I do the grocery shopping at our house. I shop at Target because I know where everything is. I know it's not the cheapest, but I tried to shop at the Walmarts a couple of times and got utterly lost and frustrated. Since Joanne usually stays home by herself while I shop I am motivated to go as fast as I can because I don't like leaving Joanne home alone. So Target it is.
Here are my secrets: make a list. I try to always know what I am going for before I head out the door. If I try to remember stuff I always forget something, and it is usually the most important something.
I mentally plan my path through the store. This is a little weird, but as I drive to the store I visualize the path I will take through the store. I guess a lot of elite athletes visualize their event before participating so why should I be any different? Pharmacy, then the bread aisle, cereal and then dairy. Check.
Get a cart that works. I don't have time for a cart with a sticky wheel. If I pull out a cart and it fights me, I abandon it and go back for a new cart. I also won't use carts that pull to the left or the right. I need the cart to be on the team!
Stay alert: there may be something that I needed that I forgot to put on the list. I can't get too focused on the list that I forget to grab a can of Salt and Vinegar Pringles for Emma's lunch when I walk down the chip aisle.
This morning I had a list of 20 items and the entire trip from my house, through the store and home took half an hour. Joanne says I am a shopping super hero and that I need to wear a cape when I grocery shop. I don't think so...it might slow me down.
Toben
I don't know if this will help, but I keep an excel spreadsheet of all the groceries I buy on a regular basis, divided up by aisle. That way I can just print off the list, highlight what I need and get going.
Posted by: Sara | December 04, 2012 at 09:48 AM
Toben-you are amazing, you make me laugh and you make me cry!
Posted by: Linda Hughes | December 04, 2012 at 11:14 AM
No capes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy2YhxXn7NY
Posted by: MomPlusKid | December 04, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Grocery Shopping is one of my least favorite chores - I completely understand the list and the 'path' visualization! Maybe you could make a "Grocery-Hero" tee shirt. That wouldn't get in the way.
Posted by: Jean | December 05, 2012 at 04:30 AM
I just love reading your posts! I never comment but this one I had too! I can just visualize this!!! Been a follower since Joanne had her stroke. I feel like I know you guys! Love and Christmas Blessings to all!
Posted by: Bunny Vance | December 05, 2012 at 09:23 AM
Love this. I don't mind the speed shopping part--when they ask me if I need help out to my car, however, I tend to laugh and say, "If you would just come home and unload these, that'd be great!" Hate the unloading. I know it's ungrateful of me, but there it is.
Posted by: gretchen | December 05, 2012 at 09:23 AM
I'm an avid couponer and can tell you, despite popular belief, Walmart is not necessarily the cheapest place to do grocery shopping anyways. The only thing I like about Walmart is that they will price match items on sale at other stores. But, they don't double coupons (Safeway and King Soopers do). Good for you for getting your shopping done that quickly, that is amazing! In case you don't already know, you can get coupons for Target here: http://coupons.target.com/#?lnk=gnav_seemore| (If that link doesn't work, go to Target.com and under the "more" tab, the top category on the right is "more ways to save" and coupons is under that section. I think they update coupons weekly.
Posted by: Sharon | December 05, 2012 at 04:25 PM
LOL, Joanne is right you are a shopping super hero getting back in a half hour! I like Target too, much easier to shop there and the prices on cleaning products, groceries, etc., really are not that much higher than Walmart. It made me laugh that you visualize your path, I think I'll try that one.
Posted by: Erin | December 05, 2012 at 07:01 PM
I've been known to "jog slowly/walk really fast" through the grocery store as an excuse to get through quickly and burn more calories! For those crazy weeks, don't overlook those grocery chains that will shop for you according to the list you enter and only charge a nominal fee! It's worth every penny some weeks!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Posted by: Kim Feth | December 09, 2012 at 06:59 PM