time saver: the supermarket

Ah yes,

The supermarket. We all look forward to this weekly adventure, don't we?  And we especially love to deal with the unending lines and rude people!

Suffice to say, this isn't the case for most of us. I know I don't enjoy dealing with those lines, not to mention the overwhelming feeling that I'm probably going to be stuck there for hours. 

Over time, I've learned that the key word in saving time at the supermarket is preparation!  Here are just a few time-saving ideas:

Eat. Believe it or not, this saves you loads of time, money and aggravation. I can't think when I'm starved - and  I'm definitely not the happiest camper. Eating before shopping will also prevent you from buying more than you normally would. 

Check your kitchen. Chances are, you already have that jar of spaghetti sauce that you planned on buying. 

Make a list ahead of time. This sounds like a given, but believe or not I see lots of supermarket shoppers without lists and I wonder how they do it!  Be as specific as possible - brands, the amount, etc. can also help you save $$. I created one in Word and e-mailed it to myself - this way, it's on my computer and phone for easy reference.

Divide your list into categories. Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables, etc. Extra points if you can divide it according to the way your local supermarket is organized.

Bring your own shopping bags. Preferably, those sturdy, recycling ones. This may seem a little anal, but try labeling them according to the categories on your list. As you shop, bag those items accordingly. Here's why:  When you get to the cashier, you won't throw random items on the conveyor belt, trying to figure out what goes where. (And you prevent the cashier from putting a soda bottle on top of your loaf of bread...) Instead, your items will already be grouped, making it easier to bag. *I also bring a hot/cold bag, just in case I get stuck in traffic with items that need refrigeration.

Shop early. Shopping after noon is the absolute worst - especially on the weekends. My most productive and efficient shopping trips are early Saturday or a Sunday mornings. Shopping for non-perishables and non-essentials are usually reserved for weeknights. (Target, Costco, etc.). I also suggest making supermarket visits the first errand on your list - saving it for last will cause you to hate your day even more, making the trip twice as worse. 

Bring a no-nonsense pal. No, not your bestie who loves bringing you those free samples or your mom who visits every aisle - someone who hates shopping and would take half the time getting through your list than you normally would. This seems a bit counter-productive - mostly because you chance dealing with an attitude - but it can work if you are in a bind. My dad, bro and bf have all saved me from spending hours poring over a cereal purchase now and again, believe me. 

Rip your list in half. Give a portion to your no-nonsense pal, above. Agree to meet in a neutral spot at a specific time. (My bf taught me this one!)  If you use a smartphone, text/email your list to the other person. 

Wear comfortable clothing. Last but not least, if shopping in stilettos and leather pants is comfortable for you, go for it. I suggest wearing anything that you feel good moving in.

Happy shopping!

simplistically yours,
xoxo andrea