Bellisimo

Aaaaaaaand we're off!

2011-11-06T22:15:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe it's "that" time of year already!!! We LOVE this time of year at Bellisimo & are excited about the new designs. Visit our website often, as Holiday designs are added daily!

http://thegivingbasket.com/christmas.html

The Best Gift Basket Ever

2011-06-23T12:53:00.006-04:00

Did you know that Gift Baskets can make you a rock star? Or that they are packed with the power of healing? Perhaps you weren't aware that the perfect gift basket has the ability to congratulate, apologize & even amaze? Who couldn't forgive after receiving a decadent basket of chocolate & confections, or feel better after surgery while filling their tummy with a basket of apple streusel muffins & a steaming cup of vanilla chai tea? The new parent's will be even more over-joyed while alternately munching on dk chocolate tea cookies, fresh Vermont cheddar & crisp peppercorn water crackers.

So if you didn't already know this, or even if you did we're glad you reminded you & can't wait to help you Say it Spectacular with a Gift Basket!

Re-Feather Your Nest

2011-06-11T14:02:00.005-04:00

Today Bellisimo is in Mendham at Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating for the Grand Opening of R Nest a specialty accessory boutique. Our dear friend Susan Hayes ahs created a wildly successful decorating company called Re-Feather Your Nest & has been wowing her clientle with spectacular ways to make their house feel like a home. Susan's newest venture is "R Nest" located within the Re-Feather design studio as a way to showcase the newest in decorating trends. This space is SPECTACULAR!!!!

It's been a blast here today seeing the looks on everyone's faces as the enter the showhouse. Tranquil shades of turquoises and taupes, with natural accessories envelope you the second you walk in. Stop in today at 2A Hilltop Ave in Mendham to enter to win a $200 gift basket compliments of Susan & Moi!

Wasn't it just Mother's Day??

2011-05-16T18:59:00.009-04:00

Time just passes too quickly! Father's Day is now just around the corner & we have some great gift ideas for your special man!

Happy MOther's Day!

2011-05-01T18:26:00.003-04:00

How sweet is this!

A fab choice for M-O-M this pretty box arrives with a sampler of Mrs. Fields 18 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 12 Brownie Bites and 2 frosted daisy cookies.
CALL NOW! 1-800-3-GIVING to place your order. Mention our blog and you will receive our preferred customer price of $35.

Tastefully Yours

2011-02-21T22:41:00.004-05:00

How cute is this favor? So cute that customers are sucking them up by the dozens and not just for party favors! They're perfect for those times when they need a little something!

"Smile, and say cheese!" The photographer at your special event will say that, but your guests will actually do that when you thank them with our bamboo-tiful "Tastefully Yours" Cheese Board favor. Heart-shaped and handsomely gift-boxed, the cheese board and bamboo spreader are truly a take-home treasure. Features and facts:

Stunning heart-shaped, bamboo cheese board with carved bamboo spreader accented with a tiny heart on the handle
Cheese board measures approximately 4 1/2" hi x 5" w x 5/16" d
Gift presentation includes subtly striped, sage green box with clear display cover, a brown belly band accented with an ivory ribbon and, at the center, a coordinated applique that describes the product
Gift box measures 5" h x 5 1/4" w x 1" d

http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/Heart-Cutting-Board.html

Irish Soda Bread - Italian Style

2011-02-17T20:40:00.005-05:00

While our Irish friends are already looking forward to St Patrick's Day, those of us who's name's end in a vowel will celebrate the Feast of St Joseph on March 19th.
Our friends honor St Patrick & we honor St Joseph.
Our friends will wear green and we will don red.
Our friends will drink green beer while we will enjoy wine.
Our friends love their Irish Soda Bread which is the equivilent to our St Joseph Zeppole! Try this recipe & celebrate St Joseph with us!

Sfinge di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Cream Puffs)

Sfinge:
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 TBSP sugar
Grated rind of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
1 cup sifted flour
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 TBSP Cognac or vanilla

Zeppole Recipe for St. Joseph's Day
Ingredients:

Pastry cream

2 cups milk, divided
1 tbsp lemon zest
1-2 cinnamon sticks
3 tbsp cornstarch
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Powdered Sugar for dusting
24 cherries (optional)
Preheat oven at 400 F.

Place the water, salt and butter in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and dump the flour in all at once, whisking it all in &
Cook, stirring constantly, until the dough starts to pull easily from the sides of the pan and forms a ball, about 3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir until lukewarm, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring in each one completely before adding the next egg.Stir in the vanilla. Cool completely.
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the dough into a pastry bag with a 1-inch star tip and pipe 2-inch rings onto the trays.
Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes, then at 375 F for 15-20 minutes until evenly browned. Cool.
Pastry Cream
In a small sauce pan bring 1 3/4 cup milk with the sticks and lemon zest to a boil.
Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup milk with the 3 tbsp cornstarch.
Mix well and set aside.
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
Return mixture to sauce pan and whisk in the milk cornstarch mixture. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
Remove from heat, pour in a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent from forming a skin.
Chill before using.
Assemble the zeppole:
Slice the choux pastry in half and fill the bottom half with the pastry cream. Replace top half and sprinkle with icing sugar.
Top with cherry if desired.
Refrigerate.

Happy Birthday to You!

2011-02-14T21:12:00.003-05:00

Wishing someone a happy birthday is a piece of cake with this festive gift box filled with bakery fresh delights: 36 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 18 Brownie Bites and two hand-frosted cookies. Under $45it's the perfect birthday treat!

"Traveltini" Martini Luggage Tag

2011-02-02T11:49:00.001-05:00

Seriously cute idea!

"Traveltini" Martini Luggage Tag

Thinking of You

2011-02-01T20:21:00.004-05:00

We LOVE what we do every day. Creating beautiful, memorable gift baskets & helping our customers to choose the "perfect" item to send their happy thoughts is creative and just plain fun.

There are, however, those occasions that aren't happy, nevertheless, they need to be acknowledged. Sadly, sending sympathetic thoughts are something that is requested on a daily basis here at The Giving Basket and we do it more tastefully than anyone.
While we can't change the recipients situation, we can assist you in acknowledging the situation with style and grace and truly letting your friends and co-workers know your thoughts are with them

Butterfly Soiree

2011-01-31T21:12:00.004-05:00

One of our newest & quickly becoming a popular fav! Nothing says special more than a gift personalized especially for the recipient, and at less than $50 this is a keepsake to remember forever. Our super-cute, super-soft blankets are perfecto!

http://www.thegivingbasket.com/babyblankets.html#null

Let the "Fin" Begin!

2011-01-10T21:02:00.003-05:00

Okay seriously, how darn cute is this?!?! We've launched our 2011 baby gift line so pop over to our websites to check them out. Many items can be personalized and are under $35! Our Baby 2011 line is filled with the sweetest, most adorable gifts for all the baby's in your life.

http://www.thegivingbasket.com/newbaby.html

Fab Favors for a memorable Holiday Party

2010-11-15T20:30:00.004-05:00

You simply must check out these amazing favors. Most from only $2.00 each, isn't that crazy! They make unique stocking stuffers also.

http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/category/winter-favors.html

Italian Love Knots

2010-11-07T20:49:00.004-05:00

I swear the Holidays come faster every year don't they! I am sharing my super delicious, super secret recipe for one of my fav Christmas Cookies. While they're not only for the Holiday season, for some reason once I make them it sure feels like Christmas!Enjoy!

For the Cookies:
3 cups good quality all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or orange juice)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (or Orange zest)
For the Icing:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
4-5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (don't substitute imitation)
Colored sprinkles
To make the cookies:
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
In a second bowl, cream butter & sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the lemon or orange juice and zest.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating well to combine.

Wrap the dough in wax paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease 2 baking sheets.
Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface and break off 2" pieces of dough then
roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.
Tie into a knot like a tight pretzel.
Place 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool only slightly. You will be dipping the cookies into the icing while still slightly warm.

For the icing:

In a bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar & milk until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dip the top of each cookie into the icing.
Top cookies with colored sprinkles.
Store in an airtight container for about 1 week

Look what's back at Bellisimo.........

2010-10-31T20:24:00.001-04:00

'nuf said!

Are you barking up the wrong tree?

2010-10-14T14:34:00.004-04:00

You won't be with this delectable gourmet chocolate bark!

Bark is super easy to make at home! Here's a quick recipe for a combo bark;

Simply place semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate medium microwaveable bowls & microwave until completely melted, following directions on package.

Spread melted chocolate on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crumble in toppings of your choice; crushed Oreos, marshmallow, pretzel pieces or whatever strikes your fancy & sprinkle topping(s)over melted chocolate.

Cut through chocolate mixtures several times with knife for marble effect.

Refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces & store in airtight container in refrigerator. Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Pretzel MANIA

2010-10-14T14:31:00.002-04:00

Need we say more..........

There's something extra wonderful about the sweet-n-salty taste of chocolate covered pretzels. We've been experimenting with different toppings and these were today's creations; milk choclate with butterscotch, cookies & cream crunch, dark chocolate coconut, double dipped milk & white and candy sprinkles.

I can't wait to create a holiday basket filled with these delights! Stay tuned!

Bellisimo + Mrs Fields Cookies = The Perfect Gift!

2010-10-09T21:11:00.004-04:00

Bellisimo is one of the chosen few to have been elected as an E-Commerce Partner with the fabulous Mrs Fields!

Compliments of Mrs Fields we are delighted to share one of their secret recipes!!!

Peanut Butter Candy Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
2 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 pounds peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt butter on low heat. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. Combine sugars and melted butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until a thick paste forms. Add peanut butter and mix well. In a small bowl, beat eggs and then stir in vanilla and milk. Add egg mixture to sugar mixture and mix for about 60 seconds, or until well combined. Slowly add in flour mixture, followed by the chocolate chips.

Pour peanut butter candy in a separate bowl. Scoop and form generous balls of dough with your hands (the dough will be soft), and then roll each one in the candy. Place candy-coated dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a baking rack and allow to cool before serving.

Enjoy!

A FABulous gift idea at under $20-it's craaaazy!

2010-10-07T21:48:00.006-04:00

Another winning baby gift idea!

www.bellisimo.theaspenshops.com

Standing tall in a safari-themed gift box, Jakka the Giraffe has all the plushness and playfulness you could ask for in a cuddle-soft baby gift! Intriguing textures and sounds, like the crinkle leaf, the satin trim and the rattle, will captivate the senses of a baby new to the world!
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/jakka-the-giraffe-little-expeditions-plush.html/categoryid=3c49cb3c-4b62-417f-8688-1fb704cde17f

2010-10-04T21:38:00.004-04:00

Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 15% of your purchase will be donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation

Raise awareness with a Giant Pink Ribbon Fortune Cookie- it's almost the size of a football and contains a 1-ft-long fortune with your personalized message inside. Each cookie is hand-dipped in Belgian White Chocolate and adorned with edible Pink Ribbon designs adn finished with Pink & White Non-Pariels. Beautifully wrapped in a gussetted cellophane bag and tied with a Pink Satin Ribbon, your cookie arrives Gift Boxed and topped with Pink Tissue Paper. Send one to a Breast Cancer Patient or Survivor as a unique & sweet way to show your support! $35

Call us at 908-879-4483 to place your order

Simply Spectacular Idea

2010-10-03T21:06:00.005-04:00

This is one of our newest additions, so new in fact, they're not even up on our site just yet, but we couldn't wait to show you! Our wedding favor ideas just keep getting better & better! If you're looking for something Elegant, Classic and Unique, your search is over.........

Call us now for all the delicious details at 908-879-4483

Seriously, wait until you see this................

2010-10-01T20:31:00.003-04:00

It's our newest addition and we are so excited about it!
It's The Perfect Gift And Greeting All In One!

Our Giant Gourmet Vanilla Fortune Cookie is expertly hand-dipped in rich golden Caramel and smothered with Heath® English Toffee. A rich Belgian Chocolate detail is applied by hand for a perfect combination of crunchy and smooth!

Your personalized message goes on the 1-ft-long Fortune inside making this a perfect way to send Good Fortune for any occasion!

This masterpiece cookie is hand wrapped in a clear cello bag and tied with a lovely ribbon. We hand-pack each cookie in our 7" x 7" x 7" Glossy White Gift Boxes and top with matching Tissue Paper.

Call us now & place your order complete with your very own personalized message!
1800-3-GIVING

If you sleep with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas

2010-07-20T20:50:00.006-04:00

We recently celebrated my mom's 87th birthday. The first thing my Italian (there I go again) friends say when you mention her age is "God Bless Her." It is also frequently accompanied by an eye roll towards Heaven, the sign of the cross and/or a slight head tilt. Oh the drama of us all.

At barely 4'10 Francesca is an amazing little person though, sort of a pocket-sized grandma that you want to carry around for luck. I'm thinking maybe her fluffy snow white hair might in fact just bring some if we rub it. She still drives, never leaves without perfectly applied lipstick, has skin to-die-for, a memory that an elephant would envy and has a very active social life. She also, drum roll please..........irons my sheets for me. Yes you read that correctly, heavy on the starch please. She believes you will sleep better in sheets that need a warning label that they may cause slight abrasion from her perfect ironing skills. Who am I to judge? Iron away mommmason.

My husband, son & I started recording what has become an extensive collection of her comments, quips and wisdom. Apparently when you reach a certain age according to my mom, you can remove the filter that separates your brain from your mouth and say whatever you'd like. It's up to everyone else to decipher and make sense of it.
Like her telling me she stayed up until midnight watching the Yankees & fell asleep after A-Rod made a "touchdown." Or telling us that Christie Brinkley's "slimey husband should be circumcised, I mean prostrated, oh you know what I mean." And on the day before her birthday we said "Mom you're going to be 87 tomorrow!" she replied, "I know, this is the oldest I've ever been!" One of her favorites, "If you sleep with dogs you'll wake up with fleas." She is never ending source of amusement.

God Bless You Mom, now how about those sheets?

Organic Baby Layette

2010-07-20T20:44:00.003-04:00

A perfectly "green" gift.

Sweet Pea Organic Layette
Bellisimo goes green with an amazingly adorable, organic, five-piece layette set that makes sweet peas even sweeter! It all starts with a natural woven-wood basket filled with sweet peas. The graphic of a small, swaddled baby snuggled in half a pea pod appears on the blanket, PJs, cap and bib, and a green,sweet-pea pod rattle on top makes this magnificent baby gift ready for market!

The perfect selection

Rockabye Baby

2010-06-23T22:18:00.006-04:00

When you need a very special gift this is the one

Like the hero in a modern-day fairy tale, this stunning eight-piece layette for baby boy (don't worry there's a baby girl version too) comes galloping in on a beautiful horse! This unique newborn gift rocks! (sorry we couldn't resist) A baby gift designed to gallop straight into Mom and Dad’s heart!

A special gift for a special baby!

2010-06-08T20:55:00.003-04:00

Visit us at www.bellisimo.theaspenshops.com to see this fabulous gift for under $50

We're such Jersey Girls

2010-06-04T20:37:00.000-04:00

Blogger Templates

2010-05-19T16:23:00.005-04:00

You will LOVE these adorable party favors! Our refreshing rasberry iced tea mix is packaged in this
too-cute-for-words glass shape with a satin bow tied around the stem. It's seriously sweet!
Measures 4 1/2h x 2 x 1 3/4
Perfect for a patio party, to bridal shower & even for the big day to add bursts of color & whimsy to your table.

Sold in sets of 6 for as little as $3.00 each
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/razzle-dazzle-raspberry-iced-tea-mix-set.html/categoryid=065d2bd8-bd42-4329-8f4f-29409548123e

2010-04-25T20:58:00.003-04:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching and we have some wonderful ideas to make you mom's favorite! Perhaps a GIANT Mrs Fields Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake? This original idea is certain to thrill your mome!
Visit our website www.bellisimos.com to place your order or call our gift consultants at
1-800-3-GIVING

2010-04-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

We're crazy for personalized gifts at Bellisimo. They're so, well, personal! Of course, we tend to personalize everything in the shop to read "Jersey Girl," we are happy to use your perfect sentiment. Monogram? No problem! The bride's new name? Absolutely! Surnames? Why not! We've even added pet's names!

Monogram a beach towel, baseball cap, tote bag, slippers, umbrella, stadium or baby blankets and more.

We love to create gits for you with that personal touch. Visit our showroom at 44 Main Street in Chester or call our gift consultants toll-free at 1-800-3-GIVING

Ciao for now!

2010-04-15T22:06:00.000-04:00

We're having PomPom MANIA at Bellisimo!

This weekend!

Poms in every color of the rainbow to decorate for a a special occasion, or no occasion at all! Our Poms look spectacular hanging anywhere, for any reason at all!

This coming weekend; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all our Poms are specailly priced at up to 50% off. Come visit, stock up & save a bunch!

2010-03-25T22:20:00.000-04:00

Bellsimo is filled with delicious Easter treats in anything but ordinary shapes! How about a Pink Eiffel Tower or Lemony Yello Lacy Heart pop for your Easter Baskets? Or how about a milk choclate lacrosse stick for your fav guy or girl? There's always traditional mini bunnies too & our famous barks in 13 flavors like Dark Chocolate Organic Cherry Vanilla Granola, Milk Chocolate Cookies & Cream, & our newest-pink aka tinted white chocolate JELLY BEAN BARK!!
Our gift consultants would love to assist you in choosing the right gift for Easter, Spring or any day! CAll us at 1800-3GIVING

I had to share this with you though, a recipe for homemade marshmallow bunnies. They are beyod cute & a great way to put you in super Spring mode! Can you stand it!!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/homemade-easter-treats

Beach Inspired Wedding Favors

2010-03-13T19:41:00.000-05:00

Choosing a beach theme for your wedding is one of my favorites! There are so many great ideas it may be overwhelming to choose. Classic Beach? Trendy? Funky? Elegant? Whimsical?

Luckily for our brides-We have favors to fit any type!

Classic, Elegant & Practical!
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/beachcombers-flip-flop-placecard-holders.html

Pretty little toes, all in a row! These darling, handpainted flip flop placecard holders will splash a little summery color on your reception tables. Each placecard holder is loaded with sweet detail sure to tickle any guest - like the multicolor trim, or the tiny pearl that adorns the metal clip. Each set includes two pairs of flip flops, ie 4 placecard holders, which your guests can later take home to use as memo clips or photo holders. Beachcomber sea life theme features pearlized fish or starfish details on each little shoe. Each clip measures approximately 4 inches tall, 2 inches long and about one inch wide.

http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/beachcombers-flip-flop-placecard-holders.html

Favors don't get much cuter than these ceramic kissing fish salt & pepper shakers. You'll be afloat on the sea of love

http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/kissing-fish-ceramic-saltpepper-shakers.html

Let's Do Lunch

2010-02-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

Let's Do Lunch!

Every so often, a bridesmaids' gift comes along that is so sharp, so stylish, so absolutely cool, the bride-to-be gets one for herself, too. This gorgeous, personalized lunch tote is that gift. From the classic houndstooth outside to the silvery insulation within, "brown-bagging" never looked better! Features and facts:
Roomy, insulated, black-and-white houndstooth lunch tote
Poly-blend houndstooth, cotton canvas accents and insulation
Zipper closure with silver-finish, signature Kate Aspen gift-box charm
Tote measures approximately 8" h x 10 ½ " w x 6 ¼ " d
Embroidered personalization available for an additional charge
Choose from three font styles
Embroidery color choices include red, light pink, hot pink, white, blue and lime green
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/lets-do-lunch-personalized-insulated-lunch.html/categoryid=d62e8171-1149-4b97-bf58-dde07b8fbc0c

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T22:45:00.000-05:00

You can expect some exciting changes at Bellisimo in 2010!

We love a New Year because it means exciting new products & gift basket designs.

From our GIANT fortune Cookies with your personal message to our expanded Mrs Fields line, we think you will be entralled with our unique gifting ideas!

Check our website often over the next few weeks & of course, visit our showroom to see our trendy new look! Our very best wishes to all our loyal customers for a Happy, Healthy 2010!

A Dickens of a Christmas

2009-12-09T21:10:00.001-05:00

The charming & historic town of Chester in NJ now has a bevy of charming Holiday delights!

Complimentary Horse Drawn Carriage Rides every weekend.........

Victorian Carolers .........

..........Hot Roasted Nut Vendors, and shops filled with sweets & treats!

Step back in time & visit Main Street, it will certainly put you in the Holiday Spirit!

(& don't forget to stop in at Bellisimo, 44 Main! See you soon!)

Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas

2009-10-17T20:20:00.000-04:00

Our Numero Uno, Biggest, Hottest, Best Seller at Bellisimo is still our JGDPG Tees. So popular visitors to my shoppe now think we are called "The Jersey Girl Shop." Fine with me since I am & always will B a Jersey Girl.

It strikes a cord with all my fellow Jerseynistas. We just don't do it. We just won't do it. Pumping gas is gross, discusting & just downright icky!

We continue to expand our JG line with a variety of colors like chocolate & baby pink, (pictured) olive, rasberry, true navy, turquoise, jet black, tangerine & more. In addition to our landmark short sleeve tees we've added long sleeve tees, hoodies, plaid flannel pants & henleys. Much of our Holiday additions are in which has expanded our line to bath wraps, robes, slippers, aprons, totes, stationery, dog tags, sterling necklaces & baseball caps. ALL with Jersey Girls Don'T Pump Gas depicted!

It's been a hoot coming up with more & more ideas! We love our Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas apparel & accessory line & thank you for loving it as much as we do!

It's Harvest Festival Time

2009-10-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

Time to Celebrate Autumn.....
This weekend Main Street in Historic Chester, New Jersey hosts the 26th annual Harvest Celebration.

I love this time of year (almost as much as I love Summer) & Chester is one of my fav places to be, especially this weekend!

One of our deightful gourmet cookie baskets

From watching how crisp apples turn through the press into cider, to the scarecrow displays and (my fav) the pet costume contest-it's w wonderful weekend to enjoy!

Of course there will be pumpkin & apple picking as well as hayrides from the local farms. Plus tons of shopping, dining and other Autumnal treats.

Although we are gearing up for the winter Holiday season, we enjoy every moment of this season as well. Our Fall Gift Baskets are on display, as well as our Holiday Preview in our Chester showroom. Spend the day in Chester Saturday or Sunday, you won't be disappointed-I almost can't wait to go to sleep so I can get to work and join in the festivities!

Our delightful Tower of Treats
Have a great weekend-I know everyone at Bellisimo will!

The Circle

2009-09-25T22:05:00.000-04:00

For the ultimate in wedding trends you need look no further than through the doors of Bellisimo. I have spent several months interviewing dozens of professionals to identify the best in the business as my fusion partners for this special project.
Bellisimo now presents................
"The Circle at Bellisimo"

My concept for The Circle was to enable our bridal & event planning clientele to shop in one convenient location that could fulfill all their needs, wants & desires.

If you missed our launch party-here's a peek!

The spectacular cakes from our

launch party - compliments of

Shelley's Cake Studio

The entrepreneurs of The Circle are women who "get" Bellisimo's promise to provide superior customer service & the latest trends for those discriminating patrons.

Bellisimo now offers a complete menu for all your social events!

Hotel Amenity Baskets Bridal & Event Planning Custom Invitations Trendy favors
Attendant's Gifts Bridal Jewelry
Make Up Artists Entertainment

Friendship Bread

2009-09-25T19:57:00.000-04:00

I had an artist paint a wall at Bellisimo that reads "Entrare il bellisimo come uno straniero, un congedo come un amico" translation "Enter Bellisimo as a stranger, leave as a friend" It is part of the magic of the shopping experience at Bellisimo! Our atmosphere is warm & inviting, and truly a space for friends to gather.

I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people who have come into my boutique, and have since become my friends. My friend Margaret is one of those special people and she is the most kind-hearted woman I have had the pleasure of meeting.

She recently brought me Amish Friendship Bread as well as the starter for the bread to make my own which is a 10 day process. The idea is to bake 2, keep 1 & give the other to a friend along with the recipe & the cycle continues. It is a sweet cinnamon flavored delight! If you are not familiar withh this tradition, anthropologists say people like to share things they have invested their time in. It is the notion of giving something of yourself. The bread as well as the gifts from Bellisimo have much in common, we love to create & share beautiful things.

Thanks to the magic of Bellisimo & compliments of my dear friend you will find the recipe below.

P.S. It's in the oven as I write!

Starter Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups white sugar, divided
3 cups milk

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely covered at room temperature.
On days 2 thru 4; stir starter with a spoon. Day 5; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Days 6 thru 9; stir only.
Day 10; stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Remove 1 cup to make your first bread, give 2 cups to friends along with this recipe, and your favorite Amish Bread recipe. Store the remaining 1 cup starter in a container in the refrigerator, or begin the 10 day process over again (beginning with step 2).

Once you have made the starter, you will consider it Day One, and thus ignore step 1 in this recipe and proceed with step 2.

Friendship Bread
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
2/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Grease 2 (9x5 inch) loaf pans.
In a large bowl, combine the Amish bread starter with oil, eggs, 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well. Pour into prepared loaf pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2009-09-23T14:58:00.000-04:00

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!"
— Audrey Hepburn
Yes indeed I'm a big Hepburn fan. Who else has ever that style, grace & wit? Audrey said if you want to look more attractive, to speak kind words & that people, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. I am going to read these words every day (at least for a while.)

In business & in life, it sometimes seems that there are many things impossible. People say it's impossible to please all your customers & clients but I say I know differently thanks to Audrey!

Are You a B-Girl?

2009-09-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

As Co-Founder of the professional women's networking club; "Are You a B-Girl?" I have had the opportunity to meet thousands of amazing women over the last 3 1/2 years.

What a journey this has been! Thankfully, the vast majority of members/prospective members I have come in contact with understand the B-Girl's mission to connect, inspire, motivate & support, one another. That is where our club differs from so many, we are here for each other. What a concept! This is not the club to join if you are simply in it to see what you can get......... B-Girls are givers not takers and we B-lieve that you "get" what you "give." Most importantly, don't "B"come a B-Girl if you do not like to laugh. We may B serious about our businesses, but we want to have fun in the process & our meetings are filled with laughter & positive energy.

www.areyouabgirl.com

Bellisimo + Concepts in Bloom = Everything Wedding!

2009-09-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled beyond words to announce that Bellisimo has partnered with Kathy Valdez of Concepts in Bloom!

Concepts in Bloom and Bellisimo have fused to create a truly all things weddings shop! Kathy will B on-site for all your wedding /event planning needs. Bellisimo now offers floral, gourmet chocolates, unique party favors, fabulous gifts, custom invitations, personalized stationery, and beautifully hand crafted jewelry, and above all exemplary customer service, all for you in one convenient location.

Bellisimo Smells Pink

2009-09-16T16:53:00.000-04:00

My goal for Bellisimo was to create a shopping experience-not just a place to shop. It has become an ever evolving project & I am enjoying every second.
A little girl came into my store this weekend, she was probably about 8 & was grinning ear to ear upon entering. She looked at her mom & declared that my store "smelled pink." I haven't been able to get that observation out of my head-she was right-Bellisimo does indeed "smell pink!" Pink is Pretty, Pink is Girly, Pink is Happy! Pink is exactly how Bellisimo smells :)