Transitioning to Trader Joes

I, like most Americans, grew up shopping at generic grocery stores with my parents. (Shop Rite, Stop and Shop, etc.) BUT THEN in college I found Trader Joes. At home, there's a Trader Joe's about 10 minutes from my house. It's been there for years, but honestly I had never been there until this past summer. I always thought of Trader Joe's as an overpriced organic store...my parents still feel that way. (I'm working on convincing them. Don't worry!) After many experiences shopping there, I quickly fell in love and Trader Joe's has become one of my favorite places to go. As someone who used to hate grocery shopping, my perspective on it has now completely changed because of Trader Joe's.

My first time going to Trader Joe's, I was extremely overwhelmed. The rows are stocked with hundreds of products. Each item has such fun packaging and the most original names. I was absolutely shocked to see how reasonable the prices

were. It was honestly a challenge to find something $5 or more. And if you're lucky and your Trader Joe's sells alcohol, (mine unfortunately does not) you can get a bottle of wine for as little as $3!

One of the first things I noticed was how friendly and helpful

the employees are. I definitely looked confused and probably a little stressed out my first time there and the employees went out of their way to explain their products and to show me exactly what I was looking for. I also notice that almost every time I am checking out, the cashier always makes comments about at least one of the items I am purchasing. Usually it is something like, "These are to die for!" or "Good choice!". It's like a little reassurance that you're making the right purchase.

I could ramble on for days about my favorite products and how much I truly love Trader Joe's, but I'll save that for another post. If I haven't convinced you by now to transition to Trader Joe's, then I hope a post about my personal Trader Joe's essentials will do the trick! Look out for that post soon!