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- I’m a mom with 3 kids and 2 jobs. These are the 6 items I buy every time I go to Costco to save money and get dinner on the table. (businessinsider.com)
Local Mom Juggles Two Jobs, Three Kids, and Travels for Work – How Costco Saves Her Sanity (and Dinner!)
For many parents, the daily grind feels like a marathon, and for one local mom of three children under six, it’s an ultra-marathon. Juggling two jobs while her husband is frequently out of town for work, she’s found an unexpected secret weapon in her quest for domestic harmony: Costco.
“When I give people a synopsis of my life, they often look a little stressed, and I don’t blame them,” she shared. Running a bustling household with three picky eaters and limited time used to be a “tear-inducing struggle” at mealtime. But after navigating the warehouse aisles, she’s discovered six game-changing products that simplify meals, save money and stress, and, most importantly, please her discerning little ones.
The Rotisserie Chicken: A Weekly Double-Header
It’s no secret that Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a fan favorite, and this mom is no exception. She snags at least two of these “savory birds” every week.
Not only are they more economical than cooking from scratch, but their versatility is a lifesaver. Sliced and served with fruit and “cheesy cauliflower rice (don’t tell the kids!),” it’s a quick fix for hectic weeknights.
When time allows for meal prep, the delicious meat transforms into chicken and dumplings, enchiladas, quesadillas, and chicken pot pie.
Marinara Magic: A 20-Minute Meal Marvel
Good marinara is a household hero, and Victoria White Linen Marinara has won over the entire family. A couple of times a week, a large jar of this sauce, paired with pre-made meatballs or pan-grilled chicken cutlets topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, earns her kids’ requests for seconds. She notes it’s a delicious and more affordable alternative to pricier brands.
Hummus Hero: The Secret to Veggie Victories
Getting kids to eat their greens can be a battle, but Kirkland Hummus Cups are this mom’s secret weapon. She includes a single-serve hummus cup from a 20-pack at lunch or dinner, making it easier for her oldest child to try carrots, roasted red pepper, and zucchini.
Even if the veggies aren’t always a hit, she rests easy knowing he’s getting extra nutrients from the protein, fiber, and healthy fats in the creamy hummus – even if it’s alongside tortilla chips. Plus, it’s a “low-lift” for her.
Twist-Top Yogurts: Powering On-the-Go Mornings
Breakfast often happens on the run, and Stonyfield yogurt packs are a staple. While not the cheapest option at just over a dollar a serving, they’re “very filling” and free of artificial flavors or preservatives, a rarity in mainstream yogurts. The subtle, not-too-sweet flavor is also a hit with her kids.
Healthier Ramen: Beyond the Bowl
Ramen is a family favorite, but she’s careful to avoid overly salty brands. Lotus Foods Millet and Brown Rice Ramen Noodles fit the bill, offering a boost of fiber and protein.
These easy-to-prepare noodles go beyond soup, appearing in 15-minute stir-fries, impromptu side dishes, and even topped with a fried egg for a quick breakfast. Her “pasta-averse” kids, usually sensitive to texture, have embraced this easy-to-digest ramen.
Sukhi’s Chicken Tikka Masala: Flavorful and Family-Friendly
While she can whip up an “incredible homemade tikka masala,” time isn’t always on her side. Thankfully, Sukhi’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a hit with her kids.
She highly recommends this dish, even for picky eaters, praising its rich, buttery flavor that isn’t overly spicy. The creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken bites make it an excellent introduction to more exotic flavors, and it’s simply “heat and serve.”
This busy mom proves that with a little strategic shopping at Costco, even the most demanding schedules can accommodate flavorful, healthy, and kid-approved meals.