I was a really big fan of IKEA when I was in college. They made simple, yet inexpensive furniture, which was perfect my lifestyle.  After college and through the early years of marriage, I had a different taste for design and style.  I really think that IKEA is a hidden gem now.  Lately, decorating is about integrating different styles into your home. I love this mix and max philosophy.  Now, I see IKEA in a whole new perspective.

February

February’s topic is about sleep. Are you tossing and turning all night? Did you know that you can customize your sleep experience to be the most comfortable for you? Have you heard about IKEA’S Sultan system?

You can tailor firm or softness on either side for “his and hers” sleeping at its best.  The slats are adjustable to get your body the perfect amount of support.

You can also try sleeping Swedish by using two sets of covers. Each person uses their own blankets, which helps if you are a “hot” or “cold” type person. Angry Husband and I already do this. We’ve always used our own blankets. At almost fifteen years together, we still haven’t learned to share, our blankets.

IKEA’s Mysa Vete is a 3-in-1 quilt. It is three comforters in one. You can use them all together, or split them up individually for a cooler comforter. This is also economical because you are using one product year round.  We mostly use our down comforters in our house. The comforters we use are a bit heavy. Having a comforter like this would enable us to have a “cooler” type of comforter.

Stay tuned for next month where I talk about organizing kitchens with products from IKEA.

Disclosure: Images provided by IKEA Design and the IKEA website.  I was provided a small item from IKEA for attending their online webinar.  I was not compensated with cash. I shop at IKEA. They did not persuade me to write this post.

A few weeks ago I attended an online webinar with Janice Simonsen, an IKEA Design Expert. Janice has served for the past ten years as a design spokesperson for IKEA U.S. Janice presented 12 Months of Great Design with IKEA.  She has great ideas for every month. Rather than highlighting all the months, I will be doing a post every month giving the tips I learned from Janice.

January

January is the time of the year for resolutions, goals, and of course, organizing.  Doesn’t everyone want to start off the year, organized? I know that I do.  Angry Husband and I recently organized our garage, providing more usable space for us.  We have some great storage cabinets and containers, but they can always be used more effectively.  We eliminated a ton of clutter, and also filled up our trash cans.

I love unique ways of organizing. Sometimes, I can’t come up with everything on my own.  I search magazines, and online for storage containers, pictures, and solutions that other people have come up with. Sometimes, you have to think outside of the box.  IKEA has provided some great ideas, by using some of their already fabulous products in different ways, than they were originally intended for.

Lacking Storage for Organizing?

*Try a magnetic strip made for the kitchen as a home office organizer for paper clips, tacks and other small supplies.

You can use the GRUNDTAL magnetic knife rack and GRUNDTAL containers for sleek organization of your office supplies.  Who would have thought a knife rack and containers made for spices, could provide storage for your office also? They are inexpensive, and  are great modern accessories for your office.

*Shoe organizers being used for other types of storage possibilities.

I rarely think about vertical storage.  I’m consumed with maximizing space with the cabinets and dressers in my house.  Re-purposing shoe cabinets and holders provides endless opportunities for your garage, home office, and even a baby’s room.

The TRONES shoe storage and the SKAR shoe cabinet were used in these projects. You can also remove the doors on the TRONES.  They are also a simple white color and easy to clean.

Sometimes you need to think outside your comfort zone and try something new.  Just because it says “shoe storage” or “kitchen” doesn’t mean that you can’t use it in your home office or garage. I can’t wait to shop at IKEA for more ideas.  I could spend hours in there.  On a recent trip, I was there for two hours.  I even got the “are you still at IKEA” call from Angry Husband while there.  I made some simple purchases that Angry Husband was pleased with.

Next Month, February, I will be featuring “Customizing Your Sleep Experience”.

Disclosure: Images provided by IKEA Design.  I was provided a small item from IKEA for attending their online webinar.  I was not compensated with cash. I shop at IKEA. They did not persuade me to write this post.

On Sunday, I was treated to a special event at the Pacific Waters Spa.  The Pacific Waters Spa is located in the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, CA.  I was graciously invited to enjoy a day at the Spa along with several other fabulous mom bloggers from Los Angeles and Orange County. How did they know that I needed a spa day?

As a busy working mom, it is hard to find time to pamper myself.  I sometimes go a month or more between pedicures.  You make think that’s not bad, but you haven’t seen my toes. I can’t even remember how long it has been since I’ve had a spa day, or even a massage.  When we arrived at The Pacific Waters Spa, I was greeted by wonderful staff members.  I had carpooled with Ciaran, and was intrigued to see what other mom bloggers would arrive.  I was thrilled to see some Orange County Mom’s and Los Angeles Mom’s that I already knew.  I also got to meet some new friends. Everyone was great.

Carol McIntire, The Pacific Waters Spa Manager, greeted us, and told us about Pacific Waters Spa and what it has to offer.  We were then broken up into groups and given tours around the facility and mini treatments.  I was treated to a facial, massage, and hand treatment.  I felt so relaxed after the treatments. I probably should return to the facility soon, for a Deep Tissue Massage.  I have so much stress in my life, and I can totally feel it in my back and shoulders.

In between receiving treatments, they showed us some simple ingredients to prepare some at-home spa treatments.  The ingredients can be found at your local grocery store.  Here’s an example of one at-home treatment.

Mocha Latte Wrap

2 Tbsp Ground Coffee

1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

3 Tbsp Coconut Butter

Plastic Wrap

Mix food ingredients in a small bowl.  Apply in light circular motion on desired area (hands, arms, or foot).  Wrap area lightly in plastic wrap for approximately 10 minutes.  Remove plastic wrap and rinse treated area throughly in warm shower. *Test small area first in case of allergies or skin sensitivity.

The Pacific Waters Spa offers 20,000 square feet of pampering, including a full-service spa, a salon, and a a 24-Hour Fitness Center. They have women’s and men’s locker areas and relaxation rooms, sauna, steamroom, whirlpool, and showers. They also have a coed outdoor patio, complete with a bonfire and trickling fountains.

They recently started a Membership Program which has a Seasonal Member for 3 Months and 6 Months. The Seasonal Memberships  include Spa Services, Spa Amenities, Use of the Main Resort Pool (blackout days apply), Valet Parking, 20% Discount on Full-Priced Spa Services, 20% Retail Discount at The Spa and Aesthetyx, and 20% Food and Beverage Discount. The Seasonal Membership Fees start at $375.

Doesn’t this sound relaxing and inviting?

Well, I have something to offer my readers!

Join Pacific Waters Spa Facebook Fan Page

Write on their wall “I became a fan of Pacific Waters Spa after reading Angry Julie Monday”

You will receive a 20% discount off any 60 minute treatment.

Be sure and call (714) 698-1234 to make an appointment at the Pacific Waters Spa, and to also find out more information about their Membership Package. They are located at 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.

Disclosure: I thank Pacific Waters Spa for the pictures used in this post.  I may have borrowed them from their Facebook page.  I received mini spa treatments, some good food, and a tour of the facility while there, free of charge.  I was not paid any cash for this post.  Receiving these treatments, and food did not persuade me any way in writing this post.

This recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies was found in a cookbook that my Aunt made for the family.  Each family member contributed their own favorite recipes.  Ironically, this was my dad’s contribution.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Margarine (softened to room temp.)
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 and 1/4 Cups of Flour
3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions:

Preheat over to 375 degrees.

Cream together: 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 brown sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Sift together: 1 and 1/4 cups of flour, 3/4 teaspoon  baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Slowly add flour mix to butter mix. Form dough into 1 inch balls, place on cookie sheet and make a criss cross pattern with fork dipped into some extra sugar.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.  Cool on cooling rack. Serve with milk, of course!

Check out my Whrrl story for step-by-step pictures of the entire process.

 *All of the sugar used in this recipe was from C&H Sugar. Please check out the gift guide on C&H’s site.  Many of the ideas are holiday-theme-y but you can adapt them for any occassion.

Disclosure: I received a gift card from C&H Sugar to pay for the ingredients used to make these cookies.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being invited to Divine Desserts in Laguna Niguel, CA. The owners, Todd and Leslie Lewis, had a media day and baked up some tasty cupcakes for us “media peeps” to sample. How cool is that! After some drama with Angry Toddler at home, I headed over there.

I immediately saw a familiar face when I arrived at Divine Desserts, Elise, or better known as The Cupcake Activist. She was there with her brother, Eric, whom she brought along as a cupcake taster. He obliged her for the opportunity. She also brought along her friend, Kristina, because she’s a foodie too.

I went and checked out their kitchen while I was there. It was soo pretty and clean. Lots of stainless steel, not so good for camera flashes though. Isn’t it pretty? I don’t know if I would want to clean that though.

After taking a little tour, we settled down for some cupcake tasting. I felt like such a foodie. We placed the cupcakes on plates, and dived in with a our forks and knives.  We each cut pieces of the cupcakes to sample. I loved all the different flavors, but I was quite partial to banana.  Elise had her brother, Eric, take this photo. Perhaps, I borrowed it from her blog. It was the only photo taken of me. It’s probably a good thing. Not always good to see pictures of yourself, stuffing your face.

After we took a break from our taste testing, Kelly from Just Spotted and According to Kelly, arrived with her kiddos.  I actually saw them earlier in the morning as we went to breakfast together.  They got super excited when they saw all the cupcakes. And baby Charlie, well she got to have some Pina Colada frosting.

Divine Desserts also sells frosting shots, cookies, and muffin tops also.

How cute is Elise with this cupcake? She a natural born cupcake model!

While we there, Greer Wylder, From Greer’s OC, was filming a video for her site! If you pay attention, you might see me on there. Scary!! Must get on treadmill after eating those fabulous cupcakes and Holiday food! My co-workers did enjoy the dozen cupcakes I showed up with last night though!

But what’s the 411 on Divine Desserts?

Located in Plaza de La Paz

27261 La Paz Rd. Suite G

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

(949) 305-3355

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm,

Monday by appointment only.

Disclosure: I was provided samples of cupcakes, and some cupcakes to take home.  They were delicious, so  I’m blogging about them.