Trips to Trader Joe's

Ah, Trader Joe's. Purveyor of "unconventional and interesting products," as well as everyday basics, this specialty grocery store has a cult-like following, and we have definitely "drunk the Kool-Aid" so to speak. Or maybe the TJ's strawberry lemonade.. We happily shop at this store once a week or so because of their inexpensive produce and interesting products, and also because their marketing is just so dadgum good. The vanilla coconut milk has transformed my morning coffee; the organic polenta is delightfully cheap; the bags of avocados and apples are winners; our hands have smelled of fresh linen all week; and we can't live without their veggie straws.

Lillian loves going to "Twaduh Does" for several reasons: first and foremost, the sucker she gets at the end of every trip for being a good listener--negotiating with two-year olds usually involves bribery of some kind. Second, the seasonal stickers given out by the incredibly (sometimes overly) friendly check out people. And finally, the lure of the tiny cart. TJ's made a genius move by providing tons of these (our Harris Teeter only has one). True, every aisle is a potential death trap of small children pushing unwieldy metal vehicles and my ankles/calves rarely make it out of the store without being hit at least once, but it entertains L to no end and allows me to gauge just how much (or little) parental control I have during any given week. Thanks, Trader Joe's, for never failing to entertain and educate us!

Here is a picture walk through some highlights of a TJ's trip.

E can't wait until I give him actual samples instead of just the containers. This picture was taken by the bathrooms, also a necessary stop on any TJ's trip. Try negotiating two children and two carts without losing your mind or your groceries.

Can you hear the metaphorical birds bursting into song as L finds her prize? Also, can't get enough of this guy's baby blues. 

Two carts, two kids. It's a workout. And a lot of fun!

For once, L has a modest selection of mom-approved dairy products in her cart. I think I managed for the first time ever to remove all the "impulse buys" before we reached the checkout. #victory

TJ's also has a great flower selection when you first walk in. We always end up with at least one bundle or plant. You can see the blue hydrangea being "gently placed" into the cart by L behind my stylin' little boy.