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

Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Fall Friday Favorites #7

November 5, 2021

Happy Fall Friday!

This week has been flipped upside down because my poor little baby had a cold and wasn’t sleeping well.

I hope everyone had a spooky Halloween and is engaging in the very serious debate over whether or not its too early to decorate for Christmas.

Cafe Bustelo

Praise the coffee gods. Coffee is food group and I will die on this hill. After having a sick baby I’ve been on at least 3 cups a day. I’ll slow down one day, I promise.

Macklemore – Next Year

I’m so happy Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are working together again! This one had such a defined Mack and Ryan feel. I can’t seem to get it out of my head!

Aren’t we all so excited for a new year? 2020 and 2021 have been…you know.

Tofu

I’m so sick of eating chicken. Is anyone else sick of chicken? I’ve been loving tofu lately. I kind of squeeze out the liquid and then heat it up in a pan with teriyaki sauce. It’s such a nice alternative for a meatless meal!


What are you loving this week?

Let me know below!
O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 4 Comments

Fall Friday Favorites #6

October 29, 2021

Happy fall Friday!

It’s getting COLD here (a freezing 50F) and it’s starting to feel less and less like fall and more like winter!

We’ve finally turned the heat on and I’m content and cozy inside.

Here are some things I’m loving this week!

Halloween Decorations

Halloween is not my holiday. I’m not into scary things, scaring people, or being scared. I’m more of a Thanksgiving and Christmas person. So, we don’t even really own Halloween decorations. But, I’m loving seeing everyone else’s! When my daughter and I walk around the neighborhood we stop and look at the displays!

Please Don’t Destroy

Please Don’t Destroy is the supposed next Lonely Island on Saturday Night Live. It’s a sketch comedy group of 3 who met at NYU and has been posting their skits to YouTube and TikTok. They’ve already drummed up some controversy on SNL because 2/3 of their dads were former writers on the show. BUT, their comedic skills make them worthy of being there, regardless of the nepotism.

Their debut “Hard Seltzer” skit led me to their other work, but the “Rami Wants a Treat” video was replayed daily in this house. It somehow got funnier each time I watched it.

You should definitely check them out!

Cheryl’s Cookies

My relatives sent these to us and they were so good! My favorite were the buttercream frosted short bread cookies. They were the perfect Halloween treat!

Pressure Machine, The Killers

Pressure Machine came out in August of this year but I’m just finding it now!

My favorite is Quiet Town – nothing more to say here!


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

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 4 Comments

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!

O.


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

More from Leaf and Steel
  • Does My Baby Need a Sleep Sack?
  • How to Build a Portable Breastfeeding Station
  • Our Experience with Baby Led Weaning

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 6 Comments

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!

O.

Filed in: Living • by Olivia • 6 Comments

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!

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.

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!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

Sunday is the Best Day

October 24, 2021

Sunday is the best day.

It hasn’t always been this way.

When I was a child, Sunday was the worst day. It meant school was coming and always brought up feelings of anxiety and dread.

Now it’s filled with peace and calm and rest.

Sunday mornings are for homemade egg sandwiches, extra coffee, and a walk.

Sunday afternoon is for visiting with family.

Sunday night is for candles, the crock pot, and a movie.

My Mondays are productive and joyful. Being a stay-at-home mom has washed away the Sunday Scaries.

I’m so grateful to be able to have this quiet day with my family, on this beautiful planet.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 4 Comments

Fall Friday Favorites #5

October 22, 2021

Happy Fall Friday!

What a week. We’ve been out doing fun things in the mornings so it feels like the day doesn’t start until noon.

Baby M is also finally sleeping through the night, which means I’m sleeping through the night and it is remarkable how good I feel.

Here are a few things I loved this week!


Any-Color-But-Orange Pumpkins

Orange pumpkins are out! I love the off white, green, and red pumpkins. I find that the squirrels around here don’t like to eat them as much as they like the big orange ones. I’ve found that the grocery store actually has the best deal – I snagged a few that would’ve cost %50+ more at a pumpkin patch. Shh, don’t tell.

Litchfield County, CT

This week we took a day trip up to Litchfield! We went all over. The leaves were PEAK and it was like being in an autumn snow globe. Baby M loved taking a hike through the mountains and listening to the crunching of the leaves. I love Connecticut and I always feel refreshed after being there.

Aqua Wrap

I love my wrap! It’s cozy and warm without being too heavy. As one of those always-cold-people, it’s a game changer.

Auld Lang Syne

I don’t care that it’s October.


What did you love this week? Is it too early for Auld Lang Syne? Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 Comments

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.

What I see when I eat a bagel.

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.

What are five things about you?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 10 Comments

The Most Romantic Autumn Date Ideas

October 14, 2021

It’s the most romantic time of year!

The leaves are falling. The humidity has left us (at least here on Long Island).

The air is cool. The pumpkins are out on the doorstep.

Everything starts to quiet down.

There’s no better time than fall to date.

Want to know why?

Things are about to get crazy busy.

It starts with Thanksgiving week and ends after New Year’s.

What better time to reconnect with your spouse or partner than now?


All of these are outdoor date ideas for a reason. Not only is it safer in 2021, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the nice weather before winter.

Autumn is the best season for dates because the changing leaves, crisp air, and early sunset make everything feel just a little bit more romantic.

This list isn’t just made for couples. These could all be done with a best friend or kids!

OR even by yourself!

The best way to experience the perfect autumn date is to put your phone away, be yourself, and fully immerse yourself in the moment.

These ideas can be made into a whole day, or squeezed in before sundown on a weekday.

Here are 7 romantic autumn date ideas!

1. DIY Bonfire Marshmallows

Don’t tell my husband, but I have this one planned for this weekend!

I was given a Bonfire + S’More’s Kit from City Bonfire from a relative for our recent wedding anniversary. It comes with a portable “bonfire”, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. I plan on setting up the little bonfire in the backyard, putting on some of our favorite music, and turning on the bistro lights for a romantic evening under the stars.

2. Walk in the Park + Picnic

What could be more classically romantic than a walk in the park and a picnic? Don’t be intimidated by organizing a picnic. Make it easy and buy pre-made sandwiches and sides.

3. Apple Orchard

I love this idea! Bonus points if you can find an orchard that actually lets you pick the apples (they’re surprisingly harder to find). We pick up a peck from our local orchard, pull down the hatch on the pickup truck and enjoy our fresh apples and cider.

You can also take the apples home and bake an apple crumble or an apple pie!

4. Pumpkin Patch

Grab some pumpkins at the local pumpkin patch and head to idea #7! Or, don’t buy any at all and just walk around! Most pumpkin patches near me make it a whole event with corn mazes, food stands and farm animals.

5. Fall Foliage Train Ride

This one might require a bit of regional research. We took a scenic train ride in Lancaster, PA. I find them so magical and peaceful. There’s no better way to see fall foliage then by train. Most areas have some sort of “fall train tour” where you can just buy a ticket and hop aboard. Some even have dining cars where you can be served a full meal or open air cars, which would work on a warm day.

6. Scenic Drive

This one is a personal favorite, and so easy to do when you don’t feel like spending money or putting in too much effort. Turn on a this autumn playlist, pic a road with some changing leaves and just go!

7. Carve Pumpkins

This one is harder than it looks! All the scooping, scraping and carving takes a lot of elbow grease but is sure to be a lot of fun!


What’s your go-to fall date? Have you tried any on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Living, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 8 Comments

Does Your Baby Need a Sleepsack?

October 13, 2021

If you’re working on your baby registry, you might be wondering if you need a sleepsack. I had never heard of one before I started researching what to put on my Babylist.

When my mother and mother-in-law first saw the sleep sack on my daughter, they were very confused. They did not have as much data back when we were kids. They didn’t know that putting baby in the crib with blankets led to an increased risk of SIDS.

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.

They also did not know that dressing baby too warmly, or providing too many blankets could lead to overheating and again, an increased risk of SIDS.

They were skeptical at first, but after seeing how my crying, exhausted daughter would instantly calm when she put hers on, they became belivers!

Now, getting in her sleep sack after a diaper change and fresh pajamas is a comforting part of her nighttime routine.

So, I’m here to turn you into a believer too! Here are some frequently asked questions about baby sleep and sleep sacks!

Does your baby need a sleepsack?

Yes, your baby will eventually need a sleep sack! Unless you live in an extremely hot climate, you will need one.

What is a sleep sack?

A sleepsack is a wearable blanket with arm holes that covers your baby’s body and is closed at the bottom. They are typically made of breathable cotton or thin fleece.

When does my baby need a sleep sack?

Your baby needs a sleep sack as soon as they show signs of rolling over. The last thing you want is baby rolling over while they are swaddled, unable to turn back over. This can start as early as 3 months. Some babies never like being swaddled and may benefit from using a sleep sack earlier. You can always consult with your pediatrician about when it is safe to start using a sleepsack.

Do babies like sleep sacks?

Yes! Babies like sleep sacks because they provide warmth, comfort, and an extra layer of security. With a sleep sack, you don’t have to worry about baby being cold or the covers getting throw off of them. You also do not have to worry about baby pulling the covers over their face and potentially suffocating, or get the blanket tightly wound around a body part. Sleep sacks give parents and baby a sense of security – and hopefully a good night’s sleep!

Is a sleep sack and wearable blanket the same thing?

Yes, a sleep sack and wearable blanket is the same thing.

Is a sleep sack and a swaddle the same thing?

No, sleep sacks and swaddles are not the same thing. Sleep sacks allow baby to have their arms out, while swaddles (typically) keep baby’s arms in. Sleep sacks are usually much looser than a swaddle. Babies like being swaddled in the beginning because they are used to being so cozy inside mama’s belly; they find the snugness comforting. As they begin to show signs of rolling, swaddles are no longer safe. That’s when you know it’s time to move on to a sleep sack!

Do babies like Burt’s Bees Wearable Blanket?

Yes! Babies love the Burts Bee’s Wearable Blanket because they provide comfort, style and the right amount of coverage without overheating!

From their website:

‘”Safer alternative to blankets for newborn and infants, baby sleep sacks are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS. 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified, breathable fabric to help prevent over-heating.” – Burt’s Bees

How long does baby need a sleepsack?

Your baby should wear a sleep sack at least until the age of one, when blankets are usually okay to give. However, there is no rush to ditch the sack! One of the many benefits of a sleep sack is that you don’t have to worry about the blankets being pulled off of baby. It may also provide a simple source of comfort for your little one.

Does baby need a blanket and a sleep sack?

No, your baby does not need a blanket and a sleep sack. Using a blanket and a sleep sack could lead to overheating and an increased risk of SIDS. Dress your infant in temperature appropriate, comfortable, tight fitting clothing for bedtime, followed by the sleep sack.

What are the best sleep sack brands?

The best sleep sack brands are Burt’s Bees and Halo. The Beekeeper Wearable Blanket from Burt’s Bees is breathable and comes in so many cute prints! Some Halo Sleep Sack can transform from a swaddle into a sleep sack, which saves money. They also have some pretty adorable patterns!

Are sleep sacks safe to use in a crib?

Yes, sleep sacks are safe to use in a crib.

Are sleep sacks safe to use in a bassinet?

Yes, sleep sacks are generally safe to use in a bassinet. Although, note that baby should transition out of the typical bassinet if they are rolling. If baby is not rolling yet, but would still like to use a sleep sack, they can definitely do so in a bassinet!

As with all things baby, always discuss with your pediatrician! They are the best one to guide you through making decisions for your baby. Please review safe sleep guidelines before putting your little one down for a rest. The best thing you can do is listen to your pediatrician and medical professionals, rather than survivor bias.


Does your baby use a sleep sack?

Do you have an item that your baby needs to fall asleep?

Let me know below!

O.

Filed in: Uncategorized • by Olivia • 1 Comment

« Previous Page
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...