Everyone warns you not to go to Costco on an empty stomach — and after our latest trip, I can confirm why. We stopped by to fill the gas tank and within minutes we had a cart loaded with a ham, six pounds of cheese, several boxes of Chex cereal, and a few dozen other items we hadn’t planned to buy.
We hadn’t planned another shopping trip before the holidays, but the store had just opened and it was so quiet that popping in to look for wreaths felt harmless. One aisle turned into another, and before I knew it we were picking up pecans and sugar for cookie dough, along with cream cheese on sale, red pepper jelly, and the crab dip that’s back in stock.
Costco $201.29
We found canned black beans for a favorite black beans and rice recipe, fresh cranberries for a cranberry sour cream coffee cake, and fresh spinach even though I hadn’t bought any in months. No wreaths that first visit, but we left with everything we needed for a pickety-bits platter and a big dinner with guests.
Costco $77.21 {Trip #2}
A couple of days later a friend texted that Costco had wreaths in stock for $19.99 and they were selling fast. The HH jumped in the car, picked up six wreaths, and came home with salad fixings and a massive package of beef. The car was almost full — a reminder that quick stops can turn into full carts when the store looks tempting.
This past week our breakfasts included steel-cut oats, avocado toast, bacon and eggs — sometimes I take the time to cook a full breakfast, other times it’s just tea and toast with jam. The darker, cozier days have had me lingering in the kitchen more than usual.
I always bake my bacon for easier cleanup — and candied bacon is on my list to make again. Cold weather has also meant tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, simple comforts that make weekday dinners feel special.
We’ve been enjoying pasta nights and the grain-and-celery salad from Costco, which is packed with protein and packed with vegetables and fruit. It stretches to about six or seven good-sized portions and even contains kale — something I wouldn’t eat on its own but that adds a healthy boost to the salad.
We even fired up the barbecue on a windy, 40-degree day because when you’re craving smoked flavors, the weather rarely stops you. The HH grilled steak tips to pair with spinach, and leftovers turned into a big, hearty salad the next day.
With all the cheese and nuts we bought, pickety bits have become an easy go-to snack and entertaining option. It’s satisfying to open the fridge and have ready-made components for a quick platter when guests arrive.
Have you done any big stock-up trips lately? Did you find anything delightful or unexpected in your cart? I’m always curious what surprises other shoppers bring home this time of year.
Wishing everyone a great week —
~Mavis
Total Spent This Past Week On Groceries $278.50
January $229.38
February $260.86
March $433.46
April $369.57
May $110.69
June $448.14
July $134.63
August $240.70
September $364.07
October $400.11
November $370.72