COTE DE TEXAS: IKEA TALES–PART TWO!

IKEA TALES–PART TWO!

 

Here’s an update on Elisabeth’s apartment:   We made it to Florida and thankfully for us, but not for them, the hurricane is headed up the east coast, although it was so windy and rained so hard,  it felt like Irene landed here.  Can I just say something right off?  I HATE IKEA!!   How they stay in business I will never know.  Yes, I know.  They are extremely profitable worldwide and even on a  Tuesday night, they were so packed it was like the Russians were in the Bahamas, but boy, they don’t make it easy on their customers.  What an ordeal!!!  OMG!  I had no idea how awful it was going to be.  We should have been filmed for a reality show.  By the time we made it to the checkout, Elisabeth and I were cussing each other out – “I hate you!”  “Go back home!”  “Fork you!”  and other such niceties. 

 

Women Fighting

  We almost tore each others hair out we were so aggravated with each other!

Seriously, when you are buying a lot of furniture at IKEA, it gets pretty awful.  Here’s what we ended up buying:   sofa with chaise, chair, ottoman, dining room table, 4 chairs, chest of drawers, and an armoire.   When we first got there, Elisabeth looked up our order on their computer and declared that everything we wanted was out of stock.  I almost blew a gasket because it took us over an hour to get there during 5:00 rush hour traffic – and then to find out it was all out of stock??  Well,  I was not a happy camper.   But, the nice man (and he was really nice) at IKEA told us she was wrong and it was all in stock.   So, armed with our helper that we brought from home,  Ben’s trusty 300 pound, 6’4” employee James, we tried to load all these huge boxes on the carts.  The boxes were so high that even James couldn’t see over the top of them.  Nor, could he lift them on the cart they were so heavy – of course we had to ask for help.  I kept thinking if James couldn’t lift the boxes, who on earth could?  I mean, James is built like a wrestler and he was beaten down by these huge IKEA boxes.   Ben, as predicted, stayed at the hotel with the puppy, who by the way, was extremely well behaved on the plane ride. 

 

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Poor Lucy.  Poking her head out from her carry on case, under the seat during the plane ride.  She did really good though, after we tranquilized her with pills from the vet. 

 

After three hours at IKEA,  we finally limped out, having arranged for everything to be delivered two days later.  Elisabeth was mad at me for not trying to load up our car with the boxes.  How in the world she thought we could carry those behemoth boxes into her apartment, I have no idea.      Once the boxes were delivered on Thursday, much to my shock, Ben and Elisabeth quickly put together the sofa and chaise, chair, and ottoman.   Elves found on Craig’s List came on Friday to put together the table, chairs, chest and armoire.   On Wednesday, Ben, James and I did the Home Depot run and  on Thursday night Ben and Elisabeth did the Target run.   Can I say exhausted? 

 

Cartoon Clipart

 

Everything is slowly coming together.   All the slipcovers we ordered came in so wrinkled, but thanks to the advice of Julia from Hooked on Houses, we bought wrinkle remover at Target and boy, that stuff really works.    Her apartment doesn’t have a pantry or utility closet and the clothes closet is miniscule, hence the IKEA armoire.   She may even need to buy another armoire if one isn’t enough.   And she plans to buy a buffet to store her dishes in.    I totally misordered the dishes from Cost Plus.   She is now the proud owner of a service of 48 plates, 48 bowls and 48 salad plates.  Oops!!!!   But I must say, Delray Beach, which is where her apartment is, is the most charming little beach town.  What a huge surprise.  Her street is lined with cafes, coffee shops and bars – all with open, outdoor seating.  It’s like a bit of Paris – except with surfers instead of fashionistas.  She’s about 1/2 mile from the gorgeous beach and she’s right next to a Starbucks.  How she is ever going to make it to school and study, I have no idea.  Personally, I want to move here myself – I might send her home and trade places with her.  Here’s a few pictures of her apartment:

 

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The living room with all the Ikea furniture.

 

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Can you see Lucy sleeping on the dhurri rug?  It’s like she’s camouflaged there.  She’s sooo tired from all the action!   The linen pillows are from Restoration Hardware – word of warning, they shed more than the puppy.

 

This is the coffee table that hasn’t arrived yet.  It’s from Zentique.  Once it comes the ottoman will be put across from the sofa.

 

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The side tables and mirror are from Wisteria and the lamps are from Ballard Designs.

 

 

 

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The dining room area – it all came from IKEA.  The stain is a gray color – IKEA goes Belgian.   The table actually gets bigger when you pull the top out.    The clock is from Restoration Hardware. 

 

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Elisabeth resting!  Ben’s in the kitchen doing something, not sure what.  Probably adding up all the bills, getting ready to shoot Elisabeth and me.

 

HEMNES Glass-door cabinet with 4 drawers, gray-brown Width: 35 3/8 " Depth: 14 5/8 " Height: 77 1/2 " Max load/shelf: 66 lb  Width: 90 cm Depth: 37 cm Height: 197 cm Max load/shelf: 30 kg

She’ll probably buy this from Ikea to put in her dining room to use as a pantry. 

 

HEMNES Wardrobe with 3 doors, gray-brown Width: 59 7/8 " Depth: 22 7/8 " Height: 77 1/2 "  Width: 152 cm Depth: 58 cm Height: 197 cm

And she had to buy this armoire from IKEA – the Hemmes line which is a great gray color – because the closet is teeny-tiny.  This piece actually looks cute in her bedroom.  Unfortunately, I can’t show you pictures of her bedroom because the bed wasn’t made (putting it nicely) and there were suitcases with clothes thrown everywhere.   Maybe next time!

 

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After finishing up with Elisabeth, I went to meet up with two fellow bloggers Renee Finberg and Claudia Strasser.    Renee lives in Boca Raton and is getting ready to open up a showroom  that is located very close to our hotel.   I set off to find it and almost stopped off here – the shop right next door - for a quick little botox treatment.   hehe.

 

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Actually, here is the showroom – The Trade – located in the Mizner area where there are the cutest shops and boutiques all around.

 

 

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Renee, on the left, recently teamed up with Claudia who lives in Miami.   They’re now partners in The Trade which is set to open up October 1.

 

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Renee Finberg writes the blog Tells All HERE which is about fine design.   She’s a great interior designer, so opening this shop will be a wonderful asset for all the people who live in the area. 

 

 

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Claudia writes the blog, The Paris Apartment HERE.  She’s a published author, designer, and travel guide – she takes groups of shoppers to Paris and is getting ready to leave on a trip next week!  Some of her guests stay at Paris Perfect apartments – the same ones that I featured a few weeks ago.  I wish I could go on a trip with Claudia, but I just hate flying over a large body of water like the Atlantic.  Plus, such a long flight, I think I would get claustrophobia. 

 

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Inside The Trade, the furniture is trickling in.  Look how cute those curtains are!  Renee designed them.  The chandelier is beautiful.

 

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These gorgeous antique French bergeres were found by Claudia in Paris – she told me they are in the movie “Midnight in Paris!!!”  I’m going to watch it tonight in the hotel, so I’ll keep an eye out for the chairs.  They are in a scene that takes place at a market.  God, these chairs are so beautiful, I was drooling the entire time I was there, just wanting them sooo badly!  Their lines are so feminine, so curvy, so French!

 

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The showroom’s floor is painted in bold black and white stripes with café colored walls – such a great combination.  All the chairs were upholstered in white with black accents so that they really popped in the space.  The three of us sat around this “skirted roundtable” and had a laugh.  Then we went shopping in the area.   Costly idea.   Renee described for me all the custom furniture she has designed for the shop and it alll sounds fabulous.   I going to come back and see it the next time I come to visit Elisabeth.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best thing about blogging is the friends you meet, online and in real life!   Renee and Claudia and I have all been blogging for about the same amount of time and it felt like I was meeting old friends.

 

 

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You can buy Claudia’s famous book on Amazon HERE.

Thanks girls for meeting me today!  Can’t wait to see you next time I’m in town.

If you are visiting the Miami, Boca Raton, Palm Beach area, be sure to stop by The Trade and say hello to Renee and Claudia!!!  For directions, contact Renee on her blog HERE or at 561-613-6800.

 

 

 

167 comments :

  1. Elisabeth's apartment is darling! Of course, I shouldn't be surprised, but you never cease to amaze me with your vision and ingenuity. And Lucy the puppy! Could she be any cuter?! Our cavalier, Tucker, is 2 now and the best, sweetest dog, very calm and pretty low maintenance.

    Enjoy the rest of your time in Florida!

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  2. My son's dorm in Gainesville is Nothing like your daughter's place! My daughter in NYC was supposed t move to Brooklyn tomorrow...darling apartment. But the hurricane? Your generosity was encouraging me to decorate her new apartment. Elizabeth is a lucky girl. I will do a post on my baby's apartment in a month or so. Nice work.

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  3. I want to move into Elizabeth's apartment! Seriously, Joni, it is just darling. Lucky gal to have such wonderful parents, and lucky to have such an adorable dog!
    My Alex moved into his apartment in LA today. It's an amazing apartment. Brand new with a loft. I wish I could have decorated it....! You must have had a ball!

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  4. Elizabeth is one lucky girl...apartment love!
    Re a flight to Paris; Lucy...dog meds
    You...Joni meds!

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  5. Oohhh Elisabeth's apartment is so beautiful! What a lucky girl she is!! Congratulations!!
    Loved to see and to hear aboutRenee and Claudia!!
    The showroom floor in black and white is stunning! What a gorgeous idea girls!!
    xx
    Greet

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  6. All I can say is this is ridiculous.
    You have a completely spoiled daughter.

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    1. anonymous...
      you are a complete 'KNOW NOTHING'

      xoxox sincerely renee

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  7. Elizabeth has a lovely spot and deserves every ounce of love you and your dear Ben bestow upon her.
    I plan to spoil my daughter just like you and Ben!
    Life is short and why not enjoy living with what you love. Would you care to adopt me?
    pve

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  8. Wow that is officially the nicest apt. I have seen for ANY college student!!!! Lucky her!
    I stepped foot in an Ikea about 20 years ago and walked promptly out, it was so big and so overwhelming, but I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I can see if you have a great eye, that you can find some great things but patience obviously is a must and I can only imagine the crowds!
    That is some apt..she will be the envy of all her friends for sure.......am a fan of Renees too and look forward to seeing and hearing more about her incredible new shop!

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  9. I have enjoyed your blog for some time but this post resale strikes a nerve with me. This is obscenely over the top for a college kid!! Most newlyweds don't have six a nice apt. I find this ridiculous and she has a dinner service for 48??? THAT is crazy I'd she going to be having sit down dinners for an entire dorm? What are you teaching her?

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  10. The illustrations at the beginning of the post are a hoot! The pupster (that' what we called our shi-tzu)is adorable. Elizabeth is a darling girl - of course she must have "the best of everything."

    Over the top? So what!

    It seems like there is a lot of joi de vivre going on here.

    Hilarious post.

    Suzanne on St. Simons

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  11. Very cute apartment! She is a lucky girl.

    And, can I just say, I couldn't agree more about Ikea.

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  12. what an ordeal getting everything together..but look how fabulous it looks!! and congrats to Renee and Claudia...sounds they've been busy too..
    best,
    maureen

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  13. Your Elisabeth is beyond lucky...college apartment in this house means take my old side table, old dishes, old chairs and I get the new stuff... and with your taste and flair, it would still be way better than most college decor.....

    In fact "we" are putting to gether an apartment for an oldster in the family.... and the youngsters have painted the side tables from original marriage (and he has had three marriages since), chairs from his grandfathers law office, headboard from craig's list (our FIRST craig's list buy) tea cart from Aunt. They tell me there is plenty of black paint left in that gallon can.

    Tell Elisabeth she owes you 4 A's and a starbucks gift card this sememster..... and thanks for the funny, but REAL life post.

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  14. Don't you LOVE Delray? I'm in Palm Beach, but my hubs had an office in Delray for 4 years (up until recently). It is such a great area, I want to switch places with Elisabeth too!! And just so you know, it's extremely family oriented too...even thought there are lots of bars, you see families up and down Atlantic until late at night.

    I'm so sad I didn't get to meet you, but so excited to hear there are awesome fellow bloggers down here! I can't wait until they open so I can stop in and meet them. CRAZY about the black and white floors!!

    P.S....If Elisabeth needs any additional storage, the thrift/consignment stores down here are LOADED with pretty armoires.

    Baylor Says...

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  15. Beautiful apartment! Love that you show us how to turn a plain rental into something beautiful on a budget. Especially enjoyed the pictures of Lucy! She is darling!
    Kat

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  16. Joni you tickle me. I've had the same argument with my daughter during a long hot crowded shopping trip. The apartment is precious as is Elizabeth. How does the table with the tv look?
    To the nay saying commentators;oh please. I haven't seen an ounce of inappropriate spending. Even with the fight,helping my daughter with her place, has been one of the most fun bonding experiences the two of us have ever had.Great apartment. Thanks for the post.
    MD

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  17. Just another repeat of the Webb look I suppose. It does beg the question however why you didn't engage one of your Boca blogging friends to decorate the apartment for the "little princess"? These gals could have done all your leg work with their staff for a fee that would have been worth its price and saved you a lot of time, effort and headache. I suspect Renee and Claudia could have given Elizabeth a look we haven't seen already 1000 times on this blog.

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  18. Wow, that is a great collage apartment! Far better than my college duplex with mismatched furniture and outdated appliances. Elizabeth is a very lucky girl!

    Oh and that puppy ... what a cute little face!
    (My dog's name is Lucy also)

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  19. Your daughter's apartment looks fantastic!!! And I loved seeing Claudia on your post! I had the great fortune of interning for her when she had her shop in NYC! One of the things I helped her with were her online newsletters giving her readers decorating tips etc-
    Of course those were pre-blogging days! Again, love all the items y'all selected for the space-so fresh and fun! Xo Brooke Sevier

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  20. You are so funny! The apartment is beautiful. I know the feeling of wanting to kill each other. When Emma and I went to Ikea I thought she was going to have an emotional breakdown she was so overwhelmed with decisions ( lesson learned: do your homework before you go there) and I was so aggravated with the size of boxes and no help to be found that I wanted to give someone a real piece of my mind.....much to the horror of my daughters, who I embarrass daily! I love seeing this glimpse into your life, Joanie, and especially seeing Ben as a dad, and a provider. Your beautiful daughter is blessed to have you both! Oh, and just for me, throw in a bright, colorful Mexican serape, would ya? Just kidding!!! xo

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  21. *** JONI~... a hilarious take on "Lizzie goes to college"!!!~~~(And BTW, THIS dog-lover says: "I...L*O*V*E... LUCY"!!!)~~~

    Thanks for the early A.M. chuckles, & BEST to ALL of you!!!

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net!!!

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  22. I do love this post and your 'comments' about IKEA! Totally agree with everything!
    My Mister refuses to go to Ikea ever again, after one or two times we went together and his blood sugar and level went through the roof! We were near to a divorce.

    But - avoiding the 'mine fields'- there are good and practical things to find, moderately priced and perfect to mix, here and there, with antique pieces for example.
    Again - great post!

    Greetings from the Périgord, Southwest France,
    karin

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  23. I'm going to hang some linen panels from Restoration today. I've never heard of wrinkle remover work-- does it work on linen?

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  24. Joni,

    It is beautiful!!!!! I love how it is all coming together. Your family will remember those days of pulling it all together forever and I am sure it will provide plenty of laughs over the years.

    I am so sorry that some people are being rude in their comments. I am sure you know it stems from their own jealousy. Yes, Elisabeth is lucky and blessed to have such a beautiful first apartment. Not everyone starts out that way. But it is not for anyone else to judge. She is your only child...you both love decor. Some people buy their kiddos expensive cars or jewelry or fancy sports equipment. How do they know who paid for this? Maybe Elisabeth worked and helped too?

    I am sure that people are just envious of the beautiful place y'all put together and I really hope that you ignore the haters.

    Whatever happened to if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

    Oh and Lucy? She is DARLING!!!!


    Good Luck in school Elisabeth!!! Work hard!

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  25. joni!!!!


    how kind of you!!!!
    i am so excited that you mentioned me
    and claudia.

    i know you will be back a lot.
    we must play some more....

    your daughters place is a stunner!!
    of course it is.
    xxxx thank you AGAIN!!!

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  26. The first time I went to Ikea I made the biggest mistake as to going in this same time period. It reminded me of Disney World with the parking attendants getting as many people in the garage as quickly as possible. Little did I know that it's prime shopping time for college students, big mistake. I know it's tiring and fustrating but you will have warm memories about this time with you daughter. Trust me, this too will pass.

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  27. Joni,
    I didn't think you could make me laugh so hard!!!! Definitely one of my favorite posts EVER!!!!
    Absolutely hysterical description of your ordeal at IKEA. And that photo of the mom and daughter tearing at each other's hair--priceless. I so know what you mean when you described the IKEA experience--we get to a certain age and just do not want anything to be an ordeal. But, Elizabeth's apartment was worth it--how beautiful.
    Thank you so much for sharing.

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  28. Joni I think you have the luckiest daughter in the world, and do tell her that. Her new "home" is so perfect!! I would trade with her as well!

    The images of Lucy are the best, she is such a doll!!

    Lastly I am so very excited for Renee and Claudia. I have been following all of you for the longest time. Such talented and unique blog friends I feel so fortunate.

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  29. I don't know if I have ever seen a young girls first apartment look so good. Very funny! I had to laugh, what you went through helping your daughter. I am helping my daughter now. She is getting married in January. She is moving in to a little Grannie flat. She is buying things on Criags list and garage sales. I will send you pictures when we are done.

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  30. When I grow up I want to be Elisabeth - skinny with a cute apartment! Love it!

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  31. Well, once again I am chagrined to see "BITCHES ANONYMOUS" out in force in your blog comments. It is absolutely SHAMEFUL the unkind things these people have to say. Lovely place you have set up for Elisabeth. She is young and far from home and trying to feel her way into her new life and future and needs a soft place to land every single day. THIS IS IT! Just beautiful. God bless all of you! Very funny post.

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  32. I want you to be my mommy. I'm nearly 51 years old so we'll have to say you adopted but my you and your daughter pulled together a BEAUTIFUL apartment. You forgot the most important thing what is the temperature there. I'm from Texas too you know I want to know. It was 107 here yesterday. Love your humor it is the best

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  33. You are a saint of a mother! When my daughter went off to uni sent her off with cast offs and some new stuff from John Lewis ( a chain of department stores in the UK)! When she moved in to her first house I vetoed the dreaded Ikea and went to John Lewis instead. Cost me far more, but worth it! She now has her own home and we are recycling some of our furniture to her.
    Ikea is the most awful place in the world to shop, but it is cheap. I have a nasty feeling I am going to have to go for only the 3rd time (after vowing to never return) as I need a ton of containers for my kitchen and am planning 4 new built-in wardrobes for 2 large bedrooms.
    Elisabeth is a very lucky young lady!

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  35. Joni I feel your pain! When my son was at UCLA getting to Ikea in LA traffic was a nightmare in of itself. We did not purchase the amount of items that you did, but I have a feel for what you went through. I guess because the prices are so reasonable we have to be punished a little bit by jumping through hoops to get what we want. Her apartment is wonderful and I know you feel so much better as a Mom leaving her in beauty and comfort, xo Kathysue
    PS I haven't been around for a bit, computer virus, new computer and a new blog design!! Oh my I am too old for so many changes at once.KS

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  36. After having the best dorm room last year, this is a GREAT first apartment, thanks to you and Ben! We can't forget to thank the husbands for their role...

    I remember the nightmare of some of the shopping trips with my daughter. While she was in school I thought her sofa was too big, and went back to the Baker furniture outlet store (about as cheap as Ikea!) and picked out another. Daughter got home, and flipped that I made the exchange, so we hauled the sofa to the elevator, stood it on it's end, and did the whole thing over again, Groundhog Day style. (So she has the same frame that she grew up with, it doubles as a bed it's so huge)

    So this morning we're sitting in Daughter's beautiful apartment in a condo-hotel, thinking, she lives better than us. Concierge will do anything for her, and I step outside the door to the sidewalk bistro's. The boutique grocery store across the street will deliver....fresh cup of Starbucks this morning.... I WANT TO MOVE IN!!

    I hope our daughters look back and realize how we want them to have a wonderful "home away from home"!

    Your post really made me smile that there are others going through the exact same experience...I'm typing on my daughter's computer--sitting in an AWFUL desk chair from Staples or somewhere...But then again, she's honoring in medical school....so I'll keep my mouth shut this trip.....

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  37. Joni,

    I still volunteer to be adopted by you, in spite of the fact that I am over 50 and have raised 4 boys!

    I have to laugh at the differnece between a girl's dorm room or aptmt and a boy's. our son is a freshman at UT, and I was told ONLy paper plates and plastic spoons. And, I refuse to put do any improvements at the lakehouse until he is at least a junior, after one son decided to use our outdoor chairs for firewood!

    your daughter is adorable!
    Kathy

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  38. Your post brought back memories of moving into my first apartment when I was finally out of the dorms! My mom came and we made that trip to IKEA - I think we got into our first argument as soon as we got into the parking garage. We wanted to KILL each other :) Of course once we got it all home (thank goodness mom's rental car was a suburban!) we went into fits of laughter trying to put it all together. It was a great bonding experience! Congrats on a beautiful apartment for your daughter!

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  39. Love the coffee table from Zentique! It does not appear that they sell to the public, how does someone go about ordering from them or seeing their entire product line?

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  40. Having just moved my own daughter to her dorm last week I know it's quite hectic! I personally think this is very pretty but it does seem like "too much" for an 18 year old!! Part of the experience is roughing it a little and NOT having the luxuries so home feels that much better! You did a great job to be sure just not sure if going that far was necessary!
    Do enjoy your blog vet much, Mimi

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  41. Your best blog entry ever! Thanks for making me laugh!

    P.S. Where did you ever get Lucy? She is adorable and I would love to find one like her.

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  42. Joni, you are a super great mom for helping your daughter with her apartment (and what a great excuse to go to Florida!) I think it is much more difficult for young adults to get started these days, and I don't see anything wrong with helping if the parents can afford to do so. Elizabeth's apartment looks like a very nice, cozy and safe place to come home to study!

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  43. All I have to say is......................... I want LUCY!

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  44. Elisabeth's apartments is beautiful!
    I wish I lived close to the new store although I'm certain I would quickly go broke.
    Midnight in Paris is one of my favourite movies. My daughter is 8 years and she loved it also. I won't spoil it for you but MANY of my favourite people are in this movie.
    I can't believe I didn't recognize the chairs. How I would love to have them in my home!
    I would also love to go shopping in the Paris markets with Claudia.
    The flight to Paris isn't bad at all (the fact that you're going there is worth it!) but after a Benadryl, glass wine and dinner, we woke an hour outside of Paris.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend! xoxo, B

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  45. Your daughter AND her apartment are beautiful! Lucky girl!!

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  46. What a great post! Elisabeth's apartment is beautiful and Lucy is sooooo cute.

    I've been in Ikea once and had to leave (I have panic attacks when I'm in crowds). I burst out laughing when I read that you accidently ordered 48 place settings - now that's funny! I guess some of them are being returned?

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  47. Your personal decorating stories are always so hilarious to read, kind of like the Nora Ephron of decorating I think. Loved the apartment, its nicer than my house. argh. Tell me~ why oh why do anonymous commenters have to get their ugly on almost every time??

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  48. PS Driving out to UMASS on Tuesday to "decorate" my son's college apartment...it will NEVER appear on my blog I am quite sure. After I specified beige coverlets, his roommate asked my son if they could have dark bedspreads/comforters because he is a messy slobby drunk college kid....say no more.

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  49. That is one lucky kiddo you've got! *winks* Her apartment looks beautiful! And she's got a mama willing to deal with Ikea on a busy day? You're far braver than I!
    And little Lucy looks sooo adorable curled up on the sofa! Vanna

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  50. As cute as Elizabeth is, I don't know how you left Lucy behind!! The place is beautiful. As long as Elizabeth doesn't trash the place - and I doubt she's been raised to do that - then these purchases will move with her for years to come. (ahem - snarky anons, I am looking at you!)

    I made my own curtains and bedding for my first college apartment. But I also had to deal with a roomie who wanted to keep a weight bench and bar bells in the living room. Lordy...

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  51. thanks for all the kind comments! I just want to say a few words - Elisabeth is an only child, so yes, we might spoil her a bit more than we would if we had 2 or 3. We call her Our Gift From God because she was an invitro baby - and the only one we were able to have - so she's that much more precious to us. while she might be spoiled in material things, i like to think she is more spoiled in love and support.


    As i said, we got most everything from Ikea which is about as cheap as you can get it. nothing is fine or precious in her apartment. i would have loved to buy everything vintage and second hand but that was impossible not being in the same city. and trust me, she is very grateful and thankful for her apartment. she knows how lucky she is.

    someone said that she is only 18. actually lizzy will be turning 21 soon. we held her back, so she is behind in age years for school.

    as for the 48 place setting - i misordered from cost plus. she keep a service for 10 and the remainder we gave to friends of hers that needed dishes. to think she would need such a large place setting is absurd. i would have returned them, but there is no cost plus in florida. so we gave them away.

    i hate having to explain every decision we make, but i did put it out there for you to see, so i have to take all the mean comments along with the nice ones.

    as far as lucy - i'm not sure where elisabeth bought her! some breeder from spring, i believe. if you are really serious - email me mrballbox329@aol.com and i can find out for you.

    thanks again for all your kind support and nice comments. you don't know how much it means to me!

    Joni

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  52. ok about the dishes
    i order 12 of each dish, except they are packed 4 to an order, that's how we ended up with 48!!
    what an idiot!

    like i said, we gave the extra dishes to a few friends of hers that didn't have any plates. she kept a set of 10.

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  53. Thank you for letting me know where to find the chairs!

    PS: my husband and I have 3 children and give them as much as we can... Elisabeth is very lucky girl to have parents as loving and supportive as you and her dad. Not all children are so lucky!

    xoxo, B

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  54. Forgot to say thank you for your kind comment on my blog... the banner photo is taken from Paris Perfect's Sancerre apartment.. We stayed there in Oct 2009.

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  55. Although, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response I hope the rude commentators don't ruin it for us all.. That would be such a shame. There's not a lick of "over the top" in Elizabeths' apartment. To those with issues about how you spent your money there is an apartment in North Korea they could have.

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  56. Joni, I agree with you totally about IKEA. It is pure torture. Your daughter did end up with a fabulous apartment, though, despite the grief you endured. Good job. By the way, Elisabeth is adorable and so is Lucy.
    Best, Victoria

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  57. Three favorite things: Ikea couch/chair, Cavalier pup Lucy, and love for your daughter!

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  58. Wonderful posting!! The apartment is simply gorgeous and so fresh! LOVE your description of Ikea! Hope to see lots more pics of the new place and the adorable Lucy too!

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  59. My daughter(age 28) graduated from college several years ago. I fondly remember the crooked little 2 story house she shared with 3 other girls her senior year - the Indian sarees draped around, bohemian bedspreads, odd lamps, the wall of "art" that kids had been adding to since 1969. Wine bottles. Beer can pyramids. Boys. Fun. I am sure there was much drama I did not know! They all made it - my daughter met a wonderful guy who is now my dear son-in-law and we have a adorable baby grandson. My daughter now decorates more like me, I guess - we do seem to pass it on - good taste! I cannot imagine your daughter's newly decorated apartment enduring any of this...it looks like a apartment for a 50 something like me!

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  60. Cute room. A house full of white slipcovered ikea furniture is nicely suited to a college bound girls first apartment. Adorable pup and beautiful famiy.

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  61. Joni, I was feeling so protective of you after reading the mean comments, that I was in the grocery store this morning busily composing replies in my head. I came home to find that you had responded already.
    A few thoughts: thank you for inviting us into Elisabeth's home. You provided a tutorial of how to decorate beautifully on a modest budget. There are tips that I will use in my humble post divorce "cottage" ('60s ranch) that I share with my two teenagers.
    We all show our love for our children in different ways, the choice is personal. I sent my 18 year old to Europe for a month last summer. My daughter's dance lessons (plus costume and competition fees, travel, make up, hair......) are a stretch for by budget, but worth every penny.
    I adore what you bring to the blog world and how you've contributed to this community.
    BTW, several of the southern France villas for rent that you featured a while back are managed by my nephew. I hope to get over there one of these days and you're welcome to join me.

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  62. Elisabeth's apartment is adorable. She is very lucky. I think it is great how you stayed budget conscious and combined less expensive items with maybe a few splurge items. Although, I am familiar with most of the things you bought and nothing seems outrageously expensive to me. Good job, it all looks beautiful!

    Funny story about the plates, and an easy mistake.

    Some days I wish for the simplicity of a little one bedroom apartment, one that looks just like Elisabeth's.

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  63. Hi Joni,
    i just saw this post and read your comment on my blog! I always thought the same about you, haha!!
    It was fantastique to meet and spend time together. Did you watch the movie and see the chairs? They're in a different fabric.
    Anyway I think your daughter is stretching her wings and enjoying designing with you. Her apartment and taste has changed a lot from last year's shot and your influence for the monochromatic, chic and durable pieces has paid off.
    It's a great canvas where she can grow and add art, lampshades, pillows etc and really find her style.
    If I had a daughter you better believe I'd spoil her too! But it looks like she has a good (and so gorgeous) head on her shoulders and she will make you proud.
    You're a great mom and wonderful woman. I feel blessed to have met you.
    Thanks again for your kind words!
    Love c

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  64. Love the apartment, she is one lucky gal. I loved helping my daughters get their first place. It was so much fun, my mom, sisters and I have furnished 4 apartments now with our hand me downs, a new item here and there and all four look great. As you have shown time and time again there is really no excuse today for not having a great place to come home to on any budget. Thanks for sharing.

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  65. Wow, the result is worth the ordeal! I can only salute your eye AND your stamina!

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  66. I just bought that sofa/chaise combo yesterday in the gray cotton/linen blend at our Houston Ikea..it's not any better there. The customer service is the worst.
    The apartment looks perfect for Florida...so serene and fresh.
    One question...do you think Claudia would tell us where her off the shoulder shirt is from ? It's so cute!

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  67. Unbelievable! Ikea furniture??? I haven't been in years...I wish we would get a store in Louisiana...beautiful space!

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  68. Don't worry about the snarky critics. Just enjoy that you can help your lovely daughter and that she has great taste in decorating help. When I went away to college my mom went out and bought gorgeous, colorful sheets and a bedspread. She had very little money and just wanted to make sure I felt loved away from home.

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  69. Joni, you just keep right on spoiling Elisabeth! My son is an only child also (my husband and I had him somewhat later in life in my opinion; I know women today have their children even later, however). We have "spoiled" our son as much as we could afford to and have no regrets. He is the kindest, most generous 21 year old human being you'd ever meet (I'm sure Elisabeth must be, too). He's always been a straight A student, on the honor roll, principal's list, in the Honor Society, graduated with the highest honors from high school, is attending college as an Honor student and on scholarship. If young people like these don't deserve a little doting on, then who does?
    Anyway, your story about you and Elisabeth wanting to pull each other's hair out was too funny. Each year my son and I have somewhat of a falling out before it's all over, too, with him asking me "When are you leaving?" Your daughter's apartment is beyond cute, and I'm sure most, if not all, of the things purchased can be used in her first post graduate apartment.

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  70. I think "3 Peanuts" has it right. The "mean girls" are just jealous! Maybe they wouldn't feel the need to be so mean if they had been a little more spoiled--or loved! And with the millions of blogs that are out there to "choose" to read, I really do not understand the mind set of the folks who take the time to criticize about a "repeat of the Webb look", etc. As if they are being forced to read the blog? And/or "deserve" something from it? Please! Talk about "spoiled"!!!

    I think the apartment is really cute, and your daughter is very lucky!! I'm sure she knows that and appreciates her good fortune!

    BTW, love that coffee table...

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  71. Oh you gave me such a great chuckle this morning, Joni. I can just visualize you and your beautiful daughter tackling IKEA...so frustrating, but totally worth the effort. Her apartment looks fabulous - such a comfy space to work, study and entertain.

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  72. What a darling apartment and precious puppy! Where will E do her homework and keep her books? Do you have separate area set up for a bookcase/computer/printer & supplies? I would love to see pics of how you have placed all the extra necessities of a college student. Of course, the dining room table could double for some of that :-) Always love the entries in your blog, would love it if you came to Dallas and toured some of the gorgeous homes here.

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  73. Hi Joni: You own no one any explanations! It is your life, your child! The apartment is fabulous and I'm sure Elisabeth has a great head on her shoulders! Little Lucy is lucky to be lounging on such a chic settee! I love IKEA, but I have been there to haul the furniture out to the car and you are right, it isn't pretty...although it was a pain in the a**%%, the apartment looks really great. Florida is not a bad place to be living...we are in the midst of Tropical Storm Irene now here north of Boston - driving wind and rain...all day...oy vey...;-)

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  74. Joni,
    LOL! It sounded so familiar...our oldest son was president of his fraternity his senior year of college and I joined him on a 3-day redo of his room in the frat house...we had to move the furniture that the former prez left which included a recliner sofa...we nearly killed each other trying to move the silly thing as it continued to open into the reclined position as we tried to lift/lug it downstairs. This is one of my favorite memories in hindsight! The apartment is wonderful and you guys did a great job...what a great location for your lovely daughter.
    Karen

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  75. Just did my daughter's apartment move in last weekend and I had the same Ikea experience. We only bought one sofa and a tv stand and I thought I was going to scream. It's so fun in August too, the hottest month of the year!

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  76. HI Joni!
    OMG! I can't believe you did the Ikea ordeal. That was hysterical the way you wrote it..... The apartment turned out very pretty you can tell bu the look on your Daughter's face she is tickled pink. So glad you got to meet Renee and Claudia, two so very talented ladies....Renee deserves to have her successful shop after paying her dues.......I know it will be fabulous......Puppy is delicious......Maryanne xo

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  77. This was so much fun to read and see. What a swank place - you and Mr. SS are great parents. I love your family stories.

    Julie in Fort Worth

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  78. I have to brace myself before I go to Ikea. But I have found some really great things there.
    A sideboard for my office, small tables, chairs, dishes & misc kitchen items - oh - also waste baskets,
    baskets, vases & lamps! You did a wonderful job of reporting on your daughter's place.
    I learn from you all the time. Thanks for your inspirations!

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  79. Well, I can't take it anymore, I guess I will say my piece...I am pretty well done with the majority of home dec blogs anyway - for this very reason. Excess. Entitlement. Materialism. Shopping is "overwhelming, exhausting"??? Really, my friend going through Chemo might debate that. Stressful - try eating Ramen noodles, working full time, AND going to college - this is what most kids are doing. Yes, many of you are very, very "lucky" - do any of you REALLY understand this? I have no jealousy, I feel lucky, but I have not lost compassion, I can see the bigger picture. What are we - our generation- really teaching our kids? Why are colleges all over the USA having issues with this new "ME" generation of totally spoiled kids. Look around you, open your eyes. Yes, I love nice things, I adore home decor and design - I always have..but this excess, it is just too much. I am not a mean person- I am a kind person, maybe this is why I really feel this...I see so many great kids, really great kids, going to school, trying so hard against the odds...these are the people who should be congratulated, commended, in their little apartments & dorms, decorating with second hand stuff, which is their little nest, their place, and it it more special, in so many ways, than what is shown here.

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  80. Joni, I love your latest post and forwarded it to our 20 year-old son at BU, who's moving into his first apartment next week. He and his roommates have no furniture at all... As I dropped him off at the airport last week, he breezily informed me they'd go to Ikea in Boston and 'fill up'. Then asked: 'Do they deliver?' After reading your story, they have NO IDEA what they're in for!!! How would you like to adopt him and drive up to Boston next?
    Please get over your fear of flying over the Atlantic so Claudia and I can take you to the Puces in Paris to find more chairs like the Midnight ones! Claudia has a fantastic eye -- a valuable skill going through the largest antique market in the world. I can negotiate the lowest prices and can help organize shipping. Hope to see you soon! Kind regards, Madelyn

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  81. Market Decor
    Oh you poor dear. Obviously you are dealing with unresolved issues. Surely it would be better to grapple with these demons privately rather than spoil what others have gotten a great bit of pleasure from. I see you have your own one line one post decor blog.Joni obviously works very hard and is a master of hers. I would pay to read it. The posts where she talks about her decorating are my favorites. I agree if it is all too much for you, go away.
    MD

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  82. Gorgeous!!! I am truly shocked when people post such rude and opinionated comments on someone's personal blog? Move on people if you don't like what you see. Funny thing is this post could be an ad for how amazing Ikea is instead of a ikea hate festival:))) you should do their catalog shoots. Love everything . PS I want the coffee table so bad:)

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  83. Gosh ... . . . I have read nasty comments on here for awhile and never mentioned them because I think it feeds the poster's need for recognition. I'm with IIzzlefitz--if you don't like this blog - move on by - rude remarks are just so obnoxious. Grow up people.

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  84. There is a service in New Orleans that for a very reasonable fee,picks up from the Houston Ikea store and delivers to you in New Orleans. http://lovebluebag.com/

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  85. Oh come on Joni we could drug you like you did the puppy but I would let you sit in the seat rather then under. A tranquilizer and a shot and we’ll be there before your buzz wears off. Lucy is so cute! So is Elizabeth’s apartment and what nice parents to furnish it for her…..I need a few things if you have a moment. The whole apartment really looks nice but I had to laugh at all the china even I don’t have that many dishes. Oh well she’s set if she ever gets a Greek boyfriend.

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  86. Great job, I totally think a wonderful & comfy apartment will make her school year and all the work go better. It is really an investment in her college & will last for years & into an after college home too.

    Great Job!

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  87. Elizabeth's apartment is sublime! This is what college life looks like these days? Can I be your daughter and live the glamorous collegiate existence, too, please? I was in love before you even mentioned the Starbucks next door...

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  88. Market Decor: I understand what you are saying. I get it. I'm sure if I get cancer, I will write a cancer blog. But I don't have cancer now, so I write an interior design blog. I understand that there are much more unfortunate people in the world, living in poverty - while decor blogs write about the excesses of materialism. But, this is life - there is always someone richer and someone poorer. I'm sure the students on scholorship who live on ramen noodles and second hand furniture - are living in luxury compared to how students in India or Iraq live. And I'm sure the Indian and Iraqi students live better than students in some of the poorer African countries.

    Ben and I have been fortunate in life. When we married - at 33, we couldn't afford to eat out but once a week at a not so nice restaurant by our apartment. Our first house was a shack up on cinder blocks. He's worked hard over the years and even overcame a near bankruptcy when his business collapsed some years ago. Things have been up and down for us. I've always worked. Truthfully, we could have been more generous to our daughter, but i felt Ikea was good enough for a 20 yo. Hopefully, she will have this furniture through her early married years and beyond. Like I explained, I would have loved to get her all vintage and 2nd hand furniture, but being in another state, we couldn't transport it and it didn't make economical sense to do so. Hence, the new Ikea furniture.

    Yes, I respect students who are on scholorships and who work hard - but what about students who aren't smart enough for scholorships? Do they not count? My daughter has learning disabilities - her school history was fraught with one failure after another. She struggled through school to make average grades, despite having two tutors. She went to a church school her entire life, that was really too hard for her with her issues - yet we felt the religious teachings she learned there far outweighed the As and Bs she might have gotten at an easier secular school. I could write a book about the challenges she faced for 20 years and how she overcame them. No, she didn't get any scholorships. But she still has worth in my book. I'm so proud that she made it to college and finished her first year with passing grades. Hopefully she will graduate and get her degree.

    Just because someone might have an apartment filled with furniture doesn't mean she isn't deserving. She's a nice, friendly person with great emphathy and love, good manners, and appreciation. The three of us are very, very close. I'm glad I was able to help her, make her comfortable, and hopefully not be homesick so she'll stay in college and finish.

    Somehow I think you would do the same for your own children when that time comes.

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  89. The apartment looks amazing!!! GREAT JOB!! I laughed out loud though when I read your entry on IKEA. IT's awful, isn't it?! I dread going in Houston whenever I am party prop shopping. One time, I went back to return an item and said "forget it!" once I saw you had to pull a number and wait in line and I was around the 20th person in line.

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  90. I am sorry to have unloaded - I know you probably do get it all - that "big picture". I realize I have no right to judge you, and, what you do for your daughter is out of pure love - I feel the same way about my daughter and my son...I think we all do. There is just so much "stuff" now - I am overloaded and thinking back to a time when getting something - a sofa, a handbag, perfume...it was so special! My son (22) has had to overcome some immediate gratification issues - my husband and I are to blame, oh, we babied him! He is in the Army now...this is hard for me, but I am so proud of him for stepping up and growing into a fine man- even though I think this war is so awful! You did a great job decorating - I do love your blog - I am in menopause - I flipped out - I believe in what I said, but this is not the place to vent this opinion - your heart is in the right place - I overreacted. I am sorry, Joni.

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  91. I loved these two blogs. I have just had a simliar experience moving my son to Pittsburgh from Canada. Upteen trips to Target, Ikea, and Value City Furniture. I must say it does look fantastic. One can outfit an apartment quite smartly on a small budget these days.

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  92. Market Decor, I completely agree.

    If you want to see excess at its absolute worst, visit this blog's Christmas post, December, 2009. You will not believe your eyes. I won't describe it because it can't be but unless Joni has deleted it because of the negative comments, it's a real eye opener.

    The homing pigeons come here to flap their approving wings every time a new post is up no matter how crass or lacking in taste. Somehow if you don't heap loads of praise on the author you are deemed negative, jealous and unhappy. The content is totally vacuous and there is little to learn here except that the author has a white slipcovered sofa fetish and a lust for seagrass. Not much else to see here in my opinion.

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  93. OK, I've got my dukes up now! Anon, I went back and read the December 2009 posts and loved them all over again. You are a bully with inferiority issues. Go away.
    Market Decor, I'm glad you apologized. Joni, please don't change a thing. We love your posts about yourself. You are a hoot!

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  94. Joni,
    What a thoughtful reply to your critical readers. I admire your ability not to let these messages get you down. I always find your posts informative and so well researched. I enjoy seeing all types of decorating whether done with no expense spared or by cleverly using thrift shop purchases and making them wonderful.
    Keep going on as usual - making us all feel like we're learning from your posts.
    Karol

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  95. Anonymous: Really, would you let us all know why you lurk here? I just don't understand your motivation.

    Your snarky comments show your own insecurity as well as lack of own positive life works to keep you occupied. We read this blog for the fantasy; that's the nature of Joni's great blog. Duh! What would be much more mature is for you to either just go away and read blogs that make you happy, or man up and give us the name of your blog where we can enjoying commenting on your taste or lack of.

    And perhaps we don't all blindly follow Joni's lead; how close-minded of you to stereotype positive spirited readers. Therapy can be helpful for you to understand your underlying projected rage. Perhaps we could take up a collection for you so you could go.

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  96. Market Decor:
    thanks for coming back here. much appreciated. i understand menopause for sure! but you had some valid points - there is so much materialism in this world, well here in the us. if we go into a depression, it will be a huge wakeup call for us all on what we really don't need and never did. i hope your son returns home safely soon.

    Joni

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  97. ANON = the Christmas anon that STILL posts here - what ajoke! i mean if you hate me so much, you would think after two years you would find someone else to stalk. you still comment here all the time - sometimes you even answer yourself here. the christmas blog, you posted about 40 times. talk about hitting the bottle.

    btw - my mother in law - you remember the one you made fun of all over the internet because she wears flannel pjs? you remember her right? she had a stroke this year. hope you sleep well at night making fun of an elderly person who wears flannel pjs.

    for those that don't know - this poster actually left posts about my mother in law on other blogs! it got so bad that the other bloggers sent me emails wanting to know who she was and what her problem was. then they banned her. for some unkwnown reason i still let her post here. crazy, i know.

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  98. You are most generous with your time and knowledge. There are legions of fans. Mean anon has that right. I remember the first time I found your blog, I read all week end and didn't get out of my pajamas! Someday I will go to Kinkos and print out every page just so I have a hard copy.
    I learn so much and enjoy your down to earth spirit.Obviously, the fondness your readers feel for you is something lacking in that hateful commentators life.

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  99. Thank you for understanding, Joni. Thanks too, for all the work you put into your blog and for sharing your passion for interior design - I do enjoy it and appreciate it.

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  100. Hi, Joni. I did not mean to go on and on about my son. And, I sincerely never meant to imply that only students who get scholarships deserve to be doted on. I'm just really sick of the haters and was only stating why we have "spoiled" our son. No one should ever have to defend to anyone else how they spend their hard earned money. I was once a teacher and come from a long line of educators (in both public and church schools) so I can understand what you mean. Your blog is truly one of my favorites. Please don't change your blog style, because I love it just the way it is.

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  101. So Funny and a lovely apartment!
    We had our own Hurricane Irene move-in experience, though we were driving through the outer rain band of it to get to the daughter's campus. And, like you, most of her apartment came from IKEA. So right, customer service is their middle name, NOT!
    I had to take pictures, completed or not completed, unmade bed or no bed, which won't be delivered for another week and a half! Of course with all that IKEA assembly pain, the pictures are awful, but c'est la guerre! Posting coming soon, or maybe not, lol.
    Love, Love, Love her space!
    Paula ~ Mise en scène

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  102. going through the first apartment for our daughter here also. Just this week-end my sweet husband asked" Isn't there another place besides Ikea that you can buy all of this cheap stuff? " That was after the sweet man put together 2 MALM dressers.... in the end it was all worth it...we will all always remember the Target, Ikea, and Home Depot runs with laughter and happy memories... and all 150 pieces in those damn Ikea boxes!

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  103. Elaine Decorno has come out of retirement and is shell shocking her readers once again with provocative posts and commentary. Perhaps she will do a post on Ikea and "gay hooker" who use to comment there regularly will show up to shed some real levity on the subject.

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  104. Oh ya, Ikea is cheap (cost and quality) but it's HELL to go to (but love the food!). Assembling is awful, the boxes are awkward....ugh. I'll never shop there again.
    Her apartment turned out so cute after all of that though -congrats!
    SOOOOO jealous you met Renee and Claudia!

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  105. Joni, I love her apartment! Lucy daughter!
    I have Claudia's book, and I LOVE her blog. She is just a doll. I also visit Renee's blog. She is SO funny!
    Have a great week, and thank you for sharing.
    Terea
    xoxo

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  106. I feel your pain! Just finished buying four 94" armoire's with mirrored doors and other accoutrements from Ikea for a dressing room. When they wheeled 30 boxes on a cart from the back, I thought we must be insane. Pushing it to the loading dock was like trying to push an aircraft carrier. Then we loaded it, and unloaded it and carried all of it up two flights of stairs. Cheap, yes. Easy, No.

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  107. I think its looking very pretty already! Lovely apartment.

    That said, I have to voice my opinion in full.

    You said it was IKEA furniture but a lot of things were bought from other higher end store, like Restoration Hardware. I do think one should spend their money how they see fit but with a kid I think they do need to learn lessons as well. My kids are not even teens yet and I am trying to make them understand that it's not all ME ME ME! They think we are made of money and they "should" have something if they want it, Umm NO! I think they need to learn to appreciate what they have and work for it also. If they want something, that's not a needed item then they are now working for it. I can't be there to spoil them their whole life so they need to learn where that money comes from, HARD WORK. It's hard not to get them what they want sometimes but that instant gratification is teaching them nothing. We work hard for what we have and I want them to do the same. So many kids now are staying in college as long as they possibly can, or moving back in with mommy and daddy simply because they are so spoiled and don't want to work for a living. Just saying is all...

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  108. Joni-
    I think Elisabeth's apartment will be inspiration for so many young girls starting out and for young married couples. It's beautiful and timeless!
    I'm DYING for your opinion on the quality of the sofa from IKEA. I want so much to know how long you think it will hold up. It looks like it's really of good quality, but "it is what it is" also. PLEASE keep us informed as her IKEA pieces "age"....and if they age gracefully :)
    Leigh B.

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    Replies
    1. This is my question as well! I have friends with the most uncomfortable IKEA sofa. And if that isn't enough, the cushions don't stay in place either (the back cushions push the seat cushions forward).

      Hubby and I bought a light from IKEA that wasn't wired correctly - we returned it for another that had the same problem. Returned that one and went to a different store.

      Maybe their quality has improved lately? That would be great news!
      Libby

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  109. Anon 10:30, you have far too much common sense to respond here. It's sort of like casting pearls before swine - not many understand.

    Leigh B., the sofa looks worn and rumpled already. I am betting on two years max. Those 10 place settings of china, however, should last well into the years most likely because they won't be used that often. I'm feeling "take out" vibes here as with many college age students.

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  110. The latter half of your post was so fun for me! I grew up in Boca Raton - I probably wouldn't recognize Mizner Plaza anymore - certainly not from the photo. Claudia & Renee's place will be fabulous! Delray has come a looooong way in the past 20 years, it's a wonderful place now. Lucky Elisabeth!

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  111. It is a beautiful apartment, but I have to be honest, I was pretty much thinking along the lines of what Market Decor said (who was gracious enough to not post anon like me, I don't have a blog or website.) It all seems like SO much to give to a college student. On the other hand I am in a very different socio economic world than you and what you find to be bargain would be a splurge, and as you point out, I am sure there are kids in a very different socio economic world than you who have much more fancy apartments than your daughter, and even more money spent on them. We all do for our children what we can. I also have a son with learning disabilities (think I have some myself) and know what that feels like, we want the best for them and know they will have some struggles. Never think she isn't smart though, I know my son is smart, he just doesn't learn the traditional way.

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  112. The Apartment is wonderful, the story hilarious! Laughed out loud. Lucky girl, lucky mom!
    Monica

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  113. Thought of you and Elisabeth . Ikea hack and mixing high and low :)
    http://meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com/2011/08/whole-house-transformation-in-country.html

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  114. I so understand your Ikeaphobia...that place does my head in.

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  115. I'm feeling "take out" vibes here as with many college age students.

    You can eat take-out on plates. Did you not know that?

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  116. Anon. 3:19, Of course you can eat take out on china but generally a student is going to eat out of the styrofoam box the meal is delivered in. In your household, no doubt, the food would be put in a round bowl conveniently located with the word "dog dish" written on it so you would know where to bury your face. Catch my drift, Fido?

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  117. Oh, and another thing, Anon 3:19, Stop telling people I drink excessively. I don't drink nearly as much as you say, and anyway, it's none of your business. You and all the others here are a little puritanical. I don't suppose you would understand. You probably approved of Joni's 2009 Christmas extravaganza. Vulgar, vulgar, vulgar. It still sickens me, to this day: the guns, the pajamas, all of it.

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  118. Joni, I know it's your policy to leave all comments on here no matter what, but this stalker really ruins it for the rest of us. Now he is telling another commenter that she is a dog and should shove her face in a dogdish? Excuse me? Will you please block this person from commenting so the rest of us can enjoy the freedom of discussion on your blog without feeling attacked?

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  119. Hi Joni!

    Your posts are nothing if not entertaining, particularly the Comments section. There's hardly a single post where the commenters don't start belittling you and flinging insults at one another, anonymously of course.

    The 4:18 and 4:25 anonymous comments are particularly ... strange. I'm not sure why Anonymous would suggest someone eat their takeout from a dog bowl. And I don't understand why she would find pajamas vulgar. She's kinda weird! And she certainly does have a hate on for you and your followers. Oh well, everyone needs a hobby.

    Thank you for another great post. You've raised a lovely daughter and are a talented designer. Keep up the good work!

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  120. Anon 4:15, you are getting really funny. No one has implied that you drink, even excessively so the comment is a bit strange to say the least. I also doubt that you have even read the Christmas post much less have reason to approve or disapprove. Thanks for trying to interject yourself into the conversation, but for now it's not working, pal.

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  121. Anon 4:15, you are getting really funny

    There is not Anon 4:15.

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  122. Anon 5:31, meant to say Anon. 4:25, use some common sense when referencing posts.

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  123. Anon 5:31, also please quit spreading rumors about my drinking. I have it almost entirely under control.

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  124. Anon. 5:31, sorry about the drinking rumors. I have it on good authority that you were passed out cold in Boca last night and were carted home by some generous and caring friends. Perhaps it was that mug shot that appeared on the local news as a result of your arrest for public urination. Sorry, if I falsely identified you. Stay out of the bushes next time.

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  125. BTW, Anon 5:31, Joni used a new verb in her post on the Ikea escapade. Could you use your erudite and scholarly talents to conjugate the verb "to fork", as in "fork you".Apparently, and according to Joni's own words, it was a verb used fairly commonly during her Ikea visit.

    That's certainly a new one for most of us and being the graduate scholar that you have become, this should be a piece of cake or a piece of something at least. Good luck, honey.

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  126. I apologize, everyone. I want to make it clear: That Christmas 2009 blog entry is the epitome of vulgar, and we forget it at our peril. I hope you will not let my petty feuds here with other "wannabes" confuse my priorities.

    --Anon August 28, 2011 7:52 PM

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  127. Chic apartment from readily available sources, LOVE IT ! Still can't figure out what bothers that anon poster about the Christmas 2009 post. The post of you redoing Elisabeths room, I loved! What a great Mom you are, that purple bedroom must have hurt you down to your bones! What a relief it must have been to redecorate.
    The mean anon stalker, let's all refer to him as "the bully". I have read that people remember their first apartments filled with boxes, well good for them!I'm so glad my daughter has a nice place to live, if they have issues, well, ok.I appreciated the post because it was about using cheap vs expensive. It looks so cute. I hope you get a chance to go visit.
    MD

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  128. p.s. My guess is that " the bully" is another design blogger who resents your successMD

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  129. Kim the one that said the Xmas stalker drinks. Btw, indent drink myself, ever, so that wasn't me drunk in the mug shot. Why someone would find flannel pjs on a cold Christmas morning disturbing, I'll never know. Ever. As for my nephew he is quite the hunter these days. That should just kill you anon to know that he and his dad go hunting and fishing together, they even have a deer lease, horrors !!!

    And again, she has 10 plates. Period. The extras were given away for the tenth time. As for takeouts, she actually loves to cook, cooked for us all summer, and she is quite good at it. I'm sure they will eat their share of McDonalds, but most meals will be cooked at her apartment.

    Fork you is a nicer way to say you know what.

    The ikea couch is worth every penny. It looks great and is really soft and comfy. When it wears, for 100$ she can buy a new slipcover and it will last for years more. I love the gray slips mixed with the white ones. So sophisticated looking. Unfortunately that gray did not look good in her beige apartment with the beige carpet. Maybe next apartment she could buy the gray slips and really change up the decor.

    I think it's time we shut down this comment section. Glad the two anons had a field day here, now, just head back over to decorno.

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  130. Can we all get back to civility and focus on what people really want to know?

    How can I get ahold of that coffee table from Zentique? I've been looking for years and never found anything that I like as much. Thank you!

    Cris

    cris dot shepard at sbcglobal dot net

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  131. I LOVE Elisabeth's apartment! She must have the most beautiful college apartment of any sophmore across the country. I think it's great that you have encouraged her to live with style even at her young age.

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  132. I agree. Time to get back to decorating tips. Personal religious and political opinions divide your followers and should be taboo on a decorating blog. The comment section is for voicing opinions. Heaven help us if we start to sound like robots who agree about everything.

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  133. Oh my! These posts from the Anonymous Bully are really starting to hit below the belt. I'm not mad at her; I just feel sorry for someone who is so obviously miserable. Maybe we should all say a prayer that she can get the professional therapy that she so obviously needs. Poor thing…..

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  134. I'm surprised you didn't mention the weird design abomination in IKEA's sofas, including the one E bought: the overhanging seat cushion.

    Since when did it become "a look" to have the seat cushion projecting off the front edge of a sofa, as if disheveled from hours of lounging? This one detail looks like HELL, and kept me from buying the otherwise ok-for-the-money EKTORP sofa your daughter bought. Why is no one else complaining about it? And why is IKEA waging war against good taste in this fashion? It's nothing less than an outrage.

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  135. Joni, don't you realize you have several Anons posting here. They are not the same and yet you address them as such because you still have an axe to grind over your Christmas post (defending it). You clearly have more than one who are enjoying the banter and you want to gain the usual sympathy by dragging in a story about your mother in law and flannel pjs as though that's relevant here. I think you are quite confused. Perhaps you need to go back to Ikea and pick up where you left off.

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  136. Wow, I didn't realize the overhanging sofa cushions were actually designed that way by IKEA? I assumed it was just something that happened from moving things around - I'm always straightening my cushions here after lounging on things - and not that it actually fits that way? I agree, if it looks that way all the time I won't be buying Ikea furniture. Joni, was it made that way? The chaise cushion really looks extra long.

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  137. I was so hoping Elizabeth would have dining chandelier to change. My daughter's college apt chandelier appears to be from the 80s and needs a change.
    Great post and Barack thanks you for the small push you gave the economy.

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  138. Gosh ...who are all these people who take time out of their busy lives to post hateful, nasty, unhappy comments on your loving tribute to a daughter leaving home. Do they get it that your heart is leaving home? Can they realize that doing what you did for her was a bigger gift to you? Love and giving makes life worthwhile.. if I were you I'd remove their hateful comments...life is too too short..thanks for sharing and I have ideas for my son now...which is what bloggers give to everyone...Keep it up Joni..and ..s@#w them! Penelope

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  139. Wow! I haven't encountered this much insult-hurling and name-calling since junior high. What fun!

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  140. I hear ya about IKEA, though ours here in Denver just opened a month ago so I'm still in the honeymoon stage... Thanks for the inspiration as always!

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  141. I'm with UrbanSafariDesigns - christ almighty
    who are all these people who take time out of their lives to post hateful, nasty, unhappy comments on your loving tribute to your daughter leaving home?
    I left off reading another design blog because of all the hateful comments. My theory is the people who do post this sort of nasty SHIT have on-going UNRESOLVED trauma in their lives and they need therapy! FAST!

    Joni - you are the best and you inspire me always.
    I think your sweet daughter is most fortunate to have you for a mom. Bless you all and PLEASE keep on inspiring us.
    -Shelley in San Diego

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  142. Almost too much fun.......IKEA is addictive....smiles

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  143. There will always be someone out there who has nicer stuff than you, unless you happen to be Bill Gates or the like. Why not be grateful for what you have rather than resenting others? The whole point of these design blogs is to showcase material possessions, so if you are offended by them, you probably ought to seek your online entertainment elsewhere.

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  144. French Essence recently posted an article on "Chanel Tatoos", yes that's right folks - written with only one "t". Where is the grammar/spelling police when we need her? Eating out of her doggie dish I presume.

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  145. anon 745

    I KNOW there are several anons. I get that. But there are two regular anons - one a man, who is an interior designer. another is a woman who is not a designer but who stalks me - the christmas anon. she hates slipscovers and sea grass and me. these are the two main ones - i can recognize their voice - i've read their emails forever now. and yes, the anon christmas one hates my mother in law and her flannel pjs and my sister in law's slip covers, amongst other things.

    but, yes, i know there are others who post anon - but not in the numbers that the christmas anon posts or the male one posts (who seems to have a sense of humor at least!)

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  146. oh boy. some tough comments. i love what you're doing joni! keep doing what you do!

    ashley

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  147. I am not a fan of the Webb/Houston look. However, I would not choose to comment in the manner that some of the Anons do. Those types of attacks tend to reflect more poorly on the attacker than they do on the attacked. One also has to marvel at the breathtaking amount of free time around here. That said...I find this all to be utterly BRILLIANT. You can't buy this kind of publicity OR entertainment. Many have have suggested that Joni block the bully Anons. I think she is very smart for not doing so. What you have here is the elusive win/win situation. The bully anons get to feed their snark addiction and Joni gets tons of free publicity. As it goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity. And I must dump one more cliché: Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. Look, I'm the one hundred and forty-some commenter! How many design blogs generate that many comments? How many of you have come back, perhaps time and time again, to read the latest nasty comments? And how many newcomers do you think are drawn in by the high number of comments? I seriously doubt that the negative comments dissuade any would-be Joni clients. Aesthetics is very personal. A person usually knows right away whether or not he/she likes what he/she sees.

    Bravo, Joni! Bravo, Anons! Keep up the good work!

    Bebe

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  148. Somehow Joni I think you believe you know your Anons. One a male designer, one a person who dislikes you and several other paranoid thoughts. You are very funny indeed. You could not be more wrong about all of your assumptions. If you only knew how these anons are laughing it up at these assumptions, you would not only feel foolish but your readers would know you are foolish. You need to look for bigger and better black helicopters.

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  149. Bebe - you couldn't be more wrong. I don't moderate because

    1. I don't have the time to moderate. if I got just a few comments, I might, but probably wouldn't. but it's almost impossible to moderate with this many - i'd be on the comment section all day and I just can't do that. AND

    2. i think it makes it more interesting to have the negative and the positive comments. Not the mean comments, but the negative ones that are constructive. i think blog comment sections that only allow nice comments are boring and not very honest. who wants to read only "i love it?" I love when someone mentions something that i missed or they might have a better idea. i hate it though when a reader's house is shown and the comments say how ugly it is. that's hurtful for the reader and mean. those are the days i wished i did moderate. mostly people are nice, though. i certainly don't do it for attention.

    3. most stories do not generate this number of comments. only the personal ones do and even those usually don't get this many comments. as soon as i put up a new story, it will stop. hopefully.


    AND ANON- I do know who the major two anons are. over the years you have given me more information about yourself than you might remember. There are two main ones - one male, one female. No black helicopters, no paranoia. just stating the facts. It would be easy though if anons would leave a name, the same name each time - like Bebe. that's helpful for me to keep tract of how many anons are posting - if they are posting more than once, etc. oh well. it's been fun.

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  150. I just take a peek and I discovered your blog. I enjoyed reading it and I was impressed too. Thank you for sharing and keep posting.


    Charles A

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  151. Joni,
    Loving your ikea post! Laughed out loud at your first paragraph, my husband HATES going to Ikea.
    The apt looks great, you are a great mother!!!!! Keep up the good work, we learn so much from you!

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  152. Love the apartment!!

    'Please visit our new website www.tableandtop.com'

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  153. Good day!
    I'm looking for any contact details (email, phone number or mail address)of the website owner or marketing person that I can communicate with for possible business venture on website income opportunities. We are very much interested to do business with you. Please send me an email together with your website name and I'll be glad to call you to discuss this matter.
    Thank you

    minasol@yourmediaguru.com

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  154. Two anons., one male id and the other female who gives out personal information in his/her comments - yeah right. I'm laughing out loud!!! hehehe Please identify your mystery anons as I would love for the interior designer one to post his website.

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  155. Your daughter is simply perfect. Ann

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  156. As the administrator of the site, aren't you able to see your commentors' IP numbers? I know nothing about Blogger, but most formats provide IPs so that you can keep track of the nutters.

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  157. When updating an older home such as a 60s ranch, you must be careful not to go too far lest the updates actually magnify the age of the house. While you might like the barn door, it really was never a part of 60s architecture and therefore draws attention to itself in a negative way because of it's use. There are places for these doors. A 60s ranch is not one of them. Updates must be carefully chosen to make the house look current and fresh without attempting to interject a trendy add on which looks out of line with the home's overall appearance.

    I see the use of "barn door" styles in more industrial spaces as wall separations between rooms in a very open floor plan.

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  158. I really want to thank you for the home reno today, especially for that kitchen. While it is always great to see before-and-after, it gets a bit depressing for those of us on a serious budget when the befores-and-afters are in extremely expensive homes with extremely expenses choices. I want to thank you and that homeowner for sharing before-and-after photos on a kitchen that looks really great without the top-of-the-line budget. It was inspirational and helpful to me because we will someday do ours just like that one.

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  159. Hi, Joni,

    L.O.V.E. your blog. I learn so much from the information you post. And, the pictures . . . incredible!

    When I read, "I hate IKEA", I thought of this article: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/ikeas-heart-of-darkness-a-tale-of-racism-lies-and-swedish-me/

    This was such an eye-opener for me.
    I liked IKEA and thought they filled a particular niche in the design world. Needless to say, I no longer think positively about the company.

    Beth

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  160. P.S. Johan Stenebo's book has been published in English and is available on Amazon for anyone who is interested.

    Beth

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  161. I think it's absolutely gorgeous and no one has the right or should even have the nerve to tell you what to do for your daughter. One, everyone's financial situation is different. Two hundred and fifty dollars for a mirror for my d is out of my budget. However, it may be a drop in the bucket for you. In addition, you're a designer. You can make a $5 item look like it was $500. I agree that our kids need to understand hard work and know that not have everything in life handed to them. However, as a parent, I don't mind making life a little easier for my daughter when I can. My d is a college sophomore. She works and volunteers. I want her college apt to be as cozy and comfortable as possible.

    God job, mom!

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  162. Your daughters apartment is FABULOUS and she is one lucky lady to have such a talented loving Mom! You both are very blessed.

    I recently found your blog over morning coffee and was immediately hooked. I spent my entire Sunday (and many cups of coffee later) reading your posts as I'm in the midst of redecorating my little condo on the intracoastal waterway. I just placed an order for a Lee slipcovered sectional sofa in ivory from Rustic Rooster in Delray Beach (Pineapple Grove) SMALL WORLD!!! - LOL So your decorating style truly spoke to me as well as your love of seagrass rugs which I am currently shopping for, thanks to you!

    I hope your daughter is doing well as Delray surely is a fabulous place to live!

    Tracy



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  163. I loved this post so much I mentioned it in my post today! Helping my daughter decorated her new apartment. ;)

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