3.30.2012

Amanda's Current Wish List | Anthropologie in the Living Room

It's been way too long since I've done a wish list myself. . . and you know I am still wishing for things, lol ;o)  I've been thinking a lot recently about getting a few new things for our living/dining room and I thought why not combine my need for updates with my love for all things Anthropologie!  Enjoy!!


1)  Celestial Coasters in Pink Panther - Peach is one of my favorite colors and I think adding a nice pop of it into our living room would be fabulous. . . plus our current coasters are seriously worthless, lol!
2)  Cotswold Bench Ottoman - In preparation for future babies (no, I'm not pregnant!), I'd like to swap out our coffee table for a gorgeous ottoman like this one - heavenly!
3)  Decker Bookshelf - I've been looking for a rustic bookshelf like this for years, now if only I could find one I could afford!
4)  Forestry Guard Knob Owl - We have an old china cabinet in our dining room and I love it, but it's hardware needs a serious update - these cute little owls would provide the perfect whimsical touch!

3.29.2012

Escort Cards vs. Place Cards

{Place Card Image by Shannon Kelley Photography}
Brides are often confusing escort cards and place cards - sometimes they aren't really even sure what purpose they serve or if they even need them.  I thought I'd take some time today to explain the difference and the reason behind both!

Escort Cards
Escort cards are the first thing your guests see when they enter your reception venue.  These little bad boys let people know what table they'll be sitting at.  Escort cards are incredibly useful because they let your guests know you took the time to think about who they would have an enjoyable evening sitting with.  Having table numbers assigned also cuts down on unused place settings - you'll have each table filled to its capacity and will know exactly how many you need.  Many times when escort cards aren't used there are empty seats at tables because an odd number sat at the table - rarely will one guest come and fill that vacant seat.  Also, if you have a large family attending your wedding they might have to sit separately if they aren't assigned a table ahead of time.

Escort cards should be arranged alphabetically by last name.  It's great to have a few people act as greeters to help people find their cards and speed up the process.  The cards can be written with a single guest's name or with couples/families - either way is acceptable, your decision may be made due to space availability or cost savings.  The cards should have the table number or name displayed on them.  An escort card addressed for an unmarried couple should list the guest who is closest with the couple first.

Creating a seating arrangement for your wedding can be incredibly stressful, but I swear it eases the anxiety on the actual day making all the work worth it!  It's also a fun way to show off your creative side by designing a gorgeous display for your escort cards :o)


Place Cards
Place cards assign your guests a specific place at their reception table.  These cards are 100% necessary for the head table where the bridal party will be seated - it creates much needed organization.  For guest tables, place cards are usually needed when serving a sit-down meal - they will denote what the guest is having so the server knows where to place each plate.  Place cards may also be helpful in situations where divorced parents will be seated at the same table, but should not be placed beside one another.

I hope that was helpful and you feel you learned a little something today ;o)  As always, we're here if you have any questions or need advice!

3.27.2012

baci's baking | Sugar Cookie Tacos

Hey Everyone! Spring is finally here, so why not try a new fruit recipe for your upcoming cook-outs!


Sugar Cookie Tacos
Recipe from What's Cookin' Girls
(Printer Friendly Link)

Ingredients:
1 package 18oz refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups of your favorite fruit - cut up

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease 2 baking sheets. Cover rounded forms such as rolling pins or cardboard tubes from paper towel roll with aluminum foil.
2. Cut cookie dough into 16 half inch thick slices. Press each slice on a slightly floured surface into a 3 inch round sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Bake cookies until lightly golden, but still soft, 7-9 min. Gently remove cookies from baking sheet and IMMEDIATELY drape over rounded forms (I found it easier to invert the forms, instead of laying it on top of the rounded form I put 2 rolls next to each other and draped the tinfoil over them pushing down in the middle, then I place the cookie in the middle, they did not break that way.... Clear as mud???? sorry)
4. Cool cookies until firm about 2 min. gently remove.
5. Beat whipping cream and sugar in large bowl with mixer on high until stiff. Fill each cookie with about 2 tablespoons and your favorite fruit.

3.26.2012

Handpicked | Spring Dresses

In honor of the beginning of Spring, I picked out nine beautiful dresses for the beautiful weather!!

1) Bisou Bisou Ruffle Top Belted Dress from JcPenney- $40 - I love the orange color with the cute brown belt (it adds a little something to the dress)!
2) Jones Wear Polka Dot Belted Dress from JcPenney - $60 - If you want to have "Pretty Women" style, this is the dress!!!
3) Joie "Sari" Drop Sleeve Silk Dress from Nordstrom - $294 - I love the plunging neckline on this dress.
4) Type Z Quinn from Zappos - $75 - You could wear this dress out to the club, or add a belt for a family get together.
5) Snap Button Chambray Dress from Forever 21 - $19.80 - How cute is this, I would pair it up with some cowgirl boots :)
6) Women's Printed-Chiffon Keyhole Dress from Old Navy - $29.94 - I know this isn't a typical "spring" dress but i love the keyhole, color, and the fabric!!!
7) Clever Chloe Floral One Shoulder Dress from LuLus - $41 - I love the print on this dress!
8) Costa Blanca Secret Forest Print Maxi Dress from LuLus - $84 - A maxi dress is a must in your closet for this Spring.
9) Spring dress from Etsy - $85 - How gorgeous is this dress?!?!

I don't know about you, but I love each and every one of these dresses.....to bad I can't buy all of them or my husband might be a little upset, ha, So I am giving you the opportunity to purchase them and let me know just how beautiful they are on you!!!!

3.25.2012

Sunday Funday, #28

This image comes to you from Bobbi + Mike when they were re-caping favorite images from 2010 and 2011: Rings and Things!

If you have never checked out the wonderful photography from Bobbi + Mike, please do, they are fabulous with a camera!!!!

3.22.2012

baci designs | Gina + Jeff's Custom Designed Wedding Invitation Suite {Youngstown, Ohio}


Another beautiful, elegant custom designed wedding invitation for you today!  Gina and Jeff's suite started off with a textured black linen pocket then we layered a matte red stock for backing and the pieces of the suite were printed on smooth, white cover - the scrolled design was inspired by a gorgeous pattern on Gina's dress!  The end result was sophisticated and so well put together :o)  Love it!




3.21.2012

Wedding Wednesday | Jaaci + Matt's Custom Wedding Invitation Suite {Defiance, Ohio}

I'm so happy to be sharing today's seriously fun invitation suite with you all!!  Jaaci and Matt's custom designed suite turned out even more beautiful than I could have imagined - polka dots are the best :o)

The cymbidium orchid green, white and black custom designed suite was created using a full bleed offset print on an amazingly thick piece of stock.  The adorable polka dots were continued from the suite onto the favor tags, too!

We're incredibly excited because the lovely Jaaci and Matt will be adding a little lady to the baci's babies clan - we couldn't be happier for the two of them :o)



3.20.2012

baci's baking | Strawberry Cheescake Cookies

With Spring and Summer approaching and the weather getting beautiful, I look for new and improved ways to incorporate fruits (they are 100x better when they are in season). I came across a picture of these Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookie and it looks DELICIOUS!!

Image from Tasty Kitchen
I found this recipe from Tasty Kitchen!
I look forward to making these soon. They make homemade cookies, but you can buy cookies from any local store as well.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Original Recipe from Tasty Kitchen
(Printer-friendly Link)

Ingredients
1 cup Shortening
¾ cups Sugar
¾ cups Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 whole Eggs
2-½ cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Chocolate Chips
1 box Cheesecake-flavored Pudding Mix, 3 Ounce Box
1 cup Milk
1-½ cup Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip)
1 pound Strawberries, Sliced Thick

Preparation Instructions
1) Heat oven to 350°F.
2) In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugars until creamy. Add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.
3) In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and salt) then add this into the shortening mixture and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and mix again.
4) Place the dough on a baking sheet using a cookie scoop to ensure the cookies are all the same size. Bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies will look undercooked. Remove from the pan immediately and allow to cool completely.

For the cheesecake frosting:
1) Mix to combine the pudding mix and milk until partially set. Fold in the whipped topping. Use more or less whipped topping depending on the flavor you want.

To assemble:
1) Spread a layer of cheesecake frosting on the bottom of half of the cookies. Add thick slices of strawberries then add another cookie on top of each and press gently to sandwich them together. Store in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.

ENJOY!!

3.19.2012

Handpicked | One Tree Hill Style

If you don't already know this, I love One Tree Hill. It's on Wednesday nights at 8pm on the CW.

While I was searching for the Glee style on the College Fashion Blog, I came upon a few from One Tree Hill, but I am only going to show you my favorite----so readers, you are super lucky :)

If you love "high" fashion, this is the girl to base your style off of.
brooke
I love Brooke Davis on TV...Her character, style, independence, and ability to make something small (like her clothing company) grow!!

All the information I am giving you comes from the College Fashion Blog - One Tree Hill: How to Dress like Brooke Davis!

About Brooke Davis’ Style

While at work, Brooke always finds the perfect balance of sex-appeal and professionalism. She relies on body-hugging dresses in sturdy fabrics to keep her style young and fresh. At home, her style is more casual – her go-to items being embellished tanks, cardigans and casual dresses.

So whether you’re heading to class, a lunch date or a work event, Brooke Davis’ wardrobe is a great inspiration! Below, I’ll show you how Brooke would dress for each occasion.

For Class

Although Brooke is down-to-earth, she always looks put-together and classy at school. She sticks to classic colors like black, grays, blues and browns to really let her clothing’s details, as well as her accessories, shine.

To get Brooke’s look, stock up on tanks and cardigans in different colors and tie everything together with a skinny belt to show off your silhouette without showing skin. Stick to dark-wash jeans, rather than light wash or distressed styles, to get Brooke’s stylish vibe.

class

{Product Information (Clockwise): Ruffle Tank – Charlotte Russe, Bracelet – ASOS, Cardigan – Target, Black Belt – ASOS, Silver Belt – J. Jill, Flats – Zappos, Rosette Tank – Kohls, Black Ruffle Tank – Express}

For Work

As a fashion designer, part of Brooke’s job is to always look the best she can. Her confidence is always evident in her clothing choices – form-fitting dresses, bare legs and arms and sky-high pumps. The trick to getting Brooke’s work look is to find a balance between showing your physique and always looking professional.

Obviously, Brooke’s style would not be appropriate for all dress codes. (And after all, she is a TV character – their wardrobes are always more exaggerated.) However, you can take inspiration from her wardrobe while shopping for clothing for any career. Don’t want to show as much skin? Add thick opaque tights and a cardigan over your dress. Another way to strike the right balance is to pay attention to the fabric of the item. There’s a big difference between tweed that is form-fitting and jersey that is form-fitting! Sturdy fabrics will flatter your body while still allowing you to feel covered up.

work

{Product Information: Pumps – Forever 21, Pencil Skirt – Forever 21, White Tank Dress – The Limited,  Necklace – Forever 21, Black Cocktail Dress – Forever 21, Sheath Dress – Nordstrom}

For Play

From Season One on, Brooke Davis has always been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to boys, dating and nightlife. As with her career, she favors dresses over pants for her weekend looks. She always oozes sex-appeal while still staying classy and sophisticated.

The main key to pulling off Brooke’s night-time look is confidence! Whether you rock a bandage dress with panel cut-outs or opt for a loose gold sheath, it’s all about having fun with fashion. On a college budget it is tough to invest in a vast array of dresses, but by stocking up on fun jewelry and shoes, you can completely change the look of any dress in your closet!

{Product Information: Ruched Dress – Forever 21, Cut-Out Dress – ASOS, Pumps – Nine West, Colored Necklace – Aldo, Black Necklace – Torrid, Cowl Neck Dress – Forever 21}

Tying it all Together

Brooke Davis is independent, driven and a true fashionista. She always has fun with fashion, whether she’s lounging at a ski lodge or attending a high-profile industry event. Her style is something that every girl can take inspiration from – even if the only take-away is her confidence.

After reading this article, I hope you fell in love with style!!!

3.18.2012

Sunday Funday, #27

Hey Everyone! As I head to spring break this week, I thought I'd share my wish to be on a beach for a week with you all! This is such a cute idea and creates a great picture!  I'll see everyone again on the 26th! :)


3.16.2012

baci's Display at the Every Blooming Thing Wedding Planning Event {Akron, Ohio}




This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to set up a display for baci at the Every Blooming Thing Wedding Planning Event at the Every Blooming Thing Floral Shop in Akron (which you really must check out - there are so many goodies to be had!!).  It was the most gorgeous day with sunlight shining in all of the big, beautiful windows and we had such a wonderful time!!  I also got the chance to hang out with amazing Scott and Kevin of Every Blooming Thing, the beautiful Margaret of JaNicki Photography, the super sweet Kris of Mayatux and the über talented Sonja of Poppy Designs - it was quit the fab group of people to be around :o)

Once again, I rented some awesomeness from HodgePodge Vintage Rentals - I don't know where I'd be without Maria ;o)  She provided the two rustic ladders that matched my vision perfectly!!  I then hung burlap bunting (once again handmade by the lovely Brittany!) alternated with twine-strung custom designed escort cards (made especially for the event).  Since we were at a floral shop we took the idea for our Abbey Rose Gift Sets and turned some of our favorite invitation suites (a few you've seen and a few more recent ones you might not have!) into "blooming" works of art!  We chose to display designs in greens, blacks, browns and blues to coincide with our rustic theme, but to also add a "pop" of color :o)


I accented baci's design work with a brand new hand-drawn baci chalkboard (it may be my new favorite thing EVER!), our fancy new boutique information cards, vintage letterpress forms, old books, a few bronzed tea lights, antique display forks (made by my Grandma's rockin' boyfriend, Howard!) and the cool terrarium Brittany created that made it's initial appearance at the JStyle Weddings Bridal Event.  I honestly was 100% in love with the way it all turned out and I hope you're smitten, too :o)






















3.15.2012

baci designs | Lisa + Craig's Custom Wedding Invitation Suite {Columbus, Ohio}


Today's custom stationery suite is perfect for this beautiful Spring weather!!  Lisa and Craig's wedding invitations are one of my favorite creations - it's so simple and sophisticated with the delicate dandelion design in navy on natural white linen.  I really love mixing up traditional shapes and sizes - when all three pieces were stacked up it looks incredible :o)  Enjoy some Thursday eye-candy!!





 {Images by Brandy J Photography}

3.14.2012

Wedding Wednesday | Bethany + Tyler's Custom Wedding Invitation Suite {Akron, Ohio}


Bethany and Tyler's invitation suite was such a fun design to work on and Bethany was so much fun to work with :o)  She couldn't be sweeter and it was fun to think she was a former student of my brother-in-law's!

I just love the way the blue thermography pops on the metallic silver stock!  The suite matched their beautiful December "Winter Wonderland" wedding perfectly :o)

3.13.2012

baci's baking | St. Patty's Day Meal

I love trying new foods, and what better way to do it than for St. Patty's Day :)

On the menu:
Guinness Float
Irish Stew 
Chocolate Stout Cupcakes

Picture of Guinness Float Recipe


Picture of Chocolate Stout Cupcakes Recipe

Hope you enjoy your St. Patty's Day!!!