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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!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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!

More from Leaf and Steel:

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!
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Thanksgiving Dinner This-or-That Printable

November 2, 2021

Put the Halloween decorations away – it’s turkey time! Here is a Thanksgiving dinner this-or-that printable PDF!

The history we share about Thanksgiving has changed over time – and rightfully so. It’s about time we start telling the real story and honor those who were here before us.

Despite the change in tone and message of the holiday, one this has stayed the same: the FOOD!

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most recognizable and celebrated meals in America. The mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the turkey…it’s America’s specialty.

Although not as contentious as the conversation around Native Americans and Columbus, Thanksgiving dinner has it’s own slew of controversies.

My family had a mini-Thanksgiving feast to celebrate the first day of autumn, and I am remorseful to share that my daughter’s first experience with cranberry sauce came from a can. I’m a homemade cranberry sauce girl while my husband prefers the classic, sliced Ocean Spray stuff.

It brought up a lively debate over other Thanksgiving foods. Should the stuffing be homemade or store-bought? What part of the turkey is best? We don’t agree on any of it. Opposites attract, right? Thank goodness we’re not in charge of making Thanksgiving dinner, we’re just in charge of eating it.

Here is a Thanksgiving dinner this-or-that printable PDF that you can share on Thanksgiving day. You can read it with your kids on the way to Grandma’s or print one out for everyone at your table.

Thanksgiving Dinner This-or-That Download

Do you also share strong opinions about Thanksgiving dinner? Is there something you just won’t serve at your table?

Let me know below!

More from Leaf and Steel:

The Best NYC Books for Babies

November 1, 2021

Here are the best New York City Books for Babies!

The city that never sleeps is perfect subject matter for babies who need to sleep! These endearing baby and toddler books are a wonderful way to incorporate reading into your daily routine while learning about the Big Apple.

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.

New York City is such a unique and special city. Although I’m more of a wide-open-spaces-girl now, I am still pulled in by the sprawl of Manhattan.

Some of my favorite memories growing up are going to Macy’s on 34th to see Santa and Central Park in the fall. My daughter hasn’t been to the city yet, but we plan on going soon! The close proximity to Long Island makes New York City an easy day trip or add-on when leaving the Island.

I know that my daughter will love looking up at the skyscrapers and taking in all that the city has to offer. From the smells to the sounds to the endless forms of transportation, New York City is a little kids dream!

Whether you already live in Manhattan or plan to visit soon, expose your little one to the magic and grandeur of the city through these books!

There Are No Sheep in New York City! by Aiden Adams

My Little Cities: New York by Jennifer Adams

Night-Night New York City by Katherine Sully

NYC ABCs by Mr. Boddington’s Studio

Good Night New York City by Adam Gamble

Hello, World: New York by Ashley Evanson

New York, Baby! by Ward Jenkins

New York Baby by Puck

My First Book of New York by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Have you ever visited New York City? If not, do you hope to someday?

Let me know below!

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Why Your Child Needs a Doll featuring Madame Alexander!

October 28, 2021

All babies need a baby doll!

Yes, even your baby!

Let me tell you why.

There are countless reasons why dolls are excellent toys for babies. From building empathy skills to teaching responsibility, there are few toys that are as versatile as a doll.

In this post, I’ve teamed up with the Madame Alexander Doll Company to tell you why your a doll should be in your toy bin.

Why Your Child Needs a Doll

Dolls are a powerful tool for teaching kindness and compassion.

Thank you to Madame Alexander for partnering with me on this post! #Sponsored #MadameAlexander

Teaching values like empathy and warmheartedness is paramount in our house. My husband and I have discussed how we would much rather have our daughter be kind and compassionate than grow up to become president.

We know that these principles must be taught! They are not automatic. Kindness is a practice, an action word, not a genetic trait.

Our daughter shows kindness when she eats! She always offers mama and dada a bite of whatever she’s eating – even if it’s one of her favorite foods, like blueberries. She loves doing silly things to make us laugh, which warms my heart.

“Evidence shows that doll play activates brain regions which are associated with social information processing and empathy, indicating that doll play enables children to rehearse, use and perform these skills even when playing on their own.” – Frontiers Science News

It’s also important for us to offer imaginative play and to stay away from screen time. A doll offers countless hours of entertainment and can be brought pretty much anywhere! We love the versatility of our Madame Alexander doll.

Why Choose Madame Alexander?

Something I love about Madame Alexander dolls is they are not over-accessorized. This is an intentional choice that stimulates the imagination by not having every little item already available to the kid playing with it.

As someone with a background in early childhood education, I can’t stress enough how important it is to allow children room to imagine. Madame Alexander dolls recognize the significance of imaginative play. They share the belief that dolls are meant to be loved and played with!

Madame Alexander has been making dolls for over 95 years and their products are made to last.

You can view their wide array of lifelike dolls for all ages on their online store!

When does my child need a doll?

You can introduce a doll at any age! Children are never too young to start imaginative play. Obviously, make sure there are no small pieces for your little one to swallow and keep toys out of the crib until age one.

Madame Alexander‘s website has a “sort by age” feature, so you can choose the right doll for any age – newborn to age 14+!

How we’re using our doll

Madame Alexander gifted us a beautiful Adoption Day Doll – she is 14″, soft, and her eyes open and close when she’s moved. She comes with a removable outfit, blanket, convertible crib/changing table, pacifier, certificate of adoption, disposable diaper, and hospital name bracelets.

We are using our doll to teach empathy, responsibility, patience, and so much more!

Since we are preparing for pregnancy #2, we are using our doll as a placeholder for that baby. We’ve even taken to calling it “Baby <insert secret baby #2 name>”. We want the transition from only child to big sister to be as easy as possible for our daughter, so having a doll to show her how to be gentle with another baby is game changer!

I know once that baby is born, my daughter will love to mimic what I’m doing with the new baby. A doll is perfect way to help her act out what she sees.

Children need to act out what they see adults doing – that’s why you see so many play kitchens and tool benches and toy grocery stores. It helps them process the world around them.

When I was a preschool teacher, our classroom had several dolls for the children to play with. You could tell a lot about a kid’s bedtime routine based on how they put the dolls “to sleep”. I could hear their parents cadence and catchphrases being replicated through these little kids!

Another way we’ve been using our Adoption Day Doll is to emphasize routines, like bed time and hygiene. The doll gets read a bed time story and is put to bed in their crib, just like our daughter. They both get their hair and “teeth” brushed.

We use the doll to practice manners, like saying please and thank you and being gentle with touch.

Head over to Madame Alexander’s website to check out the dozens of dolls they have to choose from. They have some adorable stocking stuffer dolls which are perfect for the holidays!

Does your child play with dolls? Did you know all of these benefits? Do you have a Madame Alexander doll?

Let me know below!

References:

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience: Exploring the Benefits of Doll Play Through Neuroscience

Verywell: What Kids Learn by Playing With Dolls and Figures

Frontiers Science News: New study shows that playing with dolls allows children to develop empathy and social processing skills

Thanksgiving Traditions to Start with Your Kids this Year

October 26, 2021

Thanksgiving is the time to create family traditions!

I love the holidays and I love traditions.

Since I had my daughter, I’ve had a newfound focus on creating a family culture and making the most of each holiday.

I write down what we do for that holiday (even if it’s something small, like the first day of fall) on an index card and tape it to the inside of a cabinet so I don’t forget for the next year.

Traditions don’t have to look perfectly the same every year, and they don’t have to include just family.

To me, Thanksgiving is all about warmth, giving, and gratitude. And sometimes the food.

Keeping the focus on principles rather than material goods is a strong habit to foster in children, no matter their age.

So, here are some family traditions you can start this year to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Take a family walk

Taking a family walk together every Thanksgiving can be a great memory to make! Whether it’s before or after the big feast, it’s a great way to make room for some extra pumpkin pie! Have your kids pick up leaves, pinecones, and acorns along the way.

Bake the dessert together

It might be too much to have little ones help with the chaotic prep of Thanksgiving dinner, so let them help with a dessert! Bake a pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or whatever your sweet tooth is yearning for. Kids love to help and feel needed, so this is a wonderful way to include them in the festivities.

Give to those less fortunate

I love this one! Create a family culture of giving. There are countless families in America that will not be enjoying a delicious, hot meal in a cozy house this year. Donating a turkey, a few jars of gravy, your time at a food bank – any of it helps. Teach your children the spirit of giving young, and it will stay with them a lifetime. Check out more from Feeding America.

Create a family gratitude list

Sitting down and creating a family gratitude list also re-instills w

hat the holidays are all about: taking a moment to count your blessings around family and friends. Gratitude lists are another fantastic way to teach your children that they probably have more than they could ever want and need. Another way to do this is to go around the table at dinner and have everyone say one thing they are grateful for – a practice that can be incorporated into every dinnertime conversation!

Decorate Thanksgiving cards

Decorating Thanksgiving cards together can be so much fun! Using materials like feathers, rhinestones, and stickers can add to the creative spirit. Make cards for each other, veterans, family, or neighbors.

Create a Thanksgiving feast

This one is for younger kids, but create a Thanksgiving feast for the stuffed animals or dolls! Cut out paper turkey legs and mashed potatoes and let your children prepare their own “meal” for their toys. It’ll get them out of your hair for a little while and inspire their creativity!

Check out my other Thanksgiving posts, 10 Thanksgiving Decorations Under $10 , The Best Thanksgiving Books for Infants and Toddlers, and Thanksgiving Gifts for Babies!

What are your family Thanksgiving traditions? Do you do any on this list?

Let me know below!

Thanksgiving Gifts for Babies

October 24, 2021

Thanksgiving is a month away, so here are some Thanksgiving gifts for babies!

It’s time to bring out the turkey and the mashed potatoes – the holiday of food, family, and gratitude is almost upon us. Babies love the delicious foods and company that comes with Thanksgiving.

My daughter’s birthday is just before Thanksgiving, so I know we will be adding some of these to her gift list!

These gifts would make a wonderful distraction while you cook up Thanksgiving dinner or in between dinner and dessert. You could even create a Thanksgiving toy basket for your baby or toddler.

I also have a post on the best Thanksgiving books for babies and toddlers here.

Here are Thanksgiving gifts your baby will love!

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey Toy

Caroline’s Treasures Fall Pumpkin Pie Baby Bib & Burp Cloth, 11 x 18″

Baby Starters Magic Years Soft, Crinkle Activity Book with Tabs and Strap – Happy Thanksgiving Turkey

Mud Pie Thanksgiving Bib

Happy Thanksgiving Bright Baby Book

Mud Pie Children’s Gobble Turkey Puzzle

You Are My Little Pumpkin Pie by Amy E. Sklansky

Head over to The Best Thanksgiving Books for Babies and Toddlers or 10 Thanksgiving Decorations Under $10!

Do you get your kids a little something-something for Thanksgiving?

Let me know below!

5 Things About Me

October 20, 2021

Welcome to Leaf & Steel! I’m so happy you’re here.

This fall, I’ve been putting way more effort into this whole blogging thing.

I’ve published 21 posts so far in October – a mind-blowing record for me.

With that, I’ve had an influx of new followers and readers.

I wanted to share 5 things about me to let my readers know a little bit more about the face behind this blog!

I’m a Stay-at-Home-Mom

I have a sweet little baby and I love staying home with her! My favorite part about being a stay-at-home-parent is being able to walk through the day slowly. There’s no rushing to get her dressed or fed or out of the house. I’m especially grateful for being able to stay home on the days where we do have to be somewhere at a certain time. I love being the one to meet my daughter’s needs throughout the day.

I firmly believe that bagels are God’s gift to mankind

…and the best bagels are on Long Island! I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. A toasted sesame with cream cheese is absolute heaven.

I didn’t go to college

Someone recently told me that if we are upfront and honest about the things we are ashamed of the power gets taken away from that thing. I don’t fully understand why I feel ashamed for not going to college. It been years since anyone has asked me if I’ve gone to college. Maybe it’s because I went to a very competitive high school or because The funny thing about shame is that I would never judge anyone else for their education, or lack thereof. I would just tell them, “so what?” and move on.

I like to be alone

…okay, I love to be alone. I enjoy the company of my friends and family immensely, and I love to be alone. Shopping, manicures, walking, cooking – whatever it is, I prefer to do it alone. I make sure I get in enough socialization so that I’m able to stay on light side of solicitude and isolation.

My dream is to own a hobby farm in upstate New York

And it must include (but not limited to), one highland cow, two goats, three chickens, and a barn cat.

I’ve fallen in love with the Hudson Valley and Catskills over the years. There’s something about the wide open spaces and small towns that is so refreshing coming from Long Island. I’ve found that the people are nicer, the air is cleaner, and I feel more connected to the universe when I’m up there.