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Costco Covid-19 Test Kit. at-home Coronavirus test by Azova
Posted by: | October 25, 2020
| No Comments
| Costco Blog, Pandemic 2020

Costco is offering Covid-19 Saliva test kit by azova.

Costco covid-19, coronavirus test kit

This is a saliva test – not a dreading nasal swab.
They are priced at $129.99 and $139.99. The $139.99 kit contains Video Observation for travelers (I don’t know exactly what that means).

Costco Covid-19, Coronavirus test kit by Azova
Available at Costco. Covid-19 test kit by Azova

This requires you to follow instruction.

  • It sounds like you need to register at Azova.com and complete an assessment. Only after that you will be allowed to receive a test kit at your address.
  • Avoid collecting saliva over the weekend for shipping delay.
  • After spitting large quantity in a tube. Pack up your sample and take it to UPS store.
  • Results will be available online in a few days after they receive your package.
  • This items is FSA eligible.

I like the movie, but
Posted by: | October 9, 2020
| No Comments
| Personal

Hi. I just wanted to write a quick blog to say hi and let you know I am doing OK. I think I will skip this month’s Costco shopping. I will go next month to pick up a turkey. Below is my chit chat. I will keep in touch. Be safe.

Ladies in Lavender (2004)

I don’t have Amazon Prime. I refuse to pay for Prime membership. I am currently on 30 day trial membership, so I checked out their movie library. I enjoyed Ladies in Lavender (2004). I like this kind of movies. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are two of my favorite actors. You can’t go wrong with any movie with them.

The movie was based on a 1908 short story by William J. Locke. The online book is available from gutenberg.org for free. I guess the copyright had expired.

EBook – Ladies in Lavender – 1908 William J. Locke

Anyway, in the movie, the sisters appeared to be old – in their 70’s. I mean, they looked like they were at death’s door. I was smelling Bengay with my eyes. But, in the book, two sisters were 45 and 48 (who had grown grey with waiting for the prince who never came). So, instead of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Nicole Kidman should have taken the part. The sisters were supposed to be juicy… you know… they were supposed to be MILFs.

I like the movie, but…

Costco In News – October 2020
Posted by: | October 4, 2020
| No Comments
| Costco in News
Costco Coupons, Member-Only Savings, October 2020
Posted by: | September 23, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Costco Coupons

Costco Member-Only Savings, September 30 – October 25, 2020

Open Costco coupon book from below gallery or view from Costco website available during the sales period (September 30 – October 25, 2020).

Mikasa’s lazy Susan looks interesting (good price). I don’t think it’s for me, but it looks interesting. It looks like it’s a good price ($23.99 after $6 off).

I may have to go to Costco soon. Haha..


Costco Shopping – September 18, 2020
Posted by: | September 18, 2020
| No Comments
| Christmas, Costco Blog

25th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $147.87 today / $1,821.66 this year

I took a sick day from work so I could go to Costco first thing Friday morning when it’s not busy. Sick day was justifiable because I got 2 vaccines today, shingles and flu.

Costco Vaccination Process

Before going to Costco, I visited Costco’s immunization page and downloaded immunization consent form. They wanted 2 copies so I printed 4 and put them in my briefcase. I didn’t make an appointment, but I went to Costco pharmacy at 9:15 AM (unofficial opening hour). There was nobody in the line. The process was smooth and pleasant.

  • A gentleman greeted me at the “Patience Counseling” window. I gave him my immunization consent form.
    • I filled out a short questionnaire to declare I was not sick.
    • He checked my insurance card and settled the payment. ($29.53 total).
    • He checked temperature off my forehead.
    • I was told to wait 15 minutes and go to the pick up window
  • At the pick up window, I paid $29.53 with my HSA debit card.
    • Flu shot was free, shingles shot was $29.53. Your cost of the shots may be different.
    • When I inserted my HSA card to the machine, it asked for the pass code. But, my HSA card doesn’t have a pass code. So, I hit enter without any number. The transaction was completed without any issue.
    • HSA account is only available to those with high deductible health plan.
  • I walked around to the side door and waited. 4-5 more customers came after me to wait. Several minutes later, I was called in for the shots, one on each shoulder. They were not painful.
    • It was the next day I started to feel miserable. But not too bad.

Costco Adult Immunization Program

Christmas in Costco

I enjoy looking for the first sign of Christmas in Costco. It usually starts with small toys or little decorations. Then they bring out big items a few weeks later. But, it’s late September. After parking my car, from the parking lot, I could see three Christmas trees inside the warehouse. It looked beautiful. But, I missed out on the joy of seeing the first sign of Christmas in Costco.

As I do every year, I took pictures of Christmas decorations and sent them to several friends. As always, they texted me back with “Already?” “Too soon” and “Yikes” – They knew I was loving it.

European cookies are back for the season (picture below). These cookies are part of my life. I have never ran out of these cookies for over 10 years. Every year I buy a few cans of these cookies and freeze them. I enjoy them every weekend with coffee.

I saw a cool Halloween decoration and an interesting kitchen item (pictures below).


I spent over 2 hours inside Costco warehouse. Members only savings saved $15.80.

One Rotisserie chicken, a hand sanitizer, and Whisps chips are for my friend who can use a cheer up gift.

Strawberries were just OK (not bad). It was about 7 out of 10 on taste scale.

I came home, took a shower, put away food, vacuum packed rotisserie chickens, and made chicken stock with the bones. I finally had time to rest around 3pm. I was very tired (don’t get old). It’s a lot of work to live alone and do everything alone.

I guess my next Costco shopping is when I get a Thanksgiving turkey. This year’s turkey will be epic. -E-P-I-C-

We survived 6 months of pandemic. Perhaps we repeat this a few more times. God bless everyone. Please take care.


Costco: trunature Tonalin CLA 1620 mg Review
Posted by: | September 16, 2020
| 1 Comment
| Costco Product Review, Health, Personal Care

My normal body weight is 158 – 159 lb. I wish I was little lighter, but I am stuck at 158 lb. Beginning of the pandemic lock-down, I started to eat a lot of comfort food. Combined with sedentary life style, I gained solid 6 pounds and hit 164 lb in 4 month. I felt discouraged that I couldn’t shake off the weight. That’s when I ordered trunature CLA from Costco website. It’s currently on sale for $19.99 with free shipping (sale ends 9/22/2020). Costco’s regular price of $24.99 is still the lowest price. They are website only products.

Costco item #504644. trunature Tonalin CLA 1620 mg., 180 Softgels

The bottle contains 180 softgels, making it a 45 day supply (take 2 with breakfast & 2 with dinner). I just finished a bottle. Below is my review.

  • Day 1 – I took 2 pills in the morning and became jittery. My heart was pounding hard for several hours. So, I didn’t take the dinner dose.
  • Day 2 – I took the morning dose, and became jittery again. So, I skipped the dinner dose for the second time.
  • Day 3 – I was no longer jittery. I felt almost normal now. I finally started to take recommended dose (2 with breakfast & 2 with dinner).
  • Day 4 to day 46.
    • I started to lose weight slowly but steadily – I currently weigh around 158 lb – which is exactly my pre-pandemic weight.
    • I didn’t work out. but I am slightly more motivated and more active. For example…
      • I washed my car 3 times and fixed sprinkler valves.
      • When I saw my cable TV bill going up, I called the cable company right away and negotiated for better price. When they declined my request, cancelled cable TV.
      • I created a 4 month long personal finance challenge by contributing 50% of my income into 401k for the rest of the year.
      • As usual, I constantly have craving for snacks and big meals. But, lately, I find myself fighting back the craving time to time.
      • I do think I am more motivated compared to before.
    • It seems that jittery feeling still remains, but it’s very subtle that I don’t notice it. And I am being more active because of CLA high. Therefore CLA gives me energy. Does that mean CLA works?

More questions than answers

After finishing 45 day supply of trunature CLA, I currently weight between 157-158 lb. I definitely lost minimum of 6 pounds in 45 days. But, I am left with more questions.

  • Did I lose weight because of CLA?
  • Did I lose weight because I was psyched up about losing weight (placebo effect)? Could I have lost weight without CLA pills? That all I needed was to want it?
  • I lost 6 pounds, which is the exact amount I gained during the pandemic. That number “6” seems too ironic. Maybe it’s easy to lose weight I gained very recently. My body is use to be at 158 lb. So, with a little nudge, I went back to my normal weight right away. (?)
  • On the other hand, a lot of people are gaining weight due to pandemic lock-down. I’ve been sedentary for 6 months and gained weight as well. But, I am back at my usual body weight. Maybe that’s a big deal.

Answer to all the questions

Luckily, I am able to find answers to all my questions. I just have to continue taking CLA and see if I make any more progress. I am now taking a different CLA product named AbCuts Enhanced Belly Fat Formula, also from Costco.

The name “Bally Fat Formula” sounds phony and shady. You cannot burn fat on targeted areas of your body. It’s a stupid name if you ask me. Anyway, they are from Costco, so I am giving it a chance. If they work, then who cares about the name?

I’ve been 157-158 pounds for 10+ years, possibly 20+ years. If I lose another 3-4 pounds in next 45 days (155 lb or under) that will be an amazing result.

I will update you in November 2020.

Costco sells CLA products. They are available only on the Costco web site, and they always have the best price usually with free delivery. Check it out, and good luck.

Click here for available CLA products at Costco website.

Extreme Saving – Paying myself first
Posted by: | September 10, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Personal

Many of you know that I was poor all my life. I desperately needed to save for retirement, but I had absolutely nothing saved. Fortunately, my new job offered retirement plan. I started late, so saving for retirement is important to me, especially because I am alone.

2020 has been a scary and unstable year. I was hit hard financially (long story skipped). Things are now starting to look semi-normal. So, I assessed my financial situation and made needed adjustments for 2020. My new plan is extreme. But I am going for it.

It’s September now. For next 4 months (rest of the year) I will receive 8 paychecks. For that 8 paychecks, I am investing 50% to 401K. This will put me back on my retirement track. After investing 50%, I will take home 33% of my paychecks. This is extreme. It looks like this.

I am paying less amount of tax, because 50% was taken out before tax.

This is somewhat unrealistic reduction of take home pay. But, I had to try this. I will make a game out of it. I will make it a personal challenge. It doesn’t matter how I do it. I will survive next 4 months with less cash. This is for my retirement. I am imagining myself 30-40 years older, possibly immobile, and living alone. I am giving him my money. Hence, paying myself first.

I am lucky that I’m healthy and have a steady income. There are millions of us without income and/or cannot pay rent. I know how it is to be poor. But, this pandemic is different. It’s scary to imagine what’s happening to them.

For now, I will survive next 4 months. I shall take it day by day. I will cut down on everything. There will be no more Sunday coffee and no more online shopping. My Costco shopping will look sad for next 4 months.

Today is September 10, 2020. So, 10 days down – 113 more days to go.

Please take care. I will talk to you soon.

Costco In News – September 2020
Posted by: | September 10, 2020
| No Comments
| Costco in News
Merrillville, Indiana, November 2018

Roasted Garlic Cauli Dip at Costco Midwest
Posted by: | September 5, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Costco Product Review

Hello US Midwest Costco shoppers. Your local Costco warehouse is currently selling Roasted Garlic Cauli Dip (Cauliflower Dip) by Boulder Organic Foods. They are available now, and during September 2020.

Warehouse locator and more information at Boulder Organic Foods

I have never tasted anything like this before (in good way). And I never ate this much carrots in my life. I kept dipping my carrots into it. It’s tasty and it’s light. So, I thought I would make my own cauliflower dip. How hard can it be? Then I learned that I need a food processor, and it takes one hour to make it. Yikes.

Cauli Dip is not only tasty, but I think it’s healthier than other dips in the market. If you are trying to stay in shape, every bite counts. Every healthy alternative counts.

Have a nice Labor Day weekend. Talk to you soon.