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        LEAH CUCINA BLOG

        Follow Leah Cucina on Pinterest

        Follow Leah Cucina on Pinterest

        if you love pinterest

        follow me there!

        Pinterest is the best place online to get new ideas and keep track so you can actually make your vision into reality. 

        You know I'm always working on something creative, so come check out my Pinterest page to follow along with what I'm working on and what inspires me. 

        Thank you so much for the follow!

        You can click the button below or find me @leahcucinahomedecor


        go to pinterest 

        Welcome to the Studio!

        Welcome to the Studio!

        Welcome to my studio! This past winter, I was able to expand my business and am now working from a studio space in the Ravenswood Arts district in Chicago. 

        The artist loft serves as an office and storage space as well as a showroom where you can come visit by appointment. 

        Leah would love to have you! To make a shopping appointment, please email Leah.

        leahcucina@gmail.com 

        Looking forward to having you soon! Leah Cucina is located at: 

        4001 N. Ravenswood Avenue

        #405

        Chicago, IL 60613

        THE STUDIO

        California Snack Board

        California Snack Board

        The perfect board for when you're wanting fresh colors and produce with your happy hour snack.

        Keep these photos and tips for inspiration the next time you're entertaining guests! Everyone wins with this board, because there's something for everyone (even the health nuts! )

        I made this board TWICE while I was on my California trip and both times it was a great hit. 

        Here's the general layout: 

        Fruits: blueberries, blackberries, kumquats/ manquats/ clementines/ cherries (or whatever fruits look great and in-season)

        Cheese: Cream cheese, feta, white aged cheddar, havarti

        Dips: Half Cream Cheese/ Half Blackberry Jam spread, Hummus

        Chips: Pita Chips, Baguette slices, walnuts would be nice

        Garnish: Micro greens! Get ones that taste good to you. 

        And if you see any pretty flowers, add those as a non -edible garnish!


        This is my favorite part: 

        It's a simple ramekin bowl filled with 1/2 cream cheese and 1/2 blackberry preserve jam. 

        I added a few berries on top for garnish with a little mint too. 

        This is so tasty on the board!

        How to Keep Orchids Alive...Tips from the Orchid Lady

        How to Keep Orchids Alive...Tips from the Orchid Lady

        She told me exactly how to keep my orchids alive and have them re-bloom.

        This is the orchid lady. I have met her twice now at different farmers markets in San Diego. And boy does she have some beautiful orchids! I HAD to buy one, but my question to her was, 'How do I keep this thing alive?' I always want to but swear it's a lost cause.

        Here's what she said..."Listen carefully..."

        1) House your orchids about 2-3 feet away from a sunny window. 

        They like strong, indirect sun.

         If you want to display them for company you can move them, but always make sure they end up back by their window!

        2) Watering them is easy. Saturate the clear plastic pot in the kitchen sink every two to three weeks. 

        After you soak them, leave them in the sink to drain just a bit before putting them back in their permanent planter. 


        Not exactly sure when to water? The bottom roots should be totally dry. No sign of humidity/ droplets of water left at the bottom. Apparently they like to go from soaked to dry, then be soaked again after several weeks.

        3) Don't re-pot them in garden soil! 

        I was making this mistake thinking this would help them stay alive longer. Apparently not! They have everything they need in their original container, they just need proper sunlight and water. 


        And that's all, apparently! I'm going to start using this method and hope it prolongs the life of my orchids. Let me know if you do too, or if you have any other tips for our Leah Cucina community! 

        Love, Leah


        P.S.--LEAH HAS ORCHID PLANTERS!

        Check these out or use the search function on Leah Cucina to shop for other planters. 

        Decorative Brass Bowl 

        Love this one as a planter too! Orchids not your thing? Plant succulents for a stunning centerpiece.


        Short Periwinkle Planter

        Perfect for an arrangement of mini orchids or one medium sized orchid. 


        Buy Now

         Pink Chinois Planter

        Leah loves this one! Such a great planter for an arrangement. And such a great deal for this authentic, valuable piece. 

        Rosey Ice Bucket Tutorial

        Rosey Ice Bucket Tutorial

        Create something beautiful (for yourself, or someone special!)

        When life seems to be moving so fast, it feels great to be able to slow down and create something that makes you and those around you feel great and well taken- care of.

         Some may call me a little "extra," but for me it's not about the fanciest champagne, the best recipe, or the perfect picture. It's about creating moments in life that bring me and those around me more joy. And isn't that what we're all here for? 

        For this look, a bunch of spray roses that cost $4.99 quickly elevated my $12 bottle of champs for a memorable occasion.

        Of course if pink's not your thing, choose another small flower! The cubes look gorgeous no matter if you get it "right" on the first try or not. If you don't have much time to prepare, simply adding fresh flowers to your ice bucket will do trick. You can also use a regular bowl if you don't have a champagne bucket! 

        There is no doubt that you (and maybe even a special someone!) are going to feel amazing pouring a little bubbly with this set up. I assure you that your efforts won't go unnoticed. 

        Enjoy!

        Tips for getting started:

        1. I used spray roses because they last a long time, they're a great small size, and they were only $4.99 for a big bunch. If you'd like to use your ice cubes inside a cocktail instead, choose an edible flower like snapdragon. 

        2. Boil the water first in a tea kettle, then let it cool before using it. This should help create "clearer" ice cubes. (Mine didn't turn out very clear, but they still look beautiful anyway!) 

        3. Give yourself time. Start making the ice cubes at least the night before (and up to a week in advance for your event if you'd prefer!) 

        4. You can use any shape ice mold, just make sure it's large enough to fit your flower of choice. 

        Instructions:

        1. Fill the ice tray 1/4 the way up. Add flowers face down. Freeze until fully solid. 

        2.  Add more water to fill the tray up 1/2 way. Freeze again until solid. 

        3. Fill the tray all the way up, and freeze again. 

        Voila! Rosey Ice Cubes. 

        Enjoy!

        Shop the look with Leah Cucina

        Rose Glass Ice Bucket


        Vintage Mini Art- Deco Parisian Style Ice Bucket


        Pink Rose Glassware (Set of 6)