My first visit to Trader Joe's

For years I've been hearing all about Trader Joe's. There's not one real close to home and I never wanted to make a special trip to go there (the closest one to me is in the Orland area - at least a half hour drive.) So, I've been here in the dark hearing others rave about it.

Back in the fall, I got in on a Foodie Penpal program and in my package was a jar of cookie butter. I LOVED it. After that, I figured I would have to get to Trader Joe's soon. I was kind scared to go through the doors, though...I could see the dollar signs adding up in my head.

Well, on a recent visit out to have lunch with my sis in the west suburbs, I asked her about Trader Joe's because I knew there was one not far from here. So, after lunch as I headed home, I ran into the Trader Joe's in Batavia. And yeah, I could see myself visiting often if there was one closer to me. Rumor is there will soon be one in Munster, Indiana and I cannot wait! Here's a few of the things I picked up:

I grabbed some gnocchi, lunchmeat, frozen foods, produce, yogurt. In the end I'd spent $90, but got quite a bit.

This went on some pizza and was fantastic!

I really liked some of the vegetable blends and frozen seasoned rice that they had.

Oh, and couldn't leave without something chocolate. These were amazing!