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IKEA dressers

Ever since we bought the house, I've been spending a lot of time at IKEA.  We were fortunate to live ten minutes away from IKEA back in California and even more fortunate that within weeks of moving here, IKEA opened their latest megastore right here in Portland.  We've already been there more times than I can count.  Here's why it's my favoritest place on earth (well, right there next to Target):

1.  The Prices.  IKEA is cheap.  There's no need to price shop when it comes to their furniture, it's always a good deal.  There's just no way around it. 

2.  The Quality.  I've bought a lot of build-it-yourself furniture that resulted in my needing a strong cocktail, so I can muster the energy to re-texture the hole I punched in the wall when none of the pieces fit together right and the directions came only in Japanese.  IKEA is NEVER like that.  Their furniture is consistently well made.  The drill holes line up properly and while the instructions might be lengthy, they are simple and easy to follow.  The boxes are sturdy and I've never had to return something because it was damaged.  It's the most satisfying feeling to spend an hour (or three) of your life building something and finish without even a single screw remaining. 

3.  The Selection.  There is something cute for everyone, as long as your style isn't too complicated.  I love the newer textiles IKEA has been putting out.  For those with more expensive taste, there's the new Stockholm Collection, which features solid wood construction and more luxurious fabrics.  I love it all and they're kid stuff has held up better than I ever imagined.  Also, if you have really tall windows like we do, their curtains come extra-long.

4.  The FREE childcare.  This might be my favorite thing about IKEA.  Alex LOVES it.  He begs me to take him there so I can drop him off and he can spend an hour romping around the ball pit while I pick out towels.  Shopping with one kid instead of two is kind of like taking a vacation.  A Swedish shopping vacation of awesomeness.

5.  The Food.  I'm a sucker for a 50 cent hot dog, what can I say?

6.  The family-friendly facilities.  I love that they always have family bathrooms and nursing/changing areas available.  Even better is that they have those toddler chairs inside the larger bathroom stalls so you can strap your kid down while you go to the bathroom.  They always have free diapers too.  What's not to love?!