Houston – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Houston October 16, 2018

The Eskridge’s Downtown Houston Family Session

A week ago, I met Monica and co. in downtown Houston to capture their family photos. Last year, we did their session in their own fabulous front and back yard – I shared the photos here. Monica said they wanted to try an urban feel this year, so we chose Discovery Green – a big multi-use park right in the middle of our city. I’m telling you: photographing families whose youngest member is almost ten is a DREAM! Ha. No more tickling toes, making silly faces/noises, etc. I wouldn’t trade my young families because I love photographing babies and toddlers, but every once and a while, older kids are a very welcomed change.

I am so pleased with how these photos turned out. It was hot, but they don’t look overheated. It was crowded, but we tried to beat the crowds. The five Eskridges are basically all models (Riley must have grown 8 inches since last year!), and I love photographing their gorgeous family.

Houston March 21, 2018

Playdate at Discovery Green

Behind every smiling photo of my toddler(s!!!) is the promise of a pink sprinkled donut.

One of my favorite spots in Houston to spend time with the girls and Sasha or on a playdate with friends is Discovery Green. Although I have varying reasons to like it during the four(ish) seasons of the year (that’s being generous to Houston to say we have fall!), it’s my favorite during the springtime when the flowers are in bloom. Sydney and I went with the kids on Monday and had a fun picnic, then wandered around (i.e. chasing Emi) before heading to the play park where we all raced down the baby slides multiple times. Sydney and I are working on a list of our favorite inexpensive activities around the city and this is definitely one of them. I’ve never been to one of the movie nights during the summer, but hope to make it this year with Isla, who can stay up a bit later than Miss Emilia can.

I hope you’re having a great week so far! I wanted to share some of the photos we took on Monday. I’m like a proud mama bear when it comes to the photos that Sydney has been taking and editing recently! Grateful for her in so many ways.

Houston March 15, 2018

Strawberry Picking in Houston

Yesterday afternoon, the girls and I met up with Meredith and Elizabeth at Froberg’s Farm to pick strawberries. Growing up in Scotland, we would always pick berries with my Granny Jill, and I have such fond memories doing this together. It was my first time to visit Froberg’s (Elizabeth’s idea!), and I loved it. We arrived at 3:30pm and were warned of few pickings left for the day; however, Isla managed to scrounge almost 4 pounds of berries in her white bucket! She was relentless. Granted, they weren’t all ripe, but she got a lot that were and they were so delicious. Miss Emilia preferred to taste test the trampled ones that had fallen on the paths – yikes. All eyes on the toddler! Ha.

Looking forward to getting out and doing more fun activities like this with the girls – having a solid walker makes these trips so much easier!!

Food May 19, 2015

Summer Salad Combinations at Salata

At the first signs of summer, I immediately start adding berries and watermelon to our dinner salads. Sasha and I even have an inside joke about it, as he will ask every single day what we’re going to be eating that evening, knowing that the answer will be “summer salad.”

Our meal times tend to involve a big bowl of vegetarian salad, and then Sasha will add meat to his and Isla’s dishes. In order to keep things interesting, I try to vary up my “summer salads,” so that we’re not eating the same thing day in and day out (although, as a creature of habit, I wouldn’t mind it!).

Three delicious summery salad combinations include:

Berry-Balsamic Salad: combine fresh spinach with blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, almonds and feta and top with my favorite dressing: balsamic vinaigrette.
Spicy-Sweet Tropical Salad: a lettuce blend topped with mango, pineapple, red onion, green pepper, jalapeno and pumpkin seeds, finished off with mango dressing.
Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Salad: combine watermelon, cucumber, radish, feta, chickpeas and falafel with a bed of kale and drizzle with lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Beauty April 30, 2015

Houston Bloggers at Blush and Brush

Two Sundays ago, I attended an event at Brush and Blush, a blow dry and makeup salon in the Memorial area, that was put on by Uncork Events (the newest venture of Christie of KiKiMac). We were joined by four other wonderful ladies: Michelle of Michelle Able Photography, Jenny of A Fine Flourish, Meredith of Cake and Confetti and Kim of Champagneista. We started the morning with blow outs (getting shampooed in massage chairs, seriously!), and I really loved the woman styling my hair. I was seated between Kim and Meredith, and we had lots to talk about, as this world is so tiny and we have tons of friends in common.

As the ladies were finishing up with our blowouts, we had two makeup tutorials: a smokey eye and contouring. I was the model for the eye, and Kim took on contouring. I love how both looks turned out. Now if only I could replicate it at home!

As we were getting all dolled up, we spoke with the owner, Greer, who is seriously so sweet. The salon is only 2.2 miles from our house, so it could not be more convenient to go to (ideally every day). I definitely will have to go back to get beautified again soon. A special thank you to Christie for organizing the event, Michelle for taking these amazing photos and Greer for hosting us!

PS I wore my new J. Crew Perforated Crepe Dress, and it’s the most comfortable dress ever.

Follow these pretty ladies on Instagram!