To all my neighbors you got much flavor…
While this post doesn’t technically have anything to do with the Montell Jordan song from the 90s, I totally have it stuck in my head and SORRY NOT SORRY I’m going to try to bring you down with me.
Lori reached out to me last week asking if I’d participate in a new link-up that she and Ashley are launching today, and I’m happy to be linking there today! Two years ago I would have never thought I could write a post about grocery shopping. But oh man, now there is a lot of strategery involved so I’m happy to share & excited to pick up new tips & tricks!
So tip up your cup and throw your hands up
I’ve shared before about my dinner bin system, which is what makes my weeknight cooking incredibly easy – and I like to keep my grocery shopping exactly as easy.
First let me say: I have tried to get on the “Meal Plan Monday” bandwagon. It seems like there are a zillion bloggers out there who do this. And much love to them, so glad that works. I love a good alliteration as much as (probably more than) the next gal, but that is an epic fail here because I have to do my grocery shopping on the weekends – so I meal plan on Fridays.
And I do it with pretty much one app – Favado.
I’ll never come wack on an old school track
Look, I will never be on Extreme Couponers getting 79 boxes of kitty litter for 32 cents. Mainly because I don’t have a cat. But also because who has the time for that nonsense?
See all of those little categories? The app tells you what is on sale at your favorite stores in each category, and then it matches those sales with any available coupons – that you can then print online. It’s dummy proof. It’s genius. I lurve it.
All hands are in the air, and wave them from here to there
The shopping itself is pretty easy – I try to go solo because hello, that’s a momcation, but that wasn’t in the cards this weekend so G came along.
G was transfixed by these balloons. She said “ba ba ba ba ba” basically the entire time we were there.
A few other quick tips:
Let’s flip the track bring the old school back
- Know your path – If you’re shopping with little ones, you’re on borrowed time. Know your route around the store!
- Keep little hands busy – I let G hold something that I’m buying as long as it isn’t easily breakable/squishable. She held a sweet potato most of this trip and was happy as a clam. This also keeps her from turning around too much to check out what’s in the cart (except for when balloons are involved, obvi)
- Park next to the cart corral – I learned this the hard way. I put G in the car first, and then load the groceries. The first time I did this I realized I was basically stranded. I either had to get my snoozing baby out of the car & go push the cart to the corral or be the person I hate and leave the cart in the parking lot. I chose secret option C which was to flag down a stranger and make him push the cart back for me. He was so pleased.
What do you do to make grocery shopping easier for yourself? Any apps that I need to be made aware of?
Lori
Haha! I love that you posted lyrics from the song!! I’ve had that in my head non-stop lately as I’ve been working on my post! 🙂 I love your tips – SO good! I always park next to the cart corral – such a must! Now heading over to the Dinner Bin post! Thanks so much for linking up with us 🙂
Becky
Okay, I am cracking up at your song lyrics. And great tips. I need to get on the grocery app bandwagon, like yesterday.
Kelly Post author
It’s the only way to go!
Emilie Burke
I’ve never heard of Favado! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley
Love your tips! I feel like I had mastered keeping little hands busy, until my fourth. He much prefers eating anything and everything and doing some kind of crazy ninja moves to get out of the cart buckle. Sigh. 🙂
Thanks for linking up! Definitely checking out that app and the dinner bin post!
Kelly Post author
Thanks! Hope you enjoy – G has so far not shown interest in any ninja moves, holding out hope that she doesn’t figure that out!
Joyce Holthaus
I found your blog through the link up at The Boutelle Family…love your tips and will definitely check out the Favado app too. So now I feel guilty that my husband & I (empty nesters) park next to the cart corral too…guess we will leave that space open now for all you Moms that have to bring little ones with you to the grocery story although I would have been happy to return your cart for you! 😎
Amy
My favorite way to meal plan: I have a subscription service that sends me a weekly meal plan and grocery list. Just $5 a month.
My favorite way to grocery shop: Online! It costs $6 for delivery and I usually tip the driver another $5.
Believe it or not, I actually SAVE money doing this. I make fewer trips to the grocery store (AKA no impulse purchases) and the groceries prices are cheaper than my neighborhood store.
Even if it didn’t save me money, it would still be worth.every.penny! Because who has time when you have a baby??