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Costco Shopping – November 15, 2020
Posted by: | November 23, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Costco Blog
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Why small turkeys? (get a big one)

I arrived at Costco Sunday morning at 10 AM as they opened, and I hurried to the turkeys. I always get 20-pound turkey, and I didn’t want to miss out on the big turkey this year. I heard on the news that, due to the pandemic, stores would sell small turkeys. That could mean big turkeys might be scarce.

But… why small turkeys?

This is my 10th year baking turkey alone. I cook alone and I eat alone. And I can tell you without a doubt that bigger turkeys are much more satisfying compared to small turkeys. Remember, turkeys are cheap, less than a dollar per pound. Bigger turkeys are fun to bake. Big turkeys look impressive. They will look better in the pictures. I enjoy extra long hours of baking a big turkey. Finally, when I take out my turkey from the oven, I would like to feel that heavyweight. I have to tighten my stomach muscles and be very careful. The pan is heavy, hot, and full of juice at the bottom. If you cook Thanksgiving dinner, that moment is the highlight of the day. To me, there is no comparison. Even if I eat alone, I will always bake a big turkey. Turkeys are like women. No turkey can be too big for me.

Back to Costco – The turkey area was busy with people. I squeezed my way in and glanced over all the turkeys. There was only one turkey that looked obviously bigger than the rest. I quickly put that 19 pounder in my cart and looked at the rest of the turkeys carefully. All the remaining turkeys were 13 pounders. So, I was lucky.

I walked away briskly from the poultry section. The warehouse was getting packed with the shoppers.

Special snacks for Thanksgiving weekend, everyday chocolates, toys for my friend’s dogs

Good peanuts

I bought a can of Kirkland Signature salted peanuts and a bag of Hampton Farms unsalted peanuts in shells. Both peanuts are absolutely amazing good. My God! They are so enjoyable. But sometimes peanuts from Costco are disappointing. Costco used to sell Hoody’s Peanuts. I wasn’t too excited about Hoody’s Peanuts. I often bought bad batches. I also remember buying a bad batch of Kirkland Signature’s peanuts in the past.

Maybe peanuts are good during certain months, including November. Maybe it’s totally random. I don’t know. For now, I have some very good peanuts at home, and my life is a little tastier.

Kirkland Signature European Cookies

These cookies are the best. I bought 4 cans of Kirkland Signature European Cookies. Costco sells these cookies during the holiday season. I’ve been buying these cookies for about 10 years now. I call them “Christmas Cookies”. Every holiday season I buy 3-4 cans of these cookies and keep them cold. I only eat them on weekends with coffee. With this, I get to enjoy a little of Christmas throughout the year.

I was in and out of the warehouse in 30 minutes. I wanted to look at Christmas items and spend more time shopping. But I left while the checkout lines were short. Also, I didn’t want to stay in the warehouse too long because of the pandemic.

** Coupon (Instant savings) saved $14.50

Happy holidays. Please be safe. Keep in touch.

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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
John
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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 may receive a test kit at your address.
  • Avoid collecting saliva over the weekend for the shipping delays.
  • After spitting a large quantity into a tube. Pack up your sample and take it to the UPS store.
  • Results will be available online in a few days after they receive your package.
  • This item is FSA eligible.

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

  • 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 the temperature off my forehead.
    • I was told to wait 15 minutes and go to the pickup window
  • At the pickup window, I paid $29.53 with my HSA debit card.
    • Afterthought – I was stupid to use HSA card. HSA account earns high interest, just like 401k. I should grow my HSA account until I retire. I will pay all my medical expenses with cash if I can.
  • Several minutes later, my name was called.

Costco Adult Immunization Program

Christmas in Costco

I enjoy looking for 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. These cookies are part of my life. I have never run 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).

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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 3 pm. I was exhausted (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.

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Costco Shopping – August 12, 2020
Posted by: | August 12, 2020
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| Costco Blog
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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’ve been taking trunature Tonalin CLA.

AbCuts Enhanced (#883896) is yet another CLA pills. They were on sale, so I ordered 2 units of 2 packs (total 4 bottles, 120 days supply). The sale ends August 23, 2020.

I would like to monitor my progress next 4-5 months.

Costco Shopping – August 11, 2020
Posted by: | August 11, 2020
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| Costco Blog
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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 the cleaning supply aisle, but Clorox Wipes and hand sanitizers were nowhere to be found.

When the pandemic lockdown started, I ate an 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.

I don’t expect Costco cherries to be as good as those I find at the farmer’s market. But they were pretty good. I think will buy it again. Pineapple is always good. I just wait until it’s ready.

I’ve been having 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 made for Christmas.

Costco Ribbons - Fall, Winter

Instant savings saved $15.70

Costco Shopping – July 24, 2020
Posted by: | July 24, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Costco Blog, Pandemic 2020
John
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21st Costco Shopping in 2020 – $192.52 today / $1,495.56 this year

Costco shopping became a chore because of the pandemic that’s only getting worse. Also, I try to shop at as many stores as possible in one trip. So, I took a day off from work and planned my day of grocery shopping. My day started with a 5:30 AM alarm. I hit the road before 6 am. I drank my first sip of water at 10:30 am in my car. With that, I could avoid using a public restroom.

Schedule & list

My day went according to the schedule and list. I enjoy making lists like that. I make a list of everything I do. It helps me to make fewer mistakes and be more productive. And, somehow, the list adds more fun to it. I made an amazing list when I bought my convertible in San Francisco and drove it back home.

Long sleeves and hat are for Sun protection – if I have to wait in line under direct Sunlight

I was allowed into Costco warehouse at 9:20 AM (during the special early hour for customers 60 and older). There were a lot of hand sanitizers available, but Clorox Wipes were nowhere to be found. Also, I didn’t see the first sign of Christmas.

I bought three Costco rotisserie chickens. I will keep two and give one to my friend.

Kirkland Signature Filtered Water Pitcher

I bought a Kirkland Signature Filtered Water Pitcher (#1304047) for my friend. I have a friend who makes less money than I do. During the pandemic, so far, I paid for her groceries, car payments, veterinarian visits, etc.. But she spends a lot more money on drinking water than I do. I don’t think now is a good time to talk to her about personal finance and such… she’s the type that cries easily. So, my plan is to give her that water pitcher along with the chicken. I will pretend I randomly bought those two items because they were cheap. And she will start saving money on drinking water. Everyone’s happy. Thank you, thank you.

The warehouse price for the pitcher was $17.99. It comes with two filters. You can use the Brita filter on this pitcher and vice versa. The online price for this pitcher is $24.99, but with free shipping.

Cherries, pineapple, watermelon

Cherries are pretty tasty (8 1/2 out of 10 on taste scale). Pineapple is a guaranteed yum, because I can tell by just looking at it. In fact, I don’t even have to look at it. I put the pineapple on the kitchen counter and don’t think about it. One day, soon, I will start smelling the pineapple. That’s when it’s ready to eat. Watermelon is the mystery fruit. It’s hard to tell if they are good inside. That’s why I am obsessed. I want to learn how to find good watermelons. I am willing to travel far away to a farm to take a lesson from an expert. If you have an access to a watermelon farm, please let me know.

Coupon saved $14.00

Back home

I came home, took another shower, and started to put away groceries. It started with wiping down everything I bought.

I vacuum packed 2 chickens into 6 bags and made chicken stock with the bones. When I was done with everything it was 4pm. I was SOOOO tired (don’t get old). I took a 3 hour nap and woke up at 8pm.

Now I am ready to stay home for another round. Covid-19 Pandemic changed my life. It is inconvenient. But, it is also fascinating. Can you imagine one day we will tell young people about surviving a global pandemic? We had to put on our masks and stay 6 feet apart. The Olympics was cancelled. People were dying and scientists were racing for cure. Pandemic? What do you young folks know about the Pandemic? I remember it like yesterday, let me tell you…

Anyway, it’s depressing for now. Please be safe. Be very careful. Keep in touch.