Trader Joe’s is Now a Core Part of My Personality

A Trader Joe’s opened up by my house and…I’m in danger.

It has actually been both a bad and good thing (but mostly good).

We’ve now reduced our Costco trips. For us, Costco shopping can often lead to overspending and food waste.

Now, instead of one massive haul every couple of weeks, we are popping into Trader Joe’s several times a week.

I would normally hate going to a grocery store that often, but it is genuinely a joy to shop there.

Elaine is obsessed with the little kid carts and the staff treat us with loving kindness — the opposite of most South Florida shopping experiences (or experiences in general), tbh.

There are also so many delightful treats.

This week, I discovered the vanilla bean mini sheet cake and, once again…I’m in danger.

I’m venturing into the body products too, and I fear I might be a Goodwill + Trader Joe’s girlie head to toe these days.

My favorite thing about having TJ’s next door though is that it greatly enhances my hosting offerings.

I had friends over last weekend and supplied quite a spread of TJ goodies in various thrifted serving plates scattered amid thrifted table decor.

We tried a couple of their flatbreads from the frozen section and, naturally, I had to throw in a few sweet treats. The cookies aren’t as good as oreos but they were still pretty delish!
I’ve been waiting to use these adorable napkins I found at Bealls. The woven mats are from Goodwill, along with most of the serving dishes.
I found this bucket at Goodwill.
Cabbage serving tray also from Goodwill. We tried the curry chicken salad and bacon ranch chicken dip — both delish.
A nosh was had.

I love that I can throw together a spread without making a huge production of it with TJ’s help.

So, yes, I might be spending too much money there, but I’m spending it on friends and vanilla bean sheet cake.

The math works for me.


Styled in South Florida Season 2 launches on Sunday, August 16th!

I can’t wait to introduce you to this season’s tour hosts and their gorgeous homes.

Keep your eyes peeled for five more home tour episodes!


Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

Bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach
T-shirt, sunnies, and bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach
Dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Goodwill Glam in Miami

Last weekend, we did a little staycation in Miami and stayed in a nice hotel, ate at a Michelin-star restaurant, and saw a comedy show.

I wore Goodwill head-to-toe and the girlies were loving it.

First, I packed my overnight stuff in this straw bag I found at Goodwill a few weeks ago.

A cutie passing me by the hotel elevators shouted out, “I love your bag!”

It’s by far my favorite thrift snag of late.

Elaine gravitates to the sparkle in the Goodwill aisles and usually brings me sequin pieces to consider as I shop.

It’s almost always a swift “no,” but when she brought me this silver sequin skirt it was an immediate “hell yeah.”

I paired the skirt with an oversized GAP button-up and black strappy heels, also sourced from Goodwill.

The secondhand Prada bag was a complete steal at a nonprofit fundraising event.

I felt fab!

I visited the comedy club restroom after the show and was immediately transported back to my 20s clubbing days when a cute girl saw me emerge from the stall and said, “You look amazing, I love your outfit!”

Nobody pumps up a girl’s self-esteem like a fellow girl, two cocktails in, in a club bathroom. IYKYK.

I even swapped thrift stories with the girl selling merch at the door! There are thrift sisters around every corner if you look. 😉

I loved the juxtaposition of a full Goodwill look against the backdrop of fancy venues.

Elaine did her own partying at home.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Miami without making a stop at the local Goodwill.

Because what’s a glamorous weekend away without a little treasure hunting?

Shopping reel coming soon to Instagram and TikTok.

Last Week’s Thrifted ‘Fits:

Bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach
H&M Button Up from Goodwill West Palm Beach