ILoveCostco.com is a place for Costco Shoppers or anyone who enjoys shopping. A lot of people follow my blog because my stories are extremely boring and ordinary. This is my struggle to save money, enjoy life alone as a single man, and trying to ultimately become a family man. I will shut down this website when I become a home owner and have a family of my own. Let's see if I will get there.
Costco is for everyone - Even if you live alone like me, Costco will help you elevate your life-style so you can enjoy more while spending same amount of money.
On my December 23, 2009 Costco shopping, I bought a bag of Foster Farms' Hot'n Spicy Wings. They didn't have Tyson's Wings of Fire. From that time, for 2 years, there was no Wings of Fire. We had Hot'n Spicy Wings. But, I like Wings of Fire better. As Dos Equis man woud say. "I don't always eat hot wings, but when I do, I prefer Wings of Fire."
I was disappointed they Costco took away Wings of Fire. Then around December 2011, I saw Wings of Fire back at Costco. As of February 2012, Costco is still promoting Wings of Fire by sampling them. People stop by to eat those wings. As much as I love Wings of Fire, I wouldn't eat there standing up with my hands. It's not my style. But, I tell ya, I wanted to talk to people who just ate those wings up close, so I can smell their greasy upper lips.
Costco replaced Wings of Rire with Hot'n Spicy Wings for exactly 2 years. There has to be some kind of inside story (2 years contract, etc...). Anyway, this is a pleasant news to me.
* I know, I know... I took a picture of an empty bag of Wings of Fire 2 years ago. I know it's crazy. But, you should know me by now. I need to find a girl.
Pictures
Below: Older Package of Tyson's Wings of Fire - Sold by Costco Photographed December 2009 Costco stopped selling Wings of Fire from this point
Below: Foster Farms' Hot'n Spicy Wings - Sold by Costco Photographed December 2009 Costco carried Hot'n Spicy Wings for 2 years, until December 2011
Below: Tyson's Wings of Fire - Sold by Costco Photographed January 2012 Package now have new design
My co-worker called me when I was on lunch break (eating at home). Our neighbor at work just threw out some barbell plates (weights) in the trash dumpster, he said.
My coworker had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. He doesn't workout. I used to bench press 200+ lb in my younger days when my body weight was 145lb. I knew those plates can be expensive. There is absolutely no space to put any kind of exercise equipment at my 1 bedroom apartment, but I had to go check them out.
In the dumpster I found 10 York rubber plates. They were:
45lb - 4 plates
35lb - 2 plates
25lb - 2 plates
10lb - 2 plates
They were Total 10 plates (5 pairs), total weight of 320 lb. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I hit the jackpot. I backed my car up to the dumpster and took all the plates.
They are rubber bumper plates. They are designed so they can lift them over-head and drop them on the ground like you see in The Olympics. You didn't think the Olympic lifters drop metal weights on the ground did you? Also, all plates have same diameter, just like you see on The Olympics. They are good stuff. York is a top brand name.
I told my clueless coworker that they are worth $150-$200 total. I also told him that I would not sell them. I said that to him so he will not ask for his cut or finder's fee. :)
Then I met my neighbor at work. He asked "You took all the weights? What are you going to do with them?" "I want to keep them. They look nice." I replied.
Between you and me? These are super expensive plates. A single plate sells for $127.00 (click) with $48 shipping. A set like this will easily go over $1200.00 brand new.
Now I am going to sell them. I listed entire set for $500.00.
### Update ###
3 people emailed so far. There is a little drama going on right now. One person told me that he would buy the whole 10 plates ($500) soon. And the other guy asked me if I would sell just 4 plates for $200 ASAP.
I've been suffering from acid reflux since November. Then I got sick with the flu. During recovery I had to watch what I eat because my throat was very sore. So I had to change my diet and found that my acid reflux was gone.
So I've changed my diet entirely. Breakfast may consists of eggs, cereal with 2% milk, PB sandwich. For snacks I'll have celery, carrots, berries, cherries, peanuts, jelly or other friendly acid reflux stuff. Lunch is a bit tricky because restaurants rarely offer light lunch. But i'll have baked fish or chicken, sushi, or soups. For dinner I'll have roasted asparagus, brussel sprouts, tomatoes with sugar, cereal (again), or baked sweet potatoes. The key is to keep the portions small.
I'm not a fan of salads.
I noticed that the reflux rebounds when i eat fatty foods (meats), drink alcohol, or when I overeat. But, I'm okay eating citrus/acidic fruits and veggies in moderation. I'm also okay drinking soda or tea. Coffee is a bit tricky. My food options are very limiting and I've eliminated a lot of my favorites, specifically red meat. And, the catch is that I need to eat beef or liver to keep my iron balanced. The iron that i need cannot be replaced with veggies or vitamins.
I like to think this condition will help me lose weight and eat more healthily but sometimes it becomes torturous to the point that I'm getting desperate to medicate. Yesterday I overate slightly and I'm still having acid reflux. I'm hoping it'll go away by tomorrow.
Costco is offering samples for Prilosec OTC for acid reflux relief. Based on the comments, seems that many sufferers are relying and depending on it to eat normal foods or having a food fest. This sounds like a miracle drug. I am worried about long term effects...
any honest input from those who have used this would be greatly appreciated.
FYI: I'm not gay. Those who follow my blog know me.
I was shopping for clothes online and found this video. Andrew Christian makes men's clothing. They made this video to promote their business and to recruit guys like me to their team. Haha..
These guys are hot. I was impressed as a straight man.
I can see how some people might get offended. But, I know most people should enjoy. Anyway, use your discretion and play video.
There is no nudity. It's not any worse than any other music video.
* We should have these guys washing cars at Costco sometime. :)
PS. Carwash? Cold water? These guys are stuffing. I guarantee.
Some of These lunch boxes are being recalled Costco still sells these lunch boxes (litle different model) So, I assume not all the gell packs are toxic.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued a safety recall notice for insulated lunch boxes with freezer gel packs from California Innovations Inc., of Toronto, Canada. The gel packs contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol which can leak out of damaged freezer gel packs, posing a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults.
Consumers may also return the lunch box set to Costco for a full refund or may receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only by contacting California Innovations (toll-free: 800-722-2545 e-mail: ci-recall 'at' ca-innovations.com).
Same old story, but always fun to read Click for a complete Costco Story
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If you've brought home 24 rolls of paper towels, 18 Thomas English muffins and a twin-pack of Cheerios, chances are you've just shopped at a warehouse store.
Did you give in to a splurge item too, perhaps an Izod shirt, a just-released book or a $99 Memory Foam chair?
That's part of the temptation and the treasure hunt-like feel of shopping in the warehouse clubs, known for no-frills bulk bargains.
REOPENING - TAMASAKAI, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 24, 2012 KOBE SEISHIN, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 25, 2012 RELOCATION - ANCASTER, ON, CANADA - MARCH 8, 2012 HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, USA - MAY 3, 2012 CHICAGO (SOUTH LOOP), IL, USA - JUNE 2012 CORALVILLE, IA, USA - JUNE 2012 PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI, USA - JULY 2012
Someone I met from an online dating site 3 years ago contacted me the other day. he wanted to know if I remembered him; still single; and if I wanted to go on a date this Saturday.
Hmmm.... I was hesitant: 1) It's been 3 years; 2) I can't remember if we ended it on good or bad terms; 3) he's asking me over texts; 4) what's the rush?? 5) I don't know if I'm ready to date again.
Through the support of my friends and some logic I said yes. There wasn't anything better to do on Saturday night and might as well have some fun. I was also curious why he wanted to see me again.
Three years ago he told me that I was too wild for him. He still wanted to meet and we went to a movie. He kept in touch over the phone and e-mails but I discontinued after I met someone. I just couldn't remember if I just stop responding or if I told him off.
Nevertheless, I was nervous. It has been years since I went on a date. The most nervewrecking thing is he wanted to have dinner before the show. My mind blanked out on conversational topics. I thought of past first dates and couldn't remember a time when I was this nervous. And, at this age... I have to really make an effort to look good. I mean coloring the hair, tons of foundation and a tad baggy clothes. Ugh... I have nothing "date-worthy" to wear! We spent hours conversing and emailing but I vaguely remember the man. YIKES!
I arrived at the restaurant first because he got lost. So, now i have to wait to find out what he looks like. Every car that passed by I jumped. Finally, he called me to tell me he was at the opposite end of the restaurant. I've been jumping for nothing.
So, there he was... looked completely different from what I remembered. He is much thinner and now he sports a beard. The first thing he did that surprised me was that he pulled me a chair. Boy, I only remember of waiters doing that for me! Then he told me to splurge on dinner. And, he never failed opening a door for me. When we went to the show, he made sure I was comfortable and that I was able to see the stage.
He was as funny as I remembered him. He was very smart with his comments and observations and weren't afraid to state his vulnerabilities, such as not getting the jokes from the play or that the play wasn't to his liking. He made moves to show me that he's attracted to me and he followed me out of the parking lot after he dropped me off to my car. Then, he texted me to make sure I arrived home okay. The whole night I felt very special and dream-state like. Did I just score a jackpot tonight or what??? As many dates as I've gone... he's the only one who has made it through every mark. I know I'm being trivial with all of these acts of chilvary and I've learned to ease up but I must give credit where credit is due. I dont know if he had a lot of practice or his parents taught him well but I like it! He...he..he..
Other than the chilvary, I admire him for getting back to me. I may not be the first and only he tried to reconnect with, but i had made that impression. I'm quite flattered because he's super selective. I also liked it that he's very smart without flaunting it. He remembered a lot from our conversations 3 years ago that I had to ask if he had kept notes. He has money but he lives very simply. And, surprisingly (this i didn't find out 3 years ago) is that we had a lot in common.
So, today is the day after. I'm sort-of waiting for him to call. It's silly but I'm intrigued to find out more about him. He can get a 2nd date with me if he wanted to where I intend to find out about his goals about "us" seeing each other and what not.
He called our date "hanging out" without expectations. And, our reconnecting as being "friends". Honestly, at this stage in my life there is no such thing with a man. I want more plus he made innuendos. So, the 3rd date would depend on his answer on this topic. You don't just contact someone out of the blue after 3 years on a full date without some type of a plan in mind. And, I do not want to continue going on dates with man who's still playing the field... no matter how much I liked him or how chilvarious he is. I admit, I will be sad if the second date turns out to be a disappointment because of it. But, then again... there might not be a second date.
I bought a Vitamix blender (5200) and I feel very positive about it. Vitamix is a heavy duty blender that will crush and liquefy the entire fruit (seeds, skin, and all).
I've been checking Costco.com but they only had complete packages for $649.99 each.
Costco now carries cheaper model, 5200c at warehouse (not online). This is Costco only model, they are $379.99 each. Their cookbook is not included in this box. But a $50.00 coupon to buy the cookbook ($50) is included.
Finally, yesterday I went to Costco to pick up a Vitamix blender. And I saw a Vitamix roadshow going on there (son of a gun). The pitchman gave me a good overview of the machine. And a fellow shopper convinced me to drop Costco model (5200c) and buy their regular model at $15.00 more. So, I bought their regular model 5200 for $394.99. A cook book and a CD are included in this unit. This unit sells for $449.99 at Vitamix's official website and elsewhere.
I am happy with my purchase. I saved $55.00 plus $25.00 shipping on Vitamix 5200 standard, thanks to Vitamix roadshow at my Costco warehouse.
I wanted a Vitamix blender for some time. I've been making juice every weekday for last 4-5 years. That's roughly 1200 days of juicing, 2 juices a day, totallying 2400 juices. But, all this time there was something that didn't make sense to me. I throw out a lot of pulp every morning. I thought, if anything, I should be eating the pulp and throw out the juice. My common sense told me that pulp must have more nutritional value than the juice.
With Vinamix, there is no pulp to throw out. Pulp will get crushed & get liquefied. So, from this point, I will buy 60%, maybe 75% less fruits and vegetables then I used to. I will no longer buy 25 Pound bags of carrots. I figured the machine will pay for itself in 1 year or less. So, if you have a family of more than one and juice every day? You must buy Vitamix for sake of saving money.
But, money aside, I believe Vitamix is much healthier than juicing.
PS: Yes, I (briefly) thought about taking my 3 years old juicer back to Costco for a refund. That will make my Vitamix $294.99. But I decided not to do that. :)
Vitamix 5200c Vs 5200 Costco model, 5200c, is the best price you can pay for Vitamix Blender. It has the same powerful motor. It will work just as same as any other Vitamix Blenders. The only difference is that it comes with smaller container. And it has different finish on switches. In fact, it *almost* makes me to think maybe 5200c are older models that they are trying to get rid of.
Have you seen this commercial? It's a dating website for people over 50.
So, what's up with that annoying, new generation, teenybopper love song in the background?? Did they really think old folks would associate themselves with crap like that? I am offended as an old person.
The audio and video don't match. Don't you see?
Check this out. For over 50, you need to play this song. Whoever put that cow bell there was a stroke of genius.
If you don't remember Kathleen Edward, please watch this video. If you want to know more about this story, watch more videos on this page. (click "read more" below)
Aaaahhh... finally I am off the Flu and will resume to normal life! It has been a week plus of whirlwind pain and suffering of unable to get out of the house, eating bland foods, taking medications, and inability to sleep.
I wasn't sure what I had but at one point I had 103F fever that lasted for 2 days. I had such a hard time getting up that my family feared I had gone to fever coma. I had to take so many meds (because nothing worked) that I started to hallucinate. In fact, I started to have a fever on top of a fever. It was sooo crazy! When it finally went away, I woke up without my voice for about 3-4 days. During this time I begin to appreciate the strength of vocal box and the wonderful invention of ipad and texting. I also learnt how others react learning about my disability - from people at the store, at work, close friends/fam.
I went to the docs and still not sure what I had other than the flu and laryngitis. I went there asking for a super strong cough medicine that will knock me out with a hint of codeine and super strong expectorant in there. I basically just ask the doc to prescribe me a cocktail of super strong drugs. And super strong drug I got. I was finally able to sleep even though I was in pain.
Other noticeable things while I was sick: how bad the air is. My lungs were so sensitive to the slightest dust and it is pretty dusty out there!
And, that our processed foods are way too salty and sugary. I'm not fond of sugary stuff and will eat certain ones I think are less sugar. Well, big surprised... too sugary! I tried eating some of my other fave foods... waaaay too salty! Ugh that limited my choices to very very bland foods.
Nevertheless after the illness dissipating I immediately ordered a big feast to go from Lucille's. Life is too short to play it safe. Hahahaha!
So, now I am a lot healthier. I'm still coughing, expelling phlegm and have to occassionaly blow my nose. But I can breathe the bad air and swallow the yucky processed foods without problems. And, to me... that's healthly!
I'm ready to begin 2012 (I completely missed the new year). And, I see a Costco trip in the near future.... (today or tomorrow)!
Costco (Nasdaq: COST ) has proven its worth in 2011, that's for sure. Not only has it shamed rivals such as Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) with incredible sales increases, its shares have been on the upswing, too, having risen about 16% in the past year. Still, some investors may be wondering whether they should buy, sell, or hold Costco while the going's still good.
I'm Bleufacez... a name that was picked off an ocean fish from a tropical country. Normally, I go by Sandra. I ran into this website by accident because I was looking for information on the Coach's Oats oatmeal. I fell in love reading John's blog and when I look around my house I see that it is covered in Costco's products. So, I decided to contribute as a regular blogger, especially since I'd buy girly-like stuff that I know John wouldn't normally buy. It is also nice to blog here because John has all the categories of all the things I'd write about like Money and Single Living. After a few blogs, I figured I should write something "About Me" to introduce myself.
I'm 30-something single hardworking woman and I purchased my first home last year in the sunny side of California. My house is located in the suburbs complete with farms, cows and flies. At night, I'm being lullibied by cows and in the summer flies are my regular guests. But, the view of the farm is hard to beat. And, other than the occassional cows stuck in the middle of the road... there's hardly any traffic here. That's a luxury thing to say about Southern California.
Living off in a farm, we don't get a lot of access to shops, including grocery stores. I traded my option for disney annual membership for Costco's because it's the "adult" version of Disney. For $50/year that includes free parking... that's pretty hard to beat. I love Costco because it has non necessary products that are not sold in regular stores. They also sell things in bulk for a tad cheaper. This helps when the nearest store is 10 miles away from home.
After the house, I became obsessed with living frugally and so I spend my free time finding ways for DIY projects using items readily available. I love reading DIY, eco friendly and frugal living blogs. And, of course.. Costco blogs.
And, of all the blogs I've read I feel that I, too have much to say. So, I hope that some of the people who come here would enjoy the things I've written.
I've been sick for the past 3 days. I woke up with what feels like a grapefruit of a tonsil in my throat on Thursday at around 3 AM. I tried different remedies to put me back to sleep only to wake up with super bad headaches, even bigger tonsil that made me hold my tongue up as I speak and a fever. I immediately called my friend to cancel her 50th birthday party that I was hosting on Friday. I offered to lend her my house (she lives at a small trailer park) while I holed up across the street at my sister's. She declined and suggested we'll have one in January.
I feel bad but I spent the day in bed with some strong medication, hot water, and my loyal dog, Bori. I was awaken on/off. I managed to be somewhat productive with some home projects (right now I'm obsessed about wine bottles and converting old laptop into a framed art decor) and babysitting my nephew. My parents who live with my youngest sister and her fam accross the street kept coming by to deliver some food and love. And, I felt soo much better I feel like I could host a party.
At about 10:30 PM I received a hysterical phone call from my oldest sister while she was at work whose child has been picked up by the Child Protective Services because her husband took him to work (and I just finished babysitting him a few hours before). I was confused, shock, and not sure what to do. To make a long story short... as it turned out her husband had taken their almost 10-yr old child to work because there was no one to babysit him (I was sick) and he stayed in the car to play some games. They were parked outside the store when around 8:30 PM a customer who was a social worker with high ranking saw my nephew alone in the car. She striked up some convo but failed and decided to call the cops as abandoned and neglected child. All the while my brother in law was clueless... came outside and with some short questionings got arrested. They both got hauled in separate black mariahs: one to jail and the other to the children shelter.
The whole thing was a big misunderstanding because my nephew is genetically small... as per DMV it is okay to leave a child over 6 yrs old alone in a car. Further he was parked a few feet from the store, he has a cellphone, the doors were unlocked and it was within curvew. It took a lot of heart wrenching efforts but we got our nephew back. The poor thing was so confused and scared to be taken by police in a strange building with strange people, asked deep questions and poked and prodded by a doctor in the most unusual parts of his body. Imagine... the poor boy has a hard time getting a haircut and he had to endure all that. So he cried and begged to come home and after CPS did a home visit evaulation of my sister's house, they finally let him go. Of course, not before we had to bail my bro in law from jail, getting my sister all hysterical at the social services, us not sleeping and all sorts of chaos.
At the end... I told my friend, it was a sign that I was forced to cancel our party the day before as this happens. And, glad that she refused to proceed with the party anyway. With all that drama, I was in no shape or form to host. In fact, halfway through the day I almost passed out.
Today... everything is quiet, except after yesterday's bruhahaha... I'm sicker than a dog. My body is in pain, my throat is on fire, and I dont want to move. I've spent most of today reading other people's blogs, evaluated whether I should continue with home projects that will require me to go outside and shop, or maybe I could catch up on some magazine and comic books reading, or just at least take the dog out while the sun is still out. Whatever I decide to do... it has to be quick, not too energetic and close to home.
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