The exhilarating journey to a QVC debut reached its zenith this past Wednesday night, marking an incredible milestone that was profoundly successful on both a personal and professional level. For anyone who followed my previous foray into live television with the Fox2 cooking segment, you understand the nervous anticipation that preceded this momentous occasion. This time, the experience was amplified, transforming anxiety into pure joy and leaving an indelible mark on my culinary career. My professional growth through this opportunity is something I’ll delve into shortly, but first, let’s recount the thrilling highlights from my unforgettable visit to QVC, from the moment I stepped onto the campus to the final triumphant fist bump.
Stepping into the World of QVC: First Impressions and Celebrity Encounters
The moment I arrived at the QVC studios and cleared security, an immediate sense of wonder washed over me. The vibrant energy was palpable, a beehive of activity and anticipation. And then, I heard him. The unmistakable voice of David Venable, resonating through the halls. He was engaged in lively conversation with some of the more seasoned guests, offering samples of delightful, petite round cakes. I was utterly awestruck. Not only is he incredibly tall – a detail that instantly stands out – but he is also the familiar, beloved face of “In The Kitchen With David,” a show that has graced countless living rooms and inspired millions of home cooks. Seeing him in person, truly larger than life, was a surreal and captivating experience, setting the tone for what would be an extraordinary day.
Photo Credit: My sister Christine captured this moment of David enjoying my toffee-topped fudgy brownies and the autumnal beef stew!
A Memorable Introduction: The Warmth of David Venable
When the opportunity finally arose to meet David face-to-face, he was every bit as warm, welcoming, and genuine as his on-screen persona suggests. His presence was immediately comforting, making me feel at ease in a bustling environment that could easily be intimidating. The initial interaction, which felt straight out of a script, perfectly encapsulates his charm and hospitality:
Stage Manager: “David, this is Laurie.”
David: *With a huge, beaming smile* “Miss Laurie, are you my girl!?”
Me: *Laughing, slightly bewildered and thrilled* ” Yep! I’m your girl!”
David: “You know, Laurie, it looks to me like you could use a hug!”
Me: *Another burst of laughter* “I never turn down a free hug.” (Especially not from a celebrity, that’s for sure!)
After the hug, a moment I’ll never forget, I realized just how truly tall David is – the top of my head barely reached his armpit, and I’m 5’7”! He truly is a gentle giant.
David: “Well, Laurie, it’s so nice to meet you! Your book is beautiful, and when I first saw it, I knew we had to have it on the show.”
Me: *Blushing profusely, overwhelmed with gratitude* “Thank you! That means so much!”
David: “And I just want you to know this: If you freeze up out there, not to worry, I’ll knock you upside the head. (A brief, comedic pause) I’m just kidding, of course! I am here to help you. I will carry you through.”
Me: *Laughing again, wondering if I’d regressed to a giddy teenager* “Well, that’s good to know! But honestly, once I’m out there, I won’t be nervous, so don’t you worry!” And then, perhaps, I might have even given him a confident wink. 😉
David: “Now that’s what I like to hear!!”
Our conversation continued, flowing naturally as he inquired about my passion for cooking from scratch, my family, and specific details about the recipes chosen for the segment. After shaking my hand and promising to see me later, David departed. Throughout the subsequent shows, I caught glimpses of him. On several occasions, if he noticed me watching and the camera happened to be on the Temptation canisters, he would give me a quick wink and a wave! It was such a delightful and personal touch that truly made my day. My only regret from the entire experience is not having managed to capture a photo with him, but the memories and this one below will certainly have to suffice.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Live Spotlight
Before stepping out for my “teaser” segment and then the main event, I consciously took a moment to pause, breathe, and truly absorb the incredible atmosphere around me. The energy backstage was electric, a perfectly orchestrated symphony of producers, crew members, and stylists working in harmony. My beautiful sister, Julie, had offered some invaluable advice not long ago: “Take deep breaths and visualize a successful show, and it will happen.” So, I did precisely that. I took several long, steadying breaths, picturing every aspect of a flawless presentation, and then, I was ready to embrace the moment and truly “rock this out.” While by 10:30 PM, I might have felt my makeup slowly migrating south and my hair appearing a tad less vibrant, in the grand scheme of things, these minor details faded into insignificance. The sheer fun, the immense learning, and the unique experience of live television far outweighed any superficial concerns.
The Artistry of Food Styling: Bringing Simply Scratch to Life
Before I delve further into the live segment itself, I must express my profound gratitude and admiration for the exceptionally talented food stylists. Their dedication and artistry in preparing the recipes from my book were nothing short of breathtaking. They transformed the presentation table into a culinary masterpiece, a visual feast that genuinely took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Their meticulous attention to detail was evident in every element, from the perfectly selected purple placemats that added a vibrant pop of color, to the rustic wooden crates that provided a charming backdrop, and even the exquisitely handmade doilies upon which the cookies were stacked. Handmade doilies! This level of dedication to “from scratch” presentation resonated deeply with the ethos of Simply Scratch. It wasn’t just food; it was art. The video I captured of the table, originally shared on my Snapchat (laurie.mcnamara), offers a glimpse into this stunning display. You can even hear David Venable himself in the background, joyfully preparing his famous sweet potato casserole, adding another layer of authenticity to the moment.
The Live Segment: Adrenaline, Connection, and Triumph
Stepping onto the set for the live segment was an incredible rush. All the preparation, the deep breaths, and the visualization coalesced into a focused energy. The studio lights, the cameras, the crew, and David himself, all played a part in creating a dynamic and exciting environment. Demonstrating my recipes live, sharing the passion behind “Simply Scratch,” and connecting with the audience through the camera felt natural and exhilarating. David was, as promised, a phenomenal guide, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. His encouraging nods and easy banter made it feel less like a high-pressure television broadcast and more like cooking with a friend.
An Outpouring of Support and Unprecedented Success
The moment the segment concluded and I stepped off set, feeling the satisfying breeze from a Dyson fan, I opened my phone to an overwhelming cascade of text messages and Facebook comments. It was an incredible outpouring of support from friends, family, and even new connections, including my dear friend Anne from Avery. To witness such widespread encouragement and love was truly an amazing experience. But the absolute highlight, the moment that truly melted my heart, was receiving texts (in all caps, no less!) from my girls, who had stayed up late with Pat to watch the show. Their enthusiastic messages of pride were just so cool and incredibly validating.
I am profoundly thankful to each and every one of you who tuned in to watch that Wednesday, who purchased books, and who sent messages of support. And to the wonderful new friends I made as a result of that segment, those who discovered “Simply Scratch” and purchased a book – THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! The numbers themselves tell an astonishing story: in a mere 10 minutes of total airtime on QVC, an incredible 2,500 books were sold! That’s an astonishing rate, something like 250 books a minute! The sheer power of television is truly a magical, transformative force, capable of reaching so many and connecting people through a shared love of wholesome, homemade food.
If you’ve preordered anywhere online (even QVC!), please don’t forget you’re eligible for that FREE 10 easy dinner recipe bundle! It’s my way of saying thank you for your early support. And if you happened to miss the live segment, don’t you worry for a second! You can easily catch up and immerse yourself in the “Simply Scratch” experience. Here’s the direct link to QVC where you can purchase the book and/or watch the segment at your leisure.
Life = Complete: A Fist Bump and a Happy Dance
As the whirlwind of the day began to settle, there was one final, perfect moment. After the show, David Venable, with his characteristic warmth and encouragement, gave me a fist bump. In that simple gesture, the entire experience culminated. Life, at that very moment, felt utterly and completely fulfilled. It was a triumphant validation of years of hard work, passion, and dedication to sharing wholesome, homemade recipes.
Aka. The well-deserved HAPPY DANCE!!!
My cookbook Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy is now available for pre-order! CLICK HERE for details and THANK YOU in advance for bringing more homemade goodness into your kitchen!