Once I breathed in the intoxicating aroma of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and unfinished pine, I knew I was a goner. I was instantly taken in by the sights, sounds and smells and I knew my life would never be the same again.
Why didn’t anyone ever tell me about IKEA?
I am not a shopper so if it can’t be purchased at Sams Club, Costco or Amazon.com then I have no interest in it-until now.
My first experience was purely by accident when Russ and I were out on a Sunday morning and happened upon it after breakfast. We both have seen the large sign from afar as we traveled the 405 freeway but had no interest until we decided to step outside of the box that day, and now our lives have changed forever.
I know some of you are thinking what is the big deal about IKEA? Well, think back to your first time, okay?
On my first trip I didn’t buy much but I decided I wanted to live in one of their showrooms. Apparently a guy named Mike did live in an IKEA for a week so I’m not the only person with this dream. Nothing gets me more excited then a possibility of a trip to IKEA. I know, I know, I seriously need to get a life.
IKEA has a way of sucking you in. You may plan on spending only an hour or so to see what’s new since your last visit, but when you check the time you realize four hours have gone by, your breakfast is digested and it is now time for lunch.
There are many reasons why I love IKEA. First is the great catalog. I keep it in my purse so I will always have it handy. The friendly environment is great too, it just feels like home.
IKEA is separated into four sections, showroom, marketplace, self-serve warehouse and checkout. I love the prices, and yes, you have to assemble the products yourself which can be-time consuming and frustrating.
However, if you tell your husband that once he has completed the assembly of your new cabinets he will feel like a furniture god, it helps.
You know what else IKEA is good for, other than it’s cool furniture? Going on a date with your significant other. They have great food that is ridiculously priced cheap and you can jump on the beds and sit on the couches for hours. I took a nap once and they were fine with it.
And then there are the meatballs. You cannot go to an IKEA store without stopping by the cafeteria for the Swedish meatballs. I’ve shared with you over the years my various addictions with Diet Coke, reality TV and game shows-I am now addicted to IKEA and their meatballs! They are only $1 and I have found many IKEA customers who go solely for the meatballs.
As you leave the checkouts, there’s a bistro and Swedish food market where you can have another meal or bring something home. I’m usually dying of thirst by this time so I buy a drink to go. They also sell a killer hot dog; who knew?
I also highly recommend the cinnamon rolls.
Know the catalog before you go , it helps to have an idea of what you are looking for.
Wear comfortable shoes. Russ and I get a good workout when we wear our Shape-ups.
Know the menu. Monday is free breakfast until 11. Tuesday kids eat free. Wednesday is a great rib and cornbread meal and Thursday is $1.99 chicken dinner. You can feed a family of four for $9.99. Why go any place else?
And that is why I love IKEA. Now go have some meatballs.
