BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle.  Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies!  They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs.  For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture.  Drinking a smoothie  provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go.  It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
  3. Pour into 3 glasses
  4. Serve immediately

 

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey.  Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.)  This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently.  Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

DSC_0243
Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club
DSC_0249
Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

Sponsored Post

BJs Wholesale Club Ethically Sourced Coffees

We’re going into the winter months and that includes drinking warm beverages.  Coffee is generally the number one source because it keeps us awake and the flavor is delicious.  We don’t want is to run out of our favorite beverage so the next option is to purchase a bulk quantity.

BJs is the number one source when buying home goods for your family on a budget.  The warehouse club has an array of brands for shoppers but most importantly they offer ethically – sourced coffees from Wellsley Farms:

In honor of October’s Fair Trade Month, BJs Wholesale Club announces today the expansion of its Fair Trade Certified™ selection to include 11 ground and whole bean coffee varieties from its own brand Wellsley Farms™.

“From the lush mountains of Indonesia to the highlands of Guatemala, we travel the world to deliver Fair Trade Certified™ coffee to our Members while ensuring farmers receive fair-minded prices for their harvests,” said Melissa O’Brien, coffee buyer for BJs Wholesale Club.

Working with farmers that respect their land and their workers is the foundation for producing high-quality Wellsley Farms Coffee. All coffees are made from 100% Arabica beans from the current crop year only – carry-over beans are never used.  Size, color, defects and freshness at picking are also carefully inspected. After fresh harvested beans pass a visual test, a sample is roasted. Once approved, only then will they become Wellsley Farms beans.

“With coffee farmers typically not having much land to support their whole family, by sourcing Fair Trade, we’re increasing the amount of money the farmers are receiving to help improve their social, economic and environmental conditions,” said Scott Williams, assistant vice president of quality assurance and environmental stewardship for BJ’s Wholesale Club. “On top of the Fair Trade price, farmers also receive a Premium, which is an additional fund for them to use to build schools, purchase medical supplies or use as they see fit for their communities.”

Wellsley Farms Coffee Highlights

  • Breakfast Blend Ground Coffee – A great way to start the day is with a cup of this signature, medium roast of 100% Arabica beans and a rich warm aroma!
  • Organic Sumatra Estate Whole Bean Coffee – For a uniquely earthy yet fruity flavor, this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica brew is sourced from the Selected Sumatra Estates in Indonesia.
  • Colombian Supremo Whole Bean Coffee – Classic, sweet flavor with a crisp finish makes this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica beans a real crowd-pleaser!
  • Guatemalan French Roast Whole Bean Coffee – A dark roast with a full body and 100% Arabica beans, this makes for a bold choice in the morning.

BJs Wholesale Club is not only a company that offers high-quality coffee, it’s also a company with a uniquely authentic commitment to the people who grow it,” said Jennifer Gallegos, Director of Coffee at Fair Trade USA. “This is even more apparent with the introduction of their Wellsley Farms line, making BJ’s the first major retailer to shift the most own brands coffee varieties to Fair Trade Certified™.”

Wellsley Farms Fair Trade Certified Assortment

Whole Bean Coffee

  • Organic Sumatra Estate, 40 oz.
  • Espresso Blend, 40 oz.
  • Guatemalan French Roast, 40 oz.
  • Costa Rican, 40 oz.
  • Columbian Supremo, 40 oz.

Ground Coffee

  • Decaffeinated Blend, 40 oz.
  • Breakfast Blend, 40 oz.
  • Colombian Ground, 40 oz.
  • Organic Peruvian, 32 oz.
  • Hazelnut Flavored, 32 oz.
  • French Vanilla Flavored, 32 oz.

###

About BJs Wholesale Club
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJs is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 208 clubs in 15 states.

BJs provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with more top-quality, leading brands including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, which are all backed by BJs 100% money-back guarantee; more fresh foods from USDA Choice meats to premium produce to delicious organics in many supermarket sizes; and more great value and amazing savings every day. BJ’s is also the only membership club to accept all manufacturers’ coupons and for greater convenience offers the most payment options.

To check out all the MORE BJ’s has to offer, visit www.BJs.com  and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

sponsored post

Tailgating Menu Ideas with BJs Wholesale Club

It’s football season and you know what that means, fun and delicious food!  Get ready to cheer on your favorite team with help from BJs Wholesale Club. It’s easier than ever to plan party menus at BJs for tailgating (or homegating) at home!

With their wide selection of festive, fresh and fine-quality foods, BJs makes it convenient to order deli platters, cookie assortments and custom-order cakes made exactly to your specifications.  There’s no need to stress out, simply plan your menu and pick up items.

To make the process easier, browse through the brochure, then fill out an order form in-Club — or download one to print and fill out at home then, simply drop it into the kiosk at your local club.  There’s a wide variety of foods such as Wellsley Farms® or Dietz & Watson® Sandwich Ring, Wellsley Farms ® Entertainer Platter, Perdue Party Wing Platter, and Classic Cheese Tray.

Your order can be ready for pick-up in as little as 24 hours!  I’m looking forward to hosting my next tailgate party with yummy treats from BJs Wholesale Club.

Delicious Tailgate Menu

Hotdogs

Cheese & Vegetable Platter

Assorted Soft Drinks

Chicken Wing Platter

Grilled Hamburgers & Sausages

7 Layer Dip with Tortilla Chips

Cupcakes

Sponsored Post

If you like this post, click here:  Homegating Tips

BJs Wholesale Club: Fun Sandwich Solutions

Get creative with sandwich ideas and  take a break from your “normal” turkey club!  Below, I’ve shared a video to provide some fun lunch solutions.

unnamed
Photo from BJs Member Services Ad

Start your lunch prep (today) whether for yourself or family in a matter of minutes.  Of course, all ingredients can be found at your local BJs Wholesale Club.

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6um5L_V7wA&cm_mmc=Cheetah-_-Email-_-08%2F28%2F2015-_-Get%20creative%20with%20back-to-school%20sandwich%20ideas!&cm_em=kimwest1908@gmail.com[/youtube]

 

BJs Fresh Produce from Maryland Farms to Club Shelves

Consumers are increasingly more aware that fruits and vegetables that are in-season, harvested closer to their peak ripeness, and transported shorter distance retain more nutrients.  However, according to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, it is estimated that the average American meal still travels about 1,500 miles to go from picked to plate.  

In fact, the National Grocery Association’s 2014 Consumer Panel found that more locally grown foods and price/cost savings topped the list of the improvements desired most among the shoppers surveyed. 

Today, BJs Wholesale Club is shortening the distance from farm to table by buying fresh produce from local Maryland farms and getting it onto Maryland club shelves in under 24 hours:

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIRRdBXtqy0[/youtube]

BJs local produce sourcing is at the lead of a growing trend. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), industry estimates suggest that local food sales in America have nearly doubled in recent years, jumping from $5 billion in 2008 to $11.7 billion in 2014.  

In Maryland, BJs is offering Yellow Squash, Zucchini Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Corn from Arnold Farms in Chestertown; Miller Farms in Clinton and Vincent Farms in Del Mar.

image009

sponsored post

BJs Healthy Homemade Lunch Options and Recipes

It’s almost time for Back-to-School which means parents everywhere are preparing healthy lunch options for the kids.  Long gone are the days of offering a bag of potato chips with a soda on the side.  We’ve learned through research that fruits, vegetables, and proteins enable kids to be more productive and happier.  With all of the processed food, allergies and hunger pains kids have, a boring, uninspiring or less-than-nutritious lunch won’t cut it.

A healthy and affordable homemade lunch will keep kids energized all day!

Create meal solutions with BJs Wholesale Club food and merchandise. From cereal to apple juice, BJs has what you’re looking for at a great price.  The store’s organized to help families shop in a timely fashion. It’s also easy to comparison shop with price tags centered directly in front of the merchandise.

BJs offer’s in store coupons that can be sent in the mail or picked up at the store.  Lastly, after you’ve filled your basket with goodies, there’s the option to self-checkout or enter a line with a cashier.  From my experience both moved quickly helping families to spend their time wisely.

DSC_0097
H20 Lunch Pack

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club Facts for Families:

  • From basic supplies and clothes to tech and food items, BJs has everything you need for back-to-school.
  • BJs is the only warehouse club to accept manufacturers’ coupons for even greater savings and provide their own coupons as well.
  • BJs Wholesale Club is your one-stop shopping destination for brand name high-quality food and general merchandise at everyday low prices including fresh produce and USDA choice meats, all-natural and organic foods, consumer electronics and appliances.
  • BJs Wholesale Club carries over 150 organic items and numerous gluten free options.
  •  
     

Don’t Toss the Tops: Box Tops for Back-to-School

 BJs Wholesale Clubs will feature General Mills items that include more Box Tops on specific items than other grocery stores. For example, BJs two pack Honey Nut Cheerios has a total of 13 Box Tops points. Each box has one Box Top located on the top of the box, plus 3 extra Box Top points, and the ability to get 5 more e-Box Tops by entering the code listed on the box on BJs microsite (the 5 points covers both boxes).

Now through September 17 all BJs clubs will include the following General Mills items:.

  1. Nature Valley Oats N Honey Bars, 49 ct.
  2. Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, 48 ct.
  3. Cascadian Farms Granola Bars, 20 ct.
  4. Fruit Roll Ups, 56 ct.
  5. Gushers, 36 ct.
  6. Cascadian Farms Granola Cereal, 48 oz.
  7. Big Tub Deluxe, 74 oz.
  8. Honey Nut Cheerios, 55 oz.
  9. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 49 oz.
  10. Minions Yogurt, 24 ct.
  11. GoGurt, 32 ct.
  12. Mini Pancakes, 18 ct.
  13. Totino’s Cheese, 150 ct.
  14. Totino’s Pepperoni, 150 ct.
  15.  
     

PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH

Ingredients

  • ripe bananas
  • 4 slices white bread
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Prep

Mix together peanut butter and cinnamon in a bowl.  Slice bananas into thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on slices of bread and put the banana slices on top.  Don’t forget to add the other slice of bread; cut diagonally and put in kids lunch.

DSC_0081
Sandwich and Trail Mix

Sliced Carrots & Hummus

DSC_0084
Carrots and Sabra Hummus

Homemade Trail Mix

Ingredients

2 cups of Cheerios

1 cup of pretzels

1 cup of peanuts

Prep

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and store.

Sponsored Post

BJs Home, Business, and Personal Services – Lifestyle Tip

BJs offers quality and value on Services for your home, business and personal needs. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, prescription eyewear or to purchase a new vehicle, they have you covered.

IMG_4759
Vacation Packages

If you’re intersted in a wholesale membership that offers auto buying, direct tv, extended warranties, tire center, verizon wireless, optical, and hearing center then look no further.  To learn more visit BJs Services mini sites at BJs.com/Services.

FullSizeRender (82)
Verizon Wireless

My personal experience with BJs services includes shopping at the deli and bakery.  I am always hosting a holiday event for my family or planning a Sunday dinner.  I decided to visit the deli for a platter but discovered a selection of meat lasagna, meatballs, wings platter, chicken parmesean, scallops wrapped in bacon, and a mini quiche assortment.  How could I forget to share the delicious birthday cakes and breakfast platter assortments.

IMG_4758
Stainless Steel Cookware

Purchasing items at the deli and bakery saved me time and money.  It allowed me to plan a delicious menu without the preparation and I saved money due to their reasonable prices.  If you want to organize your deli shopping experience, view the online brochure to place an order or find items in the store.

Also, don’t forget to use your coupons to save additional money!

Sponsored post

BJs Wholesale Club: Seasonal Summer Products

I love high fashion, style, and interior design but I’m also a home economist.  It’s a personal connection to my Southern roots because we entertain, relax, and love our families at home.  With that in mind, it’s very important to select the right wholesale club to meet your family’s needs.

I have shopped various wholesale clubs and recently learned that BJ’s fits the needs of my family.  The store carry’s sales (with coupons) on grocery items and provides a variety of seasonal merchandise such as outdoor swimming pools, glow solar laterns, wicker patio coolers, life jackets, and outdoor firepit.

A few of the products I purchased included SuperFoam Insulated Mega Tote, Chalkadoos, Flip Flops, Little Tikes Grill, Golf Shirt, and Ninja Turtle Interactive Game Rug.  Having those summer toys make any mom’s life a little easier!  For example, my boys enjoy endless hours of imaginary play with the Little Tikes Grill and the Interactive Game Rug can travel to the beach or playdate.

Slip into your sandals and step out into the warmth of summer!  Make your backyard the envy of all with fun items for children, and don’t forget about the sunscreen!  BJ’s carries a range of sun care products from the leading brands of Neutrogena®, Coppertone®, and Banana Boat®. These products are in great value packs that help protect your family’s skin. Outdoor Fun Products include:

Refer a friend to join BJ’s Wholesale Club and you’ll both receive a $10 BJ’s gift card when they join.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Complete this registration form, read and agree to the Offer Terms below, and click GO to register: https://tellyourfriendsrewards.com/users/sign_in
  2. Invite friends via email, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
  3. Once a friend registers online using your link and joins BJ’s, you’ll each receive a $10 BJ’s Gift Card.

Sponsored Post

Organic Food Options at BJs Wholesale: Lifestyle Tip

Did you know that BJs carries more than 150 organic options in-club and their assortment is growing? Well-known brands from Back to Nature, Betterbody, Stonyfield, and Horizon can be found at BJs. In fact, BJs is expanding its own brand, Wellsley Farms, in this category, too. Twenty-five percent of Wellsley Farms items that are unveiled this year will be organic. Currently, BJs also carries organic dairy, bakery, produce, prepared foods and more.

pf7691_HL_RotissBag_w1-ee-2

PERDUE® HARVESTLAND® is the first organic whole bird, boneless breasts, and boneless thighs now offered. In true blogger fashion I decided to venture into BJs and take a look at the new product line.  I’m always pleased to visit the store because they have great prices and the products are in line with my family’s needs.  It’s also very clean and well organized; all of the components that any busy mom values when shopping wholesale.

IMG_3089 FullSizeRender (48) FullSizeRender (47)

I purchased a few items of my own and created a recipe with Perdue Harvestland Whole Chicken.  The meal was delicious and the quality of the chicken was undeniable because there were fewer hormones.  If you’re looking to jumpstart a healthier meal option for your family and consume meats with no animal by-products, visit BJs and shop their (new) organic food options.

PanRoastChicken
Photo Example from Iowagirleats.com

Can in The Rear Chicken Ingredients:

     

  • 1 4-pound whole chicken
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 opened, half-full can of pepsi, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp Mrs Dash
  • 1 Tbsp black pepper
  •  

Method:

 

1 Prepare your oven at 350 degrees for indirect heat

2 Remove neck and giblets from cavity of chicken.  Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Mix the salt, pepper, and Mrs Dash in a little bowl, then sprinkle or spread over the chicken.

3 Make sure the can is open and lower the chicken on the open can, so that the chicken is sitting upright and the can in its cavity.

4 Place the chicken in the oven; and don’t check on it for at least an hour. After an hour, check on the chicken and keep checking the chicken every 15 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F – 165°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.  If you don’t have a meat thermometer, poke the chicken with a knife to see if there’s no red juices or if the meat is done.

5 Carefully transfer the chicken to a tray or pan and use tongs to hold the top of the chicken. Lift the chicken and ease the can from inside of the chicken.  Let it cool for 15 minutes. Carefully lift the chicken off of the can.