I would like to set up shop and just live in Ikea. That’s totally acceptable, right?
Just as most of you suspected, I pretty much felt like a kid in a candy store the entire time. It’s sort of like one big doll house!
Jay and I found so many different pieces of furniture that we loved…
And I’m pretty sure, nine out of ten times, I was convinced that I wanted to “recreate THIS room” (aka, whichever room I happened to be standing in).
One of the things I did realize? We have a LOT of room for improvement when it comes to storage and organization. Ohhhhhh, the things we could do if we had an infinite amount of money.
Although, unrealistically, we basically wanted one of everything, realistically, there were a few pieces that we’re currently considering…because we’ve basically decided that we’re going to revamp our living room. Squeeeel!
We’re thinking about a couple of these tables…
As well as this TV stand (but in black-brown)…
With a couple of these shelves mounted on the wall above the TV stand.
You guys, I’m sooooo excited. We’re going to do some painting, some rearranging of walls, some possible new curtains…all I can say is, Pinterest is going to be my new best friend.
Of course, the main reason we headed out to Ikea yesterday is because I desperately need a new desk. I’ve been using the same desk that came with my bedroom set growing up, and as you can sort of see here, it’s just way too small. So we came across this desk and I fell in love…
…and then I found out that it was out of stock…along with the TV stand that we wanted to buy, too.
Go figure!?
So we left Ikea empty-handed…and starving. I hadn’t really eaten much lunch, and by the time we were done at the store, it was about 5:00. (I didn’t end up getting the swedish meatballs…or the soft serve…or the cinnamon buns from Ikea. I need to go back).
As soon as we walked out the door, we were greeted with this lovely mess.
And because we were umbrella-less, we ended up waiting it out for about 15 minutes, hoping that it might die down. It did…a little.
Luckily, the spot we were planning on visiting for dinner was less than 10 minutes away, so we found some parking and headed in to Prime 16.
I know there were so many of you that suggested Pepe’s, but neither of us were really in the mood for pizza, so we opted for some burgers from Prime instead (thank you so much to Dominique for suggesting!).
It wasn’t’ too busy yet by the time we got there, so we decided to grab a high-top table in the bar area and peruse the beer menu.
They had a pretty decent sized list, but as soon as I saw the “son of a peach pale ale,” I was sold.
Cheers to knocking Connecticut off of our Adventure Map!
The burgers on the menu at Prime 16 sounded absolutely incredible, so there was no doubt in my mind that that was what I was getting…it was just a matter of deciding which one.
I ended up deciding on the Honey Truffle Burger and 50/50 fries, which was topped with Swiss cheese, applewood smoked bacon, roasted tomato, romaine, and julienned honey truffle potato chips.
Oh. My. God. Had to be one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my entire life. Seriously. Jay got the Maui Burger, and we shared the two, and both of them were just phenomenal. So, so good!
After dinner, we headed down the road for a little something sweet…
Also at the recommendation of a reader, we stopped in to Ashley’s Ice Cream for a little dessert before hitting the road back home.
I opted for a scoop of Cookie Batter + a scoop of Nutella Chip, and while a bit expensive, both of them were delicious…and provided that lovely, “now I’m stuffed over the top” feeling for our three hour ride back home.
Overall, even though we didn’t end up leaving with the furniture we had hoped for, it was still a great way to spend the day away and we both had a blast! Now we’ve just got to decide what we’re going to do about those furniture pieces because we just discovered that shipping costs are outrageous.
Another road trip, perhaps?
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
You make me want to go to IKEA! I have one about 30 minutes form me. Hmmm, I could do that today. Sorry about the crappy weather, but your dinner looked amazing!! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!!!
Miranda @ Miranda's Munchies says
sounds like you guys had a great time! I love Ikea… but it’s definitely dangerous!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Yay! Glad you guys had such a great time! Road trips are always so fun, especially when they involve the hubby, furniture shopping, and good food. ;)
colleen says
Come to Chicago on your road trip! We have TWO ikeas!!!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I’m hoping to make a move this fall and find a way to make the new (most likely MUCH smaller) space feel large and like home. Pinterest and IKEA will be my new (and dangerous) best friend. ;)
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I guess it may be a good thing that I’ve never been to an Ikea- so hard shopping when the money just isn’t there. YAY for all the new home renovations on your horizon- that is so exciting! You’ll fell like you have a new home! :)
Chelcie of Chelcie's Food Files says
gahhh that burger sounds amazing! that’s so cool that you can get half regular and half sweet potato fries..YUM
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness says
I love IKEA but I always get so overwhelmed by all the choices! I am super indecisive! Looks like a fabulous meal too!
Brenda says
EMPTY HANDED??? I didn’t think that was possible at Ikea. In fact, my lovely significant other thinks that it’s a waste of time unless we buy something. I love that table you picked out for the living room. What are you plans for it/them (you mentioned a couple).
Khushboo says
HONEY TRUFFLE burger…wow….and don’t even get me started on those ice cream flavors haha! I knew you would LOVE Ikea, although kudos for walking away without spending a dime…even to make up for the stuff that were out of stock!
Laura says
Oh wow! I love IKEA but that burger looks equally lovely. When you mentioned truffle all I could think of was the most delicious truffle fries I have ever had in Seattle. That nuttella chip ice cream sounds delicious too. Hmmmmm maybe Im a bit hungry lol
Rachel says
looooove Ikea! There’s one right next to where I work, I always just stare in the windows lol wishful thinking haha
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Can’t go wrong with another road trip :-)
Chips on a burger? I’m definitely intrigued!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
oh my gosh… I LOVE decorating!! And IKEA is the best. My boyfriend Kyle is looking to buy a house at the end of this year. I can’t wait to fill it up with new stuff! This post got me really excited about it, haha! ;)
Diane says
Oh gosh, I love Ikea. I’ve always imagined Ikeas around the world to have the same Ikea feel :) The ice-cream sounds fab!!! Craving for an ice-cream now xx
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I love IKEA too but the last time I was there I practically chopped my heel off with the cart. I was bleeding all over the place, and apparently IKEA does not have first aid kits with band-aids? (true story.) Luckily some tourists who could not speak English gave me two band-aids from their fanny pack. I wish I were joking.
Shannon says
Sounds like a great road trip! I’ve driven through Connecticut- I remember that my family stopped at a car dealership but I can’t remember why we went there in the first place?
The Cookie Batter ice cream flavor is something that would be right up my alley. :)
I actually saw you at one of the rest stops along the Mass Pike. I was pretty sure it was you, and then I knew it was you. I was thinking about introducing myself but I didn’t want to be remembered as the youngest reader that you met at a rest stop. I was also with a family friend getting a ride home from a weekend trip to Plymouth, Mass. and I didn’t want them to think that I was weird for talking to a complete stranger (you’re not a stranger to me, to them, you are). If I keep seeing you (the second time without saying hello), I’ll make sure to introduce myself. I promise.
I found the best cupcake place in the world, and I really want that cupcake shop to be in Albany. It’s called Cupcake Charlie’s and I have another cupcake in the box for me. I think I’ll go eat it now.
So if you ever go to Plymouth, make sure you go to that cupcake shop- I’m sure it’s up your alley because you make cupcakes a lot!
Emily @ Relishments says
Isn’t IKEA wonderful? It’s too bad we have to travel so far to get to one. Our side tables and coffee table in our living room are IKEA and they’re holding up great. Once we buy a house we’ll definitely be going back. Congrats on your living room upgrade!
amy says
I don’t even like burgers and that one looked amazingg!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
OK, that burger looks and sounds absolutely incredible!! I was going to get a burger on our date night last night, but I ended up getting a Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which was also very delicious! ;)
Dominique @ CraftfullyCooks says
Sooooo glad you liked Prime 16! :) sounds like it was a wonderful day! I haven’t been to that Ikea in ages because I either get overwhelmed or carried away! Good luck decorating! I’m sure no matter what you choose it will look gorgeous! :)
Candice says
Yay for a revamp! I love shopping for new furniture but its kind of a love/hate, cause once I buy one piece I feel like I need to purchase the coordinating piece then match it with decorations etc. etc.. kinda expensive.
I just have to remember its long term and can last forever.. (that is, until I get ancy for a little change again:))
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights says
I can’t wait to see pictures of your “new” living room! I’m definitely not very good at decorating, so any tips I can get from blogs and Pinterest are a lifesaver!
I went to college in the North Suburbs of Chicago, and my girlfriends and I would go to Ikea on the weekends all the time. I should have really gotten a job there when I had the chance. :-/
Maria says
Son of a Peach is literally my favorite summer beer. Brewed in Upstate S.C., it makes me happy to support something so refreshing that is sort of local (I’m in Charleston). Hope you enjoyed! :)
Katelyn says
But really. I need one here for my apartment-shopping needs.
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
What a fun day! The food and ice cream look great!
Debbie (Accidently Delish) says
I have a love/hate relationship with Ikea. I could spend hours in that place, but usually I can’t buy everything I want, but it is a great place to get ideas for sure!
And I LOVE peach ales. We have a local brewery here that has the best peach ale and I have to get it every time we go. They sell some of the flavors in our local stores, but not the peach, so whenever it’s on tap somewhere it’s a must!
By the way, I love that you’re a beer girl. Some girls are scared of beer. Silly them. <3
Kim@hungryhealthygirl says
I need to hit up an IKEA…..haven’t been there in forever and your photos totally made me want to go!
Cindy says
I bought that desk for my apartment and I LOVE it! It’s big but not too big and it’s super sturdy! You should definitely get it!! :)
Lydia @HappyHealthyConfident says
Yup! Ikea is the best!!! and those burgers, wow, your making my mouth water!
Brandi @ Faith Fitness and Laughter says
I have never been to Ikea, but I am sure that I would fall in love with it! I love road trips, especially by myself. When I would drive to see my grandmother, I would love to go by myself and just enjoy the peace and quiet. :)
Anything with cookie batter in it has to be amazing! ;)
Rose says
That dress is so adorable! Can you tell me where you got it at?
Courtney says
Thanks! It’s actually not a dress though – it’s just a tank from Old Navy! :)
Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre says
Honey truffle burger!? AH!!!!!! And a 50/50 option on fries? What is this place, heaven?
Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if food didn’t excite me so much.
Nicole says
Hey Courtney! There is an Ikea right down the road from me on Long Island. If you wanted to call them and see if they have your items in stock, I’d be happy to bring them up with me on my trip to Alb next weekend. Let me know :)
Courtney says
Thank you so much for the offer, Nicole! I actually think we’re headed to Paramus this week though ;)
Nicole says
No prob! If your plans change, don’t hesitate to let me know! Happy shopping :)
Bek @ Crave says
Ikea looks fun! I like your choices :) Yay for ice-cream- it is so much better than froyo!
Carly says
That’s the only thing about IKEA that I hate, is that they are out-of-stock for a lot of items :( But if you do eat there next time I would totally reccommend this chocolate torte they have, it has toffee and cream and it is delicious!