Practical Panache

Nursing Essentials: My Breastfeeding Go-Tos

June 28, 2016 by Cristina Leave a Comment

They really don’t lie when they say that motherhood is hard. Hard is an understatement. Some of the most intensely difficult moments in a woman’s life are usually related to pregnancy and childbirth, but there are so many amazing parts that balance those tough parts out. For me it’s snuggling my little guy’s chubby cheeks, his smile in the morning, making him laugh, that yummy baby smell… Most unexpectedly, one of my favorite parts of being a mom has been breastfeeding my little one. My baby app tells me I’ve been nursing for almost 150 days, and I’m amazed at how far we’ve come together. It hasn’t always been a walk in the park—at the beginning it was difficult and painful and I was crying through so many feedings—but it’s finally at a point that I can truly and honestly say I enjoy it. While I’m not an expert in any way, a stubborn streak, my hugely supportive hubby, and a ton of internet research helped get me here. Below are a few essential items and tips that I’ve found helpful along the way…

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DIY: New Mom Gift Basket

October 27, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

Recently, one of my very best friends gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl. I wanted to bring her a thoughtful, but useful gift to welcome the new family home, so I decided to put together a “new mom” basket. I found a few lists for what to include online, but none had the right mix and some items, while useful, were just no-gos. (I’m sorry, but I’m not giving anyone stool softeners and pads as a gift.) Take a look at what I included below!…

Weekend Favorite | 001

October 17, 2015 by Cristina Leave a Comment

I’ve been on the hunt for a cozy sweater for a while now, and it’s felt like one of those never-ending searches. I wanted something warm, slouchy, but not too boring. I didn’t want to look like I just grabbed a sweater out of my husband’s side of the closet and threw it on–although I 100% do that sometimes…

Hello again, stranger!

October 13, 2015 by Cristina Leave a Comment

Hiiii! It’s been so, so long since I’ve posted anything, but I’m back! I’ve missed blogging, and I’ve missed my readers so much. I have a perfectly valid excuse for my absence though…

I’m very, very excited to announce that we’re having a little baby boy in February! I’m already almost 24 weeks into this adventure and I’m blessed to be able to say that it’s been an uneventful and pleasant pregnancy so far. I might even be one of those annoying women who enjoys being pregnant. (I’ll report back as my bump grows.) Stay tuned for the usual Practical Panache goodness with a dash of pregnancy/mommyhood thrown in.

So glad to be back!!

Freshen Up Your Walls

June 6, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

I’m always looking for affordable, gorgeous art to add to my gallery wall. I’ve found a goldmine in Minted’s art section. I love the great variety and that I have the option of ordering the prints framed. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something you’ll love having on your wall. Check out my top five pieces and make sure to take a look at their selections on their website!
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New Year // New Adventures

June 2, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

Today I’m celebrating my birthday. A birthday marks the beginning of a new year. It’s always been my favorite excuse to have some extra champagne and cake. This year, though, it also marks a transition to a new chapter of my life.

I’m embarking on what has to be the one of the scariest, but most exciting adventures in a long time: I’m pursuing Lilliput Design Studio full-time!! There have been a lot of mixed feelings about this decision. I’ve been excited, I’ve been scared. I’ve been incredibly nervous, but thanks to an incredibly supportive group that I’m lucky to call my family and friends, I’ve also felt encouraged.

I’ve always had an end-goal of being self-employed, but it’s always been a matter of “someday” and “maybe in the future,” but like any big life change, there’s never going to be a “right time,” you have to just hold your breath and jump in with both feet. Today I took that plunge.

A big, huge, glittery “THANK YOU!” to everyone who’s supported Lilliput along the way. Thank you to the brides who have trusted me with their weddings. Thank you to the wonderful people who have trusted me with creating their brands. A very special thank you to my amazing husband, Mike, and my brother, Miguel. Those two are my biggest cheerleaders and always erase any doubt I might have in myself.

Lilliput Design Studio wouldn’t be here without the support of my wonderful clients and customers, and to celebrate there will be a little giveaway happening over on Instagram (@lilliputdesign) that you should absolutely check out!

photo by KT Merry