Things to Do While in Line at Trader Joe's

Yesterday, I ventured to Trader Joe's on the worst night of the week to go there. If you find yourself stuck in line at Trader Joe's for 45 minutes on the a Sunday night, here are some ways to pass the time.

1. Shop. Ask the hipster captain staff or whatever they are called to get the shit you need while you wait in line.
2. Watch Gossip Girl on your new iPod Video Nano. Think about how you wish you were rich enough to have a private chef so you don't have to stock up on cheap Trader Joe's frozen foods on a Sunday night.
3. Read Self magazine. I'm always behind on my Self, and I love to catch up at Trader Joe's.
4. Call your ex boyfriend and ask him what he's doing. You can hang up on him when the one of the hipster captain staff people drops some pita in your cart.
5. Call your mother. She'll be glad to hear your saving money and buying actual groceries rather than eating out every night.

Trader Joe Update

I went to Trader Joe's for my third week in a row and wanted to update you on the products I have sampled. Last week, I spent $30 and this week I spent $22. I will also include products I have purchased again from my previous post.

1. Pretzels filled with peanut butter--When I went to check out the cashier informed me that I would want the salted pretzels rather than the unsalted which I threw into my cart. He then rang a big brass bell and someone switched out the salted for me. I have to confess, these are pretty tasty, but not worth ringing a brass bell.
2. Pita Chips--I bought more of these. Max likes them too.
4. Bottled Green Tea--I am hooked on the green tea. I might have to get a case and have it delivered.
5. Chili-covered dried mango--I tried these and I am not sure I will buy these again.
6. Frozen flounder stuffed with crabmeat--I was hoping this would taste like the variety served at the Ember's in York, PA, but it did not.
7. Wild Rice--I prefer Uncles Bens. This variety was tasteless.
8. Bagged herb salad--I have bought this weekly.
9. Frozen Mandarin Chicken--I thought this would be a microwaveable dish, but I had to fry it up in my wok. It was kind of tasty though and I didn't have to wait for delivery.
10. Meatballs and Penne-I got this in the prepared aisle, and it was better than the Gourmet Garage version. I wanted this again tonight, but they were out.
11. Thai chicken--I also bought this out of the prepared aisle and it was good. I like the way the fresh meals are proportioned to meet Weight Watchers standards.
12. Thai-flavored lime and hot pepper peanuts--These have been my favorite purchase since last week. I like a spicy peanut.
13. Hawaiian styled BBQ Chips--I like these tasty potato chips and will be looking for them again.
14. Teriyaki Turkey Jerky--Delish low-point treat!
15. Apple breakfast bars--I like these when I'm on the go in the morning! I will buy more of these when I run out.
16. Low fat Balsamic Dressing--This goes very nicely with the Herb Salad Mix.

These are products I have purchased, but not tried.
1. Garlic mashed potatoes
2. Frozen Waffles
3. Frozen Meatballs
4. Frozen seafood mix
5. Frozen BBQ chicken
6. Classic Hummus

Trader Joe's Grocery List

It's been a week since I made my first trip to Trader Joe's. For years, I've had friends from the West Coast bragging out Trader Joe's and I never understood what the fuss was about. I've always been a Jefferson Market/Gourmet Garage type of a girl. As most of my good friends know, I'm slightly obsessed with grocery stores. My sister once witnessed the time I had to go to at least ten stores to find the perfect cut of chicken wings to make for a party. I still don't get all the fuss about Whole Foods. Last Friday after a trip to the allergist, I decided to stop at TJ's on the way home. I even stood in line for five minutes to get into the store. Well, I've been enjoying my purchases for a week, and I have to confess, I can't wait to go back to that store. The food was cheap and delicious. The shelves were slightly picked over and there were some things I wanted to try, but the cashier told me I had to get to store before noon to get such items as tandoori flavored papadam. Here is a list of my latest purchases. I spent approximately $30.
1. Whole Grain Pretzels-Standard pretzel taste.
2. Chickpea Salad--I am kind of hooked on the chickpea salad.
3. Pita Chips--I used to buy Stacy's Pita Chips at Gourmet Garage, but these are just as good and half the price.
4. Bottled Green Tea--Cheaper than the Ito and just as good. Green tea is green tea.
5. Chili-covered dried mango--I haven't tried this yet.
6. Chicken Potstickers--I ate these for dinner last weekend and they were delicious with some Worcestershire sauce.
7. Frozen seafood mix--I haven't tried this yet, but Jen S. bought the same item and made a nice seafood salad out of it.
8. Low-fat Cat Cookies: I got a tub of these cookies and they are not only delicious and low-fat, but they are shaped like cats!
9. Yogurt--I tried the key like and it made a nice dessert. I have two more flavors to try in the fridge.
10. Premade wild rice--I haven't tried this yet.
11. Turkey Chili--I tried the canned turkey chili last night and although it made me fart like crazy all night, it was tasty.
12. Bagged herb salad--I always add my own dill and parsley, so it was nice to find this salad that includes these herbs. It was also cheaper than the Dole or Fresh Express mixes.