Handpicked | Mother's Day Gifts

Hey Everyone!  Mother's Day is coming up, and here are a few ideas to help you get the perfect gift for your mom!  Courtesy of my favorite gift site ever, gifts.com, where you can pick personality types, age, and themes for all your gifts.  Here's a few ideas that I'm thinking about using. :)

1) Teleflora's Peek-a-Bird Bouquet from Teleflora - $50.96 - All mom's love a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and how fitting that it includes a momma bird and her baby :)
2) Heart Character Mug from PersonalCreations.com - $16.99 - Put the whole family on her future favorite mug to warm her heart.
3) Photo College Tote from RedEnvelope - $29.99 - Get her a new bag so she can show off her family to everyone she passes by!
4) Conair FB52 Foot Spa, Massaging Hydrotherapy from Macy's - $59.99 - All mothers deserve a night off their feet with a comforting massage.
5) Mother Daughter Letter Book from Uncommon Goods - $38.00 - A really neat idea to create keepsake letters between a mother and daughter to be passed down for generations and generations.
6) Suzanne Handprint and Footprint Frame from Pottery Barn Kids - $62.00 - What a great gift this would make for all the new moms out there!
7) Edge Brownie Pan from Vat19 - $34.99 - I know my mom personally loves brownies, and I'm sure she's not the only one.  Here's a cool idea to have brownies that all have an edge on them!
8) Mama's Big Book of Little Lifesavers from Amazon - $10.91 - Because moms always save the day, why not add to her list of lifesavers.
9) "My Family, My Joy" Personalized Birthstone Bracelet from The Bradford Exchange - $99.00 - You can never go wrong with jewelry, especially when it includes her family.

New shirley | edith Graduation Card!!

To go along with all the "Dad's and Grads" fun you'll soon see, we're releasing our newest shirley | edith card today - our Graduation Card! This congratulatory card, along with all of the cards in the shirley | edith couture kraft occasions line, is made from 100% recycled brown bag paper and comes with a matching 100% recycled brown bag envelope.

If you have a graduate, like me :), be sure to check out our Etsy Shop to purchase your Graduation Card!


In other shirley | edith news, we've had some of our designs featured in some great Etsy Treasuries recently!!  We loved the Awesome Adjectives Etsy Treasury List by leeleedeetee that featured our Awesome Card!

Our 2011 Mother's Day Card made it on to Cait's MOTHER earth LOVE Treasury List!  Thanks Cait!

A big THANK YOU to Stacy who put our "You're Welcome" Card on her Earth Day 2012 Treasury Listings!

 Another gorgeous Treasury featuring our 2011 Mother's Day Card by Jaya Senthil called Earthy and Eco-friendly!

And most recently our 2011 Mother's Day Card was also featured in Hi Mom! by Joan Baker!  A big thank you to all of you who featured our cards :o)

Sunday Funday, #31

The wedding season is right around the corner, and what a cool picture idea to incorporate into your big day!

{Photo by Dorothy Gautreaux Photography via weheartit.com}

Update :: Custom Stationery Design Process

A small sneak peek at the stationery we created for a recent photo shoot with Arielle Doneson Photography!

As a first step in baci's rebranding process, we're changing a few things about our Custom Stationery Design Process. Currently, each stationery suite we design is 100% unique and original to each client - no two suites are the same, nor will we ever reuse the same design for another client.  Creating something so one-of-a-kind and specific to each client's specifications takes a large amount of time and preparation - educating the clients on printing and stock options, meetings to nail down the design concept, requesting costs from various vendors to create proper estimates, actual creation of estimates, contract writing and and that's all before any creative work even begins.

In order to express to our potential clients how valuable our time is and how priceless our professional expertise and eye for design is, starting in May we will no longer be offering Free Custom Stationery Consultations as we have in the past.  Going forward, there will be an initial $50 non-refundable charge for all Custom Stationery Design jobs before we will take you on as a potential client.  This $50 fee will go towards your final costs should you choose to work with us, but it is non-refundable otherwise.

We simply hope this attracts clients who are truly serious about having something gorgeous and one-of-a-kind created especially for them as a sneak peek into their wedding day.  As always, we are happy to work within any budget, however, keep in mind that a wedding stationery suite (invitation, reception card, reply card) typically begins at a minimum of $180 for design time alone, that is not including any stock, printing, envelopes or addressing.

Very often we have people ask us for a "rough idea" of how much this or that would cost - while we would love to be able to do so, it is nearly impossibly due to the nature of our product.  Each client has different taste levels (digital printing vs. letterpress), guest counts (25 to 500) and stationery requirements (digital replying, accommodations/directions information needed, etc.) so knowing how much something costs for Custom Stationery Design off-hand is not plausible.

We have a lot of very wonderful things in store during our rebranding process and we're incredibly happy that you're all a part of it!  Thank you in advance for your patience throughout the next several months :o)

baci designs | Abby + Brianna's 30th Birthday Party {Kent, Ohio}

 Last month I had the pleasure of working on an incredibly fun 30th Birthday Party!  It was for our friend, Abby, and her twin sister, Brianna, at Bistro on Main (such a yummy place!) in Kent.

Abby and her hubby, Paul, reached out to me originally to create invitations for the event - Abby said, "Do whatever you like, I trust you," and those are maybe the most exciting words a custom stationery designer can hear :o)  So I ran with the feminine and trendy energy Abby herself exudes and designed beautiful Vintage-esque Lavender and Grey Chevron Invitations - they are one of my new favorites (I think I say that each time I design something new - lol!)!  Finished off with a Grey Envelope and Gregory Peck stamps (you'll be seeing those on Jami + Eric's Wedding Stationery, too - I adore them!) - the invitations were the perfect sneak peek into the event.

A few weeks before the party, Paul also asked me to create a cupcake topper and some floral centerpieces for the table - I was thrilled to be able to create more gorgeousness to compliment my original design!  I was a bit nervous though.  I've done a lot of floral work for myself here at home, as well as for baci events like Bridal Shows and such, but this would be my first official floral job for a client.  Everyone loved the centerpieces I created - it was just the confidence boost I needed to add Floral Design to the list of baci's services!!

Forgive the photo quality - the restaurant was very, very dark and unfortunately this was the best I could do.  Everything looks pink in the photos, but I promise it was all purple to match the stationery, lol!  I used a combination of wax, football mums, dark purple South American carnations and limonium in some recently purchased milk glass (which I ADORE!) and a few DIY'd silver glitter vase cubes.  It was elegant and sparkly with that same vintage quality from the invitations.

 

Once again, I apologize for the photos, but I had to at least share the adorable coordinating cupcake topper and "Happy Birthday" banner I created - they were the perfect addition to the yummy cupcake tower :o)

Wedding Wednesday | Chaviano Couture 2012 Collection "How Fair is Your Love"

The lovely Annette of Chaviano Couture has done it again - her 2012 Collection, "How Fair is Your Love", is breathtakingly beautiful!  It's ethereal and elegant all at the same time.  Here are a few of my favorites from the new line.

Ivy

Ginny

Natalie Bolero Jacket

Valentina

Lily Bodice

Enjoy the rest of the eye candy from the collection in the Chaviano Couture 2012 Lookbook!

baci loves. . . The New Vera Wang Wedgewood Collection

When Ilario and I were married many, many moons ago (I've recently come to the realization that we're the "old married couple" among our friends - why it took me this long to notice, who knows!), we registered for the Grosgrain Collection of Vera Wang Wedgewood China.  I have several place settings and I actually use them (sadly most people don't even register for China anymore because they don't think they're useful) and adore them - honestly, they couldn't be prettier!  So when I got the most recent newsletter from Vera saying their was a new addition to the Wedgewood Collection, I had to check it out.

Isn't it gorgeous?!?!?  I think a few pieces would look very nice with my Grosgrain Collection (hint, hint)!

Handpicked | Ruche Bridal Collection

It's no secret that I'm in love with Ruche, so when they recently released their own Bridal Collection my heart did a little flip!!  One peek at their To Have and To Hold Lookbook and I was in total love :o)  So I dove in to the collection and Handpicked my nine favorite pieces (what a rough life I lead, lol!).  Enjoy!

1)  Audrey - $249.99 - The perfect vintage silhouette!
2)  Hydrangea Dress - $145.99 - I would kill to wear this as a bridesmaid dress :o)
3)  Rose Pale Pink Dress - $58.99 - Simple, yet elegant - love it!
4)  Forever Fancy Rosette Bolero - $76.99 - I must find a way to incorporate this into my own non-wedding wardrobe, lol!
5)  Exquisite Adornment Clutch - $54.99 - The mint tone of this is fantastic!
6)  True Adulation Pearl Gloves - $24.99 - These would be the perfect addition to the Audrey. . .
7)  Just Because Heels - $99.99 - . . . as would these ;o)
8)  Ever Thine Taupe Fascinator - $42.99 - Heavenly!!
9)  Love You Open Toe Heels - $49.99 - I need to own these shoes, ASAP!

Another little bonus to add to this already amazing thing - Ruche also released the most fabulous Wedding Bliss Guide full of great tips, advice and DIYs!!!  The Bridesmaid Styling Tips are my favorite - I would love to see an ombré bridesmaid ensemble :o)

Reminder :: Bridal and Beyond Spring Bridal Fair this Sunday 4/22!

REMINDER!! Baci is heading to Solon for Bridal and Beyond Production's 2012 Spring Bridal Fair!  

The Bridal Fair will be from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM on Sunday, April 22nd at Signature of Solon, located at 

39000 Signature Drive, Solon, Ohio 44139.

Along with baci, the event will include some of Northeast Ohio's best vendors!  To register to attend click here and sign up today!  All tickets sales will benefit Wish Upon a Wedding - an organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples with terminal illnesses and other life altering circumstances.

We hope we'll see you there! :)

baci loves. . . Vera Wang Spring 2013 Bridal Collection

Miss Vera has done it again - her Spring 2013 Bridal Collection is so breathtakingly beautiful and edgy (Bridal gowns in color?!?  Swoon!!) that I'm literally at a loss for words!  See some of my favorites below just to get a taste of what I mean :o)

| Cardinal strapless ballgown with hand-rolled floral detail skirt and horsehair trim |

| Dahlia strapless ballgown with notched neckline and lifted tulle skirt with crystal embroidered detail |

| Scarlett mermaid gown with tiered, micro–bias bodice and inverted flange skirt with abstract floral shoulder corsage detail |

| Dahlia strapless open back, V-neck ballgown with lifted tulle skirt and tiered flange, hand-cut petal embroidered |

| Scarlett strapless ballgown with tulle panel skirt and embellished flange appliqué and hand-rolled floral, Chantilly lace detail |

baci's headed to NOTO Fashion Show!

The Northside Fashion Show from NOTO is a must attend event in the upcoming weeks!  We'll be there, will you?  Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. on May 5th and the show will start promptly at 8:00 p.m.  Located in Downtown Akron, NOTO will start with the Featured Designer Challenge, where local fashion experts can show off their designs, and then carry into NOTO's new fashion line.

It should be a fantastic time!  

The location of the event is:

Northside Lofts

21 Furnace Street

Akron, Ohio 44308

To be a part of this great experience, purchase your tickets here today!

Wedding Wednesday | Vera Wang Black Collection

Prepare yourself ladies, Vera Wang is releasing a BLACK by Vera Wang Collection at Men's Wearhouse that features two of the hottest tuxedos for our main men.  With the wedding season fast approaching, your guy will need to be looking his best to match your hot, new dress.  These tuxedos are definitely fashionable.... and sexy. ;)

{Images via Vera Wang}

baci's baking | S'more Pie

I know I keep talking about summer, but it LITERALLY is almost here!!  At least for me... (Graduation is approaching...ahhh!)  S'mores automatically get associated with summer and bonfires, so why not make them in pie form?  Who doesn't love pie?  Here's a great recipe to impress all your future bonfire-goers!

Image from Disney FamilyFun

S'more Pie

Recipe from Disney FamilyFun

(Printer Friendly Link)

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 1/4 cups sugar

6 tablespoons butter, softened

4 egg yolks

1/4 cup cornstarch

6 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla abstract
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375*.  In a mixing bowl combine graham crackers and 1/4 cup sugar.  Add 4 tablespoons of the butter, rubbing it in with a pinching motion until evenly distributed.  Press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow the crust to cool.
2. Beat the egg yolks in a medium bowl and set them aside.  Combine the remaining cup of sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan.  Set the pan over medium heat and gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.  Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove the pan from the heat.
3. Whisk 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the egg yolks.  Repeat with 1 cup of the chocolate mixture, then return the chocolate and egg mixture to the saucepan.  Boil over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove the pan form the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the vanilla extract.  Pour the filling in the pie shell and allow it to cool at least 15 minutes, or chill it in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Just before serving, heat the oven to broil.  Cover the pie with the mini marshmallows and broil i on the uppermost rack for about 30 seconds or until the marshmallows are lightly browned.  (Watch carefully, or the marshmallows will burn.)  Serve warm or chilled.  Serves 8.

Sunday Funday, #30

For all you lovebirds out there getting married in the fall, don't forget to send your Save the Dates!  

Here's a super cute idea if you're just getting started!

{Source: Weddingbee}

Local Places We Love | Pittsburgh, Akron + Surrounding Areas

When Jami visited a few weeks ago over her Spring Break I took a few days off and we decided to explore a little bit!!  For our first day trip, we chose to head a few hours east to Pittsburgh - a trip, of course, anchored by Ikea :o)  After spending way too much money there (Jami was well-behaved, I bought an entire bedroom set - photos to come later!) and getting lost in Crafton (long story!) we ended up in the fun Eastside Area!

Pittsburgh
BRGR - We landed at BRGR and it was just what we needed after getting lost - a gorgeous, western-decorated venue with a fantastic indoor/outdoor seating area.  A few beers (they had Breckenridge Avalanche - my favorite!) and some tasty appetizers (Fried Pickles, BRGR Fries with Truffle Cheese Whiz and Grilled Cheese Bites - YUM!!) later we were happily full and planning our next trip back to Pittsburgh just to visit BRGR :o)

Vanilla Pastry Studio - After yumminess at BRGR, Jami and I walked just down the street to the adorable Vanilla Pastry Studio.  Clad in pretty pinks and pastel greens, the bakery was the perfect place to tantilize our tastebuds :o)  We ordered a delicious Strawberry Shortcake cupcake and some Chocolate Truffle cookies for the road!  Definitely worth a visit next time around :o)

After our trek across state lines, Jami and I decided we would take a day to venture around to some fun, local spots.  A few I was already in love with and a few were new even to me!!

Kent
Wild Goats Cafe - Jami and I started our day out in Kent where Ilario and I both went to college - it has certainly changed a lot since we roamed the streets!  One of the places that hasn't changed is Wild Goats Cafe - why I'd never been there before is beyond me.

We walked into the quaint little restaurant only to be greeted with amazing bakery sights (cinnamon rolls the size of your head!) and smells (did I mention the cinnamon rolls?!?!).  After ordering two flavored hot chocolates (raspberry for me, peanut butter for Jami - AMAZING!), we finally settled on food choices (Fresh Mozzarella on Pretzel Bread with a side of Griddle Fried Cheese Grits for me and The California on Ciabatta with a side of Pepper Jack Bacon Mac and Cheese for Jami - we split everything because it was too good not to share!).  The staff is incredible friendly and the food is to die for - highly recommended :o)

Figleaf - After our tasty lunch, we headed further down the street to one of my new favorites places - Figleaf!  This open and airy clothing boutique is organized by color (which truly satisfies the OCD portion of my brain, lol!) and is full of the latest styles and fashions for very affordable prices.  It's wonderful :o)

Monroe Falls
Cupcake Binge! - Our next stop was a pleasant, unplanned surprise!  While driving through Monroe Falls, we got stopped by the traffic light and noticed a word that caught our eyes "CUPCAKE"!!  Needless to say, we made a unanimous decision to turn the car around and take a look :o)

Cupcake Binge! is a new cupcake bar - a literal bar with booze and cupcakes!  If you ask me, it doesn't get any better than that :o)  Surprisingly, it does get even better once you taste the amazing organic cupcakes - Jami and I opted for a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Explosion.  We'll certainly be going back there again!!

Akron
The Bomb Shelter - I don't think I'll ever be able to describe the awesomeness that is The Bomb Shelter - a 12,000 square foot "Retro Superstore" - other than to say Jami and I were in heaven.  Antique pickers heaven :o)  From the vintage claw-foot tub when you walk in to the old school posters hanging on the wall - if you love anything vintage, retro or antique you must visit The Bomb Shelter!  I left with a slew of milk glass (YAY!) and Jami left drooling, lol!

NOTO - After the Bomb Shelter, we headed off to see the lady who told me about the amazing shop - Lauren of NOTO!  Nestled in the Mocha Maiden area of Downtown beside Urban Eats and Musica, NOTO is hands down my favorite local clothing boutique to shop - not only do I get to visit with the lovely Lauren while I peruse, but she is so great at styling that I always end up leaving knowing a unique way to wear what I bought :o)  Definitely a must when downtown!

Bonus:  NOTO is hosting The Northside Fashion Show on Saturday, May 5th at Northside Lofts!  I can't wait :o)

UnCorked Wine Bar - After a little bit of shopping, Lauren suggested we stop in at UnCorked Wine Bar in the space above NOTO (after she told me about The Bomb Shelter, I definitely listen to her suggestions - lol!).  A few glasses of wine and a cheese platter later in the chic, modern gallery-type space and Jami and I couldn't have been happier!

Cuyahoga Falls
Room 9 Boutique - One quick last stop that day for us at Room 9 Boutique here in Cuyahoga Falls and we were spent :o)  Jami and I have a serious love for the fun, little clothing boutique - we always end up finding something we just have to have!!

Flury's Cafe - Earlier in the week, Jami, Intern Brittany and I all went out for lunch at Flury's Cafe and I certainly couldn't leave it out of our local places because it is SO tasty :o)  In fact, during Ilario's Spring Break this week we went again.  I recommend the Biscuits and Gravy - they'll melt your brain with their yumminess!

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery - This might not be a place we visited while Jami was in town, but it's too wonderful not to mention!  Located in the old Golden Goose building at the corner of State and Broad - this fabulous, organic european-style cafe does not disappoint.  Must trys when you visit:  Anything on the specials menu (they're always unique and delicious!), Nueske Bacon and their rich, creamy hot chocolate!!

Products We Love | Ilario

Products I Love

Here are a few products I could not live without!

#1 My Smartphone
I know my HTC EVO 4G is a little dated now, but I absolutely need to have my phone with me at all times. It is a connection to my family, friends and, yes, even work. I know many people dislike the fact that they are available 24/7, but I embrace it. I attempt to respond to many of the calls, texts, emails I receive and reply to outside of "normal" business hours as possible and my phone saves me the time of walking into the office, "waking" the computer, and checking my email. If the email does not need responded to immediately, I just mark as "unread" and continue with my day :) Additionally, I pair my cell phone with many of the programs below, which continue to make it a more powerful tool.

#2 Google Apps
I use Google for everything! My personal, professional, and student life are all more organized because of Google and it's suite of apps. The ability to upload any document, picture, or other file and have it easily and instantly shared with anyone is a life-saver! You can even edit documents simultaneously with another individual for true collaboration whether you are sitting in the same room with the person or are miles away! Calendar is my #1 app. If it's not in my calendar, it didn't happen :)

#3 Dropbox
Here's one I definitely could not live without. Dropbox is a program that allows you to synchronize folders and files across multiple computers. There is also a web version for times when you are on a public computer and you can access any of your files from your smartphone or tablet. Dropbox gives you 2GB of free space and anything that you place in the Dropbox folder is automatically synchronized to the cloud. I use this for all of my work files so I can prepare lessons at home and they are automatically downloaded to my computer at work when I log in. You can even make files or folders public and/or share folders with another Dropbox user (be sure you trust this individual because anything they put in the folder is automatically downloaded to your computer). One other issue, is that if someone else deletes a file it is removed from your computer, however, Dropbox keeps track of all events to your folder and you may restore lost files or versions!

#4 Evernote / Diigo
These are two separate apps have similar uses. a) Evernote allows me to create, organize and share "notebooks" that are filled with documents, pictures, web-clippings, voice recordings, etc. I can easily make a new notebook, add materials, and share (or not share) that notebook with someone who can view or edit, if I give them that privilege. I've gone to a workshop with a co-worker and shared a notebook with them before it started. We split up and went to different sessions, though we placed all our notes in the same notebook, so at the end of the workshop we each had information from all of the sessions. b) Diigo on the other hand is more of a bookmarking site. It does allow for text, voice, picture, and bookmark notes, though the interface is different. I use Diigo for many of the same instances as I use Evernote, however, though there is a sharing feature, I use it more for quick notes to myself rather than a notebook of information.

#5 Endomondo
Honestly, I do not work out as much as I could and probably should, but when I do go for a run, bike ride, or play a sport, I use Endomondo. For sporting events, it is easy to log on to the website and input the sport and time spent. If you have a heart rate monitor, you can input that information and Endomondo will calculate the number of calories burned. Where Endomondo shines, however, is for sports that require movement across distances, such as running, biking, kayaking, etc. The program uses the GPS capability of the phone to track distance, altitude, and time which it will then upload to the site and overlay on a Google Map! There is also a social feature that allows you to see what your friends have been doing during their workout sessions and set up challenges with them if you'd like. Additionally, there are also public events which you can search for on the website. Finally, another cool feature is the coach and inspiration feature. As you are running, biking, kayaking, etc, there is a virtual coach that will chime in during your workout (if you want) and give you updated information on lap times or amount of workout left if you set a goal. The inspiration feature allows your friends to write messages to you that will be played through your headphones as you are working out! All this and you can still listen to your music!

Above is just a small list of products that I truly feel can be, and are, utilized on a daily basis (ok, maybe not Endomondo - but you get the picture) and I could not function without. I hope you have found a few new items that will help you get organized or fit and maybe even a new found respect for that smartphone in your purse or pocket.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Feel free to contact me: ilario {at} bacidesigner {dot} com or comment on this post.