Easy Oatmeal Round with Sliced Fruit and Whip Cream Drizzle

July 29, 2022

Baby M and I needed a quick, yet decadent breakfast to celebrate the end of the heat wave this summer. We tried this delicious oatmeal cake with sliced fruit and whipped cream drizzle and were not disappointed!

The Base:

2 cups oatmeal

1.5-2 ripe or slightly-browning bananas

2 tsp vanilla

Whipped Cream Drizzle:

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

The Toppings:

Maple syrup

Blueberries

Sliced strawberries

1. Preheat the oven to 300

2. Mash oatmeal and bananas in a bowl

3. Add in vanilla

4. Place a slip of parchment paper onto a baking sheet

5. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and form into a patty

6. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes

7. Whisk together heavy cream and sugar

8. Slice fruit

9. Once the oatmeal base has cooled, assemble your slice however you’d like!

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Let me know below!

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15 Spring Farmhouse Decor Items Under $15

March 31, 2022

Here are 15 spring farmhouse decor items you can find for under $15! Spring decor is all about flowers, bunnies, eggs, and new life!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.”
Doug Larson

When is the first day of spring 2022?

Spring 2022 begins on Sunday, March 20th and ends on Tuesday, June 21st.

Is February too early to decorate for spring?

Some people may ask if February is too early to decorate for spring. No, February isn’t too early to decorate for spring! Adding spring decor is a nice way to break up the grayness of winter. You can really decorate anytime you want.

Is November to Early to Decorate for Christmas?

Read on to see the best farmhouse decor items for spring!

Farmhouse Stuffed Fabric Rustic Bunnies (Set of 2)

Mini Wooden Houses

Hello Spring Placemat Set of 4, 18″x12″

Farmhouse Decor Spring Wall Decor Fabric Floral Bicycle Sign Wood Rustic Home Decor Indoor Outdoor Wall Plaque Hanging Art Gift 11″ X 16″ – Spring in The Air

Flower Fairy Lights – Pink Cherry Blossoms

2 Pack Artificial Eucalyptus Garland (Set of 2)

Primitives by Kathy Slat String Art Box Sign, 6″ x 6″, “Bee Happy”

Faux Lavender Bundle

5 Piece Honey Dipper with Faux Honey Mini Bee Tiered Tray Decor Spring Summer Farmhouse Kitchen Display

Spring Pillow Covers 18×18 Set of 2 Farmhouse Buffalo Plaid Truck Floral Decorative Throw Pillow Covers for Home Decor

Stonebriar Small Country Rustic Galvanized Metal Pitcher with Handle, 5 inch

Table Runner with Tassels for Home Dining Table 100% Cotton Linen 14″x72″

2 Piece Farmhouse Wooden Picket Fence Tiered Tray

Welcome Sign For Front Door Porch Wreaths With Lights 13”

Lemon Wooden Bead Garland with Jute Plaid Tassels and Lemon Slice (34”), Handmade

How will you be decorating this spring?

Do you think February is too early to decorate for spring?

Let me know below!

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Stocking Stuffers for Babies

December 2, 2021

Christmas is almost here! Maybe you’ve already started your shopping or maybe you’re already done!

If you’re like me, you always forget one crucial component of gift giving – stockings!

We have needlepoint stockings from Land’s End and they are decorative and functional. I love that my family will have heirloom quality Christmas decorations for the rest of their lives. They each have their name embroidered into the stocking, too.

Growing up, our stockings were filled with “little” wrapped gifts that we would open around the Christmas breakfast table (waffles and bacon, always). I remember being unenthused as a small child, because after all it takes some growing up to realize that the best things really do come in the smallest packages!

How did stockings become a part of Christmas?

Well, it’s complicated. There are many stories floating around the internet. Here is the most common one, as explained on Bustle:

While there is no known written record of the Christmas stocking’s origins, in many folk tales, the stocking is linked to the idea of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus, as he is colloquially known) as a gift giver. The poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” published nearly 200 years ago in 1823, clearly describes the importance of stockings: “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,/In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
– see more on Bustle.com

Do I Need to Do Christmas Stockings?

Nope! You can always skip stockings for kids and they won’t know any different. Especially with little, little kids, these aren’t necessities. We plan on putting things we already need to buy for our baby wrapped in her stocking, like socks. There is no need to break the bank for babies who are going to be more excited for tissue paper.

However, if stockings are your jam and your looking for some inexpensive, useful gifts, look no further!

Check out these simple last-minute stocking stuffers sure to surprise your little one on Christmas morning.

Munchkin 36 Bath Letters and Numbers

Bearington Baby’s 1st Christmas Plush Soft Ring Rattle, 5.5 inches

Munchkin ColorMix Fish, Color Changing Bath Toy

My First Book Of Baby Animals : First Board Book Board

Unisex Combed Cotton Ankle Sock Non-Skid for Newborn Infant or Toddler

Lenox 870946 Silver Plate Love Frame Ornament

Hudson Baby Girl Baby Boy Trapper Hat, Mitten and Bootie Set

mushie Stacking Cups Toy | Made in Denmark (Retro)

Infantino Sensory Balls Blocks & Buddies – 20 piece basics set for sensory exploration

Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas, Blue/Orange

Does your family do stockings? Does you little one like opening presents?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

The Best Winter Doormats

December 1, 2021

I always feel a bit sad putting away my Christmas decorations. I never know what to put in their place! I have fall decor, Halloween decor, Thanksgiving decor, Christmas decor – but nothing for winter!

One area I love to focus on is my front stoop. I have a wreath for each season as well as a doormat for the holidays and seasons. I’ve rounded up some cool doormats for winter that aren’t Christmas or holiday themed!

Here, I’ve collected the best doormats for winter!

1’6″x2’6″ Come In and Cozy Up Doormat Black – Threshold

Briarwood Lane Winter Snowmen Coir Doormat Welcome Natural Fiber Outdoor 18″x30″

1’6″x2’6″ Snowflakes Holiday Layering Doormat Red – Wondershop

DII Natural Coir Doormat, Checkers Mat, Checkers Welcome, 18X30″

Ninamar Door Mat Winter Snowflakes Natural Coir – 29.5 x 17.5 inch

1’4″x2’4″ Trees Holiday Doormat – Wondershop

Calloway Mills 121041729R Holiday Snowman Doormat

DII Indoor/Outdoor Natural Coir Holiday Season Doormat, 18×30, Snowplace Like Home

Briarwood Lane Cardinal Winter Coir Doormat Natural Fiber Welcome Bird 18″ x 30″

1’6″x2’6″ Hello Winter Holiday Layering Doormat – Wondershop

Do you use a doormat? Do you have seasonal doormats?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

10 Cozy Christmas Decor Items Under $10

November 17, 2021

Christmastime is here!

It might only be November, but it’s never too early to start decorating for Christmas. Whether you slowly put up your decorations or take an afternoon to do it all at once, decorating is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.

In my house, spreading holiday cheer starts with putting out a few knick-knacks and is complete when we put up our tree!

Christmas is the best time of year because it’s filled with magic and wonder. I love how Christmas is centered around family, gratitude, and being together.

Here are 10 Christmas decorations under $10!

“Be Merry” Christmas Garland

40 LED Christmas Tree Lights

Christmas Gnome Green Plush Dwarf Figurine

6 Piece Christmas Wooden Signs

Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper with Warm LED Lights

Reindeer Ring and Jewelry Holder

31FT Mini LED Colored Lights

“Merry Christmas” Burlap Stocking Garland

2 Piece Reindeer Stocking Holder or Wall Mount

Christmas Wood Beads with Tassel

Is your house ready for Christmas yet? When do you start decorating?

Let me know below!
O.

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Zero Waste Laundry with Kind Laundry

November 10, 2021

I’m getting my house ready for pregnancy #2!

Yes, pregnancy #2. My first pregnancy had a rough start. I had terrible morning sickness – I spent the first 20 weeks hunched over the toilet or asleep.

I’ve partnered with Kind Laundry to make an effort to stock up on supplies and finesse my systems for pregnancy #2! Kind Laundry’s products are not only zero waste and non-toxic, but actually work.

I’m making a conscious effort this month to get different aspects of my life ready for another pregnancy. This time, I’ll be taking care of a toddler and I won’t have the luxury of sleeping all day like last time. I have closets that need to be cleaned out, freezer meals that need to be made, and items that I need to stock up on so I don’t have to be constantly running to the store.

In addition to stocking up on household items, it’s time to more towards non-toxic household products. Kind Laundry uses 5 simple non-toxic ingredients, which is perfect for my sensitive skin and gentle enough for my one year old’s skin too.

I’ve broken down their products below, to give you a better idea of what Kind Laundry has to offer!

Thank you to Kind Laundry for partnering with me on this post. All opinions are my own. For more information on Kind Laundry and their products head to www.kindlaundry.com.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you.

Stain Removal Bar

The stain removal bar is a plant based bar that can be used by getting it wet an rubbing on the stain before washing. I used this on my daughter’s clothes and was pleased with the results.

Dryer Balls

These have been on my list to buy forever! Dryer balls are used to reduce drying time and prevent static. Kind’s are 100% pure New Zealand wool.

Laundry Bag

A mesh laundry bag was also on my list of things to buy before the next baby! There’s nothing worse then putting 10 newborn socks in the wash and somehow only ending up with 8. I swear my washing machine eats baby socks. Using a mesh bag keeps everything in one place during the process.

Laundry Detergent Sheets

I’ll admit, this is where I was most skeptical. My daughter is eating solids 4x a day now, which is like an instant mess every time. I always end up covered in whatever she’s eating (don’t ask me how!). My husband and I each work out 5x a week. So basically, we make a lot of stinky laundry.

The detergent sheets just need to be thrown in the wash, no measuring required.

I was shocked and impressed how well they cleaned. Our laundry smelled great and didn’t leave any of that gummy residue feeling on my hands after I touched it. The detergent sheets definitely passed the wash test over here.

If you’re looking for laundry products that fight stains while also being non-toxic, zero waste, and biodegradable, check out Kind Laundry! Their products save space,

Did you have a rough pregnancy? Do you use non-toxic products in your home?

Let me know below!

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Is November too Early to Decorate for Christmas?

November 8, 2021

Is November too early to decorate for Christmas?

It’s a very contentious debate in this house.

Traditionally, I would wait until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. In my mind, that’s the official start to the holiday season.

But, if you’re out in the world, you know that Christmas now starts in October, at least for retailers. The Christmas Creep has been pushed farther than ever this year. I know I noticed holiday decor in stores as early as September.

It’s crazy that it’s early November and I feel late to the party! Christmas is undoubtedly my favorite holiday and favorite time of year. I love how strangers can become cheery and kind. I love the music. I love the lights and decorations. I love the focus on gratitude and family and being together.

Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?

This is a very personal question.

Here are some things to think about when asking yourself whether or not it’s time to bust out the lights and snowglobes.

Let’s Talk Christmas Season Layers

There are many layers to the Christmas season. Maybe you prefer to do it all at once, making a day of it. Or, maybe you like to slowly integrate in your decor and music.

Let’s dive into the layers of Christmas below.

Layer I: Christmas Music

This one is pretty innocuous. Personally, I believe that Christmas music doesn’t have to be reserved for the season.

Silent Night? A great lullaby. Winter Wonderland? Works in February too.

I love listening to Christmas mixes on YouTube to get in the holiday mood.

Layer II: Light Indoor Christmas Decor

The next layer is to me, a true signal that we’re getting started. Maybe it starts with a little reindeer, maybe some mistletoe? We’re just flirting with Christmas here – we’re not taking Christmas out to dinner yet.

Layer III: Deep Indoor Christmas Decor

Here we go, now it’s really begun. This is what I would usually wait until Black Friday to start, but heck it I’m going to start in November. Deep indoor decor would be pulling out the big box from the attic that’s labeled XMAS and going ham.

I’m talking garlands.

I’m talking needlepoint North Pole pillows.

I’m talking fir tree scented candles.

I’m talking obscure santa memorabilia.

At this stage, you’ve gone full Christmas, baby!

Layer IV: Outdoor Decor

This is to show the neighbors that you’re not messing around and waiting until December. This is when you get out the gloves, the boots, the lights, and you find a tall person. Anyone tall will work.

You hang those lights and you show that neighborhood that you are ready for Christmas and you’re not messing around.

Layer V: Live Christmas Tree

If you have a fake tree, please fight me in the comments. Live trees are superior. I don’t care if it’s 4 feet tall. Get a real tree. Forget to water it. Spend a good portion of December trying to figure out if it’s going to hold out until Christmas. Find pine needles in places you didn’t know pine needles could go for years to come.

If you have your tree up, Christmas is a comin’. There’s nothing better than a lit Christmas tree with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on in the background.

Layer VI : Presents Under the Tree

This is the last and final layer. Putting presents under the tree is the ultimate sign that Christmas is near. If you have kids or a pets, this might be a no-no until Christmas Eve.

When I was growing up, “Santa” put all the presents under the tree on Christmas Eve night. We would leave out cookies, milk, and carrots for the reindeer. The living room doors closed and the house would fill with a quiet excitement. We could hardly fall asleep.

My siblings and I would wait at the top of the stairs together and then rush into the living room all at once while our parents watched.

It was always inexplicably magical.

There are very few things in my life that compare to the excitement and enchantment of Christmas morning.

Now, I have a kid, so I’m more than excited to share that magic with her.

Do you do layers? Or go all at once? There’s no right way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Where do you stand on this? Is November too early to decorate for Christmas? Let me know below!

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10 Cozy Farmhouse Decor Items Under $20 for Winter 2021

October 15, 2021

Winter is almost here!

If you’re looking for ways to keep your house warm, cozy and ready for the cold weather – keep reading!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

There’s no better feeling then curling up by the fire with a book and some hot cocoa after a long day. Bringing in elements of warmth, soft light, fur and simplicity can make any space feel ready for the short hours of sunlight and snow.

When the sun begins to set earlier and the last of the autumn leaves have been swept away, it’s time to hunker down and enjoy the calm and restorative nature that winter can offer.
Here are 10 items under $20 that you can use to create a warm, cozy, inviting space that will make winter so much more than bearable.

Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Throw Rug

Set of 3 Battery Operated Candles

Decorative Throw Blanket 50″x60″

Village Candle Balsam Fir

Winter Landscape Throw Pillows (Set of 2) 18×18

Pine Cone Winter Berry Fairy Lights

Ceramic Cardinal 11oz Mug

Women’s Warm Winter Snowflake Fleece Socks

Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep

Touch Lamp Portable Dimmable Bedside Lamp

How do you welcome winter? Do you have special items that cozy up your home?

Let me know below.

10 Thanksgiving Decorations Under $10

October 12, 2021

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Here are 10 Thanksgiving decorations you can purchase for under $10 to decorate your home!

1. “There is Always Something to be Grateful For” 4″x6″ Wood Sign

2. Burlap Hanging Turkey

3.Give Thanks Metal Pumpkin Rustic Sign

4. 18″x18″ Set of 4 Farmhouse Style Thanksgiving Pillows

5. Autumn Wall and Window Decals (144 pieces)

6. Autumn Leaf Orange Table Runner

7. Thanksgiving Day Maple String Leaf Lights

8. Two Wooden Thanksgiving Gnomes

9. Farmhouse Tiered Tray

10. 4 Piece Wooden “Thankful” Cutout

Get Your House Ready for Fall!

September 21, 2021

Tomorrow is the first day of FALL! It’s a magical time of year.

Although the temperature outside is still in the high 70s, there’s a definite change happening. Teeny tiny tips of leaves are starting to change to burnt orange. The air feels a little more crisp. Pumpkins and mums have taken over the nurseries.

Some blog posts may use affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you.

Despite the fact that it might still feel like summer, it’s time to start getting ready for the change of seasons!

These are the ways I’ll be getting my home ready for autumn today.

1. Put away the summer clothes.

This one is self explanatory, but one of my favorite things to do at the start of the season. I much prefer scarves and sweaters to shorts and sandals.

2. Bring out the fall decor

I’ve collected little fall things over time! I love using big pinecones, tea lights, and detailed artificial pumpkins to decorate inside.

3. Make it cozy.

Cuddling up in a cozy home is the best way to end a long day. I have a post here on ways to make your house warm and inviting for the fall season.

4. Get some fall scents going.

I use this candle to make my living room smell like a pumpkin spice latte. You can also slowly simmer a mixture of orange peels, cinnamon and cloves on the stove!