Happy Thursday, friends!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for allowing me these last two days off for the Mix and Match Travel Agency annual team meetings. Not only were they super productive, but it’s just always SO GOOD to see my team in person. I see their faces on Teams calls frequently, but we don’t get to see each other in person as often as I would like. It was a full two days of travel agency fun.
If you haven’t made your plans for 2026 yet, LET’S GO!
We would love to help! INQUIRE HERE to connect or email us at info@mixandmatchtravelagency.com.
Alrighty, I have two posts for our Thursday. First up, I’m sharing ALL ABOUT MY COZY READING AREA. It’s all the little details and specifics that make up my favorite space.
Along with that post, I have my monthly TRADER JOE’S HAUL! You ladies seem to be loving these posts, so when I went for my weekly shopping on Monday, I snapped some pics to bring you along.
Here we go…
Since the kids didn’t have school on Monday, Mades came along with me to shop.
We bought a lot of the usual suspects (lemons, avocados, ground beef, butter, milk, etc), but we also came home with…
…after listening to the Acquired podcast episode featuring Trader Joe’s, I don’t leave the store now without a Fearless Flyer to read. These are free and worth your time to pick up!
Look what else we found…
…these are brand new and DELICIOUS! I hope, hope, hope they keep these in stock and don’t make them seasonal. So good!
We also grabbed a few of these…
…they are lunchbox favorites at our house!
You know I love their raviolis and tortellinis…
…and you know I love chicken sausage, so as you can imagine, I was PUMPED about this new variety!
I really really love their heat and serve chicken (it’s by the ground beef/sausage section). I pick it up often for a quick lunch (typically the balsamic version). This was the first time I tried the chili lime, and it is SO good! This chicken is fully cooked and honestly, sometimes, I just eat it cold for lunch, but yes, you can heat it too. It’s such an easy way to get in protein because it’s fully cooked and ready to go.
I am *trying* to increase my fiber intake, so I’ve been adding kale to my egg scrambles. Of course, you could just dress this and eat it like a salad, but I like to stir it into my scrambles for an extra oomph of fiber.
I have raved about Trader Joe’s Hot Honey for several years now, and they are currently having A MOMENT with not just the bottle variety, but they’ve added it to several “snacks”…
…I cannot stay out of this! This popcorn is SO SO GOOD!
So is…
…the Hot Honey Goat Cheese! Andrew has been out of town this week, but I couldn’t wait for him. I had to open it up and dig in myself. It was perfect with a cracker and piece of salami. So so good!
I also found…
…their new Hot Honey Fudge which was excellent too! If you enjoy the kick of hot honey, I’m telling you…get to Trader Joe’s. They’re having a moment.
Grabbed this to add with dinner on Tuesday night. It was yummy!
Mades made sure to add a box of…
…Hold the Cone “Tips” to our cart. My kids had this box finished off by Monday night.
My three girls are very into making ramen bowls, so I picked up Trader Joe’s new ramen packs. They had this version and a spicy one too. My girls really loved that this ramen was “knife cut” which makes the noodles thicker.
I found this in the freezer section…
…and I thought it was genius. Just look…
…what an easy way to get garlic! Genius!
And finally…
…steamed lentils. Again, I’m trying to get more fiber into my diet, so these make for a quick and easy bump of fiber in my lunches.
And that’s my most recent Trader Joe’s Haul 🙂 .
What have you found in stores recently?! I would love, love to know! Don’t forget to check out ALL ABOUT MY COZY READING AREA today too!
Happy Thursday, friends! I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Kelly Sites says
I’m increasing my fiber as well. Lentils is my new fave. And Hemp hearts to sprinkle over salad and yogurt. LOVE. I found low sodium lentil-veggie soup at TJs and had it for lunch yesterday. Really good and filling. Also, and who am I? I tried canned beets in my salad (I air fried them.) Not bad.
Mix and Match Mama says
Look at us leaning into fiber?!
Christina G. says
Shay- I love to read about your lifestyle tips. Ironically, I just dawned on me that I think I need to add more fiber into my diet also. Are you aiming for a certain number of grams every day and what made you decide to do so? I appreciate any little fiber ideas you have!
Mix and Match Mama says
As of right now, I haven’t gotten technical with the amount of fiber, I am just trying to slowly add some to each meal. I’m afraid if I add it too fast, I’ll upset my stomach.
Elspeth Mizner says
I don’t have a Trader Joe’s by me but whenever i get a chance to go to one i always pull up your list! Thank you for the suggestions!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
I absolutely love that sweet onion salad!
Erika Slaughter says
I don’t think I’ve been to Trader Joe’s in six months. 🤣🤣🤣
Kristin says
There was a period of time this past year when I kept getting awful ginger from the grocery store. I finally grabbed some of the Dorot ginger, and I don’t ever want to be without it again. Highly recommend! Plus, my knife slipped once when I was mincing ginger, and I ended up in the ER because the bleeding wouldn’t stop, so…there’s another reason to get the frozen!!
Sarah says
You need to try mixing the lentils with a jar of their bruschetta and some feta cheese. Eat it as a dip with crackers or pita. So good!
Mix and Match Mama says
That sounds simple AND DELICIOUS!
Heather Green says
Hi Shay! Seeing you lean into more Fiber reminded me of this recent episode I listened to and thought it may interest you too! All the best! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-fit-and-healthy-how-to-get-your-best-body/id1646101002?i=1000748281309
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!
Hope says
I am a hot honey and spicy girl and grabbed a bag of the hot honey popcorn a few weeks ago when I went. I was going to pick up the hot honey cheese for the super bowl but ended up getting the pepper jack instead. And yes the little waffle cones with chocolate are so good but I almost wish I hadn’t seen them. I grab 4 boxes whenever I go. I also picked up a container of oatmeal and cranberry cookies for my parents. They love to eat them with their coffee. I gave my dad some of the spice nut mix with his Christmas gift and he is OBSESSED!!!I picked him up 2 cans a few weeks ago. I included them in teacher gifts as well.
Jennifer Jenkins says
Any new gluten free finds that have been a hit with your oldest?
Mix and Match Mama says
We are no longer a gf family, so I haven’t been purchasing as many gluten-free items.
Holly S says
Hold the Cones Tips with Cannoli Dip for the win!
Mix and Match Mama says
BRILLIANT!
Christin says
Those noodles are such a fave at our house! I never comment but had to tell you that you should try them in garlic beef and veggie ramen from Chelsea’s Messy Apron. If I get down to only three bags of ramen left, my boys start getting nervous. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU for commenting! I’m looking this up right now! xx
Kristi says
Could you please share about the Ramen bowls your girls make?? How do they make them? That sounds like something my family would love!
Mix and Match Mama says
They add everything in the fridge! They’ll add hardboiled eggs, leftover chicken, even cheese. They love to make a batch of ramen and just start throwing random things in there.
Kay says
Those little egg/sausage/English muffin sandwiches are the BEST! My son and I eat them all the time. The only issue is, we can’t figure out how to keep the cheese from melting off the sandwich in the air fryer-lol! We have tried everything…
The hot honey goat cheese is so good in a salad with a handful of nuts and their balsamic glaze!
They run out of them often, but their protein pancakes are also REALLY good. They come in a stack of four and they taste more like crepes than pancakes? But I love those with berries and maybe some greek yogurt (for more protein) in the morning!
Mix and Match Mama says
I should have purchased several boxes of the sandwiches. They will be in my cart every week now!
Jenny N says
I love Trader Joe’s and wish it was closer to us. I always stock up on the frozen garlic when I go…..the easiest way to add garlic to recipes. I had no clue they had a flyer….I will be sure to grab one next time I go.
Ellen says
Those lentils are delicious. Sure, I can cook them. But it’s just SO EASY to slice off a little portion of the TJ’s lentils.
Hope says
Great fiber choices! Last night I made The Detoxinistas turkey stuffed peppers. She uses lentils in place of rice. They are delicious and so healthy!
Anne Harris says
How do you fix your lentils? I know I can add them to soups but didn’t like them plain. Would appreciate any ideas. My husband and I could definitely use the fiber and protein.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a few chili recipes where I use them, and that’s my favorite way. At lunch though, I have just heated these up and served them as a little side with whatever protein I’m eating. Really simple!
Kay says
I put them on a taco bowl the other day…just threw right on top of ground beef/rice/lettuce/tomato/salsa, etc. You don’t even notice they’re there and it’s a great way to get more protein in!
Leslie S says
I use my lentils in a Greek salad with chicken for lunch!
Dena says
I recently moved from CT to NC and one of the first things I told the realtor is I needed to be less than 30 min to TJ’s. It’s my favorite place to shop. I’m actually headed there shortly. I have a great breakfast for you that will incorporate kale and the lentils! I heat 1/2 cup of the lentils in the microwave. Then I sauté the kale in a pan for a few minutes until it wilts just a bit. I put the kale over the lentils and make 2 over easy eggs and set those on top. Little drizzle of sriracha. Super yummy and satisfying!
I’m still sad that they discontinued the Jalapeño Lime Crunch (it came in a little jar similar to the Chili Onion Crunch). I loved it drizzled on salmon.
Anyway, I’ll be sure to check out some of the new items! Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this easy little recipe, Dena! Thank YOU for sharing!
Michelle M. says
Add the lentils to the container of their bruschetta and it’s the best healthy appetizer! Serve with pita chips!
Gina says
The refrigerated Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains is yummy! Definitely worth a shot. Enjoy!
Jill Foster says
Sorry for this random question on a Trader Joes post. Heading to Nantucket this summer. I just looked through your posts, but didn’t see any recommendations about where to stay. Do you have a post about this or do you have any inn recommendations? Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is without a doubt my #1 rec! Email me if you need more! Happy to help 🙂 mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com
Lisa D says
I love Trader’s riced cauliflower bowls and orange chicken bowls, both are in the freezer section. My husband loves the maple leaf cookies. So sad that we moved quite far from Trader Joe’s but we stock up when we visit places that have the store.
Melissa says
We are finally getting a Trader Joe’s in our town so I’m excited to read these pose now!
Mix and Match Mama says
Your whole world is about to change!