Episodes

  • Tree Communication: The Science and Spirit of How Trees Talk

    Tree Communication: The Science and Spirit of How Trees Talk
    Jul 15 2025
    Have you ever felt drawn to a particular tree or maybe felt curious about how you might be able to communicate with them? Let’s talk about the science and the spirit of tree communication with none other than our resident green witch, Rachael from Our Infinite Nature. We talked about mycelial networks, intuitive energy exchanges, and everything in between. After listening to this episode, this might change how you see the trees lining your street and inspire you to grow deeper with them.In this episode, we learn:[03:03] Launching the Intuitive Moon Community[04:23] Upcoming Reiki mentorship program[05:36] How do nature and trees support mental health?[07:51] Why we feel more “rooted” around trees than houseplants[09:47] Can trees actually touch us back? The TikTok tree trend[11:27] The science of tree communication: phytochemicals and warning signals[13:21] How trees share resources underground via the mycelial network[14:52] Wind River Chimes[16:39] AI, bioelectricity & PlantWave technology[19:44] How can we deepen our connection with trees?[22:52] How different people experience tree messages (clairvoyant, clairsentient, claircognizant)[26:22] Different ways to build a connection with a tree[31:32] Looking up tree symbolism after following intuition[33:51] How nature speaks before you even know what it means[36:15] Rachael’s breathwork experience and grounding through a tree[37:50] Where did the term “tree hugger” come from?[39:16] A simple challenge for you[42:36] Where can you find Rachael’s socials and her upcoming offers?Mentioned in our conversation:Join Rachael’s Intuitive Moon CommunityAmazing Tree Touching Experience - Join the Challenge! | TikTokBook: The Overstory by Richard PowersBook: Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety by Rachael CohenBook: Everyday Plant Magic by Rachael CohenPlantWaveProject gives 200-year-old Dublin tree 'a voice'Growing Joy Episode 277: What Are Flower Essences and How Can They Help Me? with Katie Hess of LotusweiGrowing Joy Episode 294: I Found 22 Ducklings on My Roof: A Nature-Curious Story of Trust and TransformationTo discover the magical world of communicating with trees,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    50 mins
  • Small Scale Homesteading for Beginners: Best of Growing Joy Replay

    Small Scale Homesteading for Beginners: Best of Growing Joy Replay
    Jul 10 2025
    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a homesteader? A growing number of people are turning to self-sufficiency and sustainability in their way of living. However, homesteading can seem intimidating, especially when social media portrays it as an exclusive lifestyle requiring acres of land and living off the grid. The good news is that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle! In this episode, learn how Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, co-authors of the book Small Scale Homesteading and absolute BFFs, are making homesteading accessible to everyone—no matter how much land you have. They share their experiences with gardening, chicken keeping, maple sugaring, and more, all while living on less than an acre in the suburbs of Minneapolis. In this episode, we learn:[06:43] Stephanie & Michelle’s homesteading journey[13:08] The challenges of gardening in different regions (know your last frost date)[16:24] How Stephanie & Michelle’s friendship and shared interests led to their book “Small-Scale Homesteading”[17:51] What is the role of community in their homesteading journeys?[24:32] What is the difference between gardening and homesteading?[26:40] What inspired Michelle and Stephanie’s move from gardening to homesteading[30:50] Tips for transitioning from gardening to homesteading[40:21] Michelle on seed starting[43:36] What are the easiest seeds to save?[44:59] How can you preserve your homegrown food?[46:45] Fermentation vs pickling[48:36] What is water bath canning?[51:21] Things you should know about raising chickens![01:01:13] Further homesteading stories and experiences from Michelle & StephanieMentioned in our conversation:Book by Stephanie Thurow & Michelle Bruhn Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and MoreCan It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole YearWECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreWECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreFood Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow: Chicken Pens at Tractor Supply Co.Ready to start your homesteading journey?Check out the full show notes and blog for the best beginner tips!Follow Stephanie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow Michelle:WebsiteFacebookInstagramFollow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Mindblowing Facts About Plants Outside Your Door: 11 Garden Plants with Superpowers

    Mindblowing Facts About Plants Outside Your Door: 11 Garden Plants with Superpowers
    Jul 8 2025
    Did you know that some common outdoor plants have superpowers? Some can survive atomic bombing, clean up radiation, and even outsmart insects. This is Part 2 of my conversation with David Domoney, author of Plants with Superpowers, about the superpowers of outdoor plants. These plants can completely change how you walk down the street and look at nature.Listen to Part 1 of our conversation about indoor plant superpowers here.In this episode, we learn:[02:19] Welcome to part 2 with David Domoney[03:29] How did ginkgo trees survive Hiroshima?[06:08] How do sunflowers purify radioactive and toxic soil?[08:24] How magnolias trap beetles for pollination[09:31] Calming lavender vs. stimulating lavender[11:02] David’s lavender gin and tonic recipe![13:32] Raspberries with a surprise twist[13:54] Bee orchid's mimicry superpower[14:51] Espoma Organic's[16:14] How do walnuts help our brain?[17:23] Hedgehog Holly's shape-shifting defense mechanism[19:24] Can blueberries help with belly fat?[20:53] What makes rosemary so powerful for memory and wellness?[24:03] Did Roman gladiators really chew parsley for strength?[25:13] Curly vs. flat leaf parsley differences[27:43] Where can you find David's socials and book?Mentioned in our conversation:Plants with Superpowers: 75 Remarkable Plants for your Garden and HomeGrowing Joy Episode 296: How to Grow Lavender with Rebecca of Lavender ConnectionGrowing Joy Episode 292: 7 Houseplants with Superpowers with David DomoneyCurious to know which outdoor plant in your area has superpowers?Check out the full show notes and blog here for David's list!Follow David:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokPinterestXThank you to our episode sponsor:Espoma OrganicMake sure your garden plants are maintaining their superpowers by using organic gardening products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    31 mins
  • How to Grow Lavender

    How to Grow Lavender
    Jul 1 2025
    Did you know that lavender comes in dozens of varieties, each with a different smell, and many with different growing habits? I did learn that from Rebecca at Lavender Connection, who owns a family-run lavender farm in Sequim, Washington, which also happens to be the lavender capital of the United States! After meeting her at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, where her beautiful lavender scents were wafting over to my booth all day, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her incredible expertise.In this episode, we learn:[02:40] How Rebecca became a lavender expert[06:25] Where does lavender grow natively?[07:17] How many species does lavender have?[09:06] English vs French vs Spanish lavender[11:19] How to avoid killing your lavender (top growing tips!)[12:55] Why you need well-draining soil for lavender[15:13] Make someone’s special day unforgettable by gifting them Wind River Chimes![17:27] Common mistakes new lavender gardeners make[20:12] Life as a lavender farmer: agritourism, DIY, and more[22:17] The lavender essential oil bar experience[24:03] How Starbucks drinks was inspired by her Lavender Connection![25:29] Favorite lavender varieties (including the mysterious Row 19)[27:15] What you can actually do with harvested lavender[29:30] What’s the easiest thing you can do with a lavender?[30:28] Where can you find Lavender Connections?Mentioned in our conversation:GJ Episode 158: Grow and Make Essential Oils with Chris Satch“Row 19” Lavender Essential Oil (lavandula intermedia)Planning to grow your own lavender?Check out the full show notes and blog for Rebecca's expert growing tips!Follow Lavender Connection:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestYelpTrip AdvisorThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesBring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for an amazing gift that can help you or your loved ones grow joy and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect option. Plus, you can engrave the wind sail on the wind chime with meaningful dates, names, or phrases!Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    34 mins
  • Stop Killing Succulents and Listen to This Episode Instead

    Stop Killing Succulents and Listen to This Episode Instead
    Jun 24 2025
    Have you ever killed a succulent and then felt like you were completely doomed as a plant parent? That was totally me about eight years ago. I brought succulents home because everyone said they were the easiest, most foolproof plant. Yet I still managed to kill them. Naturally, I spent a lot of time thinking I was just a plant killer. However, I eventually learned that succulents aren’t fool proof. And if you’ve had your heart broken by one (or five), it might not have totally been your fault. Maybe it just wasn’t the right plant for you! Or you just needed a few key things to learn about how to keep succulents alive.So I invited my plant friend and the succulent queen of Indiana, Abby Perry of Abby’s Garden Parties, to talk about the real reason so many people kill succulents, what they actually need, and how to figure out if they’re even the right plant for you.In this episode, we learn:[03:16] How Abby became a succulent expert[07:14] The #1 mistake: overwatering[08:47] What makes a plant a “succulent”?[09:56] Cacti vs. succulents[12:26] How to water succulents[14:59] Grow lights and why succulents need strong lighting[15:25] Wind River Chimes[17:12] Espoma Organic Cactus Mix[20:51] Low, medium, and high light succulent suggestions[22:05] Does your room have enough light?[25:19] Care tips for Strings of Things[26:26] Color and succulents[27:37] Etiolation: what stretching means in succulents[30:52] Fertilizing your succulents[32:42] How to water succulents in terrariums with no drainage[34:01] The most common mistakes in succulent care[35:36] Best succulents for each plant parent type[42:15] Where can you find Abby onlineMentioned in our conversation:Northwest Flower and Garden ShowGuess that plant with @abbysgardenparties | InstagramFind Out Your Plant Parent PersonalityWant to know the best succulents for your lifestyle and lighting situation?Check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Abby:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTokParty PackagesThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesGo to windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    46 mins
  • I Found 22 Ducklings on My Roof: A Nature-Curious Story of Trust and Transformation

    I Found 22 Ducklings on My Roof: A Nature-Curious Story of Trust and Transformation
    Jun 17 2025

    A few weeks ago, I found 22 baby ducklings on my roof. Not one. Not ten. But 22 fluffy, peeping, impossibly cute ducklings on the eaves of my Florida home. The videos I made became viral on Instagram and Tiktok, and so many people DM-ed me asking for updates! To be honest, it was one of the happiest and most bizarre times of my life because it made me realize how much my relationship with nature and plants had evolved to another level. Becoming nature-curious opened my eyes to the beauty of not just plant care, but also how much it lit up the world around me.


    In this episode, we learn:
    • [01:34] How 22 ducks changed my perspective on nature and plants
    • [03:57] What "nature curious" lifestyle means to me
    • [06:27] I used to be “plant blind”
    • [07:45] How I changed after moving from 500 sq ft to 5 acres
    • [11:26] Becoming sensitive to nature’s subtle sounds & shifts
    • [12:42] How I met Mama Duck (and how she learned to trust me)
    • [14:36] Feeding the ducklings and fostering a bond with them!
    • [15:14] Stop wishing for that magic stress-erasing wand and grab the next best thing: Wind River Chimes!
    • [17:02] Join the movement of confident female gardeners with Dovetail x John Deere Workwear!
    • [20:24] How I discovered the next set of ducklings… on my roof!
    • [22:56] The poetry of seeing ducklings fledge from my roof!
    • [27:53] What we can learn from nature about adaptability and change


    Mentioned in our conversation:
    • For more duckling updates, make sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok!


    For the full tale of this mind-opening duckling encounter,

    check out the full show notes and blog here!


    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

    Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

    Dovetail Workwear

    Grab a pair today and get 10% off at dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person.


    Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

    Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

    Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

    Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

    Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

    Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

    Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

    Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

    Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

    Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    33 mins
  • Gardening for Better Soil

    Gardening for Better Soil
    Jun 10 2025
    How do you view soil in your garden? A lot of us look at soil as just the brown stuff under our feet. We usually don’t think about all of the different components that make up soil, all of the different organisms living in soil, or how it is this whole environment that our plants depend on. It is a living, breathing ecosystem that could be the answer to improving your entire garden. As gardeners, you know that soil is important so you should be feeding it, not just feeding your plants. And there's no better person to talk about that topic today than Juliet Sargeant, an award-winning British garden designer, educator, and author of Start with Soil: Simple Steps for a Thriving Garden.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Why soil is more than just dirt[03:28] Who is Juliet Sargeant?[05:31] Soil as a mix of science and creativity[09:02] What are the different components of soil? (topsoil, subsoil)[12:07] Air pockets in soil[14:37] Give your plants the nutrient-rich foundation they need with Espoma Organic![16:08] Join the movement of confident female gardeners with Dovetail x John Deere Workwear![18:03] What are the essential soil elements to consider as a gardener?[19:40] Soil testing 101: pH kits, sedimentation jars[22:20] Too much clay? Too much sand? How to fix your soil naturally[24:16] Should you really change your soil composition? (adapting native plants)[29:12] What are the least invasive ways that we can improve our soil? [30:06] What is no-dig gardening?[34:18] What are the essential nutrients for plants?[37:31] Where can you find Juliet online?Mentioned in our conversation:Start with Soil: Simple Steps for a Thriving Garden by Juliet SargeantFor Juliet's expert tips on achieving a healthier and livelier soil,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Juliet:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeHouzzXThank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Dovetail WorkwearGrab a pair today and get 10% off at dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person. Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    41 mins
  • 7 Houseplants with Superpowers

    7 Houseplants with Superpowers
    Jun 3 2025
    Did you know that your houseplants have superpowers? Some can actually seek out darkness to find the light, some can count, and some can actually bring wealth. To help me reveal all these amazing aspects of our houseplants is my new friend, David Domoney. He’s a celebrated British horticulturist, television presenter, and author with over 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals. And his book, Plants with Superpowers, is what actually inspired me to do this episode. This is the first of a two-part series on plants and their superpowers, and I have him on twice because he is such an enthusiastic person. I love his energy so much.In this episode, we learn:[03:50] Why is green considered a calming color[04:40] How did David become the lore specialist of plants?[08:33] What inspired David to write his book?[11:20] What is the superpower of the Venus flytrap?[13:43] Venus Flytrap evolution and feeding tips[14:40] Garden in comfort and style with new Dovetail Workwear X John Deere overalls, designed specifically for women![17:57] How plants help our world become livable[18:22] How important is the role of soil microorganisms in the process of nutrient uptake in plants?[19:46] What is the superpower of Mimosa pudica?[21:33] What is the superpower of Monstera?[22:42] Different growth patterns of plants[28:28] What is the superpower of the Prayer plant?[30:56] Nature as the original artist[33:11] What is the superpower of aloe vera?[34:54] What is the superpower of the jade plant?[39:59] Where can you find David online?Mentioned in our conversation:'Plants with Superpowers' by David Domoney'My House Plant Changed My Life' Signed Book by David DomoneyTV Shows where David Domoney appeared inGrowing Joy Ep 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny CooganFor David's amazing list of houseplants with superpowers,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow David:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokPinterestXThank you to our episode sponsor:Dovetail WorkwearGrab a pair today and get 10% off at dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person.Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    44 mins