A Sewing chair and SAS Day

As I said earlier, my shopping goal for Ikea included items for my craft room. Something I knew I wanted? A new sewing chair. A sewing chair that isn’t meant for sewing. It’s just a chair. That I’ll sew in. While Ikea had the chair I wanted, they didn’t offer the slipcover that I was looking for.

Our last stop of the day was to Marshall’s, and it wasn’t even on our shopping radar. The chair had alluded me at Ikea, Pier 1, and HomeGoods, so my hopes were low. And then…she appeared.

The clean lines were there, and the colors were spot on. Then the “worry words” as I call them started in. Would it be too busy? Is it truly what I was looking for? Blah, blah, blah…it’s a curse, really.

I decided that I would let the price tag decide for me. I thought I’d spend around $100, and if it was much more than that, I’d just pass it up. Then, I saw this.

$59.00??? SOLD.  The only thing standing in it’s way now were the legs.  I told BFF that I’d just paint them, and her response was, “Of course you will.”

It fits perfectly at the sewing table, and the fabric is exactly what I was looking for. Worry words, be gone!

There’s a little sneak peek of the new dresser in there, but I’m waiting for a little somethin’ somethin’ to arrive that will jazz her up a little bit. The reveal will just have to wait.

My week has involved some major shopping, sleeping in, and putting things together with only picture directions. Now it’s up to you to show us what you’ve been doing. Link up!

An Ikea Virtual Shopping Trip

If you’re like me and are obsessed with shopping (and I know some of you are), you’ll enjoy this little Ikea shopping trip I’m taking you on! I came away with some awesome finds, and I left regretting some “why didn’t I just buy it” purchases. I’ll show you both!

First up? Some gallery rooms. If you’ve ever been to Ikea, you know this is where the magic happens. The inspiration and the sheer “Ikea makes that?” response is just too fun!

No husband? No kids? No dog? This would totally be my room. Throw a couple of colorful pillows in there, and I would move right in. 

My goal for this trip was to revamp my craft room. Needless to say, this room served as some fun inspiration. LOVE that craft desk, but it came out to be a little more than I wanted to spend.

I was drooling over this backsplash. And the farmhouse sink. Oh, and the in-cabinet lighting.    

My little point-and-shoot doesn’t do these rooms justice, but I loved the lighting in them. Layers of lighting…loved it.

Right now, why don’t we take a little lunch break? I’ll have the Swedish meatballs, please. Had it been appropriate, I would have licked my plate. That. good. Notice my partner in crime’s chocolate cake? Yummo!

Ok, ok. What’d I get? Well, I’ll tell ya what I didn’t get! These bad boys. What was I thinking? One piece of advice for you. If you ever go to Ikea, get frames. I don’t care if you don’t think you need them. Just get them.

Hello, McFly! I’m loving this gallery wall, and it would be so easy to do—IF I had bought the frames. Grr.

#1 on my list was to get a new sleek dresser for my craft room. Enter the Malm. I had planned on paying $179 and it was on sale for $99! Yahoony! Look at BFF’s smile. That quickly subsided when she had to help me load the boxes into the cart.

I also didn’t get this. I wanted it sooo badly (in white), but it didn’t fit my measurements. BFF was supposed to buy it, but she said “next time”. I hate that saying.

Well, BFF redeemed herself when she bought all this! (I know—the frames) She’s gonna do a little mudroom decorating soon, and these were just the pieces she needed. Can’t wait to show you.

Obviously, I walked out of there with a pretty good stash, but I didn’t take pictures of it. Weird. I’ll show you my favorite find tomorrow for SAS Day! It was the very last store of the day, and I just kind of stumbled on it. Isn’t that the best? See you tomorrow??

Poppies at Play Parade of Homes

Welcome to stop #11! Poppies at Play is hosting her annual Parade of Homes and asked yours truly to be a part of it. Knowing how much I love a good house tour, I had to jump at the offer! If you’re a new reader today—welcome!

I don’t show a lot of exterior shots simply ‘cause you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get in Michigan. But…here it is in the spring! Yes, that’s my husband getting ready to make out with his dog. They love each other.

The hub of the house is most definitely this space. There’s usually a huge dog plopped in the middle of the floor and Star Wars action figures on the island, but I think you get the idea.

In a moment of insanity creativity, I decided to painted the end of our cabinets with chalkboard paint. The kids love it, and I love it. My husband probably doesn’t even know it’s there. :)

We did a lot of work to the dining room last spring, and it’s certainly one of my favorite rooms. Again, you’ll usually see an action figure hanging from the chandelier. It’s one of the first rooms that our guests see, so I’m glad it’s finished. Now our local Girl Scout stopping by or the vacuum salesman will believe that we actually eat dinner.

My son’s room is going through a MAJOR overhaul this summer. He’ll be turning 12 in July, and as he so subtly reminded me, he’s “gonna be a man soon, Mom”. Uhhh ok. Regardless, the room is starting to look a bit young for him.

We’re kind of obsessed with the Detroit Tigers at this house. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to incorporate that into his new “manly” looking bedroom. Hmmm….wheels turning.

And lastly, the craft room. Because it is literally going through a transformation as I write this post, I’ll just show you some snippets. I reupholstered this chair and painted the dresser to feminize the room.

I guess you’ll just have to come back if you want to see what direction I’m going with it. FYI—craft rooms have a LOT of stuff in them! I wouldn’t recommend changing them if you’re not prepared for some work. Gees!

Oh, in case you’re wondering, the dog does have his own room as well. It’s generally wherever we are.

The next stop on the tour is Melissa from 320 Sycamore! Just click on over to see the tour of her home! Have fun and thanks for stopping by!

If you’d like to see a full list of the participants, you can find them here! As a bonus, go back to Poppies at Play on Saturday for a house tour link-up! I’ll be there!

Shopping and a Contest

Well, I’ve done something I NEVER do. I entered a contest. And by “never”, I mean the last contest I entered was never ago. A very sweet reader (Hi, Jenn!) has more confidence in me than I do, and she thought I should enter. So I did.

I entered the bathroom (again, ‘cause Jenn told me to). Don’t worry—I haven’t forgotten about the cabinet tutorial. It’s on its way.

I also entered the dining room because the rules state that 5 rooms can be entered. I thought that was excessive, but 2 can’t hurt. Right? I’ve already linked you over there, and all you have to do is vote (hopefully positively). You can actually vote something down, but I think that’s mean. Perhaps this sensitivity is exactly the reason I’ve never entered a contest.

On another note, my BFF and I are taking a special Spring Break trip today. Can you tell where we’re going? I’ll give you a hint.

Wanna know where we’re going after that? Here’s another hint.

It is the equivalent to Christmas morning for me, and I look forward to this trip all year. Yes, all year. Doesn’t take much for me! I’ll be armed with coffee, a camera, cash, and companionship.

My shopping list is so extensive, I’m too embarrassed to even post it. Instead, I’ll give you a little picture tour of items I’m looking for. Ooh, it’s a guessing game!

So, while others are soaking up some rays and frolicking in the ocean for their break, I am quite content with my “shop-til-we-drop” day!  I’ll be back later with a full report!

Savings and SAS Day

Remember days ago when I said, “I’m back!” Well…now I’m back. What can I say? Life gets in the way. Sounds like a song…eh? Alright, I’ll stop.

I have more to tell you about it next week, but essentially my craft room is a chaotic mess right now. I’m going in a new direction. I’m selling furniture. I’m buying furniture. Busy times, little craft room!

I wanted a desk designated just for sewing. I can’t possibly be the exception here, but I feel like I always have something to sew. A hem here, a pair of pants there… So I was on the hunt for a small desk. And then I found it. 

Jonathan Adler knew exactly what I was looking for and made this desk just. for. me. The sleek shape, the sexy lines, the shiny legs--drool-worthy, I tell ya.

And then he put a $1750.00 price tag on it. Say WHA? I said $1,750.00!! I couldn’t even afford the tax on it. Sigh. Good bye, desk.

Never fear, however. I spotted Josephine, and it was love at first site! She was only $200, and I had a 25% off coupon. Take that, Jonathan!

Before you look at these pictures, let me ask that you refrain from sending hate mail. It is NOT accessorized or functional yet. I simply wanted to show you her beauty.

She fits into the space perfectly, and I’ve already used the sewing machine since putting it in its new home. Who cares if I had to sew while on my knees? I’m on the look out for one luscious “sewing” chair, and it should be all set.

So that’s what I’ve been up to. It took me a whole week to put a desk up against a wall. I’m going to guess your week was more creatively productive. That’s your cue! Link on up for me!

Pier 1 Possibilities

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As each new season approaches, Pier 1 is thee store I go to for inspiration and decor! It’s been a long time favorite of mine, and this season is certainly no exception.

Because I like texture throughout my house, I often use outdoor furniture inside my house. I gathered some of my favorite “summer” items from Pier 1, and it looks like an indoor room, right?! You could easily use any of these pieces inside or outside.

Summer is certainly not the longest season when you live in Michigan, so I love that Pier 1 offers timeless (or in this case, season-less) serving ware. It’s fun, festive, and summery, but I could easily use it anytime of the year.

And finally, how can a neutral-loving girl embrace the color of summer decor? My advice…use small pops of it. It’s no secret that I love the softer hues of items, but there are definitely moments where I need—dare I say desire—some color. In order to keep myself from breaking out in hives, I keep the items small.

I may or may not have bought every single one of these items this weekend. Looking at them all together seems like a LOT of color, but just imagine them as an adorable and fresh accent throughout a whole house. I’m too excited!

                                  

                                     

                                      

If you plan on being in any of the following locations, they are hosting another Pier 1 Tweetups! I am missing out on it, but you could certainly attend! Have fun and tell us all about it!

 

And finally, how can one resist some extra spending money--especially when it comes to a favorite store! Click on the link to see where you could be the possible winner of $500 from Pier 1! contest rules

you dk sdfadfdfaddede