Why I love Trader Joe's

Oh how I love Trader Joe's.... but I haven't always! There was a time I wouldn't go there if you forced me. I thought it was way too "granola-ish" for me. I thought earthy, mega-recycling, hippie people shopped there. And they do, BUT, so do tons of normal people like me! My friend Jill is one of those normal people that talked me into going there in the first place. 

 I went there this morning with JD and Tella. It was the second stop on our shopping series. I was so pleasantly surprised to find it very empty (usually very crowded), and waltzed around no problem. JD walked beside me most of the way, though occasionally sidetracked by all the things he recognized. We made it down the first aisle, where we were greeted by a lovely woman putting out samples  of almond cake. Yes, thank you. Very good. Then she asked me if JD wanted some cookies. Ummm, YES. Then she handed him his own bag of chocolate kitty cookies. He was thrilled. I was about to walk away when I hear "honey, would you like some coffee?" Are you kidding me? You're giving my kid free cookies and offering me a free cup of coffee? DOUBLE YES and I LOVE YOU.

I shopped around a little, with coffee in hand, while the employees fussed over my darling Tella. I picked up 8 dinners (including fish), countless snacks & some produce, a new bottle of olive oil (my kids are olive oil fanatics), and a snazzy new bottle of balsamic vinegar (yum!) ....... all for $100. I think I did well. And, it's good, healthy food. Every time I go there I find something new and wonderful and surprisingly cheap - like my new bottle of balsamic for $2. Never seen that there before. 

And on the way out JD got to pick a balloon. He chose yellow. 

When you go, and you should go, make sure you have time. It takes a few tries to work out your TJ system and find the things you like. 

I love Trader Joe's and am unashamed of it - and I have Jill Bentley to thank for it. My kids love it too - for all the free stuff they get. And they remind me to get daddy his hummus. Capri also loves it because one of the girls that works there has pink and purple hair. Literally. Bright pink and purple. Capri loves it! 

 

Side note: My dear friend Jill lives in Colorado now, and has no TJ's near her. I'm so sorry Jill. Please let me know what I can send you and I'll do it ASAP.