Friday Favorites: My favorite pins for children!

One of the things I love about Pinterest is all of the amazing ideas I get for Cayden. You can find anything from toys and adorable outfits to learning and art activities! I am constantly finding new fun things for him to do which is helpful for weeks like this week when he's been especially restless. Of course I also stash away pins for any baby girls that may be in my future someday (I can't resist the shoes!). Here are a few of my favorite pins that have anything to do with babies and children!

I've been really into teepees lately. I'm always building forts and play-houses for Cayden out of anything I can get my hands on... boxes, sheets, chairs, and pillows; the possibilities are endless! Anything that encourages imagination and pretend play is a plus in my book. I'd love to get him something like this black and white striped teepee when he finally has a big boy room of his own! He could use it as a clubhouse or reading nook or just to play explorer with his friends!

When I was a little girl I was obsessed with dress-up dolls. I (like every other girl in the world) begged my mom to get me an American Girl doll complete with a stocked wardrobe. I would have D-I-E-D for this doll, no joke! Her little fur jacket, patent leather shoes, and polka dress... omg. I would play with it even today. And that little hanger and tiffany blue box? I can't even handle the cute.

Creativity is super important to me. Growing up, my sister and I were always doing arts and crafts and making SOMETHING. I really want my kids to be the same way so I want to encourage artwork from a very young age. Right now Cayden is still in that puts-everything-in-his-mouth stage so it's hard to do much, but I'm stashing away tons of ideas for the future. I love this idea of using twine and clothespins to display artwork on the wall (easy to rotate, too!). And how adorable is this turkey hand puppet? All you need is a brown bag, some buttons, and construction paper and you have a fun holiday project for your kids! LOVE.

I just bought Cayden his first set of finger puppets and I'm really excited about it! When he's older I want to get him a little theatre for plays and puppet shows. If you haven't checked out this Etsy shop, you need to do so immediately. She makes adorable felt finger puppets of all different types. This woodland set is my favorite... dying over that moose!!

I am so, so excited about this idea. Fill jumbo muffin tins with shaving cream and a few drops of food coloring and your kid is able to "paint" a masterpiece in the bathtub. The best part? When they're finished you just spray it with water and clean-up is done! No stained clothes, dripping paper, or messy brushes. Genius!

Remember when you were a kid and you were SO excited when you got a loose tooth? My sisters always joked they were going to tie a string to my tooth and the door so when they slammed it, my tooth would be yanked out (terrifying!). I love the idea of having a special tooth fairy pillow and this one is just too cute for words. I love the smiling tooth on the front and the little pouch. No more stumbling around the dark trying to find baby teeth under pillows!

I warned you about the shoes, right? I am obsessed with kid's shoes and let's face it, they aren't that many adorable options for boys out there (although my little man rocks the slip-on Vans if I do say so myself). I have so many baby girl shoes pinned you would think I'm expecting (I'm not -- let's just be clear on that!). I found this sweet little pair the other day and fell in love. I die for anything with stripes so these striped shoes with their teeny tiny flowers attached found a place deep in my heart! Now I just need to convince Mando to have another baby! ;)

I hope you got some inspiration for the little ones in your life! If you haven't joined Pinterest yet, you better run there now and sign up! The inspiration is just endless! I hope everyone has a great weekend... we finally have the first quiet weekend at home planned since we've moved and I could not be more excited about it! XOXO

Friday Favorites: Happy Birthday Cayden

This Sunday, July 24th, at 12:47pm my precious baby boy will turn 1 year old. This past year has been the most overwhelming, life-changing, rewarding, and happiest year of my life. Having a child made me dig deep into my soul and re-evaluate everything about who I am and who I want to be. They say the first year of parenthood is the hardest to survive and while I agree with that statement, I must add that it is also the most rewarding. The fact that I created this baby, grew and nurtured him in my body, and gave birth to him is a miracle in itself. Cayden is truly my perfect match, he's everything I wanted and needed in a child and more. He teaches me important life lessons every day and this weekend we will be celebrating him. I want to dedicate Friday Favorites this week to my son, sweet baby Cayden, and my top 10 favorite things about him.

1. I love how you have no concept of personal space. Sometimes I think you would crawl back inside me if you could. You are constantly touching me, holding my hand, pulling my hair, and climbing all over me and you refuse to go to sleep without being snuggled first. Although it drives me crazy at times, I love and adore how cuddly you are and I treasure each and every touch and embrace. Being near you just calms me and I'm so glad you feel the same way about me.

2. Cayden, you are such a happy baby. Whenever we go on play dates or when people meet you for the first time they just marvel at how well behaved and happy you are. I think you get this from your father who always has a positive attitude. I still remember the first time I ever heard you laugh. We had just gone to the doctor's and you had to get some shots so I called out of work to stay home and snuggle you. We were laying on the couch and I flipped you upside down and for the first time I heard you crack up. I was so happy I was with you that day and got to experience that with you. I'll never forget that moment. Even when you're sick or teething you still have a smile on your face and I hope you never lose that happiness. Seeing you smile makes me the happiest mama in the world and your laugh is music to my ears. 

3. I love watching you sleep, baby boy. When you close your eyes you look just like my newborn baby again. Sometimes if I'm feeling sad or upset I will just watch how peaceful you are while sleeping and it calms me. When you wake up you have the brightest eyes and the rosiest cheeks. You are so sweet and snuggly, my love. Daddy and I used to love watching you wake up and seeing your 'stretchy face' and we would race to be the first one who got to pick you up. I'll never forget the morning you woke me up by softly kissing me on the lips. It's my sweetest memory of you.

4. I cannot stop obsessing over your little baby feet. I have taken hundreds of pictures of your little toes. You have the cutest toes ever, Cayden, and when you were a newborn you used to curl them around my fingers every time I would touch your feet. I love that you still do that. I love how you laugh and laugh when Daddy plays 'stinky feet' with you. One day you'll be a teenager with real stinky feet, but for now I will enjoy playing 'this little piggy' with your teeny tiny feets.

5. Baby, I never get tired of hearing how alike you and I are. People have said you look like my clone since the day you were born. We both like vegetables more than fruit, we are both stubborn and determined, and at times, we both drive Daddy crazy! I love looking into your face and seeing my face staring back. I love seeing my mom in certain facial expressions of yours. I remember when I was pregnant I told everybody you would look just like Daddy, but I was wrong. I see so much of myself in you and it never ceases to amaze me.

6. You have the most beautiful, big, brown eyes, baby. I get mad when people say it's a shame you didn't get my blue color. You and Daddy share eyes the color of melted chocolate and I never get tired of looking into them. Every where we go people comment on how pretty they are. When you are older, every girl will envy your thick black lashes and swoon over your beautiful eyes, I'm sure of it.

7. Cayden, I know I complain about it a lot, but I secretly love how attached you are to me. You definitely love your daddy, but you are a mama's boy through and through. When you're upset I'm the only one who can calm you and when you can't sleep I just have to hold you and breath into your neck to make you fall into a deep sleep. When we're apart, I feel like my soul has been ripped in two and I cry every time I'm away from you. You rarely let anyone else hold you and while it might make your grandma mad, I love it. One day you won't want me to be around as much, and that's okay, but until then, I will treasure every day like it's a precious gift.

8. Every day I am amazed at how smart you are. You hit each and every milestone a month, if not more, early. I couldn't believe when you start sitting on your own, standing on your own, talking, and now walking. People are amazed at your strength and determination. I try to never compare you to other baby boys and girls but I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know no greater joy than seeing you succeed at something you've put your mind to. I am so, so lucky to call you my son, sweet boy.

9. I know I talk a lot about the bond you and I have Cayden, but the relationship you and Daddy have is something so special. Without truly understanding the concept of time you still know when it's 5 o'clock and you stand by the door saying 'dada' over and over. Your face lights up when that door opens and it's just amazing to see. He truly is your hero, and I know you're going to want to be just like him when you grow up. I couldn't ask for a better role model for you; your Daddy loves you so much. One day you will understand how hard he works for us and how many sacrifices he has made and your love for him will fill your heart.

10. Cayden, you make me a better person. It's as simple as that. My past is not perfect and I will make mistakes in the future, but thank you for keeping me grounded and for reminding me every day how lucky I am. Every move I make, I make for you and for our family. I hope that we always stay this close and that you will feel comfortable talking to me about everything. You have made Daddy and I so much closer, stronger, and happier. I can never thank you enough for that. Thank you for being you and for bringing our family so much happiness.

"The days are long, but the years are short." -Gretchen Rubin. A truer statement cannot be made. Happy birthday, Cayden. Love, your mama. XOXO

Daily goals

When I first started considering the idea of me as a stay at home mom I'll admit, I was scared. Having worked full time since I was 17 years old, I am not used to being home day after day. One of the toughest challenges for me at the beginning was balance. I'd spend all day cleaning the house and cooking the meals and end up neglecting Cayden. Or I'll spend all day playing with Cayden and the dishes would pile up and dinner would be late. Then, I launched Mama Matryoshka and I had no idea it would take off like it did. I was so busy with my orders my blog was abandoned and I didn't have time to do my personal crafting anymore. Finally I came up with a plan that's ridiculously simple but incredibly helpful. Every morning when I wake up I write my goals for the day. I divide them in 3 categories: home, creative, and Cayden. By choosing a few tasks to do each day from each category I'm able to keep up with my cleaning, satisfy my creative appetite, and be a good mama to Cayden. It honestly makes everything really manageable and I rarely feel overwhelmed anymore. I also feel more accomplished every time I check something off my list which is a GREAT feeling! Because most of my readers and friends are also stay at home moms I thought I'd share this method and how it works for me! I'm sure each of you seasoned mamas have your own methods already, but here's a peak of how I manage!

Now I can check blogging off my list and begin the rest of my day! And if you have a tried and true system to staying organized and balanced I'd love to hear it!

What's new at Mama Matryoshka

When I first opened Mama Matryoshka most of my inventory consisted of handmade cards which I LOVE, but I really wanted a wide range of products available. Lately I've been all about cupcake toppers and I can't stop designing them! I just think they are such a fun and unique way to add decor to a party or event. And who doesn't want cute cupcakes? I'm all about it. This week I designed 3 different sets of toppers inspired by children's party themes that I love.

Pinwheel cupcake toppers. Lately I've been seeing tons of rainbow/color themed parties all over the blogs and I love it! The bright colors are so fun and there are so many different ways to customize a party based on a certain color. I've even made these customizable so you can choose which colors you want (although I am digging the mustard yellow/aqua combination).

Farm animal cupcake toppers. When I started seeing the farm themed parties I was so excited. It's one of my favorite themes and I really hope my kiddo's are open to this theme when they're older. Red bandannas tied together for a banner, petting zoos, straw hats, I love it all. These are one of my favorite things I've designed so far. The baby animals are so cute and I love them against that vibrant barn red color.

Nautical/Sailor cupcake toppers. I'll admit it, I have a special place in my heart for nautical themed events since both my baby shower and Cayden's nursery were sailor themed. I love anchors and navy blue and I think it's so cute for a little boy. These cupcake toppers were definitely inspired by my little sailor Cayden.

(All cupcake toppers cost $10. That's less than $1 each!)

Custom projects: I'm so thrilled to say that I've gotten quite a few custom project requests. I'll be honest, those are my favorite thing to do. I love hearing about other people's events and designing something specifically for them. The whole experience is so personal and I love when they get excited when they see what I've come up with. It's the best feeling in the world!

I made these sweet Koala Thank You cards for my Twitter friend Ashley. She had an Australia themed party for her 2 little one's. Isn't that such a fun and unique party idea? I love how these came out.

I designed this sweet bird card for my sister as a gift for a co-worker. She is the easiest customer ever because she pretty much gives me free reign to do what I want. Of course I had to use my favorite color combination ever, red and aqua and I love how it turned out. (Oh, and make sure to visit her blog and comment on her latest post for an extra entry in 4 giveaways coming soon!)

I designed these retro cupcake toppers for my friend Jen who is not only a fantastic photographer, but also very crafty herself! She and her husband are renewing their vows in the Fall and the theme is 50's diner. If you knew me in high school you would know that I am ALL ABOUT THE 50'S THEME so I was SO excited to get this request. I love the polka dots, music notes, and the record. This was so fun to do!

So as you can see, I've been a busy little bee! I still have a ton of ideas and I'm trying to find the time to bring them to life as soon as possible! If you have a party and you want custom decor don't hesitate to contact me here or through my Etsy shop!

Friday Favorites: I heart Easter

I absolutely love the changing of the seasons and the different things that come with each one, and Spring is no exception. I don't know what it is this year, but I am just loving Easter! It's not really a religious holiday for me, it's more a fun holiday for the kids. This is Cayden's first Easter so of course I'm going all out. I can't wait to dress him up like a bunny and let him find eggs with his cousin in my mama's front yard. I've had his Easter basket done for a few weeks now, because I literally couldn't wait to get started. (More on that to come in a future post!) I have been trying to incorporate a lot of handmade items versus store bought, and I've been scouring the interwebs for ideas. I have found a lot of really unique and creative stuff, so I am dedicating Friday Favorites to lovely Easter!

 I am loving these sweet crocheted baby chicks. They would make such a great addition to your baby's first basket, don't you think? (The nest made out of twine is such a great touch, too!)

If you love Peeps, you NEED to see this post for a ton of sweet Peeps treats (try saying that 3 times fast)! I'm not even a fan and I think those chocolate covered pretzels look amazing!

 Coming from one of my favorite Etsy shops are these Easter wooly hatching eggs. The amount of detail on these toys are truly spectacular. You might think they are a little pricey, but when you read about the labor intensive process you'll understand why. (I also want their Matryoshka doll!)

This DIY paint chip Easter garland is one of the most creative projects I've seen. The cost? Practically free! You can find out how to make one here.

 You guys had to know I was going to plug my OWN Etsy shop, right? I still have these pretty and intricate Easter egg cupcake wrappers available (in pastel or the color of your choosing) as well as this sweet Easter card. I am also taking custom orders for cupcake toppers, banners, or any thing else you need to celebrate so make sure to visit! Also, today is the last day to take advantage of this 10% disount code!

 Last but not least, a quick and easy tutorial on how to make your own Easter grass. If you're like me and hate the plastic stuff make sure to take a look! 

I hope you enjoyed this post, and were inspired to celebrate Easter in a bigger and better way (not to mention handmade)! Tell me, what fun Easter traditions does YOUR family have? I'd love to hear!

Friday Favorites: Sock Monkey Love

I remember when I was pregnant with Cayden I was searching Etsy for cute baby boy photo props for his newborn pictures and I stumbled upon the cutest sock monkey beanie and diaper cover set. I can't for the life of me find it now, but I remember it was made in Chile and ridiculously expensive to ship so I never bought it (I ended up going with a bear theme instead). Ever since I saw that set though, I've been IN LOVE with sock monkeys. Cayden has sock monkey onesies, sleepers, shoes, and toys. I think his monkey pal is so ridiculously cute and his 6 month 7 month pictures will have a sock monkey theme since I never got the newborn ones! This week, I've dedicated Friday Favorites to our favorite red and brown monkey pal.

As you might have noticed, I have a thing for cupcake toppers. These are no exception.


This sock monkey pillow is perfect for your little boy's room!


This sock monkey welcome sign is beyond adorbs for a birthday party!


Who doesn't love a monkey with a sweet mom tattoo??


I am so in love with this sock monkey earflap hat.

Domesticated Delight Halloween Event – Fall Traditions (Guest Post)

Now that I have a family of my own it’s important for me to start family traditions and create memories that will last a lifetime. It was actually one of my 4 Simple Goals for this year. I’ve decided that one fall tradition I want to start is a trip to the Irvine Park pumpkin patch. I’ve actually never even been to their pumpkin patch so this will be a new experience for me too, but I’ve been there during fall and it’s beautiful. Also, friends of mine who have been there have told me it’s the best place to go pumpkin shopping in Orange County so we are definitely bringing Cayden this year! They have hay rides, train rides, bounce houses, face painting, tractor races, hay mazes, a haunted house, pony rides, games, and of course a pumpkin patch filled with photo ops! It's the PERFECT way to spend a fall day with your family! I can’t wait!

Which brings me tooooo.... the first ever guest post on Domesticated Delight! Jenn from Apple of My Eye Designs (she’s the only who designed my blog and did a fab job!) and also Double Duty Mommy graciously volunteered to tell us how her and her family spend the Halloween season.


I try to go all out for my daughter and make her Halloweens into great memories. I’m not a crafty mom so doing home-made projects with my daughter have pretty much always been out of the picture, but I will buy store-bought projects that are 1-2-3 EASY to do projects. One of the main “projects” we’ve made a tradition in our family is buying a Halloween Gingerbread House. I used to think Gingerbread houses were only for Christmas until I saw a Halloween themed one in Michael’s a couple years back. Of course it comes out looking like…lets just say it does not look edible, but it was fun and my daughter always likes decorating it.

Last year was the first year my friend Andria (@mommydoula21) and I did what we dubbed our Halloween Baking Extravaganza! We created Witch cookies, Spider, ghost, and Franken brownies, skull cupcakes, and mummy dogs! It was so fun and of course delicious. We are already planning out next baking day for this year’s Halloween. Now we just need to think of some more creative baking goodness!
















Another one of our new family traditions is to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Disney keeps it pretty Halloween traditional and Mickey’s party starts from 7pm-midnight. You specifically have to have a special wristband or at 7pm you will be kicked out of the park! We live in Orlando, FL so anything Disney is always in our radar. The Halloween Party is a fun family filled event that only Disney can put on. There is a special parade, villain themed shows, and of course the safest Trick or Treating on the block. This year will be our 3rd year in a row going as a family and Kendall’s (the newest addition to our family!) first year attending.
















And finally, a tradition for my family is Sea World Halloween Spooktacular! A fun event with dressed up sea creatures galore plus non-stop trick or treating. The Spooktacular event is held from park open-close so if your kids are young then you can still enjoy the event during the day. Last year we went twice because it was so much fun!
















Our oldest Makenna is already asking when Halloween is. She was Tinkerbell and Snow White last year and she cannot wait to dress up as Alice In Wonderland this year! My husband and I are just as excited because now we have Kendall to enjoy each and every holiday with and this being her very first holiday we are sure to make it extra special for her.

I hope whatever you and your family does for Halloween is a safe and fun one! Enjoy!

Thanks so much Jenn for sharing your Halloween traditions! And everyone who comments on this post telling what they do for Halloween gets an extra entry into the giveaway of their choice!

Don’t forget to keep checking back to Domesticated Delight! A brand new giveaway will be posted tomorrow and you still have time to enter this giveaway!