30 Fall-Themed Lifestyle Blog Ideas

September 22, 2022

Today we’re rounding up 30 fall themed lifestyle blog ideas to bring more traffic this autumn!

Fall is a big deal here on Long Island. The weather is beautiful, the leaves change in waves, pumpkin patches and corn mazes cover the North Fork. After some unbearably humid and hot summers, fall feels like a gift.

I love creating fall-themed posts for my blog that match my love for fall! I really wanted to creat this post prior to #blogtober, so that I would have something to reference for ideas.

I’ve written before about how much I got out of #blogtober21 and writing consistently. Writing challenges are an excellent way to become a consistent blogger. Whether you blog for money or treat it as a labor of love, fall is the perfect time to start writing.

Why do content creators produce more content at the end of the year?

Every wonder why your favorite blogger/influencer/YouTuber puts out seemingly infinite amounts of content or videos at the end of the year?

The answer is obvious and the answer is always the same!

Money.
Ad networks and brand deals typically pay more at the end of the year. Brands want to use up their marketing budgets in preparation for the next year.

More content = more clicks = more money.

I remember when I spent more time on YouTube and would see #Vlogmas and think that it sounded absolutely exhausting, it didn’t make sense. Wouldn’t you want to take December off? That’s where the money makes it worth it, of course.

I personally don’t want to spend my favorite time of year (October-December) in front of a computer screen, which is why I schedule a lot of my posts!

5 Blogging Lessons I Learned in 2021

Fall Writing Challenge Tips

Before we get to the list of 30 fall-themed lifestyle blog ideas, let’s look at some tips for creating fall content.

Get outside of the house and get inspired.

Get up and go outside! Enjoy the weather while it lasts. Being out in the world is a surefire way for my brain to start firing off ideas for blog topics.

Go through your current daily routine.

Do you do anything different now that it’s fall? Do you change up the vegetables you eat or drive the long way home so that you can see the changing leaves? Your daily routine may hold more subject matter than you know.

I know I have a special candle that I bring out for fall (I feel like such a loser typing that out but my people know what I mean). I love changing out my wreath and drinking out of pumpkin cups. We also do a lot more chilis and savory meals when the humidity tapers off.

Revamp your own favorite blog posts.

If you’ve completed this list or are looking for more inspiration, why not scroll back to your old blog posts?

Maybe last year you wrote about autumn date ideas, and this year your single. You could write about solo date ideas or fall activities for groups. Maybe this year you had a major life chage, like a new work opportunity or had a child, which changed your perspective on an ideal autumn day.

Fresh perspectives on old topics is nothing new, but it’s a great place to start when you run out of ideas.

Try a new blogging challenge like #Blogtober.

What is blogtober? According to Tea & Cake for the Soul, “Blogtober is where bloggers from all over the world publish a post every day during the month of October. They also link up with other bloggers who are also taking part to share the love.”

You can see my post How to Prepare for Blogtober 2022 for more information about how to get started! I highly recommend blogging challenges if you’re a beginner or you’re stuck in a “writing rut”.

I believe writing is a muscle and by exercising it everyday, we get faster and our writing grows stronger.

I also have a post Why You Should Try Blogtober, which shares my results from last year.

Fall Graphic Printed Tops for Cozy Autumn Days

Below is the list of the autumn blog post ideas!

Your essential fall playlist
Describe your favorite Thanksgiving memory
Your favorite fall baking recipe list
Fall reading list
Best places to see the leaves changing
Best pumpkin patches near you
Fall bucket list
Your sweetest fall memory
Autumn movie list
Halloween costume ideas
Fall fashion finds (see my favorite sweaters here)
Autumn soup recipes
Favorite fall decor (I’m loving velvet pumpkins)
Fall photo dump with stories
Ways to use different fall produce (apples, pumpkins, etc.)
Favorite fall drinks (sweet fall mugs here)
How to plant and take care of mums
TV series to start this fall (HBO, Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
Plan a fall date night
How to roast pumpkin seeds
Fall photo challenge
Describe the process of helping at a food bank or donating school supplies
Unique s’more recipes
Pumpkin carving how-to
Rank cafe’s pumpkin spice lattes
The best fall nature hikes
Rank the best fall scented candles
Describe your ideal fall day
Fall bonfire party planning checklist
Take family Christmas card pictures

So, those are the 30 fall-themed blog topics to keep you inspired and writing this season. I know I plan on writing a post for each and every one this year!

What do you like to write about this time of year? Have you ever written about one of the topics on this list?

What would you add to this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

Stunning Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Ideas to Set Your Wedding Apart

September 15, 2022

Wedding planning is undeniably stressful. When I planned my wedding a few years ago, the hardest part was the sheer number of choices that we had to make. From tablecloths to table settings to music and cake toppers, it was a lot. It got very overwhelming very fast, and I really relied on systems that were simple and streamlined.

That’s why I’ve joined with Basic Invite to show you their painless process of choosing the perfect wedding stationary for your big day. They’ve made it so easy to choose individualized pieces that suit any couple.

Keep reading to see what to consider when choosing wedding stationary, and why Basic Invite has you covered.

Thank you to Basic Invite for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Things to Consider When Choosing Save the Dates:

Time

Brides.com says to send local save-the-dates cards six to eight months prior to the big day, and nine months to a year for destination weddings.

Guest List

Once someone receives a save the date, consider them invited to your wedding. Make sure to review your guest list with your partner and venue (some have guest requirements or limits) prior to sending out save-the-dates.

Style

Save-the-date’s are your guests first “introduction” to your wedding. It’s vibe, formality, and style can all be conveyed with just a save the date. With Basic Invite, choosing save-the-dates that fit your aesthetic is easy!

Things to Consider When Choosing Wedding Invitations

Time

According to Brides.com, wedding invitations should be sent eight weeks before a local wedding.

Destination Wedding Details advises sending out destination wedding invites two to three months before walking down the aisle.

Wording

Until I planned my own wedding, I had no idea how many different ways there are to write a wedding invitation. There are different ways to write the time, the date, reception details, etc.

This article from Emily Post breaks down the different ways to word it all!

Style

Basic Invite keeps custom wedding stationary fresh and simple. Wedding invitations should match the style of the save the date cards.

Save-the-Date and Wedding Invitation Ideas with Basic Invite

Basic Invite has a color selection pallet that suits every wedding. They have 180+ colors to choose from, all available to preview online. And you can change the color of each element, which is a detail that will set your invitations apart. Foil cards are also available in gold, silver, or rose gold (flat or raised) for an elevated touch.

Their invitations and save-the-date cards are perfect for introducing your guest to your wedding’s atmosphere and formality.

Basic Invite also has a wide variety of envelope colors to choose from (40+). They securely close with the peel and seal method.

Once you’ve chosen your invitation or save the date, you can order samples straight to your door. One of my least favorite parts of online shopping is not being able to feel the item. With Basic Invite samples you can actually hold your invitation in your hand. This lets you feel the weight of the paper, look at the colors in different lights, or even put it up on your fridge to stare at for a few days before making a decision.

Something that sets Basic Invite apart is the convenience of their address capturing service. Simply send their link to friends through social media to request their address. Then, the addresses are all neatly compiled into your Basic Invite account for you to access during the design process. The best part is that their address printing is completely free on card orders!

Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51

You can view more on their social media sites.

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Have you every used a card service for stationary? Did you choose your wedding stationary online?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

How to Prepare for Blogtober 2022

September 4, 2022

In this post I’m going to talk all about Blogtober! Blogtober is a writing challenge guaranteed to leave you feeling a sense of accomplishment and a collection of published posts.

I did #Blogtober2021 and I am definitely doing #Blogtober2022!

If you’re looking for a way to improve your writing and get consistent blogging, Blogtober is your ticket!

What is Blogtober?

There are endless amounts of writing challenges out there. Seriously, there is a challenge to fit any niche or bloggers “needs”.

Blogtober is very, very simple. All you have to do is publish a post a day for a month.

See this explanation from Tea and Cake for the Soul,

Blogtober is where bloggers from all over the world publish a post every day during the month of October. They also link up with other bloggers who are also taking part to share the love.

How do I participate in Blogtober?

If you have a blog, a little extra time, and a calendar, then you’re all set for Blogtober! Add a little enthusiasm and discipline and you’re good to go!

What are the Blogtober rules?

The only rule for Blogtober is to hit ‘publish’ every day during the month of October.

It’s the internet – there are no rules. Maybe your way of participating in this challenge means you take weekends “off” or try to post every other day in October. Adjust it to what’s realistic for your schedule. I have found that much like waking up early or meditating, the best effects are felt when writing is practiced every day.

My Results from Last Year

Listen, adding 31 blog posts to my repertoire was no small feat. To date, it’s my best month for views and for added posts. Of course, this meant that I had an uptick in ad and affiliate revenue, which is an added bonus!

If you are looking at making a profit from your blog than Blogtober can be a helpful tool – consumers spend the most money at the end of the year!

The biggest benefit I got from Blogtober 2021 was discipline. I woke up early and stayed up late and I got the job done. Up until I got super sick in January and lost my momentum, I was very consistent with posting on my blog.

You want to know why?

I had built habits that made writing every day a no-brainer. I had my routine: wake up early, make coffee, change, brush teeth, drink coffee, light a candle, write. I wrote until my daughter woke up and then would usually write again at nap time or after she went to bed.

It had become as natural as drinking a cup of coffee or brushing my teeth.

Looking back, it was one of the most peaceful times in my recent life. I was spending time everyday doing something that I loved.

It apparently takes an average of 66 days for a new habit to become automatic. While that may be true, after 31 days I felt like daily writing was an instinctive part of my day.

How I prepare for Blogtober

Find a calendar you like. Be it pen and paper, an app, or your phone. I like Google Calendar the best. I have different color labels for posts in different stages, like “published”, “scheduled” and “hope to post”. I like that I can pull it up on any computer and there aren’t any bells and whistles.

Brainstorm ideas. You don’t have to wait until October to let inspiration come to you. Start collecting ideas now! A great place to look for inspiration is Pinterest. Another thing I do is I’ll look back at posts from this time last year and see if I can make an updated version or if I’ve changed my view on a subject.

Connect with other bloggers doing Blogtober. This is a great way to keep up your momentum and get some encouragement.

Turn to your favorite blogs. If you have a blog, chances are you love to read blogs too. Head over to your favorite blogs for inspiration and motivation.

Set themes for different days of the week. 31 posts is a lot. If you didn’t plan posts beforehand, you can feel burned out pretty quickly. Last year I did “Fall Friday Favorites” where I did a weekly roundup of my favorite things. I actually really enjoyed the series and it gave me an “anchor” throughout the week where I had a set format and I could just plug in information.

Schedule posts. Okay, maybe this bends the “rules” a little bit, as it doesn’t lend itself to building the habit of writing every day. However, I know I will be saving some scheduled posts in my “back pocket”. I’m human and I take care of a tiny human (and a very needy puppy) and I know that there will be at least 1 out of 31 days that taking care of them and taking care of myself will come before my blog. That’s why I have no qualms about pre-writing a little content!

Stock photos. If you use stock photos, find a bunch of them now. Save them in a little folder on your desktop. Future you will thank me. I like to use Pexels.

Set good habits now. You don’t have to wait until the first of October to become someone who blogs everyday. Start waking up early or finding the time today to work towards your goals!

Have you done Blogtober before? If so, what were your results?

Are you planning on participating in Blogtober this year?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

August in Review

September 4, 2022

Whew, August was a doozy. This whole summer has been…well let’s just say it’s been a summer. August had its ups and downs like any month, but there was certainly a lot of turbulence.

I am %100 solidified in my opinion that summer is the worst season. The bugs, the heat, the expectations of fun, fun, fun. It’s not for me. I think I’m just conditioned from childhood to believe that summer is a break.

Well, there are very few breaks in adulthood and there are *checks notes* zero breaks in parenthood. I know, I know, I’m complaining. This is my site, right? I’ve been complaining all month. It’s cute to quantify the gripes with a word count.

Okay, so August. Let’s start with good. Let me try to squeeze a drop of gratitude or delight out of the last 31 days.

The Good

The month started on a Monday. That’s cool, am I right? The simple pleasures.

I stopped reading a book. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. If you’ve read my other monthly recaps, you know that I love her books. I got about 100 pages in and realized they’re all the same books? They’re all so formulaic (this is not a term I would use in my everyday-life, but I would imagine people who read, like really read, would use this word). Why is this on the good section? Well, I only have so much free time and it felt kind of…empowering?…to say no. To a book.

My baby is cute-cute. She started to say “wuv yew”. She has been watching Trash Truck on Netflix and now she calls me mom (cue sobbing). Seeing a little toddler waddle into the room saying “hey mom” is absolutely adorable. She’s just the cutest and smartest and sweetest.

I got some part time work. It’s been exciting to make some more money and sit down at my computer and really did my teeth into something, other than blogging. I also got a new computer (the Air), which I love!

The Not-So-Great

Oh boy, are you ready?

Can I preface? I’m going to preface.

I don’t follow a lot of influencers on social media, but one that I continue to follow is Amber Fillerup Clark. I feel like the things she shares inspire me to be better. She’s always making these cute snacks for her kids or suggesting books or doing these sweet little doodle-dos at night. I started doing cute little doodle lists at night.

You know, like making a checklist for the week or content calendar- whatever, but using it as time to unwind at the end of the night and using pretty colored markers. I think I’m making it sound weird but it’s fun.

ANYWAYS, I want you all to know that I sat down on July 31st and I wrote the cutest damn goal list for August. I was going to read 5 books, walk the dog everyday, publish blog posts left and right, drink water. The month was starting on a Monday. What could go wrong?

We all got Covid. The bad kind. Vaxxed, boosted, ready for anything, right? So, so wrong. My husband got it first, on August 2nd, followed by myself a day later, and then my daughter a few days after that. I won’t go into details but we all got very sick and my poor daughter got it the worst and it was all very scary. We are all healthy and take good care of ourselves, it was definitely a reality check that you never know who’s going to get a worse case. It took about a week and a half for us to feel better and two weeks before all the symptoms cleared up.

We all got poison ivy. I would like to thank my dog for this. He probably rubbed against it in the backyard and spread it to us. It has since been cleared.

I got poison ivy. The bad kind. I had to go on antibiotics and steroids for the 3rd time this summer (the other times were from bee stings). You might hear bee stings and poison ivy and think that I’m this Subaru-driving, Hydro-Flask drinking outdoor girl, but I go outside maybe twice a day and only in my backyard and I’m just convinced at this point that I’m allergic to nature in general.

The dog got sick. Yup, him too. The cat is the last one standing. He got some little bacterial infection and was coughing constantly. Luckily the meds they put him on got it cleared up within a few days.

Everything is just a very human mess. I worked during all my free time the last week and a half of August, which was great. But, since I’m home with my daughter all day it’s been a lot and I haven’t really had any time to myself. Factor in laundry, cooking, and making time for this blog and my other projects has been, well, an adjustment.

My post originally ended there.

That’s how I was going to file “August 2022” away in my brain and on this blog.

Well, after I finished writing this post I went to my phone to gather photos to add in.

I was surprised to see all that happened during the month.

I had a great month. I thought I spent it all inside, suffering (not like suffering, but you know what I mean). That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I went so many places this month. I saw my family. I got the baby and the dog out of the house. We went to the beach, the splash park, friend’s houses. I laughed, I was present, I had fun.

What an important lesson in perspective.

Some other little high points:

I got to see a cousin that I haven’t seen in years.

Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer hit the stores.

Baby M and I baked her first pie (it was delicious). We also baked her first pizza (“ew gross” were her exact words). She also had her first trip to McDonald’s which was surprisingly overwhelming, I kept telling her “this is America this is just part of it” and I think she knew what I meant.

Our local animal sanctuary opened back up. They were closed for months (?) due to avian flu. We were so happy to see “our” chickens again!

…and so, so much more.

How was your August? Have any complaints?

Did you try anything new? Are you as excited as I am for a new month and a fresh start?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

How Parents Can Be Thoughtful Health Advocates for the Whole Family

August 25, 2022

Today’s post is a guest post by Katie Conroy from advicemine.com. If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, head over here!

Parenthood comes with a huge number of fun times and rewarding experiences but also a few significant responsibilities. Maintaining the health and well-being of your family is one of your chief concerns as a loving parent.

That includes your children, your spouse, even your aging parents, and, of course, yourself as well. Being health-conscious is not just about satisfying basic needs, though. You can go above and beyond as a parent by being a mindful, thoughtful health advocate so that your family can thrive for many years to come.

Make Good Lifestyle Choices for Your Household

The first step in living healthier is to make small changes to your daily habits over time. When it comes to personal fitness, you can start by simply going for walks during your work breaks or taking the stairs more often.

As for making choices that benefit your whole family, the best approach is to tackle the issue as a team. For example, children are more likely to eat healthy snacks if their parents are foregoing junk food as well. If you have young kids who enjoy playing outside, consider joining in the games so that everyone gets a little more physical activity.

Find the Right Healthcare Professionals

Medical care is something that you should not approach with an anyone-will-do attitude. Health experts explain that finding the right primary care doctor is very important for building a bond of trust with your healthcare provider. When you have a consistent relationship with one doctor, you can be confident in their knowledge of your family and their intentions to serve your best interests.

Try finding a physician with experience caring for any specific medical conditions that might exist in your family. Your chosen doctor should also be someone who is patient, good with children, and who makes you feel comfortable voicing your questions and concerns.

Organize Your Family’s Medical Records

While your healthcare provider should keep track of your medical history, you can take extra steps toward securing your family’s well-being by keeping your own copies of medical documents. It is a good idea to have both a physical folder as well as a digital storage solution for organizing important documents by the individual. As one example, you can use a free online tool to compile x-rays and other medical images into one convenient PDF file.

When you properly organize your medical documents, it is very easy to review your records whenever necessary. You should regularly check over your bills and other important documents for errors and inconsistencies.

Consider Senior Living for Your Aging Parent

If you have a parent that requires round-the-clock care for a serious health condition, it might be time to talk to them about senior living. Choosing a trusted senior facility will ensure that your aging parent has constant access to skilled nursing and comfortable living conditions. It is not a decision to be made hastily, though, so be sure to read reviews, compare costs, and check detailed facility reports.

Being your family’s main health advocate can be a fulfilling responsibility but also draining at times. You can draw on motivational parenting resources from Leaf and Steel to reinvigorate and reinspire your sense of purpose. With a positive attitude, overseeing your family’s well-being will become like second nature.

What did you think of Katie’s article? How do you make positive, healthy decisions for your family? Let us know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

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!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

June in Review

July 7, 2022

Happy July!

Man, am I ready for summer to be over. I write this covered in poison ivy, mosquito bites, and one exquisitely swollen bee sting.

Have you ever heard that we’re just pre-programmed to love summer because of our association with school ending? I think it’s true.

I will take any season but summer. Maine, or even Canada is starting to sound good. The older I get, the harder the heat gets.

I know, I know, I’m complaining. It’s just not for me. Do you actually like summer? Tell me I’m not alone…

Anyways, here’s a little recap from June.

The Not-So-Great:

I’m allergic to bees. Not like “oh I don’t like this thing so I’m going to say I have an allergy” – like an allergy-allergy. I got stung twice in 3 weeks by honeybees on the same foot and went on the same yummy antibiotics. Apparently honeybees don’t sting unless provoked (read: stepped on). Me and my epi-pen are ready to fight.

I didn’t try anything new. I didn’t read any books this month and I didn’t listen to any new music. June felt weirdly busy, even though I don’t think I actually did much.

The Good:

I spent most days outside. Despite the bees and other brazen fauna, I think the time outside served me well. There’s nothing like sunshine. I would like to thank my dog and toddler for this.

I got some blog posts up. Not as many as I’d like, of course 😉

I spent time with family and friends. That’s what’s really important to me, at the end of the day. There’s no substitute for quality time with loved ones.

Summer is almost over. It’s July- that means were almost done! I can’t wait for pumpkins and colder weather and for all the bugs to go back underground.

How was your June? Did you learn anything new? Do anything fun?

Any big plans for July?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

My Favorite Baby Items and My Biggest Regrets

7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related

Surviving a Road Trip with an Infant

How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer

7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related

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

Happy 4th of July, Right?

July 4, 2022

Happy 4th of July!

Whether you’re truly proud to be American, or a little on the fence, like me, I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

I looked up the Global Peace Index recently, dreaming of far away places to visit.

The Global Peace Index is the following:

A composite index measuring the peacefulness of countries made up of 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators each weighted on a scale of 1-5. The lower the score the more peaceful the country.

I thought we might be in the upper top-ten, things can’t really be that bad, right?

Guess how far down the list the United States is? 129th. We are in 129th place as far as peace.

It makes sense to me.

With everything going on in the past few years, I don’t feel very proud to be an American. I don’t see much to celebrate. Sure, there are people in other parts of the world living much harder lives. There are always people with less rights and freedoms. But, so many of those people are here.

Maybe this is just one of those dark times in history, maybe we’re all living through it. Maybe it feels worse because we’re “in it”.

Here’s to hoping for brighter days, right?

Oh, well. I’ll enjoy my summer night anyways.

Please remember to look out for your vets and pets on this day!

My Favorite Baby Items and My Biggest Regrets

June 27, 2022

I finally have a list of my favorite baby items! Now that I have a toddler I feel like I know what to buy for the next kid. I was tempted to make this list earlier, but I now feel that I have the perspective to really evaluate what I loved, hated, and didn’t need!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

My Top Baby Item Recommendations

If the item has an asterisk (*) it means we are still using it at 19 months!

Baby Monitor*

I love our monitor. I didn’t want one that synced to my phone or measured her oxygen levels or whatever. I knew before I had her that I would need to rest when I was away from her, and that those kinds of monitors would lead to me over-monitoring her.

We went with the Motorola monitor and it’s amazing! My favorite part is that you can turn the screen and volume off but there are little colored lights at the top that turn on when there’s sound in the nursery. We can also talk to Baby M through it.

It has a pretty nice range, so I can bring it outside with me in the morning while I’m playing with the dog.

Aden & Anais Muslin Blankets*

As a former preschool teacher, I’ve had my eye on these for awhile. My students would use them for nap time and their parents would confirm that they had gotten them as babies. Anything that’s usable for years and softer with every wash is a bargain, in my opinion.

I have dozens of muslin blankets from them, and it’s one of the few items that I’m glad I over-purchased. We use them for everything!

Pottery Barn Circle Mat*

Did you know babies can learn just from watching you? We put Baby M down on this mat from a few days old and let us watch us. It’s a nice alternative to a swing, which can inhibit gross motor development with high levels of use.

Gerber Cloth Diapers*

We didn’t use these as cloth diapers, but as do-it-all rags. They worked as emergency wash cloths, burp rags, high chair cleaners, etc. They retain a lot of moisture!

Jellycat Stuffed Animals*

Ugh, I love Jellycats! They are the softest stuffies ever. We have the raccoon, owl, bunny, and puppy. Baby M just adores them.

Chicco LullaGo Bassinet

I am so glad I went with this bassinet and not one that is right on the side of the bed. Baby M was a loud sleeper, even as a newborn. Like, you can’t imagine something so tiny is so loud. I was able to put her at the end of the bed and get (some) rest.

The Runaway Bunny*

This is my absolute favorite baby book. I read it before I was even pregnant and I cried. It’s an American classic! You can also view my (hopefully future) The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery here.

Baby Jogger*

My mom got this for my husband as a gift and we’ve fallen in love with it. It’s like a mountain bike. If you keep reading you’ll see that my baby didn’t tolerate wraps, so we ended up carrying her pretty much everywhere. She loves this stroller and we love that she loves it 🙂

Baby Bjorn Bouncer

This one is pricey, but worth it. We added this to our registry because we knew we wanted multiple kids and would pass it on to someone who really needs it after. I love the simple, ergonomic design. Baby M really started to enjoy it once she learned how to kick to make herself bounce!

Fisher-Price Calming Vibes Hedgehog Sooth*

We got this as a gift and it’s just the sweetest little toy. It vibrates and plays lullabies. It’s also super soft.

Sleep Sack*

Who invented these things? They’re genius. I can’t remember when we stopped swaddling, but these were the next step. Now, even with a toddler, I don’t have to worry about my angel getting tangled in blankets or being cold. Burt’s Bees has lasted through puke, poop, and many, many washes.

Antilop High Chair*

This is the best high chair. Ever. It is all plastic, so it’s a breeze to clean. It’s under 8lb. It’s sleek, simple, and stylish. I don’t know why anyone would even consider another high chair.

Mushie Bibs*

I love the Mushie bibs. They’re held their shape over time and are so easy to rinse off. I put a command strip on the back of our high chair so I can hang the bibs while they drip dry!

My Regrets

UppaBaby Stroller and Car Seat

This car seat was so dang heavy. And it didn’t last too long before Baby M grew out of it. The stroller is nice, but it really doesn’t come with much. No cup holder, no front pocket, no tray for the little one to have a snack.

Now, we really only use our baby jogger, as it’s just as smooth and has great carriage space.

Little Unicorn Crib Sheets

I love these crib sheets, but they haven’t stood the test of time. They are too shrunken now. I probably didn’t wash them correctly, but what parent wants to read the tag and do a separate load of laundry? No thanks! Our Burt’s Bees sheets have washed beautifully.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

Call me crazy, but was this ever necessary? We started putting our diapers in a little bag outside of the front door and take it out every night. I feel like this pail didn’t really do much. You have to buy the inserts, and it takes up space.

It has a baking soda scent sanitizing thing-a-ma-jig attachment at the top, but the room still smelled like a dirty diaper. I had to put the whole pail outside in the sun for days to get it to stop smelling. It’s definitely not on my list for baby #2.

Things I Bought Way Too Much Of

Poop Bags

I bought those disposable diaper bags like they were going out of style. Now I used them for the dog and the cat litter. I think I’ve used maybe 5 in total so far. Most people are find with us sticking a dirty diaper in their trash or there has been a garbage can around.

Flimsy Bibs

You know those terrycloth-like bibs? I have dozens. I don’t know what I was thinking. We have a few of the Mushie bibs and that’s all we use! My baby wasn’t a drooler, so I think that made a difference.

Wraps/Carriers

I loved my Solly Baby wrap. And my ErgoBaby Wrap. And our ErgoBaby carrier. My baby hated all three. She couldn’t stand being contained past week one!

Diaper Creams

So, modern day diapers are so effective at holding liquid that there is less of a need for diaper cream/baby powder than there was in earlier generations. We are still on our first jar of Aquaphor.

Nipple Butter

Again, I don’t know why I bought 5 when I only used it once!

Nursing Pads

I loved using reusable nursing pads, but I didn’t need them for long. I also didn’t need the 100 or so nursing pads that I bought. I don’t know why I thought I was going to be walking around like a geyser all day.

Gerber White Onesies

These bad boys stain so easily. I received so many (I registered for so many), and I wouldn’t buy them again. Not only are they easily stained, but the fit didn’t seem to last as long as other cotton onesies.

Baby Socks

So. Many. Socks. Now we have so many partner-less socks. My kid hated them. I really only needed 1-2 pairs.

What are your favorite baby items? Your least favorite?

Do you love or hate anything on this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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

Breastfeeding Essentials

June 22, 2022

You might have heard that all you need to breastfeed is well…breasts. And that’s true!

However, there are a lot of things that can make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I was able to breastfeed my baby for 13 months and I couldn’t be more proud of myself!

It required a great deal of luck, stamina, and determination. There were so many days where I wanted to quit.

You’ll see below that there are pumps on this list. Prior to having my daughter, I was given a Spectra pump and Haakaa. I never thought I would use them – but once I needed them, I was so grateful that I had them on hand.

I eventually started pumping during naptime and freezing the milk to build a freezer stash. It is NOT necessary to have one, but it made me more comfortable to have one.

My husband was able to give our baby a bottle of milk so that I could have a break. It sounds counterintuitive, but if I didn’t pump that one bottle every day and get that break, I probably would’ve quit breastfeeding. It gave me a small dose of freedom and time so that I could fill my own cup.

So, keep reading to see what’s on my list of breastfeeding essentials.

A High Quality Lip Balm

An Insulated Water Bottle

Power/Protein Bars

Nursing Tanks

Nursing Bras

A Boppy

A Stylish Boppy Cover

Muslin Cloths

Disposable Nursing Pads

Reusable Nursing Pads

Nipple Butter

Breast Ice Packs

The Haakaa

A Spectra Pump

Spectra Pump Parts (make sure to measure before purchasing)

Breastmilk Storage Bags

The last thing I’ll add is this book on nursing. Friends and the internet were my main sources of help when it came to breastfeeding, but The Nursing Mother’s Companion had a lot of great tips in book form!

Be sure to check out my post on my experience with breastfeeding here!

Did you use any of these while breastfeeding?

Is there anything you would add to this list?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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