grocery lists

Do you shop with a list? Over the years, I've gone back and forth about shopping with lists -- and I have to admit that we save money and I have a better idea of what we'll be eating when I take the time to make a list. I *knew* I needed a few things yesterday so I went to the store with just a minimal list in mind, and no meals planned for the week. I spent $76.13 and didn't get enough to ensure we had meals for more than 2 days. Ugh!!

My sister was free (and it's much easier when I have all 3 kids if she comes along,) L had just been fed, and I didn't want to waste my window of opportunity -- so I headed off without the week's meals planned. And I picked up a bunch of stuff that didn't really translate into meals for my family. With our budget being so tight right now, I really can't afford to be unorganized.

My mom tends to plan meals 1-2 days out and then shops multiple times during the week. I prefer to get my shopping done in one trip per week. Which works best when things are planned (as I think I've mentioned!)

I'm going to hit publish, then plan out the rest of the week's meals. Are your meals planned for the week already? Do you plan out breakfasts, lunches and snacks as well as dinners? I started doing that and it helps immensely, plus the boys love being able to see what the planned snacks are for each day.