It was dark one evening and I was running around Costco in my scrubs. This doesn't make me special, but it does tell you I had a long day. I pulled 10 hours at work, dined with my folks and my grandmother for some special occasion, and had to do it all over again the next day.

I'm a good shopper. I go in with my list, focus on what I need to get, analyze prices, and get out quickly spending roughly what I had estimated food items for a week would cost. On this specific day; however, I was running a bit slow. I was still focused, but I had a few interruptions along the way.

I followed my usual routine through the bread racks and fresh produce aisles, but halted quickly at the gourmet cheese section as a nice young couple was standing between me and my favored Jarlsburg Cheese. The gentleman was holding a different type of cheese in each hand. I excused myself and squeezed (a benefit to high metabolism)in between the gentleman and the cold vents to get the cheese. As I was about to turn around, he stopped me and asked why I chose that cheese. I explained that it was a very mild cheese, so it worked well in every dish I made. It melts and cooks well, slices easily, and when frozen shaves just like parmesan. Obviously, that means it freezes well. I told him we cut it in half because it was so large and put it in the freezer. He smiled, thanked me, and as he traded his cheese for my recommendation, said "You should write a book for Costco."

The next slow down was when I learned my Abuelita Corn Chips had been relocated down the aisle. At first I grabbed Tostitos not realizing the change. But I walked farther down, picked up the preferred brand and replaced the Tostitos. During this time, there was an older couple who was evaluating the chip selection. They saw my actions and asked me about my choice. I explained that the Abuelita chips were strips perfect for dipping into small jars. They were also lighter in flavor and had much less sodium. The couple smiled and gratefully followed my lead.

Two weeks ago, I hurried into the cooler part of the sales floor where the cold produce is kept to find some strawberries. They have really been good this season. A lady was standing and staring at the display like she was contemplating her purchase. As I grabbed a carton of the berries, I assured her they had been fabulous, and she would not regret her purchase. I think she picked up two cartons.

So what is my lesson here and what am I trying to share? Let's see. . .I know it makes me feel good to help people make good food choices. A girl in my office once said of a rather helpless brownie "Do I want to waste my calories on that?" Few people want to say they have been left unsatisfied by a food. So, when you see someone at the grocery store needing advise, help them. It will make you both very happy. Secondly, when you are unsure about a product and someone is around, ask about it. You can always make your own decision, but it never hurts to have input.

And just for the record, almost all my produce comes from Costco--especially when it is hard to make it to the Maitland Farmer's Market. I find they are better quality and quite a bit cheaper than the closest Publix.