I do most of my shopping at Giant Eagle, which is close enough to our house that I occasionally walk there. I usually go two times a week, for around 5-20 minutes of actual shopping time. I write my list according to where things are in the store. I always use a basket when I’m doing my weekly shopping. It helps me to stick to my list, and I move faster when I’m desperate to relieve my tired arm! Plus, I have enough items in my pantry and freezer that I tend to only need produce, meat and dairy products.
A sample shopping list might look like: salad, green beans, bag of baby potatoes, an onion, apples, grapes, deli meat, chicken breasts, milk, eggs, cheese.
Costco and Trader Joe’s build up my pantry and freezer.
Costco
I don’t go to Costco very often, since there are only two of us. (I’m grateful to have a free membership through my dad’s company.) I store the bulk items in our laundry room and I freeze whatever bread products we aren’t using that week.
I mostly go for specific food items, but I occasionally browse the center area and the small kitchen appliances section. I’ve bought socks, flip flops, towels, a rice cooker, splatter screens, a beach chair...and maybe two or three times a year I’ll stock up on movie passes, toothbrushes, shampoo, and baking goods (I love their bulk spices and salt and pepper grinders.) These are the things I most consistently purchase:
- naan
- rotisserie chicken
- frozen meatballs
- paper products (tissues, TP and paper towels)
- dog treats
- black beans
- tomato sauce
- Kirkland tuna
- rice
- coffee
Trader Joe’s
Our closest TJ’s is about 25 minutes away, but I’ve actually never been to it! I always go to the one in Springfield, VA, which is right by my parent’s house. I’m there every two months or so.- flowers
- wine
- whole wheat slims (for Andy’s lunches)
- reduced guilt chunky guacamole
- tomato and roasted red pepper soup (The BEST pre-made tomato soup. Don’t get the low sodium version.)
- jalapeño refried beans
- feta dressing
- sriracha bbq sauce
- mandarin orange chicken (I serve it over rice)
- chicken burgers (Great with guac)
- pork potstickers (Served over rice — and I like to make a little sauce with brown sugar, soy sauce and sriracha. It’s spicy and a little sauce goes a long way)
- chicken tamales
- dark chocolate peanut butter cups
- cookie butter
- maple leaf cookies
- iced cranberry pistachio biscotti (seasonal)
- frozen almond croissants
What else should I try?
Along with the rotisserie chicken at costco, you need to try their rotisserie chicken salad and put it on toasted and buttered Torta bread. Soooo delicious!
ReplyDeletewe love their chicken salad! I don’t buy it every trip, since there is so much of it for two people. but it is delicious!
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