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