The 2012 catalog from Ikea will be arriving within a week or so? What's worth noting in the new catalog.

1. Ikea continues to buck the industry trend by lowering prices on a number of items such as the Somnat crib (was $100, now $80), the Malm quuen bed frame (was $199, now $149), the Tobias chair (was $100 now $80)and the venerable Poang chair (was $89, now $69).

2. Food deals in the Ikea restaurant court represent some of the best new offers. Now through Aug. 21, kids 12 and under eat free (kids meal, $2.49 value). After Aug. 21, kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Other daily specials are as follows: Mondays a free 99 cent breakfast and coffee from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays BBQ ribs, fries and cornbread for $7 (was $8), Thursdays a quarter roast chicken and potatoes for $2 and Fridays a hot dog and soda for $1 at the bistro. Get your tickets now at the store for the annual all-you-can-eat crayfish party ($10 for adults and $2.49 for kids 12 and under). Two dates are offered this year, Aug. 19 or Aug. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. The meal includes the crayfish, Swedish cheeses, meatballs, mashed potatoes, and Swedish desserts, Bibs, paper lanterns and drinking songs included.

3. In a rare nod to American tastes, Ikea has introduced a pillow top mattress series called the Sultan series.There is a 90 day exchange policy, which 30 days longer than most mattress sellers. However, Ikea does not allow a refund unless the item is still is its original packaging

4. Here's a cool website which does not have Ikea's seal of approval. It's a way for customization of Ikea's furniture with peel and stick vinyl. Choose from their designs, send in a photo or create your own. the cost is reasonable--about $39 shipped for four panels on an Expedit bookcase.