9.29.2010

Wedding Wednesday | bleu de toi Guest Book Fingerprint Tree

My dear friend, Katie, sent the link for bleu de toi's Etsy Shop to me yesterday - her and her husband are manning the unique Fingerprint Tree Guest Book at their friends' wedding taking place in a few weeks. I thought it was such a wonderful and unique idea that I just had to share!! Each product is hand-drawn on high quality artist paper and is completely customizable. The shop also offers a Fingerprint Balloon Kit and a Wreath Kit if the tree isn't your events cup of tea. I absolutely adore how personal and fun this makes the typically boring guest book feel!!



9.28.2010

baci's baking - Banana Toffee Pizza

A little change of pace today - on to a delicious dessert! You can't help but love Pampered Chef products, but have you ever taken a look at their recipes? Absolutely wonderful! This one is tweaked from a favorite of mine from a while back - enjoy!!

Banana Toffee Pizza

1 (18 oz.) package of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (1.4 oz.) bars chocolate-covered toffee candy, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
2 medium bananas, sliced
1/4 cup dulce de leche ice cream topping or hot caramel ice cream topping

1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
2) Shape cookie dough into a ball and place in the center of a lightly floured baking stone; flatten slightly. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to within 1 inch of edge.
3) Bake 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes. Carefully loosen cookie from stone and cool completely.
4) In a medium bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth.
5) Add brown sugar; mix until well blended.
6) Fold in whipped topping and spread evening over cookie.
7) Immediately before serving, slice bananas and spread evenly over filling.
8) Sprinkle candy and toasted almonds (to toast - microwave on high 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring after each 30-second interval).
9) Drizzle ice cream topping over pizza.

9.27.2010

Handpicked - Crate&Barrel Entertaining Accessories

I absolutely love to entertain, so our home is full of items to do just that - wine goblets, champagne glasses, appetizers plates, serveware, china, silver, etc. . . all the fun stuff that makes it a joy when people come to our house. Throughout the past years of entertaining and hosting parties, I've realized there are a few staples each home should have just in case the in-laws stop by or it's your turn to host Book Club. Crate&Barrel has so many wonderful and affordable dining and entertaining accessories that can have multiple uses, so I thought they would be the perfect place to choose these items from!

1) Stemless Wine Glasses - Stemless wine glasses are great to keep in your home because they can also be easily used to hold mixed drinks. When stocking up, be sure to purchase at least 12. $2.50 each
2) Stainless Party Bowl - Not only can you use a large tub or bowl like this one for chilling beverages, but it can also double as an ice bucket or a punch or salad bowl. - $59.95
3) 3-piece Rabbit Wine Opener Set - Hands down the best wine opener ever, so simple and easy. - $44.95
4) Set of 12 Buffet White Cocktail Napkins - Great to have on hand and good for the environment, too, simply toss them in the wash and they're ready to go again. - $19.95
5) Set of 12 Appetizer Plates - I own these and use them on a very regular basis, they are the perfect size! - $22.95
6) Charlotte Large Pedestal - A cake stand or pedestal is a definite necessity, you can obviously use it display a beautiful cake, but you can also use it to serve appetizers on. - $39.95
7) Acacia Tray - A nice tray is a simple way to carry items from the kitchen out to your guests. - $32.95
8) 3-piece Oval Bowl Set - You can never have enough simple serveware. I try to purchase most entertaining accessories in white or black so they match one another when displayed on a table. - $19.95
9) Stratton 22 oz. Beer Mug - Keeping at least 6 beer mugs chilled in your freezer is a wonderful idea for a beverage that isn't quiet cold enough. - $11.95

9.24.2010

Submissions - My Current Wish List

My wish today is for more submissions from incredible people like you! Designing Woman is looking for more Real Weddings to feature in posts like I have for past clients Jess + Glenn, Erin + Marshall and Casey + Josh, just to name a few. These Real Wedding Submissions can come from vendors (photographers, event planners, florists, caterers, etc.) or from true brides and grooms themselves! If you'd like to be considered as a Real Wedding Feature, just reach out to us and we'll let you know the details of a Real Wedding submission.

Also, I would absolutely love to continue with Guest Wish Lists - I had so much fun working with Annette of Chaviano Couture and Agnes from Blossom Accents on their posts!! So, I'm calling all wedding vendors to please contact us with your interest and we'll fill you in on how to become a Guest Wish List Blogger!

In order to keep the submissions rolling in, we've added a Submissions Box on the left hand side of the blog to make things simple! We can't wait to hear from you :o) Thanks!!

9.22.2010

Wedding Wednesday | Fall Inspiration

Since today is the First Day of Fall, I thought it would be the perfect time for an inspiration board! This board features textures galore (you've heard it once, you'll hear it at least twenty more times this season) with felt, lace, feathers, cork and crocheting. I adore dark colors for Fall, so I chose an ivory, chocolate and olive palette with just a hint of plum. Enjoy!

Row Two: both photos by bobbi + mike
Row Three: Julie Atwood Events; dress and hair piece images by brandy j photography

9.21.2010

baci's baking - Spinach-stuffed Chicken

Today's baci's baking is courtesy of my Mom - what's funny though is she gave me the recipe and when I thanked her for it after I made it (because it was SO tasty!!) she told me that was great because she hadn't even had it yet - lol!

Spinach-stuffed Chicken

6 chicken breasts
2 (10 oz.) packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup Swiss cheese
¾ cup ricotta
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
3 T. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, pressed
¼ t. salt
¼ t. pepper
¼ t. ground nutmeg
2 T. olive oil
1 t. paprika
½ t. oregano
½ t. thyme

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13-inch pan.
2) Mix spinach, all three cheeses, onion, garlic, salt, pepper and nutmeg together. Set aside.
3) Slice chicken breasts and stuff with spinach mixture.
4) Mix oil, paprika, oregano and thyme together and pour evenly over chicken breasts.
5) Bake for 1 hour to 1¼ hours.

9.19.2010

Handpicked - ELLE Contemporary Collection at KOHL'S

For today's "Handpicked" I was inspired by an e-mail I received from KOHL'S this weekend telling me all about the new ELLE Contemporary Collection they carry. I was instantly drawn in because who doesn't love ELLE or KOHL's (especially since you ALWAYS have a coupon!!).

2) Solid Cardigan in Black - The zipper details on this sweater make it so perfect for this season! - $50
4) Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress - LOVE THIS!! - $60
5) Faux-leather Bomber Jacket - Remember the faux fur and military trends? This is the perfect combo!! - $84
9) Floral Ruffled Shirt in Olive - So very pretty!! - $40

For more awesome choices from ELLE be sure to check out their new line of shoes and accessories!!

9.18.2010

Wish Upon a Wedding - My Current Wish List

This special Saturday post comes to you because yesterday got away from me :o) I had this whole fabulous plan to write about Wish Upon a Wedding - an INCREDIBLE charity that I'll tell you about in just a minute - on Friday since that is the "Wish List" Post day. Sadly, the day flew by while I was 1) going on a run (weird, I know!) 2) finalizing an order with a client 3) meeting with a soon-to-be baci bride (Yay, Natalie!!!) and 4) packing for a wedding this weekend. So. . . let's just pretend it's Friday and my wish mentions coincide :o) Thanks!

Happy Friday everyone (because it's Friday, remember)!

I wanted to do something special with "My Current Wish List" today because on Wednesday I headed to Columbus for Wish Upon a Wedding's Ohio Launch Party. To quote the charity's site, "Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation. Our organization offers couples a chance to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts of existing health or other serious issues, while surrounded by their closest family and friends." (I couldn't have said it better, so why try - lol!) Wish Upon a Wedding was recently founded in January of this year, but they've already helped several couples, like their first completed Wish for Florence and Michael, create lasting memories with wonderful weddings and are in the process of helping so many more!!

I chose to become involved with the organization because it truly is wonderful - everyone deserves to have their wedding dreams come true and Wish Upon a Wedding makes those dreams a reality. So my wish for today is this: make Wish Upon a Wedding even more successful by helping out! As a vendor, you can become a Wish Granter yourself or donate new products. As a community member, you can purchase and wear the gorgeous Wishing Star to show your support or simply make a contribution. There are also several other ways to help listed here. I, along with Wish Upon a Wedding, thank you in advance!!

For a little bit of fun, check out the fabulous photos by Sarah Gaylor Photography from Wednesday's Event here! And be sure to "Like" Wish Upon a Wedding on Facebook, too!

9.14.2010

Wedding Wednesday | Real Wedding Inspiration

Obviously, I love weddings - I've chosen to surround myself with them each and every day. Weddings make me happy, plain and simple. Another thing I love? Abi Q Photography (and Miss Abi Q herself, for that matter). So when I tuned into her blog and found Nic and Erin's Incredible California Wedding, I fell in love with Abi Q just a little bit more :o) The photos, captured with that sexy vintage look, make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

To see more breathtaking photos like these from Nic and Erin's Palm Event Center Wedding, as well as the sweet, sweet things Miss Abi writes about the happy couples be sure to hop on over to the Abi Q Photography blog!

baci's baking - Quick Shepherd's Pie

Back to baci's baking!! In August, my husband began his final semester of Master's classes (he still has a practicum and internship, but these are the last actual courses he'll be taking), school began again so he also went back to work and I started coaching Youth Football Cheerleaders (2nd and 3rd graders to be exact). Needless to say, things started getting a little hectic around here. We've been trying to simplify our meals and this is one of the simplest, seriously tasty meals around. Serve it with a simple salad and warm biscuits (Pillsbury Grands! Frozen Biscuits are my favorites because you can bake as many as you need) for a complete and yummy meal! Enjoy!

Quick Shepherd's Pie

1 (24-ounce) can Dinty Moore Beef Stew
1 (24-ounce) package refrigerated mashed potatoes (or make your own instant, that's what I usually do)
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch baking dish.
2) Place stew in bottom of baking dish.
3) Spoon mashed potatoes over stew.
4) Bake 20 to 25 minutes then sprinkle with cheese.
5) Bake 5 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly.

9.13.2010

Handpicked - Belted Black Winter Coats

I must confess, this post may be a little more Wish List than Handpicked. . . I've been on the search for a new black winter coat and all of these Belted Black Winter Coats happen to meet my purchasing criteria (mostly black, long enough to cover my derrière - no one wants a cold bottom, warm, belted at the natural waist). Now, how do I choose? Maybe you all could help :o)

1) AK Anne Klein Women's Plaid Wool Walker Coat available on Overstock.com - $103.99
2) Rebecca Taylor Belted Ruffle Coat on Zappos.com - $595
3) Wool-cashmere Icon Trench in Black from J. Crew - $325
5) Kookai Tweed Belted Wool Mix Trench Coat available at asos - $251.07
6) Ravena Black Wool Coat by Tulle available at Lulu's - $97

9.10.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Feminine Jewels

What a perfect way to end our Fall 2010 Trends - Feminine Jewels - girly, glitzy and full of gems!! This trend goes hand-in-hand with my other favorite, Vintage Details. . . they compliment one another perfectly and it just so happens that I find a lot of each in my wardrobe. Here are just a few of my favorites. . . it's so hard to choose!!

1) Glass-pearl Cluster Necklace from White House | Black Market Bonus: Right now at WH|BM Buy One, Get One Jewelry Item 25% Off- $98
2) Multi Gold Chain with Black Braid Necklace at Ann Taylor LOFT - $34.50
3) Hive and Honey Statement Necklace available at Piperlime - Make a statement for sure with this gorgeous necklace!! - $68
4) Miriam Haskell Giant Pearl Ring from J. Crew - I'm sure you could score something equally awesome from your Grandmother's jewelry box :o) - $250
5) Luxe Sash Belt by White House | Black Market - A sparkly twist on the typical belt around the waist trend. - $78
7) Multi-strand Chain Earrings available at Ann Taylor - $38
8) Chunky Twist Gem Necklace from Ann Taylor LOFT - $74.50
9) Ribbon, Crystal and Chain Bracelet available at Ann Taylor - Once again, totally adding this to my "Must Have" List. It's great since it combines ribbons, crystal and chains - the perfect pieces for feminine jewels :o) - $48

I'm so sad to end the Fall 2010 Series, but it has definitely been SO much fun!! I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have :o)

9.09.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Saddle Bags

This next trend takes it's shape, size and fabric style from western wear - Saddle Bags, Saddle Handbags that is, are huge this Fall season and I am jumping on the {band}wagon :o) Wow. . . I am such a loser - I apologize - lol!

1) Urban Expressions Leon Bag available at baghaus - I am SO happy that I found this incredibly affordable line of vegan, eco-friendly bags!! - $65
2) Urban Expressions Stella Bag from baghaus - Love the slight motorcycle feel of this purse! - $63
3) Urban Expressions Emily Bag at baghaus - $64
4) Alex Tote in Metallic by Banana Republic - $250
5) Melie Bianco Amelia in Camel available at Piperlime - Camel is going to be a seriously popular color this season - it's so chic and simple. - $99
6) Frye Vintage Stud in Gray from Piperlime - $328
7) Khaki Vegan Adore by Matt & Nat - Oh, how I love Matt & Nat!! - $235
8) Escape Studs Crossbody Bag in Cognac by Jessica Simpson - Take note that a lot of these bags are crossbody-style like this purse, such a popular choice right now. - $59.99
9) Black Vegan Holly by Matt & nat - $240

Tomorrow, our last Fall 2010 Trend - Feminine Jewels!

9.08.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Spat Boots

I'm going to be totally honest in telling you all that I just wasn't sure what Piperlime was talking about when they had Spat Boots as their #8 Top Fall 2010 Trend. So before I even started exploring the trend, I researched what they were and how they came about. It turns out that spats originated as a type of shoe accessory wealthy young men wore in the late 19th and early 20th century. They were stiff fabric covers attached to the top of the shoe that extended up the lower part of the leg. Today, most spat-style shoes take boot form with foldover cuffs and almost all have a menswear feeling to them. I'm so excited that I've found a love for this fun, edgy trend!!

1) Sigerson Morrison Spat Flat Over the Knee Boots in Nero Black from shopbop.com - I love that these have an exposed zipper down the back and can be word cuffed! - $795
2) Christian Louboutin Armony Ankle Boots with Removable Cuff available at Saks Fifth Avenue - These are in true spat style!! - $1395
4) Steve Madden Carlsen in Taupe at Piperlime - A completely affordable way to participate in the current trend :o) - $89
5) Gentle Souls On The Ridge in T. moro suede available at Piperlime - $275
7) Mia Limited Edition Buckingham at Piperlime - $229
8) L.A.M.B Signature Collection Women's Rosebury available at shoes.com - $365.40
9) Steven by Steve Madden Maryn in Cognac from Piperlime - These have officially been added to my "Must Have" List!! - $229

Tomorrow - Saddle Handbags!!

9.07.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Blanket Sweaters

Moving on to the second Fall 2010 Trend this week - Blanket Sweaters!! If you remember my Wish List from a few weeks ago about Boyfriend Cardigans, you'll see why I love this trend so much :o)

1) Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Navajo Reversible Blanket Cardigan available at Nordstrom - Reversible?!?!? WIN!! - $495
2) Trina Turk Marl Cardigan in Ecru from Piperlime - $198
4) Dex Twisted Cable Cardigan at Piperlime - $79
5) Dex Cardigan from Piperlime - $88
6) Dex Pointenelle Collar Cardigan available at Piperlime - $79
7) Vince Sweater Blanket Coat from Bergdorf Goodman - I need this coat, how warm and cozy!! - $375
8) Vince Double Layer Drape Cardigan available at Piperlime - $325

Tomorrow's Trend - Spat Boots!!

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Faux Fur

After a wonderful holiday weekend break full of football, family and food, baci is back in gear with the next two Fall 2010 Trends!! Today it's all about fur - Faux Fur, of course :o)


1) Manderson Leather Jacket by BB Dakota available at Piperlime - $300
2) Juicy Couture Faux Fur and Tweed Jacket at Saks Fifth Avenue - I adore the simplicity of this look! - $358
3) Free People Faux Fur Trimmed Herringbone Parka Jacket from bloomingdale's - Less can be more. - $248
4) Women's faux Fur Vest in Tan from Old Navy - An affordable first step into faux furs. - $36.50
6) Juicy Couture Faux Fur Vest from Piperlime - $228
7) Faux Fur Collar Bomber Jacket by Rebecca Taylor from Bergdorf Goodman - In love with the simplicity of this jacket!! - $495
8) Milly Faux Fur Cheetah Jacket at bloomingdale's - $450
9) MARC by Mar Jacobs Gemini Fur Collar Coat available at Bergdorf Goodman - Here's that military inspiration again!! - $758

9.03.2010

Blossom Accents - Guest Wish List

I'm super excited again because today we have the opportunity to feature our SECOND Guest Wish List!! That means this little idea I had in my head has caught on and you all are enjoying not only reading it, but being featured in it. . . that truly means the world to me :o)

Today I am happy to announce that my dear friend and fellow stationery designer, Agnes Szlapka of Blossom Accents is our Guest Wish List Blogger!! Agnes is seriously the most talented artist I have ever met - each piece of stationery she designs starts with a hand-sketched piece of artwork. How she finds the time to be so creative amazes me because Agnes is also a full-time nurse in Cleveland! Agnes and I first became friends on Twitter {follow her here} when she asked if I was planning on attending the 2010 National Stationery Show in New York. Well, I wasn't, but as soon as she put the bug in my ear I just had to go! So Agnes and I made plans to officially meet at the show - we sat through an incredibly helpful seminar held by Get Married's Stacie Francombe about social media of all things - lol! Later that evening we partied it up at the event's launch party with our husbands and a few other new found friends. We had such a wonderful time that we've continued getting together ever since that trip to New York! I'm so lucky to call such a kind, good-humored and incredibly talented person my friend - thank you Agnes for being one of baci's featured Guest Wish List Bloggers!! Here's what she had to say. . .


My Wish List!


These are a few things on my wish list that come and go. . . and a few I long for daily. I've tried to pick a little bit of both. So here they are! Thank you, Amanda, for inviting me to your Wish List Series!

1) I already married the man of my dreams - my prayer was answered! Now my wish for our marriage is of course to “Grow Old Together”. To live each day happily with passion and love. That will be the best wish to come true! The picture above says it all - true blessing! {Source: Chicken Scratch}

2) Anyone that knows me, also knows that I LOVE to travel. The world is such an interesting place, so full of many wonderful and exciting things to see, experience, feel, EAT. . . so, my next vacation destination is Italy, like seen in the photo above. {Source: Travel Reports}

3) On my mind for some time now are these Le Creuset Cast Iron Pots from Williams-Sonoma. I'm always on the lookout for a healthy and safe lifestyle. Cooking with cast iron pots has proven to be the most beneficial all-around, it even releases small traces of iron into your food which one needs to make healthy blood cells (here is the nurse in me. . .) - way better than whatever teflon releases!!! These are somewhat pricey, but will last forever and only get better with age.

4) There is nothing more that gets me into a workout routine (besides the obvious like health benefits - which doesn't work as well - lol) like a cute and stylish outfit! I need to find some time and go to a local Lululemon Athletica Boutique not too far from me and get some tanks, pants, shorts. . .

** If you would like to be considered for a spot as a Guest Wish List Blogger, please contact Amanda {amanda@bacidesigner.com} with your interest - we'd love to hear from you!!

Handpicked - Falls 2010 Trends, Skinny Cords

All you need is one simple pair of new pants to be spot on for this next Fall Trend - Skinny Cords! Wear these softer replacement for denim with cute flats, sexy heels or tucked into your favorite Fall boots!

1) Artisan De Luxe Skinny Cord by Free People in Charcoal - Super cute zipper and eyelet details on the ankle make these skinny cords stand out amongst the crowd! - $198
2) Current/Elliot The Skinny Cords in Dark Charcoal available at Piperlime - $198
3) Taylor Low-rise Super Skinny Cord in Turkish Coffee at dELiA's - CHEAP FIND!!! - $14.99
4) Toothpick Cord in Champagne from J. Crew - LOVE the gold zipper detail on these. - $79.50
5) Women's Skinny Cords in Cinder Smoke available at Old Navy - $29.50
7) Joe's Jeans The Chelsea Cords in Black at Piperlime -Quite possibly the most perfect black cords! - $139
8) Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Cords in Dark Navy available at Piperlime - $198

9.02.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Vintage Details

This is seriously my absolute favorite Fall Trend - Vintage Details! In actuality, it's my favorite trend any time - I adore anything vintage and each day I attempt to incorporate something vintage (or at least something new that looks old) into my wardrobe. Take today, for example, I'm wearing a modern bubble dress with a antiqued bib necklace similar to this one from White House | Black Market!

When out and about seeking a vintage look, check out anything silky, full of sequins or lace and you'll be on the right track! J. Crew. . . as you can see from my picks. . . always has wonderfully romantic vintage wear :o)

1) Betsey Johnson Calandra in Silver available at Piperlime - Celeb-stylist Rachel Zoe has a thing for these statement pumps. . . "They're kind of a 1940's classic, but on trend. And they have a fun thing about them." (Source: Piperlime) - $150
2) Delmy Zip Vest in Dark Charcoal from J. Crew - $128
4) Peony Crystal Necklace available at J. Crew - $135
5) Beaming Blossom Earrings from J. Crew - Rustic Gold, like in these earrings, is a simple way to incorporate a vintage feel into your look. - $58
6) Buena Notte Bag at J. Crew - $188
7) Sanctuary Boudoir Tank in Vintage Ivory available at Piperlime - $108
8) Arlyn Cardigan at J. Crew - Chiffon panels + sequins = AWESOME! - $178
9) Beyond Vintage V-neck Polka Dot Dress from Piperlime - $286

9.01.2010

Handpicked - Fall 2010 Trends, Lace-up Boots

This Fall Trend feels one part 1990's Doc Martens, one part military and one part granny :o) Lace-up Boots, like them or not, are here! From sexy stiletto-heels to motocross inspired, Lace-up Boots are going to be everywhere this Fall. Once again, if you're going rugged on your feet, keep your outfit sweet and feminine to even your look out.

1) Hive and Honey Haley in Cognac from Piperlime - These boots offer a "safe" step into Lace-up Boots if you're not ready to take the full front laces plunge! - $198
2) Bucco Women's 17-207 Lace-up Boots in Black or Grey available on Overstock.com - I could have easily included these in yesterday's Military Inspired Post! - $59.99
4) Elizabeth and James Lizzy in Black Leather from Zappos.com - The feminine side of Lace-up Boots - $389
5) Frye Veronica Motocross Boot in Slate available at Nordstrom - I LOVE these, there is something so simple and sexy about them. - $278
6) Frye Women's Heath Lace-up in Dark Brown Vintage from Shoes.com - Pair these with a short, flowy sundress - heavenly!- $238.40
9) L.A.M.B Glamette in Black available at Piperlime - The polar opposite of work boot lace-ups! - $595

Tomorrow - Vintage Details!