ShopNBC Gets it Right for Once!

ShopNBC finally got it right!!! This gorgeous ring from Sameul B. is exactly what they should be looking for in an Our Top Value (OTV) instead of the lame old-lady earrings and leather jackets in June they've been peddling recently. It's designer (not faux celebrity "designer" either), it's solid, well-made, unique, and the citrine and amethyst stone color is exquisite.

It's much better to get a high quality semi-precious gem, than some sorry drill bit excuse for a diamond (don't even get me started on the emeralds). And at only $74.28??? As Lisa Robertson would say, it's practically free.

I do wonder if the prongs are gold or if they are just plated. Makes a big difference. I don't care what anybody says, the plating always wears off.

So ShopNBC PTB (powers that be), quit exploiting Princess Di and put your efforts into finding more OTV's like this one.

ShopNBC OTV: Fab Faux Art

Oil Painting w/ Antique-Inspired Rococo-Style Frame

Item# V36847
$99.96
4 ValuePays of $24.99
S&H $18.99 (wow ... that's steep)

Frame measures 31"L x 27"H x 3"W

So I guess ShopNBC is tierd of fake diamonds and wants to move onto fake art. There are three choices--all of which are "inspired" by a master all in an antique-looking Rococo-style resin frame that is distressed in gold paint (notice the use of key words like "looking" and "style." Typical!)

There are three choices:

"Moulin de la Galette" is inspired by Renoir's original Impressionist painting "Ball at the Moulan De La Gallette." You can view the original here, I noticed that every other website spelled the name differently. What's up with that ShopNBC editors?

"Wisteria" is inspired by Claude Monet's original Impressionist painting, "Wisteria." You can see the original here.

"Peonies and Sunflowers" is inspired by one of the masters of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh. Here is one of his Sunflower paintings. They don't specify which one was the actual inspiration, so I'm just guessing.

Even though the paintings got rave reviews for their quality, personally, I'd rather buy from a local artist than one of these mass-produced pieces of faux-art.

This is from the Style at Home collection with Margie Commerford. She seems to have a similar story to Jeanne Bice (Head Quacker at QVC ... not HSN! Poor Jeanne can't remember where she works sometimes!) who started her $50 million dollar business selling clothes at flea markets: "We started our business from simple beginnings, selling stuffed animals from the back of our van in Miami." These woman are true inspirations.

ShopNBC OTV: Leather in June!

Pamela McCoy Croco-Embossed Leather Jacket

Item# A16975

$89.95
5 ValuePays of $17.99
Sizes XS through 3X
Colors Aloe, Cantelope, Denim, White

Oh, Pamela! What are you thinking, darling? Leather in June? Who is picking these OTV's? Anyone? Anyone? This just makes no sense. Are they trying to get the hard-to-reach Alaska demographic???

As to the jacket ... love croco-embossed leather, love the buckle and zipper hardware details (sometimes Pamela gets a little too crazy with the hardware), love the lining and the special armpit sweat guards ... cause trust me, honey, you're gonna need them if you're gonna wear a leather jacket in June! And, of course, Pamela did her super special look-like-you-just-lost-ten-pounds princess seaming trick. Queen Bea enjoys any trick that makes her look skinny (skinnier ... less chubby ... whatever!).

ShopNBC Our Top Value: Magic Potion

Pure Prai - 3.3 Fluid Ounces

Item# C50461
$97.86
3 ValuePays of $32.62

Just like yesterday, ShopNBC is has an OTV that isn't new and has so-so to bad reviews--cost too much for the quality, oily, doesn't sink into skin, does the same thing as other Prai products, and made face soft, but that's about it.

This entire line seems to be overpriced. You can get the same or better product for less elsewhere. In fact, look no farther than ShopNBC's own Isomers line. Still pricey, but less fillers (like petroleum, yuck!) and a huge, cult following.

There's also all sorts of rumors that the vendor, Cathy Kangas, recommends $400 throat cream for 17-year-olds to "hide their age." Color Queen Bea confused! Does it make them look older so they can buy a beer?!

On the other hand, Cathy is a big advocate for animals:

One of Cathy’s passions is helping animals in distress all around the world. Through “Beauty with a Cause,” which donates a portion of the profits of PRAI Beauty to animal welfare organizations, she has helped countless animal charities worldwide. Cathy also gives her time, expertise and influence to these organizations, providing a voice to those who cannot speak. She serves as special advisor to the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, as well as Ambassador for Companion Animals for the World Society for the Protection of Animals. She has been most notably recognized at a leading activist for her work to end the Canadian Seal Hunt. Cathy shares her home life with her husband, five rescued dogs, six rescue horses, and two rescue miniature horses.

Anyone who is that dedicated to helping animals can't be bad!

Kick A$$ Clearance Item of the Day

14K Spatial Textured Wide Band
J303714
Clearance Price: $279.98 (30% off)
Regular Price: $399.96
2 ValuePays of $139.99

What They Say: Shimmering with sweet style, this ring will wrap your finger in a sense of luxury. Created from polished 14K gold, it features patterned and sand finishes to create its intriguing details. In fact, this design was inspired by a summer dawn where all the fields were covered with dew as the spotted sections along this band show. It measures 1"L and has a graduated bandwidth of 3/4" to 3/8".

What Queen Bea Says: I thought I'd help ShopNBC redeem themselves after that hideous excuse for an OTV. This ring is all sorts of cool. I'm guessing that it's one of those polarizing designs--you either really love it or totally hate it. And Queen Bea looooves it! Loves like little droplets of gold rain splattered across your ring. One caveat: no gram weight given (as usual), so this could be made out of one flimsy gram of gold stretched out to within an inch of its life.

ShopNBC Our Top Value 6/2/08: Studs-N-Jackets

Sterling Silver/Platinum or 18K Vermeil Set of Three Gem Studs & Jackets
Item# J302875
$99.98
2 Value Pays of $49.99
Choice of platinum plated or 18k yellow gold vermeil

I give this a '10' for concept and a '4' for execution. I love the idea of the three studs that you can wear alone or mix and match with the three different jackets. So versatile! Definitely alot of bang for the buck. However, I don't think they are ... what's the word ... pretty? Right, I think that they are u-g-l-y. Ugly. Sorry ShopNBC, but this ain't doing it for the Queen Bea.

I do like two of the studs though--the zircon and the iolite (highly underrated gem ... looks like tanzanite at a fraction of the cost), but the third one is described as--and I quote--"reddish brown rhodolite garnet." That just sounds like a really poor quality garnet. Garnet is plentiful and not terribly expensive! Couldn't they do any better than "reddish brown?" Yuck-O. But I suppose that two out of three studs ain't bad!

Today's Blue Plate Specials!

QVC: Today's Special Value

Item# E05418

Sharp 46" Diagonal Widescreen Full High Definition1080p

• $1385.00


• $67.97 S&H (Wow! That's high!!!)


• 5 (Not-So) Easy Pays of $277.00

What They Say: In a class by itself. See what you've been missing with this Sharp 46" diagonal widescreen full high-definition television. No matter what signal you're currently using, your viewing experience will be transformed with this affordable unit from one of the most trusted names in technology. Highest resolution available. Full 1080p resolution offers breathtaking color purity and crisp images. You might notice details like never before--the sequins on a dancer's dress, the rotation on a touchdown pass, or the smallest clue in the background of your most-watched mystery film.The fastest panel response in the industry. Six-millisecond response means no lag time, making it ideal for action and sports. Optimized picture control automatically adjusts the brightness to changing room conditions. Even near windows, doors, or other light sources you still see all the vivid, clear detail.Best seat in the house. With a 176-degree viewing angle, you have awe-inspiring HDTV from nearly every spot in the room. Invite your friends for the championship game or movie night.Space-saving slim design. Its narrow bezel and thin profile make it the perfect addition to any room in your home. Plus, it's lightweight--ideal for mounting on a wall.Not ready to go hi-def yet? This set works with an analog signal, too. Get it, and you'll be ready for the future when you want to upgrade.

What Queen Bea Says: Queen Bea would never get her arse off the throne if she had a 46" HDTV as her favorite court jester! And to think ... I could watch my boyfriend, Rick Domeier, in high definition! But considering the shipping alone is $67.97, Rick better be delivering it personally. Me thinks it's probably best for the both the Queen's coffers and the Queen's sanity that she stay far away from this particular TSV.

My boyfriend, Rick ... a.k.a. hottie TV delivery man!


HSN: Today's Special

Item# 322-423

Signature Club A Everything Vitamin C & More

$49.95 for the kit.
Can be set up for AutoShip for FREE.
Shipping & handling also FREE.
Two Flexpays of $24.98.

What They Say: When it comes to beauty, details make a world of difference. Those that count are a glowing, flawless-looking complexion, enhanced eyes and luscious lips. Adrienne's Everything Vitamin C and More Super Sale includes all you need to accomplish those beautiful details. And to aid in your flawless makeup application, we include a 2-sided magnifying mirror. Signature Club A Everything Vitamin C and More Super Sale Includes:
.7 oz. Wrinkle Filament FiberFill & Firm Instant Temporary Wrinkle Repair - this beauty treatment uses cutting-edge FiberFill technology and pharmaceutical-grade silicone molecules to form a temporary invisible net-like facial support system for sagging, crepey-looking skin while temporarily filling in wrinkles. It helps provide smooth-looking, less lined and firmer appearing skin. A perfect base for makeup, Wrinkle Repair also creates the illusion of smooth perfection when no makeup is being used.
.35 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused No Transfer Industrial Strength Concealer - our smudge-resistant, long-lasting, flaw-concealing roll-up concealer stick with a Rapid Transport C Infused Core moisturizes skin while providing excellent skin defect coverage. The specially chosen yellow-tone color with a creamy consistency hides redness, blemishes and makes imperfections virtually invisible.
.35 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused No Transfer Foundation - this smudge-resistant, long-lasting roll-up foundation stick with a Rapid Transport C Infused Core moisturizes skin while providing excellent coverage.
.35 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused No Transfer Eye/Cheek Color - versatile, smudge-resistant, long-lasting roll-up color stick with a Rapid Transport C Infused Core moisturizes skin while providing easy-to-apply, natural-looking eyeshadow and blush.
.12 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused Beauty Treatment Core Lipstick - moisturizes lips with the Rapid Transport C Infused Core while providing flattering True Berry color.
4.5 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused Tangerine Meltdown Cleansing Creme For Face and Eyes - excellent for most skin types, this cleanser frees skin of dirt and debris and gently melts off and removes makeup from face and eye with no need to tug on delicate skin. It is formulated with a combination of ingredients, including our Rapid Transport C ingredient and enlivened with a zesty tangerine fragrance.
1.7 oz. Rapid Transport C Infused Night Elixir - Adrienne's rich, super-emollient concentrated cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on over-40 skin. It contains a combination of ingredients, including a skin-penetrating, pH neutral, stable form of Vitamin C that is transported through the skin faster than other forms of Vitamin C, and is converted to ascorbic acid by the action of enzymes in the skin. The formulation acts as an antioxidant that helps fight environmental aggressors, which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives skin a plump look. Deep-penetrating liposomes without feeling greasy to give skin a younger look and feel.
Magnifying mirror - this 2-sided makeup mirror has a regular mirror on 1 side and a 2X magnification mirror on the other side. The easel stand allows you to tilt the mirror to your needs. Embellished with black trim and stand, the mirror measures approx. 7-1/4""H x 5-1/2"W.

What Queen Bea Says: Queen Bea loves to watch Adrienne because she's sooo entertaining; however, it's hard to take beauty advice from a lady that's pulled tighter than the Queen's control top briefs after a night at the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet (Yes, I'm looking at you, Joan. But really I love you even more!). Her products always look greasy to me, but that could be just the way they show on TV (hmmm ... perhaps Queen Bea does need a 46" HDTV).

The one product that consistently gets raves on the product reviews and on all the message boards is her meltdowns--they smell like dessert and melt away all the dirt and makeup n your face. I'm thinking that if you want to try this line, that would be the place to start. Enter the word "meltdown" in Queen Bea's custom Google toolbar--which only searches the home shopping networks--to find them.

Another thing I love about Adrienne is that she uses models of all ages. For reals, y'all! Everything from knee high to a grasshopper to older than dirt. Queen Bea will freely wave her magic remote wand and change the channel if some stupid vendor tries to sell the latest miracle cream by demonstrating it on a dewy 18-year-old model. Ugh!

And in case you didn't already know, Adrienne is really Adrien Arpel--but she can't use that name on HSN.

ShopNBC: Our Top Value

Item# I8144

14K WG or YG 1.00ct Diamond Buckle Ring

$497.90
Five value pays of $99.58
Choice of yellow or white 14k gold

What They Say: A modern twist on a timeless design. This buckle style ring is crafted in your choice of polished 14K white or yellow gold. It features 84 round cut diamonds in prong settings and 19 round cut diamonds in channel settings. The total diamond weight is approximately 1.00ct with a color of H-I and a clarity of I2-I3. The setting size is 9/16" x 3/4" with a height of 1/8". It also has an undergallery for added beauty and comfort.

About the History of Belt Buckles: Belt buckles were invented in the 1600s for purely one very important utilitarian purpose - to keep up the pants of British sailors. Eyelets and rope and string were fashioned for them originally, but proved useless once the pants got wet. The sailors attached leather belts to buckles and the look started a fashion trend which eventually became a wardrobe staple.

During Victorian age, buckle rings were given as a token of love and affection. The romantic notion behind this symbol is that the couple fit together "like a buckle and belt." This buckle design twinkles with a reminder of the past while adding flashes of contemporary allure to your latest outfits.

What Queen Bea Says: The Queen greatly appreciates that ShopNBC tells you the grade of their diamonds--even when it's close to drill bit quality. The diamonds even look grey in the picture. Yuk! This is why Queen Bea loves her some fake diamonds! Diamond quality aside, I still don't like the design. Where's the part of the belt buckle that sticks in the belt hole? This doesn't even look like a buckle. And the gold on the back of the ring looks thin. This ring is simply a hot royal mess.

Today's Blue Plate Specials!

QVC: Today's Special Value


Item# A82483

Nature's Code Omega-3 Fish Oil w/EPA & DHA

• 90-day supply of 180 softgels for $16.32
• Can be set up for auto-delivery.
• Sorry, no easy pay on this one ... good grief, it's only $16.32!

What They Say: What is it: A nutritional supplement containing 1200mg of concentrated fish oil with 360mg of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.Who is it for: Anyone who wants to help protect and maintain their cardiovascular health and lead a healthy lifestyle, including current coronary patients as well as those at risk for heart disease.Why is it different: These softgels deliver a mega-dose of nutrients that would be near-impossible to achieve through diet alone. In fact, you would need to eat over 11 cans of chunk light tuna per week to match the amount of omega-3 received from simply taking two gels daily.Regularly tested for strength and purity, the fish oil used in these supplements is free of detectable levels of mercury. Plus, the pina colada-scented enteric coating protects each gel until it reaches your lower intestine, reducing fishy odor, taste, and aftertaste while increasing absorption.How do I use it: Take one softgel twice a day with a full glass of water.

What Queen Bea Says: Not exactly a glamorous TSV! Hard to put the Lisa Robertson patented "old money-Madison Avenue" spin job on this one. However, if you hate fish and seafood with a fiery passion like I do and also have the family history of heart disease that I was blessed with, this is a much needed product. Most of the reviews I read were positive, but there were a few nasty fish burps along the way. Honestly, I don't think that you can make a fish oil product and not have some nay-sayers--we are talking about fish oil after all.


HSN: Today's Special


Item# 324-986

3.8ct Absolute™ Round Set of 2 Bangle Bracelets

• $69.00 for a set of two bangles.
• Two Flexpays of $34.95.
• Choice of 7" or 8" size in either silver or vermeil.

What They Say: "X" marks the superior elegance of this Absolute Round Set of 2 Bangle Bracelets. Gleaming with an icy sparkle, these bangle bracelets each boast a row of channel-set, round Absolute simulated diamonds (approx. 3mm) across the top. "X"-shaped designs at each end of the row add a sophisticated touch to the feminine piece. Wear these bangles together for a luxurious layered look, or wear one alone for a contemporary, chic appearance.

What Queen Bea Says: I loves me some fake diamonds! This, however, is not my favorite. The channel setting is nice since prongs snag everything but money and men, but I don't like the little X's on the sides--just seems to cheapen the look. Plus, when you wear two of them, you definitely aren't going for the "look of real." You might luck out and score one diamond bangle, but you sure as heck aren't going to buy two exactly alike. They should have made them different for a more real look.

Part of this is my personal dislike of bangles. I love the look and the cool clanky sound they make, but I have the worst time navigating throughout the day while wearing bangles. I bang them into everything (hence the name, huh? Never thought about it before!) and rack up alot of damage points. For this reason, I will only buy super cheap bangles ... as in clearance at Wal-Mart cheap. But if you fair better than me with bangles and aren't particularly looking for this to pass as "real" (I personally don't think that all of it has to, but some are very persnickety about that), this could be fun to wear in the summer with a cute little sleeveless top. I certainly don't have the arms for that look, but if you are so blessed , then more power to you. And I am sooooo jealous!


ShopNBC: Our Top Value


Item# J306849

Sterling Silver Gemstone Choice Heart-Shaped Pendant & Ring Set

• Both the pendant and the ring for $138.42.
• Three value pays of 46.14.
• Choice of red jasper, labradorite, or tiger eye.

What They Say: Highlight your look with this luminous pair! This distinctive duo features a romantic heart-shaped pendant with a contrasting oval-shaped ring. Both of these stunning pieces are crafted from polished sterling silver and are available in your choice of red jasper, labradorite or tiger eye.
Gemstone Choices:
Red Jasper ring and pendant with garnet accent stone in pendant
Labradorite ring and pendant with permanent irradiated Swiss blue topaz accent stone in pendant
Tiger Eye ring and pendant with citrine accent stone in pendant


What Queen Bea Says: These are some big mamer jammers! Wow! The pendant measures 2-9/16"L x 1-9/16"W with carat weights between 170 and 223. This is not for the shy or faint of heart. The ring measures 1-9/16"L x 13/16"W and has a setting height of 1/4" with carat weights between 32 and 41 carats. So this would not be an everyday type of ring for most people. It is a statement ring, which, to me means that the rest of the outfit has to work around the ring as opposed to the usual way of looking at accessories as complimenting the outfit. However, even though these pieces are huge, they are clean. Not lots of frills and crazy designs. I think that balances out the size. Also, the Offerings collection is know for their goddess faces and other unique designs that might be too much for some people. This could be a great way to try out the collection. I personally have never bought anything from Offerings, but not because I don't like their jewelry. I just haven't been about to settle on something. Right now I'm leaning towards getting a really big Druzy piece because this Queen loves to sparkle!