The Monogram Shop – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Décor September 22, 2015

Planning the Perfect Picnic with Kids

Months ago, the idea for a picnic photoshoot popped into my mind, and I immediately began looking for the perfect blanket, as I knew this would be the starting point for the rest of the styling. As soon as I saw the blankets in Lindsay Marcella’s gorgeous shop, I knew I had found “the one.” Flash forward a few months (I posted about the blanket back in July here) and a whole lot of planning later, we held the picnic this Sunday at our local Spring Valley park. We invited our good friends, Jenny and Bailey, who, may I say, is the perfect little model. I adore her!

In addition to the blanket from Lindsay, we had unbelievably gorgeous cookies from Miss J’s Sugar Cookies. Jessie is so talented. I seriously did not want the girls to eat the cookies because they were so pretty, but alas, they won – Bailey knew she wanted a pink cookie (and got three!).

Nashville Wraps sent us the beautiful scalloped boxes, which I love so much (I’m a sucker for scalloped edges!). They also sent oodles of gorgeous ribbon, which I want to use on everything in our house. I made four little picnic bites for each box (in their own divided sections), which I’m sharing details about below. Two of my favorite details about the food were the adorable corn holders from Talisman Designs and the fun umbrella party picks (from Emerson Sloan via Meredith).

We also had berry baskets and clear juice bottles from Shop Sweet Lulu, as well as colorful plasticware, which I wrapped a napkin around and secured with a candy bracelet. Meredith of Cake & Confetti made vinyl lettering for the bottles that said “Sweet Like Me,” as well as creating “You’re One in a Melon” for the cooler that she lent us.

Leah at The Monogram Shop gave us a tray and ice bucket, which was perfect for the juice to be chilled in. Last, but certainly not least, were the girls’ outfits. Esther of cuteheads dressed Bailey in the Kennedy Seersucker Dress, and she made a custom design for Isla, which I adore. You can order this ‘Isla dress’ in any color or pattern you like, just send an email here! Bailey chose one of the Willow Crowns pink glitter clips for her pretty blond locks, and Isla wore my favorite navy heart clip.

Décor August 27, 2015

My Favorite ‘Small Shops’ (Giveaway!)

One of the greatest blessings that has happened this year is the newly formed friendships I’ve made with some incredibly inspiring women. I started my Instagram account almost one year ago, and through it, I’ve ‘met’ (and really met) very talented photographers, bloggers, makeup artists, event planners, and last, but not least, small business owners, most of whom are ‘mompreneurs.’ Being a WAHM (or ‘Work at Home Mom’ – so many acronyms to keep up with!) is not an easy task, as balancing raising children with running a business is no easy task.

I am such a big advocate of the whole ‘shop small’ and ‘shop local’ movement, which I believe was greatly empowered by the creation of Etsy. Although I would be lying if I said I didn’t love buying clothes from big retailers like Gap, Nordstrom, Carters, etc., I do make a very conscious effort to purchase a lot of our outfits and gifts from ‘small shops’ (this always feels like a funny term, since some of the stores below are far from small!).

Today, I’m sharing eight of my favorite shops, all of whom have kindly offered some of my favorite items in a giveaway (which, to be honest, I’d really like to win!). Enter using the widget below and make sure to read about each of the shops below! Also, make sure to check out my favorite Etsy stores post here for more small shop love!

PS This post was supposed to be published yesterday as part of the Shop Small linkup (here), but I had a nasty stomach bug! Make sure to check out some of the other posts in the linkup.

Shop Small Giveaway

Cuteheads: Esther, the owner of cuteheads, is one of my favorite mamas around – you’ll quickly know that from reading her #GIRLBOSS interview here. I’m sad that Isla no longer fits into her adorable cuteheads chambray pom-pom romper. It’s so cute! I am so excited to see the new collection, and I’m even more excited (read: jealous) that Esther is including a seersucker top in the giveaway.

Mom Talk June 26, 2015

Gift Ideas for a 1 Year Old Girl

With almost three weeks passing since Isla turned one, we’ve now gotten to use many of the wonderful gifts that she received on her birthday. She is one lucky lady to have been spoiled rotten by family and friends. We got cute clothes, learning toys, plush stuffed animals and “bay-beeees.” I’ve had a few people ask me what was most useful, as they were going to be buying gifts for a one year old girl (most gifts work for boys too!) and didn’t want to get a gift that would be returned or left in a box.

I’m sharing some of our favorite items today, but most importantly, I’d love if you chimed in with other ideas in the comments below! It’s always so helpful to hear what other mamas think!

Lastly, there are some important things to take into consideration before buying gifts is the amount of storage the family has. Do they have a play room with lots of bins for toys? Do they have a big garage where they can put a toddler car? If the family has limited space, stick with smaller items like books and clothes!

Personal May 4, 2015

Week in Review

I made some pretty big decisions this week, which I’ll share when things are finalized later this week, so my mental and emotional condition was all over the place. Add this to the fact that Isla caught herpangina, which is a mouth virus causing ulcers and fever, and I’d say that I am actually excited that today is Monday, and we’re starting afresh (although I think she may still have an ear infection – we’re going back to the doctor today). I’m very grateful that Isla has not been sick until this point, and I am praying that it doesn’t happen again any time soon, as it breaks my heart to see her feel so miserable.

This week, I am feeling especially grateful for our wonderful friends. I got to see some friends I hadn’t seen in awhile, which his always fun. Wine, games, good food and deep belly laughs. I couldn’t ask for more.

My favorite moments this week were:

Catching up with two former coworkers-turned-friends at Ruggles Green – deep belly laughs over a Texas Goat Cheese Salad with wine is my ideal night.
Going to the Derby party at Julep (it was gorgeous), which was styled by my friend, Meredith of Cake & Confetti, and Ashley of Sugar and Cloth (who is seriously the sweetest) – both of whom I got to see on Sunday at the Social Media and Branding Workshop held by Ashley and Christian of 1924. First, I am obsessed with that studio. Second, they are amazing. I’m so motivated to up my social media game, especially with the launch of my photography business in a few weeks!
Picking up goodies at The Monogram Shop and Paper Source and finishing up a design project for Isla’s party – we leave for Paris and St. Petersburg in less than three weeks, and get back with less than a week before her party! I’ve got to finish prepping soon.
Trying a new restaurant – Buff Burger – that is near our house. We loved it! Their veggie burger is delicious!
Having two of our favorite friends over – Philip and Sydney – for dinner at the house (Whole Foods pizza, aren’t we good hosts? Ha!) and then playing Taboo afterwards. I love game night, and we had such a good time (although the girls lost – better luck next time!!).
Meeting with my fellow creative ladies at Adair Kitchen for more secretive planning – I’m bursting at the seems to share details and get everyone in Houston involved! Not too long now.
Signing up for a few new exciting photography shoots – including some for The Fancy Ashley! Pretty excited for what’s ahead.

How was your week? What were your highlights?

4B3A1027 She is obsessed with dried mango 4B3A1039

Baby Shower April 14, 2015

10 Items You Need from The Monogram Shop (Giveaway!)

The first time I ever stepped foot into The Monogram Shop, I knew I had found my match. Everywhere I looked, I saw gorgeous jewelry, monogrammed purses, colorful napkins, witty cards, and adorable baby gifts. I wanted it all.

If I ever need a gift for a baby, friend (male or female) or something special for myself, I head to The Monogram Shop, as I know I’ll be able to find something good. I tend not to leave myself enough time to get something personalized, which is an issue, as I always fall in love with something that needs to be monogrammed. My goal for this year is to be more proactive in buying presents more than just a couple days in advance.

Last week, I went to the store to meet with Leah to discuss some fun party items for Isla’s birthday. I cannot wait to see how they turn out! I also browsed the store, looking at their latest and greatest. If you’ve never been to The Monogram Shop and live in Houston, you’re seriously missing out. I’ve put together a list of ten things that you need from The Monogram Shop, which includes their jewelry, colorful cups, travel accessories and many other pretties.

The best part of all is that The Monogram Shop is offering one lucky Snapshots & My Thoughts reader a $50 gift card to their store. You don’t have to live in Houston to use it either, as you can order from their website or over the phone. The giveaway ends at 11:59pm on Friday, April 17th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you visited The Monogram Shop before? If so, what did you think? If you live outside of Houston, is there a similar store in your area? I’d love to hear about it.

…………………………………………………………………..

1 Jewelry | Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.