Champagne – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Food September 9, 2014

St-Germain French 75 Cocktail Recipe

It is no secret that I love St-Germain liqueur. It was the ‘her’ drink at our wedding (see menu below), and I missed it a lot during my pregnancy. Now that I’m breastfeeding, I can only have it in small amounts, which is why I made this delicious French 75 recipe in a champagne flute-proportion (also because it’s pretty with the garnish!). If you’re also breastfeeding, I highly recommend these Milkscreen Alcohol Detection Strips!

McKenzie and I used to go to my favorite bar in Houston, Anvil, when we lived together and always ordered French 75s. They were amazing (and strong!). It was made with champagne, lemon juice, simple syrup and gin. Instead of using simple syrup to sweeten it, I decided to use lemon flavored La Croix, as there is no sugar in the drink (healthy perk!). I decided to mix a little St-Germain into the recipe and ohmygosh, yes. It works. It’s delicious, and I highly recommend that you try it.

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Prosecco, Brut champagne, or dry sparkling wine
1 1/2 ounces St-Germain
2 ounces Lemon La Croix
1/2 ounce gin (I recommend Hendrick’s Gin)
Lemon twist, for garnish
Ice cubes (if you like it cold)

Baby April 14, 2014

Pretty Floral Tea Party for Isla

I was totally spoiled by my sister and best friend this weekend – they threw me the most gorgeous tea party shower for little Miss Isla. It was held at our house, as many of our closest friends still had never seen the house since we re-did it last year (pictures here, here and here). I had such a great time talking to everyone – I love parties! McKenzie and Karine did such an incredible job planning and executing on their plans – how pretty is this floral tea party? The flowers are seriously to-die for. I want them to be in our house at all times!

Our dining room table transformed into a gorgeous feast

Pretty macaroons from Sweet

A proper English tea time (and of course, some champagne!)

Homemade tea goodies

McKenzie, Brittany and Karine – these ladies are too good to me

Spoiling little Miss Isla

Gorgeous desserts

Contest to see who could draw the best baby on-top of their head – so funny!

The aftermath of flowers – I hope these never die!

Little onesie notes for Isla (cut out by McKenzie!)

All cleaned up!

Belle was very excited when her dad got home from class!

Gorgeous flowers by Jess Hamilton

Cupcakes, truffles and macaroons from Sweet

Vegan cupcakes from Crave

Isla banner from Etsy

My dress from Hatch Collection

Decorations by McKenzie, Karine and my Mum

ASP Wedding September 12, 2013

Our Wedding Pictures: Part 2

Et voila – the second half of the wedding (you can see part one here). We had custom cocktails, delicious food, hilarious speeches, and lots and lots and lots of dancing. There was a good mixture of Scottish and Serbian dancing, and of course, plenty of bouncing around to Miley and T-Swift (yes, he’s 32). I was a hot, sweaty mess at the end of the night, as I feel I should have been. I could not have dreamed up a better wedding for the two of us. I’m so happy to have these pictures and go through them time and time again. Love y’all – thanks for reading!

Wedding Venue: The Carneros Inn

Wedding Coordinator: Brooke Baglietto (at The Carneros Inn)

Florist: Julie Stevens

Dress: BHLDN

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew

Hair and Makeup: Katie Donaghy of It’s a Date at the Powder Room

Photographer: Ryan Ray

Vegan Cupcakes: Fat Bottom Bakery

DJ: Aaron Long

Cake Toppers: Ready Go Wedding Co. on Etsy

Paper Goods: Papellerie

String Trio: Synchronicity Strings

Groomsmen Kilt Rentals: Kilt Rental USA

Houston September 10, 2013

I Love Roost

This beautiful, bright wall welcomes you to the intimate Montrose restaurant, Roost. I went two weeks ago to meet one of my good friends, Joy, after having it high on my places to eat forever, and I was not disappointed at all (in fact, we headed back on Saturday for Bryan’s birthday meal!). Joy and I arrived in time for Happy Hour drinks, so got some champagne for an incredible price. I ordered the Brussels Sprout dish (of course), and Joy got the crab cakes. When we went this weekend, everyone raved about how good these two dishes were. While dining with Joy, the Executive Chef, Kevin Naderi, came over to say hello – I hadn’t realized that him and Joy knew each other before, but he was so friendly. The food was seriously phenomenal – I never wanted my dish to end. The place was very crowded when we left around 8:30, and I cannot wait to head back. Roost definitely earned a spot on my Best of Houston list.

Featured image and Kevin Naderi photo via Houston Chronicle // Roost pictures via website

Snapshots July 5, 2013

Poolside with the Pups

We had a lovely Independence Day – went for a 3 mile run, spent 5 hours by the pool with the pups, spent time with Sasha’s sister who is in town from San Francisco, and went to a friend’s BBQ in the evening. I love July Fourth so much! How did you spend the big day?