I’ve been looking for ways to cut costs, since [everything that’s happening]. I read about Costco being a really good company where people liked to work (?!?!). So, I asked Kevin to get me a Costco membership for Christmas, last year, and he did. I used to be a member when my kids were babies, but when I started working again, and especially when I was making City of Ghosts, I didn’t have time to go there. Now that work is so light, I have time to retvrn. Someone had suggested it was good practice to use the membership for buying extras of things that are needed for mutual aid. Eventually, I hope to be organized enough to do that.

There’s probably hundreds of thousands of millions of other places online where you can find Costco tips, so I won’t do that. Instead here’s a quick list of some of my favorite things to buy there (for myself/family), and what I do with it/ why I like it.

Rotisserie Chicken (2x): Everyone knows about this, so there’s not much to say! I can only get these if I’m there during the least crowded times, otherwise it’s a madhouse by where they release them. After I get home I let them cool down, then separate the meat from the carcass. I freeze most of it, & use the bones for homemade bone broth that I make in my Instant Pot, once I have enough bones (so metal). Drinking the bone broth for breakfast makes my skin look really good for a couple days.

Croissants: these are good for a lot… sandos, avo croissants, poor man’s pain au chocolat (take a knifeful of a chocolate hazelnut spread, and stab it into the center. squish the croissant a bit while pulling out the knife. Do that as many times as you need, to get the amount of chocolate you want in there).

Eggo Waffles: I know I could just use my waffle maker, but I love these, and they’re really cheap at Costco. Also, nostalgic & faster.

MILa Soup dumplings (large frozen bag): These are some of the best frozen soup dumplings I’ve ever had, my family loves them, and they’re good for when we don’t want to cook but don’t want to order take out, either.

Collagen peptides (any brand): these are usually cheaper here than anywhere else I’ve found. I put it in my coffee. It makes my hair, nails, and skin a bit healthier.

RAO’s Pasta Sauce: Specifically mentioning because the last time I purchased this, they had switched the packaging so there was absolutely no plastic involved. Right on, RAOs. ^* I also like the taste and texture of their sauce.

Kewpie Mayo (big hulkin bottle): Dude, I didn’t even need this, but I NEEDED IT. Look at it! I even had other Kewpie already in the cupboard that I stockpiled when I thought the tariffs were gonna make Kewpie too expensive. Anyway, it tastes really good on anything, but especially on french fries. Yes, anything.

The end. (I’m tryin’ to keep these short)

Your friend,

E

^*When I went back to take these pictures, the packaging was back to plastic. I’m wondering if there were issues with the cardboard packaging not holding up like plastic… :(

PS. I am slowly exporting things from my collection into the outside world, here’s some stickers I had left from the show .

I priced them high because I’m also trying to support myself during an incredibly bleak and jobless time in the animation industry. Sorry it’s so expensive for a sticker! If they had given me another season of the show I would be giving these away for free. But since they’re not, they’re never making any more of these, ever again! 🙃