• About
  • Contact
  • Motherhood
  • Personal
  • Work with Me
  • Guest Post
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Let’s Talk Puppy Blues

October 31, 2022

Let’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!

I Regretted Getting a Puppy

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.

I Knew We Made a Mistake

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.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 8 week old vizsla male puppy

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.

What are the 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.

What are the symptoms of puppy blues?

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 8 week old vizsla male puppy

According to ChoosingTherapy.com, symptoms of puppy blues include the following:

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Feeling anxious, sad, and/or hopeless
  • Feeling helpless and/or paralyzed
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed
  • Feeling trapped
  • Feeling empty inside
  • Feeling numb
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Feeling angry or resentful towards your dog
  • Thinking you made a mistake in getting a dog, or wishing you could return them
  • More frequent crying
  • Increased tension or more frequent arguments with other members of your household
  • Increased irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased muscle tension, headaches, nausea, or stomach upset
  • Changes to appetite and weight loss or gain
  • Difficulty sleeping even if your dog is sleeping through the night

Do the puppy blues go away?

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.

What can you do about the puppy blues?

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.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 6 month old vizsla male puppy

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.

Training as a Solution to Puppy Blues

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.

Will I ever love my new puppy?

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.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
  • How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)
  • Stunning Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Ideas to Set Your Wedding Apart
  • 10 Things We’re Cutting from Our Wedding Budget

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

Filed in: Living, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 4 Comments

Making the Most of the Fall Season

October 3, 2022

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.

Hygge

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.

Saving errands for after dark

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.

Get Outside

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.

Use a Happy Light

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.

Cook Something New

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.

Set the Mood

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.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
  • How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)
  • Stunning Wedding Invitation and Save the Date Ideas to Set Your Wedding Apart
  • 10 Things We’re Cutting from Our Wedding Budget

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

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

September in Review

October 1, 2022

I guess I’m just going to have to accept that time really does go by faster as you age. Days whip past me. I can’t believe it’s October 1st! I’m excited to be participating in #Blogtober22 this year and delighted that the first post is a monthly recap!

Here it goes:

The Not-So-Great

I fell with my kid. Face first. Into pavement. You heard that right. My worst nightmare. An event made worse by my ridiculous screaming, a LARGE iced pumpkin spice latte being spilled onto my daughter, and a very bloody knee. We were both shaken, but completely fine!

Whew, what a good month if that’s all I can think of! Nothing else to report except for the usual life stuff, like chores, not getting around to reading/yoga-ing/hydrating as much as I wanted to, or inflation just decimating my food budget.

The Good

I had a perspective change. I have a lot of subconscious conditions on joy. A lot of them have to do with money and looks and timing. A lot of conditions. A lot of “I’ll be happy when…” or “I could be happy if…”. Fill in the blank, I’m sure you know the drill. I know most of us are like this. I don’t know what happened but I woke up a few weeks ago and remembered that I have a lot more control over how I feel than I’d like to admit. I reset my perspective and I’ve been feeling so much better about life.

We got back outside. Sweet Jesus the heat is gone. We can finally emerge from the air conditioned cave and back out into the real world. Most days have been park days, which has been excellent for Baby M’s confidence and my sanity.

I did NOT get any allergic reactions. After the summer I had, this is a huge accomplishment. Check out my August in Review for context.

I got to go away! I got to Connecticut with my mom for a weekend. Without my child. Pure bliss. We did some Christmas shopping and I had a delightful dinner at Hopkins Inn (my first time). I’ll definitely be going away for a child free weekend soon!


How was your September? Did yours fly by as quickly as mine?

What are your plans for October?
Let me know below!

O.


This is post 1/31 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.

More from Leaf and Steel
  • Mommy and Baby Day Off Schedule
  • Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • The Most Romantic Autumn Date Ideas

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

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

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.

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

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!

  1. Your essential fall playlist
  2. Describe your favorite Thanksgiving memory
  3. Your favorite fall baking recipe list
  4. Fall reading list
  5. Best places to see the leaves changing
  6. Best pumpkin patches near you
  7. Fall bucket list
  8. Your sweetest fall memory
  9. Autumn movie list
  10. Halloween costume ideas
  11. Fall fashion finds (see my favorite sweaters here)
  12. Autumn soup recipes
  13. Favorite fall decor (I’m loving velvet pumpkins)
  14. Fall photo dump with stories
  15. Ways to use different fall produce (apples, pumpkins, etc.)
  16. Favorite fall drinks (sweet fall mugs here)
  17. How to plant and take care of mums
  18. TV series to start this fall (HBO, Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
  19. Plan a fall date night
  20. How to roast pumpkin seeds
  21. Fall photo challenge
  22. Describe the process of helping at a food bank or donating school supplies
  23. Unique s’more recipes
  24. Pumpkin carving how-to
  25. Rank cafe’s pumpkin spice lattes
  26. The best fall nature hikes
  27. Rank the best fall scented candles
  28. Describe your ideal fall day
  29. Fall bonfire party planning checklist
  30. 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!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Autumn 2021 Playlist
  • The Most Romantic Autumn Date Ideas
  • Get Your House Ready for Fall!
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • Autumn 2021 Bucket List
  • 10 Fall Decorations Under $10

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

30 Fall-Themed Lifestyle Blog Ideas
30 Fall-Themed Lifestyle Blog Ideas

Filed in: blogging, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

The Best Airplane Books for Babies and Toddlers

December 10, 2021

Does 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!

The Little Airplane by Lois Lenski

Planes Go by Steve Light

Good Night Planes by Adam Gamble

Planes by Byron Barton

Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton

Playtown: Airport by Roger Priddy

Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres

Maisy Goes on a Plane by Lucy Cousins

I Wish I Were a Pilot by Stella Blackstone

Airplane Flight by Susanna Leonard Hill

I Am an Airplane by Ace Landers


Do you like to fly? Do you think your little one would enjoy any of these books? Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • The Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers
  • Zero Waste Laundry with Kind Laundry
  • The Best Chanukah Books for Babies and Toddlers
  • The Best NYC Books for Babies

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

Mommy and Baby Day Off Schedule

December 1, 2021

I love being able to take a day off here and there to spend with my daughter!

I know what you’re probably thinking, “isn’t every day a day off for a stay-at-home-mom?”…

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.

Taking a day off from my to-do list and spending quality time with my daughter is one of the most gratifying things I can do as a parent.

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!

You can download the PDF schedule if you’d like to do this with your little one!

mommy-daughter-day-off-schedule-leaf-and-steelDownload

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.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Sunday Night Routine for a Successful Week
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • Your Baby Doesn’t Need to Sleep Through the Night
  • 5 Free Indoor Places to Go with Baby

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

5 Free Indoor Places to Go with Baby

November 23, 2021

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!

Library

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.

Visit a Gallery

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.

Pet Store

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!

Visit a Friend

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!

Museum

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.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • 7 Things I Do Every Day as a Stay at Home Mom
  • The Best Baby Advice I’ve Received
  • Packing My Diaper Bag in 2021
  • Why Your Baby Needs a Doll with Madame Alexander

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 9 Comments

Fall Friday Favorites #8

November 12, 2021

Happy Fall Friday y’all!

I slept this week so I am feeling blessed and electrified.

Here’s what I’m loving this week!

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.

JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This was a splurge but worth every penny. I got the blue. The sound is so clear and it feels indestructible (not willing to test it out). We needed a speaker for the garage and outdoors but obviously will not commit to a built in system. Maybe next year! This guy will do for now.

Hampton Bays Fire Pit

We picked up one of these guys over the weekend. I’ve wanted a fire pit for years and I’m so happy we got the one I wanted! It already as us asking “why didn’t we buy one of these years ago”. It’s been such a treat to have a warm fire in the backyard and cuddle up with some blankets. We have a beautiful yard and don’t use it nearly as much as we should, so hopefully this will change that. We made s’mores and although I’m really good at making them with the stove pilot light at 3 am, nothing beats a good old fashioned campfire s’more.

It came with a grill ad on so maybe we’ll get some use out of that this week!

We also picked up a cover so that it’ll last the Long Island winter.

Kind Laundry

I wrote a post on Kind Laundry this week! They were kind enough to gift me their products and I’m a believer! I’ve been using their stain remover bar and it really works. I never thought laundry would be important to me until I had a kid. I remember people telling me there would be a lot of laundry and I thought they meant all the tiny clothes that babies spit up on. That isn’t even the half of it. Now that my daughter eats solids I have to clean more of her clothes, my clothes, when she inadvertenly slathers me with yogurt when I’m not looking, and a million towels to clean it all up.

Anyways, go Kind Laundry!

Typhoon

I’m asking for these tickets for Christmas! I loved this song in 2018 (I can remember because I wanted it to be my wedding song but womp womp my husband wasn’t a fan at the time). This song is absolutely beautiful. It’s haunting and inspiring. I can’t wait to (hopefully) see them live!


What are you loving this week? Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Favorite Things, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

Zero Waste Laundry with Kind Laundry

November 10, 2021

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.


Stain Removal Bar

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.

Dryer Balls

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.

Laundry Bag

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.

Laundry Detergent Sheets

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.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Pregnancy #2 is Mentally on the Way!
  • Cloth Diapering with Charlie Banana
  • Back to School Chaos? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Life
  • How to Build a Portable Breastfeeding Bin

Filed in: Home, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 6 Comments

Pregnancy #2 is Mentally on the Way!

November 7, 2021

Pregnancy #2 is on the way!

You read that right, pregnancy #2.

Not baby #2, not yet at least.

When I was pregnant with my almost one-year-old, I couldn’t imagine wanting another baby so soon. Little did I know, baby fever came back almost instantly.

I was 100% in the get-this-demon-out-of-my-body camp once I hit 35 weeks. I did everything I could to encourage her out (see my post on 5 Things I Did to Go into Labor Naturally).

Once she was out, I insisted on walking from the labor unit to the maternity ward. I felt so good (hello oxytocin & adrenaline). I was so excited to have my daughter in my arms and so excited to just not be pregnant anymore.

It lasted 3 days.

By the time we got home, I was crying that I missed my big belly and lamenting the absence of my little one’s kicks inside me.

Even throughout the sleepless nights, the throw up, the blowouts, there’s never been a question about having more kids.

I never thought I would be ready for another one so soon. I had long planned on a two year split for my own personal reasons, but when I was pregnant this seemed very close.

Now, I feel ready for #2. Baby M is sleeping through the night and this blog is heading in a great direction. I feel fulfilled in my home life and “work” life. I know that another baby is going to be hard and take work, just like most rewarding things in my life.

So, it’s time to get ready for pregnancy #2. I’m going to be documenting the changes I’m making to my body and home in the next few weeks.

Here’s to #2!

Do you have kids? How did you space yours out?

Let me know below!
O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

Next Page »

Hi there!

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

Instagram

2023’s word of the year is “peace”. The purest, simplest way to incorporate peace is by being in nature. We are incredible excited to try to spend #1000hoursoutside this year. ❄️🌻🌲 #getoutside #leafandsteel #nature #toddlerlife
Never have truer words been spoken…
Up on the Blog: Here’s Why Christmas Season is the Best
Not ready for the pumpkins to be gone 🎃🫤
Blogtober is almost here! #blogtober is a writing challenge where writers publish one post a day for the month of October. I did it last year and it was definitely…a challenge! 🎃
Up on the Blog: Dying for #Fall but I can’t help but feel antsy about summer ending! There is still so much left to do 🌊 head to Leaf and Steel to see what’s left on my end of summer bucket list. #leafandsteel #summer #fall #bucketlist #toddler #baby #blog #sahmlife #todo #wordpress #longform #watermelon #beach #summerbucketlist #pool

Recent Posts

  • Playing in the Rain with Your Toddler
  • Spring Gifts for Newborn Babies
  • Surviving Sleep Deprivation as a Stay-at-Home Mom
  • 101 Motherhood and Lifestyle Blog Post Ideas
  • How to Survive Your Toddler’s Blood Test

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by Blog Pixie

Copyright © 2023 · Coffee & Sundays Theme on Genesis Framework · Blog at WordPress.com. · Log in

 

Loading Comments...
 

    x