1. She is way faster off the line than I am during our track races.
2. A reader shared THIS amazing pumpkin cookie recipe with me. I used chocolate chips and white chocolate chips instead of icing (I didn’t have powdered sugar) and they were perfect.
3. My brother-in-law told me that they are 100% the best pumpkin cookies he has ever had. I promise, no exaggerations were used in this statement.
4. It just felt right to have my niece cruising around town with us again.
5. We hit up my nephew’s volleyball game for the evening and he played really well.
6. Because he is the oldest child in his family he needs an aunt to tease him a little bit.
7. Nothing is safe at my sister’s house anymore now that she has a crawler. I want to put my garmin on his wrist because I think he gets up to roughly 5 mph crawling when he sees something he really wants to get to fast.
8. Put Brooke to bed and then went to see a movie. Just Let Go. Amazing story, I learned some really great lessons from it and I cried the entire time. First time having a water at the movie theater… I usually get a soda when I go to the movies as a treat but I’m making some changes… plus, I’ve got a fast finish run to do today and the more water the merrier.
9. Came across Brooke’s costume from last year… this was most definitely a favorite.
10. A stunning look at the 17 top selling items at Trader Joe’s… I have a lot of new items to add to my list next time we are there. Also, cookie butter isn’t #1 anymore?!?
————————————————————–
What items are currently on your Trader Joe’s ‘must buy’ list?
You dressing up this year for Halloween? What about for a race?
If you are an early morning runner… about how long does it take you to get out the door once you are out of bed?
White chocolate… yay or nay?
69 comments
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Now I want to make pumpkin cookies with white chocolate chips! White chocolate was my absolute favorite as a kid. And as for morning running, it’s taking me longer and longer lately to actually get my butt out the door! It used to be 15 minutes, now more like 30.
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Pizza dough! I love TJs pizza dough! And cookie butter. And cookie butter sandwich cookies. Yum.
I used to schedule being out of town over Halloween so I didn’t have to dress up. Not a fan. Other people come up with all these cute ideas and look amazing and I am not remotely creative. Not my strength.
Not a morning runner but if I do get up early to run I can be out the door within 5 minutes.
White chocolate – yay!
Jennife @ JenChoosesJoy
I’m running the NYC marathon so I’ll be eating pasta and going to bed early on Halloween!
I’m definitely an early morning runner. I’m out the door in 30 minutes unless it’s for a long run. Then I take an hour.
White chocolate: yay
Kristina Running
I FINALLY have a Trader Joe’s opening up near me in the next couple of weeks. I’ve been reading about TJs on your blog for years and need to buy everything! :)
I am not an early morning runner at all. I hit snooze on my alarm at least 3X which means I’m lucky to shower and get out the door in time for work most days! I want to be an early morning runner but my bed just won’t let me go!
Loribeth
I don’t do morning runs unless we are on vacation………..it takes about 30 minutes.
And nay to white chocolate. I can handle a few chips in cookies, but I prefer dark or milk.
I am dressing up as Carl from Caddyshack! I have wanted to for a couple of years, but I will tuck my hair under the hat and work on my best Bill Murray impressions.
Kaella On The Run
I wish we had trader joes in Canada! I’m book marking this for my next trip to the States.
Usually 15 minutes max from wake up to out the door.
White chocolate… Sometimes! I like the cookies and cream chocolate bar or adding them to cookie dough :)
Karien @ Running the Race
Halloween isn’t big in South Africa at all, so nope, we won’t be dressing up.
White chocolate: A definite nay! Dark chocolate all the way! :)
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons
Those cookies look good! I love white chocolate :)
I’m not dressing up for Halloween, but my little guy is going as Mickey Mouse. He’s obsessed with Mickey!
I’m a morning runner, but I sleep until the last possible minute that I can. I’m usually out the door in 10 minutes.
Hollie
Those cookies look amazing. I love pumpkin everything. I think I would personally add the frosting, just because I’ve never had a bad experience with frosting LOL (as weird as that sounds?). Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays personally.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Ugh, I totally miss having a TJ’s anywhere near me. Also, can’t get over Brooke’s costume and how big she’s gotten! Too cute.
Natalie
I love Cookie Butter (even if it isn’t No. 1 anymore) and the Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies! Trader Joe’s hits the spot on pretty much everything. The BBQ chicken pizza is delicious!
I run early ever morning, and I’d say it takes about 20 or so minutes to get out the door.
I hate chocolate, but I actually love white chocolate.
Gretchen
I absolutely hate white chocolate..I think it tastes like soap personally! Dan is obsessed with it and he actually won’t eat any kind of chocolate besides white. It’s so weird!
I love everything from Trader Joe’s but recent favorites are the General Tsao stir fry sauce, spicy chai latte mix, and pear champagne dressing. I could drink that stuff it’s so good.
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I need to get to Trader Joe’s soon. Their nut butters are my favorite! And I still want to try some of their seasonal items.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
Nota fan of white chocolate. I prefer dark.
I will be dressed as a nervous marathoner for Halloween. Lol. Don’t have to dress up since it’s the day before the NYC marathon.
I am so not a morning runner. Can’t get up.
Tedi @ Running With Infertility
I won’t be dressing up for Halloween, but the hubs will be. As War Machine! WOO WOO! He’s already got an Iron Man costume too. Seriously is legit. Check out Palmer Props on FB if you don’t believe me. ;)
I love milk chocolate more than white. But if they are mixed together, then I will give it a try. :)
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL
Ok I’m blown away by all the comments of people who hate white chocolate because I am OBSESSED with it!! My favorite candy bar is the Hershey’s Cookie and Creme….yummmm.
I’m a morning runner and I take between 30 mins-1 hour to get out the door, it just depends on how my body feels about doing its business. I won’t leave the house til that’s taken care of, usually a small dose of caffeine does the trick though!
Quick question…where is your shirt from? I love it!!!
Margaret @ youngandrungry
Your outfit running with Brooke is adorable! I can usually wake up and be out the door within 15 minutes! I set my coffee to be brewed when I wake up, grab a snack, and drink about a half cup and I’m good to go! I’m alright with white chocolate, but I prefer dark.
Kimberly @ Run with the Roushes
White chocolate, yes! My husband and I are going as Fred & Wilma from The Flinstones :) I love dressing up for Halloween! I’m participating in a Zombie Run next week and I still need to come up with some kind of zombie costume for that. I run early on Saturdays and after work during the week. Since I only have to run early one day a week, I find it really easy to get going once I’m awake.
Jamie
TJs cookie butter (obviously) and their butternut squash ravioli is incredible! I am dressing up as a cat for the NYCM since it’s the day after!!! I run first thing in the morning, usually 10 minutes between bed and the time I step outside… I can’t linger too long or I’ll just crawl back into bed! And heck yes to white chocolate!
Angie @ Pace With Grace
I love TJ’s! Right now my items are 21 Seasoning Salute, almond butter, Cookie Butter and their turkey burgers! Those cookies look delicious!
It takes me about 10 minutes to get out the door for my run in the morning!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I’m not a fan of white chocolate—I prefer dark. My favorite thing at TJ’s is their big bars of dark chocolate!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I saw a costume for paper and it looked pretty cool :) (for a teacher!)
It takes me approx. 4 minutes to get out the door. I seriously wear clean workout clothes to bed and I set out my pony tail holder, socks, shoes, watch, etc. All I have to do is roll out of bed and throw it on!
Shawna
i’m an early runner and usually, i can up-and-out in 15 minutes. bam bam. :) pumpkin cookies are the bestttttt! i’ve made so many batches for friends and fam already this year, and i’ll have to check out that recipe!
Sam
Trader Joe’s has this seasonal chocolate called Fireworks that I think only comes out around the 4th of July and Valentine’s Day. It’s chocolate with pop rocks in it and it explodes in your mouth. So good and so noisy. I love it. If you can find it you should try it. Also, their kettle caramel popcorn and honey mints that are like peppermint patties but with about 2 ingredients. Most of my faves are candy…
Allison
Must by for TJ’s are the bruschetta, guacamole, and the frozen spinach and artichoke dip! You must try it. I like to buy all of these with their reduced guilt pita chips and the sweet potato tortilla chips and have “dip night!” on Friday. Also love their trail mix selection, and right now… the gluten free pumpkin pancake mix. It’s so good and quick to make. We eat them on Sunday morning in my house!
Jenny
White chocolate totally depends on what is with it. If it’s a chocolate chocolate chip cookie, white chocolate chips are great.
My girls are being Cinderella and the fairy godmother this year. I was hoping for a little more creativity but no such luck.
Margaret @ Simple Fit Foodie
I need to go to Trader Joes more often! There just isn’t one near me and I have alot of other stores near me so it doesn’t make too much sense :/ Their cookie butter though is to DIE for!
I need those pumpkin cookies in my life. Im not a fan of while chocolate except in certain situations and I think i would love them in those cookies. White chocolate goes with pumpkin well :)
Sara @ Oats & Rows
I LOOOVE the kale, butternut squash, and sweet potato pizza from TJs. It’s awesome! I also love their to-go salads, cereal, and nut butters. I could really go on and on..they just have so many great finds. I love running in the morning..something about running when the rest of the world is not out and about yet. I plan on going for a 4 mile run this weekend!
Arianne
TJs must buys: Boxes (yes, multiple) of their creamy tomato soup, a fresh garlic baguette, and their bruschetta!!
White chocolate: yay!!
Katie
I am out the door about ten minutes after I wake up. Clothes and shoes on, bathroom visited, teeth brushed, contacts in, and then I’m off.
If I’m gunning for a tempo run in the morning, though, I need to give myself more time. I’m sloooooow in the mornings unless I give myself an hour or so to wander around my house and wake my muscles up a little.
Hayley C
Halloween in NYC = nightmare on earth :) I’ll probably be going to bed early, and getting up early to plan out my cheering route for the NYC marathon! If I can’t run, I might as well cheer everyone else on!
Favorite TJ’s items– raw crunchy almond butter, frozen figs, frozen superfood mix (add extra kale its SO quick and good) and walnuts, pound plus dark chocolate and bittersweet chocolate bars that we chop up to make the most incredible gluten free cookies!
Brianna @ I run He tris
We don’t have a Trader Joe’s anywhere near us!! :( I’m doing a 5k on Halloween that is Super Hero and Villain themed, but I don’t know what I’m going to wear yet. The boys are going to be Sulley and Mike from Monsters Inc though! I need tips on forcing myself to wake up early (like 5 am) to run!!
Shannon
Ahh I have never had cookie butter! I guess since it is 2nd on the list and use to be the first I should go buy some today…;) And I love white chocolate in my coffee!
Brooke looks like she is getting to be very fast! Have a good day!!
AmandaM
I am a morning runner and it takes me 30 min – 40 min from alarm going off to getting out the door.
Jess
My favorite thing is Joes Os cereal, we just bought 20 boxes. Our closest TJs is a couple of hours away so we went up on Sunday and spent $300 stocking up!
I’m going to use my ladybug costume from a couple of years ago because the library where I work is having an event on Halloween.
If I’m running early, I wake up 30 minutes before I leave and eat a bowl of cereal right away, then do all the getting ready stuff while it settles.
Never white chocolate. Darker the better!
Laura
Trader Joe’s Chicago Mix popcorn, their Kettle Popped Popcorn Chips, and also the Herb Popcorn.
2 ingredient brownies–TJ GF brownie mix + can of pumpkin…. is made even more delicious if you add in TJ’s white chocolate chips. Do you like tJ’s white chocolate chips? They are seasonal.. so I am trying to use them before they leave us. TASTY
Heather
Love white chocolate. I read an article last week that said the majority of white chocolate is not real. I try to get out of the house within 30 minutes. You have such a beautiful daughter. Love watching her grow. Thanks
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
Kristin
White Chocolate=YES! Especially in coffee!
I’m a morning runner but mostly treadmill. It takes about 2 seconds to get up out of bed (I’m anxious to get going) but about 25 minutes to actually start my run, somehow I always seem to take forever to get it started.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I may be partial but my pumpkin peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are better than anything you’ve ever had and only 95 calories each. I must try making a batch with white chocolate. http://skinnyfitalicious.com/pumpkin-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Meesh
Somehow I have never tried these reduced-guilt TJ’s dips – I must get on that! Their bacon cheddar and mushroom brie are yummy cheeses. I do love their fennel though as well!
Suzy
I will forever always be sad that Canada doesn’t get Trader Joe’s. So, so so sad. :(
Aimee
My kiddo and I just went to TJ’s last night. I was once again reminded that I love that store so much!! We picked up a couple salads, sweet potato gnocchi, veggie burgers, pizza veggie burgers, madras lentils, and jaipur vegetables. Love that store!! I have always felt their prices are very reasonable for the quantity and quality. I also feel their portion sizes are great for a small family (as in…the kiddo & I…+ 1 when the boyfriend is over).
Mary
The Pasadena Chicken Salad is my favorite thing from TJ’s. No costume for me this year, I don’t think I’m running any races. My run club is doing a zombie run for our run that week, but i’m terrified of zombies so I won’t be going to that hahaha.
Nina
I love TJ’s: we buy gf Jo Jo’s, gf mac & cheese, almond butter, fennel, pound plus dark chocolate (the bars are excellent when baking, rough chop for chocolate chunks), rosemary marcona almonds and my favorite: chili lime chicken burgers.
White chocolate – as chips mixed in with dark. on it’s own – no.
I have a costume 5k on Halloween so I need to come up with something. I have an orange and white tutu
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I’m definitely a morning person. I usually need to give myself a little extra time to wake up before I’m ready to leave the house and interact with people.
Megan D
I should have never looked at that list because now I want to go back to TJ and try some of those things. Like that guac. Mmmmmm. Guac.
And I will take 10 of those cookies. Please and thank you.
Stephanie
I’m a morning runner but also have a commute + work, so I always set my stuff out the night before. It takes me about 15 min to get out the door, then another 5 min of messing w/ Garmin, loading up a podcast, and warming up.
We don’t have a TJ’s :( but one is opening pretty soon sorta near us, at the nexus of some of the worst traffic for miles. :( I’ll brave it eventually, because I’m really excited!
I’m running a half on Halloween and I’m thinking of dressing up as a piece of candy corn.
White chocolate = YAY!
Those pumpkin cookies look amazing. Must try.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
It takes me 10 mins to get out the door (or to the basement for the treadmill) for a run. I have to have everything laid out the night before or it’s just a big time waster and stressful for me. I’m usually on a tight schedule.
We don’t have a TJ’s nearby, but it sure does look like some delicious stuff!!
White chocolate – eh. Dark chocolate, yes!
Flower
I get up every morning at 5:30am without fail, however, it never fails that I can’t seem to make it out the door to run until 7am. Apparently I need 1 1/2 hours to wake myself up! :)
Melissa @ See Dav Run
Trader Joe’s peppermint Joe-Joes and their Wine Country Chicken Salad. Obviously not together…but maybe pretty close together :)
I’m running my first marathon (City of Oaks in Raleigh, NC) the morning after Halloween. Looks like I’ll be a marathoner for the holiday, and saving all the Sour Patch Kids for afterwards.
Love white and dark chocolate. Yes, plz. Will be making these pumpkin cookies this weekend!
I tend to run in the morning on Saturdays, and I get up WAY earlier than I need to. I just like to acclimate to getting up, having some coffee, reading the news, and getting my head right before going out the door.
Robyn @ Robyn's Livin' Life
I am going to TJ’s this afternoon so THANK YOU for these delicious tips:)
I run early, and from my alarm going off to starting my run is 15 minutes! Unless it is the weekend and then I take 30-45 and drink coffee or eat more for breakfast:) It’s funny- most days I don’t even remember my runs because I am half asleep while I do them- it is all about making them a habit.
I love white chocolate but I eat dark chocolate more!
Stacey
Your family produces the cutest children! I haven’t been to TJ’s in FOREVER but adore their dark chocolate peanut butter cups. I have a Halloween race on Halloween and still have no idea what to dress up as. It’ll come to me, though. I am an early morning runner but it takes me at least an hour (no joke) sometimes to get out the door. Let’s just say that I have GI issues, too. ;) White chocolate isn’t my favorite, but it gets the job done if that’s all I have.
Jane @ 50statecanuck
We don’t have Trader Joe’s in Canada!! :(
I am DEFINITELY an early morning runner. I wake at 5am, eat my breakfast and then take the dog on a 45 minute walk (she is a wiener dog so she refuses to run with me!) and THEN get out the door for a run!
Yay to white chocolate (but first yay to milk chocolate!)
Linda @ The fitty
You are the perfect example of a healthy active mother. I wish my mother was something like you! You’re a great influence on Brooke.
Kay
Pumpkin cookies are the best! Those look delicious!
Amanda K
You should probably put Cookie Butter in between two ginger snaps to be safe!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That sounds like heaven!!
Katie @ katiesfitscript
I cannot get over how gorgeous I think your daughter is!!!! … just like her mama! :)
Patty
It seems like I have a Trader Joes trip tomorrow with a long list of item.
I heard the Pumkin spice cookie better is delicious. Now I can’t wait to go
Grant
I shopped at Trader Joe’s for the first time recently and, prompted by everything I see online, bought a jar of cookie butter. At first I was unimpressed, but it’s grown on me… Massively. Unfortunately. I might have to try those Triple Ginger Snaps next.
I always run first thing in the morning. There was a time when I could be out the door in 10-15 minutes after waking up, but lately it’s been taking me at least half an hour… part of that, though, is that I’m stretching more before I run now, so it’s a good change!
White chocolate is not real chocolate. Nonetheless, it definitely doesn’t get enough love.
WendyMI
I am shocked that the Partially Popped Popcorn isn’t on the top seller list. I can’t be the only one addicted, can I??? *swoon*
Jess W. @ Run Life Co.
Those pumpkin cookies you made look so delicious! Definitely going to try that recipe with the pumpkin sitting in my kitchen.
I pretty much want to buy everything at Trader Joe’s, but the dried mango and pineapple are my vices. Their pumpkin Greek yogurt is amazinggg, and I love the mini ice cream cones as a little treat! Next time, I plan on picking up the guac on the top 17 list…I’ve never tried it, but since I’m a guacamole addict, I’ll probably finish it in one sitting (so maybe I shouldn’t get it?). ;)
Charlene @ The Sum Of Small Steps
Trader Joe’s – Pumpkin ravioli!
No dressing up for me this year, but my daughter is going to be a vampire.
I am NOT an early morning runner, except when I’m doing long runs during marathon training. In that case, it takes me about 30-45 minutes to get going.
Nay to white chocolate! It just seems so wrong to even call it ‘chocolate.’
Melissa
-Not dressing up. But I will wear an orange shirt and brown sweater to my daughters Halloween party (im a party parent, lol). She, however, is dressing up at Pinkie Pie from My little pony which is all the rage in our house right now :)
-I need 15 minutes.
-White chocolate-nay.
Brenda Midamba
that baby definitely a stunner https://couchhealthandfitness.wordpress.com/
Sheena @ Paws and Pavement
Go Brooke Go! Those cookies look awesome, thanks for sharing!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I love the pictures of Brooke running. Too cute!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I do not like white chocolate. I will eat it, but I don’t like it…I do most of my shopping at Trader Joe’s – must have items are crunchy flax and chia seed peanut butter, cranberry apple butter, oatmeal, dark chocolate bars, pizza crust, canned pumpkin, hummus,….should I continue ? lol
Arthi
I was shocked too when I saw that cookie butter was booted! My fav TJ things (aside from cb) are turkey jerky & dark chocolate pretzel slims!
Halloween this year … I think I’m going to dress my puppy up as a bunny and myself up as a carrot. Weird? Probably.
What’s Brooke going to be this year?!