[sfharper]

We're probably totally nerdie, but we both worked with factory operations. So when we use the last of some item, it automatically goes on the small yellow pad with the grocery list. Then, when we shop, we don't have to run around and look to find out what we need. It works pretty good. Especially since my husband uses items that I never touch and he likewise.

[seeemilywrite]

Right now I have adopted the "Oh crap Im out of this" mad rush to the grocery store method. The store is a few blocks away so it isnt much of a hassle. in general I plan meals a week in advance and try to shop for the week thinking in terms of meals.

[beth]

I always buy up all the specials on staple items like toilet paper, soap etc -- things that don't go off. Sometimes family members will find the overflow of all these purchases in strange places in the house, but it does save money and we never run out of toilet paper!

[workingdad]

We belong to a food coop and we shop there once a week. I do most of the shoppping. We do have a list and I do inuldge from time to time in extra goodie for me. I also have a membership at Costco, and that's where I buy large quantities of paper stuff. You can never have enough paper towels and tissues when you have small children. I don't buy too many groceries there. We also go once a month or so to Trader Joe's, a great, cheap grocery store that is very kid-friendly.

[seeemilywrite]

Groceries is one thing I need to start being smart about. Going right before I cook a meal gets expensive!

[beth]

But then I've fallen into the opposite trap! Going straight after a meal, I just walk up and down the aisles thinking "Don't need that!", "Don't need this!". Then, later in the week, I'm back again for round 2!!

[sfharper]

Do you shop with coupons? Right now we have Albertson's, Safeway, QFC, Fred Meyer, and a Thriftway all within a 5 mile radius and they're duking it out. So we're always getting $10 off our order coupons. We also sign up for the club cards, even when we're out of town. It often saves us a good bundle. I feel almost schizophrenic buying a little of this here, or there. I don't know what I'd do if I lived way out of town.

[westbrook]

Since the nearest grocery store is 40 miles from me, I have to make sure I never run out of anything. There is no 'I'll just run to the store and pick up' here especially since gas prices are way over the top and I happen to drive a truck. I have a list, everyone writes down what they want or need. I also have an extensive pantry about like a mini-mart so when something comes out of the pantry it automatically goes on the list.

When my h runs out of shaving cream, he reaches inside the cupboard and gets a new one. He leaves the empty one on the counter, I put it on the list and when I pick up another and put it in the pantery (dated of course) I pull the oldest dated out of the pantry and put in the cupboard to replace the one he used.

My daughter on the other hand puts everything on the list.. new car, new clothes, shopping spree, money, needless to say, her list keeps growing longer.

w

[pattiewrites]

There are a lot of good tips here. I make a weekly menu before making my list. Then, I write the list in the order of the aisles at the supermarket. This saves me time in the store and I don't have to back track because I forgot something. I keep a pad on the refrigerator to add items to the list as I run out.

[Alison22]

I usually go for a BIG grocery trip every couple weeks and just pick up the produce and bread in between as needed.