The Costco Chronicles: A Fashionable Quest for Bulk Bargains!
Wandering Empty Nester Exploring the Secret Treasures at Costco! Unveiling the Top 12 Must-Have Items That Always Make it to my Cart!
As an empty nester, I travel out of state to shop at Costco and never leave without these 12 essentials.
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Ah, Costco, the land of bulk shopping where fashionistas roam in search of fabulous finds! My dear husband and I, despite being empty nesters, embark on an epic 45-minute journey out of state to indulge in this divine retail adventure. After all, where else can you sport a cart overflowing with humongous packs of tissues, chips and salsa, and the finest maple syrup this side of the Costco universe?
Now, you might wonder why we go through all this trouble for a shopping spree fit for a soccer team. Well, my friends, even though we no longer have a boisterous brood of kiddos to feed, the Costco allure remains irresistible. So, hold on tight as I unveil our top twelve Costco conquests that leave us feeling like winners every time!
1. Fresh Medjool Dates: A Date with Delectable Delights
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
These succulent treats are the darlings of the snacking world! We love devouring them solo, stuffing them with nut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or tossing them into our wild and wondrous smoothies. And let me tell you, these Medjool darlings know how to work their magic in the oven too, especially when they cozy up with bacon!
2. Kleenex Tissues: The Never-Ending Saga of Sniffles
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
No matter how empty our nest may be, there’s an everlasting need for tissues. It’s as if an army of sniffles is forever marching through our lives. Oh, the excitement when Costco brings out their seasonally decorated tissue boxes! But fret not, my friends, for the plain boxes are always there to wipe away any disappointment.
3. Tortilla Chips: A Crunchy Quest for Perfection
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Embrace the mystery of the ultimate tortilla chip! Every Costco visit unveils a tantalizing array of tantalizing choices. We become ardent ingredient detectives, searching for the chip that holds our hearts (and taste buds) captive. Two bags sometimes find their way into our cart when we know our son is awaiting a savory surprise.
4. Kirkland Salsa: Spice up Your Life!
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Buenos días, amigos! The twin pack of Kirkland salsa is our secret weapon for creating out-of-this-world breakfast scrambles. But that’s not all! We keep a jar on standby for triumphant Taco Tuesdays and speedy rice and bean lunchbox meals. Salsa power, activate!
5. Nut Butter: A Toast to Taste Bud Extravaganza
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Ah, nut butter, the creamy delight that can transform any simple cracker into a gourmet masterpiece. While our ultimate goal is to find organic almond butter (a quest that’s still ongoing), we take comfort in the loving embrace of Kirkland Signature organic peanut butter. But wait, a new challenger approaches—NuttZo! A delightful mix of nutty wonders that adds a pinch of excitement to our nut butter escapades.
6. Nature’s Path Organic Granola: A Crunchy Morning Adventure
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Ah, the comforting embrace of Nature’s Path organic pumpkin-seed-and-flax granola! Its tantalizingly crunchy wonders are perfect for a breakfast bowl extravaganza. We sprinkle it atop our luscious smoothie bowls, a delicate touch of joy even on the chilliest mornings.
7. Kirkland Maple Syrup: Sweet Nectar of the Gods
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
The crown jewel of our Costco devotion! Kirkland organic maple syrup reigns supreme, enchanting us with its golden splendor. Plus, with Costco’s incredible pricing sorcery, we can indulge in the grandeur of the large container without breaking the bank. The syrup flows through our veins like liquid gold, gracing our pancakes, waffles, overnight oats, and even our hot chocolate and smoothies. Oh, how it sweetens our souls!
8. Kirkland Signature Roasted Seaweed: A Seaside Snack Sensation
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Indulge in the salty allure of Kirkland Signature organic roasted seaweed! Whether as an irresistible snack or a delightful sidekick to a steaming bowl of pho or ramen, this seaweed sensation will transport you to the shores of flavor paradise.
9. Organic Frozen Fruit: Absolute Bliss in Every Bite
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Ah, the symphony of frozen fruits that serenade our taste buds! At Costco, we delve into a paradise of organic blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and the tropical wonders of a fruit medley. These icy treats dance their way into our smoothies and oatmeal, adding a burst of fruity ecstasy that leaves us craving for more.
10. Oats: A Fiery Start to Fashionable Mornings
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Oats, our beloved morning companions! The marriage of gluten-free sprouted oats and our fancy pantry never ceases to amaze us. With a hearty bowl of overnight oats awaiting us each morning, we conquer our day with style. And let’s not forget the joys of homemade oat flour and those heavenly blender pancake and waffle recipes!
11. Dried Fruit: Your Pantry’s Fashionable Secret
Credit: Hilary Flanagan
Enter the realm of organic dried fruit, where flavor-packed wonders await! With raisins, dried pineapple, and dried mangoes on our minds, our pantry ascends to new heights of fashionable decadence. Oh, the possibilities that arise when these delightful concoctions meet our culinary creations!
And finally…
12. Gas: Fueling Fashionable Adventures
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Ah, the journey isn’t complete without a pit stop for gasoline at Costco. The lines may be long, but the magical prices make the wait oh-so-worth-it! On this particular day, we scored gas that was over $0.50 cheaper per gallon than the nearby stations. Full tanks? Check and check!
And there you have it, dear readers, our fabulous and fashionable Costco conquests! From salsa-filled mornings to seaweed-snacking adventures, each item in our cart contributes to a lifestyle of cost-saving grandeur. So, go forth, my fashion-loving friends, and seek out your own Costco treasures!
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