Queen Bea's eXtreme QVC Purchases

While I was on hiatus, I did give up the home shopping habit cold turkey ... at least until I slipped and fell off the bandwagon!

Here's a rundown of what I've been talked into buying by those silver tongued devil hosts ... :-P

Most Recent

The Q just did some sort of all day kitchen love fest, which always sucks me in. I *heart* kitchen gadgets. And, after years of thinking about it, I finally decided to order the Cook's Essentials Pressure Cooker.

No one my house ever remembers to take meat out to thaw and then we're inevitably in a conundrum come dinner time, I just love the idea of throwing a frozen chicken breast and some salsa in the pressure cooker and having dinner ready in a few minutes.

I've used it twice so far, and while I'm almost over the fear that that it's a time bomb fixin' to blow my kitchen to smithereens, I still haven't got a good feel for how long it actually takes different foods to cook. At this point it's just a guessing game. (And, yes, I know there are guidelines, but they can only get you in the general ballpark.)

Most Impulsive

I also got those Temp-tations place mat/serving tray thingies that sold out (technically called the Temp-tations Old World Set of 4 Serve N Clear Mats, but that's too much of a mouthful for me). And while I usually ponder my home shopping purchases for months before actually buying anything, this was a complete and total impulse buy.

My royal household is not very good at sitting at the table like civilized human beings, so we are always carting food all over the house. I thought these might help cut down on some of the mess and accidental spills.

The only downside I've noticed are some weird glue splotches where it was probably thrown together quickly in some Chinese factory. Other than that, I absolutely love them. But I'm still holding out judgement until I have to actually clean them. Will they come clean? Hmmm ...

Most Sentimental

I had been eyeing the Barry Cord Daisy Cross ever since my grandmother passed away. She loved wearing cross pendants and the daisy was always her favorite flower. Since the Barry Cord jewelry tends to be very well made, solid jewelry, I snapped it up as soon as it went on clearance. Now if I could only find a chain to wear it on ...

Most Blingy

I have to admit, when I saw the Ripka Wedding Band, it was lust at first sight. I just wasn't sure if it would be too bulky or blingy looking on me--basically, I didn't know if I could pull it off! So after cooling my jets for about a year, I finally decided to just take the plunge and buy it. And while it is most certainly not a shy ring, I do love wearing it.

Most Gifted

The Keurig! I have sung the praises of my beloved Keurig many, many times. My family didn't understand what was the big stinking deal about a coffee maker until they came to visit. After that, they all wanted one. Let me put it this way ... it was a Merry Keurig Christmas this year. Keurigs for all my kingdom!

Most OCD

I hate CD's and DVD's being strewn about the room, cluttering up the place. I bought Discgear 120-Disc Organizer for Mr. Queen Bea who used it to completely organize all our movies, games, music, and software into one tidy little spot. Sigh ... if only everything in my life could be so perfectly organized.

Most eXtreme

Speaking of Mr. Queen Bea, he was feeling frumpy and unmotivated so I bought him P90X to give him a much-needed kick in the derriere. He was sooo excited about the program and got off to a rip-roaring start. He even managed to do three solid weeks before getting injured. Unfortunately, he forgot that he wasn't 18 anymore and pushed himself too far. The good news is that he seems to be all recovered now and ready to jump back in. I think he learned his lesson and will be more careful, but the male ego is such a delicate thing that you just never know. Be warned - it's eXtreme, y'all!!!

Most Un-Home Shopping

BTW ... the best thing I got all year *not* from a home shopping network was my Kindle, which I received as a Christmas present from a very generous Santa. If you love to read and you aren't too attached to the feeling of having a book in your hands, you should really look into getting one. It's been wonderful for the homeschooling too.

QVC and the Art of Instant Gratification

I don't think that a girl should have to wait for fake diamonds. That kinda defeats the purpose of buying the fake stuff. Diamonique is not something that you have to scrimp and save for and worry that it will go out of style in ten years after you spent a fortune to buy it. It's just a little something special you get for yourself because it's pretty and fun--instant sparkle gratification.

After a long fake diamond dry spell, I find myself rather enamoured with the new Judith Ripka Emerald Cut Wedding Band. I've had my eye on this ring for at least the last week--ever since those super sleuths on the Ripka message board found it (Shout out to the Ripka board! I know you already have a Queen, but perhaps I can be a visiting dignitary or something?)

But if I order it now, it won't even ship until June 18th.

Huh??? That's more then two months away!

Why didn't they just wait to sell it on June 18th? Maybe as a TSV? I'm completely baffled.

Of course, if you don't order today, you miss out on the special anniversary price. How annoying. Considering we have to wait for two months to get the ring, the Q could have at least offered free shipping or a special coupon for our inconvenience.

Patience is not and never has been a home shopping virtue. How can I fall prey to their slippery sales tactics and impulsively buy a ring that I don't really need if they aren't even going to send it to me?

As Margaret Thatcher said, "I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end."

Timeless vs. Trendy

How will this recent downturn in the economy affect luxury purchases? Considering that almost everything that QVC sells is a want and not a need, this is an important question.

I can't help but think about how my grandmothers, who are both children of the Great Depression, approach luxury purchases. They certainly aren't opposed to buying a little something sparkly or special for themselves or for a gift. But if they decide to splurge and buy a luxury item, the purchase will be well-considered. They are willing to spend more money for better quality, good customer service, and names they trust. They also expect the purchase to last a lifetime, which means that good craftsmanship and classic design are both a must.

Counter this thinking with mine. I never expect customer service. I just assume that I'm on my own, because employees are usually underpaid, understaffed, and under-trained. In fact, they usually just don't care and will do and say anything to get you to go away as quickly as possible. If you're dealing with customer service over the phone, they may even be located in India and barely speak English. Let me tell you, that always works out well! I also don't expect anything I buy to last. I assume whatever I buy will fall apart sooner rather than later. Since everything is made in China anyway, why spend the extra money on something high-end? It'll just fall apart too, right?

Will there be a return to my grandmothers' way of thinking? Will we give up our love 'em and leave 'em disposable attitude?

Let's ask QVC's reigning jewelry queen, Judith Ripka. According to an article in Portfolio:

Judith Ripka believes the current mind-set will have a longer, residual effect than the actual recession. "The day will come when consumers will not worry as much about how they spend their every dollar, but they will always remember these economic challenges when contemplating a purchase," said Ripka. "Luxury will continue to be desirable, but timeless and classic pieces will undoubtedly be the focus because of their lasting value."

Will Judith and other home shopping designers switch gears and focus more on timeless styles? It's just hard for me to imagine home shopping channels not jumping onto every trend bandwagon that comes passing by hoping to cash in as quickly as possible.

Judith will have the TSV on April 12th ... here's a little sneak peak. Shhh ...

Beans and Cornbread

I went to my in-laws this weekend. They live in the country--God's country, y'all--picture horse trailers hitched to muddy pickups, hay bales, and tobacco hanging up in the barn to dry.

In any case, I think I might have gained roughly five pounds in two days. We drove over to the next little town and ate at Cathy's Country Cupboard and let me tell you, it was some good, down home, stick-to-your-ribs kinda cookin'! We had a mess o' fried catfish, white beans, coleslaw, fried potatoes, cornbread, and sweet tea. I have to say that the white beans surprised me. I'm used to pintos (you know, cook 'em up low and slow with some ham hocks or fatback), but these white beans were even better. And then the desserts ... Lord have mercy! This old country gal named Frieda comes in early in the morning and makes all the pies and cobblers from scratch. Coconut pie, pecan pie, peach cobbler, lemon meringue pie, and blackberry cobbler were the selections when I went. Frieda makes what she wants to make. The blackberry cobbler had big, fat, fresh blackberries all through it and the crust was perfection. Frieda is an artist.

That was just one meal. I'm not going to get into the biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, and hashbrowns that happened at breakfast. I'm going to have to eat nothing but salad for days just to get the gravy out of my bloodstream. It was totally worth it though.

A few random Monday morning home shopping thoughts:

I had tons of emails about Lisa Robertson--where did she go? Was she fired? Which I found really funny. We have become so accustomed to the powers that be just canning people with no warning that if someone misses a shift or two, we're pretty sure that the worst happened--post traumatic host firing disorder, maybe? So, calm down. No, she's not fired and she didn't quit. She's back. Word is that her father had a stroke and she--quite understandably--needed to go be with him. I certainly hope that all is well now.

And the other Lisa--Lisa Mason--her hair is to die for! Props to Gino that big Hawaiian hair dresser husband of hers. Love him!

Sterling Silver Designer Day was a total bust for me. I haven't checked out the message boards yet to see how other people felt about it, but I wasn't impressed. The Ripka TSV was covered in hearts and I don't do hearts--Queen Bea is a heartless shell of a woman, you know. There was also waaay too much old stuff, too much expensive stuff, and not enough special deals. I know that the Q is allergic to having "sales," but we are in a recession. Tough times call for some sales on silver.

Speaking of sales, my diva hoops arrived! I totally rocked them down at Cathy's Country Cupboard.

On a side note, I've had some email conversations with several of you about writing. Yes, I enjoy writing. That's why I started this blog to begin with. I wanted somewhere to write that would be fun and freeing. Writing books is a long process that involves more planning, editing, and rewriting than actual writing (writing is rewriting, right?) I wanted instant gratification and I didn't want to fuss over perfect grammar--I wanted to let my participles dangle freely! This blog is a perfect outlet for that.

Anyway, I've once again been bitten by the nasty book bug. A little seed was planted in my head while I was watching a news story one day. That's what happens when your at home laying on the couch with the flu. Your brain is all mushy and fertile--ripe for planting. That little seed has since grown into some characters who I adore and a funny little plot for them to play in.

I know that a few of you are also writers and I know at least one of you is writing a book and another is thinking about it. I'm looking for some buddies to go through the writing muck with me and sit in the dark, lonely trenches. If for no other reason than to provide little word count encouragement. Trust me, it helps! If you've ever done NaNoWriMo, you know that a little peer pressure and competition will spur you to higher word counts. If you don't already know, writers are expert naval-gazers and need a little motivation to actually do something remotely productive. Any takers???

Today's Blue Plate Specials ... Do Not Taunt Happy Fun Ball!

The ShopNBS OTV is a Pamela McCoy Metallic Nouveau Fabric Trench Coat. Nouveau Fabric? Nouveau? Seriously??? So what exactly constitutes "nouveau?" Shhh ... here's the big secret, chickadees: Made of 100% polyurethane.

I guess Nouveau sounds better than polyurethane. And if you don't like it, you can melt the coat down and use it to varnish your furniture!

I love the cleaning instructions: Wipe clean with mild detergent on a damp cloth, do not dry clean, do not machine wash, do not bleach, do not tumble dry ... Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!!!





Get ready to Ripkarize, chickadees! The QVC TSV is a Judith Ripka Sterling 18", 22", or 54" Cultured Freshwater Pearl Chain. Did you catch Lisa Robertson last night with all those chains on? I swear she was like Madison Avenue Mr. T! I am digging that long one, but I'm definitely NOT digging the price. Oh, well. At least you get free shipping, right?

I'm still debating that big, fat lab-created yellow sapphire ring. It's massive, but I love it. If they ever put that thing on easy pay, I will be on like a fake bake on a show host.




The HSN TS is an AJ. Valenci Leather Shootie with Decorative Patent Flap. I like shooties. I do. I'm just never exactly sure how to wear them. They look ok on the models, but I can never pull it off ... sock? no sock? trouser sock? I don't know. It just never looks right on me. I'm either doing something wrong or I'm just too damn short to pull it off. Ugh!

There's 10-cent shipping on Wolfgang Puck to celebrate his 10th Anniversary.

Today's Blue Plate Specials ... 10,000 Calories

Be sure to vote in the Home Shopping Cage Match!!! It's at the top of the right hand column, so it's easy to find. Every vote counts, Vote or Die, Rock the Vote, and all that business. This week two plastic surgery divas face off: Joan Rivers vs. Adrienne Arpel. Who do you think does it better???

I was watching the Olympics swimmers in their little Spanx-looking swimsuits again last night and saw an interesting segment about Michael Phelps. He said that he has to eat between 8 to 10 thousand calories a day. 10,000 calories!!! Basically, when he's not swimming or sleeping, he's eating. I would look like Jabba the Hut!

There are rumors flying that Paula Abdul is coming to HSN after her split from the Q and that Rosie O'Donnell will also be selling craft stuff on HSN. I haven't seen anything to substantiate either of these yet, but my fingers are crossed! Many people seem to think that it would be a bad thing. Come on! Think about the entertainment value, people.

HSN TS is a Slinky Brand 3 piece Jacket and Pant Set. I am not feeling this one--probably because it's hand wash and lay flat to dry. Although, I will say that I'm glad they offer the different blazer styles (three-quarter sleeve, button, or zip) and different lengths (petite, regular, and tall). I'm sorry, but you just can't hem something like this! Or at least I can't.


The QVC TSV is the Borba Age Defying Complete 4-piece Recovery Kit. Although I haven't tried this kit, I do have a little Borba in my collection. I don't know how well it works since I can never use one product exclusively or long enough to actually find out. I can say that it smells great! And if you want that new age defying advanced recovery creme, you'll have to get it from QVC since it won't be in other stores until February.


The Judith Ripka TSV on Thursday will be a Sterling 18", 22" or 54" Cultured Freshwater Pearl Chain You can go ahead and order it now ... not that I love Ripka or anything. Unlike Czar Naomi, Judith seems to actually appreciate her QVC customers. And don't forget: Free Shipping on all TSV's this week!


The ShopNBC OTV is a 14K White or Yellow Gold Five Stone 1.00ct Princess Cut Diamond Ring. The description states that the color is H-I and the clarity is I2-I3, but it seems to look better than that. Maybe the on-air samples are a little better. I do like this ring since I have a thing for band-style rings.

Judith Ripka Addresses Quality Issues Head On!

Peyton Kelley, Director of Product Development for QVC, posted the following on message on Peyton's Gem of Knowledge blog on QVC a few days ago:

Thank you all very much for the wonderful, constructive comments concerning Judith’s jewelry. I have read every response and read through many of your dialogues on the Ripka Forum. I know Judith well and understand your devotion to her and your passion for her wonderful jewelry. She is as concerned as we all are and is anxious to address your issues.

Debra and I are leaving next week to meet with the manufacturer of Judith’s line. They are well aware of the issues and we will go over each and every comment that you have sent me. I have prepared worksheets with J numbers and the feedback you supplied as well as specific comments about sizing, clasps, stone saturation and colors, setting issues, and findings issues.

I have also spoken to our internal departments about shipping, packaging, and waitlists. The QA department and I have had several meeting as well to make sure they are not only aware of your comments but also proactive about them. I have also spoken to the buyer about ordering a broader range of sizes for rings and bracelets. When I return in two weeks, I will keep you up to date on how the meetings went and the results.

Don’t forget to tune in for Ann King’s Today’s Special Value and programs on August 5. It is a sterling and 18k gold ring with a choice of green quartz, white topaz, or black onyx and is truly spectacular. Ann is one of my favorite people and is so talented. She is not only beautiful on the outside but gorgeous on the inside.

I love it when a company addresses customer concerns head-on with honesty and integrity. Good for QVC and good for Judith Ripka for being so open and proactive about the process!

Only a few more days to Sterling Designer Day, chickadees!!!

Today's Blue Plate Specials ... Charm and Luck on the Cheap

HSN has the new--"more affordable"--version of the Charm and Luck bags, Calla, as their TS. Love, love, love the croc look and the rockin' hardware (Queen Bea is not one for small, mealy-mouse purses!).

For only $59, I think the Calla Croco-Embossed Patent Satchel with Studs (wouldn't Lisa Mason at the Q love to get to talk about studs all day!) is a great way to get a super trendy bag without resorting to selling your plasma or hawking your husband's old baseball card collection down at the pawn shop.

Pamela Pekerman over at the My Bag-a-licious Life blog--who is presenting the TS--has been testing out the bag for weeks and gives it raves--especially the steel color. She thought the price was going to be dropped to $49, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen. Oh well.

ShopNBC has the Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam Package as their OTV. I'm never very good at reviewing the electronics, but this looks like it would be great for vacations and video bloggers. It's small and you plug it straight into the computer to upload. It only has 2x zoom though, which stinks. Queen Bea loves to zoom!

QVC has the long-awaited Judith Ripka Sterling Gemstone & Diamonique Auto-Delivery as their TSV. I talk about this set here and I have links to the new items here.

I also show some pictures of her new high-end Basket Weave Collection here. Hopefully Judith will be doing a QVC version of that soon! Queen Bea really needs that huge, lab-created yellow sapphire ring ... *sigh*

Hot off the Press! Judith Ripka TSV

Judith Ripka Sterling Gemstone & Diamonique Auto-Delivery

QVC Price: $108.00 (not TSV price)

The price is per enhancer, not for all three.

Item# J38823

You get one enhancer now and one every 90 days.

1st: cross
2nd: heart
3rd: key (of course! it's the best one!)

I love Judith Ripka ... I just don't care for all the hearts, so I'll be taking a pass on this one.

Upcoming Ripka and Bixby!

The pictures aren't up yet, but keep checking! Thanks to all the incredible Ripka and Bixby fans for digging these up:

Judith Ripka 6/27/08 (no word on the TSV yet!)

J38308 6.00 ct tw Multi-Gemstone Bangle

J38310 6.00 ct tw Limon(R) Quartz Earrings

J38317 Amethyst Figure-Eight Design Earrings

J38318 Carved Lapis Ring

J38319 4.75 cttw Amethyst Enhancer

J38320 Carved Turquoise Ring

J38321 Pink & Clear Diamonique Ring

J38322 4.75ct Limon(R) Quartz Floral Design

J38325 Diamonique 36" Barrel Station Chain

J38330 Diamonique 44" Barrel Station Chain

Barbara Bixby 6/26/08
J38795 Average Size Charm Cuff Bracelet Sterling/18K

J387959 Large Size Charm Cuff Bracelet Sterling/18K

If you know any more that I missed, please leave a comment! :-)

Watch out Madison Avenue! Queen Bea was a Lady who Lunches

Yesterday was sooo much fun! Diamonds and Tahitian pearls truly are a girl's best friend! I'm trying my best to snap out of my bling fog, but I'm not doing a very good job of it. There was bling as far as the eye could see ... (Queen Bea's eyes glaze over)




Ok, I will focus! If you don't already know, I was paid to play with jewelry and give my opinion. Paid, chickadees! I would do that for free all day long. I tried my best to stay on message (like I'm a politician or something ... I have talking points: no thin gold! no dirty, drill-bit diamonds!), but it's excruciatingly hard to stay on task with a $7,000 Tahitian pearl necklace draped around your neck!

I was all sorts of Nancy Pelosi yesterday. Don't you just love her pearls? I don't care whether you are Republican, Democrat, or duck-billed platypus, her pearls are always fabulous



The whole thing started with a one-on-one interview and I just loved the girl that I talked to. There were a bunch of questions about what type of jewelry I like to wear and how often I wear it. I told her that I have eclectic taste in jewelry, then after she set her pen down and scrunched up her face, I restated that I just have lots of different stuff. I wasn't trying to be a smarty-pants or anything, I just thought that particular word was the best description.

Anyway, I told her that I actually wear all my jewelry and I don't save it for an occasion. Why buy it if you aren't going to wear it???

I also discovered that I'm rather selfish because--if I'm being honest--I had to admit to them that most of my jewelry purchases were ... ahem ... self-purchases. But, seriously, am I supposed to wait around for Mr. Queen Bea to buy me something and then hope and pray that I like it? Not this Queen Bea!!!

The best part came next. There were about eight tables set up with different types of jewelry--the gold table, the diamond table, the pearl table, etc. You would go to a table and pick out your five favorite items (except at the diamond table--they were really mean and only let you pick out three), then you were asked a bunch of questions about why you liked them. Again, I tried to stay on message. I think I did, but I was so overwhelmed. All that bling. It was just too much!



My favorite was a two-tone alligator cuff. It was hard to part with that. I also caressed an 8-carat diamond tennis bracelet while they served me fresh coffee and warm cookies. Yummy! This is how Queen Bea should live every day. For reals, y'all! I could get used to it.

The biggest travesty, however, is that we ran out of time before I got a chance to go to the fake diamond table! Ugh!!!! Not fair! Not fair! Queen Bea loves fake diamonds and really wanted to let them know what was good, bad, and u-g-l-y. I briefly had a chance to glance over the table, but no sit-down interview. There is no justice in the world. Humph.

I guess my bling had to turn back into a pumpkin eventually.


BTW, There was one cute little old lady there that was decked out in Judith Ripka from head to toe. She was even workin' it with her super trendy Kathy Van Zeeland purse. I didn't get a chance to chat with her, but she was the most adorable nana ever. She was just all kinds of fabulous!

And thank you to all you Home Shopping Divas who emailed me your thoughts. It means alot cause I always love, love, love to hear from you!!! And you'll also be happy to know that the Barbara Bixby Ring was a hit ... loads of compliments!

The (real) Fur is Flying: Two QVC Designers Win Awards

QVC’s Dennis Basso and Judith Ripka will be honored at Fashion Group International Chicago's "Night of Stars" on Thursday (otherwise known as the Chicago Fashion Awards). The event raises money for the group's scholarship fund—and at $350 per ticket, it better!

Seriously doubt their association with QVC will be mentioned at such a swanky affair. Whatever, I actually prefer Basso's fake fur collection at the Q since I don't like to wear real fur. Besides, the faux fur compliments my faux diamonds!

Awsome deal for all you Dennis Basso chickadees:

Item# A158057

"As Is" Dennis Basso Fully Lined Water Resist. Coat w/Pat.Trim

Normally $62.00, now on sale for $33.44

Sizes XS through 3X still available in black with limited sizes in white.

The reviews are five stars across the board ... this coat is hawt, hawt, hawt!

And lest we forget the Ripka girls:

"As Is" Judith Ripka Sterling & DMQ Etched Sub-Dial Watch

Item# J133749

QVC price $140.00, introductory price $127.20 (Item# J23412), now on sale for $72.50.

This former TSV is super popular and has about a 70% review rating on the non-as-is version. I can't say that I like it since it's covered in hearts and I can't stand hearts on my jewelry. Queen Bea is heartless, y'all!

New High-Falutin Judith Ripka

Judith Ripka's new Basket Weave Collection for 2008 ... so how long do you think before we get the QVC version???

I love her QVC collection and, unlike alot of fans, I don't mind the Diamonique (Queen Bea has a dark, forbidden love for faux diamonds). I wish she'd do more of the lab created stones though. I do, however, have to beefs (what else is new ...): 1) Too many hearts! I can't stand hearts on jewelry because it seems so juvenile, and 2) Inconsistency of silver color. Sometimes you get a nice platinum patina (a la rhodium plating, I'm sure) and sometimes you get bright, shiny silver, and sometimes you get a really dull, grey dud. What is up with that, Judith? Figure out which factory is doing it right and stick with them!!!

Judith is going to have the TSV on 6/27/08 ... trying to find out what it will be.