• About
  • Contact
  • Motherhood
  • Work with Me
  • Vizsla
  • Guest Post
  • Privacy Policy
  • Toddler Things
  • Disclaimer
  • Baby
  • Home
  • blogging

Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Slow Living with Little Kids: Tips for an Intentional Home

March 6, 2026

“I’m too busy sitting still” has been my line for the past two years.

This world is too fast for me and I’ve wanted something different for myself and my kids for a little while now. These are strictly my opinions and preferences and reactions to the world around me. It’s important for me to live what I believe, and this is how that plays out.

So, here’s what slow living looks like in our home and how I try to make it part of everyday life.

Read more

Filed in: Pregnancy & Postpartum, Ramblings, Toddler Things • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

50 Nature Baby Names for Girls and Boys

March 6, 2026

I’ve always loved nature inspired baby names. River has always been on our list and Meadow has always been sharply vetoed by my husband. Nature names feel timeless and peaceful. If you love hiking, national parks, wildflowers, mountains, or just being outside, a nature name could be perfect for your little one.

Read more

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Screen Free Road Trip Activities for Kids

March 6, 2026

We do a lot of driving as a family. Living on Long Island means that even a simple weekend adventure usually involves a decent amount of time in the car (traffic getting on/off LI is dreadful)! One of our most common trips is heading from Long Island to Connecticut, and we make that drive at least once a month.

With two little kids in the backseat, I’ve learned that having a few simple activities ready can make the difference between a peaceful drive and a very long one. The good news is that road trip entertainment for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small things packed ahead of time can keep little hands busy for quite a while.

Read more

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

25 Spring Activities for Toddlers

March 5, 2026

Spring is one of my favorite seasons with little kids. After a long winter, everyone is ready to get outside, get messy, and try something new. Toddlers especially love the simple things this time of year: puddles, flowers, mud, and fresh air. Winter has been absolutely brutal on Long Island this year. As the snow begins to melt today, we look forward to getting outside and getting dirty!

If you’re looking for easy ways to fill your days, here are some simple spring activities for toddlers that don’t require a lot of prep but will keep little hands busy.

Read more

Filed in: Toddler Things • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Mountain Themed Baby Nursery

March 5, 2026

Last week I had a chemical pregnancy (fun!). I have been sitting with it and feel good about trusting the universe with whatever or whomever our family needs! We are also planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains this summer, which has been on my heart for months now. Wide open spaces, pine trees, cool air, big sky. It feels grounding and peaceful. So a mountain themed nursery feels especially meaningful right now.

If you are drawn to nature the way I am, this theme is timeless and peaceful without feeling overly babyish. It grows with your child. It feels like something you can build slowly and intentionally.

Read more

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

Everything You Need for a Mud Kitchen This Spring

March 2, 2026

If there is one thing I will always say yes to, it’s a mud kitchen.

Baby M is five now, which feels impossible to type, and she has loved her mud kitchen since the very first day we set it up. She has made “soups” for the fairies, chocolate cakes out of dirt, and more “coffee” for me than any real café ever has. It has been one of the most played-with things in our yard. And now that Baby E is almost two, I already know she is going to be right there beside her, sleeves rolled up, fully committed to the mess.

Read more

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

SAHM Blog Post Ideas for Spring ’26

February 27, 2026

The groundhog was cruel this year.

Long Island has been getting absolutely pummeled with snow this winter and it has itching for open windows and sunshine and grass (haven’t seen my lawn in months!).

If you’re a stay at home mom blogger too, you know that spring is actually a very fruitful content season. There’s so much happening naturally in real life. I’ve compiled a list of blog topics that I plan to write about. So, if you’re longing for gardening and cleaning sprees too, here are blog post ideas that I thought feel perfect for spring!

Read more

Filed in: blogging, motherhood • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Butterfly Baby Nursery

February 17, 2026

Having two girls is honestly my favorite thing. I love getting to lean into the sweet, feminine details — the bows, the soft colors, and yes… all the butterflies. There’s just something so fun about decorating a space that feels light, girly, and a little bit magical without going over the top. I wouldn’t mind baby #3 being a girl so I can add some of these butterfly accents to a nursery! Keep reading to see what I’m talking about…

Read more

Filed in: Baby • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Life Changing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

January 8, 2026

Alternate title: Cookies That’ll Make You Lose All Self-Control. They really are that good. I saw these on Sally’s Baking (the GOAT) and had to make them! They’re chewy, huge, sweet, and are even better after a day or two.

I have a cute recipe card available for free download at the bottom!

Read more

Filed in: Food • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

How to Wrap Gifts with Photos

January 5, 2026

Wrapping gifts is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. It is the moment when everything slows down just enough to be thoughtful, intentional, and a little creative. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and every year I find myself lingering over the wrapping, wanting it to feel just as meaningful as what is inside.

Using photographs in gift wrapping is one of the simplest ways to make a present feel personal and ~elevated~.

This way of wrapping does not require perfection or expensive supplies. It invites you to look through old photos, choose moments that matter, and let them set the tone. In this post, I am sharing how to wrap gifts with photos, along with inspiration, printing ideas, and simple ways to turn everyday presents into keepsakes your family will want to save!

Read more

Filed in: Home • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Next Page »

Hi there!

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

Recent Posts

  • Slow Living with Little Kids: Tips for an Intentional Home
  • 50 Nature Baby Names for Girls and Boys
  • Screen Free Road Trip Activities for Kids
  • 25 Spring Activities for Toddlers
  • Mountain Themed Baby Nursery

Search

Copyright © 2026 · Theme by Blog Pixie

Copyright © 2026 · Coffee & Sundays Theme on Genesis Framework · Blog at WordPress.com. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...