Jingle Jingle Jingle

Jingle Jingle Jingle

You will hear these pinwheels ring!

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Yep, these cuties really ring.

Visit our shop blog for more information!

You are Invited to our Monster Laboratory!

Over the weekend we hosted a Halloween Party.

Click here to view more details!

My Little Punkin

Although summer is my favorite season

I must admit that I am a very happy girl that

fall is finally here.

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This means that things have slowed down a bit at pinwhirls.com

which means that I can spend more time with

my lil' punkin.

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I cannot believe that my Gabe

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or Gabers as we like to call him

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is already over 6 months.

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We took these photos of him on his 6 month birthday

on October 3. It happened to be the first cold

day of the season and he was not a huge

fan of the cold weather. Either that or

he wasn't loving being stuffed (literally) into a pumpkin.

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Was hoping for lots of great shots with his cute

pumpkin hat but only got a few.

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But he does love wearing his hat so it is getting lots

of wear this fall.

Anyhoo
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back to Gabe.
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At 6 months he's already been army crawling for awhile.
Doctor says that I shouldn't be surprised if he walks by 9 months.
Yikes - not prepared for that.
Although we've already had to baby proof with gates and outlet covers, etc.
as we have a curious little guy on our hands.
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Which is probably why he crawled so early
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just wants to get his little hands into everything
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especially anything electrical
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such a boy!
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His first tooth appeared last week and he's also officially holding
his own bottle and sippy cup (for juice).
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He's also started on solids. Just like his mommy he's a huge fan of
sweet potatoes but not such a huge fan of green beans.
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He likes spitting them out at Mommy.
I try really hard to say no to the spitting
so he knows that it's a no-no
but inside I think it's really cute.
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He also recently started sucking on his thumb.
I too think it's the cutest thing ever
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at least for now.

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He's also looking forward to Halloween.
He really likes his costume.
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He's going to be a Monster
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a little Slobber Monster!
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He's invited the family to his
Monster Laboratory for Halloween.
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More photos will be posted soon!

Giveaway

Click here to learn how you can win over $114 of my products.

uber-exciting news

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Our pinwhirls are featured in the fall/winter edition

of the knot magazine.

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Click here for more info.

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Gabriel Cooper

My Bags are Packed

This was me, a couple of weeks ago. Yeah, I know, from the size of my belly, I'm not going to have some monstrous baby. :)

And this is what our front entry has looked like for the past week - yes, my bags are packed.

And even the bassinet transitioned it's way upstairs to our bedroom last weekend.
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All of these things can only mean one thing; Baby Dreher is almost here. The countdown has begun and we are now less than two weeks from welcoming him/her home. The anticipation is killing me. Each morning Roger asks me if today is the day and each morning I reply nope, not yet. Haven't felt one little contraction so I've just been trying to keep myself busy. And thanks to the full time job and my pinwheels, I've definitely not had time to slow down yet!

I've been promising photos of our nursery for months so finally, here they are! I'll note/provide links to where we made our purchases - just in case anyone is curious. As you can see below, we supported lots of Etsy artisans along the way! I'd recommend any of them to any of you.

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This is what you see when you enter our little one's room. I love how bright and cheery it is!
Some might have though that two shades of green mixed with cherry red and black and white were an odd combination for a nursery, but I love it even more than what I had initially visualized.

And I even love the mix-match of patterns - I originally only wanted to stick with damask and hounds tooth patterns in this nursery, but fell in love with so many others along the way -I've used them all.

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Black and White Glider - Wal-Mart of all places

Black and White Hamper - TJ Maxx

Custom Made Boppy Cover

Hand made Teddy Bear

Green Throw - TJ Maxx

Green Bumbo

My original intent was to use black and white silhouettes in frames on the wall, but when I ran across these vinyl animals I just knew that they would be perfect in the nursery.

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Giraffe and Monkey Vinyl Combo

Elephant Vinyl

Due to space issues (lack thereof) we purchased a crib with lots of drawers and a changing table attached.

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Crib

Red and White Polka Dot Changing Pad Cover

One of our first purchases, this festively fun butterfly mobile. And the pennants, oh how I love the pennants.
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Butterfly Mobile

Pennants

And although I have lots of favorites in this room, the above has to be my most favorite. When the nightlight is off only one giraffe is noticeable, turn on the nightlight and a second silhouetted giraffe appears. How awesome and unexpected is that?!

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Nightlight

Black and White Polka Dot Outlet Covers

Some more mini pennants used as a curtain tie-back.
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Damask Curtains

Mini Pennants

A dresser already topped with goodies. The damask lamp was a TJ Maxx buy - one of the first decorative items purchased for the room.
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Damask Lamp - TJ Maxx Home Goods

Ring Stacker

Giraffe Rattle

Red and White Frames - TJ Maxx

Elephant 'Piggy' Bank - Baby Boutique near Atlanta (not sure of the name)

Pennants

More vinyl wall art (just love this stuff - so easy to put up). And I betcha can't guess our names?! Only time will tell whether we have a little Elsie or a little Gabe snoozing away in this room.

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Alphabet Vinyl Wall Art

Chalkboard Frames (originally white - painted red) - Hobby Lobby

Tissue Holder - TJ Maxx Home Goods

We opted not to spend too much money on a crib set (of course I know that pillows are a no, no and I've also read that bumpers aren't the best either), instead I merely purchased a blanket I fell in love with ... it's toddler sized and will be used when Baby Dreher gets older.

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Black, White, and Red Blanket

And some houndstooth crib sheets that I also just had to have. The moses basket was a gift from my parents - the first gift we received. I'm sure that this basket will get lots of use when Baby Dreher is young as he/she will probably be spending many an hour sleeping away in my office while I work away on pinwheels.

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Houndstooth Sheets

Moses Basket - TJ Maxx

I fell in love with this carpet (a Target buy) as I thought it matched the stripes on our walls. And the hounds tooth ottoman (another TJ Maxx steal for only $24.99) - well, of course I knew I had to have it as soon as caught a glimpse of it early last fall.

Love this graphic teether elephant.

And these custom made blocks - hmmm - will we have a son?

The 'wish' letters were another Etsy purchase - it's hard to tell from the photo, but they are also houndstooth. And in case you haven't noticed - none of our frames have photos in them. For now we filled them with black and white and red and white scrapbook papers until we have family photos with Baby Dreher to fill the frames.

Will we have a daughter?

Another fun Etsy find, this black and white wooden boat is just the cutest, and will actually float. We found lots of brightly colored books at Goodwill (of all places). I initially began looking at bookstores and Target and soon found out that $14.00 for a hardcover was well above what I had budgeted, so we made a trip to our local Goodwill - all children's books were .69 which made my day. :)

The above is the armoire where Baby Dreher's hanging clothes will be stored (since I use the closet in the room - our cozy home seriously lacks in closet and storage space). I found this armoire at one of my favorite local antique/shabby chic shops.

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Funny thing, this entire armoire is almost completely empty as he/she only has one outfit as of now. Because we don't know what we are having and I don't want the poor thing to only wear yellow and green for the first year of it's life we have seriously kept away from purchasing clothes. (Although every time I see a really cute girl's outfit I have to practically pull myself away from it! It's taken some will power.)

I love this bouncer - so bright and cheery - a gift from my family. :)

And one last item to share - our All-in-One Cloth Diapers (they are also one size fits all). Yep, we are going the cloth diaper route. I just cannot see throwing away so much in diaper money monthly. Plus, cloth diapers have come a long way since I wore them in the 70's - no more dipping them and soaking them in the toilet. For weekend trips and vacations I'm sure we'll still go the disposable route, but will be giving these babies a whirl every other time.

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Now we are just waiting on the arrival. Somehow I think this little guy/girl is happy just where it is for now! Already having fun keeping his/her mommy up into the wee hours of the morning kicking and punching, etc. Will keep everyone posted as I will more than likely be closing up shop (somewhat) for a couple of weeks after he/she enters our world. :)

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Until then ...

Molly & Logan: Pinwheels Galore

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If you love pinwheels as much as I do, just click here for a fun pinwheel filled wedding.

Trust me, you won't be disapointed.

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Just in Time for Summer Weddings ... Wedding Pinwheel Bouquets & Boutonnieres

Just in Time for Summer Weddings

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We are introducing our

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Wedding Pinwheel Bouquets

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and

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Wedding Boutonnieres.

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For more information and more photos of these products just click here.

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Strawberries

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I've never met a strawberry that I didn't like.
I like them plain.
I like them in sugar.
I like them in fruit salads.
I like them on my cereal.

I like them covered in chocolate.

I like them on cheesecake and in pies.
Last but not least, when I'm really splurging -
I like them them a top a shortcake -
with ice cream and whipped cream, of course!
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And yes, just in case you were wondering

I even had a Strawberry Shortcake doll back in the 80's.
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So, it's no surprise that when a client asked me to make Strawberry Shortcake
themed party supplies, I was like - of course I will!
(In case you didn't know - she's back in style - with a new and fresher look!)
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Above is the result of our collaboration.
My client requested a wide variety of papers, designs, and colors.
She even went through the painstaking effort of selecting and coordinating
papers from all of our existing paper designs.
And I think they turned out just about as cute as Miss Shortcake herself.

I especially love the strawberry center spinners.
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After completing her order I still had strawberries on my mind.
So, I decided to design an entire Strawberry themed paper line.
To view all of our strawberry themed scrapbook papers click here.
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Although these papers were specifically designed for a Strawberry Shortcake themed party, I also think they would lake way too festive at any upcoming spring or summer party. Our mini strawberry themed cupcake toppers can be inserted into not only cupcakes, but shortcakes as well. I can also imagine our handheld pinwheels propped into cute red, green, and pink tin pails and buckets.
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For more information on pricing, sizes, etc. just visit our Etsy shop.
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Gosh, after this entry, I'm sure ready for summer.
I'm also craving Strawberry Shortcakes!

Introducing and Giveaway!

Introducing

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two new party products

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our Pointy Party Hats

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And

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our Party Cones!

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In order to celebrate our newest creations we are having a Giveaway on our Pinwhirl Parties Blog

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For more information on these products and to enter to win a set of 16 of our newest Pointy Party Hats, just click here.

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Hurry ... Giveaway ends January 24!

Now Available ...

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NOW AVAILABLE
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Do it Yourself Pinwheel Peony Kits for both our newly released pinwheels
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and our Traditional Pinwheels
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These complete kits include instructions, all items needed to assemble pinwheels, and yes even the pre-cut pinwheel heads
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All papers from this link are available so these DIY Pinwheels are totally customizable.
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Anyone with the time and love for crafting can now create our Pinwhirls on a shoe string budget!
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Or, if you are not a crafty crafter, we still offer pre-assembled pinwheels.
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To browse all of our Pinwheel Peonies and traditional Pinwheel offerings just click here.
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And remember
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since custom orders are our specialty, if you don't see pinwheels you like in our shops (pinwhirls. com and Etsy) just email me at shana@crossroadscottage.biz and we'll create a custom order for you!

A New Year is Unfolding ...

A New Year is Unfolding
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like a blossom with petals curled tightly
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concealing the beauty within.
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Wishing you and yours much beauty in 2010!

Introducing ...

INTRODUCING
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our Pinwhirl Peonies!
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The newest design in our pinwheel collection.
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For more information please visit our Pinwhirl Parties blog here.

The reason for my absence ...

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The above is the reason for my absence in the blogging world. This is what my house looks like on a typical Sunday night. My kitchen and living room are taken over with boxes. Boxes and boxes of custom pinwheels, party hats, and banners. Think tomorrow's shipments will require both Roger's and my cars.
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Other than the above, not much new here. The summer is slipping away without much time for enjoyment because of this craziness although our Indiana summer has been very Seattle -esq so I haven't been missing much. Looking forward to vacation next week, but kind of wondering if I can really escape from all of this. Guess we will see. :)
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Maybe one day I can return to regular blogging and officially open my new blog site. Until then ...

I'm Back

*~*

I'm back. It's been forever. Don't even want to count the weeks or is it months? I appreciate those who have checked in with me over this time period expressing concern over my whereabouts. (And no, I did not die after running the mini marathon.) I'm perfectly fine, so no worries. I should have posted much sooner, and have had every intention. On several different occasions I've even taken photos of my yard and various projects with the sole purpose of posting an update. As you all know, that never happened. Why because I've been swamped. Yeah, yeah, I know - I've said this before. But this time around I've been really swamped. Like from the time I get up in the morning until the time I got to sleep at night - literally, even on weekends. No exageration. Mix in several family visits and the added house and yard work necessary for visitors and I've doubly had no time - or life. Excuses. Excuses.

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In the midst of the craziness I've also come up with a brilliant idea to start another blog. I know all of you just have to be thinking - What? You don't even keep the blog you have updated! So true. Anyhoo, I plan on eventually transitioning out this more personal blog and moving more towards a blog that centers around my Pinwhirls and Party Planning. Some days Pinwhirls. Some days Party Planning. Some days Pinwhirls and Party Planning. (Actually who am I kidding - my goal right now is a weekly update and even that may be pushing things.)

*~*

My new blog is currently being prettified (by someone other than myself - thank goodness, huh. If I took on yet another project this new site wouldn't launch until 2011.) but, I'll be sure to forward you the new blog whenever it's born. Yay! To tide you over, in the meantime, please feel free to visit my Etsy shop as I've recently added some new products and plan on adding tons more in the upcoming days and weeks. (A special thanks to my older sister who is now officilly whirling more pinwhirl pinwheels daily than me!)

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Thanks to all who are still 'following' me despite my disappearance!

I hope to be stopping by and visiting many of my blog friends soon. :)

Tablescape Thursday

So, I've heard about Tablescape Thursdays, hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, for quite some time. Not quite sure why I haven't participated in these posts in the past, but I just haven't. But, there is a first time for everything and today I'm leaping right in.

Anyhoo - a big apology to to my regular followers - as I'm only posting a link to the tablescape I featured on my site a couple of weeks ago. You will be bored so my feeling won't be hurt if you dodge from this post now. Or, better yet, stop by Susan's blog to browse all of the other wonderful tablescape - I'm sure you'll find lots of great ideas - just in time for Easter. :)

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To all my new visitors, who follow Susan's blog, welcome to mine. You are cordially invited to visit this link for more photos of my Easter tablescape. You can also view an entire slideshow here. Enjoy!

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Shana

Easter Tablescape

So, my Easter tablescape is complete. Yay! To view photos, etc. click here. To be totally honest I had no idea what I was going to do with the wheatgrass as it's height peaked a bit before I was ready. I spent most of the weekend printing papers and assembling the pinwheels. Spent most of Sunday creating the tablescape and taking pictures of the pinwheels - both as part of the tablescape and also separately for use in selling the pinwheels. Then spent the past two evenings importing these items into Etsy. Now, I'm finally finding time to post the pictures.
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Funny story about the tablescape, I created it while Roger was working outside in the yard. By the time he came back inside for a break, I'd taken all of the photos and disassembled the tablescape. I guess I should have had him come look, but I was so rushed it didn't even occur to me. Just knew that I wouldn't have time to deal with rotting wheat grass this week so I trashed it at the height of it's prettiness. Kind of sad, I know. Although, I just volunteered to host Easter this year so I really wish that wheat grass would last weeks instead of days. As I'm a gluten for punishment, it looks like I'll be growing another round of wheat grass for my actual Easter centerpieces. :)
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Wow - I can't believe it's Wednesday already! We leave for vacation on Saturday morning - I've not done a thing. Haven't gotten out my summer clothes (I hope they still fit!), done any laundry (have an overflowing Laundry basket!), or started to gather items (since we are camping I have a 2 page list!). Plus the house is a mess - like total chaos as I've been working too much lately. It'll need to be cleaned before we go. I'm strange about that - in my neighborhood I always worry that someone will break in, and if that happened it would be totally embarrassing if the cops arrived to a dirty house! (That's why I tell Roger we have to make the bed each morning!) I'm weird, I realize this.
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On that note, I should get some actual vacation work done. Yay!

Spring has Sprung

Spring has Sprung. {Yay!} And, so has my Wheat Grass. {Double Yay!} Nope, I don't eat or drink the stuff. I know, I know it's supposed to be super nutritious but the thought of ingesting anything grass related just doesn't sound appetizing to me - at all.
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So, bet you are wondering why I'm growing trays of wheatgrass. For my Easter tablescape, of course. My goal is to complete one this weekend. One thing is for sure - I need to do this soon as this grass is at the exact perfect height and green-ness. {Another Yay!}
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Years ago I attempted growing wheatgrass on my own and I failed miserably as I purchased seed and directions specifically for wheat grass that one juices. This time I purchased kits from Dogwood Farms as they actually have centerpiece kits available. I purchased their 8" round centerpiece kits. The kits come with perfect instructions on how to grow wheat grass for centerpieces - it needs to be grown thicker than wheatgrass for juicing. I was a little pessimistic, I must admit - as by day 4 I barely had any growth. But, here we are at day 7 at it's just perfect. Will definitely be using them again.
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Anyhoo, stay tuned for my Easter tablescape photos utilizing this lovely spring grass. :)