Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you all are having a very fabulous, family-filled Thanksgiving!

Photo from Bhg.com

Wedding Wednesday | 100 Layer Cake Colorboards

100 Layer Cake is a fabulous wedding blog for everyone, even me - they provide me with ideas for the inspiration boards I create for WeddingAces all the time! I especially love their Colorboards - they're always coming up with awesome color combinations that most people wouldn't think of. I just couldn't get enough of the one below - Butter, Sugar, Punch, Turquoise and Coffee - it reminded me of a unique holiday table. Love, love, love!!

baci's baking - Red Velvet Cake

Everyone loves red velvet cake, right? Well, I have found the BEST recipe for it ever and of course it comes from the amazing Paula Deen! We call this "Kill Your Mother Cake" in our house because my mom is not only allergic to the coconut and pecans in the frosting, but also the red food coloring in the cake! We still let her sneak a tiny itty bitty piece though because it's so tasty ;)

Grandmother Paula's Red Velvet Cake

(Recipe Courtesy Paula Deen)

Cake

2 cups sugar

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

2 eggs

2 T. cocoa powder

2 ounces red food coloring

2 1/2 cups cake flour

1 t. salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 t. vanilla extract

1/2 t. baking soda

1 T. vinegar

Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup melted marshmallows

1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2) In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Mix cocoa and food coloring together and then add to the sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternatively with buttermilk. Blend in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar, add to the mixture.

3) Pour batter into three 8-inch round greased and floured pans.

4) Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely before frosting.

5) While cakes cool, blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl for frosting. Add marshmallows and sugar and blend. Fold in coconut and nuts.

6) Spread frosting between layers, on top and sides of cooled cake. Enjoy!

Handpicked - Steve Madden Sale

I have always had a mild obsession with Steve Madden and I just HAD to share with you when I found out what a great sale they're having - Up to 50% Off Select Styles!! So I took a look at those hot select styles and handpicked my favorites :) Oh, an extra added bonus: FREE SHIPPING with coupon code SMFREESHIP!

1) These champagne colored Alisah Heels are to die for with the fabric flowers attached - $99.95 2) The Black Leather Jessii Booties caught my eye first - they're the reason I choose Steve Madden's Sale today actually - $89.97 3) Can you tell that I really want purple booties like these Mirakle Booties in Burgundy Suede - $90.97 4) I love the cowboy look of the Bentlyy Brown Leather Boots - $174.97 5) I also really want grey boots like the Tyller Grey Suede Boots - $79.95 6) I combined my love for booties as well as my new suede obsession and fell head over heels for these Taaboo Black Suede Booties - $87.96 7) The Rebecca Black Satin Heels would give any holiday outfit a touch of class - $53.97 8) Hot, hot, hot - these Persis Black Leather Sandal/Bootie/Pump Combo are incredibly sexy - $101.97

Christian Siriano Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear | My Current {Project Runway Inspired} Wish List

Since last night was the finale of Project Runway Season 6 (insert tears here) I thought today would be a great time to create a PR Inspired Wish List!

Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano, was quite the "fierce" designer during the show and now he's rockin' out with his own line as well as a super affordable shoe and handbag line for Payless - Christian Siriano for Payless - which you must check out, they are fabulous! Check out my four favorite looks that I would love to have from Christian's Spring 2010 RTW Collection:

Brea + Anthony Engagement Session by Clayton Austin Photography

I've never in my life seen such beautiful engagement photos - Clayton Austin of Clayton Austin Photography did the most spectacular job capturing these images for Brea and Anthony! I love the vintage clothes and the ethereal feel. Absolutely a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!! Check out Part I and Part II on the Clayton Austin Photography blog.

And if you're still looking for the perfect outfit for your own engagement session or wedding day, Brea's vintage couture gown (not to mention her HOT accessories) is available here on jitterbonesbaby's Etsy site!!! I HOW I LOVE ETSY :)

Wedding Wednesday | Vera wang Spring 2010 Collection

Vera Wang's Spring 2010 Bridal Collection is all about femininity, layers and volume - everything is so gorgeous!! I just had to share some of my favorites!

Deandra - Beautiful A-line Traditional Gown

Diana - Asymmetrical Layered Gown with Sweetheart Neckline

This is one is by far my favorite - I just adore the volume in the skirt!

Dinah - Light and Airy Strapless Gown with Lace Bodice

Dylan - Babydoll Sheath

I think this gown would be the perfect understated elegance you'd crave for a destination wedding.

Dorothy - Tulle, Organza, Chiffon and Charmeuse Ballgown with Vintage Crystal Beadwork

Diedre - Heavenly Origami Skirted Gown

This color gown would be so beautiful paired with bridesmaids in a pale ivory!

Holiday Photo Card Discount!

For all of you loyal Designing Woman, Twitter and Facebook Followers - here's an early Christmas present from baci:

Half Off Design Fees on all

Custom Holiday Photographic Greeting Cards

- Under 100, $30.00 Flat Fee now $15.00

- Over 100, $60.00/Hour Design Fee now $30.00

- White Envelopes Included for Free!

Just mention offer code HOLIDAYPHOTO when placing your custom design request with me @ amanda {at} bacidesigner {dot} com. Hurry because the discount expires December 1st!

baci's baking - Cinnamon Biscuit Peach Cobbler

More of the warm, homey seasonal recipes!

Cinnamon Biscuit Peach Cobbler

(Recipe Adapted from Taste of Home)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 T., plus 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. baking soda

6 T. cold butter

1/2 cups milk

2 T. butter, melted

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 t. ground cinnamon

Filling:

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 T. cornstarch

3/4 t. grated lemon peel

1 cup water

2 - 29 ounce cans lite sliced peeled peaches

1) Combine flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until blended. Transfer to floured surface; knead 10-12 times. Pat into a 12-in square. Brush with melted butter. Combine walnuts, cinnamon and remaining brown sugar; sprinkle over dough to within 1/2 inch of edge. Roll up jelly-roll style. Seal dough; set aside.

2) In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch and lemon peel; stir in water until blended. Add peaches. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.

3) Cut biscuit dough into twelve 1 inch slices; arrange biscuits over filling. Bake, uncovered at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 12 servings

Image from Taste of Home

Handpicked - Shabby Apple Winter Picks

Since I took this past Friday's Wish List to talk about Shabby Apple for so long, I just had to make today's Handpicked all about it again :) So check out some of the gorgeous items from the oh-so-fabulous Shabby Apple that will be great additions to your winter wardrobe!

1) I love the softness of the charmeuse fabric in this Aristocrat Black Tuxedo Dress - $78 2) These Czek Wooden Bracelets would be beautiful accents to a soft ivory sweater - $12 3) I'm a HUGE cowl neck fan, so I just love this West Coast Swing Red Cowl Neck Dress - $82 4) The Tormalina Yellow Flat couldn't get much cuter - $119 5) I've been searching for the perfect grey boot and I think the Right Now Grey Suede Boot might be it! You can rock it four different ways - how cool is that?!?! - $175 6) The Flamenco Rose Hair Accessories are part of Shabby Baby, but I think any aged beauty would look hot with one in her hair - $15 7) This Yorkshire Wool Tweed Dress just makes my heart melt - tweed is so perfect for the winter and the camel-color is so warm. Even better, you don't have to dry clean it - that's so impressive for wool - $98 8) Gold is going to be everywhere this winter, so start stocking up now with these 80's Baby Gold Bracelets - $6 for a set of 12

Shabby Apple - My Current Wish List

While choosing the items I'd love to have from Shabby Apple, an amazing company created on the notion that a dress is supposed to be a comfortable and stylish one-piece outfit (no need for camis or cardigans), I found it really difficult to keep it to just four items. So I think I might turn this Current Wish List into a Handpicked soon :) So be on the lookout for more great items from the amazing Shabby Apple!

1) Is this not the PERFECT wrap-dress ever?!?! I already have the cute turquoise necklace so now all I need is the Nantucket Black Wrap Dress to complete the look! 2) The Slate Grey Tuxedo Dress could be dressed up with cute heels or pared down with sleek flats. I just love the color, too! 3) I need this entire outfit!! The Atlantic Fog Heather-Grey Cotton Dress goes just perfectly with the soft cashmere hat, woven belt, thick tights and slouchy boots. I think it's the perfect complete look for Fall. 4) I would feel incredibly sexy and elegant all at the same time if I had the Ingrid Black and White Tuxedo Dress!

Ok, I can't stop talking about Shabby Apple quite yet - they're just too fabulous of a company :) First of all, Shabby will ship you a new dress for FREE if your dress doesn't fit just right. They also offer some of the most gorgeous accessories - jewelry, handbags and shoes - everything a girl needs to complete her look! Shabby even has a section where you can shoot them an e-mail with your wardrobe woes or clothes questions and they'll reply with help within 72 hours!! How cool is that?!?!? One last thing - they not only offer the most fantastic dresses for women, they also have fabulous clothes for pre-teens and little girls, not to mention plus-size and maternity lines. Shabby Apple has it all!

baci loves. . . Rubie Green

Rubie Green offers some of the most beautiful, earth-friendly fabrics and bedding - everything is created using 100% organic cotton. Created in 2008 by the uber talented and beautiful Michelle Adams, a former domino employee, Rubie Green strives to create their products in the most green manner possible. All fabrics are whitened without bleach and printed in the US using no VOC's. All employees are paid fair trade wages and all products are shipped in eco-friendly, recycled, reusable packaging. Bedding even arrives in gorgeous organic cotton drawstring bags!

If you haven't already fallen for Rubie Green knowing about their love for the planet, you'll just melt once you take a look at their heavenly products! Below are samples of Portobello (my absolute favorite!) and Jackie Upholstery Fabrics.

If upholstery sounds daunting to you, take the easier route and purchase Rubie Green Bedding - below are shams in Tillinghast, Habibi, the sadly unavailable East Village and Classic.

Love Rubie Green? Be sure to check out Michelle's blog - M.A. Belle - for further inspiration! While you're there you MUST take a sneak peek into her New York home. Also created by Michelle and photographer Patrick Cline is Lonny magazine - an amazing online home decor magazine launched in October 2009. The first edition includes sneak peeks into the homes of former domino editor Kate Townsend-Simpson, amazing textile designer Carolina Irving and (my favorite home decor lady!) Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge! It's a definite must see :)

Wedding Wednesday | Hairpieces

Long gone are the days when you only have two options (veil or no veil) to top your head on your wedding day. Now there are so many beautiful hairpiece options to choose from as well - you can wear one alone or combine with the many gorgeous new veil lengths like the birdcage! The options are endless, not to mention HOT, HOT, HOT! Check out a few of the fun and flirty hairpieces I've fallen for recently.

I'm so in love with the soft feather headpiece combined with the long flowy veil in this photo duo by The Image is Found.

This silk organza flower is attached to a comb so you can slide it right into your hair. Find more romantic Tigerlilly Hair Jewelry here!

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE place for "handmade lovelies" as she calls them is Chelsea Petaja's oh my deer etsy shop, which is where this delightful little number below if from! She is incredibly talented and never fails to amaze!! You can check out her ever-inspiring blog here and drool over her rockin' photographer husband's amazing wedding images here.

baci's baking - Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

I said I was going full force into the seasonal recipes and today is certainly no exception - these delicious Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies would be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving desserts, full of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger!

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

(Recipe Adapted from MarthaStewart.com)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 large eggs

1 t. vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 t. ground ginger

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)

1 cup raisins

1 tub of purchased Cream Cheese frosting

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine sugars and butter; beat until light and fluffy (3 to 4 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well combined.

2) In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mix on a low speed until just blended. Mix in oats, carrots and raisins. Chill dough until firm, at least 1 hour.

3) Scoop dough onto baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Transfer to oven and bake until lightly browned, rotating pan halfway through baking to ensure even color and cooking, 12 - 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4) Once cooled completely spread cream-cheese frosting onto a cookie and sandwich together with a second cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes about 25 cookie sandwiches.

Rue La La's At It Again!

Rue La La is spreading the holiday joy by offering $10 to any new member who joins between now and December 24th!

Click here to enjoy the ooh la, la!

Handpicked - Anthropologie New Arrivals

Anthropologie is heaven, seriously when you step foot into one of their stores you feel like you've been transported into some fabulous new world! I just can't get enough, but sadly I have to settle for internet shopping since the closest Anthropologie isn't so close (when we lived in Charlotte there was one just 15 minutes away!!). So I'm taking a look at all of their New Arrivals for you all today. . . enjoy the beauty!

1) The grey, airy tulle of the Spirited Away Dress makes me want to put it on and spin around in circles like a little girl - $128 2) The ruby floral appliques on the Remembering Violets Dress are so feminine and elegant, I just love it - $178 3) Abydos Dress - $228 4) I can't get enough of the brilliant chartreuse tie on the Winged Victory Top - $68 5) Globe Raisin Top - $78 6) Once again, the beautiful chiffon appliques make me want to just melt, not to mention the soft winter white of the Snow Flower Skirt - $148 7) Doesn't the Letizia Cardigan just make you want to cuddle on the couch with a good book? - $118 8) The fact that purple is my favorite color draws me to the Gumshoe Sweatercoat, but the beautiful ruffle won't let me go - $168

Restoration Hardware - My Current Wish List

When the Restoration Hardware catalog shows up at our house, I immediately plop down on the couch and dream! Everything is always so gorgeous and so (sadly) out of my price range, but I try not to let that bother me - I use the catalog as daily inspiration in our home.

1) I'm always on the lookout for the perfect bed - Ilario and I both sleep with our feet nearly off the foot of the bed so we need something without a footboard. Restoration Hardware's Portman Framed Sleigh Bed in Espresso would be absolutely perfect. 2) I want a dress form to put in my office SO badly - this Dressmaker's Form is a dream come true!! 3) We've been discussing putting a fan in our bedroom and I just love the retro look of this Acero Fan with Light. 4) Not typically what you'd expect to see in Restoration Hardware, but these Cashmere Souffle Scarves look so soft and comfy that I'm pretty confident I would never take one off if I had one!

baci loves. . . Fifty Flowers

I mentioned the other day that Ilario and I used FiftyFlowers.com for our wedding flowers, so I thought I'd express my absolute LOVE for them today :)

Bridesmaid Bouquet Image from our wedding day by Brandy J Photography

FiftyFlowers is a wholesale flower boutique that is the most fantastic place for a DIY bride - they have served over 17,000 brides over the past 11 years! Not only do they offer some of the most beautiful flowers - from basic roses to the unique kangaroo paw - they are incredibly affordable. Since they have farms worldwide, a flower that is generally out of season (and therefore expensive) won't break your bank. You can even call, e-mail or chat with their in-house wedding flower specialist team to help you choose, design and order your wedding flowers. All flowers are sent direct from the farm to your doorstep - guaranteed on time and fresh.

Image from FiftyFlowers.com

When we got married, California was experiencing multiple forest fires, which started destroying fields of flowers as well. I, of course, started having a mental breakdown when everything but my ranunculus showed up on the as-promised delivery date, but when I spoke to FiftyFlowers on the phone they helped calm me by tracking my flowers and telling me exactly when they'd arrive the next day - everything worked out beautifully. I would personally recommend FiftyFlowers.com to anyone! My sister and I even used them to decorate for our parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary Party - once again beautiful and affordable!

Image from FiftyFlowers.com

Wedding Wednesday | French Macaroons

Image from Laduree

Recently, many couples have opted to replace or add to the traditional wedding cake by having a cupcake display. Well, I think, why not take it one step further with the desserts - besides who wants their wedding reception to be like everyone else's, right? That's where the gorgeous and delicious French Macaroon comes into the play! I just adore the fabulous colors and flavors that they come in. You can use French Macaroons to decorate your wedding cake or to give away as favors to your guests.

Image by Our Labor of Love

Image from Le Petit Patissier

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

You can order French Macaroons online from Paulette Macaroons or via Saveur du Jour - Essentials from France. If you feel like trying your baking hand at macaroons, take a look at this super helpful post from David Lebovitz with a lot of great links!

baci's baking - Shrimp Fritters with Romaine

Before I start full-force with the seasonal recipes, I wanted to sneak this delicious and light shrimp recipe - it's absolutely delicious!!

Shrimp Fritters with Romaine

(Recipe Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine)

1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed

1 egg

6 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 t. low-salt seafood seasoning blend

1 lime

1/3 cup Miracle Whip Light salad dressing

1 T. honey

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

1/4 cup canola oil

1) Coarsely chop shrimp. In bowl beat egg. Add shrimp, two-thirds of the onions, the flour and 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning.

2) In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup cooking oil over medium-high heat. In one-third cup portions, carefully drop about half the shrimp mixture into the hot oil; slightly flatten with spatula. Cook for three minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through. Transfer to paper towels; cover and keep warm. Cook remaining shrimp mixture.

3) Shred 2 teaspoons peel from lime. Cut lime in half. Juice half into bowl. Stir peel, salad dressing, remaining 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning and honey. Cut remaining lime half in wedges. Serve fritters with romaine, salad dressing mixture and lime wedges.

Makes 5 Fritters.

Handpicked - Express New Arrivals

I've always been a huge Express fan - my absolute love and affection for their Editor Pant shows when you take a look into my closet :) I'm already thinking about my winter wardrobe so I thought today would be the perfect time to take a look at their New Arrivals!

1) Generally, I'm not a huge Express jewelry fan, but I thoroughly enjoy this Beaded Cluster Necklace despite it all - $59.50 2) I just can't get enough of this Cropped Ruffle Cardigan - I would totally get it in black though - $69.50 3) I love, love, love cowl-necks and over-size sweaters so seeing them combined makes me one happy lady. Shaker-Stitch Cowl-Neck Sweater - $59.50 4) Hot, hot, hot is all I've got to say about this Wool Military Coat - $148.00 5) Gotta love those Editor Pants! Editor Studio Stretch Wide Waistband Pant - $49.50 6) This Metal Mesh Foldover Clutch is FABULOUS - $49.50