Barbara Niven
Actress Barbara Niven talks about reaching for the stars despite getting a late start in the acting game. Her go-getter attitude earned her an internship at a local TV news station that's translated to a fulfilling career on screen and paying it forward as motivational speaker, inspiring others to not allow age to stand in their way. Barbara tells us about working with "Cedar Cove" co-star Bruce Boxleitner on season two of the Hallmark Channel Original Series. She even credits an Emmy-winning Hallmark Hall of Fame movie for getting her a SAG card! When telling us about her Christmas baking traditions and collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, Barbara gets choked up as she remembers sweet memories of her dear, late mom.
The second season of "Cedar Cove" premieres on Saturday, July 19 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. Please visit
barbaraniven.com.
DIY Snow Village with Ken Wingard
It takes a man to build a village and Ken Wingard is up for the task! He creates a beautiful snowy landscape that can be displayed in a bay window, on a mantle, or on a dining room table. Using cardboard boxes from our favorite snack foods, Ken makes houses, a barn with a silo, and a church complete with a steeple. Better yet, all this for under $20. Amen to that!
Kevin Sorbo
Actor Kevin Sorbo shares his Norwegian heritage with us by preparing a family recipe for flatbread lefse. He puts butter and brown sugar inside, but explains that it can also be filled with fruit or nutella instead, and recommends serving with maple syrup. Kevin also expresses gratitude for the overwhelming success of his movie "God's Not Dead" and announces a sequel is in the works. Plus, find out details of another upcoming film he's a part of.
Follow Kevin on Twitter @ksorbs.
Holiday Vacation Planning with Travel Experts
Travel experts Donna Perkins, Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, and Tracy O'Connor update us on the latest TSA regulations banning powerless devices. Plus, learn about the best family-friendly, cruise, and adventurous destinations for your next vacation. And, find out how to earn points and holiday on a budget.
Let nutritionist, chef, healthy travel expert, and "The Healthy Voyager" host Carolyn Scott-Hamilton take you away to the HealthyVoyager.com, Facebook.com/HealthyVoyager, @HealthyVoyager.
Join travel and lifestyle writer Tracy O'Connor on Twitter @ClubTracy and on Instagram @ClubTracy.
DIY Cookie Plate for Santa with Jessie Jane
Jessie Jane passes down her childhood family custom of leaving cookies out for Santa on a special handmade plate. She decorates the platter with adorable faux Oreos, sprinkle cookies, and more. Then, she writes a personal note to Mr. Claus on a tiny chalkboard.
For more with Jessie Jane, visit
lilyshop.com and
Facebook.
Must-Have Personalized Holiday Gifts with Kym Douglas
If you want to go down the monogram route this Christmas, get your gift orders in early. Kym Douglas shows us some great personalized present ideas. Tote bags with your loved one's initials are not only an excellent gift, but can double as a way to wrap other stocking stuffers inside with tissue paper. Consider getting a beautiful monogrammed necklace, as worn by Cristina and Cameron Diaz. Next, Kym teaches us to make her concoction for a homemade eggnog pumpkin face mask.
Items:
1. Personalized Necklaces by Marcia Moran,
shop-marciamoran.com; Promo Code: July15; Under $100.
2. Personalized Bracelets by Jane Basch,
janebasch.com; Promo Code: home25; Under $150.
3. Personalized Bags from Faffia Boutique,
raffiaboutique.com; $25.
Homemade Eggnog Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe
Ingredients:
1 part oatmeal
1 part pumpkin
1 part eggnog (or egg whites)
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and apply to face.
2. Leaves your skin soft and smooth and solves your winter skin dilemmas. Get additional tips from lifestyle and beauty expert Kym Douglas at
KymDouglas.com. Follow her on Twitter
@KymDouglas and like her on
Facebook.
Hollywood Steals
These are a few of Sandie Newton's favorite things! She helps us kickstart our Christmas in July holiday shopping spree with sales you can't refuse. Bringing back some Hollywood best-sellers, you know you can't go wrong with these popular items. Not everyone has Rudolph leading their sleigh, so add this emergency 6-in-one auto tool for $18 complete with a flashlight, whistle, and more to help if you're stranded roadside. You'll be taking lots of photos over the holidays, so smile wide after polishing your pearly whites with this LED light teeth whitening system for $19.50. Sandie also features some jewelry pieces for between $15-30. To take advantage of Hollywood Steals and more, call 1-855-655-STEAL (1-855-655-7832) or visit
http://www.hollywoodsteals.com/.
Visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/hollywoodsteals for contests and giveaways!
To learn more about Hallmark Channel's Pet Project, visit www.hallmarkchannel.com/petproject. Learn more about pets up for adoption at www.theflashsalesgirls.com and wyldersholisticpetcenter.com.
Cristina Crafts a Candy Cane Vase
Cristina crafts a whimsical, fun tablescape for Christmas with a candy cane vase as the centerpiece. She attaches a row of candy canes to the outside of a vase before filling the vase with a beautiful bouquet of flowers or photos on stems. Cristina later shows us an adorable place card easel also made out of candy canes.
Get more great recipes and crafts by visiting us on Pinterest at pinterest.com/homeandfamilytv and follow "Home & Family" on Twitter @homeandfamilytv and Facebook. Plus, check out our YouTube channel for backstage videos.