Behind The Butter

impulse buyer

I am an impulse buyer.

I like instant gratification and will often pay the extra twenty five dollars for next day shipping for no other reason other than the sheer fact that I want it now.

This can be a good thing, in that I make decisions quickly and know what I want. It can also be a bad thing, in terms of apartment hunting and pair after pair of boots in my closet.

I’m not quite sure why I’m telling you all this, other than the fact that this morning I was at Trader Joe’s roaming the aisles. I made the classic mistake of forgetting my list, so I’m just pushing my cart along, talking on my cellphone and throwing random cans of tomatoes and lentils into my cart.

Then I see this fine delicacy near the register, looking lonely and delicious.


Orange flavored dark chocolate with twenty break-a-part segments? Why yes sir, I believe I will!

I rushed home clutching my prize, eager to break apart chocolate orange segments in the comfort and privacy of my own kitchen.

And it was delicious.

There’s no real point to this story other than to say that sometimes impulse purchases can be a very, very good thing indeed.

Especially on a Monday and especially when it involves chocolate.

The end.

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  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    December 6, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I’m horrible at impulse shopping. I cave every-single-time! I have no patience and have a house filled with impulse. But I love it! So yes, impulse can be a very good thing 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    December 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    i’m such an impulse shopper it’s not even funny…ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! i’d say your impulse buy is a winner in my book 🙂

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
    December 6, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I’m an impulse shopper sometimes too. I’m getting better at it… finances demand so. But still, sometimes impulse wins — highlights, shorter hair, books, sweaters, and maybe a cruise reservation.

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please
    December 6, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I’m definitely an impulse buyer when it comes to food! I’ll see something, and the little, tiny voice of reason in my head starts to speak up, but I quickly silence it. Totally worth it – especially when chocolate is involved!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    December 6, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Too funny – I was looking at those to snack on while waiting for my boots to be fixed earlier today… I ended up going for the chocolates with the mint inside instead. See you next time, chocolate orange!

  • jessica @ how sweet
    December 6, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Impulse buyer is my middle name. Sales associates see me coming a mile away.

  • Lauren
    December 6, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    I totally agree. I found dark chocolate yogurt today and immediately bought it!

    • courtney
      December 6, 2010 at 6:53 pm

      WHERE? I want to impulse-buy that right now!

  • Amanda (Eating Up)
    December 6, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Impulse decisions make life fun! They’re the fun little surprises you weren’t expecting 🙂

  • Joanna
    December 6, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Ohhhh I love these. Chocolate +Orange = a perfect match.

  • liane
    December 6, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    Too funny! That was my impulse purchase at TJ’s yesterday as well. At least you managed to get home before you opened the package, while my orange didn’t even make it to the car before I was breaking it apart 🙂

  • DaniV
    December 6, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    I am an impulse buyer too! That’s why I *have* to have a list or else I come home with more chocolate, butter, cookie cutters than one family can consume/use.

    p.s. My four year old & I are going to make some Christmas tree cookies and decorate them (he’ll do this part on his own) to hand out to his teachers and friends at school – have you got a yummy simple vanilla cookie recipe that you can suggest?

  • April
    December 6, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    I did the same thing at TJ’s this past weekend! I was hungry and overwhelmed with the holiday signage so everything looked amazing. I ended up grabbing the candy cane Joe-Joe cookies, veggie tortilla chips with flaxseed, and the Pfeffernusse German spice cookies. Everything there always looks so good! Oh yes, and a mandatory bottle of wine was included.

  • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
    December 6, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    Oh goll, I am the same way! I had started to adapt the Coco Chanel motto of “before you leave the house, take off one accessory” to grocery shopping by saying, “before you check out, remove one item from your cart.” 🙂

  • chelsie
    December 6, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    I relate to this on so many level. At least we can make decisions on the fly, right?

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal
    December 6, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    My FIL looooves those chocolate oranges! Reminds me we have to pick up some for Christmas:)

  • Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
    December 6, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Love those break apart segments! I’m a list maker but my grocery list stands no chance against Trader Joe’s. Plus everything there is so cheap that I can justify getting the most random snacks. Ever had the teeny tiny peanut butter cups?? That’s my latest obsession…

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    December 6, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    I love chocolate oranges!! So yummy 🙂 Good decision.

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    December 6, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    anything on a monday involving chocolate is a very good thing

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    December 6, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Ah, yes, I know that orange quite well. Delicious

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing
    December 6, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Chocolate oranges are definitely worth it!

  • Tina
    December 6, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    I was at trader joe’s an hour ago, saw this, put it in my cart, and then by the time I went to make my purchase, I talked myself out of it. Now, that I am looking at your pictures, I wish I gave in! Orange + Chocolate is my favorite combo ever.

  • Evan Thomas
    December 6, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Chocolate Oranges are some of the most heavenly fruits of the season.

  • Becca D.
    December 6, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Ahhh, I used to get one of those EVERY Christmas from my Grandma Blanda…you always knew what that little bulge down in the bottom of your stocking was!! 🙂

  • Errign
    December 6, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    I used to LOVE those chocolate oranges, though I’ve never seen the TJs ones before. Excellent impulse buy, I say!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    December 6, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    You. Are. Not. Alone!

    I’m an impulse buyer. I have to force myself to ‘sleep on’ matters that require a lot of thought, because it’s so like me to just decide right then and there.

    Love those orange segments! 😀

  • grace b
    December 6, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Haha Jenna didn’t you win a yearly supply of lentils?? Now HOW can you be buying them at the store? Lol.

    That looks like a delicious impulse buy!

    I’m always a sucker for chocolate related things.

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life
    December 6, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I am totally an impulse buyer and most of the time do the next day or 2 day shipping as well, when I online shop! I never need the things immediately, but I just want them now too!

  • Sahar
    December 6, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Love it!
    I’d also like to comment that I’m especially privy to impulse buys at trader joe’s 😉

  • Brenna [fabuleuxdestin]
    December 6, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I just bought a new “holiday skirt” for the many fabulous and fancy hypothetical parties I will attend … at least your impulse buy was delicious!

  • Brenna [fabuleuxdestin]
    December 6, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Oh! And I just finished a book I think you would like – Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Heading to check your recs for more!!

  • Ella
    December 6, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    I am the same way. The “impulse” section of stores by the cash register get me every time. I havent had one of those chocolate oranges in so long..

  • Angharad
    December 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    Ha! I just responded to your tweet about this and then happened to click over to your blog and now there’s more! I am an indecisive fool but also an impulse buyer if that is in any way possible.

    Either way, chocolate orange is one of my absolute favourites. Favourite thing to get in my stocking, hands down.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)
    December 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    That chocolate looks awesome and Ive never noticed it at TJs before. It’s been duly noted now, though 🙂

    I am an impulse buyer on certain things but belabor decisions on others. And it’s not always price, either. Sometimes I spend more time deciding if i “need” a $5.99 item from Target than I do deciding to spend a small fortune on say, computer equipment or something for the house that’s big ticket.

    I like your impulse buy for sure!

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
    December 6, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    I’ve never had the Trader Joe’s variety, but I’ve had Terry’s chocolate oranges before and I love them! Buy them every holiday season. <3

    I'm an impulse buyer too. It's never been too awesome of a trait while grocery shopping though. Makes my scale groan.

  • Lisa
    December 6, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    I LOVE the orange chocolates! They really remind me of Christmas!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston
    December 6, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    I’m going to have to get one of those the next time I go to TJ’s.. I love orange in desserts!

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine)
    December 6, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    You think you’re an impulse buyer? I bought $11 chestnut honey today just because it was written in Italian.

  • Anonymous
    December 6, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    I am the same way… which makes it hard when you want to be pregnant but have to wait TWO WHOLE WEEKS before you can take a test!

    That is all.

  • Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
    December 6, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    when it comes to Trader Joes….well, things can get dangerous!
    love,
    cathy b. @ brightbakes

  • Erica D
    December 6, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Whoamygoodness, I love (and forgot about) those chocolate oranges! I wish I had a TJ’s near me, because dark chocolate would be an amazing upgrade.

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
    December 6, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    trader joe’s=impulse buy. i can’t resist. and normally, i am NOT an impulse shopper!

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic
    December 6, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    I’m HORRIBLE about impulse buys! I swear, I can go to a store for ONE THING and come home with 20! And if there are long lines at the checkout that’s the worst! I could MAYBE make it through the store with just the one thing I need, but if I have to wait in a long line….I promise I’ll be picking up a couple things that I “have to have” from by the register (e.g., magazines, gum, bottled water, whatever!) : )

  • Baking 'n' Books
    December 6, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    But did you make something with it?! The empty pan!

    …(to be continued?) 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    December 6, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Oh my gosh, I love those chocolate oranges! They have mint and raspberry flavoured ones too, which I’ve been dying to try.

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    December 6, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    OMG. I was at TJizzle’s on Sunday and did the same thing. At one point, I had three boxes of cookies in my hands and I thought, “Kailey, this isn’t necessary. Calm down. The cookies will be here next week if you still really want them.” But the mini gingerbread men were so mine.

  • KatherineC
    December 6, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    oh my, I haven’t seen those chocolate oranges anywhere since I left England last year. If only they had a Trader Joe’s in florida!

  • J.
    December 6, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    Impulses and indecisiveness are two things I fall victim to often.
    Like the fact that I do zero iota of exercise…but buy every chocolate, cookie, and dessert item I see. And eat them day and night.

    And money…dear lord. I had to pay 1000 for new tires…I spent over 300 on things that just had to be bought….and today I got a $100 parking ticket!!!

    And my car door won’t open. Its frozen. And its not even the most terrible cold yet…it will get worse. The only way to get it open is for my landlord to pry open the door with a crowbar….I can’t do that every day.
    Soo,…I’m screwed…and wishing I lived somewhere without cold, snow, parking tickets, and need for expenses.

    Oof…off to eat more chocolate and sit…do what I do best…

    • jessica
      December 6, 2010 at 4:24 pm

      Hope you luck turns around soon 🙂 I know what you mean about the car door being frozen shut- I hate that! Well, at lease we can count on the simple things in life to cheer us up; like chocolate!

      • AshleyH
        December 6, 2010 at 6:19 pm

        …like chocolate and wine. 😀

  • dana @ my little celebration
    December 6, 2010 at 4:19 pm

    I’m absolutely an impulse buyer, too. I’m also an impulsive disposer – if something’s cluttered or in my way, I toss it…and sometimes regret it later. But usually, not.

    Have you ever cooked with chocolate and orange? Just curious….’tis one of my favorite combinations. I really like Theo dark chocolate orange bars. So good!

  • jessica
    December 6, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I’m such a mix: impulsive one minute and indecisive the next. I can’t say I’ve ever regreted an impulse chocolate purchace though- better than another pair of heels!

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy
    December 6, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Weird! I bought this yesterday! They were stocking stuffings when I was a kid. They are so good!

  • Dee
    December 6, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    AMEN.

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    December 6, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    I am such an impulse buyer! It’s really bad 🙁 haha but I do enjoy most of the things I buy!

  • Katie
    December 6, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    I totally forgot those chocolate oranges existed! I always got so excited about them as a kid.

  • Camille
    December 6, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    I am reallly bad with impulse buys. I have to shop with a list now or it is trouble!

  • Alicia
    December 6, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    HA! I love this… and you’re right — chocolate is the ultimate impulse buy!

  • Lizzie
    December 6, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    I love these – standard stocking stuffer in the UK. I love how it’s just all chocolate with the orange as a taste – not a sweet filling.
    I would love to have some of your impulse buy inclinations. Normally I try so hard to justify why I need to buy whatever it is, google up a coupon hunt, and then by the time I actually make the decision, it’s either gone or not on sale anymore.
    There’s this bag I’ve been eyeing up for a couple of months. .. hmmmm . .. … 🙂

  • Liana @ femme fraiche
    December 6, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    hahah I am such an impulse buyer especially when I shop when I’m hungry (which is always)! I loved this post….so cute:)

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    December 6, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    I don’t like to call myself impulsive… I just know what I want. 🙂

  • the salty girl
    December 6, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    chocolate & citrus is one of my favorite desserts. when i am really craving that combination, i melt some dark chocolate and dip tangerine segments in the melted stuff. yummmm

  • AshleyH
    December 6, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Oh man forgetting your list and talking on the cellphone while grocery shopping almost guarentees that you will end up leaving with a bunch of stuff you dont need and about half of things that were on the list you forgot.
    I am a impulse shopper too, but I am also an infamous returner. I’ll get something and think why did I buy this and return it the next day. My fiance would probably want me to add that I usually end up impulsively buying something else with the return money though. hehe. so bad.

  • kate
    December 6, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    You better believe that Ill be stocking up on chocolate oranges any day now. I look forward to the time of year that they are in stores!!

  • Allie
    December 6, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    oh yes, the chocolate oranges stood no chance with me at Tjoes. yum and yum.

  • Cathy
    December 6, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    I’m also guilty of impulse shopping at the grocery store. Though I usually end up buying more fruits and veggies than necessary. Probably not a bad thing until it goes bad.

  • laura (Starloz)
    December 6, 2010 at 7:31 pm

    i haven’t had one of these since i was a child, this depresses me!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    December 6, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    I am NOT an impulse buyer. At all. But when it comes to chocolate, all I do is just make sure to plan on buying it. hahaha

  • Lu
    December 6, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    I bought one of these once. It called to me just because of the flavors. However, when I read the instructions and saw that you had to whack it on the counter to get to the goodness I knew that the cathartic nature of this treat couldn’t get much better.

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    December 6, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    I like to think of impulse buying as a solid, tangible testament to love at first sight. 😉
    Well done with that dark chocolate orange. You played it like a champ.

  • Melissa
    December 6, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    Impulse buys have often been my very best decisions in life ~ and like you, chocolate seems to rank high when it comes to impulse indulgence!

    Just discovered your blog (yes, one might say I have been living under a rock), and I love it here! I’m also a Southern Belle by birth and blood, but now I am beyond happy to call Northern California my home!

  • Cara Craves...
    December 6, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    I am only an impulse buyer when I am shopping alone and no one else is there to judge me 🙂

  • Sarah
    December 7, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Yum! Do you guys have Terry’s Chocolate Orange over there? That’s what it sounds and looks like. Love it.

    I’m an impulse buyer too. Recently, our cupboards have become full with foodie items that will take us a while to eat. Especially as they’re healthy items; they will be there for a long time since all the biscuits and chocolate will go first (and I keep replenishing the unhealthy stock!).

  • Rebekah
    December 7, 2010 at 6:44 am

    oh man those reminf me of last Christmas, I was pregnant and could eat it all without feeling too guillty!

  • Amanda
    December 7, 2010 at 6:49 am

    MMM 🙂 This chocolate orange looks delicious!!

  • Maria
    December 7, 2010 at 7:10 am

    I am usually not an impulse buyer, but lately I can’t stop myself! Love those oranges!

  • Amber K
    December 7, 2010 at 7:30 am

    The list is the one thing I don’t forget! Now coupons on the other hand….always seem to be left on my desk!

  • Nicole
    December 7, 2010 at 9:14 am

    I can’t remember that last time I had one of those chocolate oranges, but I love that you can pull it apart into individual segments 🙂

  • Katie G.
    December 7, 2010 at 9:58 am

    Right now I want….to drive to Trader Joes and get my hands on those chocolate oranges, they look yummy!
    I’m an impulse buyer on some things, and others it takes me weeks to make a decision…depends on what it is. When it’s anything food or accessories related, I need it NOW.

  • The Healthy Apple
    December 7, 2010 at 10:03 am

    I am the queen of impulse shoppin’…especially when it comes to food…love it…I am seriously runnin’ to Trader Joe’s to pick up that chocolate tnitey.

  • Kaitlyn
    December 8, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    this post made my day.

  • Kelsey
    December 31, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    Lonely and delicious, indeed! I remember when these were all the rage when I was younger.