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.

Today's Blue Plate Special ... Exotic Travels on Wheels

The QVC TSV is a 1.10 ct tw Andalusite & Diamond Accent Ring 14K Gold. I don't care for the setting, but the stone is interesting. I didn't know much about andalusite so I did a little research. Here's what Jewelry Television had to say about the gem:

Depending on the viewing direction, andalusite can appear olive green, rich reddish brown, or grayish green.

Unlike alexandrite, andalusite color changes are pleochroic and based on viewing angle - not lighting.

Andalusites are often cut so that the table is green with red or orange on the edges.
Named after the Spanish city Andalusia, andalusite was first discovered in Spain. Andalusite is a naturally occurring pleochroic gemstone.

On Mohs’ scale of hardness, andalusite is 7.5.

Even Jewelry Television didn't have much inventory of this stone, so it really is rare. The Q's not lying!

The HSN TS is a Skyway 30" Wheeled Duffle with Vented Pocket. I'm sure this is fine. I just don't have an opinion one way or the other. If you like SSC, there is a 20% off sale here.

The ShopNBC OTV Taja 7' x 9' Hand Tufted Wool Rug. I have a rug that looks just like this! $200 isn't a bad price for a 7x9 wool rug, even with the $25 shipping (plus most people don't have to pay sales at ShopNBC!!!)

If you've got 08/08/08 Olympic fever, ShopNBC also has all the new Olympic gear here.