Maria Fredriksson

Have you heard the crazy news about an AI company scanning in books and then shredding them with a goal to buy until no books are left? Nothing better than a home library, am I right? A starting point for my favorite titles from Sophia Institute! Plan to check back, as I will keep adding and organizing this list as well as creating ones for other publishing houses and genres.

I love the gesture of arranging to decorate (romantically and appropriately not in jest) a couple’s room for their wedding night OR making a basket to put in the back seat of their car. Especially if they’ve been living a life of virtue and this is their first time together, it’s special to have that extra touch (especially if it’s a hotel room) AND it’s nice to have someone who knows the marital union ins and outs to send them with some practical items they may not be aware are helpful. Typically I include: Basket Large towel A couple washcloths Unscented wet wipes Panty liners Non spermicide lube Bottle of wine Bottle of San Pellegrino Non alcoholic fun drink option Two plain water bottles A couple electrolyte packages Cranberry juice (the real stuff) Chocolate Another heftier snack like noodle bowls or sausage sticks Real or fake tea lights depending on their lodging permits I also try to tuck in their wedding crucifix, Bible marked to Tobias and Sarah’s prayer, and holy water. If we can get in to the room ahead of time, I bring rose petals and arrange everything. If not, I often tuck a small bouquet or couple rose stems in the basket. Baskets and towels TJMaxx is the place. Healthy option toiletries and some drinks Target. Other drinks, snacks, etc from the local Walmart or grocery.

Budget friendly and easy to find! I'm big on gifting each of my newly postpartum friends - it's not just the first time moms who need attention but all the moms after every birth. And even the tiniest "I see you" gift means the world! I also usually add some teas, protein easy snacks, bar of chocolate, or a favorite treat of theirs, too! And then a recent women’s publication or book tailored to their tastes to enjoy during nursing.

Something about summer and water, summer and sun, summer and relaxed days, am I right? Watermelon, fireflies, and campfires. Family cookouts, kayaking, and a few grand adventures. Here’s how we’re preparing as a family with littles!

It’s scary, it’s so sad, and it happens to every baby at some point, but it’s hard to know what to do with such wee ones. Of course keep an eye on their breathing, but to help with snot and mucus and stuffy airways, these are helpful things to keep on hand at home. And nurse, nurse, nurse because the whole breastfeeding design gets your baby the antibodies they need. And always talk to your doctor if you have questions (these are home helps, not med advice!).

I've been using this scent free, allergen friendly mix for years with hard or softened water, and our clothes come out fresh, clean, and no greasy film! (Psst, from testing recipes, I think it's the soap flake additions that generally cause film buildup). This recipe works great for regular loads AND for a 2 wash cycle diaper laundry as well (similar to Esembly's but half the cost to mix in bulk yourself). For a double wash cycle, first wash on cold or warm with regular setting. 2nd wash on hot with heavy duty setting. INGREDIENTS: Washing Soda 2 parts Sodium percarbonate 1 part Baking soda 1 part Ceteraryl alcohol (OPTIONAL 1 tsp) 1 part is equal to 1 cup. I like to get 1 5lb bag of sodium percarbonate, 1 10 lb bag baking soda, and 3 boxes of washing soda to mix at a time.

Newborns don’t need much! Of course you may WANT (and can never have too many of) all the adorable pieces, but this is what we use daily in the postpartum cocoon weeks. Plus a couple Carters, Burts Bees or Colored Organics sleepers with double way zippers (examples listed at the bottom).

Get it one piece at a time 🎶 (or a couple at a time) so you don't break the bank transitioning to an EWG beauty routine. This is mine from the daily skincare, through the touch of makeup, to the full event face coverage! Code ADVOCATE15 for first orders, and message me for current promos to stack or a color match!

My book friends to get you in the mood for summer. Some novels, some classics, some weight-carriers...and ones every woman should be familiar with.

Planning a trip out West this summer? Pass through Lander and hit up a meal, or stop there for a couple days because it's the gateway to the Wind River Range with outdoor opportunities galore. Time it around Rock Climbing Festival, Beer Fest, Marathons, 4th of July Rodeo...trip made!