Eat, Pay, Love~ Duane Reade Happy & Healthy Spring Issue for All your Grocery Needs

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In New York City, we all come from different walks of life. We look different, act different, and interact differently. But there is one thing we can all relate to and understand.. food.

Whether you’re a busy, single city dweller who never has time for anything but a quick fix, or the type who writes out their weekly family food needs ahead of time, we all figure out, find, and eat in our own, comfortable way. I had gotten very accustomed to an easy weekly shopping trip, but now, living with someone, I take my grocery shopping even more seriously, from fridge inspection, to grocery list making.

Duane Reade has grown enormously in the past few years, with almost every New York City store having had a complete redux, redesign, and expansion including not only the usually talked about Look Boutique, but also another important factor, the grocery store. What was once a great store to pickup a snack, or drink has become a supermarket in of itself.And believe it or not, with a frozen food section, dairy aisle, and sandwiches and pastas hub, you can actually buy a week’s worth of food for your household for well under $100.

If you’re a fly by the seat of your pants person, go check out the closest Duane Reade, grab the Happy & Healthy spring issue by the front, and pick yourself up some lunch, dinner, or afternoon snack. Download the App to find the one closest to you.

But, if you’re more like me, and pride yourself on your girly, list making abilities, you’re going to want to get ahead of the game, and check out the super store’s latest spring issue online. Keep in mind, this is not your typical circular. It features cover girls like Fergie, tips on how to stay healthy and fit, ideas for a healthy summer from sunscreen to food tips, and of course, all the store coupons and discounts you’ll need for your shopping excursion.

For an organizational dork like me, the Happy & Healthy online issue is a list makers dream. With every section highlighting a different set of products, it’s easy to find what you need, what’s on sale, and what are the best items of the week. I made my way through through it like a leopard stalking its prey, writing down everything I need, completing my grocery list, and getting ready to execute.

List in hand, rewards card in pocket, I hit the store to pick up all my essentials. The Delish brand offers some amazing, affordable items, and this week they did not disappoint. With 2 for $6 pizzas, 2 for $5 priobiotic snack mixes, $1.50 penne pasta, and 2 for $5 pasta sauces, I was able to pick up some great meals and snacks for the week, including other great sale items like Nice! chicken nuggets, perfect for a quick easy dinner with pasta. And though I’m trying to be good, in the spirit of the season, I couldn’t resist some Nice! ice cream sundae cones for only $2.99.

I might not have picked the healthiest options, and they might not offer a produce section (yet!), but for about $30 I was able to pick up 4 nights worth of dinners for me and my boyfriend, some healthy probiotic snacks, lunch, and even a little indulgence.

In an expensive city like New York, nothing feels better then getting a lot for a little. If this is a motto that the man in your life didn’t necessarily understand as a rationalization to the 4 new shirts hanging in your closet, this is sure to get through to him. And his stomach…

For more on this story, and my in store shopping experience, check out my feature and photos on Google Plus