Practical Panache

Bacon Guava Dip

May 19, 2015 by Cristina 3 Comments

There are a few flavor combinations that are classically Cuban: the eggy-ness and sweet caramel of a well made flan, malta and condensed milk, roasted pork and the tanginess of mojo, and especially the sweet and creamy combination of guava and cream cheese. This recipe is inspired by one of the many ways we Cubans love to enjoy that last combo: pan con timba, which is bread or Cuban crackers with guava paste and cream cheese. Of course, nothing that makes my mouth happy like a sweet and salty combo, so I invited bacon to this flavor-dance-party. Read more for the recipe for this delicious Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Dip…

Inspired: Neutral Bedroom

May 5, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

The heart of the home may be in the kitchen, but there’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and getting into a plush bed in a room that’s relaxing and beautiful. For me, neutrals and clean lines are always the way to go when decorating a bedroom. Pops of color, and mixed patterns and textures keep the whole thing from going from neutral to boring…

A Mint Julep with a Twist

April 21, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

Some of you may know this already, but I’m a bourbon girl through and through. I’m not the pickiest drinker, but bourbon and prosecco make me the happiest. I also love horses. And with that last tidbit in mind, I bring you today’s In the Kitchen post: a really delicious Mint Julep recipe. Of course, I couldn’t make you a run of the mill julep, you can find those anywhere. Enter my happy creation: a Passion Fruit Mint Julep. Like everything I like to bring to you, this is a really simple-to-make recipe, but it’s still really spectacular. See below for the recipe and some pretty julep cups!…

A Different Kind of Camoflauge

April 16, 2015 by Cristina 1 Comment

Hi everyone! Sorry for the radio silence this past week and a half. Life sometimes doesn’t want to cooperate with blogging, but never fear, I’m back with a quick style post! This getup was my choice for Easter Sunday. What better day to trot out loud floral pants? I also kind of love that my bottom half blends into the hedges so well… Details on the pieces below!…

DIY: Gilded Agate Coasters

April 2, 2015 by Cristina 2 Comments

I’ve always been a fan of agate in decor, we have a great piece holding up some cocktail books at in our bar and I love it. I’ve had my eye on agate coasters with gold edges for a long time, but they usually retail for close to $100 for four coasters (like these from Anthropologie) and I could never justify the prices.

The other day when I was browsing at my local HomeGoods, I came across a set of six agate coasters for only $15 (what?!). Needless to say I scooped them up immediately and went to buy some liquid gilding….

Fun with Brackets

March 31, 2015 by Cristina 2 Comments

For today’s design post, I wanted to share a really fun branding and collateral project that I worked on recently. My wonderful friend, Hilary Saunders, is an incredibly talented writer who took the plunge into the freelance life this year. I created her logo and business cards a while back, and now that she’s in full on entrepreneur mode, we wanted to add more collateral…