Ikea Favorites

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

My parents are in the midst of redoing our family room and it's been fun to help them update the look from washed out beiges and tans to preppy navy blue and white. (Perhaps I need to take a few Instagram shots to share on Twitter!) When it came time to replace the sofa, they actually found two they love from Ikea — for just $399 each! And since Ikea is a budget-friendly option for so many shoppers, I decided it was high time I share a few of my favorite pieces.

(1) Expedit bookcase, $129

(2) Tobias chair, $80

(3) Rens faux sheepskin rug, $29

(4) Lack high gloss side table, $13

(5) Docksta dining table, $179

(6) Kivik sofa section, $199

I would never use all of these pieces in the same space but they are a great foundation for layering in different colors and textures — or tackling a few DIY projects! (Remember these? I'm also dying to try this, this, and this.) Have you used Ikea pieces in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

And so it begins...

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

...2012, of course, but also my post-holiday commitment to cutting down on the desserts and getting my butt to the gym. And, really, is there any better motivator than an adorable new bikini that beckons to be taken to the beach?

One-shouldered ruffled perfection, don't you think? Find it HERE.

Happy New Year!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

2011 has been a big year: I graduated from college, moved to San Francisco, moved back to Connecticut, landed a job in New York, quit that job in New York, and decided to start my own business. All the while I was crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list, which I've now organized HERE so you can see every goal I've ever shared all in one place. Check it out and let me know which goals you hope to accomplish in the next 2.75 years!

I have big things in store for 2012 and I can't wait to share them with you every step of the way! I'll be launching my business, tackling more 101 in 1001 tasks, and of course sharing lots of pretty clothes and rooms as we go. Thank you for stopping by each day and lending your support in comments, emails, tweets, etc. I couldn't ask for better readers and I'm so excited for what this next year will bring! Thank you and Happy New Year!!!