newborn – Page 7 – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Announcement July 31, 2014

Isla’s Rifle Paper Co. Inspired Birth Announcements

At long last, Isla’s birth announcements have been sent! I am so relieved to have completed this major project – one which started well before she was born! I did the calligraphy on all 100 envelopes prior to her birth (thank goodness!), cut the envelope liners using this Rifle Paper Co. wrapping paper, stamped our return address using a custom stamp from Angelique Ink, and created the design for the announcement (which was printed by Czar Press). When Isla arrived, all I had left to do was update the design with the appropriate information, get it printed, have Isla’s photos taken by Taylor Lord and printed locally, add the photos to the glassine bags, punch holes, tie bows, and voila – done. Whew. Yes, I am exhausted, but so happy to have finished my second big project (first being Sasha’s graduation announcements). Baby number two will likely have an e-card (ha!).

Duplex announcement card printing by Czar Press

Ribbon and kraft envelopes from Paper Source

Wildflower Liner from Rifle Paper Co.

Isla photo by Taylor Lord

Custom return stamp from Angelique Ink

Dr. Martin’s Pen White calligraphy ink from Paper and Ink Arts

Glassine bags from JenStampz

Calligraphy and photos by me

Baby July 30, 2014

Isla Loves: Trumpette (Giveaway)

For years, my ‘go-to’ gift for newborns has been Trumpette socks. What little Texan boy doesn’t need these cowboy socks, and what tiny baby girl doesn’t need some ballet socks? My mum introduced me to these sweet shoe-like socks, and I was excited when she gave Isla her first pair of Jitterbug Jennys. Isla wears a different pair almost every day, as each box comes in a variety of colors. She’s had lots of compliments while strolling around downtown Durango so far! While I love Isla’s shoe collection (15 pairs so far!), I know realize that Trumpette socks are much, much more realistic and useful.

I’m excited to be teaming up with Trumpette to give away a box of socks to one lucky follower! In order to enter the giveaway, you must do the following:

Go to Trumpette.com and decide which set of socks you’d like to win – then write a comment at the bottom of this post explaining which set you’d like and who you’d be buying them for
You will get an extra entry by becoming a follower of Snapshots and My Thoughts (see ‘Follow’ button at the bottom righthand corner on desktop version of the blog)
You can also get additional entries by liking Trumpette on their Facebook page and by following them on Instagram

One winner will be drawn at random. The more entries you have, the higher the chance you’ll win! The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, August 1. I am looking forward to your responses! For more Trumpette photos, click here.

Baby July 29, 2014

A Photo A Day

Every year, I create a Shutterfly book that encompasses all of the big events and trips I take. You can view 2012 here and 2013 here. I’m almost caught up with my 2014 book, and quickly realized that as of June 2014, it will be all about Isla – except our trip to Mexico in September for Paola’s wedding! I also wanted to create another Shutterfly book with one photo a day for the first year of Isla’s life. It astonishes me how much she has already changed in under two months, and I know that I’ll love looking back and seeing her grow day-by-day on her first birthday.

Have you seen other creative ways to chronicle life’s big events? Do you use Shutterfly? I know that my friend Mara does Project Life, which I love as well.

Baby July 21, 2014

Nikkor 50mm f/1.8g Lens

I recently signed up for the Photo 101 class with Nicole’s Classes, and my first homework assignment was due yesterday. I absolutely love taking pictures and I have a nice camera (Nikon D5000) that I’ve used on Auto for far too long (i.e. 7 years), and recently decided that I need to learn about all of the features. My friend, Danielle, pointed me to these 4-week online courses and I’m already obsessed. I start my next set of classes in one week – Illustrator 101 – and then will begin Floral Arranging 101 two weeks after that. I can’t wait!

As of last Monday, I only had two lenses, but quickly after starting the courses, I decided that I needed a 50mm lens with a low f-stop number. I did online research, and ended up ordering the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8g lens on Amazon. I am obsessed. Seriously – I don’t know how I’ve been taking pictures without this portrait lens!

I’ve included some of the photos from my homework – which included changing ISO, f stop numbers and doing a ‘day in the life.’ I chose to make Isla my model (no arguments from her) – the day included three outfit changes. She’s a puker!

Baby July 14, 2014

New Series: Isla Loves

I am excited to introduce a new series to Snapshots and My Thoughts called ‘Isla Loves.’ One of Sasha’s best friends asked if we were going to name her Isla Lucy, which made me chuckle (get it?).

For this series, I’m partnering up with some of my favorite brands to share my thoughts on their products. I’ll even be sneaking in a few items I love (obviously, as Isla doesn’t have that much say yet!), including two items from Wink Shapewear. Not only will there be product reviews, but we’ll also have giveaways and discounts – I can’t wait to get started!

The first post will be next week, after we get settled in Colorado (our mini-sabbatical). Stay tuned for these reviews. I’ll be excited to hear what others think about these products too and to get recommendations on new items to try.

Sleeping in her Fisher-Price Rock & Play in her J. Crew Onesie | With her Cloud B Sleep Sheep, Carter’s Onesie (Similar) and Trumpette Socks

Another day, more Trumpette Socks with a Gap onesie (similar) | Slowing moving into 0-3 month clothes in a Tigger-esque Gap footed onesie