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.
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.
Costco Adult Immunization Program
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.
We survived 6 months of pandemic. Perhaps we repeat this a few more times. God bless everyone. Please take care.
24th Costco Shopping in 2020 – $21.44 today / $1,673.79 this year.
It was on sale ($5.00 off).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Blog: Cable Price is Insulting (Jan 22, 2019)
I have hated cable companies my entire life. They slowly jack up the price little by little. And, before we know it, we’re paying $120/m for cable TV. Cable companies should lower the price as we stay royal to them. But no, they screw you again and again.
Millions of us, including myself, gave up our retirement and pay $70 – $150/mo on cable TV. In America, poor people receiving food stamps have cable TV. If we were to invest $100/mo all our adult lives instead of paying for cable TV, we could have almost one million Dollars, possibly more, when we retire. Think about it. I am sick to my stomach.
Anyway, they raised my cable price yet again, to $150.40. $150 was my personal limit. I promised to myself that I will not pay more than $150 for cable/phone/internet. So, I called Spectrum and said I will not pay over $150.00. I would take minimum of 40 Cents discount or else.
Instead of giving me 40 Cents discount, they stood firm and granted my request to terminated my cable service. They seemed eager to let me go.
Good.
One hour later, they sent me a bill for internet & phone services for $104/mo. So, I called them again and got rid of stuff I don’t need. Now my monthly bill for internet and phone was down to $79.98/m. I think that’s still too much.
Now, if I find a TV provider for under $70, I will be back under $150/mo.
I joined Hulu and signed up for live TV & enhanced DVR for $64.98/mo. Hulu is just like any other cable TV provider. I get most local channels and picture quality is just as good. I purchased Fire Stick 4K for it ($40). Now my monthly bill for Cable/Phone/Internet is $144.96.
I will never pay more than $70/mo for television service. $70/mo still seems too expensive to me.
As I make more money I feel more bitter towards to cable TV. It’s not just the money. But, by watching too much TV, I am eating away my opportunity to become a better person. Television is just as harmful as drugs and fatty foods. I just sit alone at home and watch TV aimlessly, instead of looking for love or pursuing my dying dreams. I enjoy TV instead of enjoying life. That’s pathetic and sad. Now I understand why a lot of intelligent people don’t have TV. They were not snotty, but they were truly better than me. I must do something about it.
For now, I am glad I cut the cable. No more cable bills that creep up. Cable companies can kiss my ass.
I shall regroup and try to lower my bills further.
Related Blog: Cable Price is Insulting (Jan 22, 2019)
Costco Member-only savings September 2 – September 27, 2020
View Member Only Savings at Costco website.
I don’t see anything I need to buy this moth. I shall look harder and find something to buy. I can’t have a Costco blog if I don’t shop there. Oh, I shall check out Christmas items. That will be fun.
I’ll go next week. It will be a safe and quick trip.
Raffle is closed – drawing winners now.
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For those who take immune booster amid global COVID-19 pandemic, youtheory started to stock Costco with immune+. You may find immune+ at your local Costco warehouse. They should be available on Costco website soon. immune+ is currently available on youtheory website.
Below is youtheory products currently available at Costco .
My song of the day – Purple Rain. I bought this tape back in the 80’s.
I have 14 bottles of hot sauce. It’s fun to try different hot sauces. To me, it’s an inexpensive activity to get my mind off from what’s going on in the world. I am not a crazy hot sauce guy. I can comfortably enjoy SHU heat scale of 40,000. Which means, I can handle spicy food better than average people, but I am not in the extreme tier.
I don’t need 10 bottles of hot sauce. I only need three. My 3 favorite hot sauces are Tapatio, After Death, and Crystal. Tapatio and After Death have been my favorite for last ten years, maybe longer. Crystal became one of my favorites after my trip to New Orleans.
*SHU (Scoville Heat Units) – measurement heat of chili peppers.
I went to Costco in New Orleans and took below picture of Crystal Hot Sauce (left). New Orleans will always be special to me.
I have some Asian spices as well. But, I didn’t include them in this line-up, because these Asian sauces need their own weight class. Fried Chili in Oil is not hot at all. Sriracha comes in 28 oz jug, because we use shot glass full at a time.
I will talk to you soon. Keep in touch.
I send special love to those who are alone and feeling depressed.
23rd Costco Shopping in 2020 – $53.60 today / $1,652.35 this year
Online purchase.
I have a huge belly. I wear 30 inch waist pants, but around my belly is 36 Inches. Yes, I am a monster. So, I recently started to take CLA in hopes of losing belly fat. I am currently taking trunature Tonalin CLA. I’ve been closely monitoring my progress. I would like to experiment for 4-5 more months.
AbCuts Enhanced (#883896) is yet another CLA pills, with even higher dose of CLA. They were on sale, so I ordered 2 units of 2 packs (total 4 bottles, 120 days supply). The sale ends August 23, 2020.
22nd Costco Shopping in 2020 – $103.19 today / $1,598.75 this year
Just like my last two visits, I arrived at Costco early today. I was prepared to stand in line to get in. Again, there was no line and I was allowed in at 9:20 AM. I quickly headed to cleaning supply aisle. Clorox Wipes and hand sanitizers where nowhere to be found.
When the pandemic lockdown started, I ate insane amount of comfort food. I ate 2 chocolate cakes in 3 months, and that was only the beginning. I ate a lot and gained solid 6 pounds. Now I’m finally back to my normal diet, perhaps more careful this time around. I’ve been eating chicken and eggs lately.
I don’t expect Costco cherries to be as good as those I find at farmers market. Considering, these cherries are pretty decent. I enjoy them, and I will buy again. Pineapple is guaranteed good times. I pick the biggest pineapple, and wait for it to ripe.
I’ve been having an amazing luck with watermelons this year. Every single watermelon, so far, was crispy and delicious. I hope this one is super-fantastic.
The ribbons are back at Costco with a hint of Christmas. Although none of the ribbons had a holiday design, I thought some ribbons were clearly made for Christmas.
I didn’t like Adidas shoes. I didn’t like them at all. The front part was ugly and didn’t look normal. I guess I am old fashion. I refuse to wear shoes that look like that.
After I got home, I learned that women’s shoes don’t have that ugly front part. Maybe I will check out women’s shoes before the sale ends. Women’s athletic shoes are exactly as same as men’s. The only difference is the sizing. Men’s shoes are 1 1/2 size larger. So, if you you wear men’s size 9 1/2, you will fit in women’s shoes size 11. FYI: Size 11 is the biggest women’s shoes size at Costco.
Instant savings saved $15.70
Costco Member-only savings August 5 – August 30, 2020
View Member Only Savings at Costco website.
I like this month’s savings. I am little excited about this savings book. Ziploc bags and Adidas shoes are very good price. Ziploc bags are the classic example of buying in bulk for big savings. Those Ziploc bags will easily last me several years, but I will save money in long run.
FYI: I still wash and reuse Ziploc bags. I will not abandon my habit of saving and reusing.
Adidas shoes ($21.99 after $8 off) are super cheap. I shall look at them closely. I may or may not like them. I still wear a pair of Adidas running shoes I bought 11 years ago at Costco. Imagine that.
I am looking forward to my next Costco shopping.
