Post updates by email:

Yes folks, it's that time of year at Trader Joe's. That time of year when as you walk through the doors you see for the first time, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!

And if you know me well, you know how much I love, adore and worship anything PUMPKIN.

About two weeks ago, I went to Trader Joe's to do my weekly shopping and just so happened to choose the day when they started to display their Autumn products, all of which were pumpkin flavored.

Well, you should have seen the way I acted when I walked in and passed the pumpkin display (pictured above).

I immediately started to say (out loud) to myself, "OH MY GOD!...OH MY GOD!...OH MY GOD!...I'm going to die of pumpkin overload!!!!!!" I began picking up the pumpkins and kissing them (I kid you not). I acted like a 6-year old. But that's exactly how Autumn and the first sight of pumpkins makes me feel. Just like a child. I get all excited and giddy and gushy.

I spent close to 45 mins in Trader Joe's that day, walking down every aisle; searching each shelf for pumpkin flavored items. Last year I made the mistake of buying only one of each item because I knew that I could go back and get more throughout the month of October. However, Trader Joe's apparently didn't anticipate how fast the items would go and didn't order enough stock. So when I went back to purchase more, they were totally sold out of their seasonal items and was informed that they would not be getting another shipment. I was so freaking bummed!

Therefore, this year I decided to buy more each time I shop and then store the items away so that I'll have enough to last me through the months of October AND November.

Pictured below are just a few of the pumpkin flavored items I purchased. Some of these items I bought last year as well, other items I tried for the first time this year. I also purchased a lot of my staple items such as: pumpkin butter, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin soup crackers, and pumpkin bread.

Here, take a look...



Aren't these Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips cleverly brilliant?...


And they go perfect with this Pepita Salsa. Yum-my...


*Halloween*

Last week, I stopped into A.C. Moore to take a peek at all their Autumn decorations and crafts. The entire store smelled like pumpkin spice. I literally stood in the middle of the store with my eyes closed inhaling the aroma, as if I were getting STONED on pumpkin grass.
 OMG...the scent was faaaaaaabulous!

Look at these cute little scarecrows...


Festive Autumn garland...



Aren't these adorable?


I found this next Halloween item in Rite Aid.
I think it's hysterical that they placed this skeleton by the Listerine mouth wash...


Me, having fun in the A.C. Moore Halloween costume area...


The Wicked Witch of the West (a.k.a. my grandmother)...


Happy Autumn/Pumpkin/Halloween season, everyone! 
X

25 comments:

  1. Well, here's my TJ sob story for you . . . We don't have one very close to us, so I only go about 4-5 times a year. Last year, I went early November and they were totally out of pumpkin items. So this year, Middle Child and I were proactive and went a few weeks ago and they had NO pumpkin items. We were so pissed! She loves their pumpkin waffles. I just don't have another half day to run up there again :( I guess I need to mark my 2020 calendar for last week of September.

    But your pictures are fun and your items are all new to me. Those leaf chips look fabulous! I'm glad you had such a good time. Wish I would have been with you! And I know what you mean about the spice aroma. A store I frequent puts those big bags of cinnamon pine cones at their entrance and I just want to stand there all day!

    Have a super pumpkin-flavored week! I was excited to see you post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ron, I love this time of the year too! And I also love the smell and taste of all things "pumpkin spice." Don't you just love Trader Joe's? They finally opened one where I live in Florida. But we didn't have one for a LONG time. I am so glad you reminded me about stocking up on seasonal stuff before it's all gone. The same thing happened to me last year. All the holiday items were gone so fast. It wasn't even close to Thanksgiving and they ran out of things.

    Those leaf tortilla chips are so wonderful! I have to look for those the next time I'm there. I also want to try that salsa.

    The picture of you as the witch is hysterical! How did you get your face that color? Did you put on makeup in the store?

    Fun post, Ron! Happy all things Autumn! xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. "Last year, I went early November and they were totally out of pumpkin items. So this year, Middle Child and I were proactive and went a few weeks ago and they had NO pumpkin items. We were so pissed! "

    OMG, you too?!? I thought perhaps it was just an isolated incident and happened just in the store here in Philly because it's ALWAYS so busy, I thought they just ran out of stuff fast. That's why I'm stocking up now because I want to have these items to eat in October and November. You should see my small kitchen cabinets, they are FILLED with all this pumpkin flavored food. I even stashed some of it in my microwaves because I have TWO of them.

    "Those leaf chips look fabulous! "

    Aren't they brilliant? They're new because I didn't see them last year. They taste so good dipped in that salsa!

    Isn't the aroma of spice heavenly? It's so cozy, warm and comforting. I LOVE this time of year!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!

    X

    P.S. I haven't posted in awhile because I got a new job and having been in training for the past three weeks. Learning lots of new things!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hola Denise!

    Isn't this time of year faaaaaaaaabulous? It always feels magical to me - the colors, the smells, the food, the air. I LOVE it!

    Yes, I LOVE Trader Joe's. I've been shopping at the one here in Philly for years. They just recently opened another one a bit closer to my apartment, but I don't really the area it's in so I'll most likely keep shopping at the one I normally go to. It's further, but I don't care because it has a really great staff of people who work there.

    "The same thing happened to me last year. All the holiday items were gone so fast. It wasn't even close to Thanksgiving and they ran out of things."

    You too? Isn't that the PITS? That's why I'm stocking up this year because I want enough to last me the season.

    Those chips are fantastic! They're a new item. And they taste great with the salsa!

    HA! No, I didn't put makeup on for that photo. I used my photo editor to add the green to my skin to match the Wicked Witch of the West. In fact, other than the witches hat, I edited the whole photo.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Happy all things Autumn to you too!

    X

    No, we haven't really gotten any seasonal weather yet. We had a couple days when it was on the cooler side and felt like it was Autumn, but it didn't last long. It's actually very warm and humid right now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, October 01, 2019

    Love love this! I'm a big fan of autumn! And had to laugh at the photo of you as the Wicked Witch!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, it seems to be confession time. Can you bear to know that I have never, ever tasted or even handled a pumpkin. Have I missed something all these years? This doesn't stop me from wishing you all the best at this pumpkin season time. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ron, I'm grinning from ear to ear over this post! I, too, LOVE Fall and Pumpkins, and these displays are fabulous!



    Isn't pumpkin the most delicious scent around? I can see why you were overdosing with your eyes shut in the middle of the store!


    I never knew there was such a thing as pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin soup -- I don't think I've ever seen them in our stores, but now that you've educated me, I'll have to start looking. Glad you decided to buy more while the supplies last.


    Enjoy your week, my friend -- I'm looking forward to a nice cold front along about Thursday (and yes, we'll share it with you!) xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kissing pumpkins?!? Get a room, pal!

    So, Ron let me guess--you like pumpkins? You sure went hog wild in Trader Joe's! You know I have cold weather, but if I'm going in a freezing environment, I've got to have pumpkin soup or I'll go nuts!

    I'm amazed at pumpkin can be included in so many different foods, Adirondack Creamery (among others) makes pumpkin ice cream, so you have pumpkin at every single course. And you probably will, you pump-a-holic!!

    Excellent post, buddy. I love how you embrace the changing seasons, instead of crying like I do. Enjoy all your pumpkin things and watch out for the creepy witch!

    She scares the living pumpkin out of me!! Although she does look kind of familiar...

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMG, I can so relate to Bijoux. When we took our trip to Fort Collins a few weeks ago, we were hoping to stock up on the pumpkin waffle mix at Trader Joe's. Sadly, they didn't have any yet! I did see those autumn leaf-shaped tortilla chips, but that's it!! By the time we get back to TJ's again, it'll probably be March or April. Pretty sure there won't be any pumpkin waffle mix then. Boo!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, Mark, I remember when you posted about your trip to Trader Joe's a few weeks ago. I totally understand how you felt because the same thing happened to me last year with all the seasonal products. When I went back to get more, the store was completely out.

    "I did see those autumn leaf-shaped tortilla chips, but that's it!! "

    I picked up TWO bags of those because I was so paranoid that they'd run out. I will say, however, I think TJ's learned from last year and ordered a lot more stock because so far, the store still seems full of seasonal items.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy October!

    X to you and Tara

    ReplyDelete
  11. HA! I couldn't resist the witch picture! I'm sure the other customers in the store thought I was insane as they watched me take a selfie in the witches hat.

    Isn't Autumn the BEST?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Fiona. Have a great week! And Happy October!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  12. "Can you bear to know that I have never, ever tasted or even handled a pumpkin. Have I missed something all these years?"

    OMG Valerie, you're kidding me?!?!? I love the taste of anything pumpkin flavored. It tastes kind of like butternut squash, but a touch sweeter and spicier. I LOVE it!

    And not only do I love the taste, but I also love how pumpkins look. They're so cute!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week! Happy October!

    X

    P.S. And thanks again for the birthday ecard!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hahaha! Love this post. Did you know Trader Joe's and Aldi are owned by the same family? Initially, it was one store and there was a rift over selling some items so the partners split up. I love the sights of Autumn, but i think I love the smells most of all. Pumpkin spice with its cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves for sure, but also soups and breads. And.....I get to wear cozy sweaters and cute boots! :-) it's still in the 90s this week until Thursday when the temps fall to the 60s. THEN, Autumn begins!

    ReplyDelete
  14. "Kissing pumpkins?!? Get a room, pal!"

    OMG Rob, that made me laugh out loud. HYSTERICAL!

    HA! Yes, can you tell that I LOVE pumpkins?

    "but if I'm going in a freezing environment, I've got to have pumpkin soup or I'll go nuts!" I know, isn't pumpkin soup the best in cold weather? I had this Trader Joe's Pumpkin Soup last year and it was FAAABULOUS! And it's a perfect combination with those Pumpkin Tortilla Chips. but dipping the chips into the soup and scooping it up. YUM-MY!

    You know, I'm not an ice cream eater, HOWEVER, I've had pumpkin ice cream and it was AMAZING! There's an ice cream restaurant close to my apartment called, More Than Ice Cream, and that's wear I had my first taste of pumpkin ice cream.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Happy October! Have a grrrrreat week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hellooooooooooo there Debbie!

    Don't ya just LOVE Fall and Pumpkins, and all the tastes and scent of this season? I love to go into different stores and look at how they decorate for the various seasons because it get's me so excited!

    Yes...there is nothing quite like the SMELL of pumpkin! Each year I buy several packettes of Pumpkin Spice and place them all around my apartment throughout the Fall AND Winter seasons because it's such a cozy and comfy scent.

    "I never knew there was such a thing as pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin soup."

    Me neither. It wasn't until I shopped Trader Joe's last year that I discovered them. They also make an Autumn pasta sauce (which I also bought last year) that is flavored with pumpkin and butternut squash. OMG...it's DEEEELICIOUS!

    " I'm looking forward to a nice cold front along about Thursday (and yes, we'll share it with you!) "

    I am soooooooooo envious because it's been very warm and very humid here lately. YES! Please share some with me. Thank you!

    Have a fabulous week, my friend. Happy October!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  16. "Did you know Trader Joe's and Aldi are owned by the same family?"

    Lisa, no...I did not know that!? Also, I had to google Aldi to find out what it was because I had never heard of it. Come to find out that we have several of them here in Philadelphia. And one of them is not too far from where I live. I will have to investigate it soon. Thanks for letting me know!

    " but i think I love the smells most of all. Pumpkin spice with its cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves for sure, but also soups and breads."

    Yes...me at well. Me as well. Isn't the smell of cloves and nutmeg magical? Such a cozy and comfy aroma.

    OMG, I with you...I can't wait to finally wear sweaters, jackets and scarves. I love fall clothing!

    Yes, it's hot and humid here as well. Tomorrow I am going to NYC for the day and it's supposed to be 90 degrees. UGH! So looking forward to the cooler Autumn weather!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy October!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  17. What an absolutely delightful post, Ron! My passion for autumn is as ardent as yours. I've never yet kissed a pumpkin in a store, but I've hugged a few. Having been raised in Southern California - where seasons are nearly non-existent - I was completely blown away when I moved out-of-state and discovered other places where autumn really exists.



    I love all of your photos and never realized how many pumpkin food items there are. I've never heard of pumpkin butter....or fall leaf tortilla chips. I honestly wouldn't know what to choose. I'm glad you stocked up on enough stuff for Oct. and Nov.


    When you described going into A.C.Moore, I could almost smell the pumpkin spice. I love those scarecrows - and especially the adorable black cat in the white outfit.


    The skeleton by the mouthwash is hilarious - and so are you as the wicked witch (one of my favorite films).
    Take care and thanks for brightening my day.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ron! I read this post but didn't have a chance to respond yesterday. But in the meantime, it drove me to go to Trader Joe's today! I got some pumpkin ravioli to put in the freezer for later. Two packs, since I know they'll run out. Also, a lot of non-pumpkin things, including goat cheese and sun-dried tomato ravioli, which I'm making tonight with baby zucchini and langoustine tails I bought there. I love, love, love that place.

    This may surprise you, but I'm actually ready for cooler weather. It's going to be 96 here again tomorrow. What??

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jon, don't ya' just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Autumn?

    "I've never yet kissed a pumpkin in a store, but I've hugged a few. " HA! I've actually hugged them too. I usually pick them up; give them a hug; and then a few kisses. OMG, I think pumpkins are the most adorable things. They make me smile!

    I felt the same way about living in Florida for so long, then moving back east and re-discovering the four seasons; particularly Autumn. When I grew up here, I didn't appreciate the seasons. That is, until I moved back in 2001.

    The cat is my favorite as well!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're feeling better and on the mend.

    Have a great rest of your week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  20. "But in the meantime, it drove me to go to Trader Joe's today! I got some pumpkin ravioli to put in the freezer for later. Two packs, since I know they'll run out. "

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! Good for you for doing that because like I said, last year I didn't purchase enough (and quick enough) and then sold out. God, I was so bummed. This year however, they seemed to have order more because each week I've been grabbing a few more. Yet, I'm sure by the end of October the season shelves will be gone.

    "Also, a lot of non-pumpkin things, including goat cheese and sun-dried tomato ravioli, which I'm making tonight with baby zucchini and langoustine tails I bought there. I love, love, love that place."

    That's AWESOME! I have to try the goat cheese and sun-dries tomato ravioli because I've seen them there, but never purchased them. Thanks for reminded me.

    "This may surprise you, but I'm actually ready for cooler weather. It's going to be 96 here again tomorrow. What??"

    OMG....I'm SHOCKED to hear you say that because I know how much you love the warmer weather!?! However, I think a lot of people are OVER the heat and humidity and are looking forward to cooler temps. Yesterday I went to NYC for my birthday and it was SO DAMN HOT (over 95 degrees). I was there for 8 hrs., walking around. But I thought I was going to keel over from heat exhaustion.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

    P.S. And Happy Birthday month!

    ReplyDelete
  21. As I sit here drinking my pumpkin spice coffee... I can so relate! Horrors that TJ's didn't have enough in the past.. good for you to stock up! I don't know what products the one I go to has... can't drive now, boot on my ankle, long story, lol... but I'll live vicariously thru this post and squeal with delight over all that pumpkin/Halloween goodness. My daughter, who adores Halloween, has already gotten 2 or 3 rooms done. She has plastic wallpaper of blood splatters hanging all over and a life size Hannibal Lector and Jack Skellington that talk.
    Enjoy those delicious goodies! Funny, AC Moore pic! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. OMG Mary, that is so ironic HA! Hope you're enjoying your pumpkin spice coffee!

    Yup, I was so afraid that they would run out before the official holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving arrived, that I stocked up. In fact, I'm even stocking up more each time I shop. I'd rather have too much than not enough because I know that I'll eat everything, even if it last till Christmas. LOL!

    Oh bummer, so sorry to hear about your ankle. I hope you're healing well. I'll send you some extra Reiki, okay?

    "My daughter, who adores Halloween, has already gotten 2 or 3 rooms done. She has plastic wallpaper of blood splatters hanging all over and a life size Hannibal Lector and Jack Skellington that talk."

    That sounds AWESOME! And I bet it all looks faaaaaaabulous! I also know how much you love Halloween as well because of your fantastic costumes you create each year.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great rest of your week. Happy October!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yes, to the REIKI! YES!! Please and thank you! xo
    Have a nice weekend, Ron.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ron, after reading your post, my girlfriend and I drove over to the Trader Joe's where we live and purchased several of the items you listed here. We're going back later in the week to get more because we're worried they'll run out before Thanksgiving. Thanks for letting me know!

    Love the pic of you as the wicked witch, dude! ROFLMAO!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hiya Matt!

    AWESOME! Happy to hear that you got to TJ early! I've been going back each week and grabbing a few more of everything, just in case they run out. I think they ordered more stock this year because so far, so good.

    Glad you enjoyed the pic. Aren't I silly?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!
    X

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.