Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic
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PinkBlush Gift Card Giveaway

I recently read Rosie Pope’s Golden Guide to Looking Chic While Pregnant on Brit + Co, and her number one rule is: Buy Maternity Clothing. Her rationale? “A commonly held misconception about maternity clothing is that you can buy a size up for regular clothing and it’ll be fine — but the problem is when you’re pregnant, your belly extends, but the rest of you likely doesn’t change as much…  Wearing a size too large for you can result in you just looking frumpy.” Well, I typically have broken that rule and have been ordering a size up in way too many sweaters, shirts, dresses, etc. over the past two pregnancies. I struggled to find maternity clothes that I loved, but when I’ve found good pieces, I have noticed that they are way more figure flattering than oversized sweaters (my go-to, yikes!). 

When I first discovered PinkBlush’s website, I was overwhelmed because I liked too many of the items – total analysis paralysis (but that’s a good problem to have when it comes to clothing!). Given that the items are very reasonably priced (most maternity dresses are in the $40-$60 range), your desire to buy four dresses won’t be quite as harmful to your wallet. 

I wanted to order a few go-to maternity dresses for church and baby showers/parties, and I decided on this floral chiffon dress (ordered in a Medium, but it was really spacious around the belly, so I had it altered – I’ve heard from others to size to what you wore pre-pregnancy, which is what I should have done!). Given that I have some seriously unattractive pregnancy veins in my right leg, I’ve been wearing these Preggers maternity tights on repeat, so I paired the dress with a white pair and these gray booties (on sale for only $87!).  

A few of my favorite maternity dresses are this Burgundy Lace Dress, this Black Glam Mini Dress, this Cream Basic Chiffon Dress, and this Bell Sleeve Chiffon Dress. Their non-maternity pieces are gorgeous too! I’m ordering this Floral Dressing Robe for post-delivery at the hospital. 

GIVEAWAY

I’m partnering with PinkBlush to give one lucky reader a $75 gift card.* All you have to do is follow me (@snapshotsandmythoughts) and PinkBlush (@shoppinkblush) on Instagram and leave a comment on this photo here!

 

*Participant cannot have won a PinkBlush giveaway within the last three months.

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Décor

My Favorite ‘Small Shops’ (Giveaway!)

ShopSmallGiveawayOne 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

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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. 

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Beauty

Beauty Basics with Butter: Favorite Products (Plus, A Giveaway!)

Butter_Insta_Launchv2Today, my super sweet friend, Britt Lais Williams, is announcing the launch of her new makeup and hair business called Butter. Britt is so incredibly talented (she glammed me up for these fitness pictures and Isla’s first birthday photos and most recently did the same to Kristina this hippie shoot), and I know she will do great things with her new business. She’s been working in the industry for years and years, and has lots of amazing credits to her name.

As part of the official announcement today on Instagram, Brittany is doing a giveaway (valued at over $325!) which includes a complimentary hair and makeup session, as well as a Tom Ford lipstick in the color of your choice and the entire Fave4 line of hair sprays. And it’s super easy to enter:

  1. Follow @butterartistry on Instagram
  2. Like the launch photo (shown above)
  3. Tag three friends who would love to win these goodies!
  4. You can repost Britt’s post for an additional entry (make sure to tag @butterartistry and use #butterartistry in your caption/comment)

The contest ends at midnight on August 14. The winner will be announced by August 16.

In addition to the launch, Britt is sharing 9 of her favorite products with my blog readers! She wrote descriptions for all of the items below. I’m going to be ordering all of them (or adding to my Christmas list, ahem, Sasha!).

Ailee_Petrovic_150729_4B3A1227 Ailee_Petrovic_150729_4B3A1148Ailee_Petrovic_150729_4B3A1269

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Isla Loves

Baby’s Hospital Bag Guide (Giveaway)

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I am a very Type A prepared person, so you’d better believe I had my hospital bag packed and ready to go a month before my due date. I seriously laugh at what I packed now, as I had way too much stuff – for both me and Isla. If you’ve picked a good hospital, you’ll get most of your essential items while you’re there (diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, etc.). Most hospitals offer tours during which they’ll explain what you really need to bring for you and the baby. I would say the most important thing to remember is the car seat, as they won’t let you go home without it!

Although I am by no means an expert mom already, I do know what I’ll be bringing to the hospital for baby #2 – just the essentials (i.e. not 6 different outfit options like last time!). My friend, Julie, raved that her large L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag is perfect for a baby’s hospital bag. L.L.Bean kindly sent me one to try, and I agree with Julie – I love it. It is really sturdy, has a top zipper, and fits everything you need to bring (even the Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow!).

When it comes to baby’s clothing/accessories, Carter’s has the best selection of every single baby essential item, which includes swaddle blankets, mittens, hats, socks, sleeper gowns, long-sleeved onesies, footed pajamas and pacifier clips. Even if you’re ‘against’ pacifiers like my husband once was (he’s definitely changed his opinion now!), I recommend bringing a few MAM pacifiers just in case. Trust me: This is all you need. I’ve listed a few optional items below as well, but if you stick with the ‘necessities’ list, you’re golden.

Necessities

Optional Items

  • Monogrammed slippers or blankets – we love Seaside Stitchery!
  • Personalized baby book for guests to sign (and to photograph!) – we love Emily Ley’s!
  • Diapers, wipes, rash cream (or use those provided by the hospital!) – we love Honest Co.!

LLBeanAnd the best part of all is that L.L.Bean, Carter’s, Dr. Brown’s and MAM have all partnered with Snapshots & My Thoughts to offer one lucky reader an entire baby hospital bag set, which includes every single ‘necessity’ item. The winner will get to choose between the boy or girl options (or gender neutral) and pick the color and monogram of their L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag. I’m so jealous! I would have loved this for Isla! The giveaway ends on Friday, April 24 at 11:59pm. Good luck!

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Baby Shower

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.

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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!

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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.

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1 Jewelry | Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.DSC_0308The Monogram Shop

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