DIY--GRILL CART FOR FOOD PREP & STORAGE

We always have so much fun with the girls when they come home. I must admit, selfishly, we enjoy the one-on-one time with each of them. That's the time when we really get to catch up on their life at a much deeper level. Dad stays up at night chatting (because he is a night owl like they are) and I enjoy the day hours with them. It works out quite well.

I saved my trip to the thrift store so that my daughter could come along. She's always up for treasure hunting! In fact, I think all of the girls inherited that gene! 

 It was quite a successful trip. We found a beautiful white small soup tureen, a white platter, and what I really wanted.......a utility cart.

My daughter was such a trooper. She pushed the shopping cart through aisles and aisles of treasures......all while the utility cart stuck out of the side of the shopping cart. There were many,"excuse me moments" as we perused the store, but what a wonderfully fun day! Laughing, making friends in the aisles and of course the "score" of my cart for $12.00!

I wanted a small utility type cart that I could keep as a food prep area next to our grill. This little IKEA number was perfect!

Here it is BEFORE, DURING  and AFTER my DIY job! I used Valspar Outdoor Gloss Red Queen..... to change the color, and I love the red...it's perfect! I had to apply 3 generous coats, drying each coat before applying the next.

I left the top area for food prep and am using the bottom two shelves for sundries like; condiments, grilling tools, plates and glasses. The handle on the right side is great for hanging a towel for those unexpected spills.

I love the way the Grilling Cart turned out. It will certainly get a lot of use when the hubby is grilling. :) I can't wait for that!

Here is what the entire grilling area looks like--

Now everything is neat and orderly and ready for all of those upcoming cookouts!

I hope you enjoyed the blog today. Do you have a prep area by your grill? 

Have a wonderful Wednesday and we'll see you on FOODIE FRIDAY for the most delicious dessert, perfect for SUMMER!

Kathleen

***Thanks so much for stopping by. It's always great to see you LIKE our pages!

PINTEREST PICK OF THE DAY!

 PINTEREST PICK OF THE DAY--

I couldn't resist these lamps at IKEA. Are you always searching for good lighting so that you can just finish the last few pages of that great book before hitting the pillow? We are. When I found these lamps I put them on the Master Bedroom list---of maybe someday!

 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/102949541456311944/


Have a great day!

Kathleen

BROWSING THE KITCHEN VIGNETTES AT IKEA

For years I have heard about IKEA stores, but have never actually visited one. We now live within an hour of one of the stores, so we thought we would check it out on a Sunday afternoon.

We weren't really prepared for the crowds of cars jammed into the parking lots surrounding the warehouse like building, nor all of the people inside. Most everyone was seriously shopping and then there were some like us, that were just browsing........taking in the whole experience.

We did a little research ahead of time and found their store slogan is---Affordable solutions for better living. The IKEA CONCEPT started in the woods of southern Sweden over 70 years ago. It has evolved and improved through the years now offering franchises as well.

My husband and I walked every square inch of the huge building. It certainly is an interesting concept and a very good price point. We went in hopes of me being able to gather ideas for my blog, and I was successful.  I wasn't shopping for anything in particular, however, I did come home with a couple well priced trays---the creamy white one below is one of them.

       IKEA KITCHENS

I primarily focused on kitchens.......taking photos to share with all of you. The photos below 

include most of the kitchens that were set up in the vignettes.

I loved the contrast of the charcoal gray walls and tile against the white cabinetry.

As you can see there is a kitchen for everyone's taste.

CABINET DOOR & HARDWARE SELECTIONS

There were two other vignettes in addition to this one......one being dedicated to appliances 

and the other to countertops. Gotta LOVE that ONE STOP SHOPPING!

We saw this wall wine rack and thought it was interesting and compact for small quarters.

We left feeling satisfied. We had finally visited an IKEA store. Now when people speak of this awesome warehouse atmosphere, with tons of home selections, we will picture vignette after vignette of everything you could possibly need in your home, apartment or even your college dorm room.

Oh I almost forgot, there is a restaurant on site and it was jammed full of people having lunch.....
not a table to be found. There was also a Market area featuring food items from Sweden and a cafeteria style line selling hot dogs, cinnamon buns, etc. after the check out area.

If you haven't already experienced IKEA you owe it to yourself to take a trip to one-----you will be amazed!

If you have been to an IKEA store, please share your experience with us. We would love to hear
about it.


                                                 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY FOLKS!!!

                                                                      Kathleen

***Thank you so much for visiting The Lavender Bouquet. See you on DIY Wednesday with a special project.