Fido Ficus, that is.

Consider this step one toward parenting an eventual puppy or person.

I spent 10 precious Ikea minutes evaluating different combinations of dried sticks and grass in various and unacceptably priced vases that weigh as much as my car. In the end, I came to terms with the fact that I? Suck at arranging decorative things. And so I walked away.

On the way out, Fido here jumped into my cart and, for a measly $19.99, came home with me. I may have overestimated the capacity of my largest pot, but I expect everything will settle soon enough.

I also found a work table for the craft room, along with a chair, a waste basket, some light bulbs and lampshades for the bedroom, a mirror, and some other storage stuff — pretty boxes, plastic boxes, etc.

After wandering the Swedish-style labyrinth, I was ready to take a nap and dream of a home office with clean lines and clever storage. Ikea’s come a long way in recent years, and, having just seen a very stylish home full of their stuff, I have renewed faith in the Poang chair, the Lack side table, and everything in the Leksvik line.