Today, I ventured out into the hot, hot sun and discovered that someone had plopped a giant Ikea box on the plaza in front of the New York State Supreme Court Building and Borough Hall. The heart of Downtown Brooklyn had suddenly filled with smiling young people wearing yellow tee-shirts, energetically pressing grand opening brochures into the hands of passersby.

On the back page of the brochure I found pictures of the fabulous things early birds can get for free: The first 35 visitors will get a marshmallowy EKTORP sofa, a $399 value. Visitors 36-135 will each get a POANG chair (sorry, but I don’t know how to put the umlaut over the A), an $89.99 value. House plants and a scary looking heart-shaped plush toy (it’s got arms) will also be dispensed.

Allie and I were thinking about waiting in line since she had heard rumors of $3000 gift certificates being given away to the first customer, but it isn't worth it for a sofa I don't even have room for.

I also hate that their demo apartment is 20x20' since those are the dimensions of my apartment and my apartment looks like crap (though I am slowly covering it in IKEA).

jess chamberlain, a writer for home by sunset made this lovely memory box table top. wonderful way to keep your trinkets with style, without the dust.

I've got two or three of these tables, this looks neat.

deanna made a litterbox cabinet for about $80. best thing is, no one needs to know that it is a litterbox.

If Allie and I get a cat, this would be ideal.

We got an early look at the Spring 2008 IKEA product catalog, and it looks like they're going back to basics.

I like the bucket light, but not enough to want to see it every day. The wheely thing over bed would be great.