It all started one day when someone mentioned Ikea. I had never heard of it, being from upstate NY (no Ikea there when I was growing up) and then moving to the midwest, still hadn't been to one. The person I was talking to raved about it. I knew then, even if I had to drive 2 hours (4 hrs. round-trip), it would be worth it.

My first trip to Ikea was 6+ years ago. We had gone to Minnesota to visit the famous Mall of America. I knew I had to make a stop at Ikea, which was luckily a few blocks away. We got breakfast that morning (good value), then started our trek, 2nd floor and then 1st. Overwhelming, to the say the least. Every type of furniture, style, at really good prices. A bargain shopper's dream come true! I was hooked. I wanted to buy furniture but knew I couldn't get any of it on the plane. I had to settle for candles and kitchen stuff.

My family and I have since been to Ikea 3 other times, twice to the Pittsburgh, PA store and once to the Canton, Michigan store. Earlier this year, I got a coffee table and 2 side tables for under $50. This most recent trip we took my mother in law and brother in law and they were in awe of it. They could see why everyone talks about it! We had lunch at their cafeteria, I got chicken fingers and fries, really good. I told my mother in law to make sure she picked up a pack of cinnamon buns for home. I said she'd regret it if she didn't. She didn't heed my advice and after trying one, said she wished she had!

This latest Ikea trip for me was finding organizational stuff for my kitchen. I've been planning on organizing my kitchen for a long time and finally settled on the glass containers shown above. I am starting with organizing my baking supplies.

If you haven't been, make a trip, you will love it! Here is their web site for more info and locations.

And if you love Ikea like me, what do you like best about it- the furniture, home decor, etc? Please post a comment!