Bread, milk, eggs, pumpkins and Santa

It's really no secret to anyone who knows me personally......I love Costco. I do. Before our local Costco was built I was a member of another local warehouse club. I was "satisfied" with my membership, but one step into Costco and I heard the Angels sing. Anyone who is a Costco member knows what I mean.

But this time of year can be amusing. The children are back in school, the scorching days have made way for more pleasant afternoons and another year is coming to an end. Take this opportunity to not only prepare by getting organized, but by having a good laugh at the retailers.

This week I have been in search of new products for my clients and for educational resources. As I made my way through the vast warehouse to the office supplies, I passed a pre-lit  polar bear standing next to a selection of Nativity scenes. Just across from the wreathes and over-sized ornaments stands a display of costumes for Halloween. Buzz Lightyears and Tinkerbells abound -- all presided over by an ominous 8-foot wide bat and various ghosts, goblins and mounds of bagged, bite-sized candies. In the opposite direction, displays of useful serving platters and cornucopias could only bring on thoughts of family gatherings and pie -- notably all of this was in direct sight of the pie case. Coincidence? I think not.

So here are  a few tips for warehouse clubs:

• Trick or Treat: Make sure the Membership Fee is worth your patronage. If the store doesn't carry items you typically buy, you may find shopping sales at other local stores a better overall deal. 
• Be Thankful for calculators! Bring a small calculator (the one on your cell phone works great!) to break down the bulk price to the unit price. Many stores will list a per ounce/pound/bulk price, but for the most useful information when comparing, break it down to the unit. How much is each can of peas in that case? Can you get them cheaper on special at another store? 
• Ask Santa for a food sealer or second freezer. These are great tools to extend the bulk packages of food and seperate them into smaller, more manageable portions. Standard freezer storage  bags will work, but can subject your food to freezer burn, thus ruining your investment. Foods that can easily be frozen are; breads, shredded cheese (hard cheeses like cheddar work best), berries that will be used in recipies later, sauces, vegetables....the list is endless!