Tuesday, April 10, 2012

    I is for IKEA 
 

After much promotion, IKEA arrived in Lone Tree, Colorado.  The store has done very well, scores of families visit as the store which is very kid-friendly and has  good quality items at reasonable  prices. If you like Swedish modern furniture, this store is for you.  You do feel as if you are not quite in the United States.  They serve free breakfasts on Monday, have special event buffets featuring Swedish food, Swedish Folk dancing, and a few giveaways.  And IKEA found itself as the theme winner of the annual Denver Post PEEPS Contest this April. Peeps are those yellow marshmallow chicks and rabbits that appear around Easter.  The paper sponsors a diorama contest using Peeps.  Other cities do as well.  Since "I" is the letter today, I could not resist sharing the winner with you.  Presenting:  the IKEA living room:  notice the detail, with the Peeps resting after trying to put a furniture item together, Ikea furniture, and food on the bar.  The Denver skyline is seen in the window and the tiny newspaper on the bulletin board announces IKEA's arrival.


After visiting the store, your furniture at home will seem overstuffed and outdated.  The childrens' department is my favorite with well-made wooden toys and lots of items for imaginary play.


Everyone all over the world knows IKEA.   For an interesting look at IKEA's philosophy, check out their website, and click on "Swedishness."  Topics from Sweden's neutrality, food, weather, and philosophy are all there.  Meanwhile, Fike means coffee in Swedish, so have a cup of  Fike and have fun with the A-Z challenge and be sure to check out Tina's blog @ http://kmdlifeisgood.blogpsot.com which is all about Sweden including Swedish lessons! 

16 comments:

  1. I love the peeps trying to put together IKEA furniture. What detail! Fun post!

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  2. Hi!
    I don't eat Peeps, but I do enjoy the diorama contest each year. I'd forgotten to look up the winners this year. The IKEA one is amazing! I love miniature things, and the cleverness it takes to make them.
    I was so excited that CO was getting an IKEA, but haven't made it down there yet...shameful. But eventually I'll be well (I pray) and able to make the trip.
    Thank you so much for mentioning me and my blog today. I really appreciate that!
    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
    Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

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    1. Tina, I know you are busy but when you have time, check the Ikea web site. I thought the comments about the Swedish life-style were wonderful and I would never have had the idea about IKEA without your blog.

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    2. I'll be sure to do that. There are definitely differences between our cultures even though both countries share so many similarities.
      Tina @ Life is Good
      Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
      Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

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  3. We've had an IKEA in Minneapolis for a number of years, but I made my first ever trip there just a few months ago. It was amazing and incredibly overwhelming to me at the same time. The "minimalist" look of furniture isn't really my thing, but I found some pieces that looked like they'd fit in my house.

    Fun post for I!

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    1. Thanks, TL. Their marketing is brilliant. It is very kid-friendly, and even if the furniture is not your thing, they have a little grocery store that sells the best herring in sour cream to be found besides other tasty items.

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  4. I love Ikea! I was just there 3x this weekend to but stuff for redecorating my home office.
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com
    Happy A-Zing!

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    1. I think it's fun to go there, just to look around and we are just 15 minutes away. Good luck with your re-decorating.

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  5. Love IKEA's diorama. How cool, especially all the little details.

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  6. I love IKEA, but the closet store is 3 hours away! Ugh!!! One of this years episodes of 30 rock, had a bit about knowing you're a real couple who is going to make if you can survive a trip to IKEA without leaving fighting. It gave me a good laugh.

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  7. I wish I had seen the episode. There is a funny story about how IKEA is doing in China. Wonder how I could fit it in? "Oh no, not China" (using the "O.")

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  8. lovely post :)

    do check out my letters at GAC a-z

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  9. Great post! I had been planning to write about IKEA too but I ran out of time yesterday! It's so cool that they have events and things at your IKEA! Lovely post :)


    Nikki – inspire nordic

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  10. Love IKEA. I went to my first one last summer and had a blast! Got my bookcases there and just love them!

    Anna@Herding Cats & Burning Soup

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  11. I love IKEA mostly for their swedish meatballs. The best you can buy and closest to home made.

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