Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Time and Money Saver

Do you dislike grocery shopping? It is one of the tasks that we all share in -- man, woman, single, married. We have to eat. We have to go to the grocery store.

For whatever reason, I have always loved grocery shopping. Maybe it's because I grew up with my dad in the grocery business -- stopping at grocery stores on our vacations, admiring polaroids of displays my dad had made back when he was a store manager before we came along, attending "buyers fairs" where the nice food vendors lavished freebies on us because we were kids. I also love food. So pretty much, I like grocery shopping too much. I want that task to have a priority, a night off, so I can enjoy my freedom wandering the isles. And I always spend way too much. Despite the list, despite the shopping on a full stomach rule -- I just can't help it, I see things and it gives me ideas.

So -- here's my tip! Go shopping early in the morning. This morning I was there before 6, and even though it was dark out, it was perfectly safe, because the only people out that early are too old to mug you! I was also not awake enough to think past my list. I had no big ideas while in the produce section. I actually only bought what was on my list (and I didn't forget anything, so methodical was my shopping). Mrs. Mohler would be proud.

How does that save you time? Well, the drive is quicker (which, unless you live next door to your grocery store always plays a factor) because there are no other cars out! Also, since I was so dependent on my list, I just walked down each isle once, and I had virtually no other shoppers to deal with. Finally, only the self checkouts were open, so I could take my time bagging everything just the way I wanted. I like fitting everything into 4-5 bags so I can carry it all in at once. (Clearly this is impossible for you if you shop for a brood!).

So there you have it! I'm sold on my early morning shopping. Try it out, and maybe you'll see the Starbucks light on while driving home (like I did!).

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes! I have started doing that occasionally too! But usually around 7am, not 5. :) I love the no-traffic and no-crowds benefits.

Mark and Laura said...

I'll have to try it sometime when my husband doesn't leave for work at 5:45 am and my baby doesn't wake up until 8 a.m. =)

Thanks for the comment on my blog. I truly did enjoy reading "Don't Make Me Count to Three" and I need to read it again. I've heard of "Shepherding a Child's Heart" but haven't read it yet. I'll have to check that one out sometime in the near future.

Have a wonderful day!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Grootchen! The buyers fair! Hahaha., I think the best thing about Dad working for Super Valu was the new items that were shipped to us. Mmmmmmmmmmm Like I specifically remember fruit newtons. YUM. :)

Anna

Anonymous said...

The boys and I usually shop in the early afternoon, after lunch and reading is done for the day (around 1:30 or 2:00). The grocery store is usually not busy then, so it's a good time to shop. We started using the self-checkout this summer and the boys love it. At first I was apprehensive since the automated voice kept telling me I was doing things wrong, but now we're old pros at it.

Laura - I just read "Shepherding a Child's Heart" this summer and highly recommend it. I wrote a review of it on my blog.

sara said...

Yes, I agree! It is so peaceful! :)

Unknown said...

I LOVE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE! I have a different method, with some similar results. I shop at night.

On Mondays, we put the kids to bed and I leave! Meijer is open 24 hours, and I usually get there between 8:30 and 9:00 (with the occasional White Mocha from Starbucks :)

Meijer is a superstore, so I can buy my household needs (like socks or crayons) and my groceries in one stop. I take my time, STICK to my list and use applicable coupons.

Since the kids are in bed, Joel has some much needed quiet and I get out of the house. It really works for us!

The Tiffinian said...

I love sleeping while Gretchen grocery shops.

Anna--
I often brag about how I tried Coke Zero LONG before it was on the market because my father-in-law was in the grocery business. I'm sure it impresses no one, but I have so little to boast about...

Anonymous said...

Hey, Gret.

Some of the moms posted this link on our homeschool loop. I don't know if you have an Aldi close, but I thought of you when I read your blog today.

http://www.momadvice.com/food/aldi_meal_plan.aspx

Stephanie said...

Very funny - but my question is WHY were you shopping so early? What prompted that?

I've been going around 8am with Isaiah and have found the results to be similar (Elijah started school so we go after I dropped him off)

Gretchen said...

Steph,

See my 5am Club post. I get up early now. So I do all my jobs right away in the morning to help me wake up. Since I usually have to be at work at 7:45, if I'm going to the grocery, or hauling all the laundry downstairs to wash it in the machines (another lovely thing! NO ONE using the machines that early!), I've gotta start pretty much when I first get up.

Speaking of which . . . better go do my laundry!

Anonymous said...

Hi Gret, Grocery buisness been bery bery good to us! You should publish an article for Supermarket news.....DAD

Emily said...

dad....heehee..I agree.
Josh, HAHAHAHA! Yes, I too am happy to not have much to do with grocery shopping! I'm sure someday I'll enjoy it, but I am muy contento to just stay home and sleep in la manana. :)
-emma

Sarah said...

Just like Dawn, I love to shop at night after the kids are in bed. There is no one in the store, I am awake enough to think (the early morning thing would not work out so well for me--I would be in a fog and buy all the wrong things!). I love to shop in the quiet, and no that no children are waking up at home, waiting for me. :-) I'm glad you found a good time for yourself though. And by the way, I also love to grocery shop--not sure why....