8 IHeart the 2011 Ikea Catalog!

If you are an Ikea stalker like I am, you may already have heard that the new 2011 Ikea catalog was released, and you may have even already gotten your hands on a copy!  I got mine a couple of days ago and haven't put it down!  So much eye candy to be found {as always!}, so I thought it would be fun to share the things that totally caught my eye!

Some things old, some things new, some things blue?

Here we go:

TOBIAS Chair

IHeart all things clear and acrylic, and this chair is all of that!  It would look amazing in any space from a kitchen to an office!

ANTONIUS Storage

I am obsessed with anything storage, but this storage cart is so versatile for any storage room, laundry room, kitchen pantry or craft closet!

 DUKTIG Play Vegetable Set

Seriously, does it get any cuter than this?  Plus, it's soft and safe for little ones and IHeart that the veggies come with their own storage crate!

HEMNES Bookcases

This storage furniture is just gorgeous!  Not only would it look amazing in any living space, it would also boast boatloads of book and/or media storage.  And I totally dig the option to add doors to the fronts of the bookcases!

Blue Glassware: DIOD Glass and LEENDE Carafe

I just love a little color in the kitchen or on the dining table, to spice things up a bit.  But the best part of the blue glassware is that it also could look fantastic in a bathroom or bedroom space!

FILLSTA Pendant Lamp

I am grooving to the idea of putting a pendant lamp like this into a little munchkin's haven.  It would be incredible eye candy to a teeny tiny tot in a nursery or add tons of whimsy in a growing gal or pal's bedroom!

FÖRHÖJA Wall Cube

Wall cubes are such a wonderful way to either display your loved and collectible items and/or add more storage options to smaller spaces such as bathrooms.

HERRÄNG Candle Holder

This candle holder melted my heart the moment I laid eyes on it.  The color is just too sweet and glass and shape isn't hard on the eyes either!

LIMMAREN Bathroom Set

Not only is the price just perfect on this set, it's versatile to last through bathroom update after bathroom update.  Like, you could spend $10 now and still be using these beauties when you are 90, due to their classic look!

VESSLA Storage Crate w/Casters

IHeart this option for any kiddo space, since it has casters for easy moving around.  Plus, it comes in many color options and can hold boatloads of those toys that require some corralling and then be tucked away!

Dinnerware:  NÄRHET Wine Glass and FÄRGRIK HÖGST Plate

Ikea really has some inexpensive decorative dinnerware, from these new wine glasses that have stems that go above and beyond the typical, and plates with trendy floral silhouettes that would look fantastic on any dinner table or on any bedroom nightstand to corral jewelry!}

KARLSTAD Footstool

This stool gets my heart racing for two extremely important reasons.  A.  It is leather, giving it a versatile and clean look along with making it a kid friendly option.  B.  It's tufted, and IHeart all things tufted!

RENATE Lamp Shade

Subtle floral graphics.  Enough said.

GODMORGON Box w/Compartments

Again, the acrylic is enough to make me love, and then they go and add all these fantastical storage compartments!  It's pure perfection for any gal to use to hug their daily makeup goods!

SKUTTA Place Mat

We typically want to protect those we love, and things that have value to us.  And one of the most valuable pieces of furniture in a home can be the dining table.  This place mat is such a great and inexpensive solution to reducing the risk of dents and scratches from silverware being pounded on the tabletop... not that kids would ever do that... just sayin'!

SLOM Bottle

Yet another clear storage option with endless options for use.  Syrup?  Sure!  Fabric Softener?  Yep!  Fancy pants cooking oils?  You got it!

I think I could keep going and going and going, as I saw so many other amazing storage and home goods that had me drooling all over the fresh new pages of the catalog. 

But now that I have exhausted my daily time limit, it's your turn!  What did I miss?  What are you totally digging in Ikea's 2011 catalog?  Or what items have they had around for awhile now, that will never grow tired or lack functionality?  Anyone else running to Ikea this weekend {like me!} just to get your fix?

9 August Featured Space: Bedroom

Where has this year gone?  It's already August, which means in less than a month the summer will be over and the little ones will be heading back to school.  WOW!

With a new month, I get to switch gears again and focus on a new space around the house - the bedroom!

A lot can happen in a bedroom, from getting ready for work and school to studying to relaxing with a good book to that little thing they call sleep.  It's definitely one of those multifunctional spaces!  And with bedrooms typically comes closets as well, which I will touch on also!

We currently are fortunate enough to sport a home with 4 bedrooms, one is used as a master bedroom, one as a shared bedroom for our two oldest boys, one as a bedroom for our youngest {which has been his since it was his nursery} and the last one is for our guests.

So what do I have up my sleeves for this month?  Well, first off, all year long I have been stashing away some goodies to give our guest bedroom a little bit of a face lift!

Along with that face lift, will also come the need to make the space more friendly and organized for our visitors! 

And although I have already touched on all the ways that I keep my kiddo's lives organized, I have big plans for their personal spaces as well!

Our little ones are going to do some movin!  And I don't mean by shakin' that booty, but by literally moving their bedroom spaces around!

It's time for our oldest, who just turned 9, to have his own personal space.  Oh if I would have been able to capture his reaction when I let him know, it was totally priceless!

So what once was this.....

.... will be no more...

The big bunk bed is getting moved to our youngest one's room, so the younger two can now share!

This means looking at both spaces in a whole new perspective.  And looking at their storage situation in a new perspective as well!  From my oldest needing a new headboard and study zone to the little ones needing a space that fits their fun personalities, this is gonna be a blast!

Oh, and have I mentioned, I have to rummage through my home and re-purpose and use things that I already own... yep, my husband gave me zero budget for all this moving around stuff.  EEK!  Knowing me, that won't happen, but what I will do is keep any spending at an uber minimum this time around, and get crazy creative when it comes to finding new uses for things I already have.

I already started brainstorming the new study space for P1.  It has a little to do with a closet and these accessories I have drummed up from around our dwelling:

So that's what I will be up to this month!  How about you guys?  What organizing, moving or projects are you excited to focus on this month?  What is your biggest organizing dilemma when it comes to the bedroom space?  This gal just has to know, so spill it!

3 Reader Space: Jazzing up Jewelry Storage!

Something must be in the blogosphere air because three amazingly talented readers sent me three amazingly awesome jewelry storage ideas, all within a few days of one another.  And because I was so spoiled with tons of eye candy, I get to give you boatloads of incredible inspiration when it comes to storing your precious gems.  How lucky are we!?!

Venishka wrote:

Hello Jen,
I love your blog and also Heart Organizing. 

How many times have you dug through your jewelry box to only find one earring? Or don’t you hate it when you’re in a hurry to get dressed and find your favorite necklace all tangled up? Or forget that you had great bracelet that would go perfect with your outfit because it is tucked away and out of sight? 

We’ll I came to the rescue of disarrayed fashionistas everywhere and have a designed a chic jewelry display that is a practical solution to keeping jewelry neat, untangled and easy to find while also decorating your space.

Each jewelry frame contains fixtures that hold earrings, bracelets, watches, bangles, rings, and necklaces all in one space, where you are able to see every piece. The wall hanging frames also feature a funky eye catching fabric background that turns it into artwork.  The jewelry frames come in a variety of colors and fabrics that are perfect for dressing up any bedroom, office, or closet. I mean you use jewelry to enhance your outfit, why not also your room.

Have a great day!!
  

Totally functional right?  Goodbye rummaging for that favorite piece of jewelry!  And it's such an easy DIY idea to use pretty drawer pulls and closet organizers, or, you could totally hit up the talented Venishka by heading over to her Etsy shop to check out more options and snag one of these beauties for yourself!!

Cat wrote:

Hey Jen!

I just wanted to write you and tell that I'm a huge fan of your blog. You've inspired me to whip my house into shape! We recently moved and I'll admit, all my jewelry was just in a shoe box that I kept rummaging through. I know, I know, the horror. But, I finally had some inspiration at a local antique store when I spotted an antique printer's tray. It had the perfect dimensions to fit on top of my dresser. I just love antiques, but I even love them more when they can actually serve a function (rather than just having them in the house just to have them.) Anyway, I hope you like this little organizing idea I came up with. I've seen these printer's trays all over the place and they are relatively inexpensive. I attached some pictures of it for you to see. You can also check out this post on my blog Budget Blonde for all the details!

Can't wait to see all of the other fun things you come up with!

XOXO,

Wowzer Cat!  What a genius idea!  So different than the first readers idea, yet equally as functional!  Look at all that room to grow a jewelry collection, making this a long term storage investment!  You just can't beat that!!  And I always love when you all are able to look past typical uses for items to create smart and pretty storage options!  

And the last jewelry inspired organizing project I received was from Allison {who has enough gorgeous bling to make any gal envious!}

Jen,
Hello there!  First let me say that I am a big fan of your blog!  I am not always the most organized person (lol, my husband would probably say that is an understatement) but reading your blog keeps me motivated and inspired to keep trying.  I love that your projects are pretty, inspiring, AND functional.  That's a rare combo!

Though I'm not always the most organized person, there is one space in my house that I have worked hard to organize.  It involves sparkle, shine, and bling.  It's my jewelry collection!  I wanted to share this project with you to say thanks for all your fun inspiration and for any people out there who need help storing and organizing their jewelry.  I am a firm believer that if you can SEE your stuff, you will USE your stuff.  I have found that to be amazingly true with this project!  All of the materials in this "storage system" were bought secondhand and super cheap, an added bonus for me.

I've included a link to my blog where I recently blogged about my jewelry storage/organization/show off system.  I hope you like it!

http://smartandsassywithsprinkles.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-i-organize-and-store-my-pretties.html

Thanks again for creating such a fabulous space on the internet.  I love your style!

You can check out more and more incredible shots of Allison's fantabulous jewelry storage and find out how to DIY it yourself, by checking out her blog!  There is nothing that I don't just adore in these pictures, from the use of second hand items and spray paint to create a cohesive look, the daily functionality it provides and the beauty of it all!  And I totally sport small pretty dishes and an egg crate to corral my extra special goodies also, it's such a great way to keep daily pretties right in arms reach, while doubling as decor!   

You gals are all so incredibly creative and all deserve a huge round of applause!  I am so inspired to shape up my own jewelry storage, thanks to all of the amazing ideas and inspiration you all have provided!  Endless thank you's to you all!

Anyone else out there been breathing that blogosphere air and organizing your bangles?  Who is snagging up the storage love we received today, to start a project of their own?  Any other incredible jewelry storage ideas to share?  Thanks again to all of you girls for sending me your stories and sharing them with my readers!!

P.S.  Have an awesome story to share?  How about some organizing tips and tricks?  Maybe a project completed from an inspiration found?  Please send your story and photos to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!! 

2 IHeart Blog Updates!

IHeart Organizing got some new tabs!  Anyone notice??

All sorts of love is going on, feel free to check it out!

• A brand new Before & After Page, showing all of the projects I have chatted about on the blog!
• My Online Project Sideshow which showcases all my favorite organizing "After" pictures in the form of a sideshow!
• More information on how you can Contact Me, and for all sorts of fun reasons!

And as some of you know, I totally dig making spreadsheet checklists to keep me organized, and IHeart to share with you!  However, my Excel broke awhile back and I have been MIA in the labels and spreadsheets department for awhile.  I am back though, with it all fixed, and I am gearing up to update all of my spreadsheets and share them with you via a link on the sidebar!

I already have my Cleaning Checklist updated and posted on the sidebar {as chatted about in this post}, so feel free to check it out and print yourself a copy!  If you are ever looking for a personalized and customized checklist, please contact me for pricing options!

And now with Excel all fixed, I will finally be able to get around to that "How to use Excel for Labels" tutorial post I have been so excited to do!


Thank you all again and again for your continuous support and love!  I am lucky to have such joyous readers who make me smile multiple times a day!  I hope to continue to make updates that are helpful for you, and I am always looking for your suggestions!

1 July Featured Space: Bathroom - Wrap Up!

I know July has come and gone, however, I wanted to do the Bathroom Featured Space some justice, with a quick wrap up post covering my list of top ten must haves for any fun and functional bathroom space!

In absolutely no particular order:


1.  Music!

Music makes everything more fun, and that includes your time in the bathroom!  We definitely heart and get mucho use out of our radio, which also doubles as our clock.  So, not only do we get to wake up with some tunes that will instantly set us up to face the day in a great mood, but we will always know how much time we have to get wherever we are going, as well!


2.  TP Storage.

It's so much nicer when your family and guests don't have to go rummaging through cupboards, drawers or even do an embarrassing call from the bathroom for some toilet paper.  Tossing some roles in a basket or vase is a fantastic solution to avoiding any awkward bathroom situations!


3.  Girly Girl Storage!

Whether for nail polish, makeup or hair bands and ties, us gals come with a lot of pretty products that require some of our bathroom space.  Using caddy's, makeup bags and leftover face wipe bins are great ways to corral all of your goodies on the cheap.


4.  Shower Caddy.

A good shower caddy is great for corralling all those shower goods and gives a ton of extra space on the shower shelves, stools and bars for what they are intended for.  Caddy's can corral as much or as little as you wish, they are extremely versatile and come in loads of different options!


5.  Medicine Storage.

Snagging a latch top bin or a basket and placing it on a high shelf out of kiddos reach, is the perfect solution to corralling all of those first aid supplies and medicines.  If a high up shelf isn't an option, a locking bin would be the safest second option if you have little ones running around.  Want to take on some extra credit?  Print off this first aid reference chart {courtesy of RealSimple.com}, and toss it inside your medicine bin! 


6.  Towel Hooks.

Whether going to towel hook or towel bar route, either way you have it, they are better than tossing a towel over the shower curtain to dry!  Towel bars and hooks come in endless designs and forms, it's all about what works best for the individual's using the bathroom.  Either way, it offers a cleaner more organized appeal and can identify who's towel is who's. 


7.  Cleaning Supplies.

Cleaning Supplies right in reach within the bathroom is a fantastic idea, because any mom can vouch that bathroom's are one of the quickest places to get dirty.  And germs also really enjoy hanging out in bathrooms, so keeping a little caddy of cleaning items tucked out of sight, is a fantastic way to rid of germs and clean up on the spot messes in a jif. 


8.  Soap Storage.

Whether liquid or bar soap, keeping some on hand is super important.  And storing it can be done in so many ways, from attractive pumps to bowls or mugs...


9.  Toothbrush Storage.

Another no brainer here.  Bathroom's are typically the zone for keeping those pearly whites, pearly white, therefore, dental care often is stored in the bathroom zone.  I typically tend to keep my toothbrushes right at arms reach in either a cup or a vase, but there are also wall and drawer storage options as well!!


10.  Shelving!

Oh boy did I show the benefits of shelving in a bathroom this month or what?  From using adorable floating shelves to hold perfume, or cubby shelves to store toiletries and hold towels, to a tall shelf that can act as a linen closet, shelving is a fantastic option for any bathroom space.  Whether or bathroom is large or small, shelves help to corral items, keep them off of counters and keep necessities in arms reach!  And IHeart a multitasker like that!

That's what I find to be most important to keep any bathroom space functioning to it's fullest potential.  What did I miss?  Anyone have any other bathroom "must haves" that keep you smiling while brushing your pearls?  How about no fail ways to speed up your morning bathroom routine?