Here is our ultimate guide to saving money on food in 2022. If you’re looking to lower your grocery budget in 2022, then check out the following tips.
Read moreLet’s Talk Puppy Blues
Let’s talk puppy blues and why it’s normal to feel depressed, hate your puppy, or even want to return your puppy in the early days.
Puppy blues or “puppy postpartum” is extremely common.
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.
Let’s say you decide to get a dog. You do all your research, you buy all the toys. You imagine snuggling your little fluff-ball on the couch and taking long walks with your new best friend gliding by your side. You mentally prepare yourself for the first few sleepless nights, the vet bills, and house training.
Depression, anxiety, and feelings of deep regret are not in most people’s vision of early puppyhood. Certainly, they weren’t in mine!
I Regretted Getting a Puppy
Earlier this year, my husband and I decided to get a dog. We did everything “right”. We had good intentions. We researched what felt like every single breed, made pros and cons lists, and investigated how to choose a reputable breeder.
After weeks of deliberation, we decided on a Vizlsa. We had both admired them for a long time and felt that the breed would suit our family best. We both had dogs in the past and thought we knew what we were doing.
We got all the things we needed, got in contact with an amazing breeder, and started saving for the expenses. When we would receive pictures of our growing boy, I was felt with nothing but pride and excitement. It was a very similar feeling to seeing my daughter on an ultrasound when I was pregnant.
I was so excited to have a little toddler and a new puppy. Looking back, I’m not sure what I was thinking, ha!
We picked up Bodhi when he was 8 weeks old. He was the cutest, sweetest, droopiest little boy. He was so calm and slept on my lap the whole 8 hour drive home.
I Knew We Made a Mistake
As we pulled into the driveway he gave me a nibble on the arm. Little did I know, we had brought home a full on land-shark. He was a terror. There was literal blood, sweat, and tears. He bit with such force and determination.
“Aren’t dogs supposed to be in tune with our emotions?,” I would ask myself. He didn’t seem to care. We tried what seemed like everything.

I was constantly covered in bruises, bites, and scrapes. I lost several pairs of pants to the cause. I didn’t love him. I didn’t feel bonded with him. I didn’t feel like he loved me. I didn’t feel like it would get better. I remember waking up anxious every day because I had to manage him.
I would cry all the time. I would beg my husband to bring him back. I felt like we had made a huge mistake. I would tell everyone and anyone how hard it was to have a puppy. Without doubt, having a baby was a breeze compared to him.
I didn’t know for a little while that I was suffering serious puppy blues.
What are the puppy blues?
Here is a definition from Psych Central, “Post-puppy depression, another term for puppy blues, isn’t a formal diagnosis. It’s a term used to describe feelings of regret, disappointment, and dismay that can occur after getting a new dog.”
The puppy blues can be caused by your puppy’s destructive behavior, neediness, or inability to sleep through the night.
What are the symptoms of puppy blues?

According to ChoosingTherapy.com, symptoms of puppy blues include the following:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling anxious, sad, and/or hopeless
- Feeling helpless and/or paralyzed
- Feeling guilty or ashamed
- Feeling trapped
- Feeling empty inside
- Feeling numb
- Suicidal ideation
- Feeling angry or resentful towards your dog
- Thinking you made a mistake in getting a dog, or wishing you could return them
- More frequent crying
- Increased tension or more frequent arguments with other members of your household
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased muscle tension, headaches, nausea, or stomach upset
- Changes to appetite and weight loss or gain
- Difficulty sleeping even if your dog is sleeping through the night
Do the puppy blues go away?
Yes, with the right amount of time and training the puppy blues do go away. Ideally, puppies are easier as they grow into themselves, learn to relieve themselves outside, and form a bond with their owner. Speaking with other dog owners or even a mental health professional can be beneficial as well.
Some situations where puppy blues may not go away is if your new dog is reactive or sick. This can lead to ongoing feelings of helplessness and loneliness. A qualified trainer or vet can aid in diagnosing these issues and potential solutions.
For awhile, I didn’t believe people when they said that he would “grow out” of certain behaviors. I really thought we had a lemon on our hands. I thought there was something wrong with him. Diligent training and age definitely helped his behavior and ability to calm down.
Now, Bodhi’s biggest issue is that he jumps on people when they come into the house. This is non big deal with a small dog, but having a 60lb mass of orange muscle jumping up to lick your face can be terrifying. It’s my most significant stressor when it comes to my dog. However, now I have some experience to show me that with the right training, discipline and time, we can get him to a place of safe and joyful greeting.
What can you do about the puppy blues?
The best thing you can do for the puppy blues is to have realistic expectations of your puppy. Puppies are messy, needy, and have no impulse control. Also, most puppies are brought home at 8 weeks old, which is still very young! Embracing the insanity definitely helped my relationship with Bodhi.
The fastest path to forming a bond with your pup is through training. Starting with small, five minute lessons is a great way to start. Sit, stay, and lie down are all basic essentials.

Something else that helped in the beginning was treating it like a new baby. We ordered takeout, used paper plates, let the laundry pile up, and just focused on survival mode.
Training as a Solution to Puppy Blues
However, one of the most helpful skills a pup can learn is how to settle. We taught Bodhi this by rewarding him anytime we saw him “chilling out”. Over time he came to jump onto his favorite chair and put his head down on his paws.
Another thing to save your sanity during the puppy blues is crate training. We chose this crate for our dog and we used it from day one! We began giving him “enforced naps” every few hours. He had a hard time sleeping outside of his crate, so it gave him time during the day to rest. Puppies need a lot of sleep.
Crate training also gives the owner some time to relax, knowing that their puppy is safe. It’s also essential so they are used to being crated in emergency situations, at the groomers, or at the vet.
Will I ever love my new puppy?
Yes! It can feel like that bond will never come, but believe me, it will over time!
I’m sure there are some dog lovers who won’t identify with this post, but puppies are hard.
Now that my dog is a year old, I notice how badly I felt towards him. I was waking up anxious every morning, not wanting to deal with his biting and whining. It really was not how I envisioned getting a dog would be.
He’s still very much a puppy in an adult-dog body. There are some days where his existence feels like more work than reward. He’s still a trouble maker, but I’m able to see my part, like when he’s under-exercised or I left food on the counter where he could reach it.



Now I have the dog that I pictured. He’s my adventure buddy and he curls up at my feet with a bone at the end of the night. He protects our house from allllll the squirrels and is so gentle and loving towards our toddler.
He’s on his way to becoming a sweet old man!
Have you ever experienced the puppy blues? Did you know that it was possible to feel this way after getting a fluffy adorable puppy?
Let me know below!
O.
- Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
- How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)
- Stunning Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Ideas to Set Your Wedding Apart
- 10 Things We’re Cutting from Our Wedding Budget
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
May in Review
Today I’m sharing the not-so-great and the good from May.
May was sweet and slow. I spent so much time outside with my family! Really living the American dream over here.
I feel like I’m slowly coming out of survival mode that started when we got our Vizsla puppy in March.
Here are some highlights from May!

The Not-Great
Hello anxiety, my old friend. It’s baaaackkkk. Due to recent events in the news, I feel like my anxiety is in full swing. Doing all the things to get in back in check.
Didn’t write as much as I wanted. The reason why I didn’t write as much is because I’m out of my writing rhythm and I had so many guest posts. I need to take my own direction and get rid of my writer’s block!
Can’t seem to wake up before 7a.m. I don’t know why! Every night I set my alarm for 6, and every morning I turn them off and sleep until my kid wakes me up. I really, really want to get back to where I was B.B. (Before Bodhi), getting up at 6 and writing before everyone else woke up. Maybe this month…
My puppy still bites. And he bites hard. Only in the backyard. Only me. I keep telling him I’m getting him a one way ticket back to Pittsburgh.
Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy

The Good
My puppy turned a corner. Okay, so he’s not all bad. He still bites and he’s still so much work, but I think I’ll keep him. For the past 2.5 months I’ve had to keep my puppy separated from my toddler, which has been pretty taxing on everyone. I had been putting her in a pen in our kitchen when the pup needed to be out and would count down the minutes until his nap time.
Towards the end of May he finally calmed down enough to be around the toddler without a leash. I have to say, they are both doing an amazing job respecting each other’s boundaries! I’m now getting that puppy-baby cuteness I was looking for!
Bedtime yoga is a game changer. Most nights, I did a ten minute yoga routine in my bedroom in the dark with just a candle. Since I spend all day contorting my body into weird positions for the sake of SAHM life, stretching at the end of the day has given me more restful sleep. I’m not a huge routine person, but I can see the allure.
Getting rid of news. My post here has more information. I’m a big believer that “you are what you eat”, and after taking an inventory of what I’ve been consuming, I decided to ditch the news. I can still stay current on what’s happening in my area and a general idea of the state of the world, but I gave up subscriptions to news publications that I was compulsively checking, as well as my personal Instagram. (I’m still active on my Leaf and Steel Instagram).
Guest posts galore. Want to guest post? I’d love to have you. Through WordPress and Instagram I’ve met so many lovely souls who have featured their articles on my site! Check out the guest post FAQ here.

How was your May?
Did you do anything fun or learn anything new?
Let me know below!
O.
March in Review
Goodbye March! You were insane.
March was a crazy month.
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.
I got a Vizsla puppy! I feel like I have two toddlers. He is full of energy and curiosity.
5 Reasons We Chose a Vizsla as Our Family Dog

The Not-Great:
- This puppy is killing me. We paid for a Vizsla and got a piranha. This dog BITES. He is constantly nipping. We redirect with toys, yelp loudly, do time outs- you name it, we’ve tried it. This wackadoo just wants human flesh. Also, there’s nothing like living on a 20 minute timer to make sure he doesn’t have an accident in the house. He’s lucky he’s so cute.
- I usually feel better this time of year. This year, I don’t. And I think sleep is the answer! This is typically the time of year when I feel “lighter” and “happier”. I think the sleep deprivation from the puppy and baby is preventing this! Hoping to feel “spring-ier” soon!

The Good:
- I started an Instagram. I know, I know, I was all about kicking Instagram earlier in the year. I still am, for my own personal account. I did start an official Leaf and Steel account that is just centered around this blog! I had been putting it off for awhile.
- The dog is learning a few commands. Let me tell you, “leave it” is the most underrated command. “Sit” isn’t really that helpful. “Paw” is adorable. We are working so hard at training, and I think he’s starting to get the hang of it.
- Calendar. I finally got a calendar for my fridge. Now, coordinating child care and dinner is so much simpler! My husband and I both know what nights we need to be out or keep free. I can’t believe I’ve managed to stay married for 3+ years without a shared calendar. It even has a little notes section so I can list things we need to talk about. Not bad for under $10!

April Hopes
- Creative writing. I desperately want to set aside some time to do more creative writing. My goal is to participate in a Reedsy prompt competition this month. I have a lot of stories in my drafts that could use some attention!
- Build up the blog. I mean, this has been my goal for the past 5-6 years, right? I have some posts planned that I’m pretty excited about. I hope I can get back to posting a few times a week!
How was your March?
Did you check anything big off your list? Learn anything new?
What are your hopes for April?
Let me know below!
O
- February in Review
- How I Breastfed for Over a Year
- 15 Spring Farmhouse Decor Items Under $15
- The Best Butterfly Books for Babies
- Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy

2022’s Word of the Year
2022’s word of the year is…drumroll please….COURAGE!
You may have heard of the idea of choosing a word of the year instead of or in addition to a New Year’s resolution.
Each year, my friends and I select a word for the New Year. We share them with each other and then check in throughout the year to see how much progress we’ve made with it!
This year, I’m going with courage.
I have so much that I want to accomplish in 2022, and I can’t do it without f
I remember being a preschool teacher and being SO anxious to talk to this, ahem, intense parent about their child’s behavior.
Right before I had to meet with them, I was discussing my fears with my boss, terrified.
“Don’t be scared,” she told me, before doubling back.
“Or be scared, and do it anyway”.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s being scared and doing it anyway.
That’s the kind of energy that I want to bring into 2022.

Why choose a word?
Choosing a word of the year can be a less stressful alternative to a New Year’s resolution. Resolutions are easily broken or difficult to maintain for a full year.
Picking a word that you’d like to bring into the New Year offers infinite opportunities for practice and growth with that principle.
How do I pick a word?
There are plenty of lists out there online. Taking a few moments to meditate on what you are leaving behind in 2021 and what you want to cultivate in 2022 can be helpful.
I noticed that in 2021 I was holding myself back in a lot of areas of my life because the logistics of getting what I wanted seemed too complicated or scary. Part of why I chose my word was because I felt myself turning away from opportunities because I wasn’t willing to practice courage.
I wanted to leave all the self-doubt and fear in 2021.
Ironically, the word courage scares me. That’s how I know it’s something I need.
How do I use my word of the year?
You practice it!
My word last year was discipline. I practiced discipline in my day to day life by exercising, writing consistently, and working hard to keep my house clean.

It’s cool to sit back at the end of the year and see how that principle has altered your life.
There have been a few years where I can’t even remember what mine was by the time the next ball drops, and that’s okay.
I think the important thing about New Year’s resolutions and choosing words is really about acknowledging that we still have room to grow and we are capable of change.
Do you choose a word for the New Year?
If so, what’s your word?
What do you want to bring into 2022?
Let me know below!
O.
Winter Quote Wednesday
Welcome to Winter Quote Wednesday!
I was sad when Fall Friday Favorites came to an end and was looking for another way to do a weekly check in with a purpose.
Enter Winter Quote Wednesday. Each week I’ll share a quote that I love and why, and I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!
So, this week’s quote is from Bill Phillips,
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do.”
Bill Phillips

Something in me snapped when I heard this quote. I’m sure I read it before and have heard variations of it a dozen times, but something just clicked.
The space between where I am now and where I want to be is what I do.
A lot of the time, the things that I want feel really far away. They feel impossible.
I always lose myself in the doing. It’s the piece that’s always missing.
I always wanted to be a blogger, but never wrote.
I wanted to do yoga, but never laid down my mat.
I wanted to bake bread, but never bothered to try.
I was waiting to win the lottery but never bothered to by a ticket.
It’s so simple now. In the words of Nike, “just do it”, right?
I feel like this is one of those things I’ve always known but didn’t internalize until recently.
Anyways, I love this quote. It’s one I reference often.
What do you think of it? Is there somewhere you could be in life if you just did something different?
Let me know below!
O.
How to Get Out of a Bad Mood Quickly
I’m irritable right now. I am beyond irritable – I am crawling out my skin with grumpiness.
I’m well versed in the idea of “man plans, and God laughs” – no matter what time I get up in the morning or how detailed my to-do list is, things never quite go how I lay them out.
And that’s okay!
I will say that the days when I don’t get some alone time to recharge, I can get super grumpy!

I’ve always needed time to center myself and take mental breaks – very hard to do now with a busy toddler. I use nap time just for me, but on days when my husband works late, a 1.5 hour break out of a 12 hour day doesn’t feel like enough.
So, here are some things I do throughout the day to get out of a bad mood – quick!
- Drink water
- Have a snack
- Do a 5 minute clean of my space
- Meditate
- Do a quick exercise
- Text a friend
- Put my face in a bowl of cold water
- Go outside
- List 5 things I’m grateful for
- Write it out
I think the most important one for me on this list is doing a 5 minute clean because now that I have a toddler, it’s one mess after another. I can never seem to keep on top of it all! There is always laundry to be folded or dishes to be washed or toys to put away. I know that this is a big source of stress for me so I plan on getting super organized in the new year!
Another one that almost always works for me is drinking water. I always feel like I’m doing my body a disservice by not staying hydrated, so this one really helps.
As you can see, a lot of my discontent stems from not having enough time or poor planning – definitely things I need to work on!
At the end of the day, when I take a step back and realize the things that I get stressed out about are fixable and not immediate.

I know that my job these days is to be present for myself and my child. The laundry can be folded later, the mess can go another day.
I always feel good when I’m plugged into the moment and rooted in gratitude. Spending quality time with the people I love, writing, moving my body and connecting with the world is when I feel most fulfilled – not when my house is sparkling clean or I’ve checked everything off of my to-do list.
I definitely need to remember that when I get a little grumpy!
What do you do to get out of a bad mood? Do you also believe you have to make a choice to get out of a bad mood?
Do you use anything on this list?
Let me know below!
O.
Stocking Stuffers for Babies
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.
The Best Winter Doormats
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.
Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
The best way to start the week is to live it before it even happens.
Those who fail to plan, plan to fail, right?
If you’re like me, you seem to lose track of time and struggle to check everything off your to-do list throughout the week.

All it takes is my baby taking an extra long nap, forgetting something at the store, or a quick visit with a friend to throw my daily schedule out of whack.
These things are going to happen – there’s no way out of life’s suprises.
The best way to have a productive week is to have a solid Sunday night routine.
Having a Sunday night routine will get you ready for the week ahead, mentally and physically. I love starting the week with a plan because I get a great deal of satisfaction out of checking off my to-do list.

When I have a plan and a list I simply have more time. For example, taking 20 minutes to go through my pantry and fridge to create a meal plan means I only have to go to the store once, instead of 3 times. I’m saving literal hours or my time by taking an extra 20 minutes before the week starts to get organized.
It sounds like a no-brainer, right? Well, like any normal human I’m prone to exhaustion, procrastination and pure laziness. I always think that planning ahead is for those type-A people, the ones who took neat notes in school and have color coded binders, the ones who carry little bags within their purses to organize all their stuff. I am not one of those people!
But, I do love my free time. I need time now to work on my blog and do all the things I like to do. I like to max-out my daughter’s nap time with working. Planning ahead with a Sunday routine is a way that I can ensure that I can use nap time to write.
So, let’s get into the components of a super helpful Sunday routine!
Meal Plan and/or Meal Prep
If you’re going to do one thing on this list, sit down and plan out your meals on Sunday. Go through your fridge and pantry and figure out what needs to be used up first. If you work or prefer to just reach into the fridge and have a precooked meal, meal prep for the week ahead! After you have your list of foods that are near expiration, create a menu. After that, you can create a shopping list based on what other ingredients you need.

Errands Plan
This takes us to our next item on the list: an errands plan! Bonus points for actually completing it on a Sunday. Writing an errands plan can help condense the amount of times you leave your house. If you’re like me, you feel like you’re leaving the house every single day to run another errand. My basic list always consists of the gas station, the grocery store, and Target. When I have my Sunday list made, I can remember to hit all those places in one fell swoop, rather then spreading them out across the week.

Laundry/Housekeeping List
The next component of the Sunday routine is writing out what laundry needs to be washed and what housekeeping needs to be done. Having it written down on paper or in your phone means it’s no longer rattling around inside your head, taking up space. You can check out my post with Kind Laundry to see how you can master your non-toxic, waste-free laundry game!

Review Weekly Calendar
Remember to review your weekly calendar! This is something my husband and I automatically do at the beginning of the week. We kind of verbally go through everything that’s happening that week and what nights we plan to be out of the house. Making sure we’re on the same page about caring for the baby is super important for us!

ABC List
The last item on this list is an ABC list. I learned about these years ago and they are so helpful if you get easily overwhelmed or find your to-do list is endless. I know I could sit and write on my to-do list for hours. An ABC list sorts items based on their importance.
A- Most Important. These are the things that have to get done, like going to the grocery store, feeding the cat, etc.
B- Important – these are things you have to do, but are not hard necessities. These could be catching up on laundry, dropping in on a friend, or answering non-pertinent emails.
C- Somewhat important or “If I Get Around to It” – this usually includes working on my WIP, cleaning some obscure kitchen appliance, or getting ahead on the next week.

So, what do you think of this list?
Do you have a Sunday routine? If not, do you think implementing one would make your life any easier? Let me know below!
O.