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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Starting a Winter Garden – and a Dream

November 6, 2025

With the rising cost of groceries and my ever-growing dreams of owning a small farm, I’ve decided to give winter gardening a try. We have gardened in the past and I have learned some basic food preservation I’ve definitely developed a love of feeding my family and the entire process- from compost to a belly filled with food.

This post will cover my late fall and winter gardening plans in Zone 7.

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Filed in: The Garden • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

20+ Scandinavian Baby Nursery Ideas

October 30, 2025

If you’re dreaming of a nursery that feels calm, cozy, and effortlessly beautiful, a Scandinavian-inspired space might be exactly what you’re after. This timeless style is all about simplicity — light colors, natural textures, and thoughtful details that make the room feel peaceful and lived-in.

Think soft woods, cozy knits, and sunlight pouring through sheer curtains. It’s clean and modern but never cold, perfect for creating a space where both you and your baby can breathe, relax, and grow together. I always think of Ikea when I think “Scandi nursery”; there are so many great finds there! Keep reading to see how to put these design elements into the perfect calming nusery.

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Filed in: Baby, Pregnancy & Postpartum • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

How We Keep Halloween Simple (and Magical!)

October 29, 2025

If I’ve learned one thing since becoming a parent, it’s that simple is better. As Halloween approaches this year, I’m happy to say that we’ve had a spooky, spirited, and simple October that didn’t break the bank or destroy the peace that we’ve found this year.

If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ll know that I’ve been on a journey through peace and simplicity- I’ve cut a lot of the “background noise” out and I’m really proud of the slow way that I’m living now. And that doesn’t change with the holidays! There are so many expenses and fun things to plan around Halloween. Here’s how I’ve kept it easy, but still magical for my two kids.

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Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

15+ Nautical Ideas for Your Baby Girl’s Nursery

October 10, 2025

Living on Long Island, there is hardly anything more serene than the water. The sound of sail lines clinking against masts, the smell of salt, and the sparkle of the waves when looking out onto the Long Island Sound are a source of comfort now.


When it came time to dream up a nursery for a baby girl, it felt natural to pull inspiration from the coast. A nautical theme can be soft, sweet, and timeless. What’s more calming than the gentle rocking of a sailboat? Think gentle waves, cozy textures, and classic colors that never go out of style. Here are some of my favorite ideas to bring a coastal feel to a little one’s space.

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Filed in: Baby • by Olivia • 1 Comment

Welcoming Fall

October 1, 2025

Welcome, October. My favorite month.

It stays warm, hot and humid. Pretty light here on Long Island. I can feel like true summer wow into the end of September. Today, October 1, is the first day it really feels like fall. I’ve been up since 5 AM watching the leaves swirl outside the window, fall lights lit up on the bookshelf, with bats crudely taped all around the living room by my almost 5-year-old.

Fall for me is about new routines, embracing traditions and nurturing my quiet little life. Today it begins.

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Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

I’ve been on a journey…

September 22, 2025

It’s been a transformative year! Now that the school year has started and I have emerged from the new baby fog, I’ve been taking stock of all the changes I’ve made since last September.

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Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

You Might Be Making Motherhood Harder Than It Has to Be

July 26, 2025

I have two small children, limited help, a tight budget, and I don’t end most days overwhelmed. I don’t start conversations describing my burnout, or lamenting how long the summer can feel.

This might sound a little high and mighty, a little self-righteous, sure-it’s-easy-now-just-you-wait. But stick with me, I want to help you. There’s are some of us out there making choices to live a simpler life, and reaping the benefits.

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Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

15+ Stunning Americana Ideas for Your Nursery

July 24, 2025

There’s something timeless and comforting about Americana style — the warm wood tones, vintage flags, denim blues, and cozy, lived-in feel. It’s classic without feeling stuffy, and charming without trying too hard.

I’ve quietly been saving these nursery ideas to my Pinterest board just in case we ever have a little boy. Whether you love rustic touches, heirloom decor, or just want something that feels meaningful and grounded, these 15+ Americana-inspired nursery ideas are full of heart, history, and simple charm.

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Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

12+ Nursery Reveal Pregnancy Announcements

July 17, 2025

There’s something so special about decorating a nursery—choosing the paint colors, folding alllll the tiny clothes, and imagining the little person who will soon fill the room.

When I was pregnant with my girls, putting their nurseries together was one of my favorite parts of preparing for motherhood. Maybe it was the chaotic nesting energy, because I have never had the urge to decorate, clean, or organize again.

These days, some families are choosing to wait a bit before sharing their big news with the world. And when they do announce—oh, what a beautiful surprise it is. One of my favorite ways I’ve seen parents share their joy? With a nursery reveal.

A sweet little crib tucked into the corner. A framed sonogram on the shelf. A letterboard that says “coming soon.” Quiet, cozy clues that say: baby is on the way.

In this post, I’m sharing 12+ of the most heartwarming nursery reveal pregnancy announcements. These are great if you’re planning your own or just love peeking into dreamy baby rooms.

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Filed in: Baby, Pregnancy & Postpartum • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

How to Have a Screen Free Summer with Your Kids

July 9, 2025

11 days ago, I unplugged the TV in our living room. “It just broke!” I told Baby M (who is very much not a baby anymore, and is in fact a vibrant 4.5 year old now). It only took her less than a minute to figure out that it was unplugged, but not before I swiftly swapped the batteries from their proper cathodes. We haven’t turned it on since. We haven’t had to.

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Filed in: motherhood, Personal, Toddler Things • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

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Leaf and Steel is a collective on all things motherhood, growth, and living. Read More…

Recent Posts

  • Starting a Winter Garden – and a Dream
  • 20+ Scandinavian Baby Nursery Ideas
  • How We Keep Halloween Simple (and Magical!)
  • 15+ Nautical Ideas for Your Baby Girl’s Nursery
  • Welcoming Fall

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