Hello! It's finally August, huh! Which means "ber" months is just around the corner. Oh my, 2025 feels so quick or is it just my feeling? Even catching up with my posts and reading posts here always felt like I'm running out of time. Nevertheless, I'll do my best so let's resume with a little summary of my grocery shenanigans including some disgusting mistakes and how I solved it.
I was a few days late from my usual schedule date of grocery shopping last June. I had two cake orders which left me with no choice but to postpone my grocery day. Good thing I still have some stocks enough to feed myself for a few more days.
Finally, I was able to drag myself to do groceries the afternoon of Independence Day. I was kind of expecting for the grocery store to be crowded and yes it was. Lol. After paying the bills, I got worried when I see no pushcarts at the pushcart area. This only means there are lots of shoppers at the grocery and thinking about that already stresses me out. Anyway, I went next to the pharmacy to purchase my vitamins.
There's actually three pushcart stations at the mall. The two stations in front were empty so I walked and tried my luck at the third station located farthest from the grocery. I was really lucky because as I was nearing the station, I heard pushcart wheels going towards the staion. The mall staffs just collected some pushcarts from the parking area and was about to put them back at the station.
I finally got one and immediately proceeded to the perishables to get fruits, vegetables, and meats. I usually do this last but I chose to get them first because stocks might run out fast due to the volume of people and also considering that it's already late in the afternoon. Glad I was also able to purchase beef meat for bulalo. I can no longer find one being displayed, good thing I asked the staff if they still have stocks. The staff went to their working station and grabbed one of their metal trays with few pieces of meat on it and told me only three pieces were left. I got two.
I also prefer getting eggs last so they stay on top and don't get smashed by the weight of the other items on my cart but that day was an exception. Better to secure a tray of eggs and just figure out later on how to keep it safe from the other heavy items.
I brought my umbrella with me as well, because it was raining every afternoon that time.
I was already done and on my way to the cashier. I like the grocery's perishable section because it's easy to navigate and staffs are always present to assist you with your needs. The aisles are also wider though it gets really crowded sometimes.
As you can see on my cart, I also bought chocolate bars. Yep, as much as I'd wanted to avoid sweets, these can keep my hunger at bay when I'm trembling from hunger. Lol. But it's not like I'm starving myself. Sometimes, my hunger can no longer wait for my meal to get cooked so I have to eat a snack to ease my growling stomach.
Also, can you see that pink plastic box on the cart? Silly idea for me to store the eggs in it. After a week of storing the eggs, sealed in that container, molds grew on the shells which prompted me to wash them and kept the cover slightly opened instead. Later on, I found fruit flies on it and on the next day the eggs smelled awful and maggots were already crawling around the eggs. I want to cry from disgust but I know there's no use because no one would help me get rid of it except myself. I tried to pour vinegar as I read it could kill them but they seem to be immuned and even multiplied the next day. So I tried another solution—pouring boiling water. I wore gloves and took the box outside, carefully not making contact with the maggots. Then I poured a pot of boiling water. True enough, the maggots went lifeless almost in an instant!
Now, my next problem was how to discard the eggs and clean the box. Well, as if I have a choice. Lol. I prepared a plastic bag on the side and carefully scooped the eggs out with two disposable spoons while also making sure that no water drops on the sink's tiles. I wrapped the bag with another plastic bag just to make sure there would be no spillage. Next, I made sure to spill the hot water with lifeless maggots exactly on the sink's drainage hole to prevent any maggots on the sink. And just to make sure, I poured another pot of boiling water on the container and sink, then proceeded with disinfecting and washing the container. And for the final step, I poured another round of boiling water around the sink.
Whew! Lesson learned here! Never store eggs in a sealed container and always wipe and keep the eggs dry when you wash them. Much better to place them in the fridge if there's enough space. I went back to storing them in its cardboard egg tray and the eggs were fine even after a month.
So going back to grocery shopping, there was quite a huge crowd at the school supplies area. I guess school classes were about to begin that time and there were still some families rushing to purchase supplies for their child/children. Good thing the crowd was only concentrated on that area and I was able to make my way to the cashier area with ease.
Also, can you see that pack of tofu on the lower right of the photo? The usual tofu I purchase wasn't available, probably it got sold out for that day, so I ended up with this tofu. My mistake was not to look for its price because I was confident it will just cost a little more from the usual tofu I purchase. But holy moly! It's almost thrice the price of my usual tofu. I was in shock when I saw the price get registered on the cashier's computer. When I reached home, I read the sticker on it and found out that it was a silken tofu. Anyway, look forward to my review and recipe using this tofu. I bought two packs which made me happy and cry at the same time. Lol.
Of course, when there is a huge crowd at the grocery, expect to have a long line at the cashier as well. I think I waited almost an hour before getting my turn.
I also bought my favorite siomai for my dinner as I would no longer have time and energy to cook for dinner when I reach home.
One of my good finds during this grocery adventure are pumpkin seeds. I read it's good for supporting hair health so I didn't think twice to purchase when I saw it. A bit bland but quite addictive to eat. I don't know if it's making a difference on my hair but I love adding it on my oatmeal or just eating it as a snack!
I spent more for this month, though it was alright because I bought more healthier foods this time. I make sure that I have beef, chicken, and fish on my diet apart from fruits, vegetables, eggs, and tofu.
Stay healthy, everyone! 🥕
Thanks for reading! 💚