Lavender Simple Syrup

Baby shower is almost upon us! Eeeek! 

What is the modern baby shower? It is something your mother throws for you? Something your friends plan? I think those ideas are passe and probably unrealistic. Ours is going to be an affair that my husband and I host, one that will hopefully be not only a celebration of bebe mon petit chou chou, but a feast filled with laughter of close friends & family, fabulous food (to get IN my belly), and french country chic decor, of course. 

My good friend Emily of MStarr Event Styling & Design tossed a few ideas my way to get the creative juices flowing and I ran from there. Slightly out of control and too fast, but hit the ground running none the less. A rustic, minimalist, home grown shower fits with our space, a new fine dining spot that just opened in Milton, called Steel & Rye...and more importantly, fits with the budget, what the Mr. is concerned about. 

Picture dried floral arrangements in frosted sea glass vases and vintage bottles, lavender infused cocktails, wire baskets, tins, toys and baby food jars from yesteryear with some burlap runners and lace accents for good measure. Sounds lovely in theory. We'll see how it all comes together (if you want a closer look at my ideas, check out my baby shower pinboard or my instagram, where I have been posting some crafty projects).

Until go-time, I have been testing out some simple syrup recipes and new cocktails for the husband to taste. This lavender infused syrup is heaven- providing an undertone of lavender and honey notes that just make any cocktail posivtively sing!

Simple to make. Now hopefully everything goes this well with the rest of the shower planning.

Lavender Honey Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 Tbsp dried lavender flowers

1. Bring water and lavender to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add sugar and honey and stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, allow to cool, strain and bottle.
5. Refrigerate. It will keep for about 1 week.

Paris Packing List: Evening Outings X 3

Loosely based on what I wore out to dinner in Paris. I took some liberty with the accessories (i.e., I want to buy these items but don't have the $$ post trip, hah!).

1. Printed Biker Jacket, Zara

2. R&Y Augousti ZigZag Clutch, 30 Ponte V

3. Tunic Dress, Zara

4. Buffalo Head Turqouise Necklace, Zara

5. Python Heel

6. Call it Spring Weslia Wedge

7. Reed Krakoff Kid Clutch

8. Printed Shift Dress, Zara 

9. Pyrite Drop Earrings, Wicked Peacock

10. Linen Striped Coat, Zara

11. Oversized Vince Tunic 

12. Altuzarra Printed Heel

13. Biker Jacket, Zara

14. Jerome Dreyfuss Crossbody Bag

15. Let's Bring it Back Necklace, Lulu Frost X J Crew

More ideas for French dressing?

Just picked up Lessons from Madame Chic, which I started on the flight. Lots of great common sense closet inspiration.

Maximize your Maternity Look: Week 23

Above: Anthropologie macrame maxi, Zara camo jacket, Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos tote (love this new version for summer), Dolce Vita strappy platform, necklace courtesy of maman MPCC

Finally! Some nice weather to wear the assortment of maxi dresses I have been stockpiling. This beauty is from Anthropologie (of course, home of pretty much every cute maxi in existence, and another great spot I have been picking up maternity gear. The Bordeaux line of t-shirts are generously cut and oh, so comfy!).

For more of my maternity chic ideas, check out my ever growing pinterest board.

I wore this layered with my camo jacket, to give me the illusion of a waist, now long gone. I have a bump, I swear!! The dress is also sleeveless, so I wanted to keep layered up for our Marshalls Spring Fashion Event (recap highlights here).

The event went swimmingly and I made it the night in these strappy platforms. Expect to see this maxi appear in many shapes, layers, and looks in the coming months!

Out to Dinner as Optical Illusion

Above: Zara shift dress, West Elm make up bag as clutch, TopShop necklace,

Call it Spring Weslia shoes (c/o)

Before I pack, I usually try on outfit options. It is a great way to make sure seperates work with each other and, when you are growing every week, day, hour, make sure that everything still fits. This was a quick series of snaps while packing for France two weeks ago and a dress I wore out to dinner while on babymoon (for those of you tracking, this was at 22 weeks;).

This dress has been everywhere thanks to Zara's global reach, but I forgive them, because I have had a lot of luck shopping there for roomy maternity looks (shopping a size or two up- what my chic friend over at Ritournelle said most French moms* do when dressing the bump). A trapeze cut is roomy for baby to be and flattering for mom. I was initially unsure about something so short, but it also looks great as a top over some leggings. 

My other pregnancy fashion must, wedges. Heels have gone by the wayside for a bit, but when you need a little height, a platform will definitely do. This minty fresh pair are from Call It Spring, a new chain from our friends at Aldo. They ring in at a very budget friendly $50! I checked out one of thier stores over at the South Shore mall a few weeks ago, very cute goodies.

*I have been reading Bringing up Bebe and really love a lot of the common sense ideas and practices they detail. I'll definitely leave some of the French tips by the wayside, but all in all, the book has me yearning for some excellent public health/baby care options a la the French. State supported extended maternity leave and full time daycare? Definitely a win/win.

Marshalls Fab Found Fashion: Recap!

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Marshalls Fab Found Spring Fashion event last week!

Plenty of cupcakes, spring styles, fantastic prizes and fabulous people.

I personally gave away a cute neon clutch and this lovely trio of mirrored shapes- to one Miss Najeema. Send me pics of them in your new apartment please;)

Look at how gorgeous all my fabulous co-hosts are! Demonstrating all the important spring trends in one shot (lace, florals, maxi dresses, and navy/green color blocking!). Clearly I missed the memo on nude heels.

Minor miracle, I also survived the entire night in heels. Though I was eager to take them off when I reached the car.

Any fab finds at Marshalls lately? I'll definitely be back to the Fenway location soon.