evil scandanavian creations

We went there just to replace a bowl that broke. We planned it. Only 10 minutes. In and out. Ok? We braced ourselves against the splashy displays, cheap prices, utilitarian design and simplistic form. We steadied ourselves for the As-Is room. No amount of self talk can prepare you for Ikea. You get vacummed to the bins of rag rugs and shelves of glimmering glass containers with latch closers. Shiny pots and pans and bed sheets in a dizzing array of colors. Before you know it you are buying a garlic press and considering remodeling your kitchen and hall closets with matching storage containers. We went in for one bowl and came out with 4. Two bags of those itty bitty candles, a package of hooks, left over containers, a picture frame, 2 post with lids (to match the other one), and the best thing of all....

A small duck down travel pillow with its own removeable pillow case and matching storage bag. You know for those late night train rides to the next European destination or those cheapo hostel rooms with the lumpy mattress. Soothing comfort from home in a bag.