8th Costco Shopping in 2021 – $17.31 today / $1497.79 this year

I went to Costco for a hot dog lunch. I had nothing on my shopping list.

Duke’s Original Recipe Smoked Shorty Sausages is enjoyable. It has a classic (typical?) smoky taste. I love salty meat treats like these, but I can’t eat these too often, mainly because of the salt content. Don’t get old.

I used self-service checkout, so it printed my receipt on a blue ribbon.

After quick shopping, I ate a hot dog in the back of my station wagon. I saw other cars and trucks nearby, eating their hot dogs and pizzas. This is why I went to Costco today, to enjoy this lazy moment in the Costco parking lot. I live for little moments like this. Most people living alone should understand.

7th Costco Shopping in 2021 – $62.24 today / $1480.48 this year

I wanted to drive my convertible, so I went to Costco after work. I recently bought a car battery a few weeks ago. Today I turned in my old car battery and received $15 back in cash.

The season for Costco Garden Products

Costco still stocks garden products such as water hose, Ortho weed killer that also kills crabgrass but doesn’t kill your lawn, and slug bait. You should hurry before they are gone. They are all excellent value; I mean the best price. I picked up a 5lb jug of slug bait. I had blind faith that $27.99 was the best price I can find anywhere. I came home and check the price online to confirm that my guess was right.

Kirkland Signature Bath Mat

Since the water damage to my house 13 months ago, I needed a bathroom rug for my guest bathroom. I waited 13 months because good bathroom rugs are expensive. Today, I finally found a Kirkland Signature bath mat. It was only $9.99, and it was beautiful. Their quality easily equals $30-$50 mat from elsewhere. Most bath rugs are one-sided, and their rubberized bottom side mash will break apart after a few years. So, you will have no choice but to buy a new rug. These Kirkland Signature Bath Mat are double-sided and high in quality. I don’t think they will ever break apart. I really think I will use this one until I die.

I took some detailed pictures so you can appreciate the quality of it.

Notice the blue color on the receipt. I used the self-checkout system for the first time. I believe they use blue paper on self-checkout machines. I think I still get the white paper if I use a conventional checkout. And, of course, the food court will give you the yellow receipts.

After the shopping, I bought a hotdog. Then I parked my car in the corner of the parking lot where nobody will accost me (just in case) and enjoyed the hot dog.

7th Costco Shopping in 2021 – $240.07 today / $1,418.24this year
Coupon saved $10.50

Today I…

• Went to the Costco Tire Center and bought a car battery – $100.12
• Shopped at the warehouse – $138.33
• Ate a hot dog – $1.62

Interstate Car Batteries at Costco

Costco doesn’t install batteries for you. You must install it on your own.

According to my personal research, this Interstate car battery at Costco was absolutely the best price by a big margin. Your research may vary depends on your car models. If you are not a savvy shopper, don’t think too much, just buy at Costco.

I called my Costco Tire Center a few hours ahead to make sure they had my battery. The guy on the phone said, “You don’t need to reserve, we have plenty”. The shopping process was painless. I paid an extra $15. I am supposed to bring back my old battery so they will refund $15.00.

Pasta and Pesto

Most of us have heard of Macaroni, Rigatoni, Fusilli, and Spaghetti. But there are about 350 varieties of pasta.

At Costco, 6-pack of Garofalo Pasta contains 3 different varieties (shapes) of pasta. And they rotate the varieties. This time, the 6 pack contains: (click to view images)

• Penne Ziti Rigate
• Casarecce
• Gemelli

Kirkland Signature Italian Basil pesto was on sale for $2 off each. I bought 4 jars and put them in the freezer. They will last over a year. I always buy multiple jars of Basil Pesto when they are on sale. They are very good; I enjoy them a lot.

What I didn’t like

I didn’t like the chorizo. Maybe some people will like it. But I couldn’t eat it. I threw mine away. I will continue to buy my chorizo from the local Mexican meat market as I have been for over 15 years. I don’t want to talk about this topic, but I think Costco is making a big mistake. I think the Costco executives never tried authentic chorizo from the meat market. More coming on this topic…

See’s Candy Gift Certificate

2 x $25 ($50 total) See’s Candy gift certificates were $38.99. I have a friend who buys me See’s Candy occasionally. So, I gave her these gift certificates and told her to use them. I understand it was a little odd that I paid for my own surprise gifts. But anyway…. Now she can buy me chocolate whenever she feels like without worrying about money.

Baby back ribs is in the freezer.

After shopping, I ate a hot dog in the car.

Now I have nothing on my Costco shopping list. I may not go to Costco for a few months.