Leaf and Steel

The Lake Lover’s Baby Nursery

March 9, 2026

I’ve always loved lakes. There’s something about the quiet water, the boats drifting by, the smell of pine trees, and the slower pace of life that just feels peaceful. If I could spend every summer near a lake, I absolutely would.

One of my favorite places in the world is Lake Champlain! It sits between New York and Vermont and has that perfect mix of mountains, water, and small town charm. We’ve also been spending time on lakes in western CT and have found so much peace there!

That’s exactly the feeling that inspired this idea for a lake house baby nursery. A lake-inspired nursery brings in soft colors, natural textures, and subtle nautical touches without feeling overly themed. The goal is to create a space that feels calm and cozy and full of nature’s wonders!

Here are some ideas for designing a beautiful lake house inspired nursery.

Slow Living with Little Kids: Tips for an Intentional Home

March 6, 2026

“I’m too busy sitting still” has been my line for the past two years.

This world is too fast for me and I’ve wanted something different for myself and my kids for a little while now. These are strictly my opinions and preferences and reactions to the world around me. It’s important for me to live what I believe, and this is how that plays out.

So, here’s what slow living looks like in our home and how I try to make it part of everyday life.

50 Nature Baby Names for Girls and Boys

March 6, 2026

I’ve always loved nature inspired baby names. River has always been on our list and Meadow has always been sharply vetoed by my husband. Nature names feel timeless and peaceful. If you love hiking, national parks, wildflowers, mountains, or just being outside, a nature name could be perfect for your little one.

Screen Free Road Trip Activities for Kids

March 6, 2026

We do a lot of driving as a family. Living on Long Island means that even a simple weekend adventure usually involves a decent amount of time in the car (traffic getting on/off LI is dreadful)! One of our most common trips is heading from Long Island to Connecticut, and we make that drive at least once a month.

With two little kids in the backseat, I’ve learned that having a few simple activities ready can make the difference between a peaceful drive and a very long one. The good news is that road trip entertainment for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small things packed ahead of time can keep little hands busy for quite a while.

25 Spring Activities for Toddlers

March 5, 2026

Spring is one of my favorite seasons with little kids. After a long winter, everyone is ready to get outside, get messy, and try something new. Toddlers especially love the simple things this time of year: puddles, flowers, mud, and fresh air. Winter has been absolutely brutal on Long Island this year. As the snow begins to melt today, we look forward to getting outside and getting dirty!

If you’re looking for easy ways to fill your days, here are some simple spring activities for toddlers that don’t require a lot of prep but will keep little hands busy.

Mountain Themed Baby Nursery

March 5, 2026

Last week I had a chemical pregnancy (fun!). I have been sitting with it and feel good about trusting the universe with whatever or whomever our family needs! We are also planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains this summer, which has been on my heart for months now. Wide open spaces, pine trees, cool air, big sky. It feels grounding and peaceful. So a mountain themed nursery feels especially meaningful right now.

If you are drawn to nature the way I am, this theme is timeless and peaceful without feeling overly babyish. It grows with your child. It feels like something you can build slowly and intentionally.

Everything You Need for a Mud Kitchen This Spring

March 2, 2026

If there is one thing I will always say yes to, it’s a mud kitchen.

Baby M is five now, which feels impossible to type, and she has loved her mud kitchen since the very first day we set it up. She has made “soups” for the fairies, chocolate cakes out of dirt, and more “coffee” for me than any real café ever has. It has been one of the most played-with things in our yard. And now that Baby E is almost two, I already know she is going to be right there beside her, sleeves rolled up, fully committed to the mess.

SAHM Blog Post Ideas for Spring ’26

February 27, 2026

The groundhog was cruel this year.

Long Island has been getting absolutely pummeled with snow this winter and it has itching for open windows and sunshine and grass (haven’t seen my lawn in months!).

If you’re a stay at home mom blogger too, you know that spring is actually a very fruitful content season. There’s so much happening naturally in real life. I’ve compiled a list of blog topics that I plan to write about. So, if you’re longing for gardening and cleaning sprees too, here are blog post ideas that I thought feel perfect for spring!

The Butterfly Baby Nursery

February 17, 2026

Having two girls is honestly my favorite thing. I love getting to lean into the sweet, feminine details — the bows, the soft colors, and yes… all the butterflies. There’s just something so fun about decorating a space that feels light, girly, and a little bit magical without going over the top. I wouldn’t mind baby #3 being a girl so I can add some of these butterfly accents to a nursery! Keep reading to see what I’m talking about…

« Previous Page