Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Costco Connection: October 2018

Hard to believe it's already October! Take a break from enjoying the cooler Autumn weather and acquaint yourself with my highlights from this months issue of Costco Connection magazine.
Pg. 40 Cover Story: The Connection interviews award-winning actress Sally Field about her memoir, In Pieces, which is available now in most Costco warehouses at member exclusive pricing 40% off the cover price.
Pg. 1 Welcome to Toy-land! Love it or hate it holiday toys have already moved into warehouses and costco.com. My favorite is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 4D puzzle. $24.99 in warehouses, and also available on costco.com.
Pg. 11 Save $10 off acrylic or metal prints through the Costco Photo Center!


Pg. 18 This Month at Costco:
Michelin doles out tips for preparing your vehicle for the coming winter, and don't forget about this months tire center coupon. Save $70 off any set of 4 new Michelin tires, and if you pay with your Costco Anywhere Citi Visa card you can save an additional $60!


Costco is now offering customized halo diamond engagement rings! Click here to see all the different styles, metals, and diamond shapes & sizes to choose from.
Pg. 31 A primer on OLED TVs: Tech reporter Mac Salesman gives you the low down on the benefits of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) TVs.

 Pg. 34 In this months travel column, Emmy award-winning travel editor Peter Greenberg breaks down the islands of Fiji and all they have to offer first time and return visitors alike. CostcoTravel.com currently has travel packages with 11 different resorts in Fiji.


Pg. 47, 52 & 54 Remodeling your kitchen? Or maybe you're just thinking about how you are going to cook for all of those holiday guests?  Take a look at new appliances available on Costco.com from LG, GE and Samsung. Everything from induction stove top ranges to true convection French door wall ovens.
Pg. 50 Are you new to Instant Pot cooking, or considering finally jumping on the multi-cooker bandwagon? Then don't miss Nancy Leson's article on what finally convinced her to join the one pot revolution and her personal tips for mastering Instant Pot recipes. The Instant Pot Nova Plus 6-Quart 9-in-1 Multi-Use Pressure Cooker, item #1226685, is available now in warehouses and on costco.com.
Pg. 62 Move over PSLs, Starbucks seasonal Holiday Blend K-cups are back!


Pg. 70 Costco member and cookbook author Gina Homolka discusses her latest cookbook, Skinny Taste One & Done, which focuses on one-pot meals, features recipes for all seasons and doesn't skimp on the time savings meal planning tips. Her cookbooks are available in warehouses.
Pg. 74 Try your hand at cooking with fragrant and vibrant saffron!
 
Pg. 90-91 New Fall Books are here: You can pick up Chrissy Teigen's latest cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More, as well as her first cookbook Cravings, both available now at warehouses nationwide.
James Mustich 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die will make a delightful gift for your favorite book lover.
Pg. 93 Buyer's Pick: Reese Witherspoon's Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love and Baking, showcases the actress, entrepreneur and now author's southern heritage through her cooking, party planning, decorating and more.
Pg. 95 Get a sneak peak at what Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children will face in Ransom Riggs much anticipated fourth book in the series: A Map of Days. And don't miss the tie-in drink recipe for your book club.
Pg. 100 Flu season is upon us, stock up on Kirkland Signature Disinfecting Wipes to keep germs at bay. The new low-streak formula still kills up to 99.99% of bacteria, and viruses that can cause the common cold and influenza.
Speaking of the flu, did you know you can get a flu shot at most Costco Pharmacies nation wide for just $19.99? No appointments are needed, shots administered during pharmacy hours only. Call your local pharmacy for more details.

 Pg. E-8 Explore the expanded selection of cozy home decor on costco.com for warm weather essentials like down blankets & comforters and flannel sheets.


Pg. E-13 Prepare your vehicle for winter weather with auto accessories from costco.com: emergency roadside kit, 2-pack of compact snow shovels & snow brush/squeegees and even snow plows!


Pg. 108 October's consumer reporter, freelance write Laura Bode goes in depth on Kirkland Signature cashews - all the way from harvesting to a steel warehouse shelf near you.
Pg. 112 The latest Costco finds include Lego Advent Calendars, new winter clothes and holiday home decor.
Pg. 122 This months member connection features Ellie Lak and her animal rescue organization The Gentle Barn.

 Pick up a copy of this months Costco Connection in our local warehouse, or read the full October 2018 issue here.



Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur
#GoingToAllTheCostcos

P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur
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Costco Ditches Holiday Favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake

After years as a holiday staple, I am sad to report that Costco has indeed replaced their beloved Pumpkin Cheesecake (item #30719) with the new Harvest Spice Cheesecake (item #1271925). You may have already sampled it at your local warehouse, but this deceivingly similar-looking cheesecake has one big difference: it contains sweet potatoes.


While the spices are similar to the original, the introduction of sweet potatoes reduces the once rich pumpkin flavor, making this dessert taste disappointingly watered-down.



Costco members seem to be divided on the issue. Some claim the new recipe is abysmal, while others praise the new, milder pumpkin flavor.


(I have a sneaking suspicion that those who prefer the milder flavor aren’t big fans of pumpkin to begin with. If that’s the case, why change a classic holiday pumpkin dessert for people who don’t even like pumpkin to begin with?? Costco already has a delicious regular cheesecake for non-pumpkin people!)


As a lover of all things pumpkin (well almost all things -- I have yet to jump on the PSL bandwagon), I am crestfallen. I enjoy sweet potatoes, just not in my pumpkin cheesecake.
Frankly, I’m rooting for the Harvest Spice Cheesecake sales to tank so Costco will bring back the their classic pumpkin cheesecake recipe next year.




If you have tried the new Harvest Spice Cheesecake, let me know your thoughts about it in the comments below!

Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur
#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur
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Thursday, September 6, 2018

Kirkland Signature Golf Balls are Back!

Photo Credit: Costco.com

Golfers rejoice! If you haven't heard, the coveted and insanely affordable Kirkland Signature golf balls are back and available online and in select warehouses.

While these are not the exact same balls made in Korea that the golf world went nuts for in 2016, these Three-Piece Urethane Cover Golf Ball Performance+ (item #1180702) balls made in China have racked up 4,000+ reviews with an average 4.4 out of 5 stars on costco.com.
According to the description the soft and highly elastic core maximizes distance, while the middle mantle layer works with the cover to generate optimized spin for iron and wedge shots, and the soft but durable cover provides spin and greenside control. Balls conform with USGA and R&A rules.


This member only item is $23.99 for two dozen balls, but there is a 2 limit per membership. Quantities are limited and available only while supplies last.


At just $1 per ball how can you not give these a try?






Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur
#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur
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Monday, September 3, 2018

Costco Connection: September 2018

Costco Connection September 2018

I hope everyone had a wonder Labor Day weekend and was able to take some time away from work to enjoy the traditional last weekend of summer before the final hold out school systems send kids back to school on Tuesday and we official bid farewell to summer. 

Before I get into this months issue, did anyone else catch the subtle title change that occurred in June?  Costco dropped the “The” in The Costco Connection magazine! Now its simply known as Costco Connection. I’m not sure how I feel about this and I wonder why the change?

  • Pg. 44 This months issue features psychologist, professor, and author Angela Duckworth who is best known for her New York Times best selling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Duckworth is also the CEO and founder of Character Lab, a not for profit seeking to advance the science and practice of character development, particularly in adolescence. Her book and the audiobook version are both available now at Costco warehouses. Check out her feature in this months Connection on page 44 to find out how she defines grit and how you can cultivate you own.

  • Pg.1 Brace yourself - I know September has just begun but the holiday toys are already starting to roll out in warehouse nationwide…
  • Pg. 9 If you’ve ever been curious why Costco brings in holiday items so early be sure to read this months Editor’s Note by Connection editorial director Tim Talevich.
  • Pg. 18 Halloween is just around the corner so there is no better time than now to learn about the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project. Costco is also a great place to pick up nonfood treats such as mini containers of PlayDoh. You can find more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project here.

  • Pg. 20 Sweater weather is creeping up on us, make sure you’re prepared with fall fashions for the whole family, including Kirkland Signature Ladies active pant - which have zipper POCKETS!! Find these clothes and more in warehouse and on costco.com.

  • Pg. 36. Costcos resident travel guru Pete Greenberg explains how Puerto Rico has recovered from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria and along with a new official slogan, is ready and eager for visitors.

  • Pg. 41 Did you vote in Costcos monthly poll on their facebook page? Find out what members claim to be their favorite Kirkland Signature product in this months member poll.

  • Pg. 50 Speaking of Kirkland Signature, when it comes to over the counter medications Costcos house brand cannot be beat. From allergy or pain relief to stop smoking aids and everything in between you can cave as much as 92% off the retail price when you choose a KS OTC medication over a brand name. For more info on OTC medications at Costco check out my May 2014 blog post.


  • Pg. 64 The Connection gets expert advice on pet food from Diamond Pet Foods, the manufacture of Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain brand pet foods.
  • Pg. 85 Gluten-free lovers rejoice! If you haven’t already spotted Kirkland Signture Almond Flour in your warehouse you may want to take a closer look next time you’re there.


  • Pg. 92 Find out which two countries are breaking with tradition to produce their own new wines in Annette Alvarez-Peters feature.
  • Pg. 97 Learn how to treat, prevent and when its time to see an optometrist about your dry eyes in this months For Your Health feature.

  • Pg. 103 Author & illustrator Dav Pilkey talks to the connection about keeping things funny while encouraging kids to read through his Captain Underpants and Dog Man book series for kids.


  • Pg. 108 Get a behind the scenes look at Costcos foray into the world of delivered groceries find out how it works and if its right for you.
  • Pg. 114 New Item Alert! Kirkland Signature Organic Chocolate Banana Almond beverage! If you’ve already tried it let me know what you think in the comments below.

  • Pg. 121 September Special Events include Yamaha Pianos, U.S. Polo Assn. clothing and Fanatics NFL team apparel. For more information including dates when special events are scheduled to be at your warehouse checkout the Costco Special Events page: https://www.costco.com/special-events.html


  • You can read the full September 2018 issue here.
Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur
#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur
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Sunday, August 5, 2018

Costco Connection: August 2018

A new month means a new issue of the Costco Connection! Here are my highlights from this months issue.


Pg. 40 Cover Story: Marvel Magic, Making Comic Book Heroes Come To Life
  • The Connection interviews Marvel president and producer Kevin Feige on the super success of bringing marvel comics to the big screen.

  • Keep your eyes peeled this month for Avenger's Infinity War on Blu-ray & DVD, available in warehouse on 14 August, and other Marvel themed items like toys, watches, costumes and even special edition Ziploc bags just in time for back to school lunches.


Pg. 16 This Month at Costco


    • Do you have old prescription glasses sitting around that you no longer wear? Bring them to your Costco Optical Center which accepts donations of old prescription glasses for New Eyes for the Needy, a charitable organization that provides new & used glasses to those who can't otherwise afford prescription lenses.


    Pg. 24 Costco Business Printing
    • Do you have business or organization you'd like to advertise for? Check out CostcoBusinessPrinting.com to order custom, high quality, professionally designed business cards, flyers, banners, and more at affordable member only prices.

     Pg. 32 Travel Connection with Peter Greenberg: Perks of Autumn Travel
    • Find out how to celebrate the autumn equinox in Mexico Mayan style, embrace Polynesian culture at the annual Hawiki Nui Va'a race of traditional outrigger canoes, or release your inner pirate during the Cayman Islands Pirate Week, and much more!

     Pg. 36 Storage Savings Abound This Month at Costco
    • Get everything you need to organize your garage, closets and playrooms before school starts back up with savings in warehouses and on Costco.com.
    Pg. 47 Box Tops For Education at Costco
    • Look for the BTFE logo on specially marked packages of cereal, snacks and other products at Costco. Visit CostcoBTFE.com for the complete lists of BTFE items sold at Costco, you can also enter for a chance to win 100 bonus box tops.

     Pg. 50 The High Cost of Higher Education
    • Author Lea Ingram offers pointers for figuring out how to plan for and pay for college.
    Pg. 54 Portraits of Hope
    • Find out how artists and brothers Ed & Bernie Massey incorporate education programs and involve school children in their vibrant art projects through their non profit Portraits of Hope.

     Pg. 62 Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?
    • Technology is amazing but it can also be addicting. Find out if you or your child might be exhibiting addictive tendencies to your smart devices, video games or social media and get tips on how to moderate their usage.

    Pg. 94 Pennie's Pick of the Month
    • For her August pick book buyer Penny Clark Ianniciello chose Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History by acclaimed author Keith O'Brien. This is the real life true story of groundbreaking female pilots who competed against male pilots in the Nation Air Races during the Great Depression.
    Pg. 96 The Great American Read
    • Have you been watching PBSs mini series The Great American Read as they explore the power of reading and America's 100 most-beloved novels? You can read along by picking up one of featured classics like To Kill A Mocking Bird, and 1984, or one of the modern classics like Memoirs of a Geisha and The Book Thief at your local Costco.

    Pg. 99 Costco Membership, a Back to School Essential?
    • Find out why one student claims her Costco membership is an essential part of her college life.

    Pg. 115 August Special Events
    • Show off your team spirit and school pride with officially licensed NCAA team gear from Knights Apparel
    • For more special events coming to a warehouse near year and other great finds be sure to read the full August 2018 issue here.


    Until next time,
    the Costco Connoisseur
    #GoingToAllTheCostcos




    P.S.
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