motherhood - growth - living
It took me 15 minutes to throw together this simple outdoor date night idea last weekend! If you’re low on energy, money, time, or just want to take advantage of the summer weather, this one’s for you!
With a plethora of twigs, determination, and frantic energy, I was able to put together this cute little date in a very short amount of time.
Although things ended up going horribly, terribly wrong, it’s still a great date idea for a summer night!
Read moreDo you remember the feeling of jumping in puddles and feeling the cool rain on your face as a child? It turns out that letting your toddler play outside in the rain can be a fantastic way to boost their physical and emotional health.
Baby M knows that if it’s warm enough, a little rain isn’t going to keep us from getting fresh air and grass stains.
While it may seem counterintuitive to encourage your little one to go outside when the weather is less than ideal, there are plenty of reasons why playing in the rain can be a great idea. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of letting your toddler play outside in the rain, and provide tips for making it a fun, safe experience for everyone. So grab your rain boots and let’s dive in…
Read moreAs the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to welcome a new baby into the world. If you’re looking for a special gift for a spring baby, there are plenty of options to choose from. From cute and practical clothing to toys and accessories that celebrate the season, there are so many ways to help the new arrival feel loved and cherished.
In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite spring-themed gift ideas for newborn babies. Whether you’re a new parent, grandparent, or friend, we hope these ideas will inspire you to find the perfect gift for the special little one in your life.
Read moreBeing a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. I didn’t understand just how tired I would feel. From late-night feedings to early-morning wake-up calls, the demands of motherhood can leave you too feeling like you’re running on fumes.
Sleep deprivation is a common reality for many moms, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and strategies for surviving sleep deprivation as a mom, so you can feel more rested, energized, and ready to take on the day.
Read moreWelcome, fellow parenting bloggers and burnt out writers! Are you feeling stumped on what to write about on your motherhood lifestyle blog? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with 101 creative and exciting blog post ideas that will have your readers coming back for more. From meal planning and self-care tips to parenting hacks and product reviews, our list is chock-full of inspiration to help you create engaging content that resonates with your audience. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your motherhood lifestyle blog to the next level!
Read moreHow do you survive your toddler’s blood test and make sure they have the best experience possible?
What could be more fun than taking a toddler for their annual blood test? I can think of at least 7 million things I would rather do. Today we’re getting into why toddlers need blood tests and how to make the experience as emotionally and physically painless as possible.
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Last weekend we took a wonderful half-day trip to Croton-on-Hudson. The town was charming and the damn was breathtaking. Only an hour from NYC and an hour and fifteen minutes from Long Island, Croton-on-Hudson was the perfect distance for us to go with our toddler without making it a whole thing.
Read moreHere 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 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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
According to ChoosingTherapy.com, symptoms of puppy blues include the following:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Today we’re detailing the best ways to embrace autumn and make the most of the fall season!
Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the cooler temperatures, the earlier sunsets, the falling leaves.
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What is hygge? According to the New Yorker, hygge is “a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cozy” comes close. It derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word “hug.” Associated with relaxation, indulgence, and gratitude, hygge has long been considered a part of the Danish national character.”
It’s easy to practice hygge by unplugging, lighting some candles, changing into a cozy outfit, and grabbing a book and some tea.
I really enjoy saving my errands for nighttime in the fall. Maybe it’s because stores are quieter, but in reality it tricks me into thinking I’m getting ahead for the next day. It can help “extend the day”, which is extremely helpful when the sun sets at 4:30pm some days.
I definitely need to check out There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids.
We try to get outside no matter the weather. My daughter loves playing in the rain, and I have no problem bundling up and taking the dog on a walk during a squall.
Getting in touch with nature and enjoying the beautiful weather is one of my favorite parts of the autumn season.
One of my most consistent outdoor routines is taking my dog for a walk around the block while my husband puts our daughter to sleep.
We bundle up with coats and flashlights so that drivers can see us! The other night we went in a rainstorm. There was something so freeing about just accepting that we were going to get soaked and need to dry off later. My dog loved it and I felt so connected to Mother Nature.
I love using light therapy to help stave off the winter blues. I definitely am prone to feeling more low-energy as I take in less sunlight. This is the light box that I’ve had forever.
What does a happy light do? According to Popular Science, “The goal of light therapy is to correct the disruption to the body’s internal clock brought on by the changing seasons. Happy lamps are designed to imitate natural sunlight and correct disturbances to the circadian rhythm. In the morning hours, these lamps bring the sunlight that’s missing from the outside world indoors to let the body know it’s daytime and ensure its internal clock is set correctly.”
I love my “happy light“. I use it for 15 minutes every morning while I drink my coffee. I start to use in once I really notice the sunset time change.
Turkey chili, homemade bagels, and French bread are my usual fall go-to’s, but this year I want to try something new.
I love Pinch of Yum so this fall I really want to try to make their Sheet Pan Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Green Sauce and Life Changing Instant Pot Beef Stew recipes.
In the same vein as hygge, making conscious choices about your space is like #1 for me as far as embracing fall. My baby and I call it “getting cozy”. We light some candles, put on classical music, and open the windows to feel the fall air. I also love turning on the “fireplace” on Netflix, since we don’t have a real one.
Youtube mixes are another easy way to set the mood. Just look for any type of “fall mix” or “fall background music” and you’re set.
Those are our top ways to embrace autumn!
How do you make the most of the fall season?
Do you do anything on this list? What’s your favorite?
Let me know below!
O.
This is post 2/31 for #Blogtober22. If you’re interested in learning more about Blogtober and how to participate, check out my post How to Prepare for Blogtober 2022 and Why You Should Try Blogtober.
Looking for inspiration? Try 30 Fall-Themed Lifestyle Blog Post Ideas.
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
