Episodios

  • 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 m
  • 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
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    33 m
  • 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 m
  • 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: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    44 m
  • Sun Protection for Gardeners: Melanoma Awareness Month

    Sun Protection for Gardeners: Melanoma Awareness Month
    May 27 2025
    It’s Melanoma Awareness Month! Two years ago, I walked into a dermatologist’s office thinking I had a simple skin issue… then I walked out with a melanoma diagnosis at 34. As a lifelong gardener, I never expected my love of plants would overlap with a serious health scare, but here we are. I’m not a beach person nor an outdoor enthusiast. I just tend to my garden every day, really. But that little dot on my face changed everything about my relationship with the sun. I learned to love sunscreens, especially UPF clothing. So if you’re a plant parent like me who spends hours outside with your hands in the soil, I hope this becomes your gentle nudge to protect your skin the same way you protect your plants.In this episode, we learn:[03:36] Special thanks to Coolibar’s UPF50 clothing[04:49] Why should we care for our skin as we do our plants?[08:54] Why short, daily garden sessions still add up to major sun exposure risk[10:21] Should you use sunscreen?[11:45] Chemical vs. mineral sunscreens[13:40] My favorite sunscreen brands[15:41] Why I love UPF Clothing (especially Coolibar’s sun clothing)[16:08] Coolibar products[16:46] What is UPF clothing and why it’s better than sunscreens[19:40] Gardeners Supply Company[22:36] Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses in the garden[24:34] How to use the UV Index when gardening[27:04] Hydration and skin health in the garden[27:26] Espoma Organic[29:43] Why skin care in the garden mattersMentioned in our conversation:RMS Beauty SunCoverup Super Tint SPF 50ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40ISDIN Fusion Water MAGICSavor Beauty Radiance Sun Milk SPF 50+NEUTROGENA® Sunscreen and Sun Protection ProductsLa Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive SkinCoolibar Bel Aire Zip-Off Sun Visor | Black UPF 50+Coolibar Women's Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt | Lavendula UPF 50+Sun protection doesn't need to be complicated!Check out the full show notes and blog here for my sun protection tips! Thank you to our episode sponsors:CoolibarProtect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.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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    34 m
  • Smell Your Way to Joy: The Science Behind How Plants and Aromatherapy Enhance Memory and Emotion

    Smell Your Way to Joy: The Science Behind How Plants and Aromatherapy Enhance Memory and Emotion
    May 20 2025
    Did you know the scent of plants can do more than just make your garden smell good? It can actually improve your mood, your memory, and your overall health. I’ve always thought of plant scents as just a lovely bonus in the garden, but I didn’t know there’s some wild science behind how smell connects to our emotions and even our brains. And to help me with that is Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychology of scent. She explains how the smells from our plants can shape how we feel, what we remember, and how we heal.In this episode, we learn:[03:06] How did Dr. Herz start her career in the science of scents?[06:18] Why smell is tied to memories and emotions[09:01] Aromatherapy and emotional associations[10:28] Ingesting rosemary vs. smelling rosemary[12:27] Why do people like or dislike different smells?[14:30] How does the human olfactory system detect and process scents?[15:32] Wind River Chimes[17:20] Coolibar[21:43] What’s the role of the olfactory bulbs?[22:36] Why is the nose a significant entry point for substances entering the body?[25:12] Why do people often think smell is the least important sense?[27:25] Losing sight vs smell[30:20] Gardeners Supply Company’s[32:48] The perception of a smell as "good" or "bad"[35:08] Can our sense of smell be cultivated?[36:30] Where can you find Dr. Herz and her works online?Mentioned in our conversation:Rachel Herz: Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense | TED TalkRachel Herz: Smell Can Change the World: Health, Technology, and the Future | TED Talk International Flavors & FragrancesMonell Chemical Senses CenterTrygg EngenDr. Rachel Herz’s books:The Scent of DesireWhy You Eat What You EatThat's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of RepulsionReady to explore the healing wonders of natural fragrances?Check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Dr Rachel:WebsiteLinkedInXAcademic WorkConsultingThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.CoolibarProtect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping. 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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    40 m
  • How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum

    How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum
    May 13 2025
    You've tried water and soil, but have you ever rooted a cutting in a Fluval Stratum? Yes, it’s technically made for fish tanks. Yes, it looks like little black caviar. But it might just be the best thing to happen to your houseplant propagation! So in this episode, let’s break down everything I’ve learned from my conversation with my plant friend, Lindsay Sisti (@alltheplantbabies), who is a propagation extraordinaire and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation. Thanks to her, I now know exactly how and why this strange little volcanic material is revolutionizing plant propagation!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Is there a mess-free plant propagation?[02:28] How did Lindsay become a propagation expert?[07:31] What is hybridization/pollination of plants?[09:26] What is Fluval Stratum?[10:00] What is a volcanic tephra?[12:42] What makes Fluval Stratum popular for plant propagation?[14:47] Protect yourself this Melanoma Awareness Month with Coolibar’s sun-protective clothing![19:07] LECA vs. Fluval Stratum[20:25] Practical tips for propagating with Fluval Stratum[25:10] Can you re-use Fluval Stratum?[26:49] What are the best plants for Fluval Stratum[27:53] Combining Fluval Stratum with perlite[30:50] Can Fluval Stratum be used as a growing medium in semi-hydroponic setups?[32:27] What are the best practices for propagating plant cuttings in Fluval Stratum?[34:52] Transferring cuttings from Fluval to potting media[36:50] Experiments with different growth mediums (Fluval Stratum, aroid mix, tree fern fiber, sphagnum moss, and peat moss)[39:58] Where can you find Lindsay and her resources online?Mentioned in our conversation:Get a copy of Lindsay’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant PropagationFluval StratumLECALechuza PonHoya propagation tutorial with @alltheplantbabiesFor Lindsay's expert tips on how to use Fluval Stratum,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Lindsay:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokThank you to our episode sponsor:CoolibarProtect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.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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    43 m
  • What Is Naturalistic Gardening and Why It Might Change How You Garden Forever

    What Is Naturalistic Gardening and Why It Might Change How You Garden Forever
    May 6 2025
    How do you create a natural garden? Is that even possible? I want to bring you to the style of garden that’s not only sustainable but also more resilient, and honestly, more fun. In fact, it might even be the future of gardening. Natural or naturalistic garden is an approach that’s all about working with nature instead of trying to control it. To help explain this topic, I brought on my dear friend, Kelly D Norris, a renowned horticulturalist, award-winning plantsman, and the author of  Your Natural Garden.In this episode, we learn:[02:40] How did Kelly get started with gardening?[07:46] What is a natural garden?[09:06] What are "native plants" in natural gardening?[13:42] How does ecological landscape design look in different settings?[15:43] Coolibar[17:42] Wind River Chimes[19:30] Ecological landscape designs[22:41] How to measure direct sunlight[29:04] Rewilding and selecting plants[31:18] Dovetail Workwear[33:08] Espoma Organic[34:27] Regional plant palettes and resources[39:12] How does ecological gardening vary across US regions?[40:23] How to create ecosystems for wildlife[44:20] Tips for achieving a natural garden[47:37] "Aesthetics of ecology" and "ecology of aesthetics"[52:01] Where can you find Kelly and his book online?Mentioned in our conversation:"Your Natural Garden", book by Kelly D Norris"New Naturalism", book by Kelly D NorrisGrowing Joy Ep 274: Plant Inspired Vacations with Leslie Halleck and Marcia Castro-RosenbergSun Seeker for IOS and AndroidSunCalciNaturalist appNational Wildlife FederationAHS Garden Network - American Horticultural SocietyMembership - American Horticultural SocietyAmerican Public Gardens AssociationThe Bane of BeautyInterested in taking the first steps in creating a natural garden?Check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Kelly:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInThank you to our episode sponsors:CoolibarProtect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.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.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.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    55 m