Grocery shop like a pro!

I, for some reason, like grocery shopping. I like people watching, so maybe that is why, or maybe b/c I like to see what's new out there, who knows. But I do not like spending a ton of time (more than 45 mins) at the grocery store, or really any store for that matter. Here are some of my tips on how to be, or become, a great grocery shopper!

1. Eat before you go shopping, even if it's just snack - that way you don't buy every box of twinkies or bag of chips you see;)

2. Look at the weekly flyer for the particular store(s) you go to, see what's on sale, and plan EVERY meal that you are going to cook that week. This way, you do not forget anything, and you only buy what you need. To plan your menu's, use magazines like the Kraft Magazine, cookbooks, or websites, like mine and many other cooking blogs; also use a fave of mine, www.cooks.com!

3. Make a list so again you don't forget anything, but make the list by aisle! I learned this from my mom - going to the grocery store every week, we know where most things are located. Again, this way you are organized and not forgetting anything and having to run around the store crazily, nor go back during the week (what a pain!).

4. USE USE USE coupons - they are there to save you $! I like to use coupons from flyers in the mail, the regular store flyer, if they have coupons that week, couponsuzy.com and/or coupons.com (they are usually pretty similar).

5. Bag your own groceries;) Okay, so this won't make your experience "better" persay, but if you go to a line where there is no bagger, just go ahead and get in there - you know where things in your house go and can bag accordingly. I prefer to bag my own groceries, and not because I think the workers at the store do a poor job or because I worked at a grocery store during college, but because again I know which things go in the same cabinets in my house, etc - makes it easier on everyone:) Also, use the recyclable bags - I know my Stop and Shop takes 5 cents off my order for every recyclable bag I use:)

And always remember - the grocery store will always be a madhouse the night before a snowstorm or holiday - plan accordingly; also remember that if the power goes out because of that snowstorm, the Lean Cuisine's you bought are no good, so buy staples like bread and peanut butter instead;)

Tomorrow, finally, the pumpkin pie/crust/whipped cream recipe:)