apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Yeah, I've been doing a cost-benefit analysis in my head of whether a 15% discount at Ikea is worth the trauma of going there during such an event. I mean, "ooh, I can get this $100 dresser for $85"...after battling traffic and lines and people with their kids bobbing around them and crying....Ikea can be strenuous enough an experience without the added incentive of the 15%!

I was at IKEA last night to pick up some cheap "throw-away" champagne flutes (6 for $4.50), and was surprised to see... all of the Holiday merch. It isn't even Halloween yet, but their Holiday merch tent is up and in full-swing already! Standout new merch in the main store: large cowhide rugs for $149 and a 3'x5' patchwork cowhide rug for $99--so cool and modern that I had to stop myself from impulse-buying it. (Sorry PETA folks.)

PS to Maxwell. How do you upload photos onto your Flickr account? I'm leaving for eight days in Mexico City today and would love post some cool design finds. (Not only is next week Day of the Dead, but I just found out that it's also Mexico Fashion Week... Should make for some interesting culture clashes and photo ops.)

I like the idea of an IKEA sale, but having been to a few, the cranky customers and stroller bites at the back of my ankles just isn't worth it.

Enrique - I've a favor to ask. Any chance you might snag some paper bits and pieces while in Mexico that I might buy off you or barter for or...? I'm working on an assemblage piece and could really use such (especially if there is a day of the dead theme). Just things like flyers, ticket stubs, schedules - things most people would probably consider trash. If you happen to get any intersting photos of architecture, etc., I'd be happy to swap you a piece that incorporates them for the opportunity to use them in another piece. If it's a pain, no problem - just thought I'd ask. :^ )

Libby. Of course! Not a problem. No need for barter since paper bits don't take up much room. I plan on hitting a few cathedrals, museums, public markets in neighboring towns and surrounding pyramids in addition to Day of the Dead activities. I've heard it's off-season for bullfights, but might be able to find some flyers somewhere. (Again, sorry PETA folks.) I'm really looking forward to also checking out the the local contemporary architecture and design scene I've been reading so much about... I'll shoot you an email when I return.

Enrique -

One of the really nice things about American consumerism is that the Christmas madness generally starts after Thanksgiving.

In Canada and the UK, Christmas decorations used to go up at Halloween; now it's even earlier in October. Blame Ikea's Euroness.

i hate to say it, but it's not just IKEA that's starting the Christmas thing early. i went to Marshall Field's the other day (i'm a Chicagoan) and it was filled with Christmas paraphanalia. what happened to Halloween? and Thanksgiving? i love Christmas and all, but i enjoy a few pumpkins and some stuffed turkeys too. maybe even throw in a pilgirm?

Yup, in the U.S., merchandisers have taken to starting Xmas before Halloween, too. Macy's Holiday Lane has been open here for at least three weeks. (Off to arm-twist husband into doing Xmas shopping now, while it's still fresh... in December, I'm going to museums and hoping they don't play holiday music.)

What I do: don't buy a thing till the last minute, or buy only whatis on sale, or at Thrift Stores.

Consumerism is an addiction, and the world is suffering. It does not help anyone that so much useless stuff is produced. Yes, it might seem that there is more work, but there is also more greed, more pollution, less emphasis on what is important in life. Keep their stomachs overfilled and they will not have the strenght to move (or think)...

Sadly yours,

Anna