After dropping the fifth and final offspring at her place of play I decided to turn right at the lights instead of left and straight on till Ikea. Sometimes you just need to get out of Dodge for a while.
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure dome decree...." or you could go to Ikea.
This is the view as the lift opened in Ikea as seen by my eyeballs yesterday. It made me a little dizzy, thirsty and I needed some eye drops by the end. Such a creature of habit, I always enter at the exit and go to the "bargain" room first. Not only is it cheaper, you don't have to assemble it! I got lucky yesterday. Misplaced op shop karma! Then I like to walk back through the market upstream like a browsing salmon emerging at the cafe. Do you have a set Ikea method?
It was quite therapeutic to have a wander on my own without anybody knowing about my "issues". Even looking at the fake art was enjoyable... some nice ideas there....
including chicken cushions of the drawing ilk.
These are some of my staples whenever I go to Ikea. The scissors, the dish mop, the octopus laundry hanger, the fat felt pens with stamps on one end...every time.
A set of glasses is usually purchased each time I go too. I fill them with water at the dispenser near the cafe which thankfully sells pizza as well as those dodgy hot dogs just before leaving. The restaurant was not within my ability range just yet.
The empty carbs were necessary to remodel the rear of the car for the "bargains".
Yes, that is a glockenspiel in the boot. I find it makes a pleasant tinkling sound when I take a sharp corner or drive over a speed bump and the sticks roll down its keys. Shorty is convinced there are fairies at the bottom of the wagon.
With a little manouvring from the boy at the loading dock who, I suspect, may have a degree in physics, we managed to stuff it all in with the glockenspiel intact.
Ikea chocolate provided the sugar hit for the drive home. They think of everything don't they?
Having fulfilled the need for restoring some order in the chaos.....
there's a nice sunny to spot to sit and read this afternoon after I cancel the hospital appointments because now I'm too tired to go anywhere!
I've never been to IKEA before but I think I need to. Great purchases.
ReplyDeletex
You are having way to much luck with op shops to waste your money on retail!
DeleteStay away as long as you can. It was only the need for children's storage that finally sent me there.
No, no, not today! I'm not going to IKEA today! :-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it astounding that we have the same furniture (what's the name? expedit?) around the globe? IKEA is in China too, isn't it?
It's the only answer to child junk storage. I moved out the vintage cupboards etc because they just didn't cut the mustard!
DeleteI was at Logan Ikea on Monday.. My friend and I filled her huge 4WD's boot with our loot (we call it Ikea Tetris). Glad you got some super goodies! XO Bel
ReplyDeleteWe call the car the Ikea Tardis when we buy preassembled stuff. I considered it Monday but had the Short one and needed a clear run after so long out of training.
DeleteSo glad you are feeling well enough to tackle Ikea. Expedits are taking over the world- we have three sets at our place. We always go cafe first, then kids section, completely bypass the upper level and ride the trolley through all the short cut flaps of the lower level. Must get octopus peg thingy next time, need one. mel x
ReplyDeleteThat is my other route of choice when I have a short one in tow. Our original expedite got soaked in the Gap storm of 2008 and swelled up into a huge white ghostly Spongebob thingy. Now we just get half expedits ready made in the bargain corner. The Allen key is not my friend.
DeleteMmmm Pizza at Ikea - how EU of them! I've had a hot dog or two and ooohhh always regret it around exit 20. I am in awe that you went to IKEA and managed to also get the things out of the car and arrange them in your home. My trips to IKEA usually end with a wet washer over the forehead and a dark room but the car still packed to the hilt until the next day. Invigorating and inspiring but exhausting. I like the trout mentality. I will definitely try that next time as I have always found it disheartening walking with the herd.
ReplyDeleteThey should provide a dark room and washers between the bargain room and customer service. It only got done because I had to empty the car to get the kids in after school and I have a fear of the wet expedit. (See comment above)
DeleteBy the way, hello and Welcommen. Have we met before at MMMC's old place?
DeleteAn old friend - you just don't know me (just my toes). I am an avid reader, and shy commentator, via MMMC No1.
DeleteOh Annie, how I hate Ikea. Sorry, but I really do. It is anything but a pleasure dome for me. My girls love it, so I do go (to pick them up!) Their textiles are quite nice though x
ReplyDeleteHa! You and the Big Fella would be in the same boat. The Norton Reader keeps popping up in my memory with its associated quotes.
DeleteI used to take my Mum there, she loved ikea, I think secretly she used to pretentious the room sets were her home! Ada:)
ReplyDeleteThat should read, pretend the.....blooming iPad, it always thinks it knows what I am going to write! Ada :)
ReplyDeleteThe i-pad has an aversion to editing too, I've noted!
DeleteThat IKEA pizza looks pretty good actually.
ReplyDeleteIt was okay. I only got it because it was better than the hotdog which I have an aversion too. Who knows what they put in Nordic hot dogs... moose bits?
DeleteHaha, it's how I 'do' Ikea! Sneak in the exit (you 'aren't allowed' apparently) and straight to the bargains. I have an Astra Hatchback I try and squish stuff in. It's comforting to know that there's others out there like you.....
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you weren't allowed to. It just makes sense doesn't it. Why drag through to buy an Expedit when there's one already built at the end. The thrill of not knowing what you'll find may be part of it too.
DeleteIkea: Salmon style, in reverse. I am left handed. I do lots of things backwards.
ReplyDeleteExpidites: Four, with designs for more. They are the only (affordable) ready-made shelving that I have found that adequately stores scrapbook albums. All others are too shallow and the spines stick out.
Anonimity: I remember that feeling of others not knowing your business and you get to be a little more normal for a few minutes. For me it was answering the phone at work. I would take a big breath and put a smile on my face and answer the customers questions. They would be none the wiser.
None the wiser? Do you have chemo demons too or are yours different?
DeleteI love old repurposed furniture but sometimes it just doesn't do the job as efficiently. Do you think the expedit is their best seller?
Love the look of the pizza.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll pass on the rest.
What a brave girl!
It was a training session for the nine year old birthday parties this week end...that will require courage!
DeleteI'm very envious of your close proximity to Ikea.
ReplyDeleteThe chair looks to be just where I'd be spending a lot of this glorious Spring weather if I was you.
And now I know what an expedit is!
It's far enough that I don't go often and you're not missing a lot. Sitting on the verandah is much more rewarding!
DeleteWow I think if I went to Ikea now it may make me quite I'll, well done on your purchases, love the expedit (is that how you spell it?), and the not very Ikea looking chair, the drive on that freeway and as was previously mentioned putting it all together when you got home! Impressive.
ReplyDeleteStupid iPad ill
DeleteI put nothing together as it was already built.
DeleteYes, it will make you ill.
I hadn't realized how Uni-Ikea that chair is.
Did you notice your hand me downs in the orderly room? Rainbow toy basket, chair and wooden truck!
You obviously like the things you give people, after all you found the chairs and the truck at my favorite oppy up the coast.
DeleteReading your post has me seriously contemplating a trip to Ikea right now. I'd hit the rush hour...is it worth it?
ReplyDeleteI love Ikea. I've never thought of going through backwards. It does stress me going there though. I suddenly feel I have to rush and buy things before everyone else gets to them first. I don't feel that way in Woolworths.
ReplyDeleteI'd like an expedit, but recoil at the horror of asking the husband to assist assemble. I never considered there could be some already made!
I'm also thinking I need to make some Christmas tablecloths, so will have to drag myself there soon! You picked up some great bargains!
In Turkey we have Ikea guards who won't let you in the exit. It's all the way through for us (and a 3 hour journey to get there so it's a treat)
ReplyDeleteAlmost an hour to the nearest IKEA from here and sadly I actually need to go ... I've been putting it off but it will have to be soon. Some things are available nowhere else, well not affordably anyway. But how scary that across the globe identical looking stores sell identical stuff ... do you think they're aiming for world domination?
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by your survival skills, even when perfectly well an IKEA trip leaves me gibbering!
I find visiting IKEA when stressed is very theraputic for me - puts things in perspective. And I like IKEA - I think there are some really excellent ideas. It is always such a relief to get out again though - sense of achievement even. I think it is probably a good thing on balance.
ReplyDeleteLove the chair - must make for the bargain corner next time I'm in Malaga/Huddersfield/Valladolid/Warrington - or anywhere else in the world, it would seem!
Axxx
Hi
ReplyDeleteThe Joy Of Banality
Very valuable information is in this article. I've definitely picked up something new from right here.
With Best Wishes
bedroom | sofa | kitchen | bathroom | living room
Heh, heh -- you make me smile. 'A degree in physics.' That glocken-whatsit in the back of the car!! Oh man. :O))))))
ReplyDeleteI have not been to ikea for ages. We have a 4x4 expedit storing toys and was just thinking about braving the trip to pick up a 4x2 one. I, too, thought that you were not 'allowed' to go through backwards. It makes sense, though. I will see if I can sneak in through the exit next time.
ReplyDelete