Ode to Food Shopping

Hello Folks this is going to be more of a foodie blog post. So you might as well get excited!

Last Summer I worked at a camp that was two hours away. Because of this I got a little taste of what it is like to make my own food decisions. I realize that yes, I had shopped for food before. I mean every once in awhile I would pick up a soda or some treat item, but never did I go and actually grocery shop. I have always loved the idea of grocery shopping. Maybe it is because I can see the ingredients turning into meals. Using your creativity to make something delicious. It has always been an adventure.

Even before I started working there in November Target brands were on my radar. This Summer during the camp season a lot of the counselors including myself were drawn to Target. Everything and anything we needed, sometimes it was even just to hang out. One of the things I started to appreciate was Target's Archer Farms brand. Now that I work in the Bakery I've grown to love it even more. It is really delicious as well as the Market Pantry brand. Both brands are great quality.

My love of Archer Farms brand started with cereal. I was house sitting for someone and had tried one of the Granolas. With delicious flavor options like Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti and Vanilla Almond Crunch they sound more like candy bars than actual healthy cereals. Yet they are made with good ingredients and don't taste like cardboard. As I slowly started my discovery through work I've started enjoy the cakes and cookies as well. The Archer Farms Red Velvet cake is the most amazing thing I've ever had. I've had the cinnamon rolls, as well as many of the deli brand items. Now I've graduated and I buy the bread and chips now. Normal staples are great with Target brands. I've noticed that they are also cheaper at times. I like the fact that I can get all my shopping done in one place. With my discount I am also able to get an extra deal on items that I love. I have also recently started getting my soy milk there.

One other place I've learned to really enjoy on very special occasions is Trader Joe's. It can tend to be a rather spendy place, but for specialty food items or ingredients it is one of the best. Those organic or exotic items are usually in stock here. One of my favorite things there is the Gorgonzola Crisps. I've gotten everything there from Hummus to Wine. Very good. They have crazy fun items that people ask all the time where I get them. I love the apple bars and candied ginger there as well.

I know this was a bit lengthy and about food, but I feel inspired by my love of good quality items and ingredients. I am growing up to love grocery shopping even more.

If you have any questions or need any more suggestions leave a comment.