The Importance of Community

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It is hard to believe that we have lived in our neighborhood for almost 20 years now!  I moved here years ago and rented an apartment because my then-boyfriend (who is now my husband) told me he had friends who lived in the neighborhood and that they really liked the area.  Who knew that our family would be going on 20 years, have lived in two apartments in the area, purchased our home 100 yards from our apartment, got engaged, married and had our lovely daughter.

Through the years I have seen the neighborhood change with neighbors and students coming and going, new mom and pop stores and restaurants sprouting up.  We have shopped at various grocery stores throughout the years but the one we keep coming back to is our local Albertson’s store.  I can’t help but think about Cheers Theme Song “Where Everyone Knows Your Name,” when I walk in there because the employees – from the Store Director, Ed Hamada to the grocery checkers, like Tony, who make an effort to ask you how your day is going while you are shopping.  I am a sucker for good customer service and am always a bit surprised when more companies – large or small don’t make this an important part of their business model.

A few years back, my daughter could only drink goats milk and Albertsons carried a brand we really like.  One day I noticed that they stopped carrying it and I asked the dairy section employee why they didn’t have any in stock.  He explained that it wasn’t a big seller and so they took it off the shelves.  Since this was the one brand she would drink and no one else in the area sold it I was concerned.  I immediately asked to see the manager and Mike Dobbs, the Assistant Store Director came over to help me out. I  explained that I do most of my shopping there specifically to pick this one item.  He didn’t blink an eye and said that he would look into it and see if they could restock this item for me.  When I came back to the store the next week I was pleasantly surprised that the goats milk was back on the shelves and has been there ever since.  I really appreciated that they took the time to take care of one customer’s needs and so I have been a fan ever since!

This week we celebrated my daughter’s 9th birthday and I headed to Albertson’s to pick up some goodies.  She is a big fan of ice cream but we have to get “clean” ice cream (no preservatives or additives) and so I picked up Breyer’s All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream. I love that companies are listening to us moms about providing better quality food for our kids and taking out all the junk they don’t need!

This was the first time I have tried this new All Natural Ice Cream and I really like it!  Our neighbor, Sandy, said she has been buying Breyer’s ice cream for years and really loves the taste.  What is your favorite type?  I just might be sold on this brand now!

We had a little party for her and invited the grandparents and neighbors to have some ice cream.  As my husband said “who needs cake when you have ice cream.”  She was happy and I was happy that putting together a quick Ice Cream Bar is as easy as:

Breyer’s All Natural Ice Cream

Hot Fudge and/or Caramel

Nuts

Whipped Cream

Trail Mix

And put the treats in some cute bowls on a platter and viola – you are ready for the troops.  I also picked up some fresh fruit since I like to offer that for the kids (and adults) as well.

Starting today, July 29th through August 11th,  Albertson’s is having their huge Anniversary sale and you should go check out all the deals they are offering!  Be sure to check out their crab legs in the meat section – they carry a great selection!  Our local Albertson’s has been making a lot of wonderful additions including a new salad bar that is always stocked with fresh lettuce, spinach and vegetables.

They also switched up their Organic section which I love since it makes my shopping so much easy since I have to go to that one area in the Fruit and Vegetable section, and my daughter is obsessed with their chicken wings.  Pretty much every time we head to the store she asked if she can get a couple wings which she tends to enjoy while helping me shop. This week I picked up some Lipton Ice Tea all-natural tea because I know Kate’s grandpa loves ice tea and I didn’t even have to boil it.  Makes for a quick drink to serve guests!

Albertsons/Safeway is your go to grocer. Shop the HUGE Anniversary sale and stock up on your favorite ice-cream brands 7/29-8/11. I’d love to hear your favorite!