Whatever Wednesday: I Heart Ikea

Ikea. I know this store is not for everyone, but for me, I was in total Swedish Mod heaven. Between the names of designer I couldn't pronounce and the $1.99 breakfast....what's not to love?

(IKEA , Ingvar Kamprad, Founder, Elmtaryd, Farm where Ingvar grew up, Agunnaryd, Ingvar's home parrish in Sweden)

This was the first time I have ever been to Ikea. I have drooled over their website for years (why do they not sell more online?), so when I was in Texas this past weekend, my MIL and I made a mad dash to Ikea.

We got there right when they opened, I walked in slowly just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Even on the escalator on the way up, I was humming the theme song to Superman, it's the only theme song I could think of at the time, though somehow appropriate. Maybe cause I'm a super shopper.

I was especially interest in the, well you can probably guess, dinnerware, linens, and lighting. Prior to going, I made a list (from the website) of what I wanted to look at and I went home with several pillow covers and a throw. Love all this color!
Stacked out warehouse style, they don't do much merchandising on the Marketplace floor, but they do a little more on the Showroom floor.

Look at all the colorful bath towels and so affordable.

I loved all the colorful glass vases and the fun shapes.

I had no idea Ikea had a floral department, lots of containers and vases. They have live plants as well.



On the Showroom floor is where the furniture is displayed. Fun loungers, look at that fun donut stool.

I wish we had had room in the car for a couple of these....59.99 is the affordable price tag and I know the kids would love these!





Barrel chair and bucket seats, I really liked the little cowhide stool.

Wish we had had room for one of these too.




I didn't spend much time in the kitchen design area, but I did like these bar stools.

I like these parsons chairs, cute fabric.

Groovy office chair!!


The next time I am close to an Ikea, I am definitely going again (with a trailer!)

I'll show you everything I bought later!

So how about you, do you heart Ikea or no?

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

Take it from me. It is not wise to write the following in 1 or more post: "I'm going out of town...." and "I will announce the winner of the giveaway on Monday". Clearly, things have happened, and it is now Tuesday. I will spare you the details.....:)

I do, however, want to thank all of you that entered the Shabby Apple giveaway! I appreciate you taking the time!

Now to announce the winner, I used Random.org to generate a number for me, and the winner is the author of The Spann Family!

"how i love shabby apple! i can totally picture myself at our old-fashioned southern easter egg hunt (a la steel magnolias) wearing this beauty. i am a follower! xo"

Please contact me via email so Shabby Apple can get your dress out to you.

Weekend Links

Here's to a beautiful weekend! I am going to be out of town this weekend so you'll have to do some window shopping without me. Here are some things that have caught my eye lately.

Although not a bad price, this chest could be an easy DIY project if you found the right piece.

Wycliff Chest, Pier 1


I am sorry, but these are too fun! Sliced bread anyone? :) These 'slices' are made out of cork and can be used as coasters and trivets, fun!! From the MoMA Store

I may have to break down and buy some of these lanterns, you know how much I love orange!

These salad plates are so fun, I can see a lot of use for these, love the yellow ones below too.

I hope you have a great weekend. Please don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway while you are here, I will be announcing a winner on Monday, it could be you!






Click HERE

At Home Thursday: First Spring Tablescape

I am seeing the promise of spring everywhere I look outside (I'm so ready!) and it inspired me to create a simple spring tablescape. I haven't done a tablescape since before Christmas, and this is the first one since the Kitchen Facelift! With the walls painted Bedford Grey, I love how the yellow tulips look against it, actually every color looks great against this grey!

If you missed how to create the distressed paint finish on the pedestals for yourself, you can check it out here.

I use these wicker chargers often (you know this right? :), I saw a different style recently at Pier 1 and I want to add those to my collection, have you seen those? I opted for chargers and didn't use placemats or a table cloth, keeping it simple.





A very simple centerpiece of yellow tulips in a mod vase that I found at TJ Maxx the other day, these are permanent botanicals, we're not that close to blooming season yet! :)

Yellow dinner plates from Big Lots last year and thrifted tulip bowls and plates. I found the yellow porcelain napkin rings at an unusual place, at Michael's down their 'bargain' aisle, these were 4/$3.00 and they had several colors.

I use the same glassware and flatware often too, I am on the hunt for another set of flatware though, the fork fairies have taken off with a lot of my forks, those stinkers.





I'm really enjoying the pedestal hurricanes, really just about any glass vase used as a candleholder constitutes a hurricane, flowers would look nice too (if I had not already used the tulips). I think a big bouquet of Casablanca lillies would look wonderful, maybe later this Spring.




The little butterfly votives are from Michael's too.










So are you ready for Spring yet? I know I am!






Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope you've been inspired to create a spring tablescape!




Joining Susan

Shabby Apple Giveaway

The warmer it gets and the closer it gets to springtime, the more I think about packing the sweaters and coats away and really look forward to dressing lighter and brighter. What better way to usher in Spring than a Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Look at the beautiful dress that you have a chance to win: The L'ete! (Click here to see more views)
I loved the cut of this dress right away, suited for many different body types, the sash tie and knee length skirt, perfection (this very well could be my Easter dress!). Oh, and the capped sleeves and exaggerated collar, love it! You can't go wrong with a stripe either, talk about elongating the body!

I recently discovered Shabby Apple and after spending some quality time perusing their website, I really fell in love with the Dresses from Shabby Apple. The styles are romantic, nostalgic and vintage.

Not only do they have dresses for women, but they have little girl dresses, and even maternity dresses! Look at this this dress, it's from the bridesmaid line in which they have several styles and tons of colors.

Ruffles anyone? :)

Another thing I like about Shabby Apple is the different collections and categories, no matter what your taste, they've got a selection for you.

Are you ready to throw your name in the hat? You've got three chances...

Here is how you can win this amazing dress:

~Become a follower (or let me know you are one) of Sweet Something Design and leave a comment: One entry

~ "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook, (great way to get in on special promos too) and leave me a comment: one entry

~Spread the word about this giveaway via blog, twitter, or facebook and comment that you did: One entry

One more time, here's the beautiful dress!

Three chances to win, one lovely dress, good luck!

By the way, if you don't like the dress I chose for you, feel free to do some shopping on your own and receive a 10 percent discount by using "sweetsomething10off" at Shabby Apple.

P.S. Did I mention they have jewelry too!?!

Giveaway starts today (3/9/11) and goes through Sunday the 13th (3/13/11)

I will announce the winner on Monday the 14th, Good Luck!
The winner must have a US shipping address