15 Costco Steals for Picnics, BBQs & Beach Days

It’s happening, friends! It’s really happening. Summer is upon us, and as long as we stay smart and follow the most up-to-date CDC rules, it looks like we are going to be able to enjoy the warm weather with our friends and family in familiar and welcom…

It’s happening, friends! It’s really happening. Summer is upon us, and as long as we stay smart and follow the most up-to-date CDC rules, it looks like we are going to be able to enjoy the warm weather with our friends and family in familiar and welcome ways.

This also means it’s time to stock up on the things that make these outdoor gatherings the most successful (and delicious!). A leisurely meandering around a Costco in Brookfield, Connecticut, resulted in a laundry list of items that we all might consider for our upcoming get-togethers and day trips. There are treats to grill and glug, tools to keep us cool, and gadgets to make entertaining easier. Here are 15 Costco summer essentials I’ve got my eye on.

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19 Best Costco Snacks for When You Need a Bite, Stat

While there is nothing ordinary about these times, as a mom to two boys, I’m continuously trying to create any semblance of normalcy for them. And of course, kids or no kids, we all need to find ways to make our own worlds feel the slightest bit regula…

While there is nothing ordinary about these times, as a mom to two boys, I’m continuously trying to create any semblance of normalcy for them. And of course, kids or no kids, we all need to find ways to make our own worlds feel the slightest bit regular as well.

The big things might be out of reach (far-away vacations! big parties with friends!) but there are lots of little things within our grasp. The back-to-school season always gets me thinking about snacks—whether they’re paired up with lunch, munched in between virtual learning sessions, or tucked in a bag to tote along on a socially distanced walk.

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9 All-Star Condiments Always in My Kitchen

I am a condiment connoisseur. I have a hard time resisting any bottle, jar, or tin—be it spicy, pungent, tangy, salty, you name it. Sometimes I’ll buy a condiment to develop with or make a specific recipe, and other times I’m just attracted to a shiny …

I am a condiment connoisseur. I have a hard time resisting any bottle, jar, or tin—be it spicy, pungent, tangy, salty, you name it. Sometimes I’ll buy a condiment to develop with or make a specific recipe, and other times I’m just attracted to a shiny label (which probably means it’s getting added to my cart).

I’m always game to try something new, but after many years of cooking I’ve definitely honed in on a collection of staples I prefer never to be without—the all-star team, if you will. My trove of oils, pastes, and sauces all hail from different countries and different cuisines, and vary in texture and piquancy, but they all make regular appearances in my kitchen. And while everyone's definition differs, I consider many of the flavor-packed ingredients I use to boost dishes (either before, during, or after cooking) a condiment.

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How to Turn a Rotisserie Chicken Into Dinner (3 Ideas for Tonight)

Now more than ever, home is where many of us are seeking refuge and solace in light of the novel coronavirus. This is a tough time, but we’re here for you—whether it’s a new pantry recipe or a useful tip for your kitchen, here are some ideas to make th…

Now more than ever, home is where many of us are seeking refuge and solace in light of the novel coronavirus. This is a tough time, but we’re here for you—whether it’s a new pantry recipe or a useful tip for your kitchen, here are some ideas to make things run a little more smoothly for you and your loved ones.


I love a rotisserie chicken. If I'm at the market and don’t have a full sense of what dinners are going to be in the days to come (read: every time), I pick up a rotisserie chicken. Sometimes I serve it that night and, if timing allows, still warm from the ovens. I make a salad, maybe a pot of rice, and call it a day. Especially now, these are the kinds of shortcuts we need. (Note: If your local grocery store doesn't have rotisserie chickens right now, then you could cook and shred your own breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. You could even "rotisserie" your own bird in the slow cooker.)

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Turn a Package of Chicken Breasts Into Dinner, Conquer the Week

If you went grocery shopping this weekend without a game plan (raises hand), then you may well have grabbed a package of chicken breasts and tossed them in your cart. You probably did this because your family all likes chicken; it’s a big common-denomi…

If you went grocery shopping this weekend without a game plan (raises hand), then you may well have grabbed a package of chicken breasts and tossed them in your cart. You probably did this because your family all likes chicken; it’s a big common-denominator food, probably the most popular protein in the country, and you knew that you could pull something together with other ingredients you have on hand. And then, when it was time to cook them up, you might have let out a small sigh—could someone throw out a little inspiration, maybe?

I’ve been there and I’ve done that, so here are three dinner suggestions for something new (but not overly challenging) and 100 percent crowd-pleasing—each using a single package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

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11 Surprising Kroger Secrets You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Guess who has two thumbs and had never been to a Kroger? Yep, it’s me.

Despite the fact that there are over 3,000 Kroger stores in dozens of states (including my own), I had astonishingly never stepped foot inside one. Read More >>

Guess who has two thumbs and had never been to a Kroger? Yep, it’s me.

Despite the fact that there are over 3,000 Kroger stores in dozens of states (including my own), I had astonishingly never stepped foot inside one.

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8 Whole Foods Shopping Tips for Your Next Grocery Run

Whether you’re an occasional Whole Foods shopper or have been making trips to the store for decades, you probably know a thing or two about this ubiquitous supermarket chain. Its claim to fame: stocking scads of high-quality and organic foods, like fre…

Whether you’re an occasional Whole Foods shopper or have been making trips to the store for decades, you probably know a thing or two about this ubiquitous supermarket chain. Its claim to fame: stocking scads of high-quality and organic foods, like fresh produce, pantry staples, scores of vegan options, and plenty of prepared dishes.

Recently purchased by Amazon, Whole Foods definitely has a reputation for being pricey (it picked up the nickname “Whole Paycheck” for a reason). But their ever-growing 365 Everyday Value line of products tend to be more budget-friendly, and every store offers some nifty specials week to week.

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The 15 Best Cheeses to Buy at Trader Joe’s

There is no easier way to kick off a party than with a sprawling cheese board with all the fixings. You can pull together just a few choices, or go to town and put out half a dozen or more different cheese varieties, maybe add a few other players (hell…

There is no easier way to kick off a party than with a sprawling cheese board with all the fixings. You can pull together just a few choices, or go to town and put out half a dozen or more different cheese varieties, maybe add a few other players (hello salumi, olives, nuts, veggies, and fruits), and in no time you’ll have a plentiful platter that looks utterly beautiful and completely inviting.

But good cheeses can be pricey, and choosing which cheeses to serve can be a bit daunting for many of us. At times the stuff with the higher price tag might feel like a worthy splurge, but if you’re entertaining a crowd, it can get very expensive very fast.

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15 Edible Gifts From Costco That We Want to Eat Right Now

If you’re like me, you love Costco. You spend half of December grocery shopping at Costco, half of it buying as many presents as you can at Costco, and half of it cooking using ingredients that you purchased from Costco. Yes, I’m aware that my math is …

If you’re like me, you love Costco. You spend half of December grocery shopping at Costco, half of it buying as many presents as you can at Costco, and half of it cooking using ingredients that you purchased from Costco. Yes, I’m aware that my math is flawed and that my obsession with the wholesale retailer is over-the-top, but that’s pretty much how it feels. And while shopping online has pretty much become standard, sometimes you need something now, or just need a stash of gifts ready to be pulled out at a moment’s notice (like when your neighbor shows up with a Bundt cake, and you don’t want to look like a schlub).

There’s one thing we know to be true: pretty much everyone loves a thoughtful food gift—you simply can’t go wrong with giving something edible. Homemade is a great way to go, but there’s nothing wrong with a store-bought treat. And guess which of our favorite stores has a robust selection of food gifts? You guessed it: Costco. The beauty of it is that you can go grocery shopping and present shopping at the same time. Three cheers for efficiency over the holidays! Ahead, I’m sharing the best food gifts from Costco for the holidays that you can buy right now. You can get what you need for your boss, mother-in-law, best friend, siblings, and significant other all in one go. And if someone on your list is impossible to shop for (there’s always one, right?), you can’t go wrong with a Costco membership either.

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10 Specialty Ingredients You Didn’t Know You Could Buy at Costco

If you’re one of the bajillions of Costco fans out there, then you know there’s a lot going on behind those sliding glass doors. Yes, nice savings because you’re buying in bulk. Yes, some excellent Kirkland house-brand offerings. Yes, the ability to bu…

If you’re one of the bajillions of Costco fans out there, then you know there’s a lot going on behind those sliding glass doors. Yes, nice savings because you’re buying in bulk. Yes, some excellent Kirkland house-brand offerings. Yes, the ability to buy new eyeglasses, a bed for your dog, enough Advil to last you a lifetime of headaches, a four-pound assortment of Halloween candy, and a flat of fresh peaches all in one fell swoop.

But on my most recent spin around a couple of Costcos in my area, I was on a particular mission: to discover what kinds of specialty items and swanky, niche surprises might be tucked away in those aisles and cooler cases, particularly ones you might not expect to find at a price club. Turns out, there’s a lot of gold in them there hills.

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