When life is busy it’s easy to miss those everyday moments that make us smile, from breathing in fresh air to hearing children chatter and play.

Those wonderful moments that make life worth while.

I’ve realised this summer how important having your own safe home is (as we moved out of our old house and ended up not finding somewhere else in time).

It’s been hard living out of suitcases especially with kids and I’m so glad that this week we’ll be moving into our very own home.

They’ve arranged a whole array of activities to celebrate the #WonderfulEveryday.

The “Wonderful Everyday Tour” includes eye-catching artwork by local artists and the opportunity to try tasty treats along with family events and community makeovers.

The “Wonderful Everyday Tour” schedule includes (please note the dates as the tour has started):

1. Pots of Wonderful
When: ‪Monday 11thSeptember – Thursday 28th September‬

Where: South Street Park
What: Sheffield’s getting its own version of the Hollywood sign to greet new visitors to the city. Made entirely from pretty potted plants and flourishing flowers, it’s sure to catch the eye and make everyone smile.

2. Cushion Drop
When: ‪Tuesday 12thSeptember – Sunday 24th September, 9:00am‬ – 8:00pm

Where: Peace Gardens & Winter Gardens 
What: IKEA will be bringing an extra splash of colour and added comfort to public benches across Sheffield. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just taking a breather, get comfy with an array of colourful cushions dotted around Peace Gardens and Winter Gardens.

3. Fika Time 
When: Thursday 14thSeptember

Where: Barkers Pool (‪10:00am – 12:30pm‬) & Sheaf Square (‪1:30pm – 4:00pm‬)

What: IKEA will be bringing the Swedish version of coffee breaks and an instant pick-me-up to Sheffield city centre. Keep your eyes peeled for the special Fika cart and catch up with friends and family over complimentary hot drinks and freshly baked cinnamon buns.

4. Family BBQ
When: Sunday 17thSeptember, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Weston Park 
What: In the spirit of Swedish midsummer, join IKEA for a free family barbeque where sizzling meatballs and burgers will be on offer. Family and friends are invited to tuck into tasty treats, sit on comfy chairs and celebrate a Sunday where there will be no arguments about who does the washing up. All you’ll need to do is turn up and enjoy!

5. Park Deck Chairs 
When: Sunday 17thSeptember & ‪Sunday 24th September, 10:00am – 6:00pm‬

Where: Botanical Gardens 
What: What better place to sink into one of IKEA’s colourful comfy chairs and soak up the surroundings and Sheffield sun than the city’s Botanical Gardens? With over 5,000 plant species across 19 acres of land, there’s plenty to take in and the deck chairs are sure to provide a nice break for those with weary feet.

6. Allen the Peregrine 
When: ‪Monday 18thSeptember – Thursday 28th September‬

Where: Sheaf Square
What: Local artist Jason Heppenstall, known for his animal sculptures made out of reclaimed materials, will be bringing Sheffield’s iconic peregrine falcon to life with one of IKEA’s own iconic tools. Allen the Peregrine, made entirely from thousands of IKEA allen keys, will welcome visitors and residents alike from his perch in Sheaf Square.

7. Exhibition Alley 
When: ‪Wednesday 20thSeptember, 8:00am – 7:00pm‬

Where: Arundel Gate underpass
What: IKEA has enlisted the help of talented local artists to transform Arundel Gate’s underpass into an exciting pop-up exhibition. Over thirty vibrant pieces of art will be on display and visitors will also get the chance to get their hands on their own masterpiece by bidding in the silent auction, with all proceeds going to local charities Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Featured artists include: illustrator Lisa Ohaha, talented painter Andrew Hunt and quirky print-maker Kid Acne.

8. Reading Lounge

When: ‪From Friday 22nd September, 8:00am‬ – late

Where: Sheffield Train Station 
What: Sheffield Train Station’s waiting room will be transformed into a beautiful and relaxing reading room full of literary gems from local writers. Passengers will be able to sit back and relax in comfort before their journey and pick up a book to enjoy while they wait and take with them on their onward journey.

9. Green Takeover 
When: ‪From Monday 25th September‬

Where: Wincobank Village Hall
What: Visitors are sure to be surprised when they visit Wincobank Village Hall. The local garden will undergo quite a transformation thanks to IKEA’s green-fingered team. IKEA co-workers will choose and donate their favourite plants, pots and furniture from the store to turn the Hall’s outdoor area into a tranquil space for visitors to relax in.

10. Hot Dog Cart

When: ‪Tuesday 26th September‬ (Sheffield) & ‪Wednesday 27th September‬(Rotherham) 
Where: Barker’s Pool, Sheffield (‪11:30am – 2:00pm, Tues‬) & Sheaf Square, Sheffield (‪3:00pm – 5:00pm, Tues‬), Howard Street, Rotherham City Centre (‪11:00am-4:00pm, Weds‬)
What: Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Everyone’s favourite hot dogs will be arriving in Sheffield and Rotherham with a taste of what’s to come. Look out for IKEA’s special hot dog cart as it makes its way in and around the city centre with a well-earned treat for shoppers.

11. Supertram Makeover

When: From Monday 11th September

Where: Yellow Line to Meadowhill South

What: IKEA will be brightening up commutes with a special tram makeover. Lucky travellers who spot the special tram on the yellow line will experience what it’s like to travel the IKEA way.

Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield Store Manager, said: “We cannot wait to open our doors to Sheffield and the Wonderful Everyday Tour is our way of sharing the excitement and bringing the IKEA philosophy to life in the city. We believe that it’s the little things in life that make us happy and we hope everyone will get to enjoy the events and activities we have planned. By working with the community and some extra-special local talent, we have created a series of unexpected surprises to make people smile and give them a taste of what’s to come once the store opens.”

To find out more about The Wonderful Everyday Tour, visit ‪IKEA.co.uk/Sheffield‬