Personal – Page 49 – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Mom Talk December 15, 2015

Week in Review

Isla and I just got back from San Francisco yesterday evening after a long day of travel (why are my flights always delayed??), so I’m a bit behind (or a lot behind actually). Which means this post will be shorter than normal, as I have lots of emails and editing to catch up on. Oh, and Christmas cards too! Hoping to get those out by Thursday!

Our trip to the Bay Area could not have been more perfect. As it was my ninth trip in under five years, we skipped a lot of the tourist activities and focused on spending time with some of our favorite people, as well as meeting some of our online-favorites for the first time! We arrived on Thursday night and I met up with one of my best friends from college, Blake, at Union Larder, right across from my sister-in-law’s apartment. That night we picked up food for dinner and tried to have an early-isn evening. On Friday, I met Jillian of Sweet and Spark for coffee at Jane on Fillmore. We started emailing each other years ago, and she is seriously the sweetest lady! I am so grateful to have met her finally! I even went to a Spark Party at her gorgeous apartment on Sunday (and snagged a gorgeous gold necklace!). After coffee, Ivana, Isla and I headed to Half Moon Bay to look at the Ritz as a potential wedding venue – in short, it’s perfect. We’re obsessed. Sadly, Isla got sick on the way home, so we bathed her and then had a quite night in.

On Saturday, we woke up excited to meet the Benzers. We parked next to one of my best friend’s apartments, walked with Georgia and Thompson to coffee, where we met Kristy, Brett and Olivia (Livi). Isla and Livi were born a few days apart, and they are so incredibly similar – it’s been fun to watch their similarities on Instagram, but even sweeter to see them together in person (although Isla was quite cranky!! Ha!). After lunch at Little Star Pizza (which is delicious!), we walked to Alamo Square Park to see the Painted Ladies. Isla passed out quickly in the car as she was exhausted, but I popped into Wrecking Ball Coffee on the way back to get an expresso shot (also tired!). After Isla napped, we walked to Ghirardelli Square to meet another blogging friend, Annie, and her husband, Justin. I’ll sound like a broken record, but they were also so incredibly sweet. Annie was a baby whisperer, as Isla was not in an exceptionally good mood, but she managed to have her running around and giggling. That evening, one of my best friends, Georgia, came over with cheese and wine, and we had a wonderful night of catching up.

On Sunday, we went to the Spark Party in the morning, then Isla napped, and then we met Georgia and Blake for a late lunch at Blue Barn, then finished it off with some delicious frozen yogurt from Loving Cup. We went back to the apartment, started packing and called it a night early given that we had to wake up super early for our flight.

Okay, so that wasn’t actually short. Some of the other highlights from the week included:

Meeting Destiny and Truman at CityCentre for blog photos!
Taking Caroline’s maternity photos, then having her go into labor at 35 weeks the next day! Mom’s intuition’s should never be underestimated! I’ll share more photos tomorrow.
Meeting Molly of A Piece of Toast for first time and taking photos at Highland Village and then at her apartment.
Getting a keratin treatment and cut from Eric Vaughn and having Meredith stop by with coffee to catch up!
Meeting Santa at the mall – oh gosh, not a highlight for Isla (see below!).
Stopping by The Monogram Shop and getting to visit with Leah!

I’m sure there were other fun moments, but I’m braindead (so if we did something fun together and I forgot, I’m sorry!). 10 days until Christmas, and I have only purchased a few gifts. Panic! Ha. Off to tackle that to-do list!

Personal December 8, 2015

Week in Review

It looks like Tuesday Week in Reviews may be the new thing for a few weeks, as Isla and I are heading to San Francisco this weekend to visit my sister-in-law, one of my closest friends, and a few of my favorite people whom I’m never met 🙂 Isn’t the internet a wonderful thing? I’ve got dates planned with Jillian, Annie and Kristy, and I could not be any more excited about seeing all of these wonderful ladies.

Taking photographs for the cover of January’s Buzz Magazines – this publication is sent to all homes in River Oaks, Tanglewood, Memorial, Bellaire and West U., so it was an exciting project! I cannot wait to get my hands on the various copies!
Photographing Lyndsey and her two gorgeous girls for a holiday collaboration she is doing with a very fun brand – I cannot wait for her to post the pictures!
Going to swim class and showing Coach Alicia Isla’s new trick of blowing bubbles under water – we’ve practiced every week for months, but she’s only now doing it (and not just drinking the pool water!).
Getting the MacBook I got while I was in college re-booted by installing a new hard drive and battery, and getting it re-imaged at the Apple store… it literally is as good as new and cost about $150! I can finally work on the couch next to Sasha versus having to always be at my desk! I’m seriously so excited.
Attending a Villa Wanderlust party that is hosted by two amazingly talented ladies – Sarrah of La Mochi and Joy of Priya –
Going to our nephew’s party at Wonderwild and watching all of the kids bounce, slide and play together.
Taking family photos for an old sorority sister of mine, Sarahbeth, at Lost Lake; a friend’s sister-in-law, Lindsay, on Rice’s campus; my sister-in-law’s high school friend’s sister, Elizabeth, at the Arboretum; Sasha’s co-worker, Rosie, at The Houstonian; and my friend, Ellen, at Briargrove Park. I am almost done with family photos for the year – just a few left when we get back from California!
Celebrating Olivia’s 3rd birthday party at the cutest little indoor party place called Giggles & Fun. She was so excited about her cake (which made sense because it was beautiful!).
Taking photos for Caroline at her house and getting to snap a few of her adorable son, Knox, too!
Having Sunday brunch at Sweet Paris in Rice Village with my two favorite people! Isla was very strategically picking out all of the strawberries from her Nutella crepe – such a healthy little lady 😉
Going to the Cake & Confetti workshop, which was so much fun! We got to decorate adorable little cakes, make garlands, eat lots of cheese, drink cocktails, and learn hostess and beauty tips!
Celebrating Destiny’s 24th birthday (such a baby!) at Ruggles Green on Monday! Then she jet-setted off to Utah, then Vegas, then SF right after. Looking forward to her being back this week!
Taking photos for Elly at River Oaks District. She is absolutely flawless, and I love snapping her photos. These photos were some of my favorites we’ve done so far!
Having my very best friend over for dinner and tree decorating on Monday. She is moving to Chicago and I’m so excited for her, but so selfishly sad! We’re having a going away dinner celebrating for her in a few weeks, and I need to bring my Kleenex.

How was your week? Are you ready for Christmas? It’s only 16 days away! I’ve got a lot to do before then!

Personal November 30, 2015

Week in Review

Happy Cyber Monday! Have you taken advantage of any of the amazing deals yet? I hope Sasha is not home when my boxes arrive! Some of my favorite stores’ sales include Madewell: 25% off your entire purchase, LOFT: 50% off everything, J. Crew: 30% off everything, Gap: 40% off everything, Old Navy: 40% off everything, and Nordstrom: Up to 40% off. Yikes.

Anyway, can you believe there are only 32 days until Christmas? I’m so excited. Sasha finally got our tree down from the attic last night, and I started decorating. I need some serious help though!

Having our annual Serbian “cousin night out” at Benjys and then heading to karaoke at Glitter afterwards. Sasha and I sang Uptown Funk and embarrassed ourselves, but had a great time doing it!
Eating dinner at Ruggles Green with one of my best friends, Kirby, and Isla’s best friend, Lillian. Isla pushed Lily around in her doll stroller and loved it!
Celebrating Thanksgiving day with my family, our friends and then Sasha’s family! I love that holiday so much – it’s so nice to spend a whole day with people you love!
Putting up the tree and decor – follow along on Snapchat @aileepetrovic for short little videos!
Taking my family’s photos with a latter and umbrella in the rain… we are crazy! See photographic evidence below!
Photographing five sweet families in various pretty spots throughout the week and on Saturday and Sunday!
Getting a small toe surgery to remove an ingrown toe nail on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving… just an hour before taking family photos!
Doing a festive Christmas shoot at Firethorne with two of the most gorgeous little ladies!
Taking blog photos for Alex, Destiny, Sara and Caroline – a busy fashion blog week!
Taking Lauren Mills’ family photos at her parent’s house!
Having a call with Natasha of Burdlife for an upcoming shoot – she is so sweet and I’m excited to collaborate with her!

How was your Thanksgiving? Are you participating in Cyber Monday sales?

Personal November 24, 2015

Week in Review

Today’s Christmas countdown is brought to you with sheer excitement as well as some panic, given that I have not bought a single gift, and we’re going to be sitting under a tree unwrapping presents in just 30 days. Yay and yikes. Black Friday sales, here I come. And by that, I totally mean Cyber Monday because let’s get real: I am not patient and will not go and stand in any lines at the mall.

I don’t want to sound like a broken record, so I’ll save you from the details on , and that Sasha told me he felt like a stay-at-home dad (SAHD) this weekend (ha, shocking that a husband would do dishes and laundry!!). I am so incredibly grateful for amazing opportunities, but also ready for family photo season to come to an end, as I want to see my family again!

Also, my mom was unexpectedly in the hospital this weekend, but she is back at home now and in good spirits. We greatly appreciate the calls, texts and prayers!

Other than that definite low-light of the week, some of the more fun moments included:

Meeting and photographing Caroline Harper Knapp of House of Harper at her house twice – the second time involved a very smokey situation, as the flue was stuck… and we only realized that after the fire was started! Thank goodness her GC was nearby and came to fix the situation!
Going to the Buzz magazine office for a meeting – excited to work with them on photography and contribute for a fun (and relevant to all of this blogging/Houston creatives) article!
Ducking out of the rainstorm for TCBY with Leah of The Monogram Shop – I love her!
Taking head shots with the fun gals behind Moms Without Answers. They were very colorful, and I’m excited for you to see them (sneak peek below!).
Doing a holiday blanket pickup around town and getting to chat briefly to Meredith and my old Accenture boss, Andrew, whose wife just had twins!
Taking five sets of family photos at Rice University (with Elly Brown‘s adorable family!), Lakeside Country Club, Lost Lake, the Arboretum, and the Menil Collection.
Going to Isla’s swim class, which is always so much fun until we have to leave… which she never wants to do. Cue tantrum! She would truly want to stay in that pool all day long!
Meeting my good friend Alexis for drinks at Devine in Memorial. I could literally talk to her for hours at a time, and I always leave with a laundry list of things I forgot to ask her about!
Taking photos for Lauren Mills of Sunday Beach twice on Friday – in the morning and afternoon. She is a doll, and that bump is the cutest thing ever!
Going to Sasha’s grandma’s Slava, which is a holiday celebrating a family’s patron saint. His mom hosted it at her house, and it was so great to see Sasha’s cousins and their kids.
Surprising one of my best friends, Kirby, at Down House for dinner on Sunday. She is visiting her family for Thanksgiving, and we got to shower her (and sweet baby Henry in her belly) with love! I miss her so badly and wish they lived in Houston!
Eating lunch at Carabbas on Saturday before heading to REI for our family’s annual trip where we all get a new jacket. I got a new ‘Underwater Blue’ Patagonia puffer jacket that I love, and Isla got a new fleece and her first backpack. I’m obsessed!
Having my SIL, her boyfriend, Sasha’s dad and stepmom over for late lunch on Sunday. Ivana lives in San Francisco (we’re visiting in a few weeks!), and I love when she is in town. As does Isla, who has been saying, “NANA!” on repeat for days.
Photographing our sweet friends, Amanda and Scott, at Memorial Park with their rescue pup, Gilbert. We may or may not have been surprised mid-shoot when the cops showed up with flashing lights on. Whoops. I guess we weren’t supposed to drive down that dirt road! No arrests though, thank goodness.

I hope you had a fabulous week and that this one is starting off well too. Happiest early Thanksgiving!! xo

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Personal November 18, 2015

Week in Review

Three posts in one day after 4+ weeks of having only a ‘Week in Review’ post? Things are getting crazy around here! Ha. Kidding (and don’t expect it to continue!). But back to the serious things in life: 36 days until Christmas. I am so excited. Get your Christmas lists ready! Holiday gift guides to come soon.

I shared some of our PJ traditions on Monday and our favorite new Bumbo seat yesterday, so this post got bumped back two days. Since it’s basically my online diary/how I keep track of all-things-past, I didn’t want to skip it entirely! The past week had me pulling out my hair more often than not, but I keep reminding myself of the fun holiday events coming up soon, and it gets me through the very, very late nights.

The week was filled with lots of highlights and fun friend/family time, including:

Having my dad babysit (multiple times) by himself! My mom is out of town, and he’s really stepped up to the plate (with Sasha’s mom too). He did call me to ask if she was able to go to sleep with the hiccups (ahem, yes?), so I’m more concerned with her being overly cared for versus the alternative.
Going to Isla’s swim class, which is normally at Dad’s Club but is currently being held at Dive Tech while renovations take place. Isla throws a fit when we have to leave which is 10% cute because she obviously loves it and 90% embarrassing.
Co-hosting a party at Blue Leaf to celebrate the launch of cuteheads’ new collection. I was hosting alongside two fabulous women – Lauren Mills of Sunday Beach and Candace Taylor of Luxe with Kids.
Getting coffee with my former co-worker, Rowland, at Fellini at CityCentre and catching up on life. He is the best!
Eating Sunday lunch at Ruggles Green with our good friends and their newborn baby Archer.
Enjoying dinner at Benjys with our sweet friends whose photos I took beforehand at Discovery Green, which is a fun and colorful spot in downtown Houston.
Having a family dinner at Adair Kitchen on Saturday after I finished taking family photos for Megan of Willow Crowns. Their photos make me swoon.
Picking up lunch at Buff Burger, which is the best place ever. Alice agrees with me! I could eat their veggie burger every single day!
Eating brunch with my younger sister, Jill, and her boyfriend, Kevin, at Sweet Paris in Rice Village. Jill is in med school and is busy, busy, busy, so we don’t get to see them as often as we would like!
Taking newborn photos of sweet Tinley Hope, whose nursery is seriously the most gorgeous thing ever. I’m going to do a post with the photos soon! I also took photos for the sweetest little two week old, John, whose nursery was equally amazing. Rifle Paper Co. prints everywhere = my kind of place!
Photographing a fun little project with Magen Pastor above Tout Suite! We’re not sharing these just yet, but I’m bursting at the seams because her twins are seriously drop dead gorgeous and the pictures turned out great!
Meg Owens pictures at Centennial Gardens
Taking blogger outfit photos for Alex Carreno downtown, Ashley Seippel at Highland Village, Jessica Gentry at the Menil Collection, and Elly (plus her husband and oldest son) at Highland Village. These ladies are the best!
Taking family photos for our good friends at Terry Hershey Park. I feel like Pierson was just born and all of a sudden he is three years old, running around and throwing fake snow. Ugh, time slow down!
Photographing the sweetest family at TC Jester Park and getting some fun tiny Santa hat photos of their two sweet boys (one shown below).
Taking first birthday party photos at Briargrove Park for Liam’s Woodland One-derland (sneak peek here). I will definitely share ALL of these pictures! The theme and decor was entirely too cute.
Taking photos of our friends at their insanely stunning new house which backs onto a lake and I was googly-eyeing them while editing! Their family is so handsome, and the setting for the photos couldn’t have been better.
Hanging out in PJs on a number of occasions for the Carter’s post! Nothing to complain about there!

Hope you’re having an amazing week so far! Happy Hump Day – we’re halfway to Friday!

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