My Trader Joe's Marketing List

I am not shy about my love of Trader Joe’s. This week after another Instagram follower asked what I buy - I thought I’d share my marketing list. If you’re new here I will let you know I’m not somehow who loves to cook. People need to eat and I want them to like what I serve but, I’m no chef. HA!

Like most things I try to be extremely organized. I want to be in and out of the market within 20 mins so I set up my list by aisle from farthest and always grab my fruits, veggies, and flowers last.


MEALS I PREPARE.

Chicken Thighs with Mango Chutney: I will bake in the oven with salt/pepper and mango chutney at 425* for 50mins they get crispy and I cut them up. I’ll serve with potatoes either baked or small ones that have been cut, coated with butter, salt and pepper and roasted in the toaster oven and a fresh Spinach salad with carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms and orange bell pepper.

Chicken Breasts/Thighs with Marinated Artichokes: bake at 350* for 20 minutes checking for doneness. I usually cook around 30 - 35 mins. I serve with baked potatoes or french fries and a side Spinach salad.

I love Boneless Pork Chops. I have 3 different recipes I like to serve.

1. Boneless Pork Chops with Mango Chutney: I follow the same recipe as the chicken thighs but, will cook covered with a foil tent for 30 minutes and uncovered for 5-7 at the end.

2. Baked Boneless Pork Chops: Fully coat chops with mayonnaise then coat with this mixture: regular breadcrumbs, coconut flakes, salt and pepper, and thyme. Bake at 425* for 30 minutes.

3. BBQ Boneless Pork Chops: Pour 1/4 of a bottle of TJ’s Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce in the bottom of pot and place the chops on top, then add another layer of sauce covering the chops. Bake 325* for 2 hours. After 2 hours remove chops from pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into pot and bake 300* for 30 minutes. Serve on hamburger rolls with french fries and Spinach salad.

For Salmon I bake the individual pieces encased in tin-foil with lemon juice, pepper and tomato slices at 325* for 25 mins. I serve with asparagus and a Spinach salad.

I like to make Meatloaf. I use the 85/15 mix. My recipe includes 1 egg, salt and pepper, breadcrumbs, saute onion, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. I bake in a metal pan 350* for 1 hour. I will serve with baked potato and Spinach salad.

The frozen dishes we love:

Mandarin Chicken - with Pork dumplings and raw cucumbers and celery.

Butter Chicken - I serve with Nan, Palek Paner, raw cucumbers and celery.

These Breaded Chicken Breasts are tasty and make a quick meal only 25 minutes to bake at 425* I serve with french fries and Spinach salad.

Steak and Stout Pies are seasonal/not sold all year. I serve with Spinach salad.

The canned dishes we love:

Turkey Chili with Beans - I like to dress the chili with sour cream and blue corn chips and serve with a french baguette and Spinach salad.


The dairy we love:

We only have 2% Milk in the Chalet. My son drinks it and I put it in my coffee. I eat fresh blueberries mixed with yogurt and cereal most days.

I love Hummus and enjoy it with Sesame sticks, rice cakes, carrots and cucumber slices.

The snacks we love.

Chips, Dark Chocolate covered mini Pretzels and Blue Corn Chips.

The desserts we love.

I often bake Brownies and these little Bon Bons are a bit size treat.

We all love the Sparkling Lime Water.

The flowers I love.

My go-to blooms are Hydrangeas and Eucalyptus but, I bring home seasonal offerings; Carnations, Delphiniums, Freesia, Peonies, Snapdragons and Tulips.

While there are other markets I could shop in and sometimes I do for items I can’t get from TJ’s. I love being a TJ’s shopper! Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you over on the Gram!

Mansion in May 2025

Something I look forward to attending is Mansion in May. A Designer Showhouse and Gardens with proceeds going to the Morristown Medical Center. This year’s mansion was Wildfair in Chester, NJ.

I attended with my sister Noreen, her daughter Christina, her sister in law Vicki, and my dear friend Kristin.

Wildfair History

The Entry Staircase and view from the upstairs walkway was delightful.

The Entry powder room was spectacular. The designer was tasked with keeping the existing vanity and marble and creating a seamless design.

The study had a private courtyard area.

I would love to lounge here with a book!

The gorgeous Diningroom won the Tulip Award for best Interior Design.

This two floor library space was really cool.

The Family room had a stunning onyx bar.

I loved this combination in the Master Bath.

I matched one of the bedrooms.

This bath by Tile Lab was amazing… it’s all tile. Yes, these images are of tile. I was so impressed I snapped a pic of their contact details.

The lighting was dark but, this bedroom had such a unique design.

I loved the use of Bashful by Benjamin Moore in this bedroom.

This Bathroom leading into the teenage girls room was so fun.

The Teenage girls bedroom was beautiful.

I have the great good fortune to know Susan Farcy the designer of this magnificent guest room. The Hydrangea wallpaper was a delight.

The pool and the pond beyond - is a stunning setting.

This garden was up a level around the side of the property. It was Magic!

After the tour we had lunch and then did a little shopping in the Boutiques.

I picked up this lovely block print fabric and I’ll always enjoy having a reminder of this wonderful day.

Until next time friends be well. I’ll see you over on Instagram and if you’re interested in more about the Mansion in May - click the link below for an article I published in 2023 about all the Mansions I’ve visited since 2001 Mansion in May.

Images: Mansion in May, Noreen, Vicki, Kristin & Me