New Garden Stuff + Seed Unboxing + Flower Arrangement! 🥰🌿💚 // Garden Answer

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Often you will comment "This video is probably getting too long." Is that a real problem? People can always fast forward if they want to get to a certain topic. I can't speak for others but I don't care how long your videos are. They are a respite from the cares of the day, they feed my soul and teach me skills I need. My two cents...never worry about us when it comes to length. :^)

[@susanbaker2796]

"It's pronounced Igor." You're killing me, Ken! I laughed out loud at your Young Frankenstein clip. Excellent!

[@SipNCreate]

I was going to comment on that, but you said it better than I could!

[@32dras]

But that's not how you pronounce Igor, trust me, that's my name 😂

[@susanbaker2796]

Well then, Igor L, you would know. We'll go with your comment! Haha.

[@yvettemacias2538]

@@SipNCreate p

[@angelwolfe6728]

Same here! 😆

[@annapiechota7610]

I would just love to see Laura’s full “day in the life of a gardening mom vlog” and see how she fits in her gardening chores around regular family life. I too am a mom of two under 4 years old, work full-time, and find that I do most of my gardening with a flashlight after dark when my kids are asleep, and the dishes are done 😴 I’m truly so grateful for this channel, it helped me rekindle my love of gardening that fizzled out once I became a mom. Hugs from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@GardenKath]

She has help and it this channel is literally her job. Comparison is the thief of joy; you’re doing just fine. 🙂

[@sharmieR]

You are doing great… gardening is her day job, she has help to edit and manage the videos and to watch her kids.

[@tdesanchez]

I was just thinking, it would be lovely to see all of your flower arrangements published as a calendar. Great displays and great photography combined. I am a sucker for the Dutch flower paintings and find your arrangements extremely artistic. Thank you for sharing such joy and beauty.

[@judiemcpherson8586]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Would love ❤️ to see your flower 🌸 arrangements turned into a calendar 😀

[@PallasAthenaXIII]

I love how Laura’s always saying this video’s probably long already 😂… the long videos are wonderful - some of my favorites. ☺️

[@n.w.414]

And it was only at 16 minutes. Not near long enough, lol.

[@tammydeschenes4857]

Totally agree. I miss her long videos.

[@bishop2b394]

I have this feeling that even Gardner supply is trying to help you to remember to stake up your delphiniums. What lovely and thick plant support stakes they sent you. (Reminder!)

[@gardenerssupply]

You bet we are! :-)

[@bridgeth7961]

Hi Laura, I found your channel right at the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m very lucky and surgery and a daily pill is it fir me. But you made my post-op time so much better. I now have a Hoselink thanks to you and I love it. In fact today before I even watched this video I bought some more accessories. You have changed my garden and gardening a lot and I’m really happy about that. All the best to you and the rest of your family.

[@franchescawilliams-vazzana6133]

One of the words that comes to mind when I see your arrangements is "whimsical" 😍 Not like any other 👌 Absolutely stunning Laura 😃💯💖

[@mindyrutkowski3124]

I love Ken’s little snippets he puts in, “it’s pronounced Igore”😂😂😂. Now I have to get my seed order ready. Thanks for always inspiring me!!

[@brittanyadams8079]

The cut away with the young Frankenstein reference was hilarious !! It was one of my favorite movies when i was young brought back so many memories..thank you for your humor!!!

[@seaweednz]

I love that you acknowledge where a tool will be useful for people with accessibility needs, even if it isn't something that you'd use personally. Thank you for that. I've noticed you've done it before, and it is really nice to know someone with as much influence as you have thinks about that kind of thing.

[@lauradelucastroia4191]

Laura, if it’s too hot outside, you and Benjamin can cook again! We love to see that! 💕

[@lilmstiara1362]

I've become addicted to gardening since watching your channel. I went from wanting Chanel bags to Espoma organic potting mix bags and everything-tone fertilizer bags. :) Thank you for being such a huge inspiration.

[@patriciacole8773]

Lol

[@miriamgrutz2132]

I was busy for a month, couldn't take a second to watch your videos. I missed watching. I'm so happy to be back 🤗

[@nancysander5780]

Based on your demo, I ordered a Hoselink Standup Weed Puller. It arrived within 2 days. I've been struggling with shoulder bursitis and I have painful problems with both hands. I was dismayed to see UPS delivered the box with a hole in the side. And worried when I saw I would have to use two little hex wrenches to put two screws in to assemble the tool...something that never would have bothered me before a couple of months ago. To my amazing surprise, the weed puller went together without any trouble. But what was even better was using it to remove the obnoxious barbed broadleaf weeds in the front beds without ANY effort or pain in just a few minutes in what would have taken HOURS!! No kidding!! No gloves, no dirty hands, no sweating, no aches or pain! My husband drove up just as I gave my Hoselink Standup Weed Puller a kiss! He was, "What? What is that?" I showed him the box of weeds and he was shocked because I was in so much pain with my shoulder I'd hardly slept the night before and just picked up a new anti-inflammatory from the pharmacy. So I'm telling you, this tool works, it's EASY, so easy a little 5'3" 124lb lady with a messed up shoulder and busted up hands can use it effectively in clay soil with bark mulch and occasional rocks. Thank you SO much for showing us tools and having great affiliates.

[@jcking6785]

What a lovely way to start the day: watching Laura pick some of her beautiful flowers! 💚🌸🌿🌻🪴🌼🌱🌺💚

[@cexe2120]

Stock flowers are one of my favorites, I adore the scent. So few people around here have even heard of them, much less grow them. Thanks for your video!

[@103mandybear]

I catch-up with these videos when I can, & I see that the Igore love has already been stated, but count me in on that too! I don't think I'll be able to look at that type of pumpkin from now on & Not think of this video & that movie clip!! The calming start of this video & mix of different tasks already had this as one of my favorite videos, insert Young Frankenstein clip put it over the top. Thanks team Garden Answer for always being this welcoming, informative, & funny resource!

[@prospeaker58]

I’ve been a florist in my work career and you girl- are an AMAZING florist!

[@donaleeslack4790]

You talked about a FROG,Which drew me to memories of my Grand Mother who had alot of them. Some were colored glass, some made of metal , some that are crystal, etc in total 102 she graciously passed them to me when she passed. I love them ,I display them in a China cabinet and use a different one each week to make my bouquets . Such a blessing. Some are over 100 years old. My Gramma was born in 1911 and she got started on the collection by her Grandmother. Thankyou for inducing the memory 😊

[@kaylac3367]

Oh my heavens!!! That flower arrangement is absolutely gorgeous!!! So colorful and cheerful! Oh, just makes you smile. I know you know this but Laura you are so so talented! Thanks for sharing 💐

[@alivingston2490]

My goal for the 2022 growing season, Lord willing, is to start a lot of things from seed. It can seem intimidating, but thanks for the extra inspiration today!

[@patriciacole8773]

And should the Lord tarry…😊

[@danam927]

I can’t remember if I have ever thanked you but THANK YOU for listing the names of the seeds!!!! It is so helpful!💕🌸

[@raemariesauerhoefer5211]

I planted sunflowers this year because of you Laura. They came up beautifully. My son and I have been watching them grow impatiently waiting for them to bloom only to come out this morning to find that our horse stretched his neck WAY over the barbwire fence and ate them all. Lesson learned next year we will do better and plant them even further away from the fence. I really didn't think he could reach that far.

[@sandramulchahey8268]

I had that happen to my roses one year 😂

[@raemariesauerhoefer5211]

@@sandramulchahey8268 that stinks. I put them in pretty far. I would have never guessed he could stretch his neck that far.

[@stephaniewarren9285]

Ugh! The worst. Used to happen to me every year mostly because the horse was like Houdini and used to get out and eat my whole yard! Gaaaaah!

[@raemariesauerhoefer5211]

@@stephaniewarren9285 I had one like that. Every morning I would have to go look for him. He died 2 years ago and miss him all the time. He was always in my pocket and had such a big personality. This one, who ate my sunflowers is an old guy.....he's 30 years old now. He's usually pretty good so I really didn't expect him to eat them like he did.

[@MoniqueARuiz]

Omg! I’m chuckling at the thought of that sight but I feel your pain. I have chipmunks that are terrorizing all of my potted plants and eating all my strawberries and tomatoes

[@barbll000]

Garden Answer - confessions. I confess that when Laura was halfway through showing off her Johnny Seeds I got so excited that I hit pause (so embarrassed to admit that) and I went to Johnny's website and had a seed shopping spree. Then I came back to watch the rest of the video.

[@Daymickey]

That’s not that embarrassing! Shows how much we value her opinion and how we get inspiration from her videos. ☺️

[@orchidgarden3124]

I often do this! I’ll stop and look up plants and shrubs!

[@enthusiasticnewbiegardener6383]

Me too!! 😄🙋🏼‍♀️🌸

[@grandmaofthree897]

Me, too!

[@beckynelson6963]

I also trust Laura’s advice and opinion. I actually shopped Johnny’s seeds this year. Thank u for WONDERFUL and very informative videos.

[@Erikajp]

Ka-bo-cha, the middle syllable is short, just "bo" not "bow" or "bou." It's the Japanese word for squash, and we don't really put any emphasis on any of the syllables. It's delicious steamed or simmered with sugar and soysauce. Sweeter than most pumpkins with a really low moisture content. The skin is edible too and cooks through fairly quickly so there is no need to peel it before cooking.

[@pnastalder]

Yohyhj

[@raeperonneau4941]

Thank you!

[@notsuitable7954]

This reminds me when Rachel Ray tried to pronounce Pho but said FUR

[@jelatinosa]

@@notsuitable7954 what?! 😆 Furr lol

[@notsuitable7954]

@@jelatinosa Furr Real 😂😂😂

[@livingwithafovino8224]

I follow and watch so many gardeners but Garden Answer will always be my favorite ❤❤❤

[@prairie2gem]

Laura with all her seed packets wistfully thinks out loud: "I need bigger boxes" ☺️

[@sandyg8794]

Hi Laura! I enjoyed the beginning of the video watching you cut the flowers. It was very relaxing. Your arrangement turned out very beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@lisaknox737]

I could only think of the flower arrangement give-aways when I saw you go through your seed order! BEAUTIFUL arrangement as a gift for all of us, as well.

[@ABLeveryday]

I love it when you offer a flower arranging video! They're gorgeous.

[@starrhume4270]

There’s no one like you Laura. I feel like we’ve been friends for years. I look forward to your videos everyday!

[@GerberDaisy72]

Laura is my best friend, though she has no idea who I am. 🤣🤣🤣 I get what you mean, though. She’s very personable and real.

[@amyhendricks3627]

@@GerberDaisy72 I get it, too...I have become so fond of Laura and her family - so kind, easy going, and "down to earth" (lol...pun intended!)

[@juneritchie2498]

LOVED the US soccer bucket ... 2016 Rio!!! My husband was from Rio. If he were alive today, he would have given you a big thumbs up! When we were in Rio in 2012 they were beginning preparations. We didn't get to go back for the games. This little treat in your video brought back a flood of good memories. ❤️ Oh! I enjoyed the video, too. 😉

[@kw7378a1]

Loved that black bowl. Great arrangement!

[@donnagorman8558]

Your flower arranging never ceases to amaze me. Beautiful.

[@dianem7771]

That arrangement is gorgeous.

[@carolhendley760]

Oh yay! I missed you yesterday. I’m glad though that you took a much needed break.

[@genamarie941]

Well now I want to plant a whole row of those bunny tail grasses! They look sooo darn cute!!! Beautiful arrangement Laura. I can't wait for my cut flower garden to start blooming so I can make some arrangements!

[@janetconner6900]

After taking 3 years off from my backyard garden, I found your channel. Thank you. You have helped me regain the love that I have for getting my hands dirty. A huge thank you for introducing me to Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) spray. I have not planted petunias for years due to hating the budworms that comes with them. I planted some this year and have used the BT spray and I am liking the petunias more and more, although I like the Supertunias that my husband bought me for my birthday more. It even worked on a couple of tomato worms (I decided that they needed to suffer like my tomato plant suffered.). Thank you for your inspiration.

[@vickyhamilton2039]

I love watching your channel every morning at 7 with my morning coffee. I have always wanted a flower garden and have tried many times and then just gave up so I live vicariously through your channels and enjoy flowers from the flower shop. Have a very blessed day!

[@TheSOrmerod]

I just love that your kitties want snuggles whenever you sit down in the sunroom, so sweet. Loving your videos, they’ve really inspired my daughter and I to plant up our garden during the pandemic all the way over here in England. My daughter has become the head gardener and I’m her worker bee. We have a small issue with heavy clay in our soil here is Surrey England, would appreciate tips on how to help or plants that don’t mind a bit of clay.

[@patriciacole8773]

Have you applied gypsum?

[@steverdms]

What an enjoyable video. Lots of different stuff and all wonderful. Anyone else loving that arrangement as much as me? OH MY!

[@vickieyoung7122]

Laura designs the most beautiful flower arrangements...I so enjoy watching her put them together

[@dennistaft7868]

I don't like rust so I would paint that planter. The hoop support would work well on peonies, to bad it's not a little taller. The arrangement turned out beautiful. A few days ago I thought I planted the rest of my seeds. I made a path through the orchard and planted them. They are already sprouting. Yesterday my wife found another bag of about 50 seed packs so I guess I'll be extending my flower path.

[@angelwolfe6728]

Decorative support stakes! Brilliant 🥀

[@tishas.2945]

Always beautiful flower arrangements!!🤩🤩

[@WhiteDanika]

That arrangement is stunning!

[@carlas872]

You are amazing! That flower arrangement is so beautiful! I wish I had more sun in my yard to plant all those beautiful seeds you received. Thank you for sharing!

[@manvendrasingh154]

Started watching your videos a month back and now just catching up on everything. Love your videos. Lots of love from India. 🙏

[@gwenb4531]

I have used that weeder for a lot of years and I just love it, it saves my back.

[@dshollins5864]

Beautiful arrangement! Your energy level amazes me.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b 🇺🇸 Getting prepared for a "little " hurricane, Elsa. Moving pots and other possible flying projectiles. Your musical beginning was lovely. And always fun to nosey through someone else's box 📦 Happy Gardening to you all 👩‍🌾👍

[@Kerrin77JIH]

Stay safe!!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

@@Kerrin77JIH Thanks 👍 It looks like we will be missed, but this is how Charlie came along in 2004 and changed direction at the last hours. Never think you're safe until it's well passed. 42 years in Florida teaches lessons on Mother Nature 👩‍🌾👍

[@leesaaugustine1444]

Loved the beginning of the video very relaxing! Interesting items that you featured in today's video! Loving the transition the new property is developing into - a very relaxing area! It is nice to have source to go to when you cannot find them locally! That arrangement is gorgeous - love the colors!! 😃👍🌿✂️🌞💜💗💙💚🤍💛🧡🌿

[@be_you2023]

24:30 Enjoyed the “igor” insert 😂

[@sayzar9474]

Really appreciate that you’re trying the self watering inserts. I saw those as well and wanted to try them for next year but didn’t have any pots to put them in now so I’ll definitely look forward to hearing if those are worth buying!

[@anitawallace8016]

That flower arrangement is stunning! You are so talented 💕🇨🇦

[@elsiealba-limas8408]

I'm so glad that it hasn't stopped raining since early this morning. My fibromyalgia and arthritis is really bad but my nephew cut the lawn yesterday and I am so excited...my trees and plants are so green.

[@patriciacole8773]

Check out oxalates information found naturally in our food that makes us ache.

[@jaimiebeavers3852]

Absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement! Laura

[@amandaloewen6479]

Watching you cut flowers was very peaceful! Laura opening the box of seed packets, “I kinda went to town a little bit “, it’s like seeing a kid in a candy store. Also, my thoughts are regardless of how many packets of seeds we have, there’s always room for more 😉 the possibilities of things to grow from seed are endless 😊💚

[@kimdimond6921]

When you were harvesting the yellow snaps I thought the insect on the flower was on my iPad screen . I was on my porch and kept trying to brush it away only to realize it was not so. Thank you for such lovely footage.

[@feliciacardone8900]

One of the most gorgeous arrangement I've seen yet. Thank you for a relaxing video💓

[@conniethingstad1070]

time for another Q&A episode! How many hours do you average a day working out in your spaces?

[@amyslittlegarden]

Morning garden friend! You can see them answer questions every week on their other channel! Garden Answer Highlights!

[@GardenKath]

@@amyslittlegarden This should be a pinned comment. I know Laura has said she’s uncomfortable promoting her channel(s), but I think a lot of people are unaware that it exists, and that she answers questions there.

[@amyhendricks3627]

@@GardenKath I agree! I so look forward to the long sit down with Laura and Aaron who feel like old friends in the recap videos

[@firefly5421]

Love this video like always! Can we get a "meet the cast" video where you introduce the rest of your behind the sceens team? You've done lots of videos on flowers to grow in our gardens - any suggestions on good fillers for arrangements? Cheers from Galway! 🍀

[@ChelseaEmilyxo]

What a great idea! Hopefully they are comfortable being on camera! If not that’s ok too! 🥰

[@lisawalters5482]

Fun fun video! Missed you yesterday, but so glad you took time to rest and enjoy the holiday. As always the arrangement is gorgeous. I so believe in flowers in a home at least every week. Loving that you bought more seeds. This is a great reminder for me to get some ordered! Tfs and God bless. 👏🏻💕👏🏻

[@johncontract7855]

I’d like to thank you both for your recommendation on Captain Jacks Dead Weed Brew. You were NOT kidding about how well it works. Sprayed some weeks we have in our rock garden and they were literally toast in 2-3 hours!

[@MoniqueARuiz]

I wanted to love this but it didn’t work for us, and the spray nozzle is now jammed 😂.

[@lisak161]

Where did you find it? I couldn't find it on Amazon. Only the dead bug brew.

[@michellezimmerman7827]

I want to try it but can’t find it anywhere. 😫

[@MoniqueARuiz]

@@lisak161 I found it in Home Depot. The ready to go mix was $24 I want to say

[@johncontract7855]

@@MoniqueARuiz yes I had a little bit of jamming as well. I switched the liquid to a small pressurized sprayer

[@mariar2081]

We own a simpler designed weeder. It’s called the “grandpa weeder”. We love it. But, you have to center it over the center mass of the weed. Push in deep and then pull back. Really tenacious weeds need multiple tries to get them out. Husband’s back is pretty bad so this is great for him.

[@michellezimmerman7827]

Is it on Amazon? I’ve had 3 back surgeries but can’t give up gardening.

[@barbaramccann7944]

I use Grandpas Weeder, too.

[@ACMorell]

@@michellezimmerman7827 Yes! I got it on Amazon and really like it.

[@juneritchie2498]

I have the Fiskar's version and love it. Haven't tried any other brands yet.

[@wufflemann]

I have a grandpa weeder with wooden handle. Leverage. I use it for dandelions and when the kids were little they loved to help me pull them. Was like a game for them. Your arrangement is gorgeous!

[@florneiers5651]

Free form flower arrangements are my favorites,with everything in it. You have great eye for color!🥰

[@monasingh11]

The bouquet turned out gorgeous! Would love to see how you created grid with floral tape.

[@rochellehanes4074]

container must be DRY! tape over the edge about a half an inch, pull it over the bowl to the other side, stick it on the rim and cut it about a half an inch past the rim and stick it to the bowl. tape in a lattice pattern with grids about 1/2" - 3/4" apart. up -down, left-right. re press the ends of the tape, then add water.

[@monasingh11]

@@rochellehanes4074 thank you Rochelle

[@DreamWithCaroline]

Good morning Garden Answer... it's a new day .. a new life... here's to changing things up ...everything is beautiful 💜

[@MediocreAtBest.]

I grew bunny tail grass from the first time the year, they're soo soft!

[@rebeccawoodbixler9536]

You’re pushing me out of my color comfort zone a bit with that gorgeous arrangement! It was so fun watching you pick the flowers. 🌸🌺😊

[@strattonmama1869]

That arrangement turned out just gorgeous!! Now I’m scheming where I can possibly add more cut flowers! 😍

[@lynne7656]

I have the fisker's version of that weed puller and it is great in the right application. I had a large area of plantains growing into my grass. Over the course of a few weeks I spent 20 minutes a day pulling them out with the weed puller. The exposed soil made for the perfect ground for seeding and now have wonderful grass. It's also great for dandelions with long tap roots.

[@AM-dc5yz]

Plantain is awesome for making a poultice for stings 💚

[@mandyhassell]

I get so excited to do more in the garden when I’ve watched one of your videos Laura , thank you from the uk 🇬🇧 x

[@lcostantino7931]

Beautiful arrangment

[@livingwithafovino8224]

I was reluctant on whether to sow my sunflower seeds and I think I made up my mind.

[@mochitwa]

The buckets of flowers are so astetic

[@leighseymour235]

I love all of Laura's videos, but am I the only one that LOVES watching her create arrangements?

[@wendywoolard9925]

That was a really fun video!!! Really enjoyed it all!!!

[@pamc.3718]

Just love Laura’s personality. She’s so real and inspiring. Spent way too much on seeds but excited to get them.

[@MoniqueARuiz]

When you said “if you see my mouth moving we’re actually talking about the trees we want to order for next year” but the video went to warp speed, I couldn’t stop laughing.

[@audreywy1743]

funny, I was thinking...this must be how fast she really moves & the rest of the time they must slow it down so we can actually see her. lol

[@daniw9937]

The face of pure joy when you popped open that Johnny’s box!

[@pattywestridge2006]

I love seeing beauty first thing in the morning .thank you for starting my day right ..that arrangement is stunningly beautiful

[@curiouscat3384]

Laura and Aaron are such good therapy for my tired old self after watching the news and hearing neighbors and friends just complain about the state of the world :) Benjamin too - would love to see more cameos of that sweet little munchkin!

[@jaimiebeavers3852]

Best editing in a video award goes to...THIS ONE! "It's pronounced Igor" I nearly peed my pants laughing... BRILLIANT! Great work everyone!!!

[@rochellehoke312]

Love when you film creating flower arrangements. The one today is so colorful and bright and just cheerful.

[@amyhendricks3627]

@Pinned by Garden Answer BOO HISSSSSSSS!!!!!

[@bettyblalock298]

Thank you for showing how to use the self-watering pot insert. Love all your videos.

[@lindamiltzow5093]

Laura, what a fun video! Love all of the every day things that go on behind the scenes. I just have to say that you flower arrangement has got to be one of the most gorgeous ones I have ever seen. The black pot sets it off beautifully...great choice! Thanks for sharing your "loves" with us!

[@suzannewoss3758]

This is my first year growing foxglove. They are so beautiful! We got blasted with several days close to 110 in North Idaho! Even with watering several times a day and putting shade over them, they are crunchy 😕 My flower garden and I are looking forward to 80 degree days.

[@doanetriggs6254]

So, so love to see your floral pieces and you enjoy the fruits of your labor! In fact after hours of watching you seed, plant and nurture these plants, it would be wonderful to see you do more arrangements.

[@susanmitchell2687]

That arrangement is STUNNING!

[@amyhendricks3627]

Such a happy arrangement; each one more beautiful than the last! This is such a lovely representation of your amazing abilities and success in developing and maintaining your gorgeous, diverse surroundings (chaos and all)! I LOVE looking at all the beauty you have sown and reaped with love and care from your special garden! 😍👏 You, Aaron, and your wonderful lil support team are a never ending source of inspiration and giggles :) Aaaand, thank you for helping me to add to my seed list - I now have a stash that requires organization!! ❤️

[@1luckychica1]

The flower arrangement is gorgeous and i loved seeing the Johhny's order! Last year i bought one of those wolf pumpkins and everyone was asking what it was. I will be excited to grow them in the future!

[@ramikhirfan7851]

The flower arrangement turned out to be a spectacular spectrum of soft and firey colours. Amazing job Laura 👏

[@sonyakim4403]

I am so happy you list all of the flowers used! Now I know I need to get my hands on some of that white finch orlaya

[@judyingram4846]

Love all your videos.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Daymickey]

That was just the peaceful introduction I needed today. I could barely get up today due to no sleep lol. I loved the way it just started and there was beauty and peaceful music

[@antonettepeaguirre2435]

What do you do with all the flowers?

[@sherilynkoss4546]

"Igor" clip... great chuckle... LOVE Young Frankenstein so must get some of my own Igors!

[@Hyattmama]

Stunning!

[@tenealsimpson4893]

Your a real life Thumbelina😁 your cute tiny and live amongst beautiful flowers🌹😍😁 learning so much from your chanel you are so deserving of your blessings xxx