The Gardeners of Tomorrow: We are all gardeners tending to the most beautiful gardens inside ourselves. Just like a garden, we have flowers that represent the joy and gratitude we feel, but we also have weeds that represent stress and uncomfortable emotions. However, as gardeners, we all have the ability to plant seeds that will help us learn from our experiences and choose healthy tools to cope with life's challenges, allowing us to keep on growing. Gardeners know it can be easy to get caught up in the weeds of life, but it's important to remember that we always have the power to plant new seeds and nurture the flowers within us. By doing so, we can continue to cultivate a beautiful garden that brings us peace, gratitude and happiness. So may we all continue to tend to our gardens, planting seeds of love, kindness, and personal growth, and pulling out the weeds of stress and negativity. This will help create a beautiful environment within ourselves, radiating positivity, resilience and light to those around us. Just keep growing gardeners, we are rooting for you! Authors Note: We refer to this page as "The Gang's All Here" because we wanted to include all of our gardening friends in a vibrant and optimistic setting at the end of the book.

Planting Positive Seeds: A New Year's Message from You Are a Gardener®: Much like the amaryllis flower, which represents pride, strength, and determination, our company is starting off this new year with a similar mindset. We take great pride in the positive impact that You Are a Gardener® has on children, families, and educators. Our strength and commitment to empowering gardeners of all ages with healthy mindsets, vocabulary, and tools to manage difficult emotions while remaining grounded in gratitude remains unwavering. At the core of our mission is the determination and desire to spread seeds of kindness, compassion, empathy, inclusivity, and love. We are eager to see what new growth will emerge this year, and we are grateful to have you join us on this journey. Onward we grow in 2024! Planting Positive Seeds: A New Year's Message from You Are a Gardener®. Join us on a journey of growth, kindness, and empowerment in 2024!

2023…We’ve had the time of our lives! Thank you for all the adventures, travel, changes, growth, challenges, opportunities and exploration! We are grateful for each and every experience 🎉🌱✨ #grateful #thankful #2023 #wonderfulyear #nextadventure #onward #newopportunities #newyear #newyearseve #2024 #pullyourweeds #weedstoseeds #youareagardener #yearofthegardener

As merry and bright this time of year is, let’s face it gardeners with it can also come 'weeds' aka stress. It is easy to get overwhelmed and overstimulated this time of year for kids and adults alike, due to the excitement, change in routine, and expectations to participate in family events. However, with a little guidance and support, gardners can learn healthy ways to manage holiday stress and fully embrace the magic of the festive season. Here are some tips to help gardeners manage stress during the holidays: Encourage regular exercise: Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage your family to get outside and play, or participate in a fun winter sport like ice skating or sledding. Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Encourage your kids and yourself to take deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Encourage your family to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even during school breaks. Encourage downtime: The holiday season can be busy and overwhelming. Take breaks and engage in calming activities like reading, drawing, or listening to music. Set realistic expectations: The holiday season can be full of expectations, but it's important to set realistic ones for your family. Don't over-schedule activities or events, and make sure you understand that it's okay to say no if they're feeling overwhelmed. Practice gratitude: Encourage gardeners to focus on the positive aspects of the holiday season, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying festive traditions. Practicing gratitude can help reduce stress and anxiety. Seek support: If you or your child is struggling with stress or anxiety, don't hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional or school counselor. They can provide additional resources and strategies to help your child manage their stress. Wishing all our gardener friends a calm, joyful and fun holiday season! Discover helpful tips for managing holiday stress for gardeners of all ages. Learn how to reduce stress and fully embrace the magic of the festive season. Tips For Managing Holiday Stress For Gardeners Of All Ages

Our family is all about indulging in delicious & delightful holiday treats this time of year! Today on the #PullYourWeeds® Blog we are sharing a creamy and crunchy twist on a holiday classic cookie! Our Crushed Candy Cane Ginger Sammies will have you and your family 'running as fast as you can' to the freezer for more! The best part about this recipe is you can use any type of cookie & ice cream you like! Cooking & baking is one of our favorite 'gardening tools' to help us pull our weeds and de-stress when the holiday craze kicks in. Following recipes is a helpful way to redirect your thoughts and focus on something positive....and rewarding! Crushed Candy Cane Ginger Sammies Gingerbread Cookies Ice Cream Crushed Candy Canes Crush up 4-6 candy canes. Scoop a dollop of ice cream on one of the cookies, sprinkle with crushed cane and top with another cookie. Pop in the freezer or enjoy as you make! This recipe pairs perfectly with Gardener Aidan's Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream...click here! Wishing all our gardener friends a merry & bright holiday season!

Enjoy a Refreshing and Festive Dessert with Gardener Aidan’s Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream With Crushed Candy Canes 🫙🍦 Hey gardeners, are you looking for a cool and delicious holiday treat? Try Gardener Aidan's recipe for peppermint ice cream with crushed candy canes. It's super easy to make, all you have to do is simply add the ingredients to a mason jar, shake, freeze, and enjoy! This dessert is perfect for kids and adults alike, and is guaranteed to be a huge hit at any holiday gathering. Scroll down to get Gardener Aidan's Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream recipe and scroll all the way down to read the many social and emotional benefits of cooking and baking and to collect your gardening tool badge for this activity! << PRESS PLAY TO WATCH GARDENER AIDAN'S VIDEO>> Gardener Aidan's Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream: In a large mason jar combine: -2 Cups Heavy Cream -3 Tbsp Sugar -3 Tsp of Vanilla -1 Cup Crushed Candy Canes -2 Dashes of Peppermint Oil -1 to 2 Pinches of Salt ~Once all ingredients are in mason jar, shake for 5 minutes. Freeze for at least 5-6 hours. Pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy! (This recipe pairs perfectly with our Crushed Candy Cane Gnger Sammies..click here!) Cooking and baking can be fun activities for gardeners of all ages, but they also come with a host of social and developmental benefits. Here are some reasons why you should encourage your kids to get involved in the kitchen: Builds confidence: Cooking and baking allow kids to feel a sense of accomplishment as they create something from scratch. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Encourages creativity: The kitchen is a great place for kids to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. This can inspire their creativity and help them develop their own unique style of cooking. Fosters family bonding: Cooking and baking can be a fun family activity that brings everyone together. It's a great opportunity to spend quality time with your kids and teach them valuable life skills. Develops motor skills: Measuring, pouring, and stirring ingredients requires coordination and fine motor skills, which can help kids develop these abilities. Teaches math and science: Cooking and baking involve a lot of math and science concepts, such as measuring and mixing ingredients. This can help kids develop their understanding of these subjects in a practical way. Encourages healthy habits: When kids cook and bake their own meals, they are more likely to make healthier choices. They can also learn about nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Aidan's Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream? If so, congratulations, you just collected the 'Mason Jar Ice Cream 'Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Overall gardeners, cooking and baking are great activities for kids and adults alike that can provide a wide range of social and developmental benefits. So why not get your kids involved in the kitchen today and test out Gardener Aidan's Peppermint Mason Jar Ice Cream!

DIY Last-Minute Holiday Cup Ornaments: A Heartfelt Gift Idea If you're scrambling for a last-minute gift idea that comes from the heart, look no further. Gardener Kelsey's homemade holiday cup ornaments are a beautiful way to capture creativity and decorate your tree for the season. This fun and easy holiday craft is perfect for gardeners of all ages. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's video, step-by-step instructions and to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Homemade holiday gifts have been a tradition for many families over the years. Not only are they a great way to save money during the holiday season, but they also offer a unique personal touch that shows how much you care. There are also some incredible social and emotional benefits that come with making homemade gifts with your children which is why this DIY is today's new 'Gardening Tool'! Here are some ways that making homemade holiday gifts can enhance your child's social and emotional development: Creativity: Making homemade gifts requires creativity and imagination. This helps gardeners to think outside of the box and explore new ways of expressing themselves. Self-esteem: When children make their own gifts, they feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This can boost their self-esteem and give them the confidence to tackle new challenges. Empathy: Homemade gifts require thought and consideration for the recipient. Children learn to think about other people's needs and feelings, which helps them develop empathy and compassion. Communication: Making homemade gifts involves communication and collaboration. Children learn to express their ideas and listen to others, which are important skills for building strong relationships. Patience: Crafting homemade gifts can be a time-consuming process. Children learn to be patient and persistent, which are valuable skills for tackling difficult tasks. Making homemade holiday gifts is a great way to foster social and emotional development and provides a fun and engaging way to spend time together, while also building important life skills. So why not start a new tradition this year and make some homemade gifts with your children? DIY Last-Minute Holiday Cup Ornaments Materials: -9 oz plastic cups -Markers -Parchment paper or tin foil -Access to an oven -String or ornament hooks for hanging. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Decorate your cups with any design or messages you like, place on parchment paper or tin foil and put in the oven. This next part happens fast, in about 30-60 seconds they will shrink and melt. Watch the cups in the oven to make sure they don’t curl up. Once out of the oven, you can use a spatula to push them down if they are slightly curled. Let cool, poke a hole in the top and use a hook or yarn for hanging. Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Kelsey's Dried Orange Slice Fox Decorations? If so, congratulations, you just collected the 'Orange Slice Fox Decorations 'Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Looking for a heartfelt last-minute gift idea? Check out our DIY Last Minute Holiday Cup Ornaments tutorial. Perfect for gardeners of all ages and easy to make!

Join us in Cultivating Positivity: Our mission is to empower "gardeners" of all ages with a vocabulary, mindset, and tools to manage stress, grow through challenges, and stay grounded in gratitude. Our social media and #PullYourWeeds® Blog is always featuring helpful content for families and educators, ranging from creative crafts, family-friendly recipes, mindfulness exercises, gratitude practices, to grounding techniques. We invite you to follow us along, like, comment, or share @youareagardener #pullyourweeds on our social media pages- Instagram, Facebook & YouTube. Let's work together to create a brighter future by nurturing confidence, kindness, inclusivity, positivity and growth! Here are some of the ways you can help us grow and spread seeds of positivity: Follow us on our social media platforms to stay updated on our latest content and initiatives. We are active on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Like and engage with our posts by commenting and sharing them with your friends and family. Your engagement helps us reach a wider audience and spread our message of positivity and self-care. Share our content with your network. If you find our posts helpful or inspiring, please share them on your social media channels or with your community. Explore our #PullYourWeeds® Blog for a range of helpful resources for families and educators. We feature various crafts, family-friendly recipes, mindfulness exercises, gratitude exercises, and grounding techniques to help gardeners of all ages lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Spread some seeds at your school-Book an assembly, workshop, or professional developmemnt program for your students, families and teachers. Join us in Cultivating Positivity with You Are a Gardener! Follow us for helpful content, engage with our posts, and spread seeds of kindness and growth. Together, let's create a positive cultural shift and brighten our future. Join us in Cultivating Positivity and let's grow!

Wrapping It Up: As we wrap up the year, we want you to know how much we appreciate your support and all your holiday orders. We've experienced tremendous growth throughout the year, and we owe it all to you! Our mission to empower children, families, and educators with seeds of resilience, mindfulness, gratitude, kindness, and inclusivity has reached far and wide, and we're grateful for our network of supporters who are helping us grow. We can't wait to see what seeds will sprout in 2024. May the magic and joy of the season fill your hearts with happiness and warmth as you celebrate with your loved ones. Celebrate the season with You Are a Gardner® as we reflect on a year of growth and gratitude. Wrapping It Up with love and appreciation! 🎁✨🌱

Discover the perfect gift this holiday season: You Are a Gardener® Children's Book. Plant the seeds of empowerment, gratitude, and mindfulness in young minds. This holiday season, give the gift that keeps on 'digging' by purchasing a copy of our book. This is a gift that is perfect for children, families, teachers, and counselors. Our book has a timeless message that empowers gardeners of all ages. It provides readers with the vocabulary, mindset, and coping skills to manage big emotions in a mindful way, while staying rooted in gratitude. Although it may seem like a children's book, the message it conveys is ageless. By gifting a signed copy of You Are a Gardener®, you are planting the seeds of an evergreen and ever-growing present that will keep on giving. *All holiday orders must be placed by December 18th for Christmas deliveries.* The Gift That Keeps on Giving: You Are a Gardener® Children's Book

Hey gardeners, how 'ful are you this holiday season? Get into the holiday spirit with our free holiday coloring sheet! Perfect for children and adults, unleash your creativity and have fun this season. Celebrate some of our favorite and festive words with our free holiday coloring sheet for gardeners of all ages to enjoy at home and in school! Click on the image to download your free printable this holiday season! Happy holidays, gardeners!

Decorate for the Holidays with Dried Orange Fox Decorations: Dried fruit is a fantastic way to add a touch of festivity to your holiday décor. From dried orange slice garlands to rustic ornaments, the possibilities are endless. Today, Gardener Kelsey is showing us how to create dried orange slice fox ornaments in honor of our lovable mascot, Foxie. These charming ornaments look great on their own, strung together as garland, or tied with potpourri in a bow. This is the perfect holiday activity for gardeners of all ages! Scroll down to watch gardener Kelsey's video, to get the step-by-step instructions and scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool badge for this activity! << PRESS PLAY TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE GARDENER KELSEY'S DRIED ORANGE FOX DECOARTIONS >> Get into the holiday spirit with our adorable Dried Orange Fox Decorations! Learn how to make these charming ornaments with gardener Kelsey! Gardener Kelsey's Dried Orange Fox Decorations Craft: What you'll need- -Oranges -Black & White Paint -Hot Glue -Ornament Hooks or String -Parchment paper -Access To An Oven Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees. Cut oranges into 1/4 -1/8 inch slices. Then cut 2-3 orange slices into 8 pieces (for the ears). Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Don't overcrowd the slices. Bake for 2-4 hours flipping every 30 minutes. Time is determined on thickness of slice. You want the juices to be totally evaporated and the oranges hardened. Once cool, you can hot glue on two ears to your orange slice. Once fully dry (not sticky) and cooled, use your paint to make Foxie's face. Once paint is completely dry you can put an ornament hook or string through the top to use as a tree ornament or window hanger. You can also poke a hole through the top of each slice and string together to use as garland. These slices also look beautiful in a bow of potpourri or as table settings tied around a napkin. Note: for younger gardeners please have adult supervision. Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Kelsey's Dried Orange Slice Fox Decorations? If so, congratulations, you just collected the 'Orange Slice Fox Decorations 'Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Decorate for the Holidays with Dried Orange Fox Decorations