Roll & Tumble Press, My Current Wish List

I love anything letterpress so when I came across Roll & Tumble Press' etsy shop I was instantly enamored. Their quirky letterpress posters (which are also incredibly affordable - most pieces are sold for $15-$20) are so fun that I'd be thrilled to have them on the walls of our home. Check out a few of my favorites!

1) The Love Nest HandPrinted Letterpress Poster would look so gorgeous in our bedroom - so romantic and simple! 2) I adore the Good Night HandPrinted Letterpress Poster - now if only is said, "Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!" 3) The coloring of the You Are All I Need Letterpress Mini-poster in Blue Sky is fabulous. 4) I think my sister would absolutely love the Secrets HandPrinted Letterpress Poster and I would love to be the one to give it to her :)

baci loves. . . MATT & NAT

Simply put, MATT & NAT is the bomb! MATT & NAT creates some of the most gorgeous handbags, wallets, laptop cases and brief cases ever - what makes them so fabulous (other than the fact that they are GORGEOUS!) is that they are all eco-friendly and vegan. No, the bags don't shy away from meats and cheeses - they're made leather-free and all linings are made from recycled plastic bottles. How amazing is that? Check out the New Arrivals and see below for my new MATT & NAT birthday present :)

Wedding Wednesday | Vera Wang 2010 Bridesmaid Collection

It's no secret that I LOVE everything Vera Wang, I mean, even our wedding china is by her! So when I got an e-mail recently saying that her 2010 Bridesmaid Collection is now available, I just had to choose my favorites and share them with all of you. There are so many beautiful, colors and flowy silhouettes that it was hard to choose, but here are my top six:

Nicole in Turquoise (here's that 2010 color again!!) Crinkle Chiffon

Monica in Plum Crepe Backed Satin

Erin in Silk Twill and Satin with a Stone/Black Color Combination

Julia in Charcoal Satin

Ashley in Forest Satin - this cute little number could totally be worn again by your Bridesmaids!

Christina in Bobinette over Lame in a gorgeous wear-again Sand Dune

baci's baking - Chicken Fried Rice

This is pretty random, but I bought bean sprouts the other day to make summer rolls and I had some left over so I thought I'd give Chicken Fried Rice a try ;) I told you it was random . .

I totally tweaked the recipe I found on About.com and it turned out so good that I just had to share!

Chicken Fried Rice

4 cups cold, cooked brown rice

8 oz. cooked chicken, diced

2 eggs

1 green onion, diced (optional)

1/2 cup bean sprouts

Low Sodium Soy Sauce, to taste

salt

pepper

olive oil

1) Beat the eggs lightly with a fork and add a dash of salt.

2) Heat a wok or a large frying pan and add oil. When oil is warm, add the egg mixture into the wok and cook over medium heat, turning over once. Cut the egg into thin strips and save for later.

3) Stir-fry the onion on high heat for a few moments, remove and set aside. Do the same for the bean sprouts.

4) Add oil and turn down the heat to medium and stir-fry the rice. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken, onion, bean sprouts and egg, combining thoroughly and heating until all is warm. Enjoy!

Handpicked - Boden USA

I couldn't leave you with just four great things from Boden so I had to turn it into an entire Handpicked list :)

1) This Photographer's Jacket in Dark Denim would be a perfect top layer for any Spring or Summer outfit - $98 2) I highly recommend that every woman own a pair of linen pants and these Wideleg Drawstrings in White certainly fit the bill - $88 3) I also firmly believe that trenches are the way to go because nothing makes you look slimmer than a cinched waistline - Short Trench in Almond. I rarely buy a jacket that doesn't have something to tie at the waist - $138 4) The Corsage Flower Necklace in Dark Navy would look fabulous on top of a simple white shirt - $58 5) These Embellished Flats in Dark Navy are to die for - $118 6) I can't get enough of the flowers on the Rose Cardigan - $88 6) The Maxi Jersey Dress in Black would be such a great investment because you could wear it dressed up or dressed down all Spring and Summer long - $98 7) I just love the relaxed look of the Boyfriend Cardigan - $88

Also, be sure to check out Boden's Men, Mini Boden (Girls + Boys) and Baby styles - they're also seriously AWESOME!

Boden USA, My Current Wish List

My new obsession is Boden - I received a catalog in the mail the other day and I couldn't put it down. I was in love with every colorful little thing in the entire book! Boden launched in London in 1991, but wasn't available in the US until 2002 - thank goodness they decided to finally share their stylish goods with us. Here are four of my absolute must-haves:

1) Shoes or art? These Suede Ruffle Heels in Fuschia are so HOT! 2) The Long Island Cardigan would be a major staple in my wardrobe - perfect to slip on to stay warm at home or for a fashionable layer when heading out. 3) I just love this Glam Tunic in Spearmint Dahlia! It could be dressed up or relaxing enough to wear at home. 4) Yet another tunic - they are my new favorite things - the Pintuck Tunic would be the most comfortable, stylish combination ever!

baci loves. . . Jan Kish la petite fleur

I just recently came across this amazing Worthington, Ohio bakery on my favorite photographers' (Brandy J Photography) blog. Above is the Brandy J photo that caught my eye.

Jan Kish la petite fleur, a bakery headed by Jan Kish, creates some of the most detailed and elegant wedding cakes I have ever laid my eyes on (and remember, I know my cakes, having come from a family of cake creators)!!! Kish's creations have been featured in Bride's, In Style and The Knot Magazines - just to name a few. Jan Kish la petite fleur will even be featured on TLC's "The Ultimate Cake Off Challenge" in the 2010 season. My absolute favorite thing about Jan Kish la petite fleur are the limitless flavors she offers - from Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cake to Creme de Menthe Buttercream Icing. They even have vegan flavors to choose from! So, if you're in the region and you want the most delicious and beautiful cake money can buy, be sure to give Jan Kish la petite fleur a call! Here are just a few more of the tasty creations to gaze at. . .

Photos from Real Baking with Rose Levy Beranbaum, styleinspired, She Walks in Beauty, All Things Beautiful

Wedding Wednesday | Filene's Basement

If you live in the Columbus area, be sure to hit up the Filene's Basement Running of the Brides next week!! Designer gowns for prices not a penny over $699!!! It's a bride's dream :)

Here's the scoop:

when Friday, January 29, 2010 - 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

(be sure to get there MUCH earlier though to stand in line!)

where Filene's Basement

3704 West Dublin-Granville Road

Columbus, Ohio 43235

Click here and enter to win a free wedding dress from WeddingWire and Filene's Basement! Be sure to check out the absolutely classic photos on the page, too.

baci's baking - Quiche

I'm going to continue with the brunch theme from last week and give you my two favorite quiche recipes. They are the perfect menu item for a Baby Showers or Bridal Showers hosted as a brunch. Or, if you love breakfast any time of day they're hearty enough for supper time, too! Both recipes are from FoodNetwork.com.

Quiche Lorraine

1 (9-inch) prepared pie shell, unbaked

6 oz. thick cut bacon, cut into narrow strips (for veggie version, use Morningstar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips - I've done this before and it's still SO tasty!)

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1 1/4 cup half-and-half

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. ground black pepper

pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place pie shell into pie pan, being careful not to stretch dough. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

2) In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until crisp and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard the fat.

3) Arrange the bacon evenly on the bottom of the baked crust.

4) In a large bowl, beat the eggs, yolks and half-and-half. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Pout into the prepared crust and bake until the custard is golden, puffed and set, yet slightly wiggly in the center, 30 - 25 minutes.

5) Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before serving.

Savory Three-cheese Quiche

1 (9-inch) prepared pie shell, unbaked

1 cup grated Swiss cheese

1/2 cup grated Colby-jack cheese

3 T. grated Romano cheese, plus 1 T.

1/2 cup chopped medium onion

1 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 t. dried majoram

1/2 t. dried basil

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. garlic powder

3 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup half-and-half

7 or 8 cherry tomatoes

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place pie shell in a pie plate, be careful not to stretch dough.

2) Sprinkle the cheese over the bottom of the pie shell, then evenly distribute the onion, broccoli and mushrooms over the cheese layer. Mix the eggs and the spices together in a bowl. Add the milk and half-and-half and mix well. Pour over the contents in the pie shell.

3) Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves and place, cut side up, in a ring on top of the mixture. Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of Romano over top.

4) Bake for 15 minutes. Turn oven down to 300 degrees and bake for an additional 45 to 55 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

The Bachelor Inspired Wish List

I haven't watched The Bachelor in years, but since the hubby attends a really late night class on Monday, I tuned in this week and I'm officially addicted. It is a TRAIN WRECK! I can't wait to see the drama that unfolds this season - it should be entertaining in the least.

On a wish list note though, I had such a great time checking out all of the girls' dresses. Some, of course, were hideous, tacky and even a few were just a tid bit slutty, but some were gorgeous and hot, hot, hot! So I thought, what would I wear if I had the opportunity to "prom" it up for a night and alas, here is my wish list for today - Evening Wear!!!

1) This dress is so dreamy, I think I'd feel like a fairy princess with all that tulle - Beaded Back Tie Gown by Sean Collection 2) The Print Chiffon Gown by JC Collections is SO sophisticated and sexy. 3) The satin looks so smooth and flowing in this Strapless Sweetheart Gown by Laundry by Shelli Segal - who I LOVE by the way!! 4) The Teri Jon One Shoulder Rosette Strap Gown looks like a piece of art - absolutely beautiful. Teri Jon may just be my new favorite designer label :)

Wedding Wednesday | Black and Gold Inspiration

I found this GORGEOUS "From Inspiration to Reality" Photo Shoot on Style Me Pretty yesterday and I just had to create an inspiration board with these amazing photos captured by Aruna B. Photography! It's so unique, sexy and glam - I can't get enough!

Be sure to take a look at all six (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) posts from Style Me Pretty for all of the amazing photos, a film capturing all of the details and a list of all the amazingly talented vendors who took part in the shoot.

baci's baking - Herb and Goat Cheese Frittata

I love breakfast and I'm perfectly happy to have it at any time of the day so this Herb and Goat Cheese Frittata is my kind of a meal! I also LOVE anything with goat cheese so that helps, too ;)

Herb and Goat Cheese Frittata

(Recipe and photo from Cookstr)

6 large eggs

4 sage or basil leaves, finely chopped

salt and freshly ground pepper

3 T. olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 shallot, chopped (optional)

10 cherry tomatoes, halved

4 oz. rindless goat cheese, crumbled

1) Preheat the broiler and position the rack 6 inches from the heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl with the sage/basil, season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

2) Heat the oil in a 9-inch nonstick frying pan with a lid and a flameproof handle over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until just softened but not browned.

3) Add the egg mixture to the pan and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook gently for 2-3 minutes; the frittata should remain moist on top.

4) Arrange the tomatoes and goat cheese over the surface and lightly brush with olive oil. Place the pan in the broiler for 5 minutes of until the frittata is set and lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes. Slide onto a serving platter and cut into wedges. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

After Christmas Wish List

Santa always leaves you wanting just a few more presents, so I thought I'd share a few of the things on my "After Christmas List"!

1) This High-waisted Lightweight Wool Skirt would go with just about everything for the rest of this winter! 2) I love purple so these Leather Driving Gloves in Mystic Purple from Banana Republic certainly caught my eye. 3) Isn't this Ruffle-front Buffalo Plaid Shirt adorable?!?! I wish they still had in it the black/white combo, but red and black will do. 4) My Isotoners have seen better days so I'm thinking of replacing them with these Primrose Slippers in Bright Navy from L.L. Bean - they so cute!!

Wedding Wednesday | 2010 Trend Watch

The new year is upon us so it's time to be prepared! Here are just a few things to watch for in 2010.

Gown from the Susan Neville Collection

1. Turquoise - expect it to be everywhere this year, from weddings to home decor. Color company Pantone even ranked it as number one in their Spring 2010 Fashion Color Report. The great thing about turquoise is that it's such an easy color to match other colors with. Combine it with dark grey and silver for a sleek look or pump it up by adding a deep red tone.

Image from Eco Caters

2. "Green" Weddings - 2009 started this trend and it's definitely going to continue as brides and grooms think about the impact their wedding has on the environment. Look for recycled paper stationery items and organic food menus.

Image from Fine Living

3. Girls' Night In Bachelorette Parties - My own bachelorette party was more slumber party than crazy bar-fest and we had such a great time that my sister and I threw a similar-type party for our cousin's 2009 pre-nuptials. There's no need to keep the festivities tame just because you're not actually out - look for bridal parties to save some cash and their sanity (there's no sweaty men to hit on you when you're at home) by opting for a Girls' Night In!

Image by bobbi + mike

4. Draping - From bridal gowns to fabric covered reception walls, be on the look out for soft layers everywhere this year.

Image by Jose Villa Wedding Photography

5. Shine - Brides will be looking for ways to incorporate a little glitz into their big days with rhinestones, crystals and candlelight galore!

baci's baking - Buffalo Chicken Dip

Today we're going to break away from the seasonal recipes with my tasty (and always requested) Buffalo Chicken Dip. I served it at our annual New Year's Eve Party and it was a hit like always. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 -3 large boneless chicken breasts

1 (12 oz.) jar of Texas Pete Buffalo Wing Sauce

1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese

1 (16 oz.) bottle of Ranch dressing

1 (8 oz.) bag of shredded cheddar cheese

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Boil chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred chicken either with hands or a pastry blender and spread evenly in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Combine with hot sauce.

3) In a sauce pan, heat cream cheese and Ranch together until smooth. Pour on top of chicken mixture.

4) Top with the bag of shredded cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Do not let cheese get brown. Serve with tortilla chips and celery sticks.