Shopping Adventures!

 

This will be my 1^st installment of probably many Shopping Adventures!  Today’s outing was for the dreaded Commissary (Grocery store on post).  I really do appreciate the benefit of cheaper prices and proximity to where we live on post, but some days it’s hard to overlook long check-out lines, really inconsiderate shoppers, screaming babies overdue for a nap, and really slow retirees.  Ok I’ve gotten away from what I really intended to share now…

My thoughts on the drive home after an hour or so in the commissary was just how hard grocery shopping can be and how it really does take some practice to be good at it. [My idea of good grocery shopping is getting at least 1.5 or 2 weeks’ worth of meals on or under budget.]  This, to my husband sounds easy. In fact many times I’ve gotten the “what did you buy!” speech after he’s checked the bank statement…My reply every time, “Come with me next time and see what everything costs, and how quickly it adds up”. That always ends the conversation quickly (Joe hates shopping)J. 

I’m sure I already have a few eye rollers out there. How could you need practice to shop? Just walk through the store and get what you need, right? WRONG!!  Sure fire way to blow a budget right there.  Here are some things I have found save money and cause less waste or my family(i.e Me and JoeJ)

·         Meal Plan- Sit down and write out what you plan to cook. This is never set in stone at our house, plans change people come to visit, meetings run long, and so on and so on. But having a plan even a  tentative plan is better than no plan at all.  I like to make my plan while cruising pinterest and my favorite cooking blogs for idea and new recipes. 

·         Take Inventory- Actually open the fridge and pantry and see what ya got. I usually surprise myself with how little or how much of something I actually have.

·         Make a detailed list- I like to group my list to mirror how I actually move through the store. This is mainly for me to save some leg work and save me from having to stop back in during the week cause I forgot something. A detailed list also keeps me focused I’m less likely to add unnecessary item to my cart if I know exactly what I need.

·         Eat before- Do not go hungry to a grocery store! This has always lead me down the path of no return. When you are hungry you are more likely to impulse buy, because everything looks so appetizing when you have growling belly!

·         Make it a date- If possible plan to shop when you are not pressed for time.  This rule has allowed me to not get so frazzled and frustrated while shopping. It also lets me take my time comparing prices.

·         Bring your calculator- This may sound weird but if you are not stellar at doing quick math in your head like me it really does help!  For the most part I can eyeball what is the better deal like 8 sticks of butter for $1.29 over 4 for 99 cents. Obviously more for less is better especially for essentials but sometimes it’s hard to see the small savings.

·         Don’t be brand loyal- If you can help it! There are only a few things I’m brand loyal to and the main reason is the quality is worth the price and you get more bang for your buck. Heavy duty Reynolds wrap foil is one of those things for me.  But as for bread, milk, eggs, cheese, ect. I go with what is on sale.

·         Coupons- Now I am not a couponer. And cannot give any sound advice on how do go about doing it seriously. All I can say is use them if you got them. I don’t clip the ones for stuff I don’t buy, but if I luck out and find one for something I have on my list then- happy day!

·         Maintenance- When you get home take care of your groceries. Properly store foods, freeze meats, produce and other items you want to keep from spoiling quickly. Make sure you have read up on how to properly store your produce. Produce isn’t cheap and is such a shame to waste. I always rinse my berries in part apple cider vinegar and part water then cut and store in Tupperware. This helps them stay fresh for much much longer!

Ok well if you liked this let me know if you hated this advice well that ok too, free country I guess.

Question: Is there anything you have found helpful for grocery shopping?

Have a wonderful afternoon!

-Bre

 

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SUPPORT- not for the weak-hearted

Today has not been the most beautiful of days here. It's overcast, damp and windy. And besides the dreary weather it's emotionally dreary here at the Fort Bragg homestead too.

 My Soldier is currently having some trouble passing a particular aspect of his Army Training. ( I won't divulge which specific training it is to be considerate of my Soldiers privacy which he values very much).  His failure is not mine because as I always say I am not the one in the army and I don't wear my husband rank! But his failure does have some emotional effect on me. I hate seeing him upset and down especially when there is nothing I can to change the outcome.

 

My Soldier came home this morning upset and I knew right away his training hadn't gone as planned, again. I knew exactly what needed to be said and done I went into what I like to call "clean-up" mode.  I proceeded to make breakfast his fave: bacon and eggs. I stayed fairly un-talkative and when he finished I simply asked two yes or no questions and didn't push the topic anymore.  He relaxed with the pup, who always seems to know how to cheer people up, and then off to a regular work day he went.  I'll have the house clean, and a good healthy meal ready for supper tonight.  I know this is what he needs and what works only by so so so much trial and error. 


I have discovered through our relationship that his needed support looks and feels so different than from what my needed support does. My Soldier needs a more hands off approach to support which is the complete opposite from what I need! This was a hard thing for me especially after we got married and moved away from family. Many a fight was had over this topic and many approaches were tried before landing on the correct one. Like I said it was truly trial and error!

 My Soldier and I have found these skills to be invaluable for our marriage (and constantly need work):

• Communication
• Active listening- not just saying uh-huh when listening
• Understanding
• Compromise

 

Knowing and Understanding that the type of support you need is not going to always be the type your loved one needs.  My husband needs the complete opposite support of me and it's hard because I have constantly remind myself that even though it will make me feel better it will make him feel worse.

 

-Question: How did you find what worked for supporting your spouse? Was it easy or difficult? Any insights to loving on a down and out Hubby?

 Have a great day!

 -Bre