A fun find from IKEA

Along the topic of magnetism, I want to show you a nifty IKEA contraption:

When it comes to a kitchen, you want a space to fit your cooking needs. We are in the process of creating such a space. Jacob and I cook quite a bit--as such, we have several "go-to" spices we seem to use pretty frequently (like basil, oregano or cayenne pepper)..but there are those spices we only use on occasion (like cumin or cardamom). 

So when it came time to register for our wedding gifts last year, we decided that the standard spice rack was not for us. Instead, I stumbled across this ingenious IKEA idea:

Combine a Grundtal magnetic knife rack with Grundtal magnetic containers. 

Grundtal knife rack...only $8.99

Grundtal containers...a set of three only $4.99

Result? A pretty awesome (and oh so versatile) magnetic spice rack.  We made two, one for baking spices and another for general cooking spices. See here:

Our most-used cooking spices and seasonings

Our baking spices...made more convenient right above my KitchenAid mixer

Not only are they convenient and easy-to-use, but they make an artful addition to any kitchen wall

So pretty! And no more questioning whether you are out of your spices.

Not only are these containers good for spices, but they can be used for non-edibles as well. In my workspace, I have a set of three on a magnet board holding rubber bands, push pins and paper clips. How would you use them?

Secrets of a 60-year-old house

Lately, I have been spending a healthy amount of time in our third bedroom--transforming it into my very own workspace. Kind of like (Dwight's) Shrute Space. Well--kind of. Not so officious.

Anyway, I have always wanted my own space like this where all of my random hobbies, knick knacks and interests could converge into a single space. An organized mish mash of sorts.

A dear friend of mine (Amy!) had the first embodiment of such a room--her space is tuly a mecca. The first time I saw it, I had to spend a good minute or two standing in the doorway simply taking it all in. LOVE!

My room is far from done (once it is, I will do a post on it and share some of the highlights...like my ribbon rack and wrapping paper stand), but in the mean time, I wanted to share "my favorite feature" of the room: the magnetic closet doors.

Yes, you read that right...magnetic! These originals are a tad unsightly and anything but useful (why house builders back in the 1950s ever thought sliding closet doors were ingenius, I will never understand). I initially wanted to rip them off and replace them with a fun patterned curtain from IKEA. But once I realized their worth (magnetism!), I just couldn't do it.

At the moment, the closet door is housing my 2010 tax paperwork, some coupons and a wall calendar. Not to mention some pretty snazzy magnets from my once-awesome magnet collection. Who knows what it will hold next?!

ALSO: Upon further investigation into the only other sliding closet doors in the house (front hallway), I have learned that they too are magnetic! What the what?! So exciting.

Center stage

When it comes to centerpieces, I am leaning as far away from flowers as possible. Don't get me wrong, flowers are gorgeous! But they are also rather expensive.

In lieu of floral centerpieces, I scoured the Internet looking for ideas. Nothing really caught my eye. However, there was one blog I found where the bride used all sorts of candles, of varying heights, and brought them together to form a centerpiece. Love this idea! The best part about her centerpieces? Nearly every item she used came from IKEA!

Her mock centerpiece:

Instead of using so many candles (and to save money!), I plan to mix mini pumpkins, from a local orchard, amongst the candles on some of the tables, and add additional tealight candles on other tables.

Erin and I spent some time at IKEA in West Chester over the weekend. I bought a few samples to mix and match my own centerpiece ideas...

This sample photo shows the basic three candle holders (actually drinking glasses from IKEA!) that will anchor the centerpieces of all tables. On these, I plan to use three mini pumpkins in-between the candles.

This sample photo shows the same three candle holders as well as three additional tealight holders.


Now all I need for both are candles! I bought a large bag of IKEA tealights and plan to purchase white votives and pillars for the remaining glasses. I think these centerpieces will create a nice warm glow throughout the room, don't you?

Excited to see how this DIY project turns out!

DIY Project: Reception Site Program

Have you ever been to a wedding and had no idea what was going on?

Most weddings you attend, you just go with the flow of what is going on (aka you listen to the DJ or emcee for announcements). And that is ok if the entire reception is taking place in a single room (like at a hotel). However, if your wedding reception site is broken up, or your DJ does not announce events, it is very easy for guests to get lost in the flow.

For this reason, and not to mention the fact that Father of the Bride always made me nervous!, I am leaning toward a reception program. Now I know what you might be thinking...she is just too type A, yada, yada, yada... But this is something, I think, can be kind of fun (and enlightening).

When I say "program" I mean a large piece of sturdy cardstock on an easel, with a program printed on it. More of a timeline format I suppose. (Though I realize the times I print will not happen as planned...I have come to grips with this!)

This flow chart will be something guests can take a look at and have an idea for what is going on throughout the course of the evening. That way, people can know when to watch the first dance or grab a slice of cake once it's cut.

Also, with all of the fun touches I am working on for the wedding, it will be a nice way to highlight them so guests can take a look.

Of course, this program will be in a fun font to match the rest of the stationary items I am creating (invitation, RSVP card, program, other reception signage, etc.).

I found a cute table easel at IKEA that I am considering for this project. And I have already been playing with language for this...

A snippet of my program:

7 p.m.
While the wedding party wraps up a few photos, enjoy a drink at the bar or explore the beautiful property of the Keene Run Golf Club. Appetizers will be passed inside the clubhouse at this time.

A drink station is set up outside on the patio, complete with soda, sweet tea and water. Feel free to help yourself throughout the evening.

What do you think about this project?