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Today, the foodie mom in me is taking over and we’re talking about grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is one of those tasks and chores that you either love or hate. It’s also one of those tasks that is simply unavoidable.
Even celebrities must grocery shop!
I don’t think I’m going to offer you any ground breaking advice here…but this is 52 Shades of Shay and grocery shopping is a HUGE part of my life!
First, some facts:
1. We spend about $250 a week on groceries. That is typically for 5 dinners, 2 Mix and Match Mama desserts, all of our lunch and breakfasts items, and non-food items (laundry detergent, light bulbs, etc.).
2. I do one big shopping day a week (on Tuesdays) and then probably go once or twice more to pick up something fresh or something little.
3. I shop at Market Street on my big shopping day and then might pick up something small at Target or some place else later in the week but my big shopping takes place at Market Street. (And Market Street is just the name of my local grocery store…it’s not fancy or a super store like Target or Walmart.)
4. I stopped using coupons when I was pregnant with Smith because I realized that I was spending too much money on things I didn’t need just because I had a coupon. For my family, most food we need is not coupon food (fresh produce, meat, dairy is what I try to buy and coupon food is usually boxed items). The items I’m looking for are typically marked down in-store. Coupons are great if they’re applicable to your family’s needs but I ended up with a pantry full of things we weren’t going to eat…but we had them just because I had used a coupon. That’s not very savvy.
5. I write out my list every Sunday afternoon. Then on Monday, I double check everything once more and am ready to shop on Tuesday.
6. I’ve mentioned before that Andrew eats 2 dozen egg whites a day and 2 chicken breasts. I do not buy these items for him. If he wants to eat that kind of crazy diet that involves carefully purchasing 14 dozen eggs a week, that’s on him :). He shops for those items on Saturday mornings with Smith. In all seriousness, the people at my grocery store refer to me as the wife of the egg guy. No joke. Anyway…those items cost about $80 a week and he eats every bit of it. Gag.
My List:
I’m going to be really honest with you right now…my mother and I are so much alike in so many ways. Ask my father, we pretty much share a brain when it comes to 99% of topics…but list making and organizing are simply not one of them. Unless she’s planning a big holiday or party, my mom just shops without a list and always comes home with what she needs. Not me. I must have a list. I never, ever, ever shop without one! Even if I’m only buying 4 things, I write those 4 items down on a sticky note and take it in the store with me. To me, lists make your shopping faster and so much more efficient!
Now, my lists aren’t fancy or anything…when I went shopping last week, I photographed my actual list for you to see…
This is me in the car about to head inside the grocery store.
At the top of my list are the days of the week and what we’ll be having for dinner (look at you guys getting a sneak peak of what’s to come on Mix and Match Mama!), and I also have a special spot for my Mix and Match Mama dessert too.
Next, I write down everything I need in each department of the store. This is my BIGGEST time saver! I always start in the produce department and finish in dairy, so as you can see, my list follows. This guarantees that I don’t do any backtracking.
You’ll notice that a few things are already marked off…that’s because I first wrote out my list, and then, I went in my kitchen and checked everything. Some items I already had, so I was able to mark them off before I left the house. There is no sense in buying extra!
I know what you’re thinking? This doesn’t look like a lot of food for 5 dinners, 3 desserts, lunches and breakfasts…but it really is. So many items, we have stocked at home and I don’t have to buy them every week (peanut butter, jelly, a variety of cereal, hummus, Tide, etc.). I don’t have a lot of pantry space, so I really, really try and keep things streamlined. This honestly was my list for all of that food :).
And here I am at the end of my shopping trip! You’ll notice that I did add the new whole grain Premium Round Crakers into my cart…they looked interesting, so I bought a box (and they are really yummy!).
So, that’s it! I write out my menu, I write down my list, I double check my pantry and fridge to make sure I don’t over-stock, I shop, checkout, go home, unpack, and cook, cook, cook :).
Now my friend Jen posted last week about how she grocery shops and I really thought she had some great ideas too! (Her lists are more fun and creative than mine!). Click here to see how she grocery shops.
And did you see that one recipe I had on my list??? Cookie Dough S’mores?! Yeah. You need to see these babies…
Three simple ingredients and a whole lot of happiness!
Next week, Fifty Two Shades of Shay is all about the Slow Cooker (next to the coffee pot, there is no better kitchen appliance!).
Have a great day everyone!
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Find me on Instagram @mixandmatchmama
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I do what you do. I write my list in sections based upon how it's organized in the store, and I STILL have to back track! So annoying! Great tips friend!
Kirsten says
I have never posted before – I read your blog EVERY DAY. It is the one I most look forward too. I just wanted to say thanks!
Kirsten says
I read your blog every day – it is the one I most look forward too. I have never posted before but I just wanted to say thank you!
allishaw says
This is such a struggle for me! I end up going multiple times a week and with a little one that's just not the most convenient. Thanks for your tips and always being a bright spot to my morning! Loved your testimony yesterday! It is amazing to hear of His grace and mercies. May we glorify Him and enjoy Him forever 🙂
Kelly Jo says
I'm the worst grocery shopper! Great post!
Kristin says
Holy crap that is a lot of eggs!! Is that his breakfast? Or is that throughout the day??
aprilparrish says
Great tips! I'm like your Mom- no grocery list, but I seem to always forget something. I need to plan ahead meals so it is less hassle shopping.
Thanks!
Olivia says
🙂 I LOVE reading how people grocery shop! This is one of my most talked about topics on my blog (frugal living blog). I posted last night about how I plan my grocery trips and have a FREE grocery template I'm sharing with readers (I'm a graphic designer). I also organize my list…it totally saves time like you said…and money! Feel free to download and use each week! I'm pretty frugal and I agree with coupons. I rarely use them. We spend about $100/week. Ha…my mom is the same. I don't get it 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Like I said, I love reading grocery posts.
Anonymous says
Just curious about something….we recently visited my cousin who just moved to McKinney (btw…I LOVE your town) and we were walking on the trail that goes thru her neighborhood and those around it on Saturday morning 9/14. Do you and your husband jog the trail on Sat mornings? A couple ran past us that looked like it could have been you guys?? and…my cousins home is almost identical to what yours looks like in the blogs pics.
Heather says
Great tips!! Ever since I started meal planning at the beginning of the week and making lists, it has made my grocery shopping experience so much cheaper and faster! I use the out of milk app to make my list, you can organize it by section of the store so there is less backtracking and it's less likely that I'll lose the list since my phone is always with me.
Katherine says
I also write out my list by department-Total time saver! 2 questions-is there a reason for the tuesday big trip and I noticed you have individual bounty towels in your cart. Do you not buy those in bulk & why? Just seeing if you can save me some money on my next trip 🙂
Amber W. in Illinois says
I'm a terrible grocery shopper. Because we live in the middle of nowhere (closest major grocery store is 30-35 minutes away on a good day) I usually only shop once every two weeks. My MIL is going to start watching my 4-year old on Thursdays so I can have some time to myself (I'm a SAHM) so I may have to use this day as my grocery day and go once a week, regardless of how much I hate driving that far all the time. This time of year, with my husband harvesting (he's a farmer), I end up there once a week anyways because he goes through coffee and lunch items a lot faster. You gave some great tips that I may have to start implementing to make my life a little easier 🙂
Anonymous says
Holy cow! That is alot of eggs. Does Andrew have a separate fridge in the garage or somewhere that he stores them in? Our fridge would not hold 14 dozen eggs with all of our other food. 🙂 Thanks for the great tips. I am the worst grocery shopper ever.
Chrissy says
I used to love grocery shopping, but now with a 20 month old that tries to jump out of the cart every chance she gets, it's not as enjoyable 🙂 I have a question about purchasing meat. Do you keep it all in your refrigerator for the week or do you freeze what you don't use right away? My ground beef usually turns brown if I don't use it in a day or two. Thanks!!
Tara G. says
#6: hilarious!
Alice says
Does it make me such a weirdo to say that I enjoy grocery shopping? I like to imagine I am on the show Supermarket Sweep (I feel so old!) and try to get in/out of the store super fast!! But I also make a list by departments. I have my grocery store memorized so I make my list according to the aisles. I start in the back of the store and work my way to the front. I also have to have a list, it doesn't matter how many items. LOL!
Tienna says
I'm a new follower (thanks to Testimony Tuesday over at Kelly's), but my Type A is already loving your space! Your grocery shopping is eerily similar to mine – though cut in half because it's just the hubs and me right now.
Kate at Green Fashionista says
I love seeing people as neurotically organized as me 😛
You mentioned you go to Target to pick up little things, but have you considered going there for your main grocery trip? My husband and I switched from our regular grocery store to Super Target and save soooo much plus we use our Target Debit Card and save 5% on everything. We save about $20-$50 a week by shopping there instead of Publix or Whole Foods.
Carlin Smith says
Shay, do you use reusable grocery bags? I have several of them, but I worry about them getting germy because I also buy all fresh produce, meat, etc. I especially worry about the one I would put my chicken in.
Jaren says
I do my list just like that too! Speeds up the process so much! The whole coupon thing did not work for me either.
Abby says
Hi Shay! Just wondering…does Andrew eat the meals you cook or just eggs/chicken (and whatever other things he picks)? Also, I love your blog and read your posts on my phone while I'm getting ready in the morning. Thanks for creating such a wonderful, happy space for your readers!
Lauren Chudzik says
Your 52 shades series is my favorite…thanks for posting! Does Andrew know that they sell egg whites in bulk at Costco? They come with 6 cartons in the box and each carton is the equivalent of 15 eggs,so 90 eggs total. It's sure easier than filtering out the yolk and perhaps less expensive?
Bo & Yvonne says
I have to have a list too! Although now that I shop at Publix, I use their app which is awesome. You put your items in and they make you a list by aisle! So efficient and time saving!
Paula says
We are one in the same! We shop alike! I also stopped coupons for the same reason. And frankly, it wasted precious time!
Those S' mores look Da Bomb!
Mia @ MakeMeUpMia says
I'm glad I am not the only one that makes lists according to the store. I rewrite my list in the order of which I go through the store and it saves me so much time! I hate being on one end of Walmart and having to go back to the other side!
Josie says
Glad I am not the only one with a husband who eats like that – his lunch – egg whites, mixed with shredded chicken or turkey/grass fed beef…it started with college football and has never stopped!
Brandi says
I make a list too!!! Those cookie smores look delish!!!!
Anna says
Great post Shay! I love going to the grocery store with a list and first thing in the morning after I have dropped the kids off at school…super easy in and out! Like you I plan my meals on Sundays and plan for 5 dinners. I am also part of a freezer club, so we supplement those in as well. As a Dietitian by trade I would be curious to hear more about Andrews love of egg whites and chicken…I would be so bored! Ha! Thanks for sharing…look forward to your series every week!
Jamie K. says
Great advice- I do something very similar but I am obsessed with my new Erin Condren planner and it has space for meal planning 🙂 I make my lists out and shop on Sundays!
Lesley C says
I also make out a weekly menu and try to do one big shopping trip a week. With a 4-year old and 2-year old, going to the store every other day isn't happening. Writing my list in order of the store makes a HUGE difference. I also keep a magnetic pad on the side of my fridge and write down items as we run out throughout the week so I don't forget to add them to my list.
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
GREAT TIPS! I so enjoyed reading this post. Grocery list making and shopping are two of my most dreaded tasks. This helps to streamline it.
nicole says
I've never commented before but just wanted to say I love this post (and your blog!). I too, need to make a list even for a few items. Although shopping isn't my favorite I wouldn't want my husband to do it either! He might come home with all of the things not on the list 😉
Unknown says
That is a lot of eggs!!! Not sure if Andrew has ever heard of a product called Eggology? It is a big tub of fresh egg whites. They sell it at Whole Foods (and other natural food stores here in California). Might save him some time separating all those whites
Traci says
Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you spend that much money on groceries. I hear of all these people that keep their grocery budget to $100 a week and I can't for the life of me figure out what I'm doing wrong. I try to spend only $150 a week but most of the time it's closer to $200, but that also includes household items and diapers. I don't have a food blog either so it looks like I'm on track with your food budget. I don't know how these other people do it.
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
It's so fun to see how other people handle their grocery trips. My system is pretty time-consuming b/c of our tight budget, but it works for us. I am a big fan of coupons (and typically buy whatever fruits/veggies/meats are on sale that week), but I only use them on things we need and will use (like peanut butter, cake mixes, condiments, and a lot of our toiletries) and I can see where people can go crazy if they aren't careful. Interesting read! 🙂
Brooklyn says
I love grocery shopping and I too always have a list or else I'm bound to forget something! I'm a bit OCD about the shopping cart though. Nothing gets thrown in, all strategically placed/ organized. 🙂
kristinwithani says
#6 I wondered what you thought of Andrew's egg whites and chicken breasts. I agree. Blech.
I can't go without a list either. I have to keep it on my phone, now, though. I can update it at the super random times. Like…. during church! Why do things like that come to mind in the middle of a sermon!??!?!
Olivia says
Oh and I was also going to tell you that if your husband eats a lot of chicken, you should check out Zayconfoods.com. They only sell every so often, but you have to buy TONS of chicken at one time (40lbs). It saves money and is healthier (straight from farm, no hormones). They deliver to McKinney.
Paula says
I buy their chicken and it's delivered here in Tennessee! 😉
Shelley says
I love that you have tootsie rolls on your list!
Angela Ellingson says
You even make something as boring as grocery shopping fun to read about! 😉
Abby says
Hi Shay! Does Andrew eat your meals or just his eggs and chicken (and whatever other items he picks up)? Also, I love your blog. I read it on my phone while I'm getting ready in the mornings and it just puts me in a good mood. Thanks for creating such a happy, positive space for all your readers!
Patti says
How do you fit all of the eggs in your refrigerator???
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Andrew eats everything I make. I don't care what he eats for breakfast, lunch and snacks in-between but he always has to eat my dinner :). And we stock those eggs in our garage fridge!
Amber StepstoSave says
I love having my list! If I don't have a list I forget pretty much everything I need from the store. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday~
Amber StepstoSave says
I have to have a grocery list. I feel like I forget everything I need if I don't have one. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anonymous says
BREAKING NEWS
An elderly lady gave me this great tip. I see your cute purse in your car. Use the baby seat belt and seat belt your purse into the cart (just snap it through your handles on your purse) to avoid someone running off with it, while your back is turned.
Brilliant. 🙂
Kelly in Michigan
Tab & Erika says
Loved getting a sneak peek into the grocery shopping life of Mix and Match Mama. 🙂
Don't you HATE when you forget something and you have to walk ALL the way across the store? Grr!!
Thanks for sharing your secrets. 🙂
Anonymous says
I am enjoying your fifty two shades of Shay! I must have a list too! I started using the Wunderlist app and love it!
Anonymous says
Sooooo on the egg topic…do you use the yolks for anything or is that all just tossed in the trash? I totally agree about the coupons. I stopped using them for the same reason. Do you ever shop at Costco or Sam's club? Great place for a rotisserie chicken to use in all your shredded chicken recipes!!
Daily Express says
1- I agree with Kate. I've found Target to be much cheaper on pretty much all basic grocer items. (Cereal, coffee, creamer, etc.) Even better with the 5% savings with the redcard!
2- Are you married to Gaston from Beauty & The Beast? (…sorry, there's a song…)
3- You need a grocery shopping ap! It sorts your items by aisle. (I use ToMarket but I have an Android phone)
mel @ the larson lingo says
I am just like you with lists. Even if I only have 3 or 4 items, i HAVE to write them on a post it or piece of scrap paper. Must have a list. I cannot step into the grocery store without a list. I feel naked. LOL!
And, i am so glad you make Andrew shop for his own eggs. Crazy guy.
Alyson says
Hey there! I love your simple, yet effective approach to things like this! Would love a post on what you and the kids eat for breakfast and lunch. I feel like we eat the same things again and again!
Leah @ Everyday Love says
Have you seen the meal planners by May Books. They are cheap and have your menu on the left and grocery list on the right. I've been using it for a year and just ordered a new one. It makes shopping so much easier because I can see what I'm cooking everyday day while shopping. Plus, you can monogram the cover!