Costco: The Land of Bulk and Beauty
Ultimate Bargain Shopping My $200 Costco Haul for a 2-Week Road Trip in a 75-Square-Foot Van
My budget Costco haul for a 2-week road trip in a 75-square-foot van, all under $200.
Have you ever thought that the words “tiny living” and “Costco” could go together like peanut butter and jelly? Well, I certainly didn’t until I embarked on a two-week road trip in a 75-square-foot van. As a fashion lover and sucker for a good deal, I couldn’t resist the allure of Costco’s bulk items, even if it seemed like an odd match for my little home on wheels.
Picture this: a campervan filled to the brim with goodies from the retail giant. It’s like a fashionista’s dream come true, except instead of trendy clothes, it’s massive quantities of groceries and essential items. I confess, I may have gone a bit overboard, but hey, if I were to live on the road permanently, these items would be absolute essentials. Trust me, they’re more valuable than any designer handbag.
Let’s break it down, shall we? With my shopping list in hand, I stormed into Costco, ready to conquer the bulk aisle like a fashionista at a sample sale. Little did I know that I would find treasures beyond my wildest dreams.
First up, Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Hydration Mix. This little wonder has saved me on many outdoor adventures, from ski days to backpacking trips. So naturally, I had to stock up for my two-week van trip. Plus, at $22.99 for 24 packets, it was an absolute steal. Later in the week, I stumbled upon the same product at Target, where they were selling 10 packets for $18. Talk about a fashion-forward bargain!
Now, let’s talk about eggs. Yes, eggs. These little gems are a breakfast staple, no matter where I am. And Costco’s deal on eggs is simply unbeatable. For just $3.99, I could have two dozen eggs to fuel my mornings on the road. That’s basically a breakfast runway show right in my van.
But what about dinner, you may ask? Fear not, my fellow fashionistas, for Costco has your back. I found the most delightful vegetarian dinner options: two packages of Giovanni Rana ravioli for $11.99. Not only did they make my taste buds do a happy dance, but they were also perfect for cozy dinners in my van. The same brand of pasta costs $7.24 for a mere 18 ounces at Walmart. But at Costco, I scored a whopping 32 ounces for my fashionably frugal self.
Now, let’s get a little soupy. As I meandered through the aisles, I stumbled upon a French pesto soup by Karine and Jeff. Two jars of this vegetarian goodness cost me $14.99. While it wasn’t my favorite flavor, it was just the right size for my van and perfectly suited for those chilly nights at the campsite. A fashionable food choice, indeed!
Of course, no fashionista’s diet is complete without some fresh greens. I snagged a pair of Taylor Farms salad kits for $6.99, complete with dressing and tantalizing toppings. Not only did it save me the hassle of buying each ingredient separately, but the kits also added a touch of elegance to my meals on the go. And let me tell you, they stayed fresh and fabulous in the fridge.
In my quest for healthy snacks, I stumbled upon two 6-ounce containers of scrumptious raspberries for $3.99. This was a fashion jackpot! I usually pay the same amount for just one container at my local grocery store. Talk about a sweet deal.
Now, a fashionista needs her iconic snacks, right? That’s where Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels came into the picture. I adore those savory, addicting sticks, but the prices at my neighborhood Target were a little too steep for my frugal fashionista sensibilities. However, Costco came to the rescue with a 32-ounce bag for only $9.99. I mean, who can resist that much snacking goodness?
But wait, there’s more! As I perused the aisles, I stumbled upon the perfect size snack: yogurt-covered almonds by Sconza Thins. These delectable treats were a delightful 22 ounces, just right for my van’s limited storage. And at $4.97 for the bag, it was a fashionable feast for both my taste buds and my wallet.
Of course, I couldn’t forget about my all-time favorite granola bars, Bobo’s. These PB&J Granola Bars meant I didn’t have to pack peanut butter, jelly, or bread. Fashion and convenience combined! And with 20 bars for $14.99, it was a steal compared to the $29.99 price tag on Bobo’s website. Talk about a stylish snack upgrade!
Now, here’s a cautionary tale from my shopping excursion. I may have made a slight misstep by grabbing an enormous bag of popcorn. Sure, at $5.99 for 25 ounces, it was a good deal. But it turned out to be far too big to fit in my van’s already limited storage. So there I was, with the bulk of my trip accompanied by a giant bag of popcorn occupying the passenger seat. Lesson learned: fashionistas need to strategize their snack choices to save space.
As I continued my Costco spree, I couldn’t neglect the essential items. Messes were bound to happen in my van, so I stocked up on Lysol wipes. Instead of bottles of cleaners and rolls of paper towels, I opted for a four-pack of Lysol wipes for $10.99. Talk about stylish cleanliness on the go!
Finally, I sought something to keep me warm during those chilly hikes and walks. Disposable hand warmers were a must for this fashionista who turns into an icicle in the blink of an eye. Costco’s Heat Pro hand warmers, a box of 40 pairs for $13.99, were practically a steal compared to the $33.49 price tag on Amazon. It’s like wrapping my hands in fashionably cozy warmth.
With a full cart, my van ready to burst with Costco goodness, and a smile on my face, I left the store. In total, I spent less than $200 on an array of food and supplies for my van trip. Yes, there were a few minor mistakes (I’m looking at you, popcorn), but overall, it was a fashionable success. Many items turned out to be lifesavers during my journey, proving that Costco truly is the land of bulk and beauty.
So, my fellow fashion lovers, don’t be afraid to embark on a Costco adventure for your tiny home on wheels. You’ll be amazed at the treasures you’ll find and the incredible deals you’ll score. Just remember to strategize your snack choices and embrace the bulk wonders that await you. Happy shopping and bon voyage!
Dear readers,
Have you ever shopped at Costco for your tiny home on wheels? Share your hilarious or chic experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to rock your fashionable snacks, because even on the road, style is everything.
