Buying a Refrigerator 2018 – Costco Shopping #50

50th Costco shopping in 2018 – $1,051.04 (today) / $4.327.55 (this year)

My refrigerator died at the worst possible time, while I was on a 7-day vacation.

When I came back from the vacation, inside of my freezer was at room temperature. All my food had to be trashed. I always keep my freezer full with rib-eye steaks, jumbo shrimps, fish, bacon, etc, etc… But it’s OK. It happens. Refrigerator dies. What can I do?

Luckily, before taking the trip, I took out the ice bucket and turned off the ice machine, so I didn’t have any water damage on the kitchen floor.

Shopping for a refrigerator.

My criteria for a new refrigerator:

  • Find the cheapest full-size unit. I refuse to buy an expensive refrigerator because refrigerators die. I don’t believe in paying $500 to fix a 10 year old refrigerator. I will pay $500 more and buy a new one with current technology.
  • Find a unit with good reviews.
  • I like side-by-side refrigerators. I don’t like the freezer on top. I don’t like the freezer on the bottom. But, that’s just my preference.
  • I like stainless steel – I understand stainless steel will show fingerprints. But I like the stainless refrigerators. Stainless steel will look the best in my kitchen.

I spent several hours researching refrigerators.

And guess what? Costco had the best price on refrigerators.

Basically, the price of refrigerators is almost universal. You can buy from anywhere and you will pay similar price. But there are distinct advantages to buying from Costco. They are:

  • Costco is slightly cheaper.
  • You get a Costco cashback reward from your purchase.
  • (In my case) I get 2 years warranty, extended by Costco, instead of the usual 1-year warranty from any other stores.
  • They haul away my old unit for free – some may charge $20 – $25 for this.
  • They will hook up the water line for free – some may charge extra for this.

*If you are in a hurry – relax and just buy from Costco.

I ordered GE 25.4 CuFt Side-By-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel. The total price was $1,051.04

I hope the delivery process will be smooth. I will update you.

Costco Shopping – November 3 & 7, 2018

47th Costco shopping in 2018 – $16.72 (today) / $3194.89 (this year)

AND

48th Costco shopping in 2018 – $6.21 (today) / $3201.1 (this year)

It was fun visiting Costco in different cities. In the Midwestern US, buildings were ready for cold weather. They were selling Winter products such as snow scrapers. I saw a nice jacket at Chicago Costco for $70. They were gentlemen’s long coats that go with dress-shirt and tie. I regret I didn’t buy that jacket. Jackets like that are not available online.

Gas was cheap compared to what I normally pay in California. In California, I pay $4/gallon for the cheapest grade gasoline. In Indiana, a gallon of gasoline was $2.56.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Merrillville, Indiana

Costco Shopping – October 17, 2018

 46th Costco shopping in 2018 – $119.67 (today) / $3178.17 (this year)

Both roses and lint rollers were for a friend who is a pet owner. Both of them were on sale.

I had to buy more frying pans. I bought The Original Green Pans at Costco 2 years ago – those pans quickly became unusable. hope these will perform better.

And candies for Halloween.

Costco Shopping – October 10, 2018

 45th Costco shopping in 2018 – $77.39 (today) / $3058.5 (this year)

European Cookies are back. I call them “Christmas Cookies”, and this is my 10-year-old Christmas tradition. I buy these cookies every Christmas season, and I eat them slowly over the next 12 months. I eat these cookies only on Sunday morning with coffee. So, I enjoy a little bit of Christmas every Sunday.

Peanuts were very good.

Memory foam slippers are for my work.

Raffle: Refresh Skin Therapy on Sale at Costco

Refresh Skin Therapy

The raffle has ended

Refresh Skin Therapy is an organic chemical peel for your face. Below is the description from their website.

This organic peel will dramatically improve the appearance of fine lines, shrink pores, and increase skin’s elasticity for a youthful and flawless glow.

Erases fine lines, dark spots and improves skin’s texture and tone while revealing noticeably smoother, healthier skin. Skin is noticeably brighter and complexion is more even-toned after first application

Currently, Costco is selling three products from Refresh Skin Therapy. At Costco.com, Amazon, and all over the web, hundreds (thousands ?) of people rated their entire product line 4 to 4+ out of 5 stars.

I am a man, but I think I will try this for myself.

Costco’s always a low price for Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel (#1113435) is $24.99. But it gets better. They will be on sale during the next coupon period, in October 2018, for instant $10 off, making them $14.99 each. To celebrate the sales event, our friends at Refresh Skin Therapy will give away free products to 5 of my visitors. Check out and buy online.

Raffle: Organic Maca Powder by World Gourmet

World Gourmet Food

The Raffle has ended

Raw Maca is a superfood powder that you’ve been hearing more about lately. Along with nutritional benefits, they’re supposed to give you energy and reduce stress. It’s also supposed to be good for men (ehem). Costco is now in business with World Gourmet Food. You can now find Raw Maca powder at Costco locations in San Diego (CA), Arizona, Utah, Denver, and Las Vegas.

*Whole Foods sells 4 oz Organic Maca Powder for for $6.99. World Gourmet’s Raw Maca comes in a Costco size of TWO pounds (32 oz), and they currently sell for $9.99.

If you want to check out Maca powder for free, enter for raffle below. World Gourmet Food will send you 2 bags of Organic Raw Maca Root Powder (total 4 pounds).

I am currently putting Raw Maca powder (1/2 Tbs ) in my Vitamix juice twice a day. It gives my juice a hint of raw root taste. I don’t have a girlfriend and I have absolutely no stress in my life, so it will be tough to monitor changes in me. But I like what I read about Maca.

Facts about Raw Maca Powder

  • Provides 215% more fiber and 190% more iron than 1 serving of kale
  • Ancient Superfood that provides Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and Magnesium
  • Consumed by the Ancient Incas for nearly 2 millennia, warriors would eat them before battle and royalty would hoard for themselves.
  • Maca is generally categorized into 3 categories: Yellow, Red & Black. The Ancient Peruvian Root crop belonging to the radish family is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants. World Gourmet is one of the few brands to blend all 3 into 1 bag.
  • Maca helps the body adapt to stress by countering the negative effects of tension and anxiety while tonifying and boosting the endocrine system, It is rich in amino acids, which are essential to the cell regeneration processes. It also delivers abundant energy, mental stamina, hormonal balance, enhanced libido, and an elevated mood.
  • Maca has many beauty benefits is capable, strengthening your hair, and improving collagen production. It is incredibly nutrient-dense, a solid source of protein key for getting shiny hair and strong nails. It is rich in vitamins that help keep skin looking plump and glowy.
  • The vitamin C in Maca fights free radicals that can cause everything from skin damage to inflammation. It also has vitamins D and E, which regulate collagen production as well.
  • Maca contains both iron and iodine, which are essential for your thyroid. When your thyroid is working properly, it helps with your sex hormones and skin.

How to use: Blend a heaping spoonful into Teas, confections, juices, puddings, smoothies, hot beverages, cookies, cereals, and ice cream to easily enjoy its benefits.

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