I have this…thing…for grocery stores.  I know – hawt, right??  I might even have a borderline, er, issue: “Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’m addicted to grocery shopping.”  “HI AMANDA.” I wonder if anyone else happens to frequent grocery stores numerous times throughout the week.  Even when I budget, even when I meal-plan, even when I’m trying to be “good” – all of those delicious rows of perfectly packaged and pristinely lined up products get me all in a tizzy.  So, without further adieu, my “love letters” to my favorite grocery destinations: —————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Dear Trader Joe’s, Do you know I smuggled a bunch of holiday goodies in a backpack home from Chicago?  So many, in fact, that I had to unload some weight from my suitcase so as not to pay the “heavy bag” fee of $100.  That’s how much I miss you here.  Thank the Lord you are FINALLY building stores in Texas.  I suppose I’m going to have to start fighting the other mommies for Two Buck Chuck and olive oil popcorn – and oh yeah, that to die for frozen Tikka Masala I used to eat like, everyday.  The BEST frozen section, period.  Oh my mouth just waters at the thought.  And the people are so friendly – and do you think you will have balloons for my 4 year old when we check out?  I do so love the balloons. Please hurry.  I’m expecting to see some delightful chocolate truffle bunnies around Easter time. Your biggest fan, Amanda —————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Dear Whole Foods, I know people call you “Whole Paycheck”, and I hope that doesn’t hurt your feelings.  I’m sure you are doing JUST FINE.  Really and truly, you do be the prettiest, prettiest girl.  I have never witnessed a more glorious sight than your seafood counter at opening time.  The colors!  The feast for the eyes!!  Glory be, it makes me want to cry.  My favorite spot in your store is most definitely your deli and hot bar.  Oh, and the sushi!  The only sushi in a grocery store I would eat – and you have those delish “fruit sushi” spring rolls with that sweet dipping sauce – Oh!  And pie shooters.  Pie shooters ROCK. Over Christmas I had a delightful bowl of vegetarian chili accompanied by some jalapeño cornbread.  It warmed my soul to the deepest part of my being.  I wish that we could be together forever. Sadly, I am keeping my distance from you at present – I try to keep you a secret from my hubby but he finds receipts sometimes and I think I might be cut off soon.  So…I will be loving you from afar for a bit.  But don’t think it’s because I don’t love you.  Always, Amanda —————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Dear Central Market, I love that you are the fancier version of the tried and true HEB store.  At Baylor we called the HEB near campus “the Ghetto HEB”.  You, my dear, are most certainly NOT Ghetto.  I liken you more to a lovely flower, filled with foodie delights and the most fantastic produce section I’ve ever seen. We bought our Thanksgiving bird from you last year, and may I say, it was delicious.  I love how at your meat counter you have an old school numbering system.  I like to feel like a “lady who lunches” sometimes and grab a number and wait for it to be called, even though there’s no on else in line.  And you have really good lobster mac n’ cheese.  Over the holidays you had the cutest little flavored marshmallows – I actually gifted those to quite a few people – definitely didn’t save any for myself.  I wish you were closer to me.  It makes me sad that we are so far apart.  When I am off my self-imposed grocery store exile I will visit you again…preferably with no crankypants toddler to shuttle around.  I like to take in your beauty with only the voices in my head to accompany me. Talk to ya later, A