Halloween Inspired Wish List

Since Ilario and I will be celebrating our anniversary this weekend, we won't get a chance to dress up. Not a problem though - we're certain to have a blast! However, I choose a few things that I'd love to be for Halloween the next time we get a chance to party :)

1) Ilario and I both love the movie Grease, so I don't think I'd have any problems getting him to dress up like one of the characters with me while I pretend to be Frenchie. 2) I watched a lot of Jetson's growing up, but the gorgeous deep purple of Jane Jetson's dress is what drew my attention to this fun costume! 3) Everyone loves Lucy, right?!?! Sorry, that was a really lame joke. . . 4) Watchmen's Sally Jupiter would be SO much fun to dress up as - nothing is more sexy than a powerful superhero woman!

For these and more fun costume ideas, check out WonderCostumes.com!

Anniversary Gifts

Obviously there is a bit of a theme going on here this week, so why not continue it. . .

Everyone knows that there is a "traditional" gift you're supposed to give for each anniversary, but how many people know what any of them are except for the typical paper for your first anniversary, silver for the 25th and gold for the 50th. Well, I found a list to aid you in your gift giving :)

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

* First - Paper

* Second - Cotton

* Third - Leather

* Fourth - Fruit/Flowers

* Fifth - Wood

* Sixth - Candy/Iron

* Seventh - Wool/Copper

* Eighth - Bronze/Pottery

* Ninth - Pottery/Willow

* Tenth - Tin/Aluminum

* Eleventh - Steel

* Twelfth - Silk/Linen

* Thirteenth - Lace

* Fourteenth - Ivory

* Fifteenth - Crystal

* Twentieth - China

* Twenty-Fifth - Silver

* Thirtieth - Pearl

* Thirty-Fifth - Coral

* Fortieth - Ruby

* Forty-Fifth - Sapphire

* Fiftieth - Gold

* Fifty-fifth - Emerald

* Sixtieth - Diamond

Not really a traditional couple? Well, check out this list of modern anniversary gifts!

Modern Anniversary Gifts

* First - Clocks

* Second - China

* Third - Crystal/ Glass

* Fourth - Appliances

* Fifth - Silverware

* Sixth - Candy/Iron

* Seventh - Desk Sets

* Eighth - Bronze/Pottery

* Ninth - Linen/Lace

* Tenth - Leather

* Eleventh - Jewelry

* Twelfth - Pearls

* Thirteenth - Textiles/Furs

* Fourteenth - Gold Jewelry

* Fifteenth - Watches

* Twentieth - Platinum

* Twenty-Fifth - Silver

* Thirtieth - Diamond

* Thirty-Fifth - Jade

* Fortieth - Ruby

* Forty-Fifth - Sapphire

* Fiftieth - Gold

* Fifty-fifth - Emerald

* Sixtieth - Diamond Jubilee

Need a few ideas to stick with the theme? Check out About.com's 1st through 100th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas and Celebration Suggestions for a little bit of help!

Wedding Wednesday | Amanda & Ilario 10.27.07 {Defiance, Ohio}

Since yesterday was Ilario and I's Two Year Anniversary, I thought today would be the perfect Wedding Wednesday to share details from our big day with all of you! All images were captured by the amazing and talented Brandy J and Sticky of Brandy J Photography - since our wedding day we've become great friends with them. Brandy J and Sticky are not only talented photographers, they are truly great people!

The incredible Jordanne Clyde did my makeup that day - she's such a sweet and talented artist! I also personalized my wardrobe for the pre-ceremony preparations - you can get your own "Mrs." Hoodie at the Wedding Channel Store.

I designed all of our wedding stationery - below is a glimpse at our ceremony program. To see more of our stationery, check out the "amanda & ilario" page on baci's site.

My Touch Ups bridal shoes can be found at the Benjamin Walk Corporation - they were incredibly comfortable and affordable!

All wedding day flowers were ordered wholesale from FiftyFlowers.com. Two friends of the family and my mom assembled all of the bouquets, boutonnieres, altar decorations and centerpieces. My bouquet consisted of white tulips, white ranunculus, pearl-studded stephanotis and chocolate cosmos. The flowers were hand-tied with ivory ribbon and my late grandfather's rosary was gently placed in the bouquet. My silk shantung Watters gown was purchased and altered by the lovely ladies at Poffie Girls in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Our flower girls were absolute dolls - their dresses were purchased and altered at Bridal Village in Hicksville, Ohio near my hometown. The bridesmaids were asked to chose one of two styles of chocolate organza layered Watters gowns which were purchased online at NetBride.

I absolutely love this shot of our dads! On the right, my father is holding the ring bearer pillows, which were handmade by Ilario's sister.

The bridesmaid bouquets were made using white tulips, chocolate cosmos and peach roses.

Ilario and I during the "Ave, Maria" - my cousin Sophie brought everyone to tears with her beautiful voice.

Our adorable nephew, Grant! All tuxedos were rented at Men's Wearhouse.

Ilario and I heading out of the church as man and wife :) My floor length veil was hand stitched with our monogram at Poffie Girls - it was my absolute favorite piece I wore that day!

The whole bridal party in the cornfield across the street from the church - we had SO much fun!

A few hot, hot, hot creative portraits of us. . .

In downtown Defiance, the annual Halloween parade was about to commence so we stopped and took a few fun pictures in front of the fried cheese stand!

Ilario and I during our first dance. . . I love the glow of the lights and tulle strung from the ceiling.

We certainly didn't skimp on desserts on our wedding day - coming from two generations of women who bake for a living, it wasn't hard! My grandmother baked our cake and my full-of-talent mother decorated it, she also baked and assembled the "10.27.07" cupcakes. Our aunts and Ilario's mom each made a favorite cookie recipe to add to the dessert buffet.

Ilario's friend, Ashley, created our beautiful toasting flutes and gave them to us as an engagement present - they added a very special touch to our day.

Two Years to Celebrate. . .

Two years ago, I married my soul mate. . .

People thought we were insane when we moved to Charlotte together after less than a year of dating, but I just kept saying, "When you know, you know. . ." And I knew, I still know. Ilario is my perfect match - we even each other out and entertain one another more than anyone could ever imagine. To honor our two years of marriage, I thought I'd take a little trip through our five years together.

This is the first picture we ever took together a day or two after Halloween 2004. We always joke that if only these two kids knew what they were getting themselves into. . .

Ilario and I celebrated our first One-year Anniversary in Isle of Palms, South Carolina at The Boardwalk Inn in The Wild Dunes Resort.

This picture was taken at Tommy Condon's (we LOVE their Irish Nachos!!) in Charleston the night we got engaged. Ilario surprised me with a trip to The Boardwalk Inn that weekend - I had no clue he was about to propose. . . it was an absolutely perfect night.

One of our favorite engagement shots by the amazing Brandy J and Sticky of Brandy J Photography. This one was in the Bank of America Corporate Center where I worked in Uptown Charlotte.

Ilario and I celebrating our One-year Wedding Anniversary at his parents' house last year - the top of our cake (made by my amazing mother) was still delicious!

Ilario and I visiting our dear friends in Niagara Falls two weeks ago - we've come along way together :) I love you, Baby!!

Wedding Photo by Brandy J Photography

baci's baking - Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

I think it's about time I start sharing some of my favorite seasonal recipes! After all, Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away and Christmas will be here before we know it so today it's all about dessert :)

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

(Recipe Courtesy of Paul Dean, Found on FoodNetwork.com)

2 (14 oz.) packages gingerbread mix

1 (5.1 oz.) box cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix

1 (30 oz.) can pumpkin pie filling

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 t. ground cardamon or cinnamon

1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping

1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional

Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar and cardamon (or cinnamon) into the pudding. Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large trifle dish (or punch bowl). Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding and whipped topping. Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps over the top if desired. Refrigerate overnight.

Handpicked - Anne Taintor

I fell in absolute love with Anne Taintor while I was in college. Her vintage collage designs are so elegant and the fun quips add the perfect touch of humor! I just adore the fact that the gorgeous women featured on Anne's products are real models - you can even learn more about these ladies in Taintorette News. I think Anne Taintor products make the perfect (and affordable) bridal party or hostess gifts - every girl loves a touch of vintage humor in her life :)

1) "WOW! I get to give birth AND change diapers!" Shopper - $13 2) "she could see no good reason to act her age" Purse Perfect Emery Boards - $5.50 3) I adore the "was she in love. . . or was it just allergies?" Pill Box - $12 4) "inner beauty is for amateurs" Mirror Compact - $14 5) These six letter-sized file folders contain 2 each of "can I retire now?", "all this and a paycheck too. . ." and "she kind of enjoyed working for an idiot" designs - $12 6) "you'll eat it. . . you'll eat it and like it" Magnet would have the perfect home on your refrigerator - $5

Entryway - My Current Wish List

Ilario and I recently bought this gorgeous rug from Home Decorators Collection for our entryway - it's pretty and will prevent people from falling on their bottoms when the tile gets wet in the winter. So it's time I start my Wish List for the rest of the room :)

1) Ilario has been trying to get a church bench from his grandmother's church that recently closed for our entryway, but if it doesn't pan out I'd love to have this Samantha Entryway Bench from Pottery Barn in black. 2) It was love at first sight when I saw this French Axis Rubber Boot Tray from Ballard Designs - it will be great for the snowy winter days! 3) This Mission-Style Cabinet from Home Decorators Collection, too, would be a great place to store all of our outdoor supplies like bug spray and citronella candles. 4) I think this Keep Calm and Carry On Poster from Etsy vendor derder would be a great thing to have in our entryway - I've wanted it for awhile, but I just wasn't sure where to put it.

Wedding Wednesday | Jess & Glenn 08.08.09 {Columbus, Ohio}

Remember Jess and Glenn, our dear friends that the hubby and I threw an engagement party for in July? Well, their August wedding photos are ready to share and they are absolutely gorgeous! My amazing sister, Jami, photographed their big day and Jess' father, Klaus, took some fabulous shots at the reception as well.

Jess and Glenn exchanged their vows at Goodale Park (where they started their very first date!) in Columbus with a very intimate ceremony - besides the bride, groom, photographer and Justice of the Peace, the only two guests were Ilario and I. We were so proud and blessed to be their witnesses on their big day!

I absolutely love the moment captured in the photo on the left, Glenn was gently getting the hair out of Jess' face. On the right, the exchanging of the rings - you can catch a glimpse of Jess' gorgeous yellow engagement ring, too! She bought her dress to match it :)

They had their wedding bands custom made in Europe when they got engaged, the design on hers is his fingerprint and vice versa on his. They are absolutely breathtaking!

Since the ceremony was outside, I suggested buying these adorable Tiffany Umbrellas, just in case. Luckily they weren't needed, but they were definitely a fun photo prop :)

The boys might have had a little too much fun with them. . .

This is my favorite! Jess, you are HOT, HOT, HOT!!

The whole clan in front of the gorgeous pond at Goodale Park.
Jess and Glenn continued their first date reminiscing by hosting their reception at the ultra chic Due Amici - the first place they had dinner together. I love this view of the head table.

A close up of the handmade paper bouquet created by Jess' incredibly talented graphic designer sister, Allison. She made Glenn's boutonniere, too. They were fabulous - such amazing textures and details!

Just a few of the dish options served at the reception - Insalata Mista with goat cheese, almonds and berries and Portabella Ravioli in a basil pesto broth. DELICIOUS!
The gorgeous bride and groom with his parents, George and Carolyn.

I couldn't get enough of Jess' nephew, Dirk, - he is the most adorable and well behaved little guy. I loved this moment of him and Jess' mom, Vivian.

Jess and the aforementioned amazing Allison (you can't tell they're sisters or anything can you - lol!) on top then Jess and her father, Klaus, on the bottom.

On the left, Jess' super cute J. Crew sandals - love the pop of color - and the two of them on the right opening gifts (the one in the photo just so happens to be from us!).

I couldn't resist posting this great shot of my sister, camera in hand!

As you can see, it was a fabulous and intimate affair - we are so thankful that we could be a part of it. Congratulations again, Jess and Glenn - we love you and are so very happy for the two of you!!

baci's baking - Crispy Parmesan Butternut Squash Chips

My in-laws have quite the garden so there is never a shortage of fresh veggies around here, which is fabulous, but when my mother-in-law brought over a butternut squash I wasn't sure what to do with it. My husband won't eat the typical baked butternut squash smothered in butter, brown sugar and nuts and I don't like it that way enough to eat an entire squash. So I went to the trusty internet and found two options that intrigued me 1) Butternut Squash Muffins and 2) Butternut Squash Chips - right away Ilario nixed the muffins so I thought I'd try to chips :) They turned out so yummy that I just had to share!! If you like sweet potato chips, you'll love these!

Crispy Parmesan Butternut Squash Chips

(Recipe Adapted from Tyler Florence, Found on FoodNetwork.com)

1 medium butternut squash

canola oil, for deep-frying

2 t. dried rosemary

sea salt

1/4 cup grated parmesan

Remove the top cylinder portion of the butternut squash and peel with a vegetable peeler. Discard or use the bulb portion for something else. Using a mandoline or very sharp knife, finely slice round chips from the peeled cylinder and hold in ice water for 30 minutes to chill.

Preheat deep fryer to 320 degrees. If you do not have a deep fryer available, preheat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a heavy-based pot to 320 degrees. Add dried rosemary and fry until it stops sizzling. Remove from oil with strainer and drain on paper towels. After rosemary cools, mix with grated parmesan.

Dry chips between paper towels then fry in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and spread out onto paper towels. Season with parmesan mix and salt. Enjoy!

Handpicked - Fred Flare

Fred Flare is a super fabulous online boutique that offers everything from stationery to accessories. Today, I chose to share with you my favorite items from their Women's Store that are perfect for Fall/Winter. If you're in the NYC area, check out their first bricks and mortar - 31 Meserole Avenue @ Leonard Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn!

1) Plaid Olympia Shirt - $52, I think I could use a little more plaid in my wardrobe! 2) With the upcoming March 2010 release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, this Alice Tea Party Tee is FABULOUS - $24 3) Cowl-neck Knit Mini - $44 4) I'm a sucker for a sweater dress and the color of this Wavy Knit Sweater Dress is dreamy - $58 5) I think the Tweed Evalyn Dress would be perfect for our annual New Year's Eve Party - $78 6) Violet Puff Sleeve Sweaterette - $36 7) This Pleated Houndstooth Victoria Coat satisfies my love for houndstooth and belted trenches - $82

So Sorry. . .

. . . that I haven't been posting this week. I know last Friday I promised to return to our regularly scheduled postings, but the hubby got sick late last week then I got sicker (how that's possible, I don't know, but it stinks!). So I promise, even if I am sick as a dog next week to return :) Thanks for being patient and have a great weekend!

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

A post I wrote about Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness on Your Wedding Day was featured on WeddingAces yesterday and since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month I think it's worth sharing with all of you Designing Woman readers.

Fellow WeddingAce Melissa also wrote a great post about Breast Cancer Awareness and Your Wedding Gown - head on over to check them out!

You've also seen me feature a few recipes from the fabulous Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, Limited Edition "Pink Plaid" For Breast Cancer Awareness - it has an extra added 64-page "Pink" section full of recipes containing foods associated with cancer prevention.

Speaking of things useful in the kitchen, KitchenAid has an entire "Cook for the Cure" line collection of fabulous "Pink" products!

I promise to get back to the regularly scheduled weekly posts next week :)

$10 When You Join Rue La La

Back in June, I invited all of you to join the fabulous world of Rue La La - well if you didn't take advantage then, you definitely should now. If you join Rue La La before Saturday, October 10th they will give you a $10 credit!! Just for signing up - it's that simple! Just follow this link and enjoy all of the amazing two-day sales. . .

baci's baking - Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas

Since I've been coping with severe heartburn recently I've been doing everything I can to avoid triggering the pain by cooking no-acid, low-fat meals. Having an Italian husband who loves a homemade red sauce makes that a little difficult, but I've been scouring my cook books for delicious meals to make us both happy. These Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas were so delicious that we've already had them twice and I just came across the recipe two weeks ago! The hubs tops his with Texas Pete to get the heat he loves so much :)

Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas

(Recipe Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast: Weeknight Cookbook)

2 cups shredded roast chicken without skin

3 T. canola oil

6 ounces fresh button mushrooms, sliced

2 cups baby spinach

4 12-inch whole wheat tortillas

2 cups shredded low-fat mozzarella

1/2 cup low-fat sour cream

1) In a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the mushrooms and saute until tender, about three minutes. Add the spinach and chicken, saute just until the spinach is wilted, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl.

2) Divide one cup of cheese among the tortillas, sprinkling it onto half of each tortilla, leaving a 3/4 inch border uncovered. Divide chicken mixtures among the tortillas. Top tortillas with remaining cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose loosely.

3) Wipe out the frying pan with a paper towel and return to medium hear. Brush lightly with the remaining oil. Working in batches, add the quesadillas to the pan and cook until golden brown on the first side, 1 - 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Using a large spatula, carefully turn the quesadillas and cook until golden on the second side and the cheese is melted, 2 - 3 minutes longer. Divide the quesadillas among four plates and serve with sour cream.

Serves 4.

Babies!!!

Sorry for the lack in posts the last few days, but there are a few new babies that I've been fawning over. . .

On Monday, September 28th our dear friends, Kristen and Rick, had their second child - a handsome little boy named Chase Ryan.

Isn't he just precious?!?! I can't get enough of his full head of hair and perfect complexion. Congratulations, Kristen and Ricky - you made one beautiful little guy! And a shout out to their daughter, Livi, who is going to be the best big sister ever!

Then on Wednesday morning, September 30th our new nephew arrived!!! Ilario's brother, Paolo, and his wife Kristen welcomed their first baby into the world - Antonio Enzo. Here I am, happy as a clam with the gorgeous little man!!

I just stared at him the whole time he was in my arms - he is absolutely adorable!! We could not be happier for Kristen and Paolo!! Congratulations to you both - you're going to be the best parents ever!!

I want to step away from babies for just one minute to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my baby brother, Andy - he made Homecoming Court as a Freshman :) He'll be heading down the field tonight in his football uniform and I absolutely can not wait to see it! Congratulations, Brother - I love you (I'm sure I've officially embarrassed him now - lol)!!