A catch up with Cork! And Phoebe turns 3!

My eyesight has gradually returned more and more to normal this week, although it is still cloudy I can read certain things again. (See last week’s blog to find out more about my detached retina problems!). Hopefully normal enough to come back to work on Monday night!

So I was able to enjoy the conference in Manchester last week with my lovely friend Alison Cork, whom I caught up with at her Women Entrepreneurs evening reception. Had a super chat with a real ‘up and coming mover and shaker’ local to Reigate and Banstead called Becca; and had a whale of a time with my Devon pals, Gina, Sarah, and Alison (the police and crime commissioner for SW) Including going to a Thai place for some nosh and a real giggle!

Listened to some brilliant fringe meetings including one where I discovered that Legal & General are creating modular housing opportunities, something my son Brad has been talking about for ages. Hopefully it will help with the need for more housing. Plus was very interested to listen to Lord Frost at the Mercure; and also I really enjoyed the one about fundraising – particularly up my street as the guy started talking about keeping all the records on Excel! God I’m such a geek sometimes.

Got door-stepped by ITV for a soundbite, (thanks to those who said they saw it) and got the train all the way back down again when it was all over and slept for three days. Ha ha, not really. After my travels though, I needed it. Particularly after a long weekend in Wales for Phoebe’s third birthday!

Phoebe turns three

Yes my beautiful little Welsh ginger granddaughter was three, and I had a delightful weekend spending lots of time talking to her and playing, including dressing her up as a witch, a mermaid, and also a ballerina for her party. Check out the cake – Nick made it himself and it was utterly mouth-watering. As usual!

She had a little group of about six friends over for a party on Sunday, and I stayed to help out. They set up in the barn conversion which, although not finished, is now at least dry and clean inside, albeit a couple of the windows are still to be fitted. It made a suitable party location for the toddlers to run around. Even Nick flaked out on the sofa that evening after all his hard work, and that’s saying something! My daughter Lolly and co did a grand job and it was lovely spending a few nights with them last weekend. Roll on next time!

Snippets

Whilst in Manchester an old but familiar face rushed up to say hello to me, a chap called Mark Hope who went to the same broadcasting school as me. Haven’t seen him for years! It was nice to reminisce for a little while. He is now working for Elton John’s marketing company and wants to be a politician.

We compared notes about children and broadcasting journeys, including that our mutual friend Andrew Collins is now one of my producers and the person at QVC I’ve known the longest! We were all at the National Broadcasting School in Greek Street Soho in 1983, learning how to be radio presenters. And yes, in two years’ time, that will be 40 years ago! Yikes!!

Here’s a pic from the other week when we went to see The Mousetrap in London. One of those productions I’ve always meant to go and see but never have! A proper old school whodunnit. And very well produced too. Highly recommended.

Watch – Hollington Drive, ITV Hub

This four-part drama based on real events (quite loosely I think), features two fabulous actresses, and revolves around the relationships of two sisters, their partners, their children, a boy who goes missing and his parents, all of whom live in the same road, and how they are interconnected. Very detailed, a real whodunnit, but it is so well done! Highly recommended, I just finished watching part two at time of writing and cannot wait for the next one!

I’m due to go and see the new Bond movie this week, hopefully Friday, more about that next time 🙂

I thought I would also mention a couple of other very gentle easy watch programs – Gordon, Gino and Fred on a Road Trip. The chefs going around Europe creating havoc and cooking up a storm; fishing with Whitehouse and Mortimer. Gentle, amusing, funny. And the latest Richard Attenborough show on animals finding partners – all three programs well worth a watch!

Podcast

If you haven’t heard it yet, don’t forget to go and listen to Jilly Halliday‘s interview with Will Gowing on the current Inside QVC Podcast. I loved hearing about Jilly’s early career, I’m learning things I never knew about my mate. Next week it’s going to be Patrick Hoy from Quacker Factory. You can listen to all the podcasts here.

Vlog

Another Thursday night banter, with an update on my eye, following the appointment in London on Thursday lunchtime… Go here to find out more.

Book of the Week – Paradise fields, by Katie Forde

I do love me a bit of Katie! She always writes such compelling characters and storylines, and this is no exception.

Nel is the owner of a house full of animals and the organiser of the farmer’s market in the picturesque Paradise Fields. She is always super-busy, but not too busy to want to preserve the meadow and market she loves when its owner dies. But who can she trust to help her save Paradise Fields? Her sensible boyfriend, Simon? Or Jake, the devilishly handsome man who kissed her under the mistletoe?! Fab!

QVC top deals for the next seven days

Friday (today) – go here to see and buy what’s left of the Joules Newdale quilted coat on two Easy Pays!

Saturday – already on sale, go here to see and buy the new Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole and grill pan set with cookbook.

Sunday – Amazon return with a new TSV Fire Stick 4K ultra HD with Alexa – transform your old TV and make a smart TV even smarter at an unbelievably low price that’s for one day only.

Big Deals are available on air for usually a week, they may be longer online if stocks last. New ones every Sunday night!

Cozee Paws Odourology Fluffy round pet bed
Lambertz Assorted German Gingerbread Christmas Gift Box
Revamp Progloss Deep Form Brush
WynneLayers faux suede shacket
Nina Leonard faux suede biker jacket
Bell & Howell set of two 3-in-1 Mega Lights
Elemis Superfood Overnight Supercharged Skin Collection

Go here to see and shop them all

And here are the new Big Deals launching on Sunday 10th at midnight:

White Stuff Olivia colour block jumper
L’Occitane Four-Piece Fragrance Gift Set
Cozee Home embossed fleece four-piece duvet set
Mr Christmas set of two ceramic nostalgic Christmas tree mugs

Now back to the Today’s Special Values for the rest of the week:

Monday – A new sonic toothbrush, with three brush head replacements from Smart Care. Worth a try if you need a new one.

Tuesday – Cook’s Essentials bring us an ultra-affordable compact air fryer for a low-budget small-dish table-top oven.

Wednesday – going on sale early, it’s the Neom Wellbeing Pod and three essential oils exclusive collection. I just love Neom and am looking forward to my 10pm show, just hope there’s some left.

Also look out for my Gatineau gifts hour at 11pm with some brilliant temporary offers. Celebrating 25 years with QVC!

Thursday – tech time again with the Amazon Echo Show Five and TP Link smart plug deal, again super affordable!

Friday – Kim & Co return with a foil-printed Brazil knit shirt, really highly affordable for Kim! Especially for our mini Winter Fashion event day.

Friday 9pm – again going on sale early, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser with hot chocolate flakes and cups, a better deal than ever 🙂 .

And an early heads up, going on sale early in the week – the massive Liz Earle Christmas Today’s Special Value, with six pieces featuring patchouli and vetiver with a face and body gift set. Stock up early for gifting.

Next week – some family get-togethers and more about that huge Liz Earle set featuring new products, exciting!

Best wishes

Debs

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