Each Kid Picks ONE Thing at TJ

I started this rule once I realized that any time I had my kids with me at TJ (or anywhere really...) that they would WANT, WANT, WANT. The rule is, that each kid can pick ONE thing - a snack, a treat, etc. And I have to approve it. So no angel food cake... (Yes, one of my sons really did pick up an Angel Food Cake at TJ one day and asked for it.)

Yesterday, my 4-year old went nutso over this box of cookies. For any of you with a 4-year old boy, you know, this is a NO-BRAINER pick! I have to admit, it really IS cute...

Two comments.

First of all, he thought it would be an edible train. Should have seen that one coming!

Secondly, the cookies are just so-so. For someone who is SUPER picky with store bought cookies, as you might have read, I love and have approved a lot of the TJ cookies. But this one was "meh." They should be AMAZEBALLS. They're from Germany! I've had similar products from other sellers that were much better.

And one more thing.  OK, so three things...

It is a very tiny assortment. So do I bring this to a party? Kinda meager offerings. Do I serve these on a pretty platter at my book club? Again, not much there. Would have to buy 2-3 boxes.

Conclusion -

Great one-time buy for my little one, but probably not going to happen again!

Trader Giotto's Bambino Pizza - Frozen Mini Pizzas!

I like all the frozen pizzas that I've tried from TJ, but I don't love any of them. And my kids really haven't liked any of them.

So, I was excited to see this product, new to my TJ location. And I love them! First of all, they are really cute. I wold say they are smaller than a traditional mini pizza, but it is just right for me to eat at lunch, with some fruit and carrot sticks. I was also pleased to see each box has 4 pizzas. A feasible dinner option for my family.

I bought the cheese and the pepperoni, thinking I would like the pepperoni better - more fat and flavor, right?  WELL, I like the cheese better! It has tasty seasoning on it that I don't believe is on the pepperoni version.

New Dark Chocolate Sweet Treat!

Any time I see a new candy product at TJ, well let's be honest, a new CHOCOLATE candy product, I have to buy it. I'm a chocoholic, and I think the candy at TJ almost never disappoints. (You'll never see a review for the mango cookies... sorry!)

I am really digging these! I wasn't sure about the graham component, because I am hit or miss on my love of graham crackers in desserts. But it is not overwhelming, and the dark chocolate/sea salt combination on all TJ products is really outstanding! I love their dark chocolate (and I am typically a milk chocolate gal.) And the sea salt didn't seem like it would go, but it is the essential touch that makes these good enough to buy again.

PS - if any TJ powers that be are listening, I have not seen my most favorite - Milk Chocolate Jumbles - in a really long time!

Summer Mom Lunch Part II

When I had elective laser eye surgery a few weeks ago, my dear friend (and amazing cook) brought my family dinner. I loved this quinoa salad she made. It was just so fresh and tasty. I decided to recreate it TJ style.

Here's what you need.
-quinoa
-grape tomatoes
-Persian cucumbers
-feta
-basil
-balsamic dressing

Cook one serving of quinoa (cook two if this is for family dinner). While it is cooking, cut the two veggies and the basil into strips (about 6 leaves).

Once quinoa is cooked and cooled, mix it together with the two veggies, the basil strips, salt and pepper to taste, and several tablespoons of the BV dressing. 

Voila!

PS - this basil plant was $2.99 at the Teej. Can't beat that!

Summer Mom Lunch Part I

Every summer, I get inspired to make new lunches. Both for me and my kids. This week, I made two new "mom" lunches.

Full disclosure - this one I sampled at TJ.

It is just three ingredients, all pre-packaged for you!

Mix in a bowl and serve.

This would even be great to bring to a summer potluck BBQ.

Yummy Cereal, my kids love it!

My kids are loving this cereal, especially  my 4-year old. He, of course, skips eating the plain O's. He loves the pink O's and the tiny dried berries. He eats with with or without milk (he's super into snacking...)

About every other week, TJ is actually out of this cereal! Other people have discovered it.

No Bueno!

I should start by saying that a friend recommended this to me.  So I had high hopes. And I did eat this.  And so did my husband. But he texted me at work with "No Bueno."

It's just not right.  But my friend loves it. So purchase at your own risk.