IKEA Addiction Recovery
By beccajoSigh.
It's happened three times in a row. I've gone to IKEA with no specific shopping list, and I have come away both empty-handed and disappointed in myself for not finding something spectacular to buy*. Is it me? Is it IKEA? Is this the end of a wondeful affair?
IKEA first entered my radar when my super cool older sis visited the north Chicago store on her way back to MN for the holidays, and she brought with her a bevy of beautiful, yet cheap, holiday presents for us all. In my family, the cost of the item and or the story accompaning its purchase makes up a large part of the giver's pleasure. 'Ooh, thanks for the purse!' 'I got it on SALE-it was originally $144 but I got it for $9!' 'Wow! Thanks!' You know. Things like that.
When I moved to Chicago to live with her way back in 1999, we got about 90% of our home furnishings there. A new bed, dishes, utensils, you name it. And when I moved back to MPLS, my roommate and I made a road trip to load up on IKEA-y goodness. Rugs, lamps, kitchen crap, jars, storage, etc. etc. etc. A good cheap Huyndai full of good cheap stuff, also, made overseas.
Ah. The glory days.
Being 25% Swedish, I think liking IKEA is just part of my genetic heritage. I will admit, I did camp out when they opened the Twin Cities store, but only from like 4 AM on. My folks will regularly drive over 35 miles just to have some Swedish Meatballs at the cafe 'That lunch is SUCH a good deal, it makes up for the gas we burn....' Okay Dad I'll take your word for it.
But now, I don't know what it is, I just don't find the exciting kind of accessories or unusually cheap deals anymore! There was a nice comforter that I wanted, but there was only one left and it had been pawed by several hundred other shoppers and showed visible lingonberry stains. Or something. Who knows.
If I had a kidlet, I would have been all over the new giant stuffed animals like Elephants and Hippos, but a 31-year old woman buying stuffed animals for herself is frowned upon in most cultures. BUMMER!
Maybe I just need to wait until I move into my new apartment, and I can go back and get all the little things like kitchen knives, and cutting boards, and that Wok I've been wanting for years. Maybe I just need a break, IKEA.
It's not you, it's me. I think.
Sigh.
*I did load up on Swedish food-y treats for the holidays. Lingonberry Cheesecake? Check. Sparkling Pear juice? Check. Supernice Granola with a smiling Swedelady on the front? Check. Tasty flower cookies? CHECK TIMES SIX man those are good!
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I'm obsessed with making the world a prettier place. I make my living as a production...
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