Microsoft is kicking off the grand opening by giving the Orange County community a chance to vote for local non-profit organizations to receive up to $1,000,000 in software grants! The community can vote for either two of the following organizations:

• Help Girls Incorporated of Orange County provide year-round tween programs for girls in 7th, 8th and 9th grades and inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
• Support efforts of Project Tomorrow, one of the nation’s leading education non-profits, ensure that today’s students are well prepared to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world.

You can vote for these wonderful organizations on the “local giving” section of the Microsoft Store Facebook Page.

The schedule for the grand opening on March 24th is as follows:

9:30 am – 10:00 am – Grand Opening Ceremony Join Microsoft COO Kevin Turner for a ribbon cutting ceremony where he will present more than $1 million in software grants to local organizations, based on how members of the local community voted on the Microsoft Store Facebook page.

10:00 am – Doors open! Join Microsoft for a full day of celebration. There will be gift bags with lots of freebies inside.  You can also take advantage of great deals on PCs, Windows Phone 7, Xbox releases, and more.

Celebration Continues – Saturday, March 26, 2011

2:00 pm – Selena Gomez, actress of Disney’s Emmy Award Winning Wizards of Waverly Place and Platinum recording artist, will help celebrate the Microsoft Store opening with a special performance Come to the Grand Opening Ceremonies early to receive a gift bag and complimentary tickets to a special performance Saturday, March 26, by Selena Gomez. The first 150 people in line will receive two premier viewing tickets to the performance plus get an opportunity to meet Selena and receive an autograph after the show. The next 800 people in line will receive two premier viewing tickets to the performance. Additional general admission tickets will be given out while supplies last.

Hope to see you there! And don’t forget to vote on the worthy non-profit of your choice here.

FTC Disclaimer: AYMB was not compensated by Microsoft for this post.

Over the past week, I have used both products twice a day. The Calming Body Wash, which is made of natural omega oils, helps leave my skin feeling much more silky and smooth after a shower. The product is fragrance-free, which the Dude appreciates (he helped me review these items), and is safe for very sensitive skin and children. The Eucerin Calming Creme, which is made of oatmeal and glycerin, is one of the best body lotions I’ve tried. This unscented lotion goes on easily and without any residue. It feels luxurious on my skin and I’ve noticed that I don’t need to reapply lotion as much throughout dry days. This product is also safe enough for those with sensitive skin and for children ages 2 and up.

I’ve been incredibly impressed with both Eucerin products, so I’m thrilled to be able to share these products with one lucky reader.

Would you like to try a Eurcerin Calming Creme and Calming Body Wash? To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment below. If you have any tips on how to care for your skin during dry and/or cold seasons, please share! For additional entries, you may do the following:

• “Like” Eucerin on Facebook
• “Like” AYMB on Facebook
• Follow AYMB on Twitter
• Subscribe to this blog
• Tweet/Blog/FB this post

Please leave an additional comment per entry. This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only. The giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 1st and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 2nd. I will select a winner via www.random.org.

Good luck!

FTC Disclaimer: Any ideas or opinions expressed in this review and giveaway are mine and have not been influenced by free products or compensation. I received one Eucerin Calming Creme and one Eucerin Calming Body Wash for review. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

John Varvatos,  Hugo Boss, Christian Dior, and Cole Haan are just some of the labels you can find in his closet. When we travel, he spends time seeking out good tailors to make custom-made clothes. Gorgeous suits from Argentina. Beautiful button-down shirts from Thailand.  When he dresses down in t-shirts and shorts, he still looks good. The guy even looks stylish when he’s going for a six mile run.

So, it was with a mix of shock and horror when he came home with a new t-shirt that he ordered online:

No. Just no.

“What IS that!?!” I asked him, unable to mask my disgust.

“My new shirt! Isn’t it cool?” he exclaimed with delight.

“You’re joking, right? You’re not actually going to wear that in public, are you?”

“Of course! It’s funny and the Monkey will love it”

“Who are you?”

Is fatherhood to blame? As the Monkey gets older, does the Dude want to become younger…or at least dress the part? What’s next? Will he start wearing baseball caps backwards or lowering his jeans to inappropriately obscene levels?  I believe this t-shirt may be the gateway t-shirt to a wardrobe filled with stuff that teenage boys would wear.

I am seeking a few answers from the Dude. But for now, the offending t-shirt has been relegated to the bottom of a drawer…awaiting shipment to my 14 year old half-brother.

There is a 3-day sale going on this weekend (Dec. 10-12th) across all Whole Foods Markets in Southern California. With the holidays upon us and festivities in full swing, Whole Foods Markets is offering a variety of ways to make it easy to celebrate.

Need some ideas for a side dish to bring to a holiday party or a hostess gift? Here is a sample of some of the specials going on:

• Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes are 10 for $10 (regularly $1.59 each)
• Organic 100% Grass-Fed Ground Beef will be $4.99 per pound (regularly $7.99 per pound). Here’s an easy recipe for Beef and Quinoa Meatballs!
• Wild Caught, Frozen, King Salmon Filet will be $15.99 per pound (regularly $22.99 per pound). Impress your family and friends with this simple recipe for Grilled Salmon Spread with Fennel and Chives

Everyone brings wine or champagne for the host/hostess. Instead, gift something different and eco-friendly like reusable Sigg Bottles, which will be marked 50% off.

One great feature about Whole Foods Markets is how easy is it to order holiday menu items online. I know, because I order my turkey online from Whole Foods every Thanksgiving! If you’re in Southern California and would like to sample some of their prepared holiday dishes before ordering, all SoCal Whole Foods will be offering a tasting event this Sunday (Dec. 12th) from Noon- 3pm. Don’t miss out!

As a special treat to my readers to help prepare for Whole Foods holiday grocery shopping, Whole Foods Markets has generously offered one of my readers a $10 gift card. To enter the give-away, just leave a comment below and let me know what you enjoy most about the holidays. For additional entries, you may: subscribe to AYMB, tweet this post, or post on your Facebook page.  Please leave an additional comment for each entry.

I will select a winner on Tuesday, December 14th via www.random.org.

Good luck!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Whole Foods Markets for this post or give-away.

(entry for the Literati giveaway is now closed)

I have been waiting to get an e-reader ever since I first learned of their existence. However, I really didn’t want to spend money on an expensive e-reader that didn’t have color. So I waited.

And waited.

Until now…

The new Literati e-reader by Sharper Image is here. And it’s in color!

Why do I care so much about color? Because I want to read my magazines in color. I want to see the pictures in my cookbooks in color.  But, most importantly, I want to read my son’s favorite children’s books with him in color. Most e-readers are black and white because they use e-ink technology, which also means there is no back-lighting. The Sharper Image Literati uses a back-lit LCD screen, which not only means it can display color content but that you can also read in the dark.  There will be no need for a book-light! This is good news for any late-night readers that don’t want to disturb their partner while they sleep (*raises hand*).

I like my gadgets to not only work well, but to be stylish and easy to carry around. The Literati is sleek and small enough to throw into my purse. What I also love is that the Literati comes with a simple, but effective, free case. I always hate buying an expensive gadget and then have to go out and buy a separate case to protect it.

The Literati is also simple and easy to use. Unlike other e-readers that are really more like tablet computers, this one seems purposely simple. What that means is that when you turn it on, you get a bookshelf.  Period.  You don’t get a set of icons and unnecessary features. Another bonus is that this device synchronizes with your other devices. As described in the 4th video on this page , if you’re reading a book on your Literati and stop on page 20 you can start reading on your smart-phone right where you left off.

The Literati, which is powered by the online bookstore Kobo, comes with 150 free books (25 pre-loaded and 125 available when you log-in), including many great classics that every reader should have in their library. You can read for weeks before even having to visit the built-in wireless bookstore! But, when you do, you will have access to a store with over 2 million titles. The Literati also has a built-in dictionary, which I really appreciate. Hey, not everyone was an English major in college.

The Literati’s original price is $159, however, good deals can be found (especially this Thanksgiving week.). I’ve read that Kohl’s will have a Black Friday special for the Literati at $100 (after a $30 rebate). If you’re not willing to fight the crowds, check out the web for other good deals. Either way, the Literati is a lot less expensive than the $250 color Nook.  In addition, you can find a Literati at nearly every major department store, such Macy’s, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Best Buy, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

If you want more info on the Literati, make sure to check out the Literati website or the Literati Facebook page. And, if you stop by the Facebook page, make sure to play the fun and highly addictive Literati Title Search game. I’ve already spent way more time than I care to admit playing it.

Want the chance to win a Literati e-reader? Just leave a comment below. For your first point of entry, please share what book you’re looking forward to reading on the Literati. For additional entries you may:

• Subscribe to AYMB via e-mail or RSS feed
• Follow AYMB on twitter
• Tweet this post or post a link of this review to Facebook.

Please leave an additional comment for any other point of entry. This give-away is only open to U.S. residents.

I will select a winner on Tuesday, December 7th via www.random.org and will post the winner on Wednesday, December 8th.

Good luck!

(check out the Literati commercial below)

FTC Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated for this review. The kind folks behind the brand new Literati e-reader generously provided an e-reader for my review and one for the purpose of a give-away. In the spirit of a fully honest disclosure, I was introduced to the Literati from someone I know who works with the manufacturer. However, as with any other review and give-away I offer my readers, no free product or compensation influences my reviews. I stand by the products I endorse and all opinions expressed are my own.

I love playing games with my family and, in my house, that often includes Wii video games. However, I usually reserve our host of Wii games for older kids and adults. As much as my 3 year old is fascinated by DJ Hero, I don’t necessarily think it’s appropriate for him to find his inner DJ Gregg Gillis just yet! Needless to say, I was especially interested in Disney’s new kid-friendly Wii video games.

Disney has created a whole portfolio of video games designed for the whole family. The family-friendly interactive Wii video games include:

• Disney Guilty Party allows you to investigate mysteries, collect clues and even split into teams to discover the “super sleuths” in your family
• Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales is inspired by Disney/Pixar’s “Car Toons” and offers fast-paced, four-player fun to determine the family daredevil
• Disney Channel All-Star Party brings together Disney Channel shows and characters for the first time in more than 30 games in popular show locations
• Disney Tangled is a hair-raising adventure that’s inspired by the new animated movie and allows you to play as Rapunzel or Flynn
• Disney Sing It Family Hits creates a whole new world of karaoke fun with 30 songs from both classic and contemporary feature films including “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”
• Club Penguin Game Day! provides the fun and creativity of the popular snow-covered online world of Club Penguin on Wii for the first time with a challenging collection of fun new mini-games for the whole family

All of the games in the Disney Interactive Studios holiday portfolio are Rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). For more information about the Disney Interactive Studios holiday portfolio, go to http://www.disneyfamily.com/makeitdisney.

Give-Away!

As a special treat, I am giving away the Phineas and Ferb Ride Again game for the Nintendo DS! Retail value is $30.  Make sure to leave a comment by Tuesday, November 23rd! To leave an additional comment for extra entries, subscribe to AYMB or follow AYMB on twitter. This give-away is only open for U.S. and Canada residents.

I will select a winner via www.random.org and will announce the winner on Wednesday, November 24th. Good luck!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review or give-away from Disney. I was, however, given complimentary products for my personal use and to give-away. My reviews are not influenced by free product or compensation.

Ruckus Media Group, a global mobile family entertainment company, has just released it’s first animated children’s story applications for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. These classic stories include:

Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table, told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello

The Velveteen Rabbit, told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston

The Velveteen Rabbit (image courtesy of Ruckus Media Group)

Johnny Appleseed, told by Garrison Keillor, illustrated by Stan Olson, music by Mark O’Connor

Pecos Bill, told by Robin Williams, illustrated by Tim Raglin, music by Ry Cooder

John Henry, told by Denzel Washington, illustrated by Barry Jackson, music by B.B. King

Pecos Bill (image courtesy of Ruckus Media Group)

I was given the opportunity to sample The Velveteen Rabbit, as told by Meryl Streep, and Pecos Bill, as told by Robin Williams. With all five story apps, you have the option to watch the video narrated by the actors, read the story yourself, or even read and record the story.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actresses and to hear her dramatization of The Velveteen Rabbit story was an absolute pleasure. In a lilting British accent, Ms. Streep brings a wonderful tone to this classic story. The images, drawn by Dave Jorgensen, were visually stunning and rich and the music by George Winston was soothingly gorgeous. The story is the perfect way to end a day and calm a child for sleep. It’s also the perfect story app to have in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Pecos Bill

The story of Pecos Bill was brilliantly brought to life by comedian/actor Robin Williams. As only Mr. Williams can do, his characterization of Pecos Bill and the other storyline characters is perfect blend of comedic entertainment and riveting storytelling.  The Pecos Bill images, drawn by  Tim Raglin, are beautifully detailed and the accompanied music by Ry Cooder is a wonderful complement to the storyline.

My toddler and I were both transfixed during these videos and then enjoyed reading the stories on our own. Reading through the story on your own might pale in comparison to the storytelling talent of these consummate actors and performers, but it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy these classic stories. At $3.99 for each app, these stories are so delightful that I plan to download all five apps to enjoy with my child for years to come.  The best part is, as long as you have your iPhone or iPad handy, you’ll always have access to them.

Please note that in order to download these apps to your iPhone, your phone must be updated to the 3.2 version or 4.0 version.

Give-Away!

Ruckus Media Group has graciously offered all five apps for a give-away! To enter the give-away, please leave a comment below. For additional entries, you may subscribe to AYMB, follow AYMB on twitter, follow Ruckus Media Group on twitter, and post a tweet about this review and give-away. Please make sure to leave an additional comment for every a point of entry you complete.

I will select 5 winners on Thursday, November 4th using www.random.org.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Ruckus Media Group for this review or give-away. I was, however, given two apps to review. This review is based on my own experience with the applications and was not influenced by any free product I received.

I’ve been a fan of Whole Foods grocery stores for many years so, needless to say, I was thrilled when I was invited to preview the 300th Whole Foods store that just opened in Huntington Beach, CA. Two days before the grand opening on Wednesday, October 13th, I joined up with other bloggers and media outlets for a fun tour that showcased everything the new Whole Foods has to offer its new community.

In addition to many of the natural and organic items that you find in Whole Foods stores across the country, the new Huntington Beach location will offer unique regional products and cuisine from more than 50 local vendors, including Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce, Mary’s Free Range Organic Chickens, Honey Pacifica, Carlsbad Aquafarm, Yasutomi Farms, California Baby, and Xan Chocolates, to name a few. Many of the local vendors were at the preview and I happily sampled their goods. I was introduced to quite a few products I’ve never tried before and saw even more that I know and love. I’ve been a fan of Mary’s Chickens for years (my delicious Thanksgiving turkey last year was from Mary’s farm!), and it was a pleasure to actually meet her in person. It was also a treat to discover other local vendors. I especially loved the Xan chocolates, the sage and eucalyptus honey from Honey Pacifica, the shrimp from Carlsbad Aquafarm, and the hot sauce from Gringo Bandito (a Tapatio loyalist for years, I have to admit that this incredible hot sauce won me over).

Orange County is a very diverse area, and Whole Foods clearly made it a point to cater to many favorite local cuisines. Located on the border of Huntington Beach and Westminster, the new Whole Foods beautifully blends together the local flavors of the Surf City community and of Little Saigon in Westminster, home to the largest Vietnamese community in the U.S.  Next to the Pizza & Beer Bar you will find a host of delicious Vietnamese cuisine such as phở, noodle salads, sweet and spicy tamarind, and Vietnamese skirt steak. At the Beach Bar 405, you will find an assortment of local staples and various comfort food dishes such as empanadas, bruschetta, arepas, rice balls, chicken wings, nachos, and mac & cheese balls. Many Whole Foods stores have areas to sit down for a quick meal, but this particular Whole Foods features very comfortable indoor and outdoor seating that makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends.

There are various reasons why I frequently shop at Whole Foods, but their specialty items are probably my number one reason. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or going on a picnic, I usually head to Whole Foods to pick up wine, beer, cheeses, and bread. With a large assortment of cheeses from both local sources and creameries from around the world, this particular store does not disappoint.  The bakery offers fresh organic bread made daily as well as beautiful desserts such as Vietnamese coconut cakes, cream puffs, and many gluten-free and vegan options. Whole Foods is also a good place to discover new wines and beers.  The Mix and Match 6-Pack lets customers create their own set of hand-crafted beers from around the world, including varieties from Orange County-based brewery, The Bruery (which happens to be one of my favorite OC pubs as well!).  As for wine, this Whole Foods will offer many varietals from well-known wineries as well as wines made from grapes from Vietnam and traditional favorites from the Santa Barbara region.

Conveniently located off the 405 freeway in the Bella Terra shopping center, the new Whole Foods is not only a great place to shop for all grocery items but also a fun place to sit and enjoy a meal. Take a peek through my photos to get an even better idea about my visit. Or, better yet, check it out for yourself!

Whole Foods
7881 Edinger Ave., Suite 150
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Give-away time!

I have two $10 Whole Foods gift cards to give-away, courtesy of Whole Foods, and a grand prize gift-card of $75!

To enter the give-away, share what you love about Whole Foods in a comment below. For additional entries, please do the following: follow Whole Foods on twitter,  follow AYMB on Twitter, subscribe to AYMB,  or tweet about this preview and give-away. Make sure to leave an additional comment for every entry option that you fulfill. Please note that this giveaway is only open for residents of Southern California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Nevada.

This give-away will end on Friday, October 22nd. I will select two winners of the $10 gift cards and one grand-prize winner of the $75 gift card via www.random.org on October 23rd.

Good luck!

FTC Disclaimer: I was not paid by Whole Foods for this review and give-away. I was, however, given a swag bag of Whole Foods goodies during my tour. This review has not been influenced by any free products I received.

I believe being a smart shopper goes beyond clipping coupons, looking for good deals, and avoiding paying full retail. A smart shopper also shops with their conscience. We all have our own ethical beliefs and values, neither of which should be compromised because of a good deal.

There are issues we all care about, whether it be equal rights for gays, environmental concerns, sweatshop and child labor, animal testing, war funding, white-collar crime, etc… I believe that giving money to a business that goes against our ethical values is like directly contributing to the very issues we object. We would never do that, so why do it when we shop or eat? As consumers, we’re a powerful group. We have our voice and we have our wallets. When we voice our objections to bad business practices and close our wallets, we’re making a powerful statement.

I’m not urging my readers to take up the same causes that I believe in, but I am urging everyone who reads this to listen to your conscience before you buy. Educate yourself about companies that you regularly buy from and how your purchases were manufactured or produced. Learn about their political contributions and donations. We’re not always going to be aware of bad business, but we should all be doing our best to know as much as possible. That’s what makes us a smart shopper.

Are there businesses you don’t support for one reason or another? Would love to hear about your own story.

Interested in knowing more about the businesses that I currently boycott? See below:

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has donated large sums of money and has a long history of cross-promotion with Focus on the Family, a fundamentalist Christian organization that takes an active and costly stance opposing same-sex marriage and other social issues that I strongly support.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

I haven’t ordered from Kentucky Fried Chicken in over a decade simply because I don’t like their food. But now I have even more reason to ever go back – KFC has a long history of animal cruelty towards chickens. The birds are caged in horrible conditions and then slaughtered using cruel methods. Yes, the chickens will eventually die for our bucket of fried chicken anyways, but that doesn’t mean they need to be treated cruelly and horrifically killed before ending up on your dinner table.

Nestle Corporation

When I learned about the unethical business practices and their use of suppliers that violate human rights, I stopped buying products from Nestle. This includes a host of other brands that are owned or jointly owned by Nestle.  From buying cocoa from suppliers that use child slaves and purchasing milk from Mugabe to promoting unhealthy food products for infants and children to workers rights issues, Nestle has a very long history of problematic and unethical business practices. In addiction to the candy and chocolate products that most Americans are familiar with, the Nestle Corporation owns many brands, including Dreyers Ice Cream, Haagen-Dazs, the Skinny Cow, Lean Cusine, Hot Pockets, Stouffers, Jenny Craig, Coffee-Mate, Taster’s Choice, Jamba bottled juices, Alpo dog food, Friskies, Fancy Feast, Gerber baby foods and products, Perrier water, Arrowhead water, Polan Spring water, and Power Bar. They also have joint business ventures with Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, and General Mills.

Procter and Gamble

P&G has a long history of testing on animals for their household products, pet food, and cosmetics. Brands produced by P&G include Always, Ariel, Bold, Camay, Crest, Daz, Dreft, Fairy, Flash, Head and Shoulders, Insignia, Iams, Milton, Napisan, Oil of Ulay, Old Spice, Pampers, Sinex, Tide, Viakal, Vidal Sassoon, Vortex and Zest.

You know those *haul* shopping videos on youtube? This is my version.

Who doesn’t love Trader Joe’s?!?

No. Really. I actually want to know who you are, because I’ve yet to meet someone that doesn’t love that place. I’ve been a loyal customer of Trader Joe’s since about 1997 and I tend to move to areas that have a TJ’s within 10 minutes of my house.  When realtors talk about location, location, location, all I want to know is if there is a TJ’s nearby.

All loyal TJ’s customers have their favorites and I am no exception. I may have relied on their frozen meals and cheap wine (Two Buck Chuck!) back in the 90′s, but now I rely on their organic and healthy products to feed my family.  Trader Joe’s proves that organic, healthy, and natural products do not have to cost an arm and a leg. From a starving college student on a tight budget to a mom cooking for her family, Trader Joe’s has come through for me time and time again. The majority of my grocery receipts come from TJ’s, which should tell you everything.

Without further ado, these are my favorite Trader Joe’s products. Prices are current as of this post date:

Breakfast/Bread

Organic Oats & Flax Instant Oatmeal ($3.29) – when I feel the need to have a particularly healthy breakfast, these individual packets of oatmeal do the job.

8 Plus 2 100% Stone Ground Whole Grain Bread ($2.29) – my favorite bread, made with natural whole grains, soy & flax.

Vanilla Almond Crunch Cereal ($3.99) - this cereal is a favorite in my family. It’s good with or without milk!

Trader Joe’s Low-Fat Cereal Bars ($1.69) – made with organic grains, these cereal bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or healthy snack. I always have a few of these in my bag for when the the Monkey gets hungry.

Lavosh Bread ($1.99) - perfect for wraps or a snack with tahini or hummus.

Condiments

Organic Creamy Peanut Butter ($2.99) – this is quite possibly the best peanut butter I’ve tried. When mixed well, it doesn’t dry out, either.

Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce ($2.49) - this mustard is incredible and works deliciously on anything from a turkey sandwich to grilled sausage.

Garlic Hummus ($2.49) – spread on lavosh or pita bread or dip your chips and veggies in it. This hummus is the best!

Organic Marinara Sauce ($2.29) - I use this tasty marinara for individual pizzas on English muffins or in pastas.

Panko Breadcrumbs ($1.69) – I prefer panko breadcrumbs to regular breadcrumbs and this panko is one of my favorites.

Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals ($1.99) – this fabulous pink salt comes with a built-in grinder!

Taco Seasoning Mix ($0.79) - this is a great alternative to other taco seasoning packs because you can actually pronounce the ingredients.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate & Almond Biscotti ($3.99) - perfect for a delicious after-dinner treat with coffee.

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds ($6.99) – Warning. These are highly addictive!

Tofutti Cuties Vanilla Bars ($2.69) - I love these and they are a much healthier alternative to ice cream sandwiches.

Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels with Sea Salt – you will be hard-pressed to find them now, but when they stock these seasonal treats, buy them! They are delicious!

Meat/Poultry

Organic Chicken Tenders (about $6-$8) – I buy several packages of these every week because they are so versatile to use. I bread them with panko and flax and bake them into healthy chicken strips or cut them into small pieces for tacos.

Organic Whole Chicken (about $13-$15) – want to try my Chicken Soup recipe? This is excellent quality chicken for a good price. I also buy this chicken when I plan on roasting a whole chicken.

Frenched Lamb Rack from New Zealand ($10.99 per lb) – did you see my recent Foodie Friday post for Mustard Crusted Lamb Rack? This lamb rack is great for that recipe. It is free-range, hormone-free, and steroid-free. No need to spend big bucks at your local butcher with this quality lamb.

Produce

Organic Baby Carrots ($0.79) – an ideal snack or add to salads.

Organic Berries (around $2.99) – I buy a variety of their berries and combine them in a bowl at home for a quick and healthy snack.

Persian Cucumbers ($2.29) – slice them up and dip in tahini or hummus!

Organic Bananas ($0.29 each) – I can’t always find organic bananas at the big-chain grocery stores, which is why I’m so glad TJ’s sells them.

Brussels Sprouts ($1.99) – when I can’t find Brussels Sprouts on the stem (TJ’s occasionally sells them that way!), I’ll buy them in a bag. Use them in my roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe!

Quick Lunch/Dinner

I love Trader Joe’s salads for a quick lunch or dinner. My favorites include the Pear and Gorgonzola Salad ($3.49) and the Chopped Chicken Salad ($4.49)

“Just Chicken” Entree ($5.99) - this package of chicken has so many uses. My favorite quick recipe for this item is chicken salad and chicken quesadillas!

Snacks

Savory Thin Mini Edamame Crackers ($2.49) – everyone in my family loves these delicious crispy crackers made of edamame.

Omega Trek Mix (individual packs of almonds, cashews, & cranberries) ($4.99) -  a perfect snack to-go!

Organic Light String Cheese ($4.99)  – this is the best string cheese I’ve found. Plus, it has 50% less fat than regular string cheese!

Pretzel Slims ($2.19) - a great snack when you need something salty and crunchy.

Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks ($1.49) – I love these pretzel sticks because they are both salty and sweet.

Organic Blue Tortilla Chips ($2.99) - the perfect complement to homemade guacamole.

Organic Animal Crackers ($2.99) – a much healthier alternative to the original animal crackers.

6-pack of Organic Yogurt ($3.29) – the Monkey loves this yogurt. Add some berries , granola, or Vanilla Crunch cereal on top for a great treat.

Veggie Stix and Veggie Chips ($1.99) – a much better option to potato chips! And tastier, too.

Another reason I love to shop at Trader Joe’s is for their selection of fresh flowers. I love having beautiful flowers in my home, but I hate spending a ton of money on them.  TJ’s is, by far, the best place to find reasonably priced and excellent quality flowers and plants. I even planted their lavender plants in my garden and they are doing beautifully. I have heard that they select local growers for their flowers, but I can’t confirm that.

Got any Trader Joe’s recommendations that are not listed here? Please share!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Trader Joe’s for this endorsement. However, if they want to throw a few free snacks my way, I’ll gladly accept it.