When we were living in Montreal, there was an IKEA store a few minutes drive from our home that I would visit occasionally. I usually didn't buy anything; most of the time I'd go there for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the colourful displays. But at least it was always within reach.
Things changed in 2009 when we moved to Kingston where there is no IKEA. [insert sad face] Those strolls came to a screeching halt and in order to visit one of these furniture warehouses, we have to drive to Montreal, Toronto or Ottawa.
Ottawa...the big city closest to us...and where my younger daughter is now living. Oh my... [insert big goofy grin] Do you see where this is going?
So, in addition to helping my daughter move her things to her new apartment two days in a row at the beginning of this month, we also went to IKEA on both days. [insert me jumping up and down...and almost hurting myself]
The first day we went with my daughter and I bought her a few things; her favourite being a stand up mirror for her room. On the second, the most amazing man in the world and I stopped in on our way back home where in addition to buying some office furniture, we also enjoyed a wonderful late lunch.
Two trips to IKEA. I was elated. Whenever I go there, I feel like I'm visiting the fair. There is food and interesting attractions and pops of colour and bouncy rides and exciting displays. I get the urge to skip with joy all the way through. Because...sigh...IKEA...
How about you? Do you like IKEA?
I love IKEA online but never had the pleasure of a store visit. I imagine, for me, it would be Candy Land!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great store. I don't need to buy anything; I simply want to be able to walk through!
DeleteLove that store. Haven't been in one in a few years, but we do have one here in town. Funny but company here the past weekend brought an extra suitcase because they planned to visit it one of their days here. Glad you were able to visit it twice on your recent adventures.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Hahaha! That is funny about your company. I can't say I blame them. I'd do the same!
DeleteI am an Ikea fan for decades! Love eating there too...mostly the meatballs. Glad you had fun in Ottawa!
ReplyDeleteI've never had their meatballs. Maybe next time! On this visit I had their smoked salmon. It was delicious!
DeleteI have tried an internet Ikea delivery. It's not the same. There is no thrill involved and no accidental purchases of napkins, candles and cheese graters. WHY can't I leave the store without these items? How many candles and cheese graters can one house house?
ReplyDeleteYou can never have too many candles or cheese graters :) My biggest weakness, aside from candles, is candle holders, pots, vases and decorative pillows! The pillows...I can't escape them! LOL..
DeleteI like the backstory to the Iron Throne. It was used using the swords of all Aegon the Conqueror's enemies and melted and forged with the fire from Balerion the Black Dread the biggest dragon in the series to be named and described though he died long before the events of Game of Thrones of old age.
ReplyDeleteIt is such an interesting story. We are wrapping up season three tonight and starting season four. My favourite part is the dragons!
DeleteSo I'm assuming you've seen the Red Wedding?
DeleteYes! And my husband and I were both shocked at what happened. We weren't expecting that!
DeleteWe have an IKEA here in Portland, however it's on the opposite side of town, so I don't visit very often. I love browsing their kitchen gadget section.
ReplyDeleteThat's always a fun section. So many interesting gadgets. And at good prices!
DeleteI've never been to an IKEA. Sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun, Bethany! So many nice items for the home; some with beautiful and vibrant colours!
DeleteWe used tom have an Ikea store here years ago but they got up and left!!
ReplyDeleteBut, they are returning in the fall with a brand new store.
Ron is excited. I will go with him and check it out after the initial public excitement has died down. In some weird way it reminds me of Costco/warehouse/do it yourself for them......
You guys are so lucky! I read about the IKEA coming to your area in an online news article. I'm sooooo jealous :)
DeleteIKEA is much, much too big for my taste. I always feel like I have to walk a million miles when I go there. So I only go when absolutely necessary.
ReplyDeleteWell you might not be far off with the million miles, Debra :)
DeleteI thought of you this evening, Martha, as I was reading a YA novel called "Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer" by Rick Riordan. It's a very breezy and cheeky retelling of the Norse myths in the context of a modern adventure story. Anyway, the hero (Magnus) is getting a tour of Valhalla and they come to the gift shop. "When she said gift shop, I imagined a glorified closet selling cheap Valhalla souvenirs. Instead, it was a five-level department store combined with a convention center trade show. We passed through a supermarket, a clothing boutique with the latest in Viking fashions, and an IKEA outlet (naturally)."
DeleteHAHA! This made me laugh! You can't be in the 21st century without an IKEA :)
DeleteI haven't been in an IKEA in years ... but our children go to their stores quite often.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It's not for everyone, Jan! Some find it way too busy.
DeleteYou know what? I have never been in an IKEA! I don't like shopping and probably never will.
ReplyDeleteBut you go to Costco! That's a place that just doesn't do anything for me.
DeleteLike Birdie above, I have never been to IKEA. I like their catalogs though, does that count?
ReplyDeleteYes. Yes, it does, Kay :)
DeleteI too like going to the IKEA even though I tend to hate most shopping (ESP. clothes...UGH)
ReplyDeleteI have bought very little from IKEA because I just don't need much but I love walking around their store. Totally entertaining especially those rooms that they have outfitted and tell you that is like 350 square feet (although in Canada it would be measured in metric) and still the little room has everything a person would need to live.
Where else can people buy $12.00 bed pillows?
I only live about 15 minutes from one so I do go from time to time just to walk around.
You know, I truly never need anything from IKEA. I rarely buy anything. But like you, I enjoy walking around and looking at the displays. I am always fascinated by how they make a room so efficient with so little. And I enjoy gathering ideas of how they set up furniture, where they place things and the colour coordination. It's just a fun place to walk around. You're so lucky to have on near you!
DeleteI have to confess that I've never been in an IKEA store. *hangs head in shame* I don't even know if there's one around here. But it sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteNo need to feel that way, Tina! Not everyone like this store. Or shopping in general!
DeleteI can stay away from ikea but my daughter is one of their best customers or used to be. Now I've had to put some of the stuff together and I inherited some of her stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou are the assembly guy. My husband puts most things together.
Deleteglad you got visit to your favorite store as it is always pleasure to visit such places which provide wonderful environment to enjoy and shop ,hope you and your most amazing man are enjoying being with their daughter while shopping and settlement in new place ,best of luck for each step dear Martha
ReplyDeleteThank you, baili! You are very kind.
DeleteMartha girl I just don't understand why they don't have a store here in Kingston !!
ReplyDeleteI know they would have the customer base ... they would make a ton of money .. I am reaching the conclusion that big parties here are keeping them OUT some how .. that is so mean to us .. the people whop truly do jump up and down at the mere thought of visiting the store.
The last time I was in an IKEA was in the Netherlands (I went every opportunity I could ! it was wonderful .. BIG sigh ! .. how sad is it I had to go to that store while out of Canada ? Bizarre !!!
Joy, I totally agree! An IKEA here would cover Kingston and so many areas around us. We've even get US customers from across the border, which is so close to us! We have all the other big stores here. Why not IKEA?? I'd be there regularly...jumping up and down :) Hope you are well, my friend!
DeleteWhat did you have for lunch?
ReplyDeleteBack on the east coast we had an IKEA and I liked walking through the ready-made rooms to get ideas. Super fun. But I never ate there. People say the food is good.
I had their smoked salmon with salad. SOOOOO delicious! This is the first time I've eaten there and I was really impressed with the food.
DeleteCool beans.
DeleteOur furniture in Florida are all from IKEA. Many hours of building it but so worth it! The Ottawa store is so big... and wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely worth it, especially if you're not the one that puts it together...that would be me :)
DeleteI LOVE the store in Ottawa. We will definitely visit again!
I love IKEA and have a few furniture from the store. The place is hundreds of km away but me and my friends love visiting.
ReplyDeleteYou must really like it to drive that far. It's certainly one of my favourite places to visit!
DeleteWe only have one ikea in our city and it's 40 kilometres away so would take about 45 minutes. Have not been in it yet.
ReplyDeleteThe closest one to us is two hours away. 40 minutes would be so much better!
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