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PICNICS, POTLUCKS, & PORCH PARTIES

It’s More Than Just the Numbers

When I went on QVC I told myself “just do your best….it’s more than just the numbers”. But we all know, it’s a business and business is about the numbers.

QVC Flag Pole

I wrote the following blog post while on the plane returning home:

The week before I headed to Philadelphia for my time on QVC, another food blogger turned cookbook author debuted her cookbook on the same channel, on the same weeknight, during the same time frame. She did not, however, present her book herself. I only know of this person through some mutual friends and her place on the Internet, so I have absolutely no idea why the decision was made by her or her publisher to have someone other than herself present her book. Maybe she wasn’t even given the option. Sometimes QVC themselves decides that you’re not the best person to present your product. I honestly don’t know and quite frankly it’s none of my business. All I know is that she sold out during the allotted 6-8 minutes…. and my book did not. My book did well. Extremely well in fact. But I didn’t get to witness the same “SOLD OUT” across the screen like she did. And if I’m being transparent with you, that was a hard pill to swallow.

 I would be lying if I said I hadn’t wondered had I done the same, had a professional who would’ve been more seasoned with being on live television, garnered better results than I would have. Would I have sold out, too? Did I make the right decision by going on myself?

Picnics, Potlucks & Porch Parties

And my answer is this. I’d rather have a book that didn’t sell out than to trade the experience I had leading up to my 6 minutes of limelight any day of the week.

QVC Collage

(some screenshots from my dear friend and former co-worker, Jennifer!)

I have built my blog and my brand on the backbone of myself alone. My domain is my name for crying out loud! When you come here for a recipe, for a craft, a home décor update, or just some idle rambling about my dogs; you get me. All day. Every day. Sell out or not, I know in my heart that “I” was the best person to talk about my book. To be able to briefly mention how my passion for community and great food inspired Picnics, Potlucks & Porch Parties, I needed you at home to see me smiling through the other side of your television set and to believe that I was authentic in my words.

Had I not gone on myself, you would’ve been indirectly cheering for the book and not for me. And while cheering for the book is fine and dandy….I covet your support for me over cookbook sales any day of the week. Hands down and without a doubt.

My husband hosted some of our neighbors while I was away for what we were calling a QVC watch party. He made recipes from the book and was left with strict instructions on making sure the floors were properly swiffered prior to anyone’s arrival. I left sticky notes with which platters I would use for certain recipes and set out picnic totebags for our guests to take home, and that was about it.  My anxiety nearly got the best of me leaving it in his hands, but isn’t that what my book is supposed to do? Inspire, encourage and provide you the instructions to pull off special occasions yourself?

He text messaged me the following photo of my sweet, sweet neighbors and family following my segment and as I sat in the sales stat counter room (unlike the movie Joy, you go into a separate room for your numbers- you don’t see them live) watching the orders come in, it was everything I could do not to burst into tears right there in front of the Mama Manciti’s team yelling at the live TV monitors for David to sell more meatballs.

QVC Watch Party

(They’re holding up signs that say “10” and “Way to Go” and “You da Man”)

I realized in that moment that I don’t need to sell out while on air to prove anything. The mere fact that I was able to debut my cookbook on QVC in the first place is a feat in and of itself. I had an opportunity that fewer than 150 people get per year. I can say I hugged, high-fived and happy danced with David Venable and that if he were my neighbor I can guarantee we would sip many a sangria together.

I set out to write a cookbook that included delicious recipes that were easy to recreate and fun to tote around. Recipes and hostess ideas that would hopefully inspire you to partake in a cocktail on your front porch, kidnap your husband for a picnic, or impress your friends at a church potluck.

I did that, y’all. My neighborhood watch party was proof and for me, that’s better than a QVC sellout any ole’ day.

I went to bed a bit disappointed only to wake up to the following screenshot from my head cheerleader and husband.

Amazon Best Seller

We had landed ourselves on the Amazon #1 Best Seller list following my QVC segment the night before.

And friends, that’s a bit icing on my already blessed and grateful cupcake.

Update: During the time I was writing this post and traveling from Philadelphia to my connection in Dallas, I learned that my book had sold out on QVC and people were being placed on 45 day wait lists.

Call it karma, call it a blessing, call it what you will but I’m still maintaining my stance…..it’s never going to be simply about the numbers to me.

PS: If you missed the QVC segment, here you go: Aimee on QVC

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9 Comments

About Aimee

Southern born and raised, Aimee enjoys living life in the deep South with husband Brian and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Milo, Murph, Tucker and their occasional foster dog. A graduate of Louisiana College, she once haphazardly traded in a career in corporate insurance for the aprons and ovens of her kitchen. AimeeBroussard.com is the online diary of her journey as an award-winning cookie creator and two-time cookbook author.

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Comments

  1. Maria G. says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Oh, Aimee girl. You have such a way of handling yourself with such grace. We watched and we cheered and never have I been more proud of a person that I have yet to meet in real life. YOU are the definition of Southern grace and charm and should continue to hold your head high. Can’t wait to get my copy of your book!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      May 23, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      Oh my goodness, how incredibly kind of you to say. THANK YOU so much for watching and supporting…and for ordering the book. Cannot wait for you to receive it!!!

      Reply
  2. Betsy | The JavaCupcake Blog says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:44 am

    You’ll always be a rockstar in my book!!! Way to work it on QVC, Aimee!!! xxoo So proud of you!!!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      May 23, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      Thank you so much, Betsy!!!!

      Reply
  3. Catherine says

    May 23, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Always so proud to call you my friend and former co-worker!!! The kids and I loved every second and Hartkey even wanted to do the happy dance with you!!!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      May 23, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Oh my goodness, I bet that was the CUTEST!!!!! I need to borrow her sometime for cupcake experiments. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support!!!

      Reply
  4. Maureen Waring says

    May 25, 2016 at 6:54 am

    Amy, I’m afraid I knew nothing about you, your blog, or your cookbook until I saw you on the Q – but when I saw your sweet self, the lovely photos, and the great food, I bought the book, and now have found you here – you did fabulous on the Q and made me want to buy the cookbook – keep it up – you have a new blog follower now in me!

    Reply
    • Aimee says

      May 25, 2016 at 8:32 am

      Hi, Maureen!!! First of all, WELCOME!!!! Thank you so, so much for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment. I’m so happy you found your way here and hope you’ll make yourself at home. Even more thankful that you took a chance on my new cookbook- I think you’ll love it!! Excited for you to receive it and see what you’ll make. Again, THANK YOU!!!!

      Reply
  5. Karen Skinner says

    June 6, 2016 at 5:44 am

    So proud of you, Amiee! Happy that I’ve met you if only thought Instagram! Keep aiming high! You’re a super star in my book! Congrats on your new cookbook. About to order two!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Aimee. Southern born and raised, a self proclaimed accidental entrepreneur with a penchant for porches and sweet hospitality. I'm a two time cookbook author, recipe developer and award winning cookie creator making my home in the deep South with husband, Brian and a gaggle of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. WELCOME to my online front porch.

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LATEST FROM INSTAGRAM

aimeebroussard

🍰 Heirloom Recipes + sweet Southern Charm
🍽 Recipe developer + food columnist
📚 Cookbook Author x2 (📺 = QVC + Rachael Ray )
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Aimee | Aimee’s Pretty Palate
There are only 4 more Mondays (3 if you don't coun There are only 4 more Mondays (3 if you don't count today!) between now and Mardi Gras and I've got a King Cake recipe for every. single. Monday. 👑 Today? KING CAKE FUDGE that looks like mini king cakes. Rich, buttery with cinnamon goodness throughout. 💜💚💛
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Find this recipe on the www.aimeebroussard.com homepage under the "ALL HAIL CARNIVAL SEASON" tab. 👑 
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#foodstagram #beautifulcuisines #eatwellbewell #foodwinewomen #huffposttaste #foodtographyschool #feedyoursoul  #TOHfoodie #food52 #instay #BHGfood #imsomartha #ABMlifeissweet #makeitdelicious #kingcake #kingcakeseason #mardigras2021 #followyournola #sweettoothforever #mysouthernliving #onlyinlouisiana
It's raining, it's pouring at least my Slow Cooker It's raining, it's pouring at least my Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is not boring. PS: Should have left my potatoes a bit chunkier but you get the idea. 🥔🥣 🥔  Happy Friday! 🥔🥣🥔
..................Recipe on www.aimeebroussard.com.........
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#foodstagram #beautifulcuisines #eatwellbewell #foodwinewomen #huffposttaste #foodtographyschool #feedyoursoul #homecooking #cookathome #homemadesoup #TOHfoodie #food52 #instayum #makeahead #BHGfood #comfortfood #freezerfriendly #soupseason #souprecipe #soupweather #makeitdelicious #cheeseburgersoup #slowcookerrecipes #slowcooker #slowcookermeals
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta? Don't mind if I do. 🙌 What are y'all having for dinner?? 
....Recipe on www.aimeebroussard.com.......
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#food52 #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #huffposttaste #marthafood #thekitchn #foodgawker #yahoofood #feedfeed #BHGfood #mysouthernliving #droolclub #imsomartha #theeverygirlcooks #Todayfood #cajunrecipes #bowtiepasta
#pastabilities #foodtographyschool #comfortfood #noleftovers #buzzfeedtasty
Temperatures are droppin' and my slow cooker is ho Temperatures are droppin' and my slow cooker is hoppin'! 🙌 Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup means you don't have to go outside to flip the burgers on the grill OR make your kitchen all burger-y by cooking indoors. 🍔 🥣 It’s also comfort food in a bowl and I think after the past few days, it's the perfect weekend embrace. 
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Find the recipe on aimeebroussard.com under the  Soup/Salad category. 🥣 🥗 
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#foodstagram #beautifulcuisines #eatwellbewell #foodwinewomen #huffposttaste #foodtographyschool #feedyoursoul #homecooking #cookathome #homemadesoup #TOHfoodie #food52 #instayum #makeahead #BHGfood #comfortfood #freezerfriendly #soupseason #souprecipe #soupweather #makeitdelicious #cheeseburgersoup #slowcookerrecipes #slowcooker #slowcookermeals
Christmas Tree is down. ✔️ Porch decor is out. Christmas Tree is down. ✔️ Porch decor is out. ✔️ King Cake Cracker Candy on deck. ✔️ This could only mean ONE thing.....it's Epiphany/Kings’ Day aka Carnival season in the South! 💚💛💜 And listen, Coronavirus can cancel our parades and soirees but it cannot take away King Cake. I am coming in 🔥 🔥 this season, too with like 10+ variations none of them being actual cake. Brace yo'selves. 💜 #mardigras2021 #carnivalseason 
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Find this recipe on the www.aimeebroussard.com homepage under the "ALL HAIL CARNIVAL SEASON" tab. 👑 
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#foodstagram #beautifulcuisines #eatwellbewell #foodwinewomen #huffposttaste #foodtographyschool #feedyoursoul  #TOHfoodie #food52 #instay #BHGfood #imsomartha #ABMlifeissweet #makeitdelicious #kingcake #kingcakeseason #followyournola #sweettoothforever #mysouthernliving #onlyinlouisiana
Slooooowly getting into the groove of 2021. Since Slooooowly getting into the groove of 2021. Since it's been so long since I've been able to enjoy a good ole’ Olive Garden soup, salad & breadsticks combo, I took matters into my own hands and recreated the experience at home complete with Pasta e Fagioli. 🥣 Side note: Did y'all know they sell their OG salad dressing at the grocery?! 😳 Since I'm also attempting to do better with meal prepping and make ahead meals this new year, I'm freezing half for the next time I have a craving I can't control...or the temps in Louisiana drop without warning. WINNING. 🙌🥣
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Find this recipe under the Soup/Salad section on aimeebroussard.com. 
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#foodstagram #beautifulcuisines #eatwellbewell #foodwinewomen #huffposttaste #foodtographyschool #feedyoursoul #homecooking #cookathome #homemadesoup #TOHfoodie #food52 #instayum #makeahead #BHGfood #comfortfood #freezerfriendly #soupseason #souprecipe #soupweather #makeitdelicious
Merry Christmas, friends! Wishing you peace & joy. Merry Christmas, friends! Wishing you peace & joy. ❤️
PS: Scroll through to see the dog-sized teepee Santa brought my Bea (the #blenheim). It's her first Christmas since being adopted! 🎅🎁 ⛺️ 
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#cavclub #cavworld #cavlife #itsacavthing #cavalierkingcharles #cavlove #cavitude #cavaliercommunity #cavalierlover #ckcs #instacav #cavstagram #cavaholic #ckcsofinstagram #cavalierclub #cavalierclub #christmas2020 #dogsofinstagram #cavaliersofthesouth #thecavalierfeed #thecavalierrescue #adoptdontshop #rescueismyfavoritebreed #buzzfeeddogs #bhgpets
Add some crunch for your holiday bunch. These Whit Add some crunch for your holiday bunch. These White Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls are easy (no bake), and a fun addition to your holiday treat tray or a special snack for Santa. Recipe is NEW #ontheblog. Look for the Santa Claus is Coming category right on the homepage. 👏 🍫 🥜 
🎅ww.aimeebroussard.com 🎅
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#imsomartha #inthekitchen #abmlifeissweet #bhgfood #realsimple #thekitchn #todayfood #sweetmagazine #f52community #f52grams #homemade #cookieswap #holidaygiftgiving #madewithlove #easyrecipe #peanutbutter #holidaytreats #foodtographyschool
#ad With its perfect shade of red, this fruity and #ad With its perfect shade of red, this fruity and festive, family-friendly Pomegranate Punch is sparkling and glistening....you won't even realize there's alcohol missing! Strolling through @Sprouts, I saw that the plump pomegranates were on sale and I had no choice but to add them to my buggy. They're delicious in recipes, but they serve double duty as serving tray adornment! 🙌 
Here's what you need to grab:
1 medium-sized pomegranate 
1/4 cup pomegranate juice (extracted from the pomegranate)
4 cups multi fruit cranberry juice (I used Langer’s Cranberry Plus also found at Sprouts) 
1 1/2 cups lemonade 
6 cups ginger ale 
garnishes: pomegranate arils, lemon slices, lime slices
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Prepare the pomegranate juice by first rolling the pomegranate to loosen the seeds. 
Cut the pomegranate in half, and hold each half over a bowl, seeds facing down and push inward on the skin forcing the seeds into the bowl. Reserve several arils for garnish; rinse and set aside. 
Add 1 cup of the removed pomegranate seeds to the blender. Pulse a couple of times, just enough to juice. 
Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer and use the back of the spoon to gently press the seeds so that all of the juice is extracted. Set aside 1/4 cup. 
Add the 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice, 4 cups of fruit juice, 1 1/2 cups lemonade and 6 cups of ginger ale to a large pitcher. Stir to combine. 
Top with slices of lemons, limes and the reserved pomegranate seeds. 
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That's it. Load your serving tray up with extra fruit and then stand back and watch everyone rave and feel a little fancy- even the kiddos. ❤️
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#lovesprouts #sproutspartner #howiholiday #homemadeholiday #christmasdrinks #christmasvibes #christmasinspo #mocktail #Todayfood #BHGcelebrate #TOHfoodie #mysouthernliving #pomegranateseeds
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IT’S SOUP SEASON:

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

WHEN YOU NEED DINNER:

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Pecan Crusted Chicken Carbonara

Pecan Crusted Chicken Carbonara

FOOTBALL FOOD:

Pecan Praline Baked Brie

Pecan Praline Baked Brie

Peanut Butter Molasses Football Cookies

Peanut Butter Molasses Football Cookies for Dogs

Bacon Ranch Football Cheeseball

Bacon Ranch Football Cheeseball

Honey Garlic Party Meatballs

Honey Garlic Party Meatballs

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GO AHEAD, TREAT YOURSELF:

Mardi Gras King Cake Fudge

Mardi Gras King Cake Fudge

King Cake Cracker Candy

King Cake Cracker Candy

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

Peppermint Candy Fudge

Peppermint Candy Fudge

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Spiced Vanilla Pear Tart

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