The Rocco Report- 27 Weeks- Rocco's Miami Baby Shower

Hola Squeezers! Como están?! I'm 27 weeks and at the six month mark. It sounds cliche, but the time has flown! I just got back from a few days in New York celebrating my sister in law's bridal shower. It's always a treat to be in the city I call home and get to be with family and friends. Though short, I'm happy to be reunited with Maya and Coco. Maybe it's the extra surge of hormones that have taken over my pregnant vessel, but I'm highly emotional and missed them terribly. 

I'm excited for this week's post because I get to share with you some behind the scenes of Rocco's Miami Baby Shower from last weekend. Ricky Iglesias from Simply Captivating (www.simplycaptivating.com) captured all the joy, the love, and the bohemian feel of this magical occasion held at Love is Blind in Coral Gables. I can't even begin to put into words the gratitude, the big bang of love and appreciation, I have for my family and friends. I may sound like a Hallmark card when I say this, but I'm graciously reminded everyday how blessed and fortunate I am to be surrounded by an incredible support system that has done nothing but be there for me through every milestone, every heartache, and every accomplishment, that I've experienced in life. I can honestly say without contention, that I have the best group of girlfriends that ever walked this earth. 

If I could live in flower crowns all day, it would be in this one made especially for me by the folks at Sprout Miami. 

Boho babe in Pea in Pod Maternity. 

It all started with a theme, an idea that had been lingering in my cranial mood board. I knew I wanted something that reflected my style and my personality. I knew I wanted flower crowns. I knew I wanted everyone to wear shades of white or ivory and I knew that I wanted an assortment of field flowers to decorate the tables. I wanted to be a boho babe and I wanted the ambiance to be casual and free-spirited. I wanted it to be an intimate gathering of all the special women and mothers in my life and with the help of my party planning committee made up of my closest girlfriends and aunts, my vision for Rocco's boho luxe baby shower came to life. Walking into the shower and seeing everything as I had dreamt it, left me speechless- in a good way. 

Burlap wrapped letters made by my friend, Krizia. 

DIY Flower Crown Stations.

 One of the things I really wanted at the shower, was a DIY Flower crown station. I wanted the guests to have a little fun and step out of their comfort zone and make their own flower crowns using pre-made flower bunches Krizia, my aunt, and I had put together the day before. We tied baby breaths, poms, baby carnations, and some fillers using tape, to make things easier for the guests. We laid out wired rope stems as the 'crowns' to tie the bunches to, and then looped the ends to add the ribbons, which would then tie at the back of the neck. A few simple steps and voila! You have yourself a flower crown (thanks You Tube)! It was so great seeing everyone channel their inner gypsy girl and getting into the hippie spirit. The flower crown station became a little spot for conversation, for laughs, and an unofficial meet and greet hub for guests who had never met each other.  It was definitely a conversation starter- call it a 'team building' or in this case, a 'baby building' exercise! 

Invitations by Minted. Burlap Bow by my Tia Barbie. 

Cookies and Cream cake by Bake Bar. I'm still dreaming about this cake. 

The restaurant's chic entry room with its mosaic tiles, communal seating, and vintage accents, was the perfect back drop for Rocco's ethereal baby bash. It's exactly what we were looking for when we started scouting locations. Special accents like the mason jars with lace trims, the burlap and rope detailing, complimented the eclectic boho vibe of the party. 

I requested for the shower to be kid-free because I wanted everyone to enjoy an afternoon of relaxed conversation and lady dining (which included lots of mimosas and wine) without having to stress about keeping kids entertained. It was all about the women! 

Daddy to be, made a cameo with Maya at the shower, to say his hellos and see the final product. 

Blessed to call all these wonderful women my friends. 

Friends that are family. These girls are so special to me and have been with me since high school. Whenever I need them, I can always count on them. They are part of my party planning committee. 

Friendships by way of Manhattan. 

We jokingly call ourselves 'The Real Housewives of St. Pats.' Though we have only been friends a short while, they have become a big part of my life. This shower wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for them. 

Memories to last a lifetime. 

She's been my best friend since I was 16. She's my Maid of Honor, my honorary sister,  my chuch. I am blessed to have her. 

My aunt Barbie always outdoes herself. She has a heart of gold, she is talented beyond words, and will do everything to make me happy. All those flower arrangements and favors are her doing. I am so lucky to have her. 'Abuela Betty' as Maya calls her, is my dad's wife. She adores Maya and the feeling is mutual. Not pictured: My tia Liza. She lives in Canada and was unable to come to the shower. But she was there in spirit and helped put together this beautiful day for me. The only thing missing was her. 

I spy some natural born hippies! So impressed with everyone's flower crowns. 

Flower crown amazingness. My cousin, Beba. 

Not only was the conversation and chatter flowing, but so were the food and drinks. There was never an empty glass of wine or mimosa on hand. The food was delicious and everyone was raving about the Serrano ham croquettes, a Love is Blind must-have. Crispy spring rolls, a strawberry summer salad, creamy gnocchi, and caramelized mushroom pizza, were served family style for everyone's foodie pleasure. 

I have never been in a room filled with so much love and joy. It is something that is so positively overwhelming, I cannot even begin to describe it. To  know that Rocco is already loved to such an explosive and grand capacity, fills my heart with happiness and gratitude. There are a gazillion 'thank yous' that keep floating in my head. There are not enough thank you cards in this world to show my appreciation to everyone who came out to celebrate with me! The anticipation of new life coming into this world is one of those beautiful moments that bring people together. I am so blessed to be so loved and to be able to share this journey with some one-of-a-kind ladies. 

Our tiniest guest, Charlie Castro.

A special thank you to - Krizia, Vivi, Tia Barbie, Tia Liza, Sole, Rebeca, Chris, Vittoria, Adriana F, Jessie, and Jenise for making my coronita shower a dream come true. I love you. 

Peace and love from all these gorgeous gypsy girls! Rocco, you are very much loved. 

Photos by: Ricky Iglesias of Simply Captivating.

www.simplycaptivating.com

Location: Love is Blind 

http://www.loveisblindrestaurant.com/main.php

225 Altara Avenue

Coral Gables, FL 33146

In Style, 

Rocco's Mom 

Miami Style Map: A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Key.

Meet one of my favorite dresses in my closet. This dress has miles and stories to tell. It has taken me from the streets of the city, through my journey of motherhood, and now to a new chapter in my life. This dress encompasses comfort, confidence, and a carefree 'joie de vivre’ sensibility that can only come from something that is truly cherished. I know I’m getting pretty deep over a prairie dress but everyone has that one (or two) piece from their wardrobe that they can’t live without because it's just meaningful. And this dress, from the H&M Conscious Collection, does that for me.

I love the location Natalie, from Suna Photography, used to shoot this dress. As always, she was on point when it came to capturing the essence and mood of my look. I think it stands out perfectly  in its element. This was also shot on the grounds of Bill Baggs State Park in Key Biscayne. Who would have thought, woods in Miami! The first thought that came to mind (after I oohed and awed a bit) was Robert Frost’s The Road Less Traveled. This is exactly the setting I picture each time I read that poem. Ironically, the poem deals with that paths you choose to take in life and don’t we always find ourselves in a situation where we have to figure out which road to take next.  These shots are ethereal and you can really see the details and femininity of the dress.

I love the lace work and trims on the upper top of the dress. There's a sort of quaint characteristic in those small details. The soft ivory color against my eclectic collection of bracelets gives the look a hint of character and a fun mirror into my personality. 

No dress of mine is complete without a pair of boots underneath. It's my way of rejecting a 'too girly' vibe and giving it some of that freshly squeezed and rugged flavor I like when I convey my style mood. I love my Troopa boots because they're all beat up from love and probably snowstorms. And I don't care. I'll wear them until they have holes in them.

I've been really digging the flower crown/headband trend lately. I'm probably late on that trend, but my philosophy, as I've gotten older and style wiser, is that if something doesn't work for me, I'm not going to buy into it. This I like, but in moderation. You won't see me with a full blown flower arrangement on my head. But how pretty does this dusty blush flower headband from Haute Blossom (a local Miami vendor) look with this boho dress? I feel like one of the fairies in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. The whole outfit just feels graceful.

On Me:

Dress- H&M
Boots- Steve Madden
Headband- Haute Blossom

In Style,

Kat