Probably my least favorite chore of all is going to the grocery store. It takes so much planning ahead of time to plan out the meals, then write down all of the ingredients I will need for each meal and then searching coupons to see if there are any coupons for what I am going to be getting (sometimes I skip this step).
Then I have to figure out when to go. I can't go in the middle of Brady or Laney's nap. Nor can I go when its almost bedtime. I can't go when Laney is about to get ready to eat. I can't go during the day when I am at work. Sometimes, Lance or his mom will be available to watch one or both of the kids for me so that I can go to the store and get out in a reasonable amount of time - and this helps alot.
Once I've found a time when all the stars align and I can actually go to the store, its time to load up the kids, haul down to the store, spend an hour (sometimes more) grocery shopping, checkout, load the groceries and the kids into the car, get home and then it's time to unload the groceries. BUT WAIT - not done yet - I still need to divide up the meat (I buy bulk meat and seperate it into meal size servings in ziplock bags).
It's something that we ALL have to do, but I just dread it. I'd rather clean my house from top to bottom or do 20 loads of laundry than have to go to the grocery store (or plan it).
SOOOOO, all of that just to say that sometimes I get lazy and stretch out the grocery trips. When that happens, we end up eating out alot or just finding junk at home to eat. It really takes a huge toll on my waist-line.
Does anyone have any tips on how to make the grocery store chore a little less daunting?
I have seen (although not used) programs that will generate a shopping list for you! I think Rachel Ray's magazine and Real Simple do this. I am sure there is a website somewhere willing to take your money. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not looking forward to this - I may make separate meals for kiddos and us, simply because the idea of coming up with meals that all four will eat that are healthy "enough" for the twins but edible by the husband and myself is terrifying. It is easier to have a menu for them, then we eat frozen food (me - lean cuisine; him - whatever he wants).
Let me know what you figure out. I will also ask my friend who has 5 kids how she does it...