I don't know about you, but I know I've spent a lot of extra time and money over the years on groceries--just ask Eric. When I shop with kids in tow, I end up with lots of extra items that they'd like. Even when I don't have the kids, I end up running through the aisles, throwing all kinds of stuff in my cart. It makes me feel like we'll have enough for the week, and usually I'm in a hurry to get home and feed the baby or run to a ball game. So, Franklin Moms, it's time for a revolution!
I've found that grocery success takes time to prepare. For little ones, bring some snacks or get some there when you first walk in. Also, let them help you choose some items such as produce. With my older ones, I've found that they love to cross off the items we get on my list. My 9 year old loves to carry a calculator. It's a great way to practice math skills, like rounding up to the nearest dollar. If you have more than one child, go ahead and bring them each a list and a calculator to save yourself a fight!
With a plan for the kids, the only other must-have is a plan for myself! I do plan meals and coupons ahead, but found yet another step to make my life easier. A grocery list spreadsheet. Download Franklin Mom Grocery List. This spreadsheet is categorized by store, then by aisle, then by item. That way I can hang it up on the inside of a kitchen cupboard, and put an "x" next to each item I need as I remember. When I get to the store, I will save lots of time knowing my list is already in aisle order, and I can also do a quick scan of the other items I normally buy there to make sure I'm not missing something!
Because I eat gluten free, dairy free and sugar free (as much as possible), I split my grocery shopping during the course of a month between Publix, Wal-mart, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost (online), Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (in Green Hills - hopefully one coming to Williamson County one day). Trader Joe's is by far, my favorite place to shop simply because I find I can usually get healthy gluten free, dairy free foods there for less money. Plus, the shopping experience is unique. Trader Joe's employees are eager to help and very knowledgable about the products they sell. Side top, don't shop there on weekends - it's busy.
Download Franklin Mom Grocery List and you'll be able to download and print my list. It shows what I buy and where. Please feel free to make it your own, and let me know how it goes! Please give me any suggestions to make this list even easier to use for you.
I am so excited! The list will be so handy and save me so much time! And great idea to have the kids bring a calculator and cross off the list. I will try this for my 4 boys next grocery trip. My 2 yr. old daughter will probably want to play around on one too! Maybe it will keep her sitting in the cart! :) (Too bad I didn't read this before I took them grocery shopping yesterday!) Thanks!
Posted by: Patti Fletcher | August 26, 2009 at 10:37 AM