IKEA! Where else can you sample authentic Swedish cuisine and peruse perfectly styled living spaces? All jokes aside, we love IKEA for the fact that it’s not a stuffy furniture store with pushy sales people who will pounce on you as soon as you walk in the door. You are encouraged to sit/nap (I’ve seen people nap), touch, play with everything there. It’s inviting and family friendly. Not to mention it’s a great place for home décor inspirations.

The obligatory Swedish meatball picture.

Sure you might associate IKEA with college dorms, funky designs and ten dollar Lack tables, but IKEA is not what it used to be. Over the past few years, the store has created sophisticated, classic designs and quality pieces (solid wood not particle board).

Last weekend IKEA held a BYOF (Bring Your Own Friend) event. If you sign up to be an IKEA Family member you will receive special offers and coupons. We made the drive there with L. She loved her first IKEA experience. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by IKEA. But…IKEA if you would like to sponsor a future post, TLC is available. Have your people talk to our people.

Check out these darling little chairs. Comparable to Pottery Barn Kids and The Land of Nod, but only $19.99. They are made out of solid wood and come in gray brown, dark brown and black. Matching tables also available. They almost came home with us, but L is still too little for them. Maybe next year.

This messy craft table caught my attention. The store carries everything you see on the table from the roll of white paper to the color pencils. How cute is that crayon tin!

This bed with built-in storage would be great for a small space or a tween room.

I almost drooled on one of these wing back chairs. Uh huh, the blue one is in velvet. You can add some nailhead trim on the arms for a little bling. Formal living room fire place? Corner of the office? Accent chair in master bedroom? We need a bigger house.

These two dinette sets are quite charming. Check out the “put a bird on it” one on the right. The birds on the wall are vinyl decals. Oh IKEA, you know how to make a girl smile!

Did you know IKEA sold fabric? Plus you get to cut your own! Raise your hand if you always wanted to do that. I love the navy blue botanical print on the left.

Of course we always check out the “As-Is” section. If you are lucky you might score some great finds at a discounted price and already assembled.

Here are the things that came home with us:

1. Abacus (starting her number sense early)
2. Wooden Hammering Toy
3. Mobile (L loved this mobile at her pediatrician’s office)
4. Fabric Cupcake Set
5. Paper napkins (for L’s birthday party)
6. Dish Towels (love these simple linen dish towels, we use these for everything)
7. Tray
8. Linen Table Runner

I also picked up three floor rugs for Grace. Can’t wait to see what she’s going to turn them into.

Hope I’m not the only crazy IKEA lover out there. Tell us what you love about IKEA.