My name is Mariah Barents. I am 24 years old, married to my high school sweetheart and expecting our first baby in January. I grew up in Arizona, but moved to Richmond, Virginia two years ago; we love it out here!

I am a content creator, but I am also in the process of obtaining my cosmetology license right now. I love putting my creativity to the test in many ways – clearly. 

We also have three fur babies, and are currently renovating our home in preparation for our baby girl! When I'm not busy, I love cooking, watching my favorite tv shows, and hanging out with friends! 

I really am passionate about supporting local businesses and farms so I plan to buy as much as I can locally. Living in VA, there are so many local businesses that I know and love!

We also have always been a recycling family, and will continue to do so after the baby arrives. And as my family grows, teaching my children to value wiser choices is going to be really important!

I think children are such blessings and nothing can compare to the love you have for your child. Knowing that our baby is half of me and half of my husband is so special! I am excited to see how our children grow and mature with the characteristics I see in both myself and my husband.

I am also really looking forward to celebrating the many 'firsts' in our baby's life, and have a little bestie to do life with.

 

To prepare for our baby's arrival, my husband and I are starting to declutter and get rid of the things we really don't need. Quality over quantity is such a good mindset to have in general, but especially with a baby on the way.

I'm also a big list girl and have been creating lists of things we definitely need for baby girl, and crossing out anything we don't.

Social media can also be a real pain when trying to live a minimalist lifestyle, so muting or just not limiting the time I spend on it has helped me not overbuy things as well. 

I love the brand Seventh Generation and Grove Co for all of my cleaning supplies! I am also super excited to use the compostable diapers we purchased from DYPER, and have registered for the play gym by LOVEVERY! And, of course, Smiling Tree Toys, has amazing sustainable toys for kiddos at every stage. We love our birth announcement sign and name puzzle!