Leaf and Steel

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.

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!

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…

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!

SAHM Blog Post Ideas for January

January 3, 2026

This year, I want to write more and take this blog to the next level in 2026, but in a way that still feels honest and grounded in real life at home with kids. This post is a collection of January blog ideas inspired by slower days, colder weather, and a gentler approach to goals and routines.

Travel Inspired Nursery Ideas

January 1, 2026

The idea for this travel inspired nursery came straight from real life. In the summer of 2024, we packed up and traveled with our two daughters who were 1.5 and 4.5 at the time. From California to Connecticut, t was busy and stretching in the best way. Seeing the world through their eyes made me fall in love with traveling all over again.

A travel inspired nursery is about creating a space that feels welcoming and full of possibility. It’s a gentle reminder that the world is wide and worth exploring, even from the very beginning!

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.

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.

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.