Wrapping paper “how-to” with Trader Joe’s sacks

I aged last weekend. Not, hopefully, in the spoiled, “do-not-use-after-this-date” manner, but in the typical yearly occurrence of passing the anniversary of one’s birth. Aging, growing, surviving.

And, partying!

A few friends and I got together for a pre-birthday toast, and I was surprised by not only some stellar presents waiting, but also some amazing gift wrap!

My clever friend and TILATJ’s guest blogger Janet created a beautiful bow (guided by instructions she found on Pinterest), and wrapping from a Trader Joe’s paper wine sack. Check it out:

Bow and wrap: Thanks to TJ’s wine sack and Pinterest instructions

Box bottom

And look what’s under the bow!

The pretty pair of earrings inside the box were beautiful, but what a lovely entrance they made, too!

Thank you SO much, Janet!

And thank you for the craft inspiration, Trader Joe’s!

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Pinterest: Trader Joe’s

Related Links:

Make a gift bow

Gift wrap and gift ideas from PrettyHandyGirl

Real Simple: Creative gift wrap ideas

It’s Greek to me

Today’s guest post is from Janet:

I’m what you might call a “late adopter.” Generally, when something becomes popular, I avoid it. Sometimes my avoidance is deliberate, and other times I am only semi-aware that I am avoiding.

Ironically, I nearly always end up eventually trying the thing I’ve avoided. This was the case with Greek yogurt.

Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt

Of course, when I finally decided to try Greek yogurt, my first stop was Trader Joe’s. I am now a believer. They have several flavors, and at 99 cents each, the price is much better than other places.

I could go on and on about the luxurious texture, the natural flavors, and how, with 14 grams of protein per serving, it keeps me satisfied all morning. But suffice it to say, it’s good. It is really good.

Thank you, Janet!

Thank you, Trader Joe’s.

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

Follow Things I Love at Trader Joe’s on Pinterest: Trader Joe’s

Related Links:

San Francisco Chronicle’s “Trader Joe’s is goddess of Greek yogurt”

Chow’s “Trader Joes Greek Style Yogurt 0% “

TJ’s Greek Style Non-Fat Yogurt nutrition info

These are not “just” mango slices…

Today’s guest post is from Janet:

I’ve been going back and forth about switching to a vegetarian diet. In my crazier moments, I even toy with the idea of going vegan.

For me, the idea of going vegan or vegetarian almost sounds ridiculous because I don’t really like many vegetables. But, I know they are good for me, and I figure if I cut meat out of my diet, I will have to learn to like veggies. And, if all else fails, maybe I can just live on fruit, which I love!

I am a purist when it comes to fruit, and I don’t like any added sugars or unnecessary stuff. That is why I was excited to find TJ’s Just Mango Slices a couple of weeks ago. Nothing but slices of dried mango – yum! I keep a package in my desk at work for the mid-afternoon sweet craving.

Just mango slices

Thank you, Janet!

Thank you, TJ’s!

Related links:

Eat at Joes – TJ’s mango slices

Trader Joe’s list of fat free items

Just mango slices – worth the schlep

Please follow Things I love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC

You say, “Sweet potato,” I say, “Give me sweet potato fries! Now!!”

Our guest post today is from Janet:

As a mom who doesn’t really like vegetables, it is not easy to work them into our family’s diet. I do happen to like sweet potatoes, though, and who doesn’t love sweet potato fries?

Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries are a new staple in our household, and we have them at least once a week. They bake in about 20 minutes, and they are crispy and delicious!

Sweet potato fries

Thank you, Janet.

Thank you, TJ’s.

Related links:

Oven baked sweet potato fries

What’s Good At Trader Joe’s – Sweet potato fries

Thin Thighs & Sweet Potato Fries

Cooking with Trader Joes

Please follow Things I love at Trader Joe’s on Twitter: @TraderJoesKC