I took a trip to Ikea today to find some decorative stuff for my apartment – after spending so much time at home this past week, I realized that I’m still lacking in things that make my place “cozy.” So of course, I stocked up on more picture frames for my living room and sewing area (DIY sewing decor, what what!), a pillow form for my couch, and a big picture ledge to go over my TV and hold aforementioned picture frames.
Of course, the great thing about Ikea is that you can find the most random stuff you’d never expect, like the above tote bag that was on clearance for $2.99. How could I not get it, it has dress forms on it for crying out loud! It’s quite roomy and has the option of carrying it with the handles or slinging it over your shoulder with the a long strap that’s tucked inside. I can see this bag coming in handy for fabric shopping trips in the future.
I think the snow is also starting to get to me…another storm is on it’s way tomorrow, making this the third weekend in a row that Boston is getting dumped with snow. Which is probably why I also picked up these babies:
I really wish I could grow a little garden outside this spring, but since I don’t have a porch or balcony, this is the closest I could come to flexing my green thumb. I was so excited to get home and build the plant stand they’re resting on since they’re cheery and brighten up my living room; I smile just looking at them.
The succulent, cactus, and African violet are from Ikea and the spearmint, lavender, hyacinth, and narcissus are from Trader Joe’s. I’m not sure how well the Ikea plants will do but in my experience, plants from Trader Joe’s do really well. I’m a little nervous about caring for them and fertilizing them, so I think I’m going to make a chart that will help me stay on schedule with their needs. Plus, I need to transplant all of them out of their little plastic pots into the real ones that I bought, using potting soil, without making a mess. Eeek!
So when it’s snowing this weekend, at least I’ll have a little bit of happiness inside my apartment to make me smile.
![Pattern Review: Victoria Blazer [By Hand London]](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAlgAAAGQAQMAAABI+4zbAAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAADRJREFUeNrtwQENAAAAwiD7p7bHBwwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgKQDdsAAAWZeCiIAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)
I wish we had an IKEA where I live. I love the tote. It is pretty darn cool.
LOVE ikea. can't get enough of the fracker. i swear, every saturday i tell myself i'm gonna take the free bus there and get some cheer… your post is pushing me over the edge.
DO IT. You won't be sorry, I promise.
I love your cheeful display of plants! Ikea plants have always been successful for me. Quite hardy compared to the other plants I neglect and eventually kill. Is your lovely plant stand from Ikea as well? I need something like that.
My living room was feeling kinda blah and honestly, they perk it up so much more now and I love sitting on my couch and looking at them. I'm glad that you say they hold up to, umm, some abuse! The stand is from Ikea as well and was only $20: Socker Plant Stand
I need to make an Ikea run soon, too. I still need a couple of things for the townhouse.
The plant display looks great! I work part-time at a garden center during the warmer months, so I can say from experience that you probably won't be able to do the transplanting entirely mess-free. But if you put down a trash bag or something, you can probably at least minimize it. Also, if you don't have gloves to wear, be prepared to have to do some really good scrubbing under your nails before you touch fabric again. 🙂
The tote bag is great!