[I know that there are a lot of people that hate those big square milk jugs that they have at some Costco locations now.  They are hard to fit in the fridge, they are cumbersome, and worst of all, they tend to lead to puddles of milk all over the counter or table top.  No one likes that...think of all that wasted milk!  So, luckily, a fellow Costco addict and milk drinker, has come up with a solution to stop the spills.  The cap snaps right onto your square jug, is dishwasher safe, and will finally allow you to pour with out the puddles.

It's only a little milk.  Spilled or dripped or dribbled each time I pour.  Getting it into my coffee seemed particularly difficult and pouring into my children's cereal bowls resulted in bad manners at the breakfast table.  The crusty milk slick on the refrigerator shelf fell out of view, so accustomed to it we had become it was no different than the white on the refrigerator.  Add to that we are addicted to Costco at my house.

Milk Cap from SquareJug.com

It would seem easier to purchase milk at a different location.  We do shop other stores that also sell milk.  Sometimes their milk sells for $1.50 more than the milk at our nearest Costco.  But I have another problem:  I’m an entrepreneur.

Rather than save the headaches by spending more money on milk, I spent a whole lot more money to invent a user friendly cap for the square milk jug.  When you are addicted you will often do crazy things to get your fix.  You will visit all the Facebook pages dedicated to hating the Costco Milk Jug telling them about your “Simple and cost effective” invention.  You will submit articles to the local newspaper.  You will write unsolicited guest blog posts.  You will wear t-shirts to Costco that say “We Fix The Jug!” and put a jug on your head for a promotional stunt.

But when your wife says, “I need your invention….”, you know you are right.

There are many reasons the jug cannot and will not be fixed by anyone but users.  If a simple and cost effective solution interests you, please visit www.squarejugdeals.com or www.squarejug.com for a cure.

Very truly,
Rob Fuglie
Entrepreneur and Addicted to Costco

The new Costco US coupon book runs from next Thursday, April 12, throughout the month to May 6, 2012.  This month there are coupons worth more than $1,600.00 in discounts, and then another $5,400.00 in online deals at Costco.com.  The value of the coupons is a little bit more than last month (just $100 more), though there are fewer online coupons this month.  And of course, there are all of the great instant savings deals that you can take advantage of without the getting crafty with your scissors.  I like that it seems Costco US is getting more and more instant coupons so that you don’t really need to have a coupon to give them or even remember your coupon book to get those deals.

Costco US Coupon Book: April 12 - May 6, 2012

I’ve uploaded the new Costco US Coupon Book PDF (or view it in the Google PDF viewer) so you can browse it if you haven’t gotten yours yet.  While you can print these out for reference purposes, Costco only accepts the original coupons (if your location requires you to hand them in).  If you didn’t get your book or never do, you should stop by Customer Service and make sure that they have all of your mailing information correct and that you have allowed them permission to send you things in the mail.  Also, while you’re there, ask them for a copy of the latest book.  If you were not aware, the coupon books are only mailed to the primary member on the account.

Needless to say, I’m sure, but there is a tire coupon this month too, of course.  This month on offer is a coupon for $70.00 off a set of four Bridgestone tires.

As always, there are a few coupons that I really like (and am very sad to be missing out on).  For instance, there is a coupon this month for Pop-Tarts!  Dave and I love Pop-Tarts (I know, I know, we really should grow up), so we pretty much always had these in our pantry in Austin.  The coupon is actually an instant savings for $2.00 off a 48 count box (I think that means 24 foil wrapped pairs).  Unfortunately, they have a limit of two.  As I recall, the Pop-Tarts are always a variety pack, so if you’re luck you can get flavors that everyone will enjoy.  There’s also an instant savings deal for those really awesome Angus Cheeseburgers; $4.00 off of 8, 6.2 ounce cheeseburgers.  I’ve written about these before but the summary is that they are so delicious and you would never know that you actually heated them up in the microwave.  The first time I tried them was at my mom’s house and was an instant fan.

In the non-food category, there are some instant savings deals on two things that are great buys at Costco.  First, there is the KitchenAid Professional 6 quart Stand Mixer for $60.00 off; limit three.  This is also available through Costco.com.  If you have wanted one of these or know someone who does, you should definitely be sure to take advantage of this deal.  Costco normally has the best prices anyway, but with the coupons/instant savings, they really do have an unbeatable price on these mixers.  These are great mixers that are super sturdy and reliable and will last forever.  My mom has had her KitchenAid mixer since the 1980s and it still works perfectly and looks great too; remarkably the design looks pretty much just like it does today.

The other great item that is on sale this month is the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer System for $30.00 off; limit of three.  This is another item that you can also get at Costco.com.  I don’t have one of these but I’ve heard they are awesome and that anyone who shops at Costco should certainly purchase one of them.  People are as ebullient about these as I am about the KitchenAid mixers.  I had finally decided to get one of these right when we found out we were moving to London, so I never actually purchased one.  It’s really great that you can make your own little vacuum packed parcels from the bulk buys at Costco.  How great would that be for things like steaks or chicken breasts?

There are plenty of great items in the regular coupon section too and certainly some of my favourites.  There is a coupon for the Kirkland Signature drawstring trash bags ($2.75 off the big box of 90, 33 gallon bags).  The Kirkland Signature Clear Cutlery, probably the best plastic forks and knives every, also has a coupon for $2.50 off a 360 piece box.  That should keep you in plastic forks all summer long.  And a big favourite in our house, Skinny Cow vanilla and cookies and cream ice cream sandwiches, are also on offer this month for $2.50 off a 20 count box.  Yum!  And my absolute favourite toothbrushes have a coupon this month too.  You can get the Oral-B Advantage Criss-Cross toothbrushes for $4.00 off a pack of eight.  This one is really killing me because I have to buy toothbrushes on my next Costco visit!

Whether you’re looking to buy a new grad a new car or maybe yours just looks more like it should be parked at Sanford & Sons, you might be interested in some of the good deals and partnerships that Costco has right now.

Subaru Promotion with Costco Auto

Costco Auto and Subaru Offer

Subaru & Costco have recently partnered and are offering a deal if you buy your new car by June 15, 2012:

• Low, prearranged pricing on new Subaru models.
• All available manufacturer rebates and incentives.
• $500 Costco Cash Card for completing a Costco Auto Program Member Satisfaction Survey after purchase.
• Offer applies to new 2011, 2012 and 2013 Subaru models but excludes all BRZ, Impreza WRX and WRX STI trim levels.
• Unfortunately, this offer isn’t available to Costco members in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Canada.

To find out all of the details, research your new Subaru of choice, as well as find a participating dealer, check out the Subaru page on the Costco Auto site.

If you’re not interested in buying a Subaru, you should certainly check out all of the other deals that you can get through the Costco Auto program.  They currently have deals with BMW, Lexus, Honda, Toyota, Acura, Land Rover, Volvo and several other manufacturers.  It seems that no matter what kind of car you might be looking for, Costco has a deal to fit it.  A lot of the offers are for really low finance rates, but there are also free maintenance programs and rebates.  If you’re just looking for a lease, you should also take a look at their deals because they have a few of those available right now as well.  You can always stay up to date on the current offers by checking out the Costco Auto website’s Special Offers page.

Costco Canada and Ford Offer

If you’re in Canada, there’s a special deal going on through May 31, 2012 with Ford.  Through Ford, Costco members can get an extra $1,000.00 off when you purchase specific 2012 or 2013 Ford or Lincoln vehicles (excluding Fiesta, Focus, Raptor, GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Transit Connect EV & Medium Truck).  This deal is also good for the new 2013 Ford Escape.  This deal applies to both purchases and leases, which is good.  For the full details, you should check out the Costco page at Ford Canada.

Tire Deals for Costco Members

Maybe you’re just looking for a new set of tires, instead of splashing out for a whole new car.  Well, Costco has some deals on tires this month too.

As usual, Costco US has a coupon for $70.00 off a new set of Bridgestone tires in the upcoming coupon book that runs from April 12 – May 6, 2012 (I’ll be posting the coupon book this weekend).

For Costco Canada members, you can get $70.00 off a new set of Michelin tires through May 27, 2012.

I wanted to write a quick post to make sure everyone is aware that Costco is definitely CLOSED this Sunday, April 8 2012, for Easter in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia (I’m not sure about Costco Mexico as I couldn’t seem to find their holiday information on their website).  So, if you need to get a few last things to make some nice Easter baskets, or a few dozen of eggs to dye, maybe some beautiful flowers, or just some more groceries to feed all your relatives and friends that will be coming to visit, you’d better get to Costco Friday or Saturday.  Of course, if you go to Costco in Australia or the Costco Canada locations that are NOT in the Province of Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, or Regina, then you will also find that Costco there is CLOSED this Friday (Good Friday), April 6, 2012, as well.

If you’re thinking of getting a ham for Easter dinner, I highly recommend the Kirkland Signature spiral cut hams (granted that review is a couple of years old now, but I’ve had the KS ham more recently and it is still really delicious).

By the way, the current UK coupon book runs through April 7, this Saturday, so be sure to use any coupons you like by then.

I can’t believe it is April already; just one day away.  Where did the first three months of the year go?  Of course, I don’t mind the sunny, warm weather that comes with this time of year.  If you’re in the US, don’t forget that this is the last weekend for the current coupon book.  I don’t know when the next one starts because I haven’t gotten a copy of it yet (so if you get a copy remember that you can send me a scan of it for a $25.00 Costco cash card).  If you’re in the UK, you have until April 7 to shop from the latest coupon deals.

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Tabs

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Tablets – They lured me in with the ‘Quantum Challenge’ that they tout on the front of the box:  see the difference or it’s free.  How could I pass that up?  I was kind of hoping that I wouldn’t be able to see the difference.  And not just because I wanted the box for free, but because it is a little more pricey than regular Finish tablets, I think.  Of course, when I actually did the math it’s exactly the same price as the regular Finish tablets without a coupon.  The regular tablets are around £16.50 for 168 tablets, which breaks down to about £0.10 per tablet.  With the Finish Quantum you get 60 tablets for £5.99, which equates to £0.10.  Of course, if you can get the coupon for the regular Finish tablets, they’re certainly going to be cheaper.  But the really important thing is, does it work better than the regular tablets?  Yes, yes, it does.  I was really amazed at just how much better it really does work, especially on glassware and cooked on gunk on pans or cookie sheets.  My glasses were super shiny and all of my Pyrex type dishes looked like new again when I used the Quantum tablets.  Everything in my dishwasher came out very shiny and clean with no water spots or anything.  I didn’t realize how much my regular Finish tablets could be improved on until I tried these, honestly.  So, now I am trying to use up my stock of regular Finish tablets, while using these every couple of washes too.  I do wish that the box at Costco was bigger than 60 tablets, or I wish they would bundle two of them together at least.  Also, I think they could use better packaging.  The Quantum tablets are not like the regular pressed powder tablets, but come in a little  plastic coating that dissolves in the dishwasher .  This is great because you don’t have to unwrap anything before you put it in the washer, you just pop it into the dishwasher whole.  Unfortunately, the way they are packaged is annoying and  hard to get the tablets out of without lots of fiddling.  They have 30 tablets in a little plastic clam shell like thing (obviously there are two of these in the box).  Anyway, it’s a pain in the butt to deal with, I prefer the little plastic tubs that the laundry tablets come in.  So, I guess I won’t be getting my box of Quantum free, but I will definitely be buying these again.   60 tabs for £5.99 (US: $9.59).  Item #: 0123689.

Ermes Fontana Mortadella

Ermes Fontana Mortadella – So, there’s just no way to position this as anything but an unhealthy choice for my lunchtime sandwiches.  But it is really quite good.  If you’re not familiar with mortadella, it is a cooked Italian sausage that is a lot like bologna (not surprising since it comes from the Bologna region) as far as appearance and texture go.  However, mortadella is seasoned with various spices, berries, black pepper, and pistachios.  On the package, they suggest serving it as a starter or with a bowl of nice olives but I like it on sandwiches.  And to add to the unhealthiness, I like it with mayo.  It’s got a very delicate flavor and really anything else you would put on a sandwich would probably be a bit too overpowering for it.  I definitely wouldn’t suggest having cheese with it because that will most assured overpower the taste completely.    It is also good just by itself too, of course.  I was really pleased to see the mortadella at Costco, because it can be pricey at regular stores, if you can even find it.  There’s not much in the package, which is probably a good thing though.  If you usually buy this at Costco you might notice that the packaging has changed a bit, it’s got new graphics and such on it, but the package is also 50 grams bigger as well.  Despite the package changes it is still the same producer from Italy and is still just as delicious.  I did think that maybe it was cut a little thinner, but it’s hard to tell if that is really true or not since I can’t do a side by side comparison.  But it’s still just as delicious on a sandwich or on a cracker.   300 grams for £3.39 (US: $5.42).  Item #: 0126638.

Kirkland Signature Supreme Indulgent Cookies

Kirkland Signature Supreme Indulgent Cookies – Yum!  I’m a big fan of the Kirkland Signature bakery cookies.  Dave and I usually just buy the chocolate chip ones, but thought we would give the variety pack a try.  In this package of 20 cookies, you get five that are chocolate with white chocolate chunks, and five that are oatmeal raisin, and then the other ten are regular chocolate chunk cookies.  Clearly the chocolate chip cookies are great, as I think I’ve said several times before on here.  The chocolate with white chocolate chips are also really delicious.  But be warned, they are super chocolaty and rich.  Dave absolutely loved them because he likes the deep, rich chocolate stuff like this.  And then there were the oatmeal raisin cookies which is usually the least favourite cookie in our house.  Like, so least favourite that Dave won’t even eat them; it’s a raisin in cookies thing for him.  So, I tried one and was very pleasantly surprised.  They were delicious.  They were really soft, like all of the KS cookies, but even a little more moist from the oatmeal, I think.  What made them outstanding though was that they had added a nice hit of cinnamon that pairs perfectly with the raisin and oatmeal. Despite thinking that I wouldn’t, I really ended up liking them.  Getting the variety pack was kind of nice too, to have a bit of, um, variety.  Plus, it’s nice to have something aside from just chocolate chip cookies too.   20 cookies for £5.49 (US: $8.79).  Item #: 0093952.

Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner

Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner – I just used up the last of my previous giant bottle of KS conditioner, the old formula.  When you use just a little bit of it per day, that liter of conditioner stays around for a long time.  But finishing up that bottle has allowed me to try the new formula that has been around for like two years.  On the bottle they say it is a “Professional Salon Formula” but I’m not really sure what that means exactly.  It seems nice and thick and does a great job at keeping my hair looking shiny and healthy.  The thing that I really appreciate too is that it is safe for colour treated hair.  It’s hard to find a decent conditioner, that doesn’t cost a fortune, and won’t strip the colour right out of my hair.  I’ve noticed that it somehow manages to keep my hair soft and shiny, and gives me great amount of curliness too.  I have natural curl in my hair, but if I use a conditioner or shampoo that has lots of stuff in that weighs down my hair it gets all straight and flat looking.  The KS conditioner though is free of sulfates and paraben, so I think that helps keep my hair in better shape and allows the curl to come out too.  It’s also gluten free, though I’m not sure what that means in terms of hair care.  I’ve never really thought about gluten in my shampoo and conditioner.   The new bottle is a bit of a different size and shape too, a bit more compact, and fits in my shower a little better because it’s not as wide.  My one and only gripe about the new conditioner formula is that it is super perfume-y when you first put it in your hair.  It’s got a very floral and strong scent.  It doesn’t seem to linger all day at the huge level that it hits your nose with initially, thankfully.  I don’t know how guys would feel about this, Dave still uses it and says that it is okay because he doesn’t smell like a flower all day long.  So, I guess that’s okay then.  However, if you are really sensitive to smells, this might not be a good fit for you.  I’m thinking someday soon-ish my current bottle of shampoo will run out and I’ll be able to try the new KS shampoo formula too.   1 liter for £4.99 (US: $7.99).  Item #: 0519925.