motherhood - growth - living
Apples, leaves, and turkeys- oh my!
Get ready to spark your toddler’s creativity with our November-themed crafts. As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to engage your little one in hands-on artistic adventures.
From adorable turkeys to leafy masterpieces, these November-themed crafts are designed to captivate your toddler’s imagination and provide a delightful way to celebrate the season.
Read moreAre you ready to give your home’s entrance a warm and inviting autumn makeover? We all want our homes to look their best, especially when the fall season arrives. But with countless options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find that perfect doormat that’s both welcoming and budget-friendly. That’s where we come in.
With years of home decor expertise, we’ve scoured the market to find the top Coir autumn doormats under $30. Whether you’re a seasoned autumn enthusiast or simply looking to spruce up your entryway, our carefully curated list is designed to cater to your needs and budget.
Today we’ll unveil the affordable yet charming doormats that will not only greet your guests but also embrace the cozy spirit of autumn.
Read moreWhether you’re a parent who revels in the beauty of autumn or someone looking to infuse fresh energy into your family’s traditions, our carefully curated ideas are here to inspire and guide you. Today, we’re diving into fall traditions to start with your kids this year!
Crafting the perfect autumn tradition requires a blend of creativity, intention, and a touch of expertise, and that’s where today’s post comes in. You might feel the need to do something special to welcome in the new season, so all of these ideas are relatively inexpensive and focused on experiences, not things.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Read moreDoes your little one love to watch planes pass by? Check out these books on airplanes to share with your baby or toddler!
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.
Maybe you live near an airport or have an abundance of airplane toys – whatever has piqued your little one’s interest in planes, inspire them with these books!
Do you like to fly? Do you think your little one would enjoy any of these books? Let me know below!
O.
I love being able to take a day off here and there to spend with my daughter!
Yes and no!
Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, running errands or going to appointments, there’s always more to be done. I also have this blog, which I work on up to 20 hours a week!
I try to get all my chores and responsibilities out of the way so that I can have days with my one-year-old that are purely centered around us bonding and her enjoyment.
If you’re a working mom, taking a personal day and pulling your baby out of daycare can form memories that can last a lifetime!
Some of my fondest memories with my mom were the ones where we just did a few fun things around town.
I remember one day in middle school we went to the movies and the book store and I got to get my ears pierced. It wasn’t the most spectacular day, but I remember it as being on of the best days of my life!
I loved having that time with my mom and getting to do a few special things.
Since my daughter is only one and it’s just a random Wednesday, we are going to do a few fun things today!
We love to go to Target and pick out snacks like avocados, puffs, and blueberries.
Petco is just around the corner, so we always hit up their aquatic section to watch the fish swim round and round.
Next, a nap and snack are necessary!
When Baby M wakes up we can make a fort in the living room with blankets and chairs and eat our lunch under there!
Then, we are going to paint some DIY ornaments for Christmas followed by a quick bath.
After another nap Baby M will have a snack in her little wagon (since today is a sunny winter day)
Next, we’ll have a dance party (loving the Moana soundtrack) and a pasta party.
We’ll end the day with cuddles and books before bed time!
What more does a little one need? I love being able to spoil my daughter with quality time and simple pleasures rather than gifts and toys.
Another thing I love about this schedule is that it honors her meal and nap routine, which gives me a little break and ensures she’ll get a good night’s sleep!
What do you do with your little one on your day off?
Do you have somewhere special you like to go or thing you like to do?
Let me know below!
O.
The cold weather is finally upon us!
If you’re like me, or a human being in general, you know how hard it is to be cooped up with your baby during the cold winter months.
Over here, we do our best to take advantage of the sunny days and get as much fresh air as we can. But, there are still days where its raining or just too cold to be outdoors.
Going out to eat or taking classes can add up quickly, and as a mom on a budget I’m always looking for free things to do to break up the day.
Here are five indoor places to go with your baby when the weather is bad!
If you haven’t picked up a library card yet, you’re missing out! Libraries have so much more than books to offer. Movies, newspapers, computers, and free events are just the start. I didn’t have a library card until I got sick of reading the same books to my daughter. We made our way down to our local library and both got our very own library cards! I love taking Baby M there every week to refresh her reading selection. They have huge colorful carpet that we like to play on while were there. It’s a great way to get out of the house and get a change of scenery.
Libraries also offer what are most commonly referred to as Museum Passes, which are passes you can reserve to get into local museums, parks, and events for free! Where we are, you can reserve up to two a month and get into so many fun (and expensive) places around here – from the fish hatchery to the Intrepid in New York City.
Galleries are a great place to visit on a gloomy day! If you’re little one is still at an age where they can be contained, head to a gallery.
It’s the free zoo, baby! I take my daughter to the pet store almost weekly. The fish are her favorite. Most of the time, we pick up some cat food for our LuLu or a toy. We found a pet store that has adoptable kittens and I’m always so tempted to bring one home! The pet store is an easy way to buy time between activities, too.
Next, I want to take my baby to an aquarium store!
If you have a friend that work in retail or the likes, why not pay them a visit? This can be such a treat for a friend – and it is a great way to break up the day!
Hear me out, there are a few ways to do this for free! One option is to find a free museum. Another is to see if they have discounted or free days, or to use those museum passes I mentioned earlier in this post. Visiting a museum is a wonderful way to foster a love of art and exploration in your little ones.
What do you do with your baby when the weather is bad? Are you fine with being inside all day? Let me know below!
O.
I’m getting my house ready for pregnancy #2!
Yes, pregnancy #2. My first pregnancy had a rough start. I had terrible morning sickness – I spent the first 20 weeks hunched over the toilet or asleep.
I’ve partnered with Kind Laundry to make an effort to stock up on supplies and finesse my systems for pregnancy #2! Kind Laundry’s products are not only zero waste and non-toxic, but actually work.
I’m making a conscious effort this month to get different aspects of my life ready for another pregnancy. This time, I’ll be taking care of a toddler and I won’t have the luxury of sleeping all day like last time. I have closets that need to be cleaned out, freezer meals that need to be made, and items that I need to stock up on so I don’t have to be constantly running to the store.
In addition to stocking up on household items, it’s time to more towards non-toxic household products. Kind Laundry uses 5 simple non-toxic ingredients, which is perfect for my sensitive skin and gentle enough for my one year old’s skin too.
I’ve broken down their products below, to give you a better idea of what Kind Laundry has to offer!
Thank you to Kind Laundry for partnering with me on this post. All opinions are my own. For more information on Kind Laundry and their products head to www.kindlaundry.com.
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.
The stain removal bar is a plant based bar that can be used by getting it wet an rubbing on the stain before washing. I used this on my daughter’s clothes and was pleased with the results.
These have been on my list to buy forever! Dryer balls are used to reduce drying time and prevent static. Kind’s are 100% pure New Zealand wool.
A mesh laundry bag was also on my list of things to buy before the next baby! There’s nothing worse then putting 10 newborn socks in the wash and somehow only ending up with 8. I swear my washing machine eats baby socks. Using a mesh bag keeps everything in one place during the process.
I’ll admit, this is where I was most skeptical. My daughter is eating solids 4x a day now, which is like an instant mess every time. I always end up covered in whatever she’s eating (don’t ask me how!). My husband and I each work out 5x a week. So basically, we make a lot of stinky laundry.
The detergent sheets just need to be thrown in the wash, no measuring required.
I was shocked and impressed how well they cleaned. Our laundry smelled great and didn’t leave any of that gummy residue feeling on my hands after I touched it. The detergent sheets definitely passed the wash test over here.
If you’re looking for laundry products that fight stains while also being non-toxic, zero waste, and biodegradable, check out Kind Laundry! Their products save space,
Did you have a rough pregnancy? Do you use non-toxic products in your home?
Let me know below!
O.
