Tips for quick grocery shopping

Grocery shopping is one of those obligatory tasks that, while so common, can be so overwhelming! Here are some TIPS to make it smoother...

Plan Meals. Make a list from your plan. I pick two aggressive meal menus (like chicken) and three easy "throw together" meals/ week (like pasta/quesadillas).

Write an ORGANIZED list by row/dept. Separate the items on the list into their own sections (dairy, condiments, cereal, produce, etc.). This will reduce the chances of having to double back for something that you forgot in another section.

Go when Granny goes. Go early; no weekends.

Don't go hungry...we all know this! It gets ugly fast.

Buy sale items at the end of the row. Don't hesitate, like, well, I like pringles, not doritos..chances are by the time you get to pringles, you'll forget and have to go back.

Shop by coupons. If you have them, write the item in the list and STAR the coupon items.

Swap kids with a neighbor. Guaranteed to make shopping (especially in summer, when popcicle requests, ice cream flavor fights are at their peak) 50% faster. Literally. It's a worthwhile effort!

Buy bulk snacks...it's summer, there are always extra humans hanging around!