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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

The Best Books about Bugs for Babies

April 6, 2022

Whether your kid is the one playing with words in the garden or screams when they see a spider, they’re sure to love these bug themed books!

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 the best time to introduce these bug books.

Insects and bugs make excellent preschool topics for spring!

I know when I was a preschool teacher, I loved teaching my kids about the parts of an ant. They enjoyed learning about silly spiders and sweet lady bugs too!

Another fun idea for spring is to read these books outside and then go on a bug hunt in the garden!

The Best Butterfly Books for Babies

Why should you read to your baby everyday?

Read to your little one every day. The easiest way to do this is to tack on reading to another routine, like reading before bed, before mealtimes, or after a nap.

See this answer from Zero to Three (click for reference):

Reading together when babies are as young as 4 months old increases the chances that parents continue reading to babies as they get older. Beginning early is important because the roots of language are developing in a baby’s brain even before he can talk! The more words your baby hears over time, the more words he learns.

Zero to Three, “Read Early and Often“

Should you read to your baby when pregnant?

Yes! I began reading to my daughter when I was pregnant, even though I felt pretty silly doing it.

See this explanation from the Cleveland Public Library (click for reference):

Additional research suggests that third-trimester babies not only pick up on language patterns, but after birth, they can recognize words they first heard in the womb. Though the extent to which babies in utero can learn has yet to be determined, prenatal reading is nonetheless a wonderful way to kick-start healthy brain development.   

Cleveland Public Library, “Born to Read: Reading to Your Baby in the Womb”

Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Little Love Bug: Finger Puppet Book by Chronicle Books

Hello, Bugs! (Black and White Sparklers) by Smriti Prasadam

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi

Walter’s Wonderful Web: A First Book About Shapes by Tim Hopgood

Backyard Bugs – Touch and Feel Board Book by Little Hippo Books

Hello, Garden Bugs: A High-Contrast Book by Julissa Mora

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet by Jessie Ford

The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall

You’re My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards


Do you read to your baby everyday?

Do you know any of the books on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • How to Create a Home Learning Corner for Your One-Year-Old
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • How to Survive Your 1-Year-Old’s First Blood Test
  • Bunny Decor for Under $20 to Decorate with This Spring

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

Bunny Decor for Under $20 to Decorate with This Spring

April 6, 2022

Spring is finally here!

If you love to decorate your house with fun bunny rabbits then check out this list of bunny decor for under $20!

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.

Why are rabbits a symbol of Easter?

See this response from Reader’s Digest (click for reference):

While there isn’t any historical documentation that explains how a rabbit became the “furry” face of Easter, the most obvious connection may be the calendar. April showers not only bring spring flowers, but the birth of baby rabbits. Both springtime and bunnies are iconic symbols of birth and renewal. “Rabbits (originally hares) are longstanding fertility symbols associated with the arrival of spring because they are so prolific and give birth as soon as the weather warms,” notes Diane Shane Fruchtman, Assistant Professor of Religion at Rutgers University.

Reader’s Digest, “The Easter Bunny’s Origins: The Interesting History Behind this Easter Symbol“

Is March too Early to Decorate for Spring?

No! March isn’t too early to decorate for spring. In fact, some people decorate for spring in February, after putting away Valentine’s Day decor.

What are some symbols of spring?

Some symbols of spring are

  • rabbits
  • eggs
  • lambs
  • butterflies
  • flowers
  • farm animals
  • birds
  • gardening

Should I decorate with rabbits for spring?

Yes! Rabbits are the quintessential symbol of spring!

So, here is a selection of bunny decor under $20!


Wooden Golden Easter Bunny Figurines, Small Decorative Easter Bunny Statue Set of 2, Vintage Easter Rabbit Table Home Decoration

Cast Iron Rabbit Bunny Standing

Rustic Wood Easter Bunny Silhouette with Pom Pom Tail Hanging Front Door Decor Sign

Faromily Vintage Farmhouse Bunny Throw Pillow Covers Retro Farm Rabbit Feed Home Décor Throw Pillow Case Cushion Cover 18″ X 18″ Set of 2 (Vintage Rabbit)

2PCS Easter Farmhouse Rustic Bunnies, Stuffed Fabric Bunny Spring Decor, Farmhouse Pastel Bunny Decor for Easter Basket Bowl Fillers Rabbit Collections (Black)

Nature Vibe Easter Bunny Decor Set of 3 Natural Rabbit Statue Decorations Cute Sisal Bunny Figurines for Easter Home Decor or Seasonal Parties

LA JOLIE MUSE Cupcake Stand Ceramic Dessert Plates for Snacks and Cookies, Bunny Candy Dish Gift, 8.3 Inch White, Home Decorations Gift

Small Golden Bunny Figurine Jewelry Ring Tray Decorative Easter Rabbit Statue Ornament Animal Sculpture Home Table Decor (Standing Bunny)

3 PCS Needle Felted Baby Bunny, Easter Decor, Handmade Cottontail Rabbit Animal Doll, DIY Needle Felting Supply Wool

Easter Bunny Decoration Flocking Rabbit Garden Statue, Faux Moss Resin Animal Figurines for Baskets Table Window Yard and Home Décor


Do you decorate for spring?

Do you love bunny decor too?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • March in Review
  • 15 Spring Farmhouse Decor Items Under $15
  • The Best Butterfly Books for Babies
  • Easter Traditions to Start with Your Baby or Toddler
  • Vintage Style Easter Decor

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 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

10 Cozy Farmhouse Decor Items Under $20 for Winter 2021

October 15, 2021

Winter is almost here!

If you’re looking for ways to keep your house warm, cozy and ready for the cold weather – keep reading!

This post may contain 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.

There’s no better feeling then curling up by the fire with a book and some hot cocoa after a long day. Bringing in elements of warmth, soft light, fur and simplicity can make any space feel ready for the short hours of sunlight and snow.

When the sun begins to set earlier and the last of the autumn leaves have been swept away, it’s time to hunker down and enjoy the calm and restorative nature that winter can offer.
Here are 10 items under $20 that you can use to create a warm, cozy, inviting space that will make winter so much more than bearable. 


Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Throw Rug

Set of 3 Battery Operated Candles

Decorative Throw Blanket 50″x60″

Village Candle Balsam Fir

Winter Landscape Throw Pillows (Set of 2) 18×18

Pine Cone Winter Berry Fairy Lights

Ceramic Cardinal 11oz Mug

Women’s Warm Winter Snowflake Fleece Socks

Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep

Touch Lamp Portable Dimmable Bedside Lamp

How do you welcome winter? Do you have special items that cozy up your home?

Let me know below.

O.

Filed in: Home • by Olivia • 13 Comments

10 Thanksgiving Decorations Under $10

October 12, 2021

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Here are 10 Thanksgiving decorations you can purchase for under $10 to decorate your home!

This post may contain 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.

1. “There is Always Something to be Grateful For” 4″x6″ Wood Sign

2. Burlap Hanging Turkey

3.Give Thanks Metal Pumpkin Rustic Sign

4. 18″x18″ Set of 4 Farmhouse Style Thanksgiving Pillows

5. Autumn Wall and Window Decals (144 pieces)

6. Autumn Leaf Orange Table Runner

7. Thanksgiving Day Maple String Leaf Lights

8. Two Wooden Thanksgiving Gnomes

9. Farmhouse Tiered Tray

10. 4 Piece Wooden “Thankful” Cutout

Filed in: Home • by Olivia • 3 Comments

15 Affordable Baby Girl Spring to Summer Outfits

April 6, 2021

Here are 15 pieces to add to your baby girl’s collection for spring and summer 2021!

Unisex U-Shaped Striped Jersey Pants for Baby in Rainbow – Old Navy ($5.97)

Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Dress, Lemons, 2-Pack – Hudson Baby ($13.70)

Short-Sleeve Swiss Dot Top and Bloomers Set for Baby – Old Navy ($22.99)

H&M Five Pack Cotton Shirts – H&M ($29.99)

Moon and Back by Hanna Andersson Baby/Toddler Girls’ Organic Cardigan Sweater – Hanna Anderson ($30)

Hope & Henry Layette Baby Girl Woven Sleeveless Smocked Romper with Bow Shoulders – Hope and Henry ($24.95)

Baby 100% Organic Cotton Mix and Match Pull-On Pants, Rainbow – Gap ($16.95)

RuffleButts Baby/Toddler Girls Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit with UPF 50+ Sun Protection – RuffleButts ($29.99)

Get 20% off your first order!

Baby Tie-Dye Pull-On Pants – Gap ($14.00)

2-piece Printed Set Butterfly – H&M ($9.99)

Mud Pie Baby Girls’ Tiny Rose Muslin Bubble – Mud Pie ($26.00)

Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Girls’ 2-Pack Jumpsuits – Carter’s ($18.00 for 2)

Hope & Henry Girls’ Sleeveless Swing Dress – Hope & Henry ($26.95)

Zanie Kids Baby Girl’s Dresses Flower Print Outfit Organic Cotton – Zanie Kids ($25.99 for 2)

Zanie Kids Baby Girl Short Sleeves Clothing Newborn Playwear Infant Cotton Cute Summer Dress – Zanie Kids ($20.99)

Get 20% off your first order

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

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Leaf and Steel is a collective on all things motherhood, growth, and living. Read More…

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