This Whole Foods News Will Save You Serious Money

Listen up, cash-strapped healthy eaters: Whole Foods has heard your “Whole Paycheck” prayers. Last Wednesday, co-CEO Walter Robb announced a chain of budget-friendly, millennial-geared stores that will be launched sometime in 2016. In a press release he disclosed the company has its sights set on a “uniquely branded store concept unlike anything that currently exists in the marketplace. Offering our industry leading standards at value prices, this new format will feature a modern, streamlined design, innovative technology and a curated selection.”

So what does that even mean? Well, it means you can now plan on having your farm-fresh eggs, organic coconut oil and cacao nibs for less. There’s no word yet on the offerings, how exactly they are magically slashing their prices, where the store locations will be or even what the name will be. But we for one are excited about this increased access to sustainable food, lifestyle products and hopefully never having to Google “How to Save Money at Whole Foods” again. All we can say is: Watch out, Trader Joe’s. Whole Foods wants a piece of your millennial pie.

Are you excited about the news? Share your thoughts below!

(Photo via Gaia Health Blog)

Farmer's market season is swiftly approaching, and though you wanna reach for just about everything out on stands (us, too), there's a special select group of produce in season right now! Shopping produce that's in season ensures you're getting fruits and vegetables at their highest quality in terms of texture, flavor, and shelf life.

This is the produce in season for May! We've also listed some amazing recipe ideas to use up each produce pick.

*Make sure to save this list for your next grocery trip or farmer's market adventure!*

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the yummiest produce in season for May, since they can taste like literal candy when ripe. They're just a classic when it comes to spring fruits!

What to make:

Photo by Kulbir / PEXELS

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a stalk vegetable that blooms beautifully in spring. It's commonly used in pies, but you could also make some boozy cocktails with rhubarb! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

What to make:

Photo by Timur Weber / PEXELS

Mango

Mango is oh-so tropical, lending a blissful vacation vibe to any recipe. From drinks to snacks, you can count on mango to be super juicy this season. Try one of our recipes!

What to make:

Photo by Any Lane / PEXELS

Kiwi

Kiwis pack a nutritious punch, supplying more than twice your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. We adore that they're an immune-boosting fruit and can taste like candy when eaten at peak ripeness!

What to make:

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric / PEXELS

Pineapple

We could honestly eat an entire pineapple by ourselves. It's that yummy! Pineapple is equally yummy in savory dishes as it is in sweet ones, and we have plenty of recipe ideas to explore with this produce in season.

What to make:

Photo by Eva Bronzini / PEXELS

Beets

Beets are famous for being rich in antioxidants, which is helpful especially if you're trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Try one of these recipe ideas for a nutritious boost!

What to make:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons thrive this time of year! Use 'em to make juice, mix 'em into sauces and dips, or make them the star of your recipes and cocktails!

What to make:

Photo by Ready Made / PEXELS

Avocado

Avocado can be used in recipes way beyond your regular avocado toast. Take advantage of this produce in season this May by making spreads, dips, sauces, and more with this green fruit!

What to make:

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Broccoli

Good ol' broc is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and you don't have to eat it plain if you don't want to! Broccoli makes an excellent side dish for pastas and casseroles, plus it gets pretty yum when you roast it in the oven.

What to make:

Photo by This Is Zun / PEXELS

Carrots

Carrots, whether you eat them crunchy or cooked down, are the perfect spring veggie. You may know carrots for being able to benefit your vision, but they also can lower cholesterol levels and even help prevent cancer! Sneaking carrots into soups or salads is an easy way to make use of the seasonal veg.

What to make:

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

Spinach + Arugula

We all loathed spinach as kids, but it's gained some real appeal since we've grown up! Spinach is another easy produce in season that you can sneak into recipes like smoothies and pasta sauces. We can't forget a classic spinach dip, either! Arugula is also in season for May, so get ready to make some delish salads, too.

What to make:

Photo by RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

Artichokes

Fresh artichokes are a blast to cook with if you've never tried it! They'll be super fresh and tasty when you pick them up from your local market. If you're wondering what to do with this piece of produce, we've got a few ideas...

What to make:

Photo by R Khalil / PEXELS

Peas

Peas are such an underrated vegetable, in our opinion. They're great when eaten alone, but they also help bulk up soups, pastas, and more. You could even make a delish risotto with some peas!

What to make:

Photo by Mali Maeder / PEXELS

Radishes

Radishes aren't particularly tasty on their own, but they make excellent garnishes for salads, sandwiches, and even tacos. They pack a healthy punch with vitamin C and calcium!

What to make:

Photo by Mali Maeder / PEXELS

Asparagus

This stalky veggie used to yuck us out as kids, but now, it's super delish when we roast it in the oven or grill it with some fish.

What to make:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Cauliflower

Broccoli's cousin, cauliflower, is so versatile. Make some cauli wings or cauli rice to sneak in some good veg.

What to make:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Green Onion

Green onion can bring flavor to any dish, plus it makes an excellent garnish.

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Pinterest for more fresh recipe ideas!

Lead photo by Vanessa Loring / PEXELS.

This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

Spring brings new beginnings, so we're starting the season off with something of our own — we're trying to cook with what’s actually in season. Using seasonal produce in your recipes means you're getting the most fruitful ingredients with the best quality. Some springtime produce that thrive right now are arugula, avocados, carrots, garlic, and oranges. This produce is undeniably worth the wait each year – so don’t hesitate to run to your nearest farmer’s market this month! Here’s everything that's in-season this April, plus the tastiest recipes you can make with each one.

1. Artichokes

Photo by Antonio Filigno / PEXELS

Artichokes are a unique addition to savory appetizer and dinner recipes. They offer a pleasant texture that you can't find in other produce. Preparing artichokes takes special skill, so if you're looking to challenge yourself in the kitchen this spring, give the green veggie a try.

What To Make: Roasted Lemon Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Chopped artichokes become unbelievably tender in this baked dip. Each bite is zesty and creamy, so come prepared with toast to devour it with. (via Half Baked Harvest)

2. Arugula

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

We've long thought of arugula as spinach's bitter sister, but the leafy green is actually very versatile in flavor and texture. It comes in many different varieties so you can play around with which one works best for your palette.

What To Make: Strawberry Arugula Salad

Image via Feel Good Foodie

This recipe sweetens arugula up with a berry good pairing. The fresh ingredients in this dish will definitely elevate all those springtime feelings. (via Feel Good Foodie)

3. Asparagus

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Long gone are the days of thinking asparagus is a gross vegetable — it's got flavor for days. These stalks taste delicious roasted, but there are a handful of ways you can prep them from tossing them in salads, pastas, pizzas, and more!

What To Make: Asparagus Pizza

Image via Most Hungry

Surprise! Pizza can be healthy! Lay out this pie using a homemade dough for the best results, but if you have to go the store-bought route, the fresh and seasonal toppings will balance out the dough. (via Most Hungry)

4. Avocados

Photo by ready made / PEXELS

There's nothing better than a perfectly ripe avocado – they smooth out your meal's texture while supplementing it with healthy fats and vitamins. Guacamole, salads, and deliciously-topped toasts are definitely our favorite things to make with fresh avocados.

What To Make: Healthy Avocado Toast

Image via Live Eat Learn

Once you go avo toast, you never go back — breakfasts just won't be the same. You can play around with your toasty additions to form the best morning bite, topping it with eggs, deli meats, or even just a sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning. (via Live Eat Learn)

5. Beets

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist / PEXELS

Earthy beets are so good when cooked the right way. If you're looking for new techniques to try with this radical root, we have a couple tips! Boiling or steaming beets eliminates their undesired crunchy texture, and marinating them immerses each piece in flavor. Give it a try!

What To Make: Beet Pasta

You can get in some hidden nutrition with this beet pasta sauce. This vegan recipe doesn't skimp on the creaminess of a regular pasta sauce, plus the eye-catching color makes it a total joy to eat!

6. Berries

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev / PEXELS

Did you hear? Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are back in. Though we admit we're definitely stuffing them in our mouths year-round, they taste the absolute best in springtime. Use these sweet seasonal bites to top pancakes or waffles, add to yogurt bowls, blend for a smoothie, or just pop a few in your mouth for a midday snack!

What To Make: Caribbean Passion Smoothie

Image via Culinary Hill

Flavors of mango, passionfruit, peaches, and strawberry infuse this thick springtime smoothie. This recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy foods into your day, even when that sweet tooth calls. (via Culinary Hill)

7. Broccoli

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Your parents were right – you will grow up to love broccoli. Broccoli comes back into season this month, so you've got the perfect excuse to make something to compliment its crunchy earthiness.

What To Make: Green Goddess Vegan Broccoli Soup

Image via The Girl On Bloor

Assemble this electric green soup for an extreme boost of healthy foods! Broccoli teams up with kale to deliver your new favorite spring soup. (via The Girl On Bloor)

8. Cabbage

Photo by Laker / PEXELS

Cabbage is super versatile, adding soft or crunchy textures depending on how it's cooked. If you're not into raw cabbage in all its uncooked glory, boiling this vegetable makes all the difference on the both the texture and taste fronts.

What To Make: Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Image via Barley & Sage

A bright cabbage slaw decorates these flavorful grilled chicken tacos for added crunch! If tacos aren't your vibe this season, you can still use it to sprinkle on top of salads or sandwiches for the same effect. (via Barley & Sage)

9. Carrots

Photo by Shanu Azhicode / PEXELS

We immediately associate the words 'springtime' and 'carrots' with one of our fave desserts: carrot cake. We know this crunchy veg gets up to more than sweets, though. Carrots are also an excellent ingredient for more savory soups, salads, and even sandwiches. (Hello, bánh mì!)

What To Make: Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Image via The Endless Meal

Transform the beloved carrot cake into a tasty breakfast creation! This recipe takes the cake and forms your fave dessert into a loaf of bread, so you can divvy up some slices to enjoy at the start of each day. What? Carrots are healthy! 😉 (via The Endless Meal)

10. Garlic

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Garlic is a basic building block for just about any culinary venture. Fresh garlic comes into season around the springtime, and luckily there are so many ways to use it!

What To Make: Tomato Confit

Image via Brit + Co

Spend time with this tomato and garlic confit recipe to make a spread with deep flavors that you can put on veggies, toast, or even eat by the spoonful — we won't judge! You can control the flavors based on the amount you spread, and we say...more is more! (via Brit + Co.)

11. Grapefruit

Photo by Laura Tancredi / PEXELS

We can chow down on a grapefruit alone, but it's a fun fruit to experiment with how you can incorporate it into springtime cooking. Aside from all of the dishes you can make with grapefruit (fruit salad, smoothies, glazes), it totally shines in cocktails and mocktails, too.

What To Make: Skinny Grapefruit Margarita

Image via Olive You Whole

Welcome warm weather with a sweet sip like this grapefruit marg! Prep a big batch for any springtime functions, or enjoy one by one during the work week. (via Olive You Whole)

12. Kale

Photo by Eva Bronzini / PEXELS

Kale kickstarts tons of cooking project ideas: kale salads, kale chips, dips, and more. It can be really tasty when the right prep is done. Be sure to take the time to wash and massage your kale leaves so you can really bring out its flavor.

What To Make: Broccoli Kale Salad with Blueberries and Coconut

Image via The Endless Meal

Having a fresh bowl chockfull of seasonal produce like this feeds you with a plethora of nutrients. This salad packs in kale, broccoli, coconut, and blueberries for a well-rounded springtime lunch or dinner, giving you sweet and savory bites all in one! (via The Endless Meal)

13. Limes

Photo by Raquel / PEXELS

We know limes as the #1 cocktail garnish, but they're also a standout ingredient in dips and dressings! They decorate any snack, meal, drink, or dessert with tartness and juicy textures!

What To Make: Key Lime Pie From Scratch

Image via Barley & Sage

Life's no fun if you can't have a little a key lime pie involved from time to time. The best lime pies incorporate a crumbly graham cracker crust that balances with the zesty lime and creamy consistency. (via Barley & Sage)

14. Mushrooms

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist / PEXELS

Mushrooms always bring forth that good umami flavor note in a dish. They're super versatile in how they taste, and their texture can be modified using different cooking methods like searing, baking, or boiling.

What To Make: Ricotta Mushroom Toast

Image via Munching With Mariyah

Pile on the fungi with this toast recipe that's sure to fill you up for lunch or breakfast. The caramelized mushrooms blend with a vegan ricotta spread, forming a truly unbelievable bite. (via Munching With Mariyah)

15. Oranges

Photo by Dominika Roseclay / PEXELS

Citrus really starts to shine during the spring season. Oranges are one citrus in particular that we love, because they're always fresh and communicate a complex flavor depending on how you use them. We love tossing them in a marinade, a smoothie, or even snacking on slices alone.

What To Make: Immunity Boost Juice

Image via Two Spoons

Beat the spring sniffles with this homemade immunity shot! Oranges, lemon, carrot, honey, ginger, and turmeric get blended together so you have a natural immune boost to shoot down this season. (via Two Spoons)

16. Radishes

Photo by mali maeder / PEXELS

Radishes are like a distant cousin to potatoes, with a little bit of a harder bite. Like potatoes, they can be cooked in a myriad of manners, but they offer a wildly different taste.

What To Make: Bold Vegan Borscht

Image via Gastroplant

Borscht is a popular soup-like dish in central Europe. It leverages beets, among many other veggies and spices that make it a healthy, hearty option for spring. It's the ideal balance between sweet and savory, so you can enjoy unique flavors for lunch or dinner. (via Gastroplant)

17. Rhubarb

Photo by Kulbir / PEXELS

This springtime stalk stands out for its sourness, which is often paired with sweet berries in recipes. This vegetable enters the seasonal produce rotation in late March, and lasts through June each year.

What To Make: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Image via Culinary Hill

No strawberry pie is complete without a little rhubarb to even things out. This pie explodes in sugary flavors to satisfy the end of your meals this spring. (via Culinary Hill)

18. Spinach

Photo by SHVETS production / PEXELS

Aside from its countless benefits, spinach looks and tastes wonderful. We don't recommend settling for eating spinach on its own, though — there are so many recipes you can use this seasonal leafy green in.

What To Make: Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach

Image via The Endless Meal

This hearty meal makes use of wilted spinach to compliment the creamy garlic sauce that covers grilled chicken in flavor. Plus, it's packed with tons of good vitamins! (via The Endless Meal)

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Header image by Marina Leonova / PEXELS.

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!