A Little Costco Crazy

This past weekend was filled with a few different things, but among them were our 3 trips to Costco. YES...3 trips! It wasn't really on purpose, it just kind of happened. Chris needed new tires, but since the membership is in my name, I had to go with him. So we were there for the initial order, and then had to go back later in the day to pick up his car. Of course both trips required a stroll around the entire store. Then Sunday, after a trip to Krispy Kreme (the only one in the state) we headed over to a new Costco that we learned was selling Burburry purses, True Religion jeans, and Juicy sweatsuits. We also did the complete walk around that store as well. My Costco card is definitely my item of the week for the following reasons:

1. Their gas is cheaper than the regular gas stations. Since I fill up my tank more than once per week due to my long commute and busy schedule, this is very helpful. Today I noticed that their gas was at least $0.10 cheaper per gallon than the other stations in the area.
2. You can eat lunch...for free! On the weekends, there are all kinds of different sample stations strategically placed around the store and you can often go back for more than one. Some of the things I sampled this week are sausage, turkey, quesadillas, salsa, cheese, bread, oatmeal, fruit snacks, pistachios and peanut butter.
3. Even if you can't fill up on samples, their snack bar is great. The food is tasty, not very healthy, but tasty and the price is just right. I recommend the pizza!
4. Their prices can be cheaper if you shop right. I don't buy everything there, but toilet paper, paper towels, pure vanilla extract (weird I know, but I use a lot of it), wine, granola bars and zip lock bags are only a few items I like to buy because of the money savings you get from buying in bulk. I also buy these amazing bean, cheese, and rice burritos that are organic, only have 1 gram of fat per burrito and are less than 300 calories!

I know that some people like Sam's Club better and I'm certainly not debating that issue, one because I don't have a Sam's membership and two because I know a very high ranking official at Sam's. My reasons work for any big box store, so if you don't have a membership to one of these, I say an investment in one is a great idea. You can certainly make up your initial investment with the savings you'll have throughout the year. Just make sure not to over shop while you are there!

A Great Assistant In The Kitchen

I've made cookies twice in the last week, something that is rare for me since if they are around, they will end up in my tummy rather quickly. However, I had two great reasons to bake for other people. One was for my friend Colby who just got engaged (exciting!) and the other was for our Memorial Day BBQ.

Before this, I don't even remember the last time I made cookies that weren't from the already made cookie dough that's sitting in my freezer. Side note: don't worry, it's homemade key lime cookie dough from Chris' mom that she brings me b/c I love them so much and they are thousands of miles away. For my birthday my great aunt had given me a cookie scoop. This was my first opportunity to use it, and its my item of the week!

The cookie scoop is essentially a smaller ice cream scoop, but it makes making same sized cookies so much easier! All you do is scoop up even amounts of dough and plop it right on a cookie sheet. No more spoon, no more guessing on the size. Now I will admit this is more of a convenience item, not a necessity, but it makes your life just a little bit easier in the long run. If you want to buy one, try Marshalls, Ross, Home Goods, etc. since they are a little pricey (Over $10). However, I've seen them numerous times in these locations and for a severely discounted rate. They come in multiple sizes too for large or small cookies!

Bread Machines Are The Best!

This is acting as a follow up to my recipe featured yesterday. I apologize to those of you who don't have bread machines, but really, they are the easiest way to make daily (or weekly or monthly...) bread. Some types of bread just can't be made that way, which I totally understand, but if you want to save your sanity and love making bread, or even just want to try making bread, this is a great way to do it. Bread Machine = Item Of the Week!

It's not at all necessary to buy a bread machine for full price. Try checking your local garage sales or Craig's list, and see if you can get a used one. People often buy them, never use them, and want to get rid of them. Mine came from Chris' mom. After she helped me with my baking adventure mentioned below, she sent Chris home with her old machine, on a cross country airplane, in his suitcase. If you do have to buy a new one, no need for the fancy kind, any one that has a dough feature will do.

Most recipes are also adaptable for a machine as well. I even have a Monkey Bread kit that's be haunting me because it looked like a lot of work until I read below the instructions and found the bread machine instructions. It was a happy day for me. And like I said before...I NEVER bake the bread in the machine, I only use it to mix the dough. It's like that Ronco guy, "Set it and forget it!"

A Handy Gadget

First off, I'd like to apologize for my absence. Life at the house on canary has been pretty crazy over the last week or so, and I haven't had time to sit down in front of a computer for anything other than work or research. However, I am finally back and in full swing. While I usually do my item of the week on Thursday or Friday, I was reminded over the weekend how much I love breakfast, which led me to this week's item. Let's begin in September of 2006. We were moving into our house, it was pure craziness, and yet a freshly wrapped present rises among the boxes. Chris informs me that he's already bought my first Christmas present of the year. I was seriously shocked! I had no idea at all what was in that box, and couldn't even think of anything I had mentioned wanting. Well fast forward to Christmas, and when I finally open the box, I find the most handy gadget inside...the Egg N' Muffin maker!

This is the easiest way to make the homemade version of McDonald's Egg McMuffin (or Sausage McMuffin with Egg in my case) and everything about it is great. You start by putting your bread of choice in the slots. I like to use English muffins, but regular bread or a bagel also works. Then you crack the egg and place it in its container. In order to gauge the doneness of the egg, you add a pre-determined amount of water. Then place whatever meat you may like to add on the warming tray and set up is done. The best part? To start the process, you simply press one button. It determines the order in which things cook to make everything done at the exact same time. Simply assemble your sandwich and you are ready for some breakfast. Cleanup is easy too, just wash the egg cup, meat warming tray and lid, and you are done. The bonus is that you can also cook hard boiled eggs, 4 at a time, which is an easier alternative to cooking them on the stove. I highly recommend this to all breakfast eaters. Even if McDonald's is just around the corner, you are saving yourselves gasoline and calories!

Household Items At Discount Prices

That's right, I am a sucker for a bargain. I used to be completely willing to buy things at full price, and now? Now I am more hesitant to buy without taking price into consideration. Sure, there are things I buy at full price, but household items is one area where I love getting a bargain. This past week was no exception. My two favorite places to find great household things are Marshalls and Home Goods. I don't know why, but I always seem to find good deals at these places. Need new cookie sheets like I did on Saturday? Home Goods has a HUGE kitchen department and I found one 1/2 off. I also bought a beautiful rope encased hurricane glass (think nautical) for $3.99. In fact, Marshalls is where my Item of the Week comes from! I was browsing around Marshalls and came across the clearance table. Now, not only are you already getting a bargain just by shopping there, but you get an extra deal! And sitting on that table was the most beautiful blue pie plate, and for only $5.00. Normally pie plates are around $10.00, and this was was oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, some of the best words to my ears. Later, I did a little research, and found this plate retails for $18.00, which means I bought it at almost %75 off!

A few tips about visiting these stores...Marshalls usually has a smaller selection, since they house clothing, accessory items, and home products all under one roof. I tend to buy smaller items there, such as picture frames, and seasonal door decorations. Home Goods, however, is the mecca of home shopping. They have everything you could want, kitchen, table and bed linens, small appliances, decor, furniture, rugs, etc. Just recently I outfitted two bookshelves with items from Home Goods and spent all of $60.00. They are best for bed and bath, dining, and big ticket items. These places need to be visited regularly in order to get the most out of them. The inventory is always changing, so new items are always being brought in, and items exit just as quickly. If you see something you like, buy it. It might not be there when you return, even just hours later. Items can be returned at both stores with no problem, so if you are unsure, buy it, keep the tag and receipt, and it can always be returned later. The next time you need something for your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or even a gift, check out Marshalls and Home Goods. Even if you don't find what you came for, you are sure to find something you can't leave the store without.

Celebrate Spring With Backyard Furniture

As I have previously mentioned, we are in the process of "remodeling" our backyard. I'm sure that we aren't the only ones happy to have spring upon us (although for us, it will be in the 100's in a matter of weeks). While Chris was busy determining the new landscaping, I was busy figuring out how to replace my cheap plastic chaise lounge with some "real" furniture, two chaise lounges to be exact. As I was doing research, I was shocked by the price of outdoor furniture. We are talking $600+ for a table and chairs, and $200+ for each chaise lounge. If it was going to be inside my house, fine, but the fact that it will be taking a beating from the sun and heat, well that's just ridiculous.

LUCKILY, my parents came to the rescue! My mom found some wonderful chaise lounges at Linens n Things. Not only were they inexpensive, but sturdy and made of rust-free metal. You can use a 20% off coupon, and they also accept competitors coupons, specifically from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Be smart and get two, then its 20% off each chair. This is why they are my Item of the Week! What exactly is that you might ask? It's a new thing I'm starting to showcase one new (or not new) home item that tops my favorites list for the week. This week its my new patio furniture. It's a stylish edition to any backyard and is perfect for that twenty something who doesn't want to break the bank to spend a little more time outdoors. Thanks Mom and Dad!

P.S. Actual photos of the furniture in my backyard will be coming shortly.