Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Weekly Grocery Trip

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago from a reader who asked about how I 'whip up' meals from items I already have on hand. To be completely honest, I'm not always so sure myself. However, it usually comes down to good grocery shopping and a little creativity. Of course, having a good block of cheese on hand makes things easier, too.

For me, grocery shopping is the most successful when I take time to shop at more than one store. Namely, Costco and Trader Joe's. It not only saves money but provides variety. Of course, since I live on my own (and even when Joey and I get married) it's important to think about how much you can realistically eat, as well as the shelf life of your purchases. Items like cereal, crackers and bread are sensible, since they store well and bread can be frozen. Same goes for fresh berries. Any that I don't eat during the week I toss in a freezer bag for smoothies.

Here are the items that make sense for me to purchase at Costco...
   -Suzie's Whole Grain Thin Cakes (similar to a rice cake, great for light snacking)
   -Kashi GoLean Crunch! (my go-to cereal of choice)
   -Broccoli
   -Green Beans


At Costco, I also got:
   -Thomas Light English Muffins (one package went in the freezer for later)
   -Blackberries
   -Two packages fresh raspberries (the prices for berries are unbeatable at Costco)

Can you believe I got out of Costco and only spent $36.00?!

 And at Trader Joe's I rounded out my haul...


   -Two liters of Trader Joe's Sparkling Spring Water
   -Trader Joe's California Style Complete Protein Bread (5g protein per slice!)
   -3 Fresh Pears
   -Trader Joe's Vegetable Masala veggie burgers (these are new-to-me)
   -Block of Cheddar-Gruyere cheese
   -3 Cliff Bars
   -Container of Trader Joe's White Bean and Basil Hummus (the absolute best)
   -Trader Joe's Organic Baked Tofu (if you don't like tofu, start with this)
   -2 cartons Fage Total 2% Greek yogurt
   -Trader Joe's Organic Split Pea Soup 

Grand total: $28.00!

On weeks when I go to Costco, my grocery bill is a bit higher than normal. However, since I got crackers, cereal and english muffins that will last me over two weeks, along with an abundance of fresh berries, I think it was a great trip. 

So there you have it, folks. My grocery haul for the week. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get to working eating all of that broccoli! I may have gotten in over my head. 

Happy Shopping!

Madison


9 comments:

Megan said...

Thanks for sharing! We don't have Costco, but we have Sams and I buy a lot of our fresh fruit there. I SOOOO wish we had a trader joes!! So jealous.

What flavor cliff bars would you recommend??

Unknown said...

That's so funny you mentioned broccoli from Costco, I just wrote a post on that very subject! I wish we had a Trader Joes here but alas I have to cross the border to find one.

Lauren at Keep It Sweet said...

You and I could share a kitchen and be very happy together:-)

CupcakesOMG! said...

that's it--i have GOT to start shopping at Costco

www.cupcakesomg.blogspot.com

Clara said...

Those TJs veggie burgers are awesome! They're even good not grilled. I take them to work, pop them in the microwave, and top them with hummus. You'll love them!

DessertForTwo said...

I'm so nosey because I love it when people share what they bought at the grocery store!
I'm afraid I buy too much if this is all you need for the week.

P.S. Let's pretend like you didn't buy some peanut butter stuffed pretzels at TJ's or their gummy bears and hide them from the photo, ok? Good! ;)

Madison Mayberry said...

Dessert For Two - Ha! I bought peanut butter pretzels last week and have been munching on them ever since! :) But I have yet to eat their gummy bears. I might just have to make a special trip to get some!

Jess said...

How is that protein bread from tjs? i've been curious about it but i worry about texture.

Elizabeth said...

I love your blog and this post is great! I always enjoy seeing what other people buy at the grocery store. Every time I get inspired to try something new. Thanks :)

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