Blog Of The Week: Natalie's Gift Of Stress-Free Shopping

BLOG OF THE WEEK: Whatever your weekend plans may be, we'd bet drafting that grocery list isn't one you're too pumped about. No worries! Natalie's got you covered. Print out her second round (and her first!) of top buys from Trader Joe's, put it in your purse (or pocket), and head to the store for some stress-free shopping.

After my first Trader Joe's post, I got such great feedback. So many friends told me they bought everything off my list. They said they loved it because they are always too overwhelmed and don't know what to shop for at Trader Joe's. So, I decided to do a little more research (and a lot of eating) to bring you round two of things you should buy at Trader Joe's. I keep finding great new things at TJ's that I had to share! Trust me, you are going to want to stock up on everything on this list!

REDUCED-GUILT SPINACH & KALE GREEK YOGURT DIP

This is a creamy dip you don't have to feel bad about eating. It is made with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo, plus, it is filled with two leafy greens—spinach and kale. Serve with some pita chips and you have the perfect, no-fuss, tasty appetizer for your next happy hour get together.

PASTRY BITES WITH FETA CHEESE & CARAMELIZED ONIONS

These puff pastry bites are so good. They are always a hit at parties. The best part is that all you have to do is pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you have a kick-ass appetizer. 

COLUMBUS PEPPERED SALAME

I think most of you know I love to have all the makings on hand for a killer cheese tray. This salami always makes its way to my cheese tray. It is all natural, meaning no nitrates, and the pork is raised without antibiotics. It's also hand-rolled in cracked black peppercorns, which gives it the perfect bite. 

STEAMED & PEELED BABY BEETS

Beets are one of my favorite foods, and, bonus—they help detoxify and cleanse your liver, which makes me love them even more after a night of too much vino. If you have ever cooked beets you know it's messy—your hands turn pink and the beets stain anything they touch. They are tricky to peel as well. That is the great thing about these beets, the hard work has already been done for you. They are cooked, peeled, and ready to eat. Toss them in a salad and you have a fab, easy meal.

MINI HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

I love heirloom tomatoes. They have a much better flavor than regular tomatoes but usually they are way more expensive. Not at Trader Joe's, you can get this pint for $2.79. At other grocery stores it is about $5. I use my mini heirloom tomatoes in an arugula salad or thinly sliced on mini pizzas.

SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

I have this Brussels sprouts salad I am obsessed with but never want to make it because it is such a pain in the arse to shred all the Brussels sprouts. It is hard with a knife and my mandolin scares me. Holding tiny Brussels sprouts puts my fingers way too close to that razor-sharp blade. I was so happy when I found this bag of pre-shredded Brussels sprouts at TJs. Great for salads.

And if you need inspiration, here is the recipe for my favorite Brussels sprouts salad (adapted from shutterbean.com). It is mouth-wateringly good!

ORGANIC LACINATO KALE

I have really been into kale salads lately, but I hate the prep work of washing the kale and chopping off the stems. This bag of kale is already chopped and ready to use. You can eat it raw in salads or sauté it with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty side dish.

This is my go-to kale salad. Make it with the TJ chopped kale and I promise you won't be disappointed!

DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BITS

These are hands down the tastiest sweet treat ever. But be warned, they are addictive. I could almost eat the entire container. The almonds have a touch of sea salt on them which makes the flavor pop with the dark chocolate.

MINI MILK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

If you love Reese's Cups as much as I do then you must try these. They are tiny, so you can eat several without feeling too guilty about it!

BARBERA D'ALBA WINE

I first tasted this wine at my parents' house. I loved it, so, of course, I went back to buy more and was shocked to see it was only $6.99 a bottle. Go buy a case of this wine. It is amazing for the price.