Happy Thursday, friends!
Today is another post about SAVORING the little things in our life…
This is post #3 in my new series SAVOR. You can also read how I SAVOR MY MORNING RITUALS and how I SAVOR CARPOOLING/COMMUTING too 🙂 .
I have a whole big list on my phone of things I consciously try to “savor” and believe it or not, GROCERY SHOPPING was one of the very first ones I wrote down.
Why?
Because I spent Y-E-A-R-S grocery shopping with up to four small children in tow and even though I would give anything to go back and have those babies again, it is pretty darn pleasant to shop all by myself now…
…it’s just a tad bit easier 😉 .
Several years ago, I heard Shannon Ables on The Simple Sophisticate podcast mention really trying to savor grocery shopping and ever since, I’ve really tried to create a “ritual” around this regular routine.
Do I get to savor grocery shopping every single time I need food for my family? No. Do I get to do it more often than not though? Yes. Because I’m aware of how much more I enjoy the whole shopping experience when I slow down and savor it, so I specifically try and plan my schedule accordingly.
This isn’t a “Shay’s Ways to Grocery Shopping”, it’s a “I do these things to make my grocery shopping experience more of a ritual and not a regular old routine”.
Here are a few things I do to help me SAVOR GROCERY SHOPPING…
1: I TRY TO GO ON THURSDAYS
I have realized that for me, Thursdays are my best day to actually go grocery shopping inside the store. The beginning of my week is too busy, but by Thursday, I have most of my week behind me, and I have more time to grocery shop (without it bleeding into other things that ‘need to be done’ right away). Bonus, I have found that on Thursdays things seem to be really well stocked and not picked over from the weekend. I have also noticed that it’s less busy in my store on this day than on Fridays or Mondays.
2: I AIM FOR EARLIER IN THE MORNING
I haven’t been able to figure out how to savor my grocery shopping any other time of day outside of early in the morning. Even if I can’t get there on a Thursday, if I go Monday through Friday sometime between 6:00 and 9:00ish. It’s quiet, and it’s not crowded. I can take my time, I can kind of spread out in the aisles, I can stroll without having to navigate other shoppers, other carts, lines, and/or crowds. I also find that my phone is quieter in the AM, so I’m not distracted by calls or texts. It’s just me and the store and very little to distract from my time.
3: I DRINK COFFEE WHILE I SHOP
We are three for three on me including “drink coffee” in a SAVOR POST…but let’s be real, it helps me savor things 🙂 .
I love to get my coffee first thing so that I can sip and shop. My grocery shopping experience feels way more indulgent with a coffee in hand.
4: I ONLY BUY ESSENTIALS (AND LET WALMART DELIVER THE REST)
You know, I have found that I can savor grocery shopping way more when my list is shorter. Thank goodness for Walmart+ (who you know I love and adore!) because they can deliver all of the bulk items, packaged items, basic items (from toilet paper to cereal, bottled water to mustard) so that I don’t have to get bogged down with “all the things” while I’m actually in the grocery store. I can get produce, cheeses, meats, etc instead of lugging around the heavy/bulky/routine items.
5: I DRESS ACCORDINGLY
I know this probably sounds silly, but when I am consciously trying to savor my grocery morning, I make sure I’m wearing layers because it’s cold in there. It’s hard to stand and take in the beautiful gourmet cheese section when I’m shivering. One little detail like being underdressed can really ruin my little grocery store buzz.
6: I DON’T OVERSCHEDULE MY MORNING
Rushing around is probably my least favorite state of being. I can’t enjoy anything when I’m rushing. I try to schedule my grocery store time with a buffer on both ends so that I’m not running from one thing to another. I just don’t think you can truly savor experiences when you’re rushing.
7: I GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE AT MY STORE
A wonderful way that I savor my grocery store time is by getting to know people. I always visit the same store and now, I have many “friends” there. This year, I even passed out Christmas cards to some of my favorite employees. I see them all the time, they know my name, they know how I take my coffee, they ask about my kids, they ask what I’m making for dinner, this one gentleman always asks me what book I’m currently reading…getting to know the people at my store is an extra lovely way to enjoy the experience.
8: I STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
Both figurately and literally. I always stop by the floral department and then we also have a little gifting area that has specialty lotions and candles, notepads and such. I don’t skip this part. I actually really stop and enjoy this section of the store. It makes the whole experience feel more elevated than just “grocery shopping”.
These are all just a few simple things I do to turn mundane grocery shopping into an experience to savor.
Okay, now I want to read your comments and see what you do! I know you’re going to have other ideas that I’m going to want to implement too!
If you’re heading out to grocery shop today, make sure you grab the ingredients to make…
…my JALAPENO CHEDDAR STUFFED BURGERS! ‘Tis grilling season time 🙂 .
I will see you all tomorrow! Happy Grocery Shopping! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love this mentality! I like to always pop in the seasonal aisle to see what’s new and take my time when shopping!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lori says
I LOVE this topic, Shay. I really enjoy grocery shopping, just wish I had someone to take it from my car and put in my cabinets. I do several of the same things, dress appropriately, hot latte, and enjoy getting to know the employees. I shop mainly at our Publix and they always have the best music playing that you may hear me signing along to. I enjoy stopping and browsing the magazine aisle too. I used to subscribe to a lot of them, so this is a nice treat for me. Keep all the fun topics coming!
Erin says
My favorite part is that you get to know the people in the store. That’s so nice.
I don’t think I could ever savor groceries, lol. I use Walmart delivery for as much as possible to avoid the grocery store!!! Lol. I need to go in sometimes, of course, but it feels like I’ve failed to actually go inside!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I would for sure be savoring my grocery shopping at your local grocery store because it really was awesome! I was very excited to check it out when we stayed in McKinney–the Starbucks is the cherry on top!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Shelby Slobodzinski says
My husband and I make our grocery shopping a date night!
We used to work for the same company and would get paid the same day. So the night before, we would meal plan for two weeks and head into the store with our lists, each of us responsible for X amount of dinners for that pay period. *Bonus is that our store has beer and wine on tap, so each time we take turns buying beer for us to have while we shop. We’ve done this since we moved in together 4 years ago. Got married last year and I still look forward to it every other week!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well I love this so much!!
Nicole says
I love your suggestions and I feel the exact same! I shop at a less glamorous store, Aldi, but I love the weekly aisle of goodies and love to buy a new candle scent, special, limited edition snacks, etc. I live in a beach town and savor the off season and early mornings when it’s less crowded. I love reading your blog and hearing about your beautiful family.
Taylor says
This is something I have always struggled with. Grocery shopping has always felt more like a chore to me. I recently started going at 8am on Monday morning and have found it much more enjoyable. There is hardly anyone in there and I can take my time. A bonus is that I’m very pregnant so I take advantage of the parking spot for expectant moms that is in the very front. Haha
Karleigh Johnson says
Why does grocery shopping when pregnant feel like a MARATHON no matter what time of day or who is with you?! I don’t think I went into my local HEB once while I was pregnant (I did curbside). So about two weeks ago I went in with my toddler and my newborn and it all felt so foreign to me 😂
Beth Valenta says
I savor Trader Joe’s the most! I get myself flowers, I pick all my cards for the month, I sample, I look at all the new items, and I don’t stress because it is not my bulk items. The main thing I HAVE to do to savor the store is to make sure I have gone to the bathroom. It never fails that I walk into aisle one of any store and have to find the restroom. It makes me park my cart and I get annoyed. So that is something I now make sure to cover.
Kristin says
Oh boy, I have been shopping early on Thursday mornings for the past 5 years, and I hope there’s not a big rush now!! I try to get into a zen zone while I grocery shop, instead of rushing through it. The store is usually playing music from my high school and college days so, if I’m not too zen, I’m sometimes singing quietly (I hope) along.
Sheaffer says
I totally agree that letting Walmart take care of tp, paper towels, water, canned goods, and stuff like that makes it so much more enjoyable to shop for the fresh stuff!
Kimberly Gray says
Omg. Why am I making it hard? ! Sheaffer and Shay OF COURSE the paper products, cereal etc could be delivered and the fun/ weekly fresh items would be so so much easier and enjoyable for the in person. Why did my brain say the weekly list had to be either all ordered or personally fetched????
PS recently discovered my local Costco delivers same day through Instacart.
Erika Slaughter says
I savor the grocery shopping by online ordering it ALL! hahahaha!
Jess List says
Same!! It’s the best!
Erin says
YES!! I’m not going in!
Brittany B says
It’s a bit anti-social, but I like to listen to a podcast (in one ear) while I shop. I listen with my list in hand and I think it helps not overshop as well. It keeps me a little more focused on getting in and out. *I always take out my earbud when I check out, so as not to be completely rude. 🙂
Amanda says
Your grocery store is open at 6 am?? Girl, you’re winning at life! I’m proud of if I manage to brush my teeth by 6.
Allison says
This line – “One little detail like being underdressed can really ruin my little grocery store buzz” is everything!!! Literally lol’ing! Love this post, love Market Street!
Karah Stracener says
Our HEB is currently undergoing a major renovation so I cannot handle going in the store at the moment. It just stresses me out…haha. My savor is to do curbside pick up. lol. Once it is all done, I plan on going in and maybe savoring the moment. The jury is still out.
Shirley says
This is so fun! I loved grocery shopping with my mom when I was growing up & then moved on to shopping with my college roommate/best friend. Then WHAM! I was on my own & I dreaded grocery shopping by myself! Then along came marriage & kids & it was fun again! Kids left fir college & my hubby took a job out of town for 8 years, so I was back to shopping by myself (UGH). Two years ago, he took another job closer to home & now we both grocery shop together! I definitely like it when I have a buddy!
Debbie A says
I think your Thursday shopping is perfect. Shopping on days other than Monday is my goal. Walmart delivery has seriously eased some stress in my life. I enjoy going into stores like Target, Whole Foods, etc. and need to make sure I’m not rushed/ pressed for time. All good ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Marti says
I don’t enjoy grocery shopping, especially during the school year as I am a teacher and grocery shopping would have to be done in the evenings and weekends when EVERYONE else is there. I do love me some grocery pickup though! (We live in a very small town–delivery not available.) I enjoy sitting down at the my kitchen table with my list and ordering online and then going after church on Sundays to have them load it in the back of my Tahoe. Life changing!
Marisa Patel says
We also let Walmart+ handle the routine stuff and then go into the store for the fresh and special items. I wish I could savor the shopping but my girls still like to go and I have both pulling me in different directions. I think I shall take a note from you and go in the early morning instead!
Lori Linsmeyer says
Oh my gosh…this was my favorite post of yours. I really dislike grocery shopping. I’m going to use your tips and I think I’m going to like grocery shopping. Thank you so much.
Karleigh Johnson says
I used to LOVE grocery shopping (pre kids), because I love food and I would get excited about it! These are great ways for me to change my current attitude on grocery shopping 😉 typically with my kids, I’m trying to just get in and out. But I will say — prior to having kids, my husband and I would get a beer from the central market restaurant and then shop while we drank our beer. Not sure if it was allowed or not but we did it anyway. Not that I recommend it for everyone but it sure made grocery shopping fun!
Patty Anderson says
Yes to being dressed warmly! I hate shivering as I walk along the colder areas. Not a coffee drinker, but I love hot chai as I walk though. I ALWAYS take a list and try to stick to it. Goes so much faster. Now that it’s just two of us at home, I go a couple of times a week so I can get fresh ingredients. Not sure why, but I’ve never enjoyed freezing meat to use later unless it’s rotisserie chicken which I shred and put into recipe size ziplocs for later use. I can’t go too early though, or the seafood & butcher case isn’t ready for shoppers. (Often not ready until after about 9am.)
Cori says
How do you savor putting away the groceries? I feel crazed by the time I get home- load groceries into the cart, to unload onto checkout belt, to load into car, to unload at home, and finally to put away. I wonder if I put on relaxing music and drink a glass of wine would help?! :0/
Another suggestion for your next Savor, or, Shay’s Ways series… how to savor house cleaning? It feels like such an overwhelming job for one day.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this question! If I shop early in the AM when my kids are at school, I listen to a podcast while I put them away. I just stick my phone in my pocket and listen as I unload and put away. It helps me enjoy it way more…because that truly is the worst part.
Mary says
The way I savor putting away the groceries is two-fold: I’m pleasantly surprised by the number of steps I log as we have an extra freezer and beverage center in the basement and I feel comforted and blessed we have this food that will sustain us in the days ahead.
Great suggestion about housecleaning!
One last thing at my Wegmans I actually do stop and smell the roses every visit!
Courtney says
Love this! While certainly not his favorite activity, my husband and I end our work-week by grocery shopping together and it’s such a treasured time together for me. On Fridays, after work, we go to the gym together and then do our weekly grocery haul together. It’s a nice transition from work-week to weekend and gives us some concentrated time together. I know this won’t always be our routine – esp. because I’m 8 months pregnant with our first – so I certainly try to SAVOR the time while I have it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Congratulations!! You will have many new grocery routines with your little one in the future. Enjoy every (sometimes crazy) minute 🙂 .
Ellen says
I have a secret weapon that would get me thrown out of Texas …
I grocery shop during football games, LOL!
I love an uncrowded store. I also go with a really organized list. Grocery shopping is probably one of my favorite chores, but the little things (coffee, etc.) help for sure.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well that is pretty brilliant!
Kristen says
I live in New England and always shop when the pats play!! The store is empty!!!
Elizabeth says
Love this relatable post! I am currently in the season of pure chaos while lugging around at least one little one with me at the grocery store, and i can never concentrate BUT I will say that whenever I get a chance to go alone I totally savor it. I am so overwhelmed at all the choices and being able to take my time its amazing haha! I also savor everything i do when i have a tea in hand (sorry, not a coffee gal!) but totally get it.
sandi says
Online grocery shopping is a life saver and I have been doing that since 2019. Other than the produce which is always to the right in my top two stores, I do not know where to find anything and get lost when going in person. When we travel I find the closest store to where we are staying and order groceries for pick up. It makes life so much easier. I will savor sitting in the car reading while my groceries are delivered to the car!
Marti says
Grocery pickup is the best! Every week!
K.K. says
I love the focus on getting to know their names. I have to remind myself to slow down and get to know people around me – those checking my items or in line if they are not scrolling – ha! It absolutely makes my day – and I see their eyes light up when I genuinely ask how their day is. Even if I do curbside, I try to always ask them about something relevant to their day. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!! Sometimes it’s easy to just try to make the trip as efficient as possible.
kristine G. says
I wish I had a more flexible job where I could shop during less busy times. But I try to shop during early or late sports practices when it’s less busy…it’s the only good thing about your kid having a 7 am hockey practice on the weekend! lol
Arika says
I saw your recipe post today for the jalapeno cheddar burgers (yum!) and it gave me a blog idea. Could you do a post on grilling tips? Or if Andrew does the grilling, maybe he could do a guest post. What kind of grill do you use, tips for heating, cook time, etc. I have great intentions of gilling food and somehow I always fumble it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Writing this idea down now!
Jaime says
Have you ever tried Having your meat delivered with your walmart order? Did you not like the quality? What about produce?
Mix and Match Mama says
I will get my ground beef delivered, but I would rather pick out my own chicken, larger cuts of beef, and fish. I have had great luck with Walmart bringing me my onions and garlic, apples, oranges, bananas and grapes…but I prefer to get my own avocados, tomatoes, peaches, plums, and berries.
Valerie Potts says
I love this post and I love grocery shopping! 🙂 Probably because I do a lot of these things too. Something else I do to savor this time is take time to visit with people. Our community is super small so the grocery store is often a social gathering spot. I am not always able to stop and visit but when I can I do and find it really adds to my experience. One thing I am going to do more of is get to know the people who work there. We talk and chat a bit but I’m going to get to know them more! Thank you for sharing that particular piece!
Christine says
I don’t mind food shopping and I also use Walmart+. I shop at the same store which helps when you know where everything is if you have to go in and get out fast. The person I get to know in the store is the bagger. I always say thank you but I’ll compliment the ones who put care in bagging my groceries.
Jen says
I absolutely love this post! All of the Savor posts, really! Life is short and making it all as joyful as possible is wise.
We need an updated candle post, would you consider that, Shay?
I look forward to reading every day.
Blessings from NC..
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! I always love talking about candles 🙂 .
Natasha says
It’s a very small thing but I always write my grocery list in a fun colour. It adds to the excitement — HAHAHAHA 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this little idea. It’s simple, but I bet it really brightens up your list.
Kacy M says
My dad goes to Randall’s every Monday and knows every employee there (and has a favorite cashier).
Becky Carl says
Has anyone heard of the “out of milk” app? Online shopping list that saves me a lot of time when meal planning.
We don’t have grocery delivery available but I may try online ordering from Walmart on those bulky items and get them shipped. Great idea!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have never heard of this?! Looking it up now!
KC says
I love the thought of savoring grocery shopping but I loathe it! Our grocery stores are not nice at all like yours. They are just not a pleasant experience at all unfortunately. So, I just get in there and get it done. And I try to only go every other week. We do go to our local farmers market every week and that is way more enjoyable. But I do love seeing all the ideas people do to savor everyday, mundane tasks.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you get to go to the farmer’s market. That would be something I would savor.