Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

5 Simple Ways to Make School Mornings Feel Less Rushed

I really, truly hate rushing. The only thing worse is rushing my children. I know that false sense of urgency builds anxiety and is a result of my improper planning more than anything.

Getting my kindergartener ready for school in the morning can be insane sometimes.

There are backpacks to pack, shoes to find, and coats to put on while trying to get breakfast on the table.

Over the years, I have found a few simple strategies that make mornings run more smoothly. I have used these ideas throughout my child’s entire school career, and they continue to help us get out the door on time without so much stress.

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The Honeybee Baby Nursery

I love the idea of a honeybee nursery even though I’m actually allergic to bees! After 1 too many serious stings, I’m not the biggest fan of the little buzzing guys.

But somehow, I still think a honeybee baby nursery is one of the sweetest themes you can do. I feel like it’s a common theme for a baby shower, so why not a nursery?

I love the soft yellows and obviously the nature-inspired feel. It’s happy without being overwhelming, and it works so well if you want a nursery that feels nature-y with a touch of childhood whimsy.

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15 Spring Art Projects for Kindergartners

Spring is such a fun season to do art with kids. Everything outside starts waking up again. Flowers start popping up, the days get brighter, and kids seem to suddenly have a lot more energy.

I’ve found that this time of year is perfect for pulling out simple art supplies and letting little kids get creative. Bonus points if you do these outside!

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How to Raise Nature Loving Kids

One of the biggest things I hope to give my kids is a love for the outdoors. Not in a big dramatic way. Just a simple, everyday appreciation for being outside. It’s important to me that they care about our planet and animals.

I have a kindergartener and an almost two year old, so our days are not exactly peaceful nature walks through the woods. Most of the time it’s chaos and everyone gets dirty, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Those little messy moments outside are exactly what builds a love for nature over time.

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Strawberry Patch Baby Nursery

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for a sweet, slightly vintage nursery theme. And a strawberry patch baby nursery might be one of the cutest ideas out there.

Strawberries just feel happy. They’re bright, cheerful, and a little bit nostalgic. The whole theme reminds me of summer mornings, berry picking, gingham blankets, and baskets filled with fruit. It’s playful without being over the top, which makes it perfect for a baby’s room.

If you want a nursery that feels warm, simple, and a little bit storybook-like, a strawberry patch theme is such a fun direction to go!

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Baby Names Inspired by Lakes and Rivers

Despite living on an island and 3 miles from the beach, I am not an ocean girl. Too much salt. I do, however, love rives and lakes. Maybe even a pond. And as I gather names for what maybe someday next year will be our last baby, I have to include some nature names on the list.

If you love lakes and rivers and granola-y nature names, keep reading for a comprehensive list of names!

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Raising Kids Who Aren’t Constantly Entertained

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much kids these days are used to being entertained. Between tablets, TV, and toys that do everything for them, it can feel like a constant fight to keep them engaged with anything that doesn’t beep or flash. I have a kindergartener and an almost 2-year-old, so I see it in action every day.

Sometimes I see how many other kids are engaging with technology at such a young age and it can feel kind of dystopian. I also sometimes feel like the odd one out, making the decision to not allow these things for my kids. So, I wanted to write a post wrapping up some of my thoughts so they’re not bopping around in my head.

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The Wildflower Baby Nursery

Out all the wonderful baby nursery ideas I post on here, this one might be one of my favorites. love nursery themes that feel soft, natural, and a little bit whimsical, and a wildflower baby nursery checks all of those boxes.

If you love anything nature themed too, keep reading to find what you need for a wildflower baby nursery.

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5 Things I’m Doing in 2026 to Maintain My 1.4 Million Monthly Views on Pinterest

Growing on Pinterest is one thing, maintaining momentum is another.

Over the past few years, Pinterest has become one of the biggest drivers of traffic to my site, helping my content reach over 1.4 million monthly views. While viral pins are great, consistent traffic doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from treating Pinterest like a platform that rewards steady activity, fresh content, and creators who actually follow the rules.

If you’re hoping to grow your blog traffic through Pinterest, here are the five things I’m focusing on in 2026 to keep that momentum going.

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The Lake Lover’s Baby Nursery

I’ve always loved lakes. There’s something about the quiet water, the boats drifting by, the smell of pine trees, and the slower pace of life that just feels peaceful. If I could spend every summer near a lake, I absolutely would.

One of my favorite places in the world is Lake Champlain! It sits between New York and Vermont and has that perfect mix of mountains, water, and small town charm. We’ve also been spending time on lakes in western CT and have found so much peace there!

That’s exactly the feeling that inspired this idea for a lake house baby nursery. A lake-inspired nursery brings in soft colors, natural textures, and subtle nautical touches without feeling overly themed. The goal is to create a space that feels calm and cozy and full of nature’s wonders!

Here are some ideas for designing a beautiful lake house inspired nursery.

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