Bonnie, I am sorry you tossed it out. I agree with bdobs now--don't think they would have been a problem. Just cover with a bit more potting mix. And no you can't use the earthbox without the cover as rain would wet all the fertilizer all the time which you don't want. I have seen people do that but then they would have to mess with adding more fert. as it leaches down and that defeats the purpose of fertilizing once and then forget it. People should maybe put that organic fertilizer they send in the freezer for 24/48 hours before using --that would kill the larvae if it was already infested. Then when you use it be sure and cover with potting mix so flies can't get to it. Don't be too disappointed--they really do work great. I have used organic fertilizer with no problems at all.

Well, here's how the little tray turned out. I remember I also had a Delft style rabbit hinged box so added that. The dog and candle have long been there, except during holidays. I don't know what's going on with me and my flash but we are NOT friends last few times. Weird glare now on the wall. Not to mention the blue color is a LOT prettier, and not as light as shows. So ignore my mistakes and focus on my tray please. Jeanne, maybe you should have put BOTP in the subject, LOL. Then everyone would have rushed to see what the heck was going on. Or shorten to BOP. ;o) hugs, Karen

Well, I know who it is but what to do about it?? As I said nothing since last Sat. morning when I started my experiment. Yesterday I let the remaining two up and as I was typing the last post with Annie, fat daughter, sitting on the windowsill, I went to the kitchen after and saw a pile at the cupboard. So I took Maddie out to the carriage house and everything is fine now. No messes anywhere , everything in the litter box and that includes out in the carriage house. She has one box along with food and water and there were two piles of poop and three things of pee all in the litter box.... Nothing on the floor or anywhere else. So now what? She will be 15. My two oldest, the boy is 18, are the only cats I didn't rescue. Louie came from a friend whose kitten became pregnant before she was neutered and he is the only one of the four kittens remaining. My daughter had his brother who died awhile ago. I got Maddie from an ad..don't even ask why. She came from a house and was one of 6 of the cutest tiger kittens I have ever seen. For some reason her mother who was a total house cat was not neutered and ran out when the door was a jar and got nailed by the cat next foor..Maddie has anxiety issues and I would like to know why. She attacks her wet food altho I stand there and don't let anyone take hers and there is always dry food available as well as water and treats. She lays with the other cats and I see them head butt her so I can't think of an enemy. They basically ignore her so I don't know why she's suddenly having issues. It's very clear she cannot go somewhere else at her age. I even feel bad about her exile out there but I isolated the problem,. Do you think kitty Xanax would work? I hate to pill a good cat..she'd be hell to try.

As someone who moved into a home with a bathroom with stark white countertops (thankfully not in our primary bath), I think they aren't used as often because they show every smudge of toothpaste, hair clippings, mascara, etc - and your eye goes right to the mess. It's enough to drive you bonkers. At least with a little veining or movement, it distracts from the normal everyday stuff and prevents you from wiping the countertop multiple times each day. I've put in marble countertops in otherwise neutral or B&W baths before - it's actually a pretty traditional/classic look. I do like where you're going with putting some wood in there - it will add some nice warmth. Also, I think some places (although not Pottery Barn perhaps) allow you to order the vanity with no top. If you find one that is otherwise perfect, check the item options to see if that's a possibility. I'm very anti the afterthought 4 inch backsplash piece that comes with most vanities (I prefer to tile behind the sink), so I have taken that route in the past. That said, I would second the suggestion to consult with a custom cabinet maker (especially if the only thing stopping you is sample sizes - I'd imagine they could give you an entire drawer front if you really needed it!). The price is often negligible, and it provides you with more control over the numerous options that are clearly very important to you (I say that in solidarity as someone who is known for refusal to accept limited options!). The other benefit of going custom is sizing - a custom cabinet maker can build a unit to any width, so you can maximize the storage and counters to your space. They could also give you the two drawer/open shelf combination you're describing (although keep in mind those drawers may be limited to allow for plumbing for the sink). Another random source is Etsy - there are a few sellers who make vanities out of repurposed cabinets that might appeal to you. Check out CuratedHavenDesigns (I've had their "ornate bathroom vanity" listing saved for a while now - if only I had somewhere to put it).