Counting down the days...

One of the downfalls of living in rural PA, is that there is not an Ikea nearby. And unfortunately, Ikea does not ship many of the things that I would like to purchase. So when I do get a chance to go to the mecca of inexpensive home furnishings (once a year, if I am lucky), I need to make it count!

Later next month, the pilgrimage will be upon us. I have been preparing for months: scouring their website for new ideas/products and trying to envision them in my home.

The best item I have across during this time? Ikea’s online shopping list feature. You are able to create a list of the items you would like to purchase and best of all you are able to see if they are available in your store of choice!


Needless to say, I have created, recreated, edited, and changed my list more times than I can count.

Here is the current list of what I hope will make it into my shopping cart in August:
Curtains.

Photo courtesy of Ikea

I have slowly been putting curtains up in my home this year. When I purchased my house back in 2007, my first priority was to put up blinds, as to not give the neighbors a free show. After they were installed, I lost momentum and chose to simply enjoy the coverings that were up. Plus, I really was not sure what type or color of curtains I even wanted and could not justify purchasing curtains for the sake of having them. Fast forward 3 years. From what I have read on other blogs and websites, most people seem very happy with the Vivian curtains. They are not too heavy and not too sheer. And best of all, they are a great price! Since I love a good bargain and am only really looking to soften the edges around the blinds in the living room, kitchen, and dining area, these seem like a good fit.






Picture Ledges.

Photo courtsey of Ikea

 As you know, I have been looking at picture ledges for a while now. I am finally going to take the plunge. I am after 2 of the 22 inch ones. They will go over my little “office” nook in the living room in a staggered arrangement. I have debated on whether I wanted 2 of the shorter variety or 1 of the longer variety. I have decided on 2 shorter ones, because, well, if I want longer one, I can simple butt the 2 up against each other. Problem solved!

Frame.

Photo courtsesy of Ikea

Last summer I went to a local art festival and purchased lovely photos of common items that look like letters:

In case you can’t tell, it spells out “Moore”.

While I love the pictures themselves, I never cared too much for the “frame” they are in. It has really no presence and is almost cold. I have a few Ribba frames from Ikea already and they are great! So I plan to find one with 5 openings to give our name a new look. And who knows, it may just end up on the lovely new ledges that will live above my desk…






Mirror.

Photo courtesy of Ikea

Our master bedroom has been a work in progress for quite some time. I am not one to simply purchase new items just because I don’t like the ones I have. We have a great big tv that sits on top Mr. Moore’s dresser. It takes up ¾ of the space available and has to be pushed up against the wall to even fit from front to back. I would love to purchase a new flat panel model, but can’t justify it when the one we have works just fine. Since it is so large, this makes it quite difficult to put anything on the wall above the dresser. We inherited a mirror from a family member with the hopes of it working in the space. Unfortunately, it is simply too large for the space and still would not fit even if we got a smaller tv (which won’t happen until the one we have dies…). So rather than mount a mirror on the wall, I am thinking that a standing mirror may be the way to go. My only concern is that since they are fairly tall dressers, I may not be able to see my self in it…


So there is my list. Although chances are a few other items will be leaving the store with me as well. Now I just have to hope that they have everything that I want in stock.

My plea to Ikea? Love Harrisburg as much as you love Philly and Pittsburgh. Open a store in the middle of the Keystone State!

And yes, I plan to consume a plate of their meatballs before I begin to fill my cart.