IKEA in Carolina

Headed Back!

2009-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest husband, truly I do.
For Mother's Day I'm getting another trip back - Yay Me!

Now if the Ikea Gods would kindly have a "Seize the Day" promotion THAT INCLUDED CHARLOTTE this weekend, I would be most pleased. So far they've had 2 "Seize the Day weekend sales but because Charlotte is still generating such high volume they've been excluded.
NOT FAIR I say . . . NOT FAIR at all!

Time to get my wish list back out & updated.

A week later . . .

2009-02-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

and I'm ready to go back!

Due to finances I need to wait. I also want things to settle down a bit . . . give everyone else a chance to get in 1st.

I obviously didn't win a 1,000 dollar shopping spree . . . but congratulations to the people who did (lucky dogs you are!).

I left my extra copy of the 2009 Ikea catalog at work . . . looks like I need to arrange a group outing, everyone who has seen it is hooked - LOL.

OK . . . Drumroll Please . . .

2009-02-20T17:43:00.001-08:00

This picture is complements of the INCREDBLY AWESOME LIFESAVER Ms. Sonya Lopes!

Ok . . . so there were still some of you for some reason or another wanted to know what I really look like.

Only the Lord himself knows why!

If you saw this pathetic Ikea refugee at the grand opening . . . you guessed it . . . it was the one & (thank heavens) only ME!

For the rest of you . . . this is what I look like after waiting in the freeeeeeeezing rain for 6 hours with maybe 3 hours of sleep prior to, wearing no makeup and just having an asthma attack . . . the only time I have possibly ever looked worse was after giving birth naturally to a 9 pound baby.

LAUGH IT UP FOLKS!

Just a small disclaimer . . . I was wearing a sweater, a sweatshirt 2 fleece jackets & a Columbia jacket . . . I'm not that beefy . . . I used to be, but not anymore!

What A Day!

2009-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well . . . it was touch and go.

A long drive, a little drama and some miserable weather but I successfully attended the grand opening of the 1st Ikea in the Carolinas.

My journey didn't even begin until midnight. I boarded the car & headed off to Charlotte. My GPS was spot on accurate and the trip itself was just fine. Once I got there though there was a problem. I'm VERY asthmatic and the cold winds from last night weren't kind to my lungs. By the time I got to my spot at the end of the line I was struggling to breathe let alone set up. The wonderful people ahead of me in line helped me set up my machine & got me to an electrical outlet so I could take an albuterol treatment.

Just as I was feeling good on the machine I felt it . . . the rain drops.

I got right into my tent, blogged for Positive Fanatics then buried myself with the blankets I had brought with me. I must have dozed off for a bit because the next thing you know I could hear a lot of voices outside my tent. I came out and a large line of people had formed beyond me.

I made small talk with the folks adjacent to me . . . all in a good mood despite the weather. The rain hardly let up the entire morning AND it was cold to begin with. Luckily I was smart enough to wear 2 pairs of socks 2 pairs of pants and 4 tops/jackets and my hat/hoodie combo. I stayed relatively comfortable (with the exception of my lungs). Around the actual ceremony I could feel the cold permeating though my shoes & socks into my feet, not fun at all.

As we moved up in line making up for the space left over from the tents being put away I could feel another attack. The awesome girl who saved me earlier got someone from security to escort me to the family restroom and hour before the doors opened. I needed it . . . the guy from security was so nice & came in to check on me. I plan on writing a letter to Richard Castanon thanking him & praising the staff overall.

The Ikea co-workers really did the best they could to keep our spirits up (without coming across as phony). That's is one of the things I love about that store, no pretentiousness, no phonies, no attitudes just people available to help when needed. We were given doughnuts & apple juice, keychains, frisbees, and squshy mini chairs and most importantly rain ponchos in line.

The ceremony took place & at that point folks were getting restless . . . so they opened the doors 15 minutes early . . . let's face it they didn't want to be out there in the cold rain either!

Entering the store we were greeted by co-workers hooting, cheering & hollering. They kept going well into the morning giving 1st day shoppers an enthusiastic greeting. I have to say I kinda felt like a rock star when I went in. I am relieved that they didn't have those dreaded "bang sticks" like I've seen in footage of previous openings. Between the cold & my fatigue I don't think I could my head could have handled it.

I gave the showroom 1 good quick walk through then went right over to the restaurant. I got the regular breakfast and a coffee then sat down at a table that fortunately was next to a wall outlet and by the large window facing the side parking lot. I was able to take another treatment and view the steady stream of people still entering. It was nothing short of amazing.

. . . & that's when it hit me. I started to get a little teary eyed. I've waited a long time for this. To be able to shop at my favorite store without having to wait so long to actually get there. Granted it's still a good 3 1/2 hour drive, not exactly a trip I can do spontaneously but I can still plan a day trip without having to find overnight accommodations. I wish my family could have been there with me & I started missing them.

I trotted down to the market place & picked up a new hamper for daughter #1, a gift for daughter #2's teacher (that she's been dying to give her for months) some new curtain rod sets for my master bedroom and the obligatory 6-pack of cinnamon buns for my husband. In the plant shop they were giving out free baby houseplants to commemorate the grand opening. I picked one out for my friend Kelly as a thank you for taking care of my girls after school.

I roamed through the As-Is department (they have a LOT of stuff right now . . . I wish I'd brought more money and a pickup truck) then checked out.

I got to my van loaded up & started to leave when I realized it was only 10:30!

I had plenty of time to get home . . . but MAN I was EX-HAUST-ED! I was soooo tempted to pull off into a rest area & take a nap, but I just simply needed to get home.

I got home, gave myself a chance to unwind, then slept . . . but even right now I'm SOOOOOO tired.
I'm looking forward to a full night back in my warm, safe, comfy, dry bed!

That's about it . . . I will be continuing the blog . . . my work is far from done. I'm still shooting for at least one more store closer to home. I will keep posting any store opening updates and future trips, wish lists and sales as they come along.

WELCOME TO CAROLINA, IKEA!!!
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

This Will Be My Last Entry . . .

2009-02-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

. . .until after the store opens!

I will be posting updates at
PositiveFanatics.com as one of their guest bloggers for the Charlotte grand opening.
Thank you Susan for the opportunity!

This morning I've got to get going with sending the kiddos off to school, then it's straight into getting the van ready, my things packed up and charging all my electronic necessities.

Again, I cannot emphasize this enough, I hope everyone has a safe trip and a good time.

I will continue to blog about my Ikea outings, store updates, other store openings etc.

. . . maybe just maybe the Ikea gods will see fit to open a store even closer to my home. I know it's not "likely" but I learned a long time ago that one should never give up hope . . . nothing is ever impossible unless you give up completely.

Thank you for reading!

Vi ses imorgon! . . . that means "see you tomorrow" in Swedish

Only 48 Hours To Go!

2009-02-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

It's gone from years . . .
to months . . .
to weeks . . .

and in a blink of an eye we are down to hours people.

HOURS!

Again I cannot emphasize that I want everyone to have a safe journey whether you are driving 4 minutes or 4 hours to get there. Ikea crowds are normally the chillest you'll ever see. Everyone's just looking for the same thing . . . a good value for their home. Given that the store is brand-new stock will be at it's optimal so I doubt there will be a need for anyone to fight over the last "this-&-that."

What WILL stink is the fact that in time to come there will be stock shortages & the only recourse will be a drive to Altlanta or Woodbridge . . . if they see my way of thinking then another store could be built a bit closer . . . say Raleigh, NC . . . Columbia, SC . . . Florence, SC or . . . MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA!

I'm only saying.
It's a convenience factor . . .
ya know!

T-Minus 48 hours people . . . and counting!

3 Days To Go BAY-BEE!

2009-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

My Wednesday babysitter is confirmed (thank you Kelly . . . I will share my spoils with you).
D is getting his work schedule squared away . . . I am so happy!

I'm so excited to get this thing going!

The GPS is even programmed on my phone. Hey, here is a tip for those of you who who need to use a GPS to get there. The address is new (for example Mapquest doesn't list it yet , my Verizon VZ navigation software doesn't know the address either . . . but Google Maps does) so if whatever system you used doesn't know where the Ikea in Charlotte is simply program your destination as the intersection of I-85 & City Boulevard. I hope this gets you there quickly and safely.

Here's to good weather a safe journey to all and ample parking, deals and fun!

5 Days To Go!

2009-02-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well I've had another interview about things this week. I think I have all of my loose ends tied up - I just need a few more official confirmations.

I'm almost-sorta-kinda-sorta all set to go.

It also appears that the Charlotte Ikea is all dressed up & ready to go as well.
I will be SQUEALING like a little girl when I pull up to this place.

Can I bum a ride on that cart dude?
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Do you think they'll ban me if I plant a big wet one on the side of Joe Roth's cheek?
Just askin'

6 Days and Counting: Wow . . . it's really kicking in!

2009-02-12T05:01:00.001-08:00

In just the last 24 hours I've had 2 interviews from the press and quite a few emails all from this blog . . .

here's a secret . . .
I really didn't think anyone was reading!

I still need to work out my personal kinks . . . it's really gonna suck if I can't go. I'm not even trying to think about the possibility.

So to those of you sending positive thoughts, thank you!

For those of you withing a reasonable distance to a store already open Ikea is offering yet another yummy Seize the Day sale this weekend. Malm -3 drawer dressers for 40 bucks . . . JEEZ! Why couldn't they have waited until next weekend that way Charlotte could have joined in on the fun?

UGH . . . I swear they're doing this to tease me . . .
Joe Roth, are you just doing this to torture me?
LOL
I swear when I see him next week he's SO gonna get a finger-shaking from me!

LOL . . . ok you know I'm only kidding Mr. Roth . . . you know I love your work . . . now lets get some people over to Myrtle to scope out a new store site. (wink-wink)

Ok . . . it's the 11th . . . Part II

2009-02-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

well . . . they must've known I was blogging . . . I just got the email
LMAO!!!!!!

And PLEASE keep me in your thoughts . . . and hope I can get there next week . . . if I don't then . . . well . . . the last 2 years of my blog will end on a bad note.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send me your positive thoughts!

Free POÄNG chair — The first 100 adults (18+) in line Wednesday at 9 am get a FREE armchair.

Gold Envelopes — The first 2,500 adults (18+) in line at 9 am get an envelope with random vouchers for prizes such as IKEA Gift Cards ($0.50 to $250) or "Buy One, Get One Free" hot dog, cinnamon bun, or frozen yogurt treat.
Free FAMNIG cushion — The first 100 children (under 18) in line will receive a free FAMNIG HJÄRTA cushion.

Our birthday/Your birthday — Visitors with proof that they share our store's birthday, February 18, will receive a $10 IKEA Gift Card.

OK . . . it's the 11th

2009-02-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Still no "official" press release on the Grand Opening giveaway yet . . . but I did get word from a lil' birdie that a Poang armchair will be given to the 1st 100 people in line. I don't really need one . . . BUT I'LL TAKE IT!

Of course they are also giving away the usual giftcards to the 1st 2,500 customers that come in . . . that's par for the course. I wonder what I'll get? I'll be thankful to just get there to be honest . . . I've hit a major snafu in my travel plans . . . it's personal & I'm still trying to sort things out.

Usually they announce any entertainment scheduled . . . Ikea is big on entertainers in the store, even on non-Grand Opening days. My kids have had several face paintings in the past, not to mention seen steel drum bands, choral groups . . . you name it.

For any of you reading . . . please send me some good vibes . . . I'm due for a healthy shot of karma. I've been a good girl this year & this is all I've been waiting for.

This time next week . . .

2009-02-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

. . . if I'm not already there . . . I will be packing up the car, giving my final instructions to the family & headed off to Charlotte!

YAY!

15 Days to Go . . . I Swear I had NOTHING to do with this!

2009-02-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Tractor Trailer Interrupts Ikea Entrance Ribbon Cutting
Monday, February 2, 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The next step in Charlotte's Ikea store history took place Monday morning.There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for phase one of the Ikea entrance. The entrance will temporarily allow drivers to make a right in or out from University City Boulevard to North Tryon Street.An intersection will be built during phase two.The ribbon-cutting Monday did not go exactly as planned, however. A tractor trailer driver did not realize the road was not open and barreled through the ribbon. Fortunately, no one was in the road at the time so no one was injured. Video of the incident is attached to this story.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/18621311/detail.html#-

I do not know how to drive a rig!
I can't even drive stick shift!
I don't even know anyone with a tractor trailer on this side of the country!

I did not . . . REPEAT . . . I did not crash through the ribbon cutting ceremony Union City Boulevard this morning!

I wasn't even in Charlotte today . . . I have an alibi!!!

Welcome Aboard Positive Fanatics!

2009-02-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Positive Fanatics - The Unofficial IKEA Web Journal

This just in . . .
I've been asked (oh . . . who am I kidding . . . I offered my services) to guest blog for Positive Fanatics during the Grand Opening!

Yeah . . . I'm almost sorta-kinda-sorta-famous among a cult following.
SCORE!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Anyways, this is a welcome to anyone from P.F. who stumbles across my blog. Please come in, have a seat on my Poang and help yourself to a glass of lingonberry juice . . . just don't put your feet up on my Lack coffee table!

My entries are part tongue-in cheek, part passion and part boredom. So bear with me. Enjoy the humor or scoff at my desperation . . . either way is fine by me. I'm honored to guest blog & hope I don't screw things up. So thanks for your time & I'm looking forward to the fun and excitement that comes with an Ikea Opening.

16 Days to Go . . . They're TEASING!!!

2009-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

A new link appeared this morning. I KNEW they couldn't resist a few more trickles of info prior to the official itinerary announcement next week.

I like the little countdown clock . . . it makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside!
I found one through blogspot I can customize . . . too bad I couldn't change the colors though.

Don't forget to try your shot at the "Fill a Blue Bag" Contest . . . break out your cell phones. I gave it a shot this morning but I never got the follow-up text messages.

Also there is a form you can fill out & print online that could win you a $1,000.00 Ikea Gift Card (I'll do that one when I get to my printer at work).

I, personally, am waiting for the Big Kahuna . . . Opening Day announcements. According to the website link that information will be made available on February 11th. That's no big shocker . . . they always wait a week in advance for that. People can speculate all they want. I prefer the official word. It makes the difference between my leaving on Monday or Tuesday.

More than likely I will trek my way to Charlotte as soon as the girls are taken to school on Tuesday morning. Unless there is really something I can't resist you won't see me there until then, but who knows.

. . . actually Ikea knows . . . they're just not saying anything until February 11th!

17 Days to Go: Taking Inventory

2009-02-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

This morning I pulled out my stuff & went though things I can take with me to make waiting in line a bit more pleasant. The pop-up tent is designed for children, but considering I am the size of your average 12 year old I think I'll be fine. I got inside & did a little "sleep test" with no problem. I sleep in the fetal position anyway!This is what it looks like . . . don't laugh . . . I do fit inside!
AAAAAAnd it folds up into a 15 inch wide disk . . . so it won't get in the way of any of my purchases on the ride home!

I totally forgot I also have 2 brand new folding beach chairs . . . so I have a place to park my butt on the concrete . . . SCORE!

I have 2 packs of hand-warmers in case it gets cold (Charlotte is chillier than Myrtle). I also have snow pants, a Columbia 3-in-1 jacket and many blankets & pillows I can bring as well. It's going to be in the middle of February, granted I was expecting a March/April camp out but I can tolerate 1 night in the cold knowing I get there earlier than expected. Pray for an unusually warm week in Charlotte . . . it can happen.

In case they do allow us to plug into the building I do have my outdoor extension cord ready, it will help keep my laptop, cellphone & asthma nebulizer powered. The nebulizer also has a car adapter & battery pack so I'm not worried.

I don't have an inflatable mattress (BUMMER) nor do I have a sleeping bag (BIG BUMMER) . . . but I'm still going to try to borrow one or butter up D to get me one. I'd much rather borrow, I don't want anything biting into my shopping budget!

Speaking of shopping budget . . . I'm already working on my shopping list. Granted, I still don't know what my final budget will be, but I am coming up with several scenarios. It feels SO good to know it's only about 2 weeks . . . I guess that's why I'm been in a good mood. My mood will probably take a nose dive when the hubby slashes my budget. I smell a battle brewing!

19 Days & Counting - Announcements Coming Soon!

2009-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

It looks like the official website for the store has changed this afternoon as they have replaced the generic logo with this picture of the building in it's latter stages of construction. Coming from experience this usually means they are getting ready to announce what the actual schedule of events will be on February 18th. Note: the store's phone number has been released!

General Information

Address:
8300 IKEA Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262

Phone:
(704) 549-4532

Store hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-7pm

Rumors have been spreading along several blogs & forums concerning what events, prizes and specials will be made available for the IKEA Charlotte Grand Opening.

Frankly, I could care less if all they were having was a couple of balloons and they were giving away bags of dog poop - I'm gonna be there with bells on!

Anything else is just a bonus to me and I will take anything I get with sincere gratitude (sans actual dog poop - I have enough of that already).

As far as what they give away, if anything, I will make the absolute most of it. Don't get me wrong, a new couch (like they gave away at Red Hook) would be sweet, but the economy is a different beast than it was a mere 7 months ago.

Not to be mean . . . but I think I'd actually like to see them not give away too much. The values there cannot be beat, even by the local furniture wholesale stores. The "Wal-Mart crowd" will be shocked as to how much better priced the goods are in The Marketplace.

Given the state of things I suspect a lot of people will show up only for the lure of free items. Let them come, let them be converted! Just leave some stuff for ME!
LOL!

But here's to the madness that is an IKEA Grand Opening, it will be my 1st & hopefully not my last. . . that's a hint Joe . . .

Yes, Joseph Roth, I'm talking directly to you . . . MYRTLE BEACH . . . MYRTLE BEACH . . . MYRTLE BEACH!

OK, Maybe It Won't Be So Bad.

2009-01-28T06:58:00.001-08:00

Thank God for tax refunds . . . Momma's probably going to go to IKEA afterall!
We filed this morning & should see our refund in 10 days . . . YAY!

And my BFF is going to try & stop out to the College Park store for my duvet cover set on Saturday . . . I LOVE YOU BETSY! Even if she can't make it or they sell out, she's willing to give it a shot & that's what I love about her.

I broke a bookshelf yesterday (no, not an IKEA one but one I was planning on getting rid of anyway). I was running the vacuum cleaner & ran by it a little too hard on an already weak spot & BOOM . . . it fell apart. Luckily nothing valuable on it was damaged (it only held books).

So . . . I'm adding a Billy bookshelf to my already growing list.

It's Just Not Fair!

2009-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

We have yet another Seize the Day special going on this weekend at IKEA and they're selling off my BELOVED Tanja Brodyr comforters!

I've been lusting after the purple one in queen sized since the day I laid eyes on it . . . and everytime I visited a store I never picked one up because of one reason or another. I assumed (like an idiot) that I would just be able to pick one up once the Charlotte store opened (in less than a MONTH!). Now I have to dreadfully assume they are getting rid of them all!

WAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
This is TOTALLY unfair!

I've had NO luck lately.

OH . . . and to top it off my hubby says we may not be able to let me go to Charlotte next month due to financial reasons.

THE HELL I WON'T!
Grandma still owes me Christmas money!
I get a check + a 50 dollar commission next month.

OH . . . I AM GOING . . . YOU'D BEST BELIEVE THAT!

Even if I buy nothing except from what I might get from a free gift card I AM GOING!
I think he forgets how evil I can be when I don't get my way.
If he continues to mess with me he just might find out!

More 'Gettin' Ready' Pics!

2009-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of the Charlotte Business Journal
It's a thing a beauty!

Speaking of the grand opening . . . the hubby and I went browsing around this morning while the kids were at school & stopped by the new Coleman camping store in town. I saw a cute pink sleeping bag that I'd love to get for the camp out . . . but he didn't bite. BUMMER!

Well at least I have the pop-up tent, flashlight, blankets, hand warmers and stuborness to get me through the night. Ha-ha-ha . . . I feel like Steve Martin at the end of "The Jerk" when he says all he needs is his ashtray, ping-pong game, remote control, lamp, chair,thermos and matches . . . yeah that'll be me in line at IKEA!
Just picture the same sad human being only as a 5'3" blonde in a pink robe & significantly less hairy.

Knock Me Over With a Feather!

2009-01-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

IKEA will be a part of the fabric of Charlotte North Carolina in a matter of weeks . . . not months but weeks, and now pictures are being released showing an influx of merchandise being brought into the store and the assembly of showroom goods by the ever busy-bee IKEAn workers. Forget Christmas . . . THIS is the most wonderful time of the year!

Click here to see the slide show courtesy of the Charlotte Observer

God, I'm so jealous . . . do you realize people actually get PAID to put together IKEA furniture AND coordinate IKEA rooms? That is my DREAM JOB people! If they put a store in Myrtle Beach not only would I be the 1st person in line but I'd tell them to just go ahead & put 1/2 of my pay in an account to cover my purchases. They theoretically wouldn't even have to pay me just let me totally deck out my house in IKEA then I could be a living billboard for them . . .

JOE ROTH, ARE YOU READING THIS???
WE COULD SERIOUSLY WORK OUT A DEAL HERE!!!

Oh . . . and I have another "hack" challenge on my hands . . . whilst I was visiting in Maryland over the holidays I sweet-talked the hubby (thank heavens we had the truck with us) into going to the College Park store with me. The As-Is Department had queen sized Noresund bed frames for 40 flippin' dollars! There was a catch . . . no side rails . . . so the hubby is going to see about mounting the headboard & footboard on a pre-existing bedframe. The bed looks totally gourgeous in the room when I lay the head & footboards against it. Please pray that we can get it to work . . . it was a 40 dollar gamble I'm willing to take.

Gear Up!

2009-01-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I was a good girl for Christmas this year . . . no, I didn't get a 5-thousand dollar IKEA giftcard (I wasn't THAT good) but I did get a few things to help me out during my camp-out for the Grand Opening.

I got one of those "Snuggly" blankets that you wear like a robe . . . PERFECT. It's sooooooo warm! It got me through these 2 weeks of AWFUL freezing nights in MD.

We got 2 hand-crank powered flashlights . . . awesome!

My daughter got a pop-up tent . . . and . . . get this . . . it's BLUE AND YELLOW!
HOW FUNNY IS THAT!?!?
(Yes, she said I can borrow it. Thank you sweetheart!)

I have a cooler, I have a boom-box and ipod. Now I just need to tie up my loose ends & score some private lessons this month and I'm all set!

C'mon tax refund!

We Have A Date . . . Now Let's Get to Business!

2008-12-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's officially official folks . . . here's the new write-up on the Ikea Charlotte Website.

IKEA Charlotte opening February 18, 2009!
Air out your camping gear!
Customers can begin lining up at IKEA Charlotte at 9:00 AM on Monday morning,
February 16, 2009 – in advance of our February 18, 2009 opening. We are going to
be doing something special for everyone on opening morning so you do not have to
be the first, second, or third customer in line* in order to share in the fun.
Keep checking for updates!
*There will be no specific prize given to just the
first, second, or third customer in line.

I can't wait to see what prizes they will have to offer. When Brooklyn's (Red Hook) store opened earlier this year they were giving away couches! Given the current status of our economy I'm not sure if they're going to go all out on the prizes or keep things conservative. I guess it's a wait & see situation right now. Granted, I don't need a couch, but if they have something sweet enough to tempt me I might just throw caution to the wind & be there on Monday morning to ensure my spot. . . port-a-potties and winter weather be damned. Otherwise I plan on heading to Charlotte Tuesday evening and just camping out the 1 night.

Other than money my biggest issue now is childcare. I know it stinks but I may have to head back home by noon so I can be there when school lets out. Actually, afterschool care isn't even a problem but the overnight/morning thing is. Maybe my DH will take that day off & ensure our little ones get to school. With all he's put up with already I guess I shouldn't push it, huh? Why does IKEA have to do their Grand Openings on Wednesdays!?!?

FEBRUARY 18th 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

It's been announced . . . I just read it . . .

MY HEART IS STILL POUNDING!

CHARLOTTE - Furniture retailer IKEA said today it will open its Charlotte store
on Feb. 18.
It will be the Swedish company's first store in the Carolinas.
The company announced its intent to open the Charlotte store in 2007.
The
356,000 square-foot store is being built in the University City area, at the
northeastern corner of Interstate 85 and City Boulevard.
The store will
employ about 400 people.

. . . now if you'll excuse me I need to compose myself.

IKEA's Columbus Day Sale Anyone? UPDATE: CONFIRMED!

2008-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

A little birdie shot me some email this morning detailing another Seize the Day Sale comming up this weekend . . . anyone else know about this? IT'S TRUE!!! IT'S TRUE!!!
IKEA ANNOUNCED IT THIS MORNING!!!

It sounds like a GOOD one . . . hello . . . Tundra flooring for 49 cents a square foot? I WISH I COULD GET SOME! How ironic that THIS is also the SAME weekend I planned on taking another trip to Woodbridge to score the 7 piece dining room set featured in the 2009 cataloge for only 200 bucks. Unfortunately things have come up & I COULD still go get it (in theory) but I would be BROKE for the remainder of the month. I was hoping to squeeze in some private lessons between the time I found out & now but I got really sick a few weeks ago & that killed all of my chances.

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

SOMETHING’S COOKIN’ IN THE KITCHEN!
“SEIZE THE DAYS” WITH SPECIAL COLUMBUS DAY SALE AT IKEA

IKEA Offers Jaw-Dropping Deals on Kitchen Items October 11 - 13

WHAT: IKEA understands that home is the most important place in the world, so it is inviting shoppers to “Seize the Days” October 11 – 13, 2008 to find even lower prices on must-have items for the kitchen1. Special deals include:

· $19.99/4 pcs IKEA 365+ cookware set (reg. $59.99)2: Perfect for making your favorite family recipes, every day of the week (or year).
· $1.99/17 pcs PRUTA food saver set (reg. $4.99)3: Dishwasher, freezer AND microwave safe. No excuse for take out!
· $199 NORDEN dining table (reg. $399)4: Make room for the whole family and then some with this expandable table.
· 49¢/sq ft TUNDRA flooring (reg. $1.15/sq ft)5: The price of flooring falls through the floor!

FREE BREAKFAST6: These three days, fuel up for a fabulous day of shopping with a FREE Breakfast (one small breakfast and one cup of coffee) from opening to 10:30 a.m.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2008 to Monday, October 13, 2008

WHERE: IKEA stores across the country

1 “Seize the Day” Sale : Offers valid on in-stock merchandise and while supplies last. Not valid on prior purchases. Selections vary by store. Offers are not valid at IKEA Direct, IKEA Seattle and IKEA Houston. See IKEA store for country of origin information. Some products require assembly. See store or http://www.ikea-usa.com/ for details.

2 IKEA 365+ cookware set: Includes 3 and 5 qt pots with lids. 1 qt saucepan with lid (all dishwasher safe). 15-year limited warranty. D”11 frying pan (hand-wash). Stainless steel. Frying pan with non-stick Teflon® Platinum coating. 5-year limited warranty. Limit one (1) per customer. While supplies last.

3 PRUTA food saver set. Plastic. Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe. Limit one (1) per customer. While supplies last.

4 NORDEN dining table: Clear-lacquered solid birch. Extendable with one extra leaf. Seats 8-10. Limit one (1) per customer. While supplies last. Requires assembly.

5 TUNDRA flooring: Laminated flooring with click system. Available in seven colors. One pack covers 23.73 sq ft. Limit 25 packages per customer. While supplies last. Requires assembly.

6 BREAKFAST: Limit one (1) per customer, while supplies last. Offer not valid at IKEA Houston, IKEA Seattle, IKEA Hicksville or IKEA Direct.

OMG! OMG! OMG!

2008-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

I'm still a little emotional . . . yes, I also know I am pathetic.

The Charlotte Observer released photos of the store under construction!

Ikea has also announced the name of my new BFF (AKA the store General Manager), Richard Castanon, this week as well. I should send him a fruit basket or something. I just hope he knows the difference between a stalker and an independent-uberfan-blogger.

I only wish the roads would get built faster . . . wouldn't it be nice to open the store just a wiiiiiiitle early . . . pweeeeeeze . . . just a wiiiiiiiiiiiiitle. (Baby-talk always worked with my kids, so why can't I use it on corporate and local governments!)

OK . . . first off I gotta say I am TOTALLY jealous of ANYONE that lives close to this joint . . . but to get access INSIDE of the store . . . I would hyperventilate . . . I guess this is why they don't invite independent-uberfan-bloggers inside in advance . . . too much hassle getting an ambulance onto the grounds. And even if I didn't pass out they'd have to find a big enough crow bar to pry me out of the building with because I would refuse to leave.

THANK YOU CHARLOTTE OBSERVER for these highly anticipated pictures:

This ranks as my new #1 "happy thoughts" provoking image!

The Warehouse . . . otherwise known as the "Self-Serve" area.

Please get the roads done quickly and safely . . . pray for no rain . . . pray for smooth sailing . . . pray for the health of the contractors . . . mostly just PRAY!

This is the future home of IKEA's cafeteria . . . this is also going to be where I dive face 1st into a plate of Sweedish Meatballs on opening day after enduring life with pup tents and (*cringe*) port-a-potties. I'll probably be re-creating the Meg Ryan orgasm scene from "When Harry Met Sally" . . . just a warning!

I think I'm the only loser who's enthused to the point of actually blogging all of this . . . but I don't care. I've waited a long time for this. Forget Christmas, forget my birthday (which is the day after Election Day . . . and I do accept IKEA gift cards thankyouverymuch), those days come every year . . .

I equate this to my wedding day . . . I waited patiently for it to happen, the date got set, I did a lot of planning, and the whole day will consist of a huge party & seeing a bunch of people I don't know. Who am I kidding! I ELOPED! LMAO!

I've Never Been Camping Before

2008-09-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

Now I'm kinda freaking out . . .
I KNOW THE STORE DOESN'T EVEN OPEN FOR LIKE ANOTHER 5-6 MONTHS . . .
but I'm sitting here alone on a Saturday (. . . well, not alone . . . Ike is playing with his toys in the foyer) the kids are sleeping in but I had to get up at 6:30 to take my husband into work. He was sent home yesterday with a migraine & one of his buddies drove him, so his car was still at work.

ok . . . so I'm sitting here & thinking about the grand opening (because I'm bored, not obsessed, mind you) and realizing that up until this point of my life I've never slept outside in a tent . . . EVER!

Sure, we own a tent and camping gear . . . my husband has long dreamed of taking the girls out camping but I wanted NO part of it. I've told him that my idea of roughing it is staying at the Marriott across the street from the campground.

It's not that I don't like nature . . . I love nature . . . BUT I HATE SNAKES!
I have an awful snake phobia. Now I know the likelyhood of snakes slithering around the concrete and asphalt IKEA parking lot is slim to none (Thank Jesus) but I'm gonna have to figure out how the hell to put the tent up without looking like a total idiot.

It would be nice if someone who's done an IKEA campout could give me some survival tips.

For example: I know they let you leave the line for potty breaks . . . but do they let you go potty in the building? a port-a-potty? do you have to find a place off-site?

I may have to tap out if it's a port-a-potty . . . I think I'd rather make out with a Boa Constrictor 1st . . . that's the other reason I don't do camping!

Dear Colorado, Welcome to the Club!

2008-09-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Ikea just announced the opening of 2 new stores in the US for 2010.
1 in Colorado & 1 in Massachusetts (yes, I would also put congrats to Massachusetts shoppers but they already have a store in Stoughton . . . it's not like anyone there has to drive 5 FLIPPIN HOURS TO GET AN IKEA already!)

Now all you Colorado Ikea junkies (& soon-to-be-junkies) has to do is wait.
To be honest . . . WAITING SUCKS!

The only advice I can give is to keep yourself busy, plan a budget to save up for (I wish I had) and this time next year keep an eye out on construction updates & the announcement of a groundbreaking ceremony.

Then keep even busier than ever . . . a blog, for example, may help tie up some time.

If you have relatives or friends that live within driving distance to a store already take an extended vacation with them . . . make sure you have plenty of room in your vehicle for whatever just happen to buy at IKEA while you are visiting . . . they probably won't mind your visit . . . you won't really be hanging around their house all day anyway!

Get a pet & name it IKEA . . . that way when the name gets thrown around the house it will dull your senses a bit . . . it's also a good conversation starter.

I'm just glad that finally someone else has the 2 year waiting game . . . We have less that a year . . . but this less than a year jazz seems slower than the 2 year mark did.

I've gotta think of more ways to keep busy . . . is it March yet?

Look at me!

2008-09-07T16:51:00.001-07:00

(not really ME . . . my mug is too ugly)

but look at what I did!

I MADE A HACK!

My 1st IKEA hack!

made from the Tryggve shalves I bought on sale over the summer.

YAY ME!

Need a Job?

2008-08-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm jealous of anyone who actually lives close enough to get a new job at the Charlotte Store.

If I could I'd apply for a nice 9-5 co-worker position . . . but alas my studio schedule, the kids & their schedule . . . not to mention the 3 hour 1-way commute would kill me.

Anyways . . . it looks like they're getting everything logistically underway and actively looking to fill some of the 400 positions that will be needed at the Charlotte IKEA.

http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/img/ikea_near_you/charlotte.pdf

if you read the schedule in the link above it looks like they're getting ready to hand over all of the HR stuff to new staff & will be setting up the actual HR Department in just a few weeks!
Floor Positions will start work in December . . . DECEMBER!!!
The final phase of initial hiring will be January (Food Services) . . . next thing you know I will be packing my camping gear & be parked in their lot waiting to open.

I swear this is the 1st time ever I wanted the summer to just hurry up & end . . . just so I can look forward to next Spring!

I have 1 more weekend in MD . . . then I'll be back in December . . . THEN & I'm hoping & praying that the store would be open in time for my kids' spring break . . . either way I'm going to IKEA whether it be MD or NC at that time . . . regardless I WILL be there on opening day, you can count on that . . . I'll sell a kidney if I have to!

My Summer Shopping Spree!

2008-08-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

I've had a MARVELOUS summer so far living back in the land of 3 Ikeas within driving distance . . . otherwise known as Maryland. But I glance at the calender and realize my time here is quickly coming to an end and pretty soon I'll be back to my home, my husband, my friends, my job & my students . . . all of whom I love & adore.

So far I can't even count the trips I've made to College Park. I plan on hitting Baltimore just once (it's a small store but I am kicking myself for missing their tent sale last weekend).

The majority of my daughter's birthday presents came from the blue & yellow store, not to mention I made some purchases for the studio . . . I also stockpiled on whiteboard pens for my little one entering 3rd grade (dry erase markers are pricey . . . theirs are $1.99 or a 7-pack people!).

I still have a lot more I want . . . far more than what I can afford between now & the next 2 weeks . . . I WOULD have had a lot more to buy but unfortunately my hot water heater AND Air Conditioning died within a few days of each other . . . so I have to go without my Malm black-brown bedroom set yet again! I'm just glad I wasn't there to witness it . . . my poor husband!

I only pray he finished painting the living room like he promised he would . . . I have tons more for him to help me with when I get back . . . MY POOR HUSBAND!
LOLZ!

AND WE HAVE AN ADDRESS!!!

2008-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

The new 2009 Ikea Cataloge is comming to a mailbox near you . . .

unfortunately it won't be in those mailboxes for another few weeks . . . BUT . . .

You can access it online!
I luvs the interwebs!

& according to the new cataloge the Charlotte store will be located at:
8300 IKEA Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28262

Program your GPS now people . . . although the GPS people probably won't have their crap together soon enough to get you there on opening day anyway . . . you know how it is with accessing new roads . . . UGH!

OK I'm Getting Desperate . . . Announcing the "Pics for Meatballs Contest!"

2008-07-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

I'm currently spending the summer back home visiting with the family & staying only 30 minutes from the College Park IKEA (YEEEEE-HAH!!! . . . yeah, I've been there every week so far).

But I still haven't been able to swing by Charlotte to see the construction progress since November . . . there was nothing to see in November, just cleared land . . . but now I hear stuff is going up and not being able to see it is driving me INSANE!!!

Look I'm willing to make a deal with anyone in or going to the Charlotte soon that can score me a pic of the construction site . . . since I'm so close to an IKEA already . . .
area

I'm willing to pony up . . .

brace yourselves . . .

a whopping 5 dollar gift card (you can buy your 1st helping of Sweedish Meatballs with it) to the 1st person who can score me a really good shot . . . or 2 . . . or 20 even . . . of the Charlotte IKEA construction site!

I will happily post the pics here on the blog and give full credit to the contributor (or not, if that person wishes to remain anonymous).

. . . and I'd make the prize a little more exciting but I have to be honest . . . I'm broke!
But the least I can do is buy you a meal for your kindness.

Hit the View my Complete Profile thingy over here on the right side --->
& then click my email link on my profile thingy to enter . . .

remember . . . no cheating . . .

winner will be chosen by my discretion if there is any drama . . . & remember people it's for a lousy 5 dollar gift card, not the lottery!

If you don't win the gift card but still want to contribute pics I will be more than happy to post them AND give you credit as well.

Ground Breaking Pic

2008-04-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

So I Gets an Email From Big Joe Roth . . .

2008-04-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah . . . me and him are good buddies (I wish . . . if we were they would have been in MB today and not Charlotte!)

Anyways . . . ground was broken today (officially) . . . but I couldn't be there . . . I had the gas money but I needed to stay close to home in case my little one got sick again (she had a tummy bug on Monday & puked all over my Stjarna Quilt).

Here's a copy of the press release the big guy sent me . . . I didn't see any other names attached to my email . . . so either it's one of those encoded generic mass emailings . . . or I'm SPECIAL (Momma always said I was).

For Immediate Release Contact: Joseph Roth, Expansion Public Affairs
April 9, 2008 (610) 834-0180, x 6500

EXPANDING ITS PRESENCE IN U.S. AND SOUTHEAST,
SWEDISH RETAILER IKEA BREAKS GROUND FOR STORE IN CHARLOTTE, NC

As construction begins, IKEA Charlotte is on track to open Spring 2009 in University City

CHARLOTTE, NC – With company representatives, local officials and community leaders on-hand,
IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially broke ground for its future store
in Charlotte, North Carolina. Until IKEA Charlotte opens in Spring 2009 as the 5th IKEA store in the
Southeast and 36th IKEA store in the United States, customers can shop at stores in Atlanta, GA;
and Woodbridge, VA; or at www.IKEA-USA.com. Other stores in the Southeast are located in
Orlando, FL and Sunrise, FL, with a store opening Summer 2009 in Tampa, FL.
The 356,000 square-foot IKEA Charlotte, with 1,600 parking spaces, will be built on 25 acres in
the University City area, at the northeastern corner of I-85 and City Boulevard, and will reflect the
same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. After the store
opens, Crescent Resources will develop the surrounding 175-acre mixed-use ‘Belgate’ development.
The future IKEA Charlotte will present nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, three model
home interiors, approximately 50 room settings, a supervised children’s play area, a 300-seat
restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as
well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features will include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the
showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
“We appreciate the reception given to us by officials and community leaders here. Now that
construction has begun, it is exciting to see physical progress toward the future IKEA Charlotte,”
said Michael Maier, IKEA real estate manager. “We will be bringing our unique family-friendly
shopping experience closer to more than 150,000 IKEA customers in the Carolinas who currently are
driving great distances to shop at our stores. This location also will attract new customers from
throughout the Carolinas and beyond who value good design, good function and affordable prices.”
When the store opens in Spring 2009, IKEA Charlotte will welcome 400 new coworkers into
the IKEA family. Candidates interested in working at this employer of choice should look for all
positions online at www.IKEA-USA.com, where they will be able to apply for diverse positions
available in: home furnishings sales, interior decoration, customer service, safety and security,
cashiers, maintenance, goods flow, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. Also, setting
itself apart from other retailers, IKEA Charlotte will offer approximately 60 food service
opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria. IKEA has
been ranked in FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list (three years in a row),
Working Mother magazine’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” (four years in
a row) and Training magazine’s annual “Top 125” ranking of companies that excel at human capital
development (five years in a row). IKEA will create 500 construction jobs and generate significant
tax revenue for local governments and schools.
There currently are more than 270 IKEA stores in 36 countries, including 34 in the United States,
where other new stores are being planned in: Brooklyn, NY; Somerville, MA; and Tampa, FL. Since its
1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings of good design and
function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. As part of this commitment to
create a better everyday life for the many people, IKEA incorporates environmentally and socially
responsible efforts into day- to-day business, strives to be an employer of choice, and continually
supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. For information about
IKEA, and about working at IKEA, please go to www.IKEA-USA.com.
# # #

The Next Generation

2008-04-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

"I believe the children are our future"

Come on! You know the lyrics so sing along!

This is my oldest (on the right) trying out a sofa in the Marketplace at the College Park IKEA with my bff's daughter last month.

Gotta keep the tradition rolling!

Spring has Sprung

2008-03-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

From what I gather land has been cleared at the Charlotte Construction site for some time . . . but now Spring, that glorious season of rebirth and warmer weather has begun, and the real nitty gritty of IKEA comming to the Carolinas will kick into full gear.

I recently found the official announcement of the ground breaking & selection of which construction firm will actually be building my Southern Sweedish Salvation . . .

April 9th is JUST around the corner!!! Too bad I don't know if I can get there for the ceremony or not . . . it's on a Wednesday & I don't work on Wednesdays but money is tight right now . . . I will elaborate further down.

http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2008/03/24/daily9.html?jst=cn_cn_lk

Swedish retailer Ikea will break ground for its first store in Charlotte on
April 9.
The 356,000-square-foot store will be built on 25 acres in the
northeast quadrant of the Interstate 85 interchange at City Boulevard, in
the
University City area. It will employ approximately 400 workers and have
1,600
parking spaces.
The store, slated to open next spring, will be
Ikea's first
in North Carolina and its 36th in the United States.
In
addition to
marketing nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, the store
will feature three
model-home interiors, 50 room settings, a supervised
children's play area and a
300-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties.
Ikea has hired Charlotte's Bovis
Lend Lease Inc. as the construction-management firm for the structure
and
site work.
Crescent
Resources of Charlotte is the master land developer for the project.

This is WAY beyond EXCITING!

I was up north for spring break . . . & we DID actually get part of our tax refund back but instead of going IKEA crazy as I originally planned I went IkeaCrazy of another type . . .

Meet Ikea Fonzarelli

a Pomeranian puppy we just adopted 3 weeks ago

he cost me my IKEA fund for the spring & ladies can't resist him . . . hence his naming.

. . . we just call him Ike for short

I did manage to stop by the College Park & Woodbridge stores over Spring break last week & scored a HELLA deal on gift wrap . . . 6 roll packs of christmas gift wrap for TEN CENTS . . . I bought 3 packs . . . I won't need to buy gift wrap for a while.

I also picked up some coasters, a set of measuring cups and storage boxes from the As-Is Department.

My 11 year old is also showing her IKEA addiction . . . she bought a hamper for herself & her little sister, a block candle with tray and a dustpan. . . the apple don't fall far from the tree you know. I have a feeling that I will have to pull her out of school for the grand opening . . . at least I'll have a camping buddy!

Now I need to come up with gas money to get to Charlotte next week.

He Must Read My Blog . . .

2008-01-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

My husband loves me, truly deeply loves me . . . Either that or he's just finally figured out after 12 years of marriage that when I don't get my way there is hell to pay.

He's giving any and all tax refund money to my Ikea fund!

I only hope we actually see a refund this year. Last year we didn't because we still owe some money to the Federal government for a big screw up a while back. We are in the process of still paying them back but I'm not sure if they let us get our refund if we are in good repayment status or not . . . I guess I should look that up before I get my hopes up too high.

Well in the meantime I still have a wish list & here it is

Master Bedroom
2 Vila square pillow covers (in white)
Tanja Brodyr quilt cover set in purple
2 Kilan bedspreads (large) 1 in dark red 1 in purple
2 Malm 6 drawer dressers in black/brown (1 in each style) for our master bedroom
a Michael desk in black/brown

My Daughters' Rooms
a Malm queen bedframe in birch for my older daughter
Quilts for each girl
Hanna Parla Quilt cover in red/white (Queen) for older child

Den
2 Billy bookcases in black/brown (large)
1 Benno CD tower in black/brown
3 Michael computer carts (pink for older child, blue/green for younger)
2 Snille work chairs (same colors as the Michael carts)

Dear God I'm not even in the kitchen or bathrooms & I think I filled my van already!
My head hurts now.

Well, I did some more cyber-hunting on anymore dirt regarding the Charlotte store & so far nothing new. I did however come to the conclussion that the official groundbreaking should be very soon . . . between May-June. I looked up ohikea.com, a site that is following the progress of the West Chester Ikea opening in a few months & I'm making an educated guess based on their timetable (it's similar to the one planned for Charlotte seperated only by 1 year). The West Chester, OH groundbreaking was May of last year with a Spring 08' opening date. Based on what I've read in forums the land in Charlotte is already cleared of trees. (I REALLY WISH THERE WAS A PIC ONLINE! NONE OF THE SATELITE MAPS ARE CURRENT). So it should be only a matter of time that there will be an announcement about the traditional groundbreaking ceremony. I might have to make a jaunt there when that time comes . . . at the very least be able to find my way around the area in advance.

It's an illness . . . it really is . . . Britney Spears has nothing on me.
(but I do take care of my kids)

What "Ikea Santa" Got Me for Christmas

2008-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

. . . or "What I Bought Myself With My Christmas Money This Year"

Ikea - College Park, MD
Lack large coffee table in black/brown
Lack side table in black/brown
2 Signe rugs in red/beige/navy (for the kitchen)
a pair of Kavaklad frying pans
3 4-packs of Dragby glasses (which incedentally look JUST like glasses that we bought right after we got married 12 years ago, the surviving glasses match perfectly)
a Babord shoe rack for the foyer (perfect match with my now discontinued Babord hat rack)
a pack of 100 Glimma tealights
an extra "blue bag"
the Full/Queen Gosa Stjarna quilt for the master bedroom

Ikea - Batimore, MD (my 1st trip to that store & MAN is it smaller than I'm used to in CP or Woodbridge)
Ceder Quilt cover in white
2 Gosa Vila (the euro size) pillows
1 Slumra flat sheet
2 Slumra fitted sheets (I'm using 1 to cover my boxspring because they were out of the Queen sized Oxel bedbase covers in white)

I'm kicking myself now because I didn't get covers for the euro pillows. I didn't realize how far into the dark ages my local stores are in terms of not carrying shams & cases for 26"x 26" pillows. I also put back the Bomull curtains I had in the cart (due to budget restrictions) Well, I'll be back north in March, if not sooner depending on my Aunt's health. Unfortunately the Winter Sale doesn't run through March so it looks like I'm paying full price (which is still better than "on sale" anywhere else).

How bad is it that as soon as I make an Ikea trip the next thing I do is make a list for the next one?

Momma's Making a Roadtrip!

2007-12-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas came early this year.

My DH just recieved his Christmas bonus check today, handed it to me & said "Merry Christmas, you can shop at IKEA with this money."

I've died & gone to heaven.

I'm headed north for Christmas & will be staying within an hour of not just 1 or 2 but 3 IKEA stores! Whatever I can't find at one I'll look for at another.

The timing can't be better, the Winter Sale starts around Christmas Eve. You can safely bet that my ass will be in either the Woodbridge, College Park or Baltimore stores on the 26th . . . just look for the blonde with sheer euphoria on her face.

Now I have to carefully ponder what to bring home. Chances are none of the big ticket items will be on the sale as they normally only reduce prices of items they plan on discontinuing in 2008 (although I DID score 4 sets of Britt curtains at College Park for 99 cents/pair 2 years ago). I doubt Lack coffee tables and Billy bookshelves are going anywhere. And yes, I'm getting them in the yummy black-brown that they are FINALY expanding into the Malm line as well.

I think I'm just going to focus on the living room/den this time. I'd love to start on my Malm set for the master bedroom but Daddy's bonus wasn't THAT much . . .

but tax season is just around the corner . . . hmmmmmmm?

Crecent Resources Information

2007-11-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Crecent Resources Retail Development are the LOVELY people responsible for making the IKEA Charlotte site. Here is the information that I have found so far from their site:

This is an artist's rendering of the store when it opens. I would have liked this picture better if a red 1995 Honda Odyssey was parked right out front, it would have made the whole thing much more realistic to me.

http://www.crescent-resources.com/retail/ikea/default.asp

This Picture Makes Me Smile

2007-11-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

I don't honestly remember where this came from . . . this is the URL http://photobucket.com/albums/v714/byh/IMG_0691.jpg but I send a BIG shout out who made it.

And it Started with an Official Announcement January 17, 2007

2007-11-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

Swedish Furniture and Home Furnishings Retailer IKEA to Open Store in Charlotte, NC
IKEA Charlotte, to Open Spring 2009, Will Be First Furniture and Home Furnishings Store in Carolinas, Fourth in Southeast
IKEA (http://www.ikea.com), the world's leading furniture and home furnishings retailer, today announced plans for a store in Charlotte, NC, increasing the Swedish retailer's planned presence in the Southeastern United States. Pending city approvals, construction of the future IKEA Charlotte that will sell exclusively designed furniture and home furnishing items, could begin as early as next summer, with an anticipated opening in Spring 2009. Until then, customers can shop for furniture at IKEA Atlanta (http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId =12&langId=-1&catalogId=10103&StoreName=atlanta), at IKEA Woodbridge (http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId =12&langId=-1&catalogId=10103&StoreName=woodbridge) (VA), (Due to the length, the two previous URLs may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) or online at www.IKEA.com (http://www.ikea.com). (IKEA stores will open Fall 2007 in the South Florida city of Sunrise, and in Orlando.)
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.ikea.com/" alt="Link to website">100 Best Companies for Working Mothers The 345,000 square-foot IKEA Charlotte, with 1,600 parking spaces, will be built on 25 acres at the northeastern corner of I-85 and the City Boulevard exit, and will reflect the same unique architectural design for which its stores are known worldwide. In addition, IKEA will be selling approximately three acres that will be available for complementary retail and restaurant uses, and Crescent Resources, the seller of the property, will develop the surrounding 135 acres, after the store opens.
“We are thrilled to be locating an IKEA store at this site in Charlotte where we can complement our southeastern presence established in Atlanta, and the stores underway in Florida,” said Doug Greenholz, IKEA real estate manager. “We know IKEA Charlotte will be more convenient to existing customers looking for furniture while also introducing the unique IKEA family-friendly shopping experience to new shoppers throughout the Carolinas.”
Besides offering nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items including furniture, IKEA Charlotte will feature three model homes, 50 room settings, a supervised children's play area, and a 300-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features will include a ‘Children's IKEA' area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
In addition to jobs created during the construction phase, approximately 400 coworkers will join the IKEA family when the new store opens. IKEA Charlotte will provide significant annual sales and property tax revenue for local governments and schools. “We also look forward to being a partner in the local community,” continued Greenholz.
There currently are more than 250 IKEA stores in 34 countries, including 29 in the U.S., where other stores are being planned in: Brooklyn, NY; Draper, UT; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR; Somerville, MA; Sunrise, FL; and West Chester, OH. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked in FORTUNE's annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” List (two years in a row), Working Mother magazine's annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” (four years in a row) and Training magazine's annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development (four years in a row). IKEA incorporates environmentally and socially responsible efforts into day-to-day business, and continually supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. To visit the IKEA Web site or for information about working at IKEA, please go to http://www.IKEA-usa.com. (http://www.IKEA-usa.com)
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