Make sure you get the correct set, because there are two kinds. The other 4 piece tools set includes saw, rubber mallet, level and a tape measure. You may need it for installing shelves and only if you want to make shelves shorter.

Products like shelves or tall cabinets that have to be fastened to the wall do not include screws and plugs that have to be inserted into the wall. This is because there are different wall types like plaster, cement, brick or wood that require different fasteners. You can get the box of 72 fasteners for about $3 right at the IKEA store. They are also called FIXA.

All IKEA products requiring assembly have the white assembly instructions booklet packaged with the product. The instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow. This is because there are no words there, just drawings or pictures. It is smarter not to use written instructions because there is no need to translate them to multiple languages. We all know how difficult it is to read some technical lingo especially translated from another language. Follow the pictures carefully step by step and you get the product assembled correctly.

If you threw away the instructions that came with the product thinking that this was a packing material there is still hope for you!

How, where can I get assembly instructions?

My readers frequently ask this question. The answer is simple. Just search the web site ikea.com. It may be obvious, but little challenging if you are not an avid web user.

Here are the instructions on how to find them.

1. Go to website ikea.com and select your country and language.

2. Look to the left, middle of the page (notice a giant arrow pointing there)

Here is the enlargement of the section pointed to by a giant arrow.
3. Click on the link “Assembly Instructions”

4. Assembly Instruction page shows up.

Select the product by name and you will get the PDF version of the assembly instructions for your product. This is what you were looking for. Now you can save it and print it or better follow it on screen without wasting ink and paper.

Still have questions?
Just ask.

Here it is. My personal office bathroom problem solved.

All IKEA products have multi language information. The most interesting aspect of the manual is – there are no words there, just detailed and accurate drawings. This solves the problem of translating technical information to different languages and transmits the idea of assembling the components together without second guessing. As the old saying goes: picture is worth a thousand words.

It worked for me and what is worth more – my wife approved it.

My office.

Zbyszko’s room looks better because of the broken skateboards.

Last night my wife told me to cook the Swedish Meatballs, bought at IKEA. My kids supposed to like to eat them.

This meal is extremely easy. Put the frozen meatballs (they are cooked already) on ungreased cookie sheet, heat for 10 minutes. Meatballs done.

Peel three, four IDAHO potatoes, cut into small, one inch pieces. Drop the potatoes in the pot of boiling salted water. Cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, put them in the large bowl, add quarter stick of butter, mash them with potato masher. Potatoes done.

Pour a cup of cold water into a sauce pan with heavy bottom, so the sauce does not burn easily. Add half a cup of sour cream, mix until almost boiling, pour slowly the content of a bag of Cream Sauce for Meatballs (bought at IKEA) mixing with a whisk, make sure there are no clumps. Pour into a nice sauce bowl. Sauce done.

Put few or more meatballs on a plate, add some mashed potatoes, pour some gravy over potatoes and meatballs, garnish with a table spoon (two for me) of Lingonberry Jam (bought at IKEA). Eat with pleasure.

My kids did not eat the food.

Zbyszko the Cooker wanted pasta instead of potatoes. He can eat pasta anytime. I said no way. Swedish people do not eat meatballs with pasta. He poured half a pint of sour cream over his potatoes and ate only that (no meatballs). Mieszko was not hungry even for the meatballs. He can eat meat anytime. My wife ate some leftover food from yesterday. I was not hungry after my session with Beaujolais Villages. The meatballs and the rest went to refrigerator – I am not cooking ever again!

Today, I am finishing the leftovers. This meatballs are small, easy to pick with your fingers and are a hit with kids. Thy snacked on it all day. We need to get more Swedish Meatballs next time we are shopping for furniture at IKEA.

First things first, we need to get my breakfast.

I ordered small breakfast for just $0.99. Scrambled eggs, bacon and my favorite – the square potatoes. When we were almost done eating, I noticed that some people were eating meatballs. I had to try some. We never know how soon we can come to IKEA again, do we?

After the delicious Swedish meatballs with gravy there was time to explore the store. The home furnishing items are different form any other American home furnishing store. The designs are unique, look solid and most items are very affordable.

My cousin was waiting to see me at home, so we had to practically run trough all of the departments in less than two hours. We could not leave the store quickly for two reasons. There were too many interesting items to see and we could not find the way out of the store. The exit is at different place than entrance. On the way out we grabbed for the kids the frozen Swedish Meatballs, Cream Sauce for Meatballs and Lingonberry Jam.

I am sure we will come back soon to look in detail for some items that cough our eyes. Next time I think we will need about half a day to really experience the new IKEA. I am glad that it finally came to Florida and conveniently close to our home.