family – Page 4 – Phlox Pro

When I bought my Volvo XC90 in 2017, I was thrilled to get a safe, third-row vehicle. With three kids between the ages of 3 and 8, the extra space meant fewer fights and more room, and reassured me that the car’s safety features would help me drive through snowy roads and city traffic.

Almost a decade later, that same Volvo has over 112,000 miles on it. I still remember when my family and I sat on the front porch, excited, as we watched the car get delivered from the truck.

The author’s family was excited to see their car be delivered.

Courtesy of the author

These days, my kids have been asking me when I’m going to get a new car, and my answer remains the same — I love my car and I’m going to keep driving it.

The car is still reliable — and I trust it

Aside from regular maintenance and tire changes, the car has been reliable. Before the warranty expired, we purchased an extended warranty on the vehicle. Now that the extended warranty has expired due to mileage, I am still in awe at how reliable the car has remained.

Years ago, we appreciated that the trunk could hold the double stroller, and that the built-in booster seat allowed us to drive car pools with small children. These days, we appreciate the third-row flexibility that allows us to fit our skis, snowboards, soccer gear, backpacks, and all the other essentials my kids need.

I spend a lot of time in the car driving people around, and I am thankful for a car I can rely on.

The author spends a lot of time in her car and finds it reliable.

Courtesy of the author

My mom used to say that the best car is one that reliably gets you from point A to point B. I still agree with this statement.

I appreciate the small safety features that I now take for granted. From the computer technology to the warning lights on the mirrors and back-up cameras, the car has helped keep my family safe on numerous occasions and helped me avoid some near accidents.

The car is part of our family. We have taken it on adventures to national parks, ski resorts in the Rockies, and even to an alligator farm. The vehicle has had its share of muddy shoes, candy wrappers, and dog hair. It also has dings from when I backed the car into the garage.

The economics don’t make sense for a new car right now

When my car is in the garage, the dealer provides me with a loaner car — a brand-new version of my current vehicle. I get tempted and think about how nice it would be to get a new car. The latest vehicles have more power, fewer scratches, are cleaner, and have that new-car smell.

I’ve crunched the numbers. After years of car payments, my car is now paid off. Every month that goes by without a car payment means more money toward saving for the future. More money for food, utilities, saving for college, and the occasional splurge. Saving money now means more financial freedom for tomorrow.

Buying a new car is expensive. Borrowing money for car payments these days costs more than it did in the past. Even yearly vehicle registration costs less for an older car.

Part of me feels proud to keep driving my older car

We live in a world that tells us that newer is better, that we should want more. Although external validation of a new car is nice, I am focusing on the internal satisfaction that comes from knowing I am saving money by driving an older car.

My car may not turn heads in the school pick-up line, but I view the scratches and door dings much like wrinkles- a sign of a good life.

I will continue to drive my older car, and I am thankful for a safe and reliable vehicle that has served my family well.

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2025-12-10T14:41:18.483Z

I’m a dietitian and mom who relies on Costco staples to make healthy meals for my family of four.
Taylor Farms salad kits and raw veggies help me prep dinner in under 30 minutes.
I also use Amylu meatballs and proteins from Kevin’s Natural Foods to make easy weeknight meals.

Even though I’m a registered dietitian, the question “What’s for dinner?” always weighs heavily on my mind.

Getting a decent dinner on the table quickly can be a challenge, particularly when I factor in late work meetings and my two kids’ after-school activities.

No matter how busy I get, though, I always try to prepare a balanced, nutritious dinner with a high-quality protein and at least one vegetable for my family.

Here are seven products I get at Costco to prep flavorful weeknight dinners I feel good about serving my kids.

I rely on Amylu chicken meatballs for quick meals.

Amylu chicken meatballs are versatile enough to eat with a variety of cuisines.

Ana Reisdorf

Amylu chicken meatballs are a versatile option for a weeknight meal, packing about 3 ½ grams of protein per meatball.

I can prepare them on their own or pair them with sides like brown rice and veggies. I’ve also served them over pasta, zoodles, or crusty bread for a filling weeknight dinner.

These meatballs reheat well and don’t require any time-intensive chopping or prep. They’re also great for nights when my kids need something quick and satiating before rushing out the door.

I keep at least one pack in the freezer for backup dinners. They’re reliable, kid-friendly, and take all the pressure off when I need something quick.

Rao’s Homemade marinara sauce is a staple in my house.

Rao's Marinara sauce — Rao’s marinara tastes better than any jarred alternatives I’ve tried from grocery stores.

Ana Reisdorf

A good jar of marinara sauce can actually taste homemade, and Rao’s version is proof. I can’t beat its quality for the price, so I stock up on it whenever I see it at Costco.

I like that it has no added sugar (unlike many jarred marinara sauces). The flavor is also rich enough that I can use it without adding any spices or seasonings.

I often pair this marinara with the Amylu chicken meatballs and spaghetti, but I can also use it in my baked chicken recipe or as a quick pizza sauce.

It’s one of the few items in my pantry that consistently saves me time while still tasting fresh and flavorful.

Heat-and-serve entrées, like Kevin’s Natural Foods’ roasted-garlic chicken, require barely any effort.

Kevin's Roasted Garlic Chicken — The packaging around the roasted-garlic chicken keeps the meat fresh for longer than I expected.

Ana Reisdorf

Costco offers a wide range of heat-and-serve protein options. Kevin’s Natural Foods’ roasted-garlic chicken is always a staple in our fridge, serving up 21 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.

I find that each package lasts a long time, so I always keep one on hand for a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to pair with my veggies and other sides of choice.

Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin makes steak nights a breeze.

Sliced Grass Fed Beef Sirloin from Costco — Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin comes cooked perfectly.

Ana Reisdorf

My husband loves beef, but I sometimes have trouble preparing it just the way he likes.

Thankfully, Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin comes fully cooked and feels impossible to mess up.

It has 19 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, and is versatile enough to add to dishes like tacos, salads, or soups.

Getting my greens in is easy thanks to Taylor Farms salad kits.

Taylor Farms Salad Kit at Costco — Taylor Farms salad kits taste delicious and keep me from having to waste time chopping.

Ana Reisdorf

To get a quick meal on the table, I throw a protein over a Taylor Farms salad kit, which comes with everything I need to make a tasty salad in less than five minutes.

The Costco near me carries a wide variety of kits in the produce section, so I get different ones each week to mix up the flavors and ingredients.

Raw vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, come together to make delicious side salads.

Cucumber package from Costco — I snag the three-pack of cucumbers from Costco every time I shop at the store.

Ana Reisdorf

My kids prefer their vegetables raw rather than cooked, so a cucumber and tomato salad is a staple side dish on weeknights. Every time I put a batch on the table, my family finishes it.

A three-pack of cucumbers from Costco lasts me the whole week, and I feel good about serving them to my family since they’re a source of fiber and vitamin K, which supports bone health.

The store also tends to sell a wide variety of tomatoes, which I use to add a dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C to the salad.

My tomato and cucumber salad is so easy to throw together. Just chop some cucumbers and halve the tomatoes. Then, mix them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and vinegar.

I heat up Kirkland Signature’s chicken-tortilla soup on the busiest nights.

Kirkland Chicken Tortilla Soup — The chicken-tortilla soup has white meat and vegetables inside.

Ana Reisdorf

If the week is especially busy, everyone is ravenous, and I have to get dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes, I have premade soups, like the Kirkland Signature chicken-tortilla soup, on standby.

Admittedly, some soups have more sodium than I prefer, but at least the Kirkland Signature chicken-tortilla soup also contains tomatoes, corn, and peppers — and 12 grams of protein per cup.

It’s a nourishing, cozy meal that keeps everyone’s bellies full.

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Posts tagged: family

My 2017 Volvo has more than 100,000 miles. It’s old, paid off, and perfect for my family.