Queen of The Grocery Scene, Jewel-Osco #NotGoingAnywhere

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

This is our final sponsored post in our partnership with Jewel.   We've introduced you to a number of great offers, taken a trip back in time to the 1950's when my own dad began his first job at Jewel, showed you a sweet treat for the big game, and we've talked about Jewel not going anywhere when other large grocery chains are closing up shop.

Yes, Jewel-Osco is Queen of The Grocery Scene, in Chicago, or in other words, Jewel rules!   Convenience is key, and as we've mentioned before, Jewel-Osco is on your block and in your corner.  

Click here to check out our prior Jewel-Osco features.

This winter has had two settings, 50 below or dumping snow!   We've had the 3rd snowiest January on record and repeat run in's with the bone chilling, Polar Vortex.  It's been crazy enough to coin new terms like hash tag #chiberia and #snowpocalypse.

In weather like this, "NotGoingAnywhere takes on a whole new meaning and close is crucial!   We're a brave and hardy bunch here in Chicago, but in 50 below temps and 10" blizzards, cross town drives aren't going to happen.

Jewel-Osco is our neighborhood store and our go to choice for everything from first aid for our competitive gymnast's sprains and strains to food for our newborn Guinea Pigs, who arrived in the middle of the last Polar Vortex.  Meet Vortex, Charlie & Cheekums.  Despite the brutal wind chill, we made a run to Jewel-Osco for kale, Brussels sprouts, and carrots to keep mama Guinea Pig, Bweep, happy and healthy and full of vitamin C for her new arrivals.  She's better about eating her veggies than my kids are!

You never know what you're going to need in the middle of a blizzard or Polar Vortex!   Close IS key.   And Jewel-Osco is everywhere.

Rest assured, your Jewel-Osco is here to stay.

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

FOODIE TUESDAY: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs For The Big Game Via Jewel-Osco #notgoinganywhere #ad

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

Yeah, yeah.   Everything is big game this and big game that this week.   I've gotta admit, when I watch the Superbowl at all, I usually dig the ads more than the football.  I once went to an official party of creatives--copy writers, graphic designers, and ad execs who actually watched the commercials avidly and took their snack breaks, potty stops, and talked through the game.   I know... sacrilege.   

I do watch hockey religiously, if that redeems me somewhat, in the eyes of the jocks.  These could be made into pretty rockin' helmets, pucks, and Blackhawks feathers, come to think of it.  Go Blackhawks!

No matter how you watch the big game... alone or with friends, or not at all, snacks rock.   Weekends are always a great time to break out the munchies. It's funny though, most "big game" snacks tend toward a big meat fest, salty chips n dip, and other man cave fare.   

That's why these cuties jumped out at us!   They're unique among the Superbowl snack options.  Yum!   These giant chocolate covered strawberries look wickedly delicious.   I'd tackle someone for a tray of these beauties.   You've still gotta DIY 'em but all the ingredients are easily found at your local Jewel.   Not a football fan?   Make these giant football strawberries over into Dr. Who's Tardis, abstract art, funky faces, or whatever floats your boat.

For more foodie fun, local philanthropy, and deals, check out Jewel-Osco's fun Pinterest Boards.

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

   

WIN a Jewel of a Deal, Free Groceries For a YEAR! #NotGoingAnywhere #ad #giveaway

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

Jewel-Osco can help you start 2014 with a LOT more cash in your pocket. They're giving one lucky winner FREE groceries for a YEAR!

Click here for 

your 

chance to 

WIN.

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

A Jewel of a Deal & Another Slice of History #NotGoingAnywhere #Ad

Disclosure:  We are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.

Jewel has launched it's $5 off $50 purchase coupon. Shoppers need to register here, then you will be able to print a coupon.

Jewel-Osco is on your block and in your corner!   

We frequent Jewel and rely on them for the basics and for special desserts.   Our favorite sweet treats from Jewel are Diana's Banana Babies and Graeter's Chip Ice Creams.   Graeter's originates from Cincinnati (my childhood home) and is my favorite ice cream of all time.   Their chocolate chips are HUGE slabs of dark chocolate and their ice cream flavors are made in small batches and are incredible!

My Dad's first high school job ever was at a Chicago area Jewel, back in the 50's!!

We're visiting the grandparents for the holidays as usual this year, and I was surprised to learn that before he got his accounting degree at Northwestern, my Dad's first high school job ever was at a Chicago area Jewel, back in the 50's!!   Back then he said they had to price everything by hand with a stamper and purple dye.   When canned goods would go on sale, they'd scrape off the code with steel wool and stamp on the weekly discount, then reverse the process at the end of the week!

It's a fun glimpse into the past to time travel back 60 years, Dr Who style. Kids these days don't know how easy they have it, with computerized inventory, registers and all.   Back then, minimum wage pay was .75 cents an hour!

Funniest Jewel Story from The 50's:
The Caffeine Fiend

My dad told me his funniest memory of those early Jewel days, a story I'd never heard before.   A thief came in once, with a huge, floor length overcoat, with interior pockets sewn in.   He proceeded to load up the pockets with glass bottles full of coffee, while the manager covertly watched him.   

When the guy tried to make a run for it, the store manager headed him off at the pass with a cart, and when the thief hit the cart, the stolen bottles broke all over the inside of his coat, covering him with coffee & glass.   The manager didn't call the police, but told him never to return, and threw the soggy coffee bandit out of the store!

Disclosure:  Once again, we are happy to be working with Jewel-Osco on a sponsored campaign through January 31st and have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers.   As always, all opinions are our own.