A MAD. HOUSE. up in there…
But I did manage to get myself front row parking. 
As soon as I walked in to Trader Joe’s this afternoon, I realized that it was going to be a quick trip. Sometimes I can handle a crowd while shopping, but other times (especially when I’m really just there to browse) I’m about ready to run over anyone and everyone that comes in my way with my cart.
Today was the latter.
After about 20 minutes, I was able to get through just about all of the aisles but probably only saw about 50% of what was in each aisle since they were packed. I managed to snag a few items along the way…
- romaine lettuce
- spinach
- bananas
- cocoa powder (almost out, can’t have that!)
- brownie mix (I’ve had it before and I LOVE it)
- Tandoori Naan (excited about this one)
- kettle chips (for the hubby’s lunches)
- peanut butter filled pretzels (‘nuff said)
- marinara sauce (not pictured, bought last minute while waiting in line)
- and last but not least…
Cat cookies. I have a past with cat cookies…and what it basically boils down to is the fact that I should not buy them. Because I can’t control myself around them.
But I did.
And then I snacked on a bazillion of them in the car during my 15 minute drive to Price Chopper to finish up my grocery shopping. Ooops.
*****
Dinner tonight was a simple one, since Jay has a softball game and I’m headed out shortly to go cheer him on.
We have lots of fresh veggies in the house, so I put some of them to use to make a big salad of romaine, cucumbers, garden tomato (almost a whole one), shredded carrots, corn off the cob, red onions, and feta cheese. I drizzled everything with about a few teaspoons of olive oil and some spices. YUM.
I knew I’d need something else, and I also didn’t do a very good job of getting in many fats earlier in the day, so I toasted up half of an English muffin and topped it with lots of peanut butter and raspberry jam.
I’m headed out the door shortly, but before I go, I thought I’d leave you with this great someecard I found on Facebook today.
I figured at least a few of you out there would appreciate it.
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
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Eating fro yo now! Great way to end Monday!
I could definitely go for some fro-yo after the day I’ve had!
Jane {In the Pink and Green} recently posted..Bend.
I’m the same way with TJ’s animal crackers… absolutely ZERO self-control. But they’re so goooood!
Jessica @ New Girl, New City recently posted..Catch Up
I was in Trader Joe’s this afternoon too, and it was packed! I also scored a good parking spot somehow though.
I love Cats cookies and bought them today as well. I’m pregnant, and I swear that they settle my stomach.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt recently posted..Part two: Weekend recap (Main Street Grill and TCBY)
I. LOVE. CAT. COOKIES.
So much so that I can’t buy them anymore
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Take a minute.
Had some earlier today after hours at the zoo in the heat. Sooo gooooood…
I’m always happy for an excuse for froyo.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Nerdy Confessions.
Haha I love the card! I think we were on the same wavelength today!!
Im glad there was a trader joes that opened close to you!! I wish they had one near me! Also, I added your 7 moves for shredded shoulders to my workout this morning! I loved it.. Can’t wait to do it again! Thanks for sharing!!
So glad you liked it!
Oh man, I’ve had those peanut butter filled pretzels before and they are dangerous!!! I’m with you on not liking crowds at grocery stores sometimes. I made the mistake of going to my Whole Foods around 10 AM on a weekend. Never did that again!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape recently posted..Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
OMG I am with you on the cat cookies! I bought them a while ago and couldn’t get my hands out of the container LOL!
Rachel recently posted..Squeaky Sneaks
Have you tried their vanilla wafers? They are the best “Nilla wafers” ever and I just finished off a container of them yesterday. They are my weakness.
Oh man…no, I haven’t. But they sound just as addicting as the cat cookies.
Trader JOe’s near me is usually always so crazy crowded!! You’ve got to go right when it opens
Something I can never buy are Stacy’s Pita Chips in cinnamon sugar. The bag is gone in a snap.
Jenny recently posted..Beach Time
That salad looks sooo good! I’m kind of obsessed with raw corn off the cob right now. It’s so sweet!
Shana recently posted..How to Achieve Inner Peach
hahaha Trader Joe’s is no joke! I rarely get out of there for less than $50. I just recently bought Cat Cookies for the first time and I had to hide them from myself! I do the same thing- I always buy myself 1 thing there to eat on the car ride home. (Luckily TJ’s is 2 miles away.) For me, it’s usually something salty like veggy sticks or the popcorn puffs!
Katy recently posted..Farm Share #7
I feel like Trader Joe’s is almost always crazy when I go! I’ve never tried those cat cookies… They sure do sound incredibly addicting though! LOVE that ecard! That is my Monday motto.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil {Giveaway!}
The Tandoori Naan is soooo goood
I hope you enjoy it!
Sana recently posted..Surprise Dinner Party
Sana! I actually thought of you and our Indian dinner at HLS a couple years back when I bought it!
I had to laugh out loud when I saw that picture of the cat crackers in your car. Some things are just too good to wait on!!
kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..Marvelous Monday “Birthday Edition”
Would indeed be a great time for fro-yo! So are those cat cookies just like animal crackers? I’ve had TJ’s gingerbread cookies before and they were so addicting….so I share your struggle.
They’re kind of like a cross between animal crackers and shortbread cookies
I went the first day our Trader Joe’s opened and it was CR-AZY!! I stood in line for 30 minutes to check out and I barely managed to get a look at what they had. Fortunately, it has slowed down quite a bit!
Trader Joe’s chocolate covered edamame is my downfall. I don’t know what it is about those little things but handful and after handful tends to end up in my mouth!!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom recently posted..The Painting Begins + Pancake Muffin Bites
That Trader Joe’s look huge! I would be in heaven! Mine is pretty small! I can’t shop when it’s really crowded though either! I’ve had to figure out the best times to go when its not super busy!
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness recently posted..Marvelous in My Monday
Love Trader Joes!! & I’ve found no matter what location, what time of day – it is always super busy! Prob because it is amazing
enjoy!!
I have a list of TJ favorites on the little old blog, in case you were interested
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife recently posted..Homemade Almond Milk
Going to check that out NOW!
I have this rule when I go to Trader Joes – baskets only. Carts are so annoying in tiny aisles and busy stores and I swear Trader Joes is the WORST. So I go in and any and everything I get MUST fit in the basket.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Music Monday // Walk The Moon
Hahaha…that IS a good rule!
haha i’ve been the same way with TJ’s CAt’s Cookies! They’re very addicting. My friend introduced me to them when we were roommates, and she’d buy a whole tub just for me–she didn’t even eat them! It was a dangerous situation.
Meredith @ DareYouTo recently posted..get Practical Paleo
Haha oh geez that someecard sums up my day so perfectly that I even linked this in my post.
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate recently posted..Almost Finished!
I love going back and reading your previous posts from before I started following you and I happened to come across this one tonight http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2010/10/26/im-back-in-the-running-game/
Those cat cookies really must be good! I might have to make a stop at Trader Joe’s after work tomorrow and see what they’re all about!
Amanda @Live. Laugh. Learn. recently posted..A Rustic Wedding
Ha! I just got back from some Monday frozen yogurt!
I sure hope TJ’s calms down for you soon, because everyone deserves to shop there stress-free!
Julie recently posted..Sunday Snack Day
Wow, you’ve got a really big Trader Joe’s! Lucky you!!
All of the Trader Joe’s near my place look WAY smaller; I’d be in heaven shopping at yours!
Katie recently posted..Marvelous in My Monday #5: PB2? One Direction?
Monday fro yo is where it’s at- I definitely got my fix yesterday
Khushboo recently posted..Just touched down…
You dinner recipe is simple yet very delectable to eat.
Debra Baldwin recently posted..Natural Aphrodisiacs for Men to Boost Their Sexual Desire
My roommate in college who was not even a health nut used to get those same animal cookies all the time.
You should try grocery shopping at TJ’s in Manhattan–it’s literally a mad house everyday! Actually, in ever grocery store for that matter!
I haven’t been to TJ in a while! I miss shopping there. They closest one to me is about 30 minutes away. I wish they would make one closer. I love the cat cookies too. They are yummy
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope recently posted..Two Years Of Blogging!…
I am so excited to go to the new Trader Joe’s, as I have never been to one before! After seeing your pictures, I will wait till I venture over to Wolf Road. I was already told by multiple friends that I must try the Cat cookies. : )
Kudos to you for hitting up TJ! I so want to check it out, but I hate battling people in the grocery store… it makes me want to run over people with my cart!! I’ve been having a craving for TCBY for almost a week now…. i must get myself there!!
Brittany @ ReadRunRepeat recently posted..Manic Monday?
I’ve never been to Trader Joe’s, so I’m excited to check out the new Capital Region location (ummm… in a few weeks, when it calms down a bit – though I’m sure not enough to not want to run people over with my cart). Question… as a Trader Joe’s newbie – can you suggest a few items that I must try??? I feel like I’m going to be completely overwhelmed & want to try a few items at a time so I don’t completely blow out my bank account! Haha. Suggestions would be appreciated
Haha, I hear ya! Some of my favorites from there are actually all listed in this old post here: http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2010/10/24/blogger-grocery-shopping/
That should be a good starting point for you!
Awesome, thanks!
LOVEEEEE Trader Joe’s!
Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog recently posted..Foodie Penpals #3
I forgot that the TJs opened in Alb – its about time that they opened a store in the area! My mom will be so excited, she always stocks up when she comes to visit us!
The naan is one of my fave TJ products – they have a bunch of flavors by the breads, and they are so versatile! I always have a few bags of it on hand. Also, their pizza dough and peach salsa are really great. But whatever you do, do NOT buy the cookie butter. The stuff is seriously SO good, I blow through a container in a matter of a week or two!
Not going to lie, I would totally send you money to send me some of those cat cookies!!
We don’t have a TJ’s by us 
…but I keep seeing those cookies around the blog land, and they seem right up my alley!
Holly recently posted..The REAL Stuff.
Wow! Your Trader Joe’s looks SO much bigger than the one closest to me! I love TJ’s, but I also like to browse EVERYTHING & because my store is so cramped it always feels like people are breathing down my neck for me to get out of the way!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..One Year
Love Trader Joes. Hate crowds. I typically avoid going there on weekends and find it a more enjoyable shopping experience…. I love to browse products there, read the nutritional info and so on. I’m sure the newness of the new location will wear off in time.
I’ll have to try (or maybe I shouldn’t….) those vanilla cat cookies. I love the chocolate ones but limit myself to one serving and I dip them in peanut butter for a little protein. Yum.
The Naan is SO GOOD. You’ll love it. I still have to try the Cat cookies – honestly, I’m a little afraid to
I’m so jealous! I’ve never been to Trader Joe’s (come to think of it, I’ve never even seen a Trader Joe’s), but after reading about it on so many blogs, I must find one ASAP!
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights recently posted..Motivation Monday: Run Like Angels
I think the someecard you posted is great! I totally had Frozen Yogurt on my Monday too!
Peppermint was amazing..then I exercised last night and ran this morning..LOL 
I love cat cookies..I can’t control myself either. I usually get the chocolate. I made funfetti dip (with yogurt) from the website skinny taste and we dipped the cat cookies in instead of animal crackers..ammazinng!
Those cookies remind me of mc donalds cookies which I have not eaten in 734873024 years but remember how much I love the subtle deliciousness they offer.
Bek @ Crave recently posted..I beat the binge!
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