While the cat’s away, the mice will buy stuff.
Paul is away for work.
I could have gone with him, but there were some problems… such as being required to (not only) leave the house, but also spend a full 24 hours on a plane or in an airport; which is in direct opposition to all of my defining character traits.
I won’t hash that out because either that makes perfect, OBVIOUS sense to you, or it does not.
Paul has traveled a lot in the last year, and his absences have given me plenty of time to think about the way I am limiting my life because of Self’s preference for her own bed.
I’m fine with it!
But other people (who claim to know me, but clearly don’t) keep trying to call into question my self-awareness by saying things like: BUT HAWAII IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!
As though Hawaii’s beauty is relevant?
It’s not.
I promise.
It’s just that I hate everything that other people think is fun.
Except auctions.
Auctions > Hawaii
Who knew!
I have no idea what is with the cow bench, but it sold for EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS… as I was typing that, I was confused all over again because: who pays that much for a bench that looks like a cow?
The pure madness of it made me google and… wow, okay, COW BENCHES ARE EXPENSIVE! The guy got a good deal!
All the other urns you see are reproductions… the one I bought is the only true antique.
My price for the urn I won was $60. Plus tax and buyer’s fee put me close to $75… this is more than (what I consider) a GREAT price, but it’s still good and I have LONG been looking for just the right urn for INSIDE the house.
I bought this pair last year (for a true steal!) but the size was not quite what I wanted for inside… the aspect-ratio (or something) of this one is exactly what I wanted, and of course I LOVE the handles!!
I know this is not the urn’s original base, but I’m fine with it; no one but a true urn-connoisseur would enter my home and openly judge me for having a mismatch… and if that were to ever happen, I would be overjoyed to meet my soulmate!
But also suspicious that I have finally met Unknown Assailant… Remember him? The mystery bidder who robbed me of my one true destiny in life.
Intermission while I relive the agony.
Ok! So below is what the base should look like… but considering this sold for $950, I feel alright!
Although this one’s patina is arguably THAT good.
Below is the base mine is paired with.
If you would like to purchase these urns for me, I will trade you my soul… it is in good usable condition; and who doesn’t need a spare soul for emergency purposes?
Think about it!
Anyway… the silver color is (shockingly) not doing anything for me, and I’m thinking I’ll paint it white.
If I were putting it outside, I would do black… (my BEST urn find is black and I love the pair of tabletop urns that are also black) but for the corner inside the house where I am thinking this will be best, I think white/light/bright/matches window trim and molding, etc.
I do wish it were already painted a color I like, and that that color had had time outside to naturally fade/distress, because I LIKE the rusty look… but c’est la vie– such is the life of a non-wealthy urn hoarder.
My intention is to plant something in it.
I used the arrangement I have on top of the old glass ribbon display cabinet to make the photos appear that I lead an enviably flower-filled life of charm, glamour, and Pinterest-worthy simplicity… but I will get something smaller that actually fits as an insert, so that you do not see the container.
I’m probably not going floral; as nice as it would look filled with seasonal blooms! Forced bulbs in winter! Daffodils, lavender, pansies, ranunculus in spring!
Floral height is lovely! But no maintenance is lovelier! So some type of evergreen… and maybe some moss… or maybe Sagina Subulata which is a nice alternative to moss– it gets a tiny little flower and spreads quickly.
I don’t want to be swapping out/replanting stuff inside the house… I’ve done it before and (because I am not a wealthy horticulturist with people to clean my mess) the dirt/repotting/bother is a deterrent.
Bunny Mellon, thou art inimitable (and frankly, a little irritating.)
It would be fine/super easy if you just bought the full-grown plants and stuck the containers in there and then threw them away when done, but I’m compelled to start everything from seed which is inexpensive; but a whole tedious production I’m WAY over once we get all the vegetables finished.
Infact! Below is a video of how I start my seeds… I made it back when I was a baby blogger who did not know that gardening posts = no one cares.
I am thrilled to foist it on the three of you who will watch it!
Or, go SEE ALL MY FAVORITE FINDS!
April 26, 2017 @ 9:59 pm
Check out the urns at this sale!
https://www.estatesales.net/GA/Macon/31210/1506663?utm_source=cox.net&utm_medium=email&utm_term=31088&utm_content=Warner-Robins-GA&utm_campaign=2017-04-26-1DaysBefore
April 27, 2017 @ 9:26 am
I love the new urn. I love your process. I watched your little seed video. I want to ask “OCD much?” but I know the answer. It was worth it for the peek at Elvis (RIP). You are still my fave.
April 27, 2017 @ 1:02 pm
lovely urns…. and have you considered ferns? Victorian era preferred feranns and they are relatively low maintenance. and beautifully lush and green. they also won’t hurt cats if they naw on them
April 27, 2017 @ 1:19 pm
Your garden posts are actually some of my favourite! I am totally new to gardening and the tips/techniques you shared opened me up to a previously unknown “flowers can grow fatter instead of taller and look better” world!
I lucked out and happened to buy a house where the previous owner was an avid gardener so now all I have to do is learn what the heck everything is and how to maintain it ha ha
April 27, 2017 @ 5:20 pm
Another fan of your gardening posts here. I have started Benary zinnias under my grow light! And now I’m obsessed with propagating not only those, but also basil (we plant a lot of that and I had no idea I could make them bushier AND save money too). We fans of your gardening posts might be a minority but we are dedicated! Also the urn is loverly and will look fantastic painted white. Also makes a fun kitten playground apparatus.
April 27, 2017 @ 6:03 pm
We have those cow benches at our local ice cream shop. Several of them. All the kids love to sit in them and the parents take photos of said kids eating ice cream cones in them. Those exact benches.
April 27, 2017 @ 9:42 pm
Awwwww! Elvis is in that video!
April 28, 2017 @ 1:15 am
I really liked the soil block video. Now I want to get a block maker and long tubs and a grow light and a heat mat. But I have a toddler, a pre-schooler, and a full-time job with a crummy commute, so I’ll be buying just a few vegetable starts again at the farmer’s market. Ah well. Watching your video let me dream a little.
April 28, 2017 @ 8:08 am
I just really, really adore you, your posts and your blog. And thanks for sticking up for animals. That is all. : )
Terri
April 29, 2017 @ 6:41 pm
So I follow this house renovation on Facebook and discovered they have not one but TWO kingdom mirrors! https://www.facebook.com/danvilleexperience/
May 2, 2017 @ 7:14 am
I think you got a great buy and using it inside is a wonderful idea! Also, I love what you wrote on your chalk board!
May 5, 2017 @ 3:02 pm
I’m with you on the cow couch or cow bench! Maybe they work for Chick-fil-A.
Ahhh I love urns. I would have wanted the other 3 sets all for myself.
May 7, 2017 @ 2:03 pm
Great urn deal! We have an old urn from the 20s (or there about) on the back porch that I plant herbs in. Currently it has creeping thyme & oregano in it, but that does not stop adopted cat Button from curling up atop & napping. Enjoying your newly found blog!
May 11, 2017 @ 6:57 pm
It’s not a cow bench, it’s a wait for it…cowch! 😀
May 17, 2017 @ 8:32 am
Belated reply because I just saw your name on Miss Mustard Seed’s comments. I too have no plans to ever return to Hawaii. I went once because my dh wanted to and it’s a long long way from Maryland. ‘You don’t need a/c because they have ocean breezes.” Yes, hot humid ocean breezes. yuck. I lived in Thailand and during those 3 years we also shared the rental of a beach house with 3 other families. We brought our servants with us for that 1 week a month (uh yes it was that kind of life) and so I know what tropical paradise is. btdt.
May 17, 2017 @ 9:37 am
I’ve been stalking your blog for a long time (I know, creepy right?). Anyway, how do you tell the difference between a genuine and a reproduction urn? Or more specifically, teach ME how to tell the difference =)
Oh and I saw a cow bench like that at a local farm! They have a huge area for kids to play and meet farm animals. It did kinda freak me out when I saw it though.
May 23, 2017 @ 7:02 pm
WHAT IS THIS MAGICAL SOIL BLOCK THING AND WHERE DO I FIND ONE????????? 😀 😀 😀