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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

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!

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Filed in: Home • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Coir Doormats for Thanksgiving Under $30

October 2, 2023

“As autumn leaves cascade and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, it’s time to welcome the warmth of Thanksgiving into our homes. One simple yet impactful way to set the stage for this season of gratitude is with a charming coir doormat. In this blog post, we’ve curated a delightful collection of Coir Doormats for Thanksgiving, each priced under $30.

Elevate your entryway, embrace the spirit of the harvest, and extend a festive welcome to friends and family without breaking the bank. Let’s explore how a small touch at your doorstep can make a big statement this Thanksgiving season.

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Filed in: Guides, Home • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Halloween Coir Doormats Under $30

September 18, 2023

Welcome! Halloween is just around the corner!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t have time or money to waste on overpriced decorations. That’s why I’ve gathered the best Halloween coir doormats under $30. Discover budget-friendly, quality options that set the spooky mood and keep your floors clean. Let’s dive in!

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Filed in: Home • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Best Coir Autumn Doormats Under $30

August 30, 2023

Are you ready to give your home’s entrance a warm and inviting autumn makeover? We all want our homes to look their best, especially when the fall season arrives. But with countless options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find that perfect doormat that’s both welcoming and budget-friendly. That’s where we come in.

With years of home decor expertise, we’ve scoured the market to find the top Coir autumn doormats under $30. Whether you’re a seasoned autumn enthusiast or simply looking to spruce up your entryway, our carefully curated list is designed to cater to your needs and budget.

Today we’ll unveil the affordable yet charming doormats that will not only greet your guests but also embrace the cozy spirit of autumn.

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Filed in: Favorite Things, Home, Living • by Olivia • 1 Comment

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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
  • Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved
  • My Baby Knows What She Needs
  • How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer
  • Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life
  • The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery

If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

Filed in: Home • by Olivia • 2 Comments

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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • The Best Books for Baby’s First Birthday
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • Zero Waste Laundry with Kind Laundry
  • Cloth Diapering with Charlie Banana
  • Mommy and Baby Day Off Schedule

Filed in: Home, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

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!

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.

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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Is November too Early to Decorate for Christmas?
  • 5 Free Indoor Places to Go with Baby
  • The Best Christmas Books for Babies
  • 10 Cozy Christmas Decor Items Under $10

Filed in: Home, Living, Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

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!

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.

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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Simple Autumn Pumpkin Pancakes
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • 10 Cozy Christmas Decor Items Under $10
  • Cloth Diapering with Charlie Banana

Filed in: Home, Living • by Olivia • 2 Comments

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.

Read more

Filed in: Home • by Olivia • 1 Comment

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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Pregnancy #2 is Mentally on the Way!
  • Cloth Diapering with Charlie Banana
  • Back to School Chaos? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Life
  • How to Build a Portable Breastfeeding Bin

Filed in: Home, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 9 Comments

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