. . . "5"^^ . "I friggin' heart costco. My husband and I make a pilgrimage here every few months to stock up on things that are considerably cheaper than at a regular store. We tend to leave somewhat flustered, and about $200-$300 poorer, but we get in, get what we need, and haul out back to civilization*.\n\nHere are things we've scored good deals on/Costco essentials:\n1) Produce - it's cheap. It's not local, but it's cheap. Berries and asparagus are always a great deal and easy to consume. If I buy other fruit here I have to make a fruit-eating-plan so that it doesn't go bad.\n2) Cereal - they have all kinds, including organic.\n3) Recycled toilet paper (not from trees) - hard to find space in our apartment for dozens of rolls of toilet paper, but, considerably cheaper here and worth the challenge!\n4) Kirkland faux uggs - they are the BEST! $40 to keep your tootsies cozy and warm, without the guilt of stepping into slush and realizing that you've ruined your $300 ugly boots! Mine lasted about 2 seasons so it's a steal.\n5) Socks and underwear - especially men's undershirts.\n6) Cheese. It's the cheapest way for me to make my vegetarian lasagna.\n7) Cans of diced tomatoes. Pretty much goes into every recipe.\n8) Bedding and towels - they have some great selection (I bought two Egyptian cotton beach towels there last time for $15 a pop!)\n9) Kitchen stuff - aside from having some really cute things for the house, they have a plethora of high quality stuff for a good price - we replaced all of our bake wear with this fancy high-end technology for $23!\n10) Pregnancy tests - 3 for $15! (probably more effective than the dollar store ones)\n11) Sonic Care toothbrushes and toothbrush heads - the heads are three for the price of two!\n12) ECOS laundry detergent - it's a natural detergent and $18 for over a hundred loads.\n13) Frozen Edamame - they come in individual packets, just toss it in the microwave.\n14) Frozen vegetarian pizza - much cheaper than buying single packages, this one comes in a pack of 3.\n15) Non-organic Libertine Yogurt\n\nThere are about a million other things, but now you've had a (slightly awkward) window into our shopping list. Worth going if you have a car and a need for copious amounts of stuff!\n\n\n*To be fair, I spent most of my life being only a hop, skip, and a jump from a number of Costco's - but now as a city dweller I feel as if I should make as many sarcastic remarks where permitted.\n\nbtw - they do NOT take credit cards other than amex~"^^ . "5"^^ . "2"^^ . "2"^^ . "2009-08-24T00:00:00"^^ .