I’ve never dreaded or not liked grocery shopping. I love going up and down the aisles, looking to see if anything new strikes me. It’s somehow really relaxing to me. I think it’s the foodie in me. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I can’t wait to go. There are days here and there that I wish the grocery ‘stork’ would drop them off on my front porch and my magic kitchen fairy would put them away. (A girl can dream, right?) But for the most part, it’s far from a dreaded chore.

My daughter Kenzy enjoys shopping with me, and I just love when she tags along. A while back, we did my momma’s grocery shopping for her after a surgery she had. I asked Kenzy if she would like to do Grammy’s shopping for me with her own little cart while I did our shopping. She was so excited!

That Friday, we went to Wegmans. There she was with her little wallet, grabbed her own cart, had Gramy’s list in her hand that she had made, and headed right to produce. She grabbed nectarines and tested them to make sure they were good — made me so proud, haha! She took her shopping very seriously.

When we got to the register, I let her go before me.

“Momma, I want to unload everything myself and pay for it,” she said.

“Go for it, baby! It’s all you,” I told her.

There she was, loading everything on the belt. She took all of her cold items and placed them together. Then, she took any boxed and canned items and placed them together. Lastly, she did the produce and anything that could get smashed easily and placed it at the very end. This is from her watching her momma. I never taught her to do this. I unload our groceries on the belt to make it easier to put them away when we get home. My smile must have been so big realizing she picked up on this over the years of shopping with me. It made me so proud. My mom gave Kenzy a tip and was so impressed with her shopping skills. It really gave Kenz the feeling of being responsible. As she grabbed the receipt from the cashier, Kenzy said, “Thank you. Have a nice day!” How does my (at the time, nine-year-old) have better manners than most adults?

I was just so proud of her and know she will make a wonderful wife and mommy someday.

I also love that she made a list for herself in her own handwriting. My momma gave it to me, and it was on my phone, but she wanted her own list to carry.

This is the key to saving money and being prepared for your week. When we have a list, we don’t buy more than we need too. We know what breakfast items we need. We know lunches are taken care of, and we have the recipe items needed for dinners. Planning. It doesn’t take long to figure out a week of food.

Another thing that helps is to see what’s on sale and plan your meals around that, too. There is nothing wrong with that, and it is super smart to save money.

Almost every store has an app with e-coupons or a flier when you walk in the door to see their sales. Or do the family packs at Wegmans or other stores that have them. I just got an eight-pack of thick pork chops at Wegmans for $12. I got two meals out of that pack. Buying in bulk can save you in the long run.

Take the meal below, for example. Turkey BLT. (It doesn’t have to be turkey bacon.)

I get my turkey bacon from Aldi. Two packs of ‘Never Any’ cost me about $7. ($3.65 a pack, I believe.) Two packs of pretzel rolls were about $8. I had everything else I needed. I made six sandwiches for around $15.

They were so good, and you know what else?? Super easy on a busy night! My family raved over these sandwiches and couldn’t wait for me to make them again. It was cost-friendly and easy for a busy momma; my family absolutely loved them.

Meals do not have to be complicated every night. I have really learned that over the past few years. My family is so easy to please. I have one nice, big meal each week.

Sunday, we will have a big brunch after church. Then, one night, something easy like tacos, ham cosmos, grilled cheese with soup, or something along those lines. A summer night might be hot dogs over a fire. A winter night might be a pot of chili.

Then don’t forget, a leftover night! Remember, it’s about being together. Your kids won’t remember every single meal you ever made. They will remember the thought and love you put into each meal and that you spent dinner together chatting about your day.

Take the time to figure out your meals for a week. Make a grocery list. Check apps if you have the time, or grab a flier at the door to see any good deals, maybe to start preparing for the following week! Shop at places like Aldi and Sam’s Club if you get the time. It takes a little practice, but I promise you it’s a game-changer. Plus, there is nothing like knowing what you are having for dinner all week before the week even begins. Takes such a load off of the person planning and preparing these meals. Happy shopping!

Turkey TBL
Ingredients:
• Turkey bacon cooked to your liking
• Lettuce
• Mayo
• Tomato
• Cheese
• Butter
• Pretzel Rolls
Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Butter each pretzel roll and lay the buttered flat side onto a cookie sheet. (Face down.)

Bake until rolls are toasted, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the rolls are toasted, place three cooked slices of bacon on each bottom roll and top with your favorite cheese. Place back in the oven to melt the cheese. When melted, pull from the oven and top with lettuce/tomato, and add mayo if desired.