Tuesday, October 28, 2008

a systematic grocery list works for me!

For this week's Works-for-Me Wednesday, I thought I would share a simple, yet functional tip I recently created for myself to be more on top of the dreaded job of grocery shopping (or should I say the dreaded grocery bill). I'm sure there are better systems that have been created by "pros", but I haven't had time to find one, so here is my own little creation.

Last week, in preparation for a much needed grocery trip (so sorry my little ones for the peanut butter and jelly repeats), I decided to jot down my list by breaking it into categories of things that I might find in the grocery store together. (I've heard of some people even mapping out their favorite grocery store and shopping that way.) I figured this would help my trip move more smoothly and quickly.

My first version was just a bunch of scribble (see below), but I decided that I could benefit from typing up a quick version to save on the computer that I could print off whenever I needed to start a new list.










My plan is to keep this handy on the fridge (probably on the side), so when I run out of something while I'm cooking or baking, I can write it down in the correct category. I'm sure as I continue to use this system, I will find that I may need to add categories or tweak it a little to be more efficient. I have also decided to hang an envelope that will be meant for coupons for things that I already have on the list, so I don't forget to take the coupons with me. I have a coupon organizer that I use often, but sometimes I forget to grab it when I do a quick grocery shopping trip and then realize after getting home that I had a coupon for the items in my bag!


Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more of Works-for-Me Wednesday.

**For those interested, next week's Works for Me Wednesday will be a themed edition sharing about toys worth buying. Want to participate? Check it out here.

8 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

Okay..I love this...I love the coupon holder..that is great!!! I cut out coupons and then forget that I can use them??? I think I will be copying you..this will work for me!
-sandy toes

Anonymous said...

cool! Love seeing other people do this too, makes me feel less freaky LOL!

heidi said...

Oh nice!! I've organized it before based on the aisles and what I thought I'd find together (i.e. frozen food)and it helped me forget less. LOL Thanks for sharing your tip!

Audra Krell said...

I think with young kids, that the more organized you are at the store, the better. Great tip! They are precious!!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

This is so helpful to me. I also like your little envelope for coupons. I might copy you on both...I usually shove the coupons in a drawer and then forget to grab them on my way out the door!
Carrie

Lyndsie Miles said...

I think I'll give this one a try. I have a shopping list, but it isn't systematized! And I've been trying to find a way to organize and use my coupons!

Sarah said...

You are an organizer after my own heart. I also have a typed out shopping list. I love being "organized". Love your blog!!!!

Anonymous said...

Your working list looked a lot like mine did!

 
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