I have to tell you about my new grocery store. There are a few things you need to know about me first. One, I like food. Not a shocker. Two, I'm a gourmet cook at heart who does not actually like to cook. But when I look at a Williams-Sonoma catalog my heart rate increases. Maybe if I had a kitchen stocked with all that cool stuff, my inner chef would surface. Three, I am a very loyal person and I stay true to certain brands and stores for years on end. (Like the Clearsil face wash I've been using since sixth grade.) Now that you know those things, I will proceed.
My mother has been shopping at the same Kroger for more than 20 years. There are some very nice Kroger Signature stores in the area, but hers is not particularly special. It is just a normal grocery store. So since I am loyal to my mom and she is loyal to Kroger, I get two loyalty points for also being a Kroger shopper.
There was a Kroger in the community I just moved from. As far as Krogers go, this one was perhaps the least cherished and cared for by the Kroger Corp. I could have driven up the road 15 minutes to a ridiculously ritzy Tom Thumb in Las Colinas, or to the Minyard's which was a step up from my Kroger, or to the Super Target in Janelle's neighborhood for my grocery needs. But no, I remained a Kroger shopper. I made myself love my Kroger and I devoted myself to being the best Kroger shopper in the neighborhood. In fact, when I swiped my Kroger card, the employees often marveled at how many coupons the coupon generator would award me with and say, "Wow, you shop here a lot!" Yes, yes I do. I proudly shop at this Kroger.
Now there was a lovely Central Market over in Southlake and we had playdates and lunches there about once a month. I know that sounds strange, but they had a full-out restaurant and playground on one side of the store. Sushi and burgers were always on the menu. So good. Every time I went into the Central Market, a piece of me died. My heart longed to shop in such a neat place. I just had to focus on the impracticality of it because while Central Market has interesting food, you can't even buy stuff like toilet paper, diapers, or paper towels there. I'd have to go to Walmart for those things and do you know how I feel about Walmart? NOT LOYAL.
At the end of January we drove down to Houston to see about buying this house. After we had seen it and fallen in love with it, we ran over to the neighborhood grocery store - an H.E.B. - to get me some tea and a pregnancy test. I had been nauseous for a week and thought something unexpected was up. (It wasn't.) I went into the store by myself while Curt waited in the car. When I entered the store, I discovered to the delight of my heart and to the praise of our glorious God that this was an HEB/Central Market hybrid. OH MY WORD. Could there be anything more wonderful in the world of grocery shopping? No, no there couldn't. They had every benefit of a Central Market along with the practical things people really do need. (Let's not pretend we don't need diapers and toilet paper and air freshener and occasionally even a plunger.)
As I walked through the beautiful aisles of my soon-to-be new grocery store, my heart became overwhelmed. I fought back tears the entire time and as I exited the building I could hold them back no longer. I was bawling. Over a grocery store. Curt saw me and immediately thought I was pregnant. He was no doubt freaking out a bit. Somewhere in the snarfling and snorting, he heard "I can't believe I get to shop here...It's just so beautiful...Blah blah blah, whah, whah, whah." Admittedly, it sounds pathetic and ridiculous, but it really did come from a thankful heart.
Today I got to be with a dear friend named Jennifer H. She has been a part of my life for the past 10 years and is just an awesome Titus woman. She is about five years older than me, so I have watched her closely as she's gone through every new stage - college graduation, career, newlywed life, becoming a mom - knowing I would be there before long. The Lord brought her and her husband to College Station when I was in school and we lived a couple streets away from each other. It was so much fun. Now we are living just a couple streets away from each other again! The Lord is so cool!
I told Jen that back in college when a new HEB opened up in College Station, I thought she and her friends were so weird for getting up at 6 a.m. to be there when they opened the doors for the first time. I could not, for the life of me, understand why anyone would get so excited about a grocery store. I mean, come on! (Ha ha!) I did not feel like I could continue in our friendship if I didn't confess my hypocrisy to Jennifer today. It was deeply humbled to confess that I had indeed wept over the splendor of my new HEB. So here I am eating my words. But you know what? They are organic, gourmet, and nicely packaged!
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76 comments:
you always crack me up! So glad the move has gone well! =) Real ministry happens at the places we frequent. I can't tell you how many people I have gotten to love that just work at the gas station or grocery store near me.
I guess I need to get me some pics of what those stores look like! =)
So funny. We just got a new Publix Greenwise and I felt the same way. Whole Foods (which we call Whole Paycheck) was just too froofy and when the new Publix opened I had a surge of happy hormones! Shop on Amanda!
Amanda,
I stumbled across your blog through a friend of mine's and read that you are back in Houston. You totally may not remember me, but we went to A&M together, I roomed with Maggie my senior year and I think I remember attending a BCA together too! Wow - that was ages ago! Anyway, thought I would say hi.
Callie (Gordon) Smith
Oh I understand this post. When I visit my brother in Dallas - we go to Central Market just like we go to the mall. I could just walk around and look in awe. We only have Wal-Mart here. We don't even have grocery stores. So my favorite thing to do on vacation is go to grocery stores and marvel!
Praise the Lord for your grocery blessings!
Ah, H-E-B is a gift from the Lord, and we are indeed blessed. Central Market AND Whole Foods isn't THAT far either in Houston. So glad you're back, and I know you will love being close to family again! Blessings to you and Curt in your new beginnings with Jackson here.
HEB is truly a remarkable grocery store! And with the combined Central Market products, I agree, is a most delightful way to shop! Your store may even sell the CM apricot chicken salad that is amazing; you should try it some time. I love my HEB and make that declaration regularly!
We have Publix grocery stores in Florida and I am loyal. Occasionally I'll go to Target or Winn Dixie but I never can find all the things I need at either of those stores. When I moved to Orlando from Lakeland (where Publix originated) it took me a long time to find a Publix I actually liked. I drive out of my neighborhood to shop at the Winter Park Publix because it's better than the others. Nothing will compare to the Publix stores in LKLD though. If I ever move from away from Publix I just don't know what I'd do.
Amanda, I am so with you. When Publix moved here to Tennessee, oh! the joy! of wonderful produce! and baked goods! and high-quality meats! Perhaps this means I need a life. ;-)
congrats on your fab new grocery story.
I have a Central Market/HEB hybrid in my neighborhood too. We are a very lucky girls. I love my HEB...love it, love it, love it! Mine is within walking distances even. They had a big open house before mine opened. Hubby and I were all excited because they were going to have a store open house to see everything. We both fell in love at first sight with our new store.
So happy for you! Good luck with your move and all the new things that come with it!
Oh I so understand! I have the glorious HEB close by as well...I take my college son there to stock up and now he talks about it too! It is a family love affair for the HEB! My other kids think of it as a special outing to go there with Mom. Kinda sad/scary don't you think?
I'm right there with you. Yep, Central Market is wonderful. Be sure to get their homemade flour tortillas if you haven't already. Those prepackaged ones on the bread aisle are a sorry rendition after that. . . .
That is so very exciting!! I shopped at an HEB in Waco while in college. Probably not quite the HEB you have been blessed with (sarcasm). I'm confident it was nothing like it...it was pretty gross but close to campus. And I was in college and obviously not as wise as I am now.
It hurts my heart a little to hear that you aren't a fan of Wal-mart. I guess I can understand! I'm more of a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market shopper myself but being from Northwest Arkansas it all holds a special place in my heart!
Happy Shopping!
I have one of those same HEB's by my new house in Houston and I LOVE it! Just to warn you quick trips can turn into hour ordeals because somehow the power of the store sucks you in! :) The hubs has volunteered to do more grocery shopping because he says I come home with "unnecessary" items. That is still up for debate! :)
Ok, I had no idea what a HEB was until a minute ago, when I googled it and figured it out. We in Alabama live with the wonderful world of Publix, which I am very loyal to. I also realized HEB was a Texas thing when I went to "store locator" on the HEB website and my only state choice in the drop-down menu was Texas. Got it.
Are you sure you aren't pregnant? I knew I was when I cried over things like a pretty grocery store. I cried because my newly fixed sprinkler system in my yard worked correctly. Red flag. ;)
Have a great day!
I have been wondering about the HEB for a while now since Big Mama goes there often. Now I am so sad that I have never even seen one, and there is not one in my entire state that I know of. I would love to have an excuse to exit the doors of Walmart and vow to NEVER darken them again. Hahaha (evil laugh)
I love the central market in Southlake!!I go there for lunch sometimes. But yes, do you really need 25 different types of olives? I understand about the grocery store, I'm glad you have found your dream store! Happy shopping! :)
Here in CO, we have King Soopers, which is a Kroger chain. I like it a lot!
In Bryan/CS, we lived near Randalls. It was my first gourmet experience. I think we even got our first Christmas tree there--good times :)
Tell Jennifer Hi! I emailed and prayed for her during her first pregnancy, when we still lived in East Texas. I still do pray for her--she's a good Ag. And I am about 5 years older than her :)
Praying for you, too! Do you want the test to be positive?? I'll be praying that way unless you tell me otherwise.
How funny! I could just imagine Curt seeing you coming out crying. Did the eyes roll when he figured out what you were crying about? Happy shopping! (Isn't it cool how God is already giving you little blessings like that for being obedient? That's so awesome to see!)
You are too cute. I get tears in my eyes if I find one with a Starbucks.
Oh, and you bring back memories of Minyards! That was my first official job when I was 16 and living in Irving!
There is no doubt in my mind that H.E.B. is a blessing straight from the Lord.
One word of caution, beware of the Buddy Bucks. Jackson will become obsessed.
My parents used to live right behind that HEB in College Station. They were elderly and retired and my dear dad on his daily walks would walk through the beloved HEB and sample everything before heading home. He was particularly fond of the fact they always had bacon samples at the meat counter.
They left College Station after us kids moved out of Texas but there were good times there!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! I live in Grapevine and cried the first time I walked through that Southlake Central Market!
You are so funny!
I had a similar grocery store experience when I moved off to grad school from a small town with only a Harvey's to it's name. Walking the aisle's that first time is a sweet, sweet memory. :) Happy shopping!
We love our new HEB as well- I know of the one you speak. I can even get my little one to go joyfully with me and stay quiet (they leave out WHOLE cookies or muffins or other goodies for good little boys (and girls) in the bakery section!) And don't get me started on how many dinners I have made after inspiration at the cooking station!
I remember thinking how crazy it was that traffic stopped on 290 when it opened and I heard that playgroups were making an outing of the new store, but once I went myself, I understood it a little better!
This post made me smile the entire time I read it. I do related to the benefits of a well stocked, user friendly grocery store. I'm so glad you found a new love.
Awesome news about the HEB! If that is the same one near us, I just went last week, and have also decided to finally make the switch from Kroger to HEB! When we went it was a Saturday afternoon with all the samples and the ladies had microphones to describe their goodies! It was so fun and the boys enjoyed it too!!!
I guess those are some of the perks of living in a bigger city - variety. I don't have that here. I have never even seen a Krogers or a HEB!!
Oh Amanda, that is just too funny! I've never had the privelage of shopping at an H.E.B., or a Central Market, but they sound Fabulous! I can see why you cried! I can also see why your husband might think you were pregnant! I mean, why else would a woman cry over a grocery store, right? Wrong! We woman can cry over anything! When a Target FINALLY opened in my little town, my friends and I were there on opening night. An UN-publisized opening night mind you! One of us drove by and just happened to notice several cars in the parking lot. A little investagating found out that THEY WERE OPEN, complete with FONDUE fountains in the isles to welcome the first shoppers! Oh my MERCY, we were excited. What was supposed to be a "soft" opening for family and friends of employees, turned into a full parking lot in under an hour! Never underestimate the power of women with cell phones!
I feel the love! I SO miss Central Market and Whole Foods. We left them all behind in Austin because we don't have stores like that up here.
I totally know what you mean when you are excited to shop somewhere. That's how I feel when I walk into Whole Foods (not that I can afford much there, or ever bought more than 3 items at a time), because it just makes you feel good to go in. And that makes you feel good about the cruddy chore of buying groceries that is important if you want to, let's say, eat.
hahaha, that is so very funny. My sister is the same exact way. :)
I love this post because now I know there are others out there like me! I live in TN but my husband as well as my best friend are from TX so I have seen the glory that is Central Market! I spent I don't know how long in that place and I long to have one that is by me even though it would be hard to leave my Kroger. For now, I have peace knowing that when I am in TX, it is my go to grocery. Thanks for your post.
I absolutely LOVE that "big new beautiful HEB"...I drive past many other grocery stores (including my tride and true Kroger where the baggers know me and my kids) to indulge in the HEB whenever I can justify it. Have you seen the Jelly Belly Bar yet? Or Trevor's favorite the "make your own cereal out of awesome granolas and dried fruits bar"???? I'm telling you sister, that store has 15 types of tomatoes...you will be a Pioneer Woman before you know it!!!!!!
I shop four different stores to reach my "needs." I too love overpriced grocery stores which have sections for sushi, gourmet olives, cheeses, and other items I'll never buy. Their so pretty. I [heart] pretty stores. But, Kroger does sell the VERY best chocolate chip ice cream ever.
It's so much nicer shopping in a newer (or just) cleaner store! Especially since grocery stores are such a necessary part of our lives. I know I've probably said this before but we only have one grocery store in town! Thankfully, it's pretty nice (since it's our only option). So, I can relate...
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HEB! Unfortunately, we just moved to Bakersfield, California and that means no more HEB. Everytime I go home to visit my family, I make sure to take a trip to my favorite grocery store. When I go grocery shopping and my husband is with me, I always remark on "how this is no HEB"
Amanda,
I am laughing at your post because I must confess that is what happened when I moved to my new town which was really an old town for me because I lived here twenty five years ago and now God brought me back. In my old town we had 1 grocery store and WalMart. I loathed shopping at Wal Mart and still do. I heart Super Target. Anyway, our neighborhood is just a blessing from God. We are 5 to 10 minutes from Kroger and Kohls. Heaven help me!! I walked into Kroger and this is a nice Kroger, and fell in love. Then I drove down the road a bit and there was a Publix. I had shoppped in one in Destin and didn't like it but this store was unlike anything I had ever seen. I think the manager has OCD. Everything sits on the shelves perfectly. Nothing out of place and they actually come to the customer to ask if you need help! I think the meat manager may be a new bff. heehee.... I usually dislike grocery shopping but this place is fun. We have told people about it from our former town and they think we are nuts. I guess maybe we are weird but I have to give Him praise for blessing us with cool places to shop.
LOVED this post!! You are hilarious!!
Have a great day!
I got a little weepy just reading your post.
I live in the backyard of Wal-Mart HQ, so we've got no other grocery options. (There is a local chain whose perishables are notoriously out of date.)
I'd even be happy with your neglected Kroger!!
Happy shopping!!!
The HEB is the ONLY thing I miss about Waco (we only lived there 1 year). I was never attached to a store before that precious thing entered my life. I started my work week by shopping every Monday morning - what a way to start the day! Almost 7 years later, there are still moments I long for her.
Amanda, You are so cute!! Everyone has their store of choice. I wouldn't get excited over a grocery store but let me loose in Staples and I can't control myself. Pens and paper products are my weakness. :)
I am so happy for you! I remember the day you wept over your new love. I always was so impressed by your committment to that Irving Kroger! You are an amazing woman!
Amanda,
In 2003 we moved to Mount Vernon, a small college town with not much of anything, from a large city where I was five minutes from everything. To make matters worse, they were building a new Super Wal-Mart just a few miles from where we lived. (Sorry you're not a fan)
When we got to our new home the only thing we had was one very small Wal-Mart. I was so disappointed. However, within the year they began to build a new Super Wal-Mart. I was so excited! I kept telling everyone that it was my gift from God and frankly I still believe it! He knew exactly what I needed. :o)
I love HEB, that is just one of the things that I miss about Texas. We used to go there all the time. When we visit our family down there mom and I ALWAYS make a HEB run. Does Houston still have Fiesta? They always had great fruits and veggies.
I have to laughingly agree with this post. When I was working in The Woodlands before we lived here, I watched the first hybrid HEB/CM open and nearly cried with happiness when they flung open the sliding doors. It was a love I'd never known. Their Cafe On-the-Run makes for easy dinners, ahem, just a suggestion to those of us who run out of time (or motivation) to cook!
So glad you're back. Now we really have to get that cup of coffee/tea! And possibly introduce you to the cupcake joints that have made their [very caloric] debut in H-town.
I have the same strong feelings about my Publix. I was just telling HH that when we move across town, I am likely to drive back to the Publix over here. He thinks I'm crazy, but I do believe I've bonded with all of the cashiers & Woggie blows each of them (and our baggers) kisses when we leave. You can't get that just anywhere!
Being from Florida, I have never in all my life visited a Kroger and I'm not sure if I missed something or not but I haven't a clue what HEB means/is. But what I can say is a good grocery store is so important. May seem trivial but I love knowing the lady who rings me up, the man who bags my groceries and the stocker who will help me find anything I need. I mighta shed a tear or two myself.
PS - You can't tease us with thought of you being pregnant and then take them away!! That wasn't fair at all:) Don't even know you and I was doing a happy dance for you for a second there, ha!
Oh that HEB sounds very cool! I am so excited for you! You know what a crazy coupon shopper I am and I love Central Market. I will drive to Southlake for it. (They do take coupons, by the way!)You have to try the fresh made whole wheat tortillas if they have them there. They are so good for you and YUMMY! They sell them still hot!
I did get to go to Williams Sonoma in Houston the other day and I did think of you, especially when I saw those Sprinkles Cupcake mixes!
Amanda.
I almost cried just reading your post because I now further realize that WE ARE THE SAME PERSON IN TWO DIFFERENT BODIES.
I am a Lover Of Grocery Stores. If I had more time right now and didn't have someone waiting to come into my office for a meeting, I'd list all my reasons of loving grocery stores. But alas, I have to go now.
Amanda,
Next time you see my mom - ask her about how the HEB (Central Market hybid in Katy) was opening on my brother's birthday - and all three of us considered taking the day off for the grand opening! We even considered having my brother's birthday party there! Of course, we all LOVE to cook! :)
Then, when the one that you have discovered opened - by best friend and I decided we would meet there for lunch and check it out together. Well, after grabbing our buggies - and losing each other before getting out of the produce section...I called her to see where she was...she laughed and said she was on her way to "Kroger" - where there were probably no shoppers! Ha!
okay...now we know about the new home and the new grocery store (and the old family that is now so wonderfully close-by) BUT what about your new church family??????Patience is another one of the virtues i need prayer for but i am just too antsy to know the whole story....
I said the same thing about the Play Grocery Store (Rice Epicurean) and I had to eat my words. I am about twice a month faithful to the Kroger.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I *love* that store and so excited that not only is it awesome but the closest!!! They have such a great meat and seafood selection and LOVE the samples. It's the only store I don't dread tkaing JD to b/c I know he's be easily entertained with all the free food!! Glad you love it. My SIL is moving over here (in Bear Creek now) and is equally as excited about getting to shop there! ENJOY!
Very funny. I have to say that I read the other comments and I would never shop at a "Publix" -- the name just turns me off. Reminds me of something else O' so NOT food related.
I was the same way when Whole Foods opened. I was absolutely counting down the days! Of course, I don't shop there regularly due to the fact that milk is $6 a gallon, but I love walking through and getting things here and there.
I totally understand your grocery store thing! In Florida, as so many have said, Publix is the best! I would, however, love to experience the H.E.B. Maybe one day- if I travel through TX!! :)
Oh my gosh, you did NOT weep over Central Market. You are too funny. If that wasn't hormones, you must have been having a tough day. :)
I am with you. Our local store, Ukrops, won me over when I saw that they have topiaries in the dairy section. I love a store that knows how to create atmosphere!
Being from San Antonio - home of HEB (H.E. Butt)we shopped their often. The HEB's in SA have homemade flour tortilla makers. So if your HEB has them make sure you get them when they are hot and fresh! They melt in your mouth! Yum Mo!!!
Ok..its funny how people either love or hate Walmart! :) And....we can ALL get excited over a super cool Grocery store....and you don't have to love to cook either.
Happy shopping!
Fran
I love grocery stores. I'll even visit grocery stores on vacation just to partake in the regional delights.
It's a sickness. I'm seeking help.
Love the new Wal-Mart slogan, by the way. NOT LOYAL! But for some reason, when I read that, I heard "Not A Blessing!"
Which would actually be another great slogan: "Wal-Mart: Not a Blessing."
I don't think there's a thing wrong with weeping over your grocery store!! I cry over dumb stuff all the time! I like to think it's the Holy Spirit letting me know I've hit on a grand spiritual truth! And when you consider the amount of time we mommies spend at the grocery store, there is absolutely no reason it shouldn't be a good experience, let alone one that brings us to tears! So yay for your HEB! And congrats on your season in life!
They just opened one in good ole' Cypress. Our hearts are content! :)
Saw you from a distance at bible study on Tuesday. So fun!
Surely yours is an HEB Plus like the ones here in Austin. You can buy all your garden needs, gourmet cheeses, scrapbooking supplies, futons, digital cameras, sushi, (look at that cute lamp!) Baby clothes, jumbo ready made frozen meals (I need those dishes for Easter!), jewelry (my husband needs that large screen TV!). Is this the store you are describing? Perhaps it is not the cost of food that is going up; perhaps it is a total "food" bill that includes everything but the food at HEB Plus!
I completely understand! When we got a new Food Lion in town, my mother-in-law cried at the ribbon cutting ceremony! It was a special moment for sure!
Glad you are getting settled in your new/old town!
so... i meant to say congrats on your fab new grocery "store." but is was a nice grocery story too.
I totally understand.
And nothing makes me feel older than when I realize I can read and in fact, write an entire blog about grocery shopping.
If I had known that in high school, I might not have made it this far.
I moved to Houston from Denver, and fell in love with HEB right away. I assumed it was a Texas store and that every town in Texas has an HEB. Alas, when I went to visit my brother in law up in Dallas - NO HEB!!!! I love HEB diapers, they are half the price of Luv's and work much better.
Amanda:
I have just posted on my blog a piece about parenting. Raw and honest, it speaks to the hard seasons that sometimes weave their way into our journey of parenthood. I really want it to be a source of encouragement for other mothers, so I invite you and those who may read your blog to jump on over and weigh in.
The piece is entitled...
"A Weary Doing...A Worthy Return."
http://peaceforthejourney.blogspot.com
Thank you for all the ways you transparently offer us your heart and encouragment along these lines.
Be blessed this day...
~elaine
I live to read your funny stories! You have talent that goes beyond blogging...maybe a good TV show about you and your life is next. Now that's something we could use...a clean, funny, pratical kind of TV show! Surely, there is a market for that in Christian land.
This is precisely why I go on and on about the wonders of central market. How I wish I had a hybrid near me, though! I would so share in your joy!
I'm so glad you have an HEB...it is my favorite!
Oh girl-you are so right. HEB is glorious! I was first introduced to the glory which is HEB when I went to school in Waco. There was an amazing HEB off Valley Mills that we all called the Taj Mah HEB.
Recently a HEB that rivals the Taj Mah opened just up the road from me. The day that I went in and was able to purchase fake eyelashes, nasal wash, fresh fruit, and a pre-made gourmet sandwich-I knew I had arrived in the Mecca of grocery stores.
Needless to say-I totally loved and connected with this post.
Katie (who knows Lauren from college and Star from back in the day when she and Steven directed her youth choir!)
I can't believe I never ran into you at Kroger. So sad. I am a little jealous of your new fancy store but so so happy things are going well for you guys. Jackson looks so BIG in his Easter pictures!!!
Amanda, I found you via Sunni. Welcome back to Houston. I love HEB and feel the same about it as you do. A new one just opened close to us and we love shopping at it. It makes shopping much more tolerable and fun. Hope that y'all get settled and things are going well for y'all.
Blessings, Kim
Hi Amanda!
Glad to see you at the volunteers dinner. Felt like I wanted to get your autograph! :) I am really excited about the renovation at FBC because it is for me dressing down and being more intimate. I love it! I love it! I sing in the choir and we went through a run through on Thursday and sang old songs from the hymnal, so resfreshing and so intimate. I love it. I can be more myself in this setting and not trying to be something I am not. I think I need this dressing down.
Allison
Thanks for the smile. I too have been a loyal Kroger shopper for the past 19 years...but since moving out to Waller County have tried several other grocery stores. The first time I walked into the HEB/Central Market on my way home from work I too fell in love. I mean with fresh cut pineapple everyday, what more can you ask for?
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