Toddler and Mommy Favorites- TWELVE MONTHS to EIGHTEEN MONTHS

|into|

It's been awhile since I posted a toddler and mommy favorites post.  Matty has changed so much since!  He is no longer a baby, but an active toddler.  Here are a few of our favorites!

{1} Little Tykes Easy Store Jr. Play Slide - Matty absolutely loves this slide.  It's small enough to be kept indoors and folds for easy storage.  It is very durable and is the perfect size for a young toddler.

{2} Inchbug Orbit labels - We love using these stretchy personalized labels for Matty's sippy cups he brings to daycare.  They are very durable and helps to keep your kid's cups organized.  They come in a range of colors and designs.  Highly recommend!

{3} Big Bug, Little Bug a Book of Opposites - A nice large interactive book that is perfect for young toddlers.  It has a huge oversize 3D pop up page at the end of the book.  Matty looks forward to that page.  It's a very simple book with few words, so it keeps young toddlers engaged.

{4} Munchkin Miracle 360 Cup - Whoever invented this cup is a genius!  It helps your little ones learn to drink from an open cup, but without the mess.  It is very durable and easy to clean.

{5} Stearns Kids’ Puddle Jumper Dinosaur Life Jacket - This life jacket is perfect for toddlers who are just getting comfortable in the water.  They come if fun designs and are easy to put on and off.  They are adjustable, so you can get the perfect fit on your little one.

{6} Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer - Love this alcohol free foaming hand sanitizer.  The travel size is perfect for throwing in a purse or diaper bag.  It has a light fresh scent.  

{7} Chicco Nextfit Zip Convertible Car Seat - We love this convertible car seat.  The fabric is very plush and soft, and the entire fabric part zips on and off for perfectly easy cleaning.  It is fairly compact, so it can fit comfortably in a small car or large SUV.

{8} Nike Free RN Toddler Boys - These shoes are my absolute favorite for Matty.  They are breathable, light weight, and easy to put on.  They go with almost any outfit.  We already stocked up on the next few sizes up.

{1} Nature’s Bounty Women’s Multivitamin Gummies - I love these vitamin gummies!  They are delicious, so I look forward to taking my vitamins everyday.  They are very affordable too!

{2}  Rico’s Butter Popcorn - I don't know what it is, but I am obsessed with this butter popcorn.  It may be because it taste exactly like to popcorn you get at the movie theater.  

{3} Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rose Velvet - I love this drugstore lipstick.  Rose Velvet is my go to color too.  It is extremely wearable and has a nice moisturizing finish.  It has nice rich pigmentation as well.  It really doesn't feel like I am wearing a drugstore lipstick.

{4} David Yurman Aluminum Cable Bracelet - I love my DY aluminum cable bracelet.  It's very light weight and durable, and it comes in that iconic DY cable look.

{5} Shark Steam Pocket Mop - I use this stem mop weekly on our tile floors.  I love that it uses just water and not any harsh chemicals.  I feel like this steam mop really keeps our floors nice and clean.  

{6} Three Twins Organic Ice Cream in Lemon Cookie - Love this brand of ice cream.  It is organic and taste so creamy.  I especially love this Lemon Cookie flavor. OMG it's seriously the best!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Shower

|intro|

I had the honor of helping host a baby shower for our close friends. She was having a little princess and wanted to have a classy and simple theme.  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme was the perfect fit!

|DIY Twinkle Twinkle Little Star board decor background by me|

| cake from Three Brothers Bakery of Houston|

|cake topper from Paper & Parties Co.|

|stitched treat bags by Sunshinebelinda's Blog|

|DIY treat sign by me|

|3D gold star table decor by me|

|cookies by Korino Sweets|

|chocolate pretzel rods by Anna|

|cake pops by me|

|french macarons by Oui Desserts|

|DIY dessert table risers by me|

|cotton candy ice cream cones by Jenny|

|DIY table signs by me|

|DIY floral arrangements by me|

|DIY mom to be corsage by me|

|gift table|

|DIY Wishes for Ava sign in by me|

|DIY table sign by me|

|fabric banner by Sunshinebelinda's Blog|

|decorative wooden block letters by Sunshinebelinda's Blog|

|DIY star themed diaper cake by me|

{Be Mine Valentine} DIY Valentine Monster Card Box

|intro|

Our little man had a Valentine's Day Party at his school this past Friday.  The teachers asked the parents to bring a card box and Valentine's Day cards.  Of course, being the Domesticated Diva I wasn't going to bring an average box or average cards for my son.  I decided to make him a monster themed box and cute valentine's day cards.  Here's what I came up with.

|what you will need|

+ shoe box
+ glue gun
+ styroform balls
+ foam sheets
+ letter stickers
+ craft paints
+ pipe cleaners

|how to|

{1} Cut a hole on the lid of the shoe box.  Make sure the hole is large enough about 4 x 7.  Use the glue gun to glue the lid to the box.  

{2} Use craft paint to color the box.  Use two coats, making sure the paint is dry between coats.

{3} Now the fun part...decorating!  I started off glue gunning the eyes (Styrofoam balls) to the top. I cut out the monster's feet out of foam sheets.  Then I spiraled the pipe cleaners for the monsters antennas and glued hearts on top of them.  I had left over small wood heart shapes that I painted black for the eyes.  I cut out random shaped teeth and glue gunned the teeth to the inside of the box.  Then I just used letter stickers to spell out my son's name.

|final product|

|diy valentine's day cards for teachers and classmates|

I also made labels for Valentine's Day cards for his classmates and teachers.

|for his classmates|

{cheez! i'm crackers over you valentine!}

{for the teachers}

{a little treat for a teacher so sweet!}

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DIY Party Ideas

|intro|

Matty is a huge fan of the show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  So it was only fitting that it was his theme for his first birthday.  There were so many ideas that could be centered around this theme.  I made about 90% of everything, it was time consuming but very worth it.  Below are a few things I DIY'ed.  I think everything came out great!  

|DIY Mickey Mouse Monthly Milestone Banner|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Favor Tags|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Dessert Table Backdrop|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Birthday Banner|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Food Risers|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Clubehouse Birthday Milestone Poster|

|DIY Rice Krispies Treat Pops|

|DIY Funfetti Popcorn Favors|

|DIY Cake Pops|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Initial Letter|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Theme Table Centerpiece|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Photo Booth Frame|

|DIY Picture Head Photo Prop|

|DIY Mickey Mouse High Chair Banner|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Birthday Headband|

|DIY Mickey Mouse Cake Topper|

Baby and Mommy Favorites- MONTH SEVEN to MONTH NINE

|into|

Our little man is now on the go!  He is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything!  It seems like my little guy is more like a toddler than a baby.  Time sure does fly by!  Here are some of recent baby and mommy favorites!

{1} Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station, Doodle Bugs: We love this activity center, because it doubles as a makeshift walker as well!  It's great because there are different activities around the base, so Matty never gets bored!

{2} Circo Toddler Boys‘ 3-Pack Bicycle Dot Crew Socks:  Why are these socks awesome? - First, they don't shrink.  Second, they don't fall off.  Third, they are soft.  Lastly, they are affordable.  Need I say more!

{3} Laugh & Learn™ Learning Letters Monkey App:  My sister introduced this app to me and boy is it a lifesaver!  When little man is getting cranky in the car or at a restaurant, I put on this app.  It immediately calms him down and keeps him entertained.  It's pretty "baby friendly", all they have to do is tap the scream to go to the next song.  It's pretty awesome!

{4} Baby Buddy Baby's 1st Toothbrush: My son is obsessed with this toothbrush, which he thinks doubles as a teether.  It's made from 100% silicone and easy for baby to grasp.  It has little soft silicone bristles on both the top and bottom to ensure a good cleaning.

{1} Munchkin White Hot® Inflatable Duck Safety Baby Bath Tub:  This tub is a great transitional tub for your little one! It is also travel friendly, which is great for a baby on the go.  It inflates easily and fast!  

{2} The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls with Lids - 8oz, 6 pack: We use these containers for Matty's daycare and for snacks on the go!  I love how these are durable enough for many uses, but affordable enough that you can lose them and it won't hurt your pocketbook.

{3} North States Superyard XT Portable Playard: We knew right when Matty started crawling we needed to baby proof ASAP.  With tile floor, stairs, and lots of breakables, this playyard definitely came in handy in our Family Room.  It is easy to use and all the sides come apart, so you have endless configurations with these panels.

{4} Plum Organics Baby Super Puffs Purple - Blueberry & Purple Sweet Potato 1.5oz:  Matty loved these puffs when he started eating table food.  I love that they are organic, and they are very tasty.  

{5} Bright Starts Lots of Links: These links are great for on the go.  We link toys to his carseat, stroller, playyard, and just about anything it will hook on.  I love how it really does come with lots of links...18 to be exact.  These are great for when baby starts to throw toys; which prevents dirty toy and from toys becoming missing.

{1} Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table:  This is hands down Matty's favorite toy!  He love all the sounds and lights it makes!  I love that it keeps him entertained for a long time.  It is very stable, so baby can stand and lean on it with no problems.  The legs are easy to remove as well.

{2} NUK Gerber Graduates Insulated Straw Sports Cup 9oz:  I love that this straw sippy doesn't have too many parts too it.  It also twist close and is insulated, so it keeps drinks colder longer.

{3} Whole Foods 365 EVERYDAY VALUE ORGANIC HOMESTYLE MINI WAFFLES:  These have to be Matty's favorite breakfast item!  He gobbles these up in minutes!  We love these organic ones from Whole Foods.  

{4} Neat Solutions Sili-Stick Table Topper:  These come in handy when eating on the go!  It provides a clean, germ free surface for baby to eat on.  It easily rolls up and rinses clean with soap and water.  It sticks very well on the table, so baby can not peel the place mat off.  
{5} Veggie Fries- Carrots & Potatoes: These are a great alternative to eating vegetables.  They are extremely low in sodium (30 mg per serving) compared to frozen french fries.  They only take a couple of minutes to bake, and are pretty delicious too!

{1} Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash Clarifying Cleanser:  I have been using this face wash for more than three years now.  I absolutely love it!  Before I was using Kiehl's products, but this foaming face wash performs as good as my $20 face wash.  It is very gentle on your skin and doesn't dry it out.  I like that it is pretty much scent free too!

{2} Physicians Formula Super BB All-In-1 Beauty Balm Powder:  This is a great BB powder for a mommy on the go.  It provide good coverage, but is still light on your skin.  I love that it contains SPF 30.  

{3} Noosa Yoghurt:  I am obsessed with this brand of yoghurt!  I love all the flavors especially the Strawberry Rhubarb!  This is the ultimate creamy yogurt!  I absolutely love it!

{4} Etsy Personalized Necklace (Seller jjewelry1):  I got this necklace as a gift from Hubby for Mother's Day.  I forgot to include it in my Mommy Favorites for months three to six...opps.  I wear this necklace everyday.  It's small enough for everyday wear and is made from sterling silver!  I love the cross and pearl detail.  The seller shipped the item quickly and it was exactly what I wanted.

Miniature Garden DIY

|intro|

I have always been fascinated by miniature gardens.  They are truly whimsical and just put a smile on my face.  I took a shot at doing one for mother's day.  It was so easy to do and I had a great time making it.

|what you will need|

+ pot of your choice (I picked a pot that was fairly shallow, but had a wide opening)
+ decorations for your miniature garden (all from Hobby Lobby)
+ succulent plants
+ aquarium gravel
+ soil

|how to|

{1} First, figure out the layout of your miniature garden.  My pot was not that large so I tried to utilize as much surface area that I could, so I planted the plants towards the side of the pot. 

 

{2} Next place the aquarium gravel on the soil.  This will act like your "walkway" in your miniature garden.  Also, I placed the miniature garden fencing along the border of the pot. 

 



{3} Now the fun part...decorating!  I bought all the decorations at Hobby Lobby.  They actually had a section at the store dedicated to miniature gardens.  I got the fence, mushroom, bench, birdhouse, and metal wagon, and snail at the miniature garden section.  I got the miniature pots and garden tools at the doll section of Hobby Lobby.  You can definitely play around with the set up of your garden.  I really enjoyed making this cute miniature garden and hope to make a larger scale one in the future!