So far, it’s only 8 days into July and we’ve not managed to eliminate grocery store trips. And, since I want to avoid it, Nate has started going instead, which, as most of you who regularly read my posts, means coming home with extra things that we do NOT need or are NOT good for us (he also lacks certain price comparison skills – although he’s pretty good at it when it comes to toilet paper, which always surprises me). In any case, so far, he’s gone twice (or was it three times? I’m trying to block it from memory!). The most recent trip was two days ago, when I decided I just had to have wine to braise the chuck roast in, and I was whining about the fact that we didn’t have any. Turns out we needed eggs, too, so he got some of those. Oh, and some really stinky, moldy cheese (he loves cheese and is much more adventurous with food than I). He proudly showed me his new shopping skills: the eggs and wine were local, the cheese made with raw milk, and, he didn’t buy anything other than that. I have to say I was rather impressed, despite my wrinkled nose when he opened the cheese, shoved it in my face, and told me to check out the little spots of blue-gray mold.
Of course, I had wanted to not go to the grocery store at all this month. I’m trying to be forgiving of myself, allowing for the fact that 1) I have never done this before 2) I only just started, so how could I know that I’d end up needing wine and eggs? and 3) I have actually never stepped foot into a grocery store, yet. I’m taking heart in the fact that I won’t have to spend 2 hours shopping and driving, wrangling a child in and/or out of that ridiculous blue truck cart that he insists on riding in, and ending up buying him a cookie and myself some chocolate (or if I really crack, a magazine). Oh, and telling the cashier that no, I am not buying those bags, I brought them to put groceries in, and yes, they are really cool bags, aren’t they? Clearly, the shopping experience is not one I enjoy. Of course, on the upside, it is the only time when I can go into a store and actually come out with something (unlike other shopping, in which there is nothing affordable and/or in my size).
Well, it looks like another trip to the store is in the offing: we’ve just run out of peanut butter, and Seth cannot live without it (and, apparently neither can I!).
2 Comments
July 22, 2008 at 1:29 pm
When our family began it’s quest for a debt-free lifestyle, I also eliminated trips to the grocer. I started by planning out a month’s worth of meals & snacks (breakfast, lunch, supper). I’d then check my cupboard, freezer and fridge for ingredients that each meal needed. If I didn’t have an ingredient or enough of an ingredient I’d add it to my shopping list. On shopping day off I’d go and spend a bunch ($300 – $350; family of 6). BUT, in the end it was the ONLY day I’d spend money. Within a couple months not only did I have the new routine down, but after reviewing old bank statements my grocery bill was also down by more than an average of $200 per month!
July 22, 2008 at 2:08 pm
That’s amazing! Nate and I have decided that we’re going to have a “boring” menu – basically repeat what we eat each week, so we only have to determine a weekly menu. I’ve been lazy and not been making menus for breakfast and lunch, but I have been meaning to get more serious about it. We’re pretty stocked up – the fridge and freezer are full, and any trips we do make are for just a few things, which is SO much better than 1-2 hour shopping trips each week. I’m finding that planning and organization are KEY and go a long way!