Sometimes fate just needs a good push — or in our case, a strong gust from Storm Dave. When we saw what Dave had left of our beloved greenhouse on Easter Monday, it was clear: a simple replacement wasn't going to cut it anymore.
If we're doing this, we're doing it right! From "we need a new glass roof for the tomatoes" it became, within minutes: "Actually, wouldn't a winter garden be much nicer?"
So on Monday, we spontaneously drove off to Aalborg. Those who know us know: major purchases in Aalborg follow a sacred, almost ritualistic sequence:
The IKEA Savings Strategy (A Psychological Phenomenon)
It's always the same. We're ready to throw money out the window with both hands for a beautiful new project, but at lunch we transform into absolute penny-pinchers. Our golden rule: whoever spends thousands of euros on glass fronts and foundations must save money at IKEA's lunch restaurant. It's completely ridiculous, I know.
But it's tradition! And I have to admit: you don't just get used to IKEA food, at some point you actually start to enjoy it. This time there was the classic: meatballs. Köttbullar, peas, mashed potatoes, and those lingonberries that simply belong.
And of course a slice of Daim cake. (A tradition since I went to IKEA with Judith for the first time, though back then it was still almond cake, because Daim hadn't been invented yet)
Last time we had the meatballs, by the way, was in 2022 at the "big Swede" during our road trip through Sweden. And what can I say? In Denmark they tasted almost better this time.
(Betrayal? Maybe. But delicious!)
Normally it goes like this: you go to IKEA to eat "quickly" and leave with three scented candles, a new set of bedding, and two floor lamps you didn't actually want.
But this time I was genuinely shocked: 28 euros.
That was it. I looked at the receipt twice.
Maybe it's because the financial shadow cast by the planned winter garden was already so large that there was no room left for impulse purchases in the small parts section.
A record for eternity!
After this refreshment, we got down to business: the winter garden specialist. There we got not only really good advice, but also an excellent cappuccino.
(You really do notice the quality difference from IKEA coffee, but shhhhhh!)
Since we got home, there's been intense discussion in our house. My husband and I are weighing options, planning, and debating for the second day in a row. But I know myself, and fortunately he knows me too.
In my head, I'm already sitting in the new winter garden.
The goal is set: by next autumn at the latest, I'll be sitting there, enjoying the low winter sun, and feeling almost grateful to Dave the storm for clearing the way for this new favorite spot.
