Dollar Store / Fresh & Easy

Went shopping today at the dollar store and a small grocery store called Fresh & Easy.

First the dollar store. Even though I'm a bargain shopper, until the past year I've pretty much stayed away from dollar stores. I had the impression everything in them is of poor quality. I recently changed my mind ... a little. While I still think most of the "stuff" is pretty cheap, I've found one by us that actually has some decent things to purchase from time-to-time.

Today I bought music CD 's for my "gift-stash." They are those "relaxation" type CD's. I had bought one for myself and liked it so much I went back to buy more for gifts. I've also bought gift bags there at a really good price. Our store has a school supplies section for teachers I love ... work books, flash cards, ABC & math posters. I've bought some fun books for myself. I buy cheap toys as a reward for finishing homework on time.

Next store was Fresh & Easy. If you have a chance to visit one, you should. They are small grocery stores I thought would be expensive, but are reasonable. They are in the southwest and great for a fast stop. You can get in and out very quickly. All of their house-brand products I've tried have been decent to really good. If you're in a hurry for lunch, you can pick up a good salad for $3.99. I can also find specialty-type products I can't find at my local grocery store, such as light cheeses, etc. ... for a reasonable price. Here's some of the things I like to buy there (all house-brand):

Milk $1.99
Honey Pretzels $1.59
Canned Beans (various prices, cheaper than my large grocery store)
Pizza Dough $1.29 (I like to make my own, but in a pinch it works.)
Pizza Sauce (Can't remember price, I think a little over $1.00)
Tofu $.99 (I think?)
Pita's (6) $1.58