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Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

August in Review

September 4, 2022

Whew, August was a doozy. This whole summer has been…well let’s just say it’s been a summer. August had its ups and downs like any month, but there was certainly a lot of turbulence.

I am %100 solidified in my opinion that summer is the worst season. The bugs, the heat, the expectations of fun, fun, fun. It’s not for me. I think I’m just conditioned from childhood to believe that summer is a break.

Well, there are very few breaks in adulthood and there are *checks notes* zero breaks in parenthood. I know, I know, I’m complaining. This is my site, right? I’ve been complaining all month. It’s cute to quantify the gripes with a word count.

Okay, so August. Let’s start with good. Let me try to squeeze a drop of gratitude or delight out of the last 31 days.

The Good

The month started on a Monday. That’s cool, am I right? The simple pleasures.

I stopped reading a book. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. If you’ve read my other monthly recaps, you know that I love her books. I got about 100 pages in and realized they’re all the same books? They’re all so formulaic (this is not a term I would use in my everyday-life, but I would imagine people who read, like really read, would use this word). Why is this on the good section? Well, I only have so much free time and it felt kind of…empowering?…to say no. To a book.

My baby is cute-cute. She started to say “wuv yew”. She has been watching Trash Truck on Netflix and now she calls me mom (cue sobbing). Seeing a little toddler waddle into the room saying “hey mom” is absolutely adorable. She’s just the cutest and smartest and sweetest.

I got some part time work. It’s been exciting to make some more money and sit down at my computer and really did my teeth into something, other than blogging. I also got a new computer (the Air), which I love!

The Not-So-Great

Oh boy, are you ready?

Can I preface? I’m going to preface.

I don’t follow a lot of influencers on social media, but one that I continue to follow is Amber Fillerup Clark. I feel like the things she shares inspire me to be better. She’s always making these cute snacks for her kids or suggesting books or doing these sweet little doodle-dos at night. I started doing cute little doodle lists at night.

You know, like making a checklist for the week or content calendar- whatever, but using it as time to unwind at the end of the night and using pretty colored markers. I think I’m making it sound weird but it’s fun.

ANYWAYS, I want you all to know that I sat down on July 31st and I wrote the cutest damn goal list for August. I was going to read 5 books, walk the dog everyday, publish blog posts left and right, drink water. The month was starting on a Monday. What could go wrong?

mouth watering
swollen poison ivy hands
making this into a christmas ornament
healing stages
this sick boy stayed handsome

We all got Covid. The bad kind. Vaxxed, boosted, ready for anything, right? So, so wrong. My husband got it first, on August 2nd, followed by myself a day later, and then my daughter a few days after that. I won’t go into details but we all got very sick and my poor daughter got it the worst and it was all very scary. We are all healthy and take good care of ourselves, it was definitely a reality check that you never know who’s going to get a worse case. It took about a week and a half for us to feel better and two weeks before all the symptoms cleared up.

We all got poison ivy. I would like to thank my dog for this. He probably rubbed against it in the backyard and spread it to us. It has since been cleared.

I got poison ivy. The bad kind. I had to go on antibiotics and steroids for the 3rd time this summer (the other times were from bee stings). You might hear bee stings and poison ivy and think that I’m this Subaru-driving, Hydro-Flask drinking outdoor girl, but I go outside maybe twice a day and only in my backyard and I’m just convinced at this point that I’m allergic to nature in general.

The dog got sick. Yup, him too. The cat is the last one standing. He got some little bacterial infection and was coughing constantly. Luckily the meds they put him on got it cleared up within a few days.

Everything is just a very human mess. I worked during all my free time the last week and a half of August, which was great. But, since I’m home with my daughter all day it’s been a lot and I haven’t really had any time to myself. Factor in laundry, cooking, and making time for this blog and my other projects has been, well, an adjustment.


My post originally ended there.

That’s how I was going to file “August 2022” away in my brain and on this blog.

Well, after I finished writing this post I went to my phone to gather photos to add in.

I was surprised to see all that happened during the month.

I had a great month. I thought I spent it all inside, suffering (not like suffering, but you know what I mean). That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I went so many places this month. I saw my family. I got the baby and the dog out of the house. We went to the beach, the splash park, friend’s houses. I laughed, I was present, I had fun.

What an important lesson in perspective.

Some other little high points:

I got to see a cousin that I haven’t seen in years.

Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer hit the stores.

Baby M and I baked her first pie (it was delicious). We also baked her first pizza (“ew gross” were her exact words). She also had her first trip to McDonald’s which was surprisingly overwhelming, I kept telling her “this is America this is just part of it” and I think she knew what I meant.

Our local animal sanctuary opened back up. They were closed for months (?) due to avian flu. We were so happy to see “our” chickens again!

…and so, so much more.


How was your August? Have any complaints?

Did you try anything new? Are you as excited as I am for a new month and a fresh start?

Let me know below!

O.


More from Leaf and Steel:
  • How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
  • Little Things I Do To Make My Baby Feel Loved
  • My Baby Knows What She Needs
  • Turning Off the TV
  • Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life

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

Filed in: Personal, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

June in Review

July 7, 2022

Happy July!

Man, am I ready for summer to be over. I write this covered in poison ivy, mosquito bites, and one exquisitely swollen bee sting.

Have you ever heard that we’re just pre-programmed to love summer because of our association with school ending? I think it’s true.

I will take any season but summer. Maine, or even Canada is starting to sound good. The older I get, the harder the heat gets.

I know, I know, I’m complaining. It’s just not for me. Do you actually like summer? Tell me I’m not alone…

Anyways, here’s a little recap from June.

The Not-So-Great:

I’m allergic to bees. Not like “oh I don’t like this thing so I’m going to say I have an allergy” – like an allergy-allergy. I got stung twice in 3 weeks by honeybees on the same foot and went on the same yummy antibiotics. Apparently honeybees don’t sting unless provoked (read: stepped on). Me and my epi-pen are ready to fight.

I didn’t try anything new. I didn’t read any books this month and I didn’t listen to any new music. June felt weirdly busy, even though I don’t think I actually did much.

The Good:

I spent most days outside. Despite the bees and other brazen fauna, I think the time outside served me well. There’s nothing like sunshine. I would like to thank my dog and toddler for this.

I got some blog posts up. Not as many as I’d like, of course 😉

I spent time with family and friends. That’s what’s really important to me, at the end of the day. There’s no substitute for quality time with loved ones.

Summer is almost over. It’s July- that means were almost done! I can’t wait for pumpkins and colder weather and for all the bugs to go back underground.


How was your June? Did you learn anything new? Do anything fun?

Any big plans for July?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • My Favorite Baby Items and My Biggest Regrets
  • 7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related
  • Surviving a Road Trip with an Infant
  • How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer
  • 7 Things to Do in Cooperstown That AREN’T Baseball Related

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

Filed in: Personal, Uncategorized • by Olivia • Leave a Comment

The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery

June 21, 2022

Mark my words: my next nursery will be The Runaway Bunny themed.

It’s my favorite children’s book and it’s iconic imagery is absolutely inspiring. I collected items for my dream nursery below – now all I need is the baby 🙂

To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of heavily themed nurseries (or themed weddings, parties, etc). I love simple motifs and little details. That’s why this inspo board isn’t loaded with bunnies; it’s a subtle interpretation.

I wanted to include different textures and colors inspired by the book. It’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit grandmillenial. It would be perfect for a little boy or a little girl!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.


Did you do a theme for your child’s nursery?

Have you read The Runaway Bunny?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
  • Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved
  • My Baby Knows What She Needs
  • How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer
  • Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life

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

Filed in: Favorite Things, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 Comments

Why You Need to Start Accepting Guest Posts

June 7, 2022

Do you accept guest posts on your blog? If not, you seriously might want to start.

Guest posting is a tried-and-true way to elevate your blog. I started accepting guest posts in 2022 and I can’t believe that I waited this long to try it! I honestly didn’t even think of it as an option for my style of blog. I also didn’t realize how many people out there would want to post on my blog!

Keep reading to see why you need to start including guest posts today.

What is a guest post?

A guest post is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a post on your blog written by a “guest”, typically another blogger. It’s different from an article written by a freelancer or ghost writer because it usually serves as a mutual promotion for both parties.

How do I find writers to guest post on my blog?

The simplest way to find people to guest post on your blog is to ask your readers! 

Ask them in a blog post or on social media! I was surprised when I posted a call for writers on my Instagram (with a very meager following). There were so many people wanting to write for my blog in exchange for promotion or just to exercise their freelance skills.

Be sure to include a Guest Post FAQ page on your blog with details on what kind of posts you’re looking for.

Here are some examples of what you might want to include in a guest post FAQ:

  • Suggested word count
  • Suggested topics
  • Banned topics
  • Banned language or themes
  • Where the post will be promoted
  • If you charge or pay for guest posts

Some blogs charge to feature guest posts. This is fine if you’re willing to provide stats to prove that the price is worth it.

It’s important that you aren’t just slapping up any old post from any old writer.

I ALWAYS check out the writer’s blog, social media, and I’m not afraid to give them a quick Google to make sure nothing controversial shows up. It’s my due diligence as a blog owner to make sure that the content I’m putting out is responsible, inclusive, and safe.

A social media search and hashtag scan can tell you a lot about someone’s beliefs. Make sure you know who’s writing for you and their reputation.

How do I guest post on a blog in 2022?

Start with your favorite blogs that are in line with your niche! Check to see if they have guest posting information on their contact or about page. If not, there is no harm in asking! Sending a friendly email with a request to send over your work might lead somewhere.

You can also simply do a Google search for guest posting opportunities in your selected niche. I would check out a few of the site’s articles to make sure that it’s somewhere you would be proud to be associated with.

How often should I feature guest posts?

You get to set the rules here.

It also largely depends on how often you post.

Here are some guest post scheduling ideas:
  • A guest post the first/last week of the month
  • A guest post every Monday
  • Guest posts for one whole week or one whole month
  • Guest posts with different perspectives on the same topic
  • Guest post themes (like recipes, book reviews, etc.)

Experiment and find what works for you!

Why you need to start accepting guest posts today:

The benefits of guest posts are endless, but here are some of my favorites:

You’ll make new friends

I have connected with so many interesting and insightful women through guest posting. It’s allowed me to “meet” people from different cultures and at so many different stages of life.

You get a writing “break”

Unless this is your full time job, you probably have other things you need to be doing during the day.

I know I have many days where I don’t even open my laptop, let alone write. That’s where guest posting can be helpful. I can post those articles on the days or weeks where I know I won’t be able to put my own work up.

This helps me stay consistent with my posting schedule and keeps my readers engaged.

If you also have annual word count goals or a posting schedule, this can be really helpful.

Increased traffic

Well written guest posts drive traffic, plain and simple.

Think of it like gaining a temporary second audience. Your post will (hopefully) be shared on different social media accounts or reposted to the guest posters blog. This will lead to an increased amount of eyes on your posts- and some of those readers might stick around for more.

You’ll support other bloggers

Guest posting is an excellent way to support other long form content creators. Both sites get extra sets of eyes on their posts and it’s always good to give a little love to other bloggers!

You might learn something new

It’s true! You might learn a new skill, recipe, or way of thinking. This is one of my favorite reasons to feature guest posts.

This is why guest posting is so great – you can get an expert to write on a topic that you do not fully understand or have the desire to research.


Some of Leaf and Steel’s most recent guest posts:

Keeping the Focus on You

Give the Gift of Reading

How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life


Do you currently accept guest posts? Have you ever guest posted on another site?

Would you be interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel?

Let me know below!
O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Bunny Decor for Under $20 to Decorate with This Spring
  • How I Get Over Writer’s Block
  • Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life
  • Lessons from Stay-at-Home Moms
  • How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
  • Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved

Filed in: blogging, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 3 Comments

Guest Post: Meals in 15 Minutes or Less

May 18, 2022

Today’s post is a guest post by Sheenia Jackson! She is sharing some quick and easy meals in 15 minutes of less!

Sheenia previously wrote a post on Moms in May, you can check it out here.

Be sure to visit her site and Instagram!

If you would like to guest post on Leaf and Steel please visit our Guest Post page to view requirements and ideas!

Let’s get into it…


I have to say the kitchen is my happy place! But as a busy mom with much to juggle, my favorite meals are those that are simple, fast, and delicious.

Usually, my ultimate cooking goal is to get a healthy meal on the table, while adding a few minutes back into my day. To me, that’s a Win-Win!

Summer is quickly approaching, which means moms will be busy planning family activities and feeding big appetites. In this article, I will be sharing three of my favorite summer recipes that are kind to your budget, ready within minutes, and sure to please your family any day of the week!

From Sunday dinners, to lazy weeknight meals, to game-day appetizers… these dishes include simple ingredients and are perfect for many occasions!

Tasty Shrimp Tacos

Fresh and delicious! This recipe features crisp veggies, a tasty homemade sauce, and fresh squeezed limes. What’s not to love?

Since the only thing we’re cooking is the shrimp, dinner will be served in no time, and you’ll soon be resting your feet!

What You’ll Need…

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb. shrimp    
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Your favorite seasoning

For the Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½  tablespoons lime juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

Ideas for Toppings: white corn tortillas, shredded purple cabbage, sliced red onions, grated Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed limes, sliced avocado

Let’s Make It!

  • Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting it dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add your favorite seasonings. I personally enjoy Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, and Kinder’s all-purpose seasoning blend. Follow your taste buds and make it your own!
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the shrimp until cooked through (1-2 minutes per side). Set the shrimp aside…
  • Toast the tortillas in a skillet or on a hot griddle. Just a couple seconds will do!
  • Build your tacos by arranging your desired toppings and shrimp over each tortilla.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients and serve over tacos.

Easy Peasy, right?!

I usually opt for fresh shrimp in this recipe, but you can use frozen if you prefer. Just be sure to thaw before cooking.

Shrimp tacos aren’t the same without corn tortillas in my opinion, but feel free to use flour tortillas if you’d like.

Build-Your-Own taco night is a delicious theme to add to your summer meal planning.

If you haven’t already, give Shrimp Tacos a try!

Sheet Pan Nachos

Loaded nachos. Simple ingredients. Kid-friendly. What more can I say?

What You’ll Need…

  • 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
  • Choice of seasoning mix
  • 12 oz. bag tortilla chips
  • 14 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned will do)
  • Shredded Mexican cheese

Ideas for Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, sliced red onions, fresh squeezed limes, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos

Let’s Make It!

  • Preheat your oven to 400F.  Cover a large baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
  • Season your meat with your favorite spices and cook in a skillet until browned, 5-10 minutes tops! Then drain excess fat.
  • Place tortilla chips in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Top tortillas with cooked meat, pinto beans, corn and your desired amount of shredded cheese.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  • Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

For the seasoning mix, I like to use a combination of several spices. Some of my favorites include cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and honestly… whatever I have on hand!

You may also use a 1 ounce packet of store-bought taco seasoning mix if you prefer to go that route. You really can’t go wrong with a simple meal like this. Be creative, be flexible, and enjoy!

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Who doesn’t love an old childhood favorite every once in a while?

I love serving this meal because it brings back precious memories. But I do have to say, this version of “Sloppy Joes” is much tastier than the one I remember growing up.

In this recipe, we’re trading in the canned sauce for a sweet and zesty homemade sauce that takes little time to cook up!

Three home-made Sloppy Joe slider sandwiches on a black serving tray.

What You’ll Need…

For the Beef:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. ground beef

For the Sauce:

  • 8 oz. canned tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Ideas for Toppings: slider buns, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce

Let’s Make It!

  • Add ground beef and minced garlic to a skillet, then cook until browned, 5-10 minutes. Drain grease from meat.
  • Pour the sauce ingredients over the cooked meat and stir.
  • Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve on slider buns and enjoy with your favorite toppings!

If you get extremely lucky and have more time to spare, I highly recommend letting the meat sauce simmer just a tad bit longer. An extra 10 minutes will allow your sauce to reach peak flavor!

If you can’t spare the extra minutes, no worries!

Pair your sliders with potato chips or fresh fruit, and embrace the nostalgia!

Summing It All Up!

When it comes to quick and delicious meals, the options are endless.

The point of this article is to prompt you to think about fun and creative dinners to serve your family, without sacrificing TASTE, HEALTH, or TIME.

When using canned items in a recipe, try to aim for “organic” or “no sodium added” labels.

Remember, cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy… A few simple ingredients go a long way!

Homemade meals are the best, especially when they’re made EASY and with love.

Happy Cooking!


I’m Sheenia Denae, a SAHM who loves to write, cook, and create simple recipes.

You can find me on Instagram @made_to_be_marvelous or check out my website at sheeniadenae.wixsite.com/iwrite/

I’m always happy to share my thoughts, dishes, and other helpful tips with fellow mommas.

Let’s connect!

Thank you Sheenia for guest posting!

What did you think of the post?

Let us know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:
  • Mother’s Day Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life
  • How I Get Over Writer’s Block
  • Lessons from Stay-at-Home Moms
  • Guest Post: How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life
  • Guest Post: Keeping the Focus on You

Filed in: Guest Posts, Uncategorized • by Olivia • 2 Comments

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

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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
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