A tale of two carts: A Trader Joe’s Story

It was a warm January morning on the East Coast, and my freezer, refrigerator, and cabinets were nearly bare.  It was time to make the once a month excursion to our local Trader Joe’s. 

I would have to say, I have a pretty equal love for both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.  Today was my “big trip”. I go there every 4 or 5 weeks and stock up on lots of great food, and I don’t feel ripped off when I leave.  I typically spend around $400.00 for the monthly trip and then I still get about $65.00 a week in random items I run out of, or things TJ’s doesn’t carry.  That may seem like a lot, but keep in mind, I buy 90% organic and we do not eat out, ever.  Maybe 5 times a year will we pick something up, and those times are at Whole Foods bar or TJ’s fresh case.  So that is, all meals, including all Mya’s lunches that I pack everyday.  It breaks down to about $150+ a week.   

Since so many people ask me about my shopping, I thought I would post pictures of everything I get in a trip.  After I photographed everything, I noticed my 1 bag of toiletries and Aloe Juice and a few other things did not make the pics.  But anyway, because their carts are so tiny, and I shop for a month, I always shop with two carts at TJ’s.  The first cart I fill with all the canned goods, cereals, and dry essentials. Once that cart is done. I go back outside get another cart, and then fill it with all the frozen items, refrigerated items, and  fresh produce.  This makes it easy at checkout and easy to unpack when I come home.  Even though I am quite a mess at home, my grocery shopping is quite organized!  Here are some of the pics:

The Trunk	The Back Seat

Fresh Fruit

Fresh Veggies

Breads and Pasta

Frozen Veggies & Fruit

Snacks for Mya’s Lunches

Cereals

Canned and Jarred Goods

 

Tofu & Dips

Baking Supplies

Freezer is Full

The Tape

Can you believe all that and more for $387.00

I was exhausted after the unpack. I ate a bowl of homemade vegetable “beef” soup I made yesterday.  On our way home we shared a hummus wrap from Trader Joe’s that was in the total!  Okay, now that I shared my trip, I must actually get back to the pile of paperwork in from of me!  Oh, did I mention I forgot Almond Milk and Earth Balance…I have to run to Giant this afternoon….Andy just shakes his head!

Have a great afternoon.