Blogs

Hi, everyone!

I was in New York City yesterday...and this was my view from the train heading there:

I had to do a little product development for You’re Home with Jill and I was also looking for some new things at the gift show.

And look who else I saw!? What fun it was to hang out with David Dangle QVC. David, his incredible team, and I brainstormed some exciting and fabulous ways to incorporate Joan's love of home into some special items for YHJ. I felt so honored and inspired yesterday!

It’s been a few weeks since we had a You’re Home with Jill but I’m thrilled to tell you I’ll see you this Sunday at 6pm ET when QVC is having its Spring Fever™ Garden Special. It’s never too early to begin designing your dream garden…and I think most of us could use a break from winter.

Now, onto an adorable Valentine’s Day idea...

I'm calling this "Cupid’s Box of Cookies!" Cute, right?? These are perfect for your kids and their friends, your co-workers, or all the special people in your life. I’ll share the cookie recipe with you in a minute. First, here’s a template and tools you’ll need to make the DIY Paper Plate "box."

 You’ll Need:

• White paper plates (1 plate per box)


• Scissors


• Paper edger scissors (optional)


• Ruler


• Pencil


• Washi tape


• Paper clips

To Assemble:

1. Use the paper edger scissors (or regular scissors) to trim about 1/4″ off of the circumference of the plate making a cute decorative edge.


2. Flip the plate over so the front side is facing down. Use the pencil and ruler to trace the 9-section grid onto the plate. (Try your best to position the center square right in the center of the plate.)


3. Use the regular scissors to cut a slit along every other vertical line. Stop cutting where the vertical line intersects with the center square.


4. Fold one side at a time up to form the “box.”


5. Use a paper clip to hold each side together as you assemble the box.


6. Wrap washi tape around the box and then remove the paper clips.

Now, as for those yummy cookies inside, they’re my Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. I just used heart-shaped cookie cutters to make them festive for Valentine’s Day.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar


• 1 cup shortening


• 1 cup sour cream


• 2 eggs


• 1 tsp vanilla


• 5 cups flour


• 1 tsp baking soda


• 1 tsp baking powder


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar


• Powdered sugar, for rolling dough


• Frosting and sprinkles

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.


2. Cream the sugar and shortening together. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.


3. Add the dry ingredients and mix well (the dough should not be sticky).


4. Roll out the cookie dough on a clean surface, sprinkled with powdered sugar, to about 1/4'' thickness. Cut the dough into your desired shapes.


5. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet until the cookies are puffy and light brown on the bottom, about 10 minutes. Let them cool completely and then decorate with frosting and sprinkles.

I’ll see you on Sunday at 6pm ET. Why not make a few “boxes” in advance this weekend so you can fill them and go next week. If you decide to make the cookies in advance, make extra. You'll never have enough for your boxes!

From my home to yours,
—Jill