Do you have a favorite flower? I have two favorite flowers, one of which is peonies. A few years ago I planted a peony bush and forgot all about it. Despite my total indifference and neglect it has apparently chosen to thrive. Lucky me! So all I have to worry about is which vase to display the blooms in.

While I tend to get creative with my use of household items for vases, this time I knew exactly which vase would be perfect.


It's a newly acquired thrift store score that I am so in love with. After I brought it home I realized it reminded me of one I had seen somewhere before....but where? And then it hit me.



You might recognize these from a popular home decor store whose name rhymes with Ottery Yarn. I'm not being paid to endorse anything, mind you. Just the opposite, really. I'm here to say that you can pick up inexpensive items at thrift stores and estate sales that are just as lovely and unique as anything you might find in a top-notch name brand store,
 



And it really wasn't until I got home that I realized it looked very similar to the PB tuscan terra cotta vase I had been eyeing for some time, but just didn't want to pay PB prices for. (Theirs is $29.50.) It was perfect! Granted, it isn't that large, but I already have some pretty large containers I use for flowers. For now I just couldn't be happier with my inexpensive PB knockoff vase and I know it will serve me well this summer.  And if you were wondering what my other favorite flower is, well, that would have to be hydrangeas, friends!



Speaking of hydrangeas, those of you that follow me on Instagram already know that I posted there and mentioned that we have 26 hydrangea bushes in our yard. Actually, I miscounted -- that number is really 27. Oops. Then again, maybe I should say "had" 27 hydrangea bushes, since we just got two more, bringing the grand total to 29! I found these beauties unexpectedly, at Aldi's of all places, for only $10 each. They. Are. Gorgeous.

So yeah, it's official. I AM the crazy hydrangea lady. And I can't wait to share THOSE blooms with you as well, as the summer progresses. Stay tuned for my list of great thrifty vases that you probably already have lying around your house, or can just as easily pick up for a song. Don't miss it, it's a very timely summer topic, and one that will hopefully help you enjoy your summer blooms even more!