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Gabby and I had been pondering where to go on vacation for months…Texas? Louisiana? Or our all-time favorite, Way out West??

After a lot of thought we settled on New Mexico. We’d visited Colorado many times, but we had never spent time in the Land of Enchantment. It occurred to me this might also be a great opportunity to learn more about one of our QVC designers, Carolyn Pollack! I took a chance that she might be in town while Gabby and I were there. And as luck would have it, she and Bill were delighted to give us a tour!

Once we were settled in, we visited with Carolyn and learned all about the hard work behind the creation of all her pieces. But during this visit, all of the 200 employees were focused on one item and one item alone: the Today’s Special Value bracelet!

Carolyn and her team took us on a tour: we viewed hand sketches where inspiration first becomes physical reality, saw computer models that transformed those ideas into three dimensions, watched as castings were created first in resin and then in hot liquid metal, and marveled as craftsmen and women with more patience than I’ll ever have painstakingly polished, perfected, and hand-placed all the gemstones in these gorgeous pieces.

Everyone I spoke to was proud to show me their work. They invited Gabby and I to give jewelry making a try! And while we both had a blast getting our hands dirty participating in the process, more importantly we left with an even stronger knowing that every person in that workshop deserves the highest praise for the perseverance and pride in their work that happens on a daily basis.

Every time I wear the Today’s Special Value (I chose Lapis), I’ll look down and not just marvel at the beauty of the piece itself, I’ll give thanks to so many people who make it their life’s mission to help women across the country feel beautiful, and make them smile if only for a moment as they glance down at the work of art on their wrist.

You’ll also see a few “outtakes” from an afternoon excursion we took later in our trip. Carolyn, Gabby and I got fitted for cowgirl hats (Gabby’s favorite part), and Carolyn even helped me pick out a dress for our upcoming American West show!!

Gabby and I also toured downtown Albuquerque and Santa Fe, took a trip on the world’s longest tramway (eek!), ate fabulous Southwestern food and bonded as mommy and daughter. I thank YOU for reading and sharing a glimpse of our vacay! And I hope you’ll tune in February 21st at 9am as Carolyn and I take you through more beautiful pieces from her collection!