One great thing about Mom and Dad being here — they either cook or buy carry-out. We carried out the yummiest brown-friend rice the other night from a Mandarin place. I'd love to take Mom to my favorite restaurant, but she has some physical challenges and is virtually immobile. And that's why my Dad is a living saint...because he takes care of her. Good man.

So this weekend we’re getting some host pictures taken and dreading it a little. My hair has changed so much in the past few years since I came here. I hate pictures. The candid smile is always better than the one that's "on command". Speaking of pictures, I have to say, how cool is the yesterday's Today’s Special Value® ? Pentax digital SLR camera. Why, it's like you're one of those photogs at a photo shoot. Imagine what you could capture with that continuous shoot technology that goes "click, click, click" and takes 30 photos in 10 seconds! Sidebar — I've always wanted to take a black/white photography class. I'll have to add that to the long and growing “to do” list for my life.

Very excited. A guest on yesterday’s show left me samples of Touch and Bond. Boy, do I need that. You can use it to hem your own pants...at home...without a needle and thread. Apparently it's completely safe and invisible on fabrics. I have a pair of pants in my backseat that have set up permanent home there. I was going to take them to the tailor...months ago. Poor pants. They deserve better than that. I despise going to the tailor. I have a little OCD problem with it. The length is never right — it's either too long or too short and it has to be justtttttt right. God bless my tailor. So I call Touch and Bond my "tailor in a bottle".

I must admit, my life is a little "summertime boring" right now. Not much going on. Not reading any good books. Not taking any trips. Not seeing any long-lost friends. Not planning any big splurge purchases. Not really doing much of anything other than wine, a few movies, and relaxing on weekends. That's alright. I'll take life's simple pleasures right now...


— Shawn