a trip to Trader Joe's

Luke and I took a little trip to TJ's.
I always like to see what my friends are buying at Trader Joe's, so I thought I would share a few of the things that ended up in our cart.
Come along as we unload the groceries. . .
(note the cabinets are still brown)
By the way . . . Luke is so much fun to shop with.

This is a MUST to keep in your pantry.
If you have this and a brownie mix . . . you have a fabulous homemade dessert ready to go!
I used to make my chocolate frosting from scratch, but now I am hooked on this.
It is soooo good (and easy).
I promise.

I love this hand soap.

If you like almond flavor, buy these.
They are amazing.
My husband loves them.

I like to keep these on hand for when I am "munchy".

Throw in a few chocolate chips, and it is a real treat.

I like to buy lunch meats that don't contain nitrates or nitrates.

I just feel better about it.

They are a little more pricey, but it's worth it to me.

Luke's favorite cereal.

Caroline likes these.

At only 99 cents a bag, I always grab a couple.

Again, throw in a few chocolate chips, and you have a real treat!

Luke's favorite drink.

The other kids won't touch it.

The funny thing is that Luke is our "Mr. Picky."

It is really good . . . it just doesn't sound like it would taste good.

I like to keep these on hand for when I need something to feed the kids fast. (like when it is 5:30 and the kids say, "What's for dinner??")

And I like to keep these on hand for when we have a little extra time (time??) and can grill some delicious salmon.  They are frozen and keep "fresh" for a very long time.

My favorite pb and j.

These peaches are AMAZING . . . better than any dessert I could ever make.

My kids love when I have these in the freezer for a little something different in the morning.

These are handy to have for a high protein snack for kids.
Just throw them in the microwave, stick toothpicks in each one, and serve them with ketchup.

And last, but not least . . . we LOVE this orange chicken.
I always buy two bags (I quickly figured out that our family needs more than one to make a meal).
Jake especially likes it.
I serve it with rice, orange slices, and steamed broccoli.
Easy meal and the kids enjoy it so much (even Mr. Picky!)

Thanks for helping me unload the groceries!!

~cheryl

Favorites on Fridays

Favorite Coffee: Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic French Roast Decaf


I cannot drink caffeinated coffee.
The doctor has told me I am allergic to it.
I get the cold sweats, I feel faint, my heart races, I feel awful.
I can tell within minutes if the nice person at Starbucks has made a mistake and has given me the real deal.

When I am at home, I choose to make Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic French Roast Decaf because:

1. it's organic (I don't have to worry about chemicals)
2.  it is naturally decaffeinated (cold water process rather than chemically treated)
3. I think it tastes (and smells) great!!
4. the price is right

source

I'm Lovin' This

Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Jamba Juice, and now McDonald's . . . they all have scrumptious little bowls of oatmeal topped with yummy things.
I like to make it at home for a fraction of the price and a lot less sugar. 

I just make plain old fashioned oatmeal . . . sprinkle a little brown sugar on it and top with Trader Joe's Antioxidant trail mix.

Perfect.

Have a great Monday morning!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22,23

Pumpkin Bread and Pancakes . . . the Easy Way

Trader Joe's has the best pumpkin bread and pumpkin pancakes mixes.  They seriously taste like homemade and they are just so easy to make.  I like to add chocolate chips to the bread mix and make muffins out of them. I also sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar mixture on the tops before I put them in the oven. Oh yum.

During the Fall, I like to keep a few boxes of each on hand for when company drops in.

Okay . . . maybe more than a few.

:)

Excuse me . . . I have a little "baking" to do.

I Heart Trader Joe's

If you know me at all, you know that I love to shop at Trader Joe's.

I love their unique and healthy food, their friendly workers, and the cheerful atmosphere in the store.

It just makes grocery shopping . . . fun.

(and their prices are reasonable, too!!)

Here are a few of my latest finds:

Fresh basil . . .

isn't it pretty??

Sparkling Berry Lemonade . . .

perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Fresh peaches . . .

don't you just love how they are packaged?? They are soooo fresh. The kids LOVE them.

(so do I)

Blueberries!!! . . .

so many of them for not so much $$

(these didn't last long)

Sweet Potato Fries . . .

these were delicious with grilled steaks!

I always try to find something new to love at Trader Joe's and I am always successful. I love that store!