Trader Joe's Favorites

When I first moved to Fresno, I would hear people talking about this so called place called Trader Joe's.  I easily got it confused with a restaurant named Tahoe Joe's.  I thought they were the same thing.  Tyson informed me that Trader Joe's was actually a grocery store.  Being from Utah, I had never heard of such a place.  

I decided to venture out one day and make my way to TJ's.  Upon arriving I had no idea what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with baby Christmas Tree's as I walked through the front doors.  The smell of cinnamon filled the air.  I later found out, it was their cinnamon broomstick.  I could immediately tell that this was going to be a place I frequented often.  

Grocery shopping for me has become something I look forward to on a weekly basis.  Penelope is as much a fan as I am.  The workers always go above and beyond to help me find what I am looking for.  They have even opened up boxes, in order for me to try something.  Everything in their store is delicious and well proportioned.  The prices of their flowers are unreal and don't even get me started on their selection of holiday goodies.  I made my weekly Trader Joe's trip and decided to share with you some of my favorites. 

Their reusable bags are fantastic for carrying groceries.  I always use ours on road trips.   

The Cinnamon Apple Sticks are a tasty snack.  Penelope loves to mash these between her six tiny teeth.

Their Fruit Sauce Crushers are the perfect size to throw in my diaper bag.  When P is in need of a snack, I quickly give her one of these and she is happy as a clam.  Also, their Macaroni and Cheese is a quick, but delcious lunch.

The cream yogurts are outstanding.  Penelope can down an entire one in 10 seconds flat.

When looking for healthy snack choices, I discovered the Veggie Sticks.  They are tasty but are much healthier than a regular potatoe chip.  I pour a handful of these on P's highchair and she is content for days.  Their Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks are the perfect size to dip into a jar of peanut butter.  Tyson can't get enough of these.  Their White Cheddar Corn Puffs are similar to Pirate's Booty and if you ask me, they are that much better. 

The Vanilla Almond Granola is unreal.  I can eat it plain, with milk, or in my yogurt.  I can go through a box of this in just a few days. 

They carry fresh Pizza Dough.  It tastes homemade and gives you the feeling of accomplishment, without all the work.  Their Cornbread is hands down my favorite mix I have ever tried.  Throw some butter and honey on it and your tummy will thank you.

I discovered their Coconut Body Butter, when I was pregnant.  I used this morning and night and swear it is the reason I didn't get stretch marks.

Let's talk about Trader Joe's sweets isle.  Their Maple Leaf Cookies are dreamy.  The cream filling is oh so divine.  The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies reminds me of the Holiday's.  Tyson and I ate through the entire box without any hesitation.  If you haven't tried a Pepermint Joe Joe, then you haven't lived.  I stock up on these every December.  There chocolate and  salted caramel selection are also scrumptious, not to mention their Pumpkin Ice Cream, that comes out every October.  It is oh so creamy.

I love love love their cheese selection.  The Quattro Formaggio is ridiculous.  Throw some of it on a tortillia and you my friend, will have yourself one tasty quesidilla.  Their Light String Cheese has the perfect texture and amount of saltiness.

GiGi loves their Natural Dog Treats.  Right now they have pumpkin flavor.  GiGi's tail starts wagging before I even get a chance to open the box.

The Almond butter makes for a killer PB&J.  I love to dip carrots into their Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

I have been on a Brussel Sprout kick lately.  I love the selection and variety of brussel sprouts they offer.

I could munch on their Edamame all day long.  Tyson and I love to have their Chicken Pot Stickers and fried rice for dinner.

They have precooked brown rice that is an easy side for any meal.  Some of my other favorites are the frozen Steel Cut Oats.  You heat them up in the microwave and viola, you have a perfect breakfast.

I hope this helps those of you that are TJ virgins.  I would love for you to share some of your favorites.