• The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces
    Oct 29 2024
    What plants are great in low-light homes? That’s one of the most common plant questions that I get asked a lot. It’s popular because a lot of us don’t have those floor-to-ceiling windows that we often see on Pinterest and Instagram. The majority of us just have normal, low-light homes. Even my new house in Florida is actually extremely low-light! But of course, we all want our indoor garden to grow well, no matter what our lighting circumstances are. So here’s another Proven Winners episode to teach you how to choose the right low-light plants for your space and all the tips you need to know to make sure you’re taking good care of them.In this episode, we learn:[02:34] What is a low light (tolerant) plant?[03:30] Why low-light plants are popular[04:07] Why you should check out snake & ZZ plants![05:25] How we overestimate the amount of light in our homes[08:13] Take my Plant Parent Personality™ test[08:35] Importance of rotating pots for low-light plants[10:01] Keep your plant's leaves clean[11:02] #1 Ferns[14:54] #2 Prayer plants[17:00] #3 Monstera[17:33] #4 Photos[19:13] #5 Dracaena[19:52] #6 Philodendron[21:20] Check out Proven Winner’s H2O Line![22:41] Tips for “no light” situationsMentioned in our conversation:What's Your Plant Parent Personality?Understanding Natural Light9 Tips for Greening Up Your Work From Home Office Set UPLiving Lace® Davana Blue Star FernLiving Lace® Victoria Bird's Nest FernLiving Lace® Hurricane - Bird's Nest FernTwirly Whirly™ Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)Sweet Dreams® NeverLand™ - Ctenanthe lubbersianaBeautifall® Off to Oz PothosBeautifall® Summer Nights™ PothosCrescent Garden TruDrop self-watering plantersProven Winners leafjoy® H2O® CollectionSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightFor more low-light plant tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersFind plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    27 mins
  • This Trick Will Save You 100s at the Garden Center // Plant Parent Personality
    Oct 22 2024
    Are you struggling to keep your houseplants alive? You might be one of many aspiring plant parents who find themselves in this annoying cycle, and you wonder why you can't seem to keep even the "easiest" plants alive. The problem is not finding the “right beginner plant” but understanding your own plant parent personality. So in this episode, I’ll tell you the five distinct plant parent personalities and how they can help you choose the right plants for your lifestyle.In this episode, we learn:[02:53] What's a Plant Parent Personality?[05:02] Is there a “starter plant”?[08:06] Are you a Mindful Plant Parent?[14:54] Find the perfect grow light that suits your plant parenting style with Soltech Grow Lights![17:13] Find the right Espoma Organic products to nourish every type of plant in your home![19:23] Are you a Low Maintenance Plant Parent?[24:45] Are you a Curious Collector Plant Parent?[31:45] Are you a Design-Based Plant Parent?[39:32] Are you an Urban Farmer Plant Parent?Mentioned in our conversation:What's Your Plant Parent Personality?Understanding Natural Light WorksheetTruDrop Self Watering Planters | Crescent GardenWallyGrow PlantersSoltech Aspect™ LED Growlightleafjoy H2O® Collection | Proven WinnersLettuce GrowClick & GrowI Made A DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit for Your Worst Case Plant ProblemsCome Tour Homestead Gardens with Me!Lettuce Grow Farmstand Review: Set Up, 30 Day Recap and First Harvest for my Easy Green Smoothie!Lettuce Grow 3 Month Update: What I like and don't like so far and fertilizing tipsDIY Houseplant First Aid Kit with Leslie HalleckThe Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent OverwhelmThe Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!"The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your GardenThe Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Mushrooms IndoorsHow to Grow Citrus Indoors with Danny of Via CitrusFor personalized plant care tips and more insights into your plant parent personality,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    47 mins
  • Behind the Scenes with a Garden Center Owner
    Oct 15 2024
    What makes your local garden center feel so special? Don’t you notice that there’s something magical about them? It’s kinda shocking how little we understand as consumers about all the effort that goes into getting plants to us and onto our windowsills. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes at the Garden Center that we don't know about. That's why I'm committed to having more people on this podcast to peel back the curtain of the horticulture industry and help us better understand how our plants get to us.I'm excited to share my conversation with Jessie Jacobson of Tonkadale Greenhouse in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Jessie is an example of what a passionate multi-generational family business can look like.In this episode, we learn:[04:38] What is the story behind Tonkadale Greenhouse?[08:37] Growing vs selling plants[12:03] How does the business keep up with modern times?[14:01] What are the mission, vision, and core values of Tonkadale?[15:27] Gift peace and joy this season with Wind River Chimes![17:05] Give your houseplants the organic love they deserve with Espoma![20:34] What does Jessie’s day look like as a garden center owner?[23:33] Ordering and planning in gardening[25:08] Why you should always visit an independent garden center[26:26] Seasonal revenue + challenges[30:25] Be a better low-maintenance plant parent with Crescent Garden TrueDrop Self-Watering Planters![32:37] What keeps Jessie motivated? (aka the joy of gardening)[36:26] What advice can Jessie give to aspiring garden center owners?[41:20] What’s next for Tonkadale Greenhouse?[44:05] Where can you find Tonkadale on social media and onsite?Mentioned in our conversation:What's Your Plant Parent Personality?Tonkadale GreenhouseFor a deeper dive into the industry of garden centers,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Jessie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit 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.Crescent GardenFor a limited time only, head to growingjoywithmaria.com/crescentgarden and use code GROWJOY15 to curate your dream garden today. 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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    47 mins
  • Budget Friendly Ways to Elevate Your Garden
    Oct 8 2024
    Plant friends, if you are anything like me, you LOVE a good deal, especially when it comes to your garden. After all, it can be costly to buy every gardening tool out there that just seems to drain your bank account. Luckily for us, I picked the brain of my new plant friend—Robbie from Visit Our Garden. Robbie’s garden is a marvel in itself, but even more exciting is how he has mastered the art of making it look luxe on a budget. So in this episode, I’m sharing some of his budget hacks that you can apply to your own garden.In this episode, we learn:[03:30] Who is Robbie from Visit Our Garden?[07:41] What does Robbie’s garden look like?[11:14] Tip 1: Espalier + buying trees bare root[15:48] Create a successful garden with Gardener's Supply Company’s high-quality products![17:11] Gift yourself or a loved one a moment of peace and joy with Wind River Chimes![21:22] Tip 2: DIY cement garden art[28:00] Tip 3: Painting your fence[30:44] Shop nutrient-rich mixes from Espoma Organic for easier, more sustainable gardening![33:58] Tip 4: Shopping smart[40:34] Tip 5: Find inspiration in a lot of places (eg. Pinterest)[44:57] Where can you find Robbie on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates with Janey of Dig Plant Water RepeatCultivate'24Is Espalier Worth It? Maintenance || Visit Our GardenInstalling Espalier Honeysuckle On My Fence With Janey 🪴 || Visit Our GardenFixing my espalier apple tree and planting and clematis 🌸🍎 || visit our gardenFrog pot feetHomeRightSolid Color House & Fence Wood Stain | BehrFor more of Robbie's best budget-friendly garden secrets,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Robbie:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokThank you to our episode sponsors:Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.Wind River ChimesVisit 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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    49 mins
  • How Plants Teach Us to Adapt to Change
    Oct 1 2024
    Have you ever felt lost while experiencing change? In fact, I've been thinking a lot about the concept of transplant shock lately, as it has been a beautiful metaphor for what I am personally going through right now after moving 1,500 miles from New York to Florida. It's a plant-life parallel that gave me so much comfort and guidance during this season of discomfort and change, and I have a feeling that it will resonate with many of you. So in this episode, we’re talking about “transplant shock” and the change and the lessons we can learn during challenging times.In this episode, we learn:[02:24] How can we express change in different ways?[02:50] What are the top three stressors for humans?[04:18] Why did I experience transplant shock?[06:50] Wilted plant = transplant shock[07:54] Plant-life parallels and personal reflections[09:51] What is transplant shock?[10:33] What are the symptoms of transplant shock?[10:43] How can a plant recover from transplant shock?[12:21] What does transplant shock look like in humans?[13:36] How do you treat transplant shock in humans?[15:37] Bring more light and positivity to your plants and life with Soltech grow lights![17:03] Start planning your next gardening season with the Tiny Farm Planner by Jill Ragan![18:28] Why you should be patient[20:55] Nutrient of “socialization”[22:00] How to turn transplant shock into growthMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 255: I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I LearnedNextdoorBumble BFFMeetupMounts Botanical GardenFlorida-Friendly Landscaping™ ProgramFor useful insights on how to deal with change,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".Quarto: The Tiny Farm Planner: Record Keeping, Seasonal To-Dos, and Resources for Managing Your Small-Scale Home Farm by Jill RaganPick it up at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com or amazon.com.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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    29 mins
  • What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox // Seasonal Sessions
    Sep 24 2024
    No matter what season it is, now being summer into fall, the shifting of the seasons provides an opportunity and an external trigger for us to reflect internally. I had my dear friend Rachael from Our Infinite Nature back on the show to help us navigate the upcoming season. If you've been following me, you know how magical she is—she’s my go-to for everything seasonal and spiritual. We’ve been doing these seasonal check-ins, and this episode is all about celebrating the fall equinox.Let’s chat about what’s going down this fall, not just with nature, but with us too. Time to chill, think things over, and gather what we've got. It’s time to slow down, reflect, and, of course, harvest.In this episode, we learn:[05:47] Nature rituals and Rachael’s parenting[08:05] The gift of a bird's nest[14:55] Wind River Chimes[16:38] Espoma Organic[18:56] How are our gardens, lawns, forests, and local ecosystems doing in the fall?[21:44] Death as part of nature's cycle[28:27] How to balance productivity and rest in the fall[29:14] How to balance elements of fire, water, and air[30:49] How Libra season correlates with the fall equinox[35:10] Why we should embrace the changes of eclipse season[37:01] Some personal practices to do this fall equinox[42:27] How do the elements of each season relate to our personal growth?[44:25] Meditation for the fall equinox[56:04] Connect with RachaelMentioned in our conversation:Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth GilbertGrowing Joy Ep 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer SolsticeGrowing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxFor Rachael's insights on how to embrace the new season's energies,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit 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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I Learned
    Sep 17 2024
    I don’t know how I survived moving all 80 of my houseplants across 1500 miles from New York to South Florida with my husband and our parakeet in our rented minivan. It was quite an adventure, and I learned so much along the way. Despite all the chaos, I only lost two and a half plants, which is an achievement! My husband got an amazing job opportunity. I am fully digital with my business. We wanted to move closer to family. So we decided to go for it!In this episode, we learn:[01:18] Why moving with houseplants is challenging[04:05] How does mindset influence the moving process?[05:51] Moving preparations and logistics![08:20] Why minivans are a must for your plants![09:53] What is the best way to pack your plants?[15:17] Bring a touch of home to your new space with a soothing Wind River Chime![16:44] Learn how to create stunning bouquets with Lisa Ziegler’s Cut Flower Handbook![18:26] What was the three-day road trip like?[22:39] Unpacking plants and settling into our new home![23:02] How did the first 10 days go for our plants?[25:17] Simplify your move and your gardening with Crescent Garden TrueDrop self-watering planters[27:22] Adjusting to our new Florida home![29:35] How we lost 2 plants during our move :([31:26] How transplant shock is affecting meMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 217: I killed a bunch of plants this year, here's what happened: How to Do a Growing Joy Ep 61: How to Move with PlantsPlant AuditEnterprise minivansU-HaulLockable Storage Tote FootlockerPAR MeterHygrometersSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightFor a complete rundown of my New York to Florida move,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M ZieglerPick up The Cut Flower Handbook at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Crescent GardenFor a limited time only, head to growingjoywithmaria.com/crescentgarden and use code GROWJOY15 to curate your dream garden today.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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    36 mins
  • Hoya Care for Beginners
    Sep 10 2024
    There are so many different reasons to love hoyas, plant friends. They are gorgeous, drought-tolerant, and relatively easy to care for once you nail down a few key tips! Hoyas had a moment on social media in 2021 and 2022 due to their incredible diversity—Hoyas can look so different from each other, and if you’re a curious plant collector (see which one are you with my plant personality test), this is the perfect genus for you!In this ongoing mini-series, I’ll take you through how to care for hoyas indoors and I will also introduce you to my favorite Proven Winners varieties!In this episode, we learn:[01:27] Why is Hoya the perfect plant?[03:12] How Hoya became part of my wedding![03:49] Where can you find Hoyas?[04:43] Hoya care: lighting[06:01] Hoya care: watering[07:14] Hoya care: soil[08:05] Hoya care: humidity[08:31] Hoya care: potting[09:38] How to get your Hoya to bloom[12:18] How to trellis your Hoya[14:03] My favorite Proven Winners leafjoy™ Hoyas?Mentioned in our conversation:Espoma Organic Potting Soil MixEspoma Organic Orchid MixGrowing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot HouseplantsYouTube Video: How to Repot houseplantsGrow lightsEndless Cascades™ Green Light™ - Hoya carnosaEndless Cascades™ Shining Sea Star™ - Hoya carnosaEndless Cascades™ Fresh Rain™ - Hoya rangsanEndless Cascades ™ - QuinquenerviaEndless Cascades™ Shadow Falls™ - Hoya callistophyllaEndless Cascades™ Sarawak Cream - Hoya latifoliaFor my proven and tested tips on hoya care,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersTo care for hoyas successfully, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!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/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show more Show less
    23 mins