Those two little words — grocery shopping. You either love it or hate it. I love it. I think it’s the foodie in me. I enjoy going up and down the aisles and seeing what goodies I can find.

I typically have my phone in my hand. Not because I am texting, but because I have my grocery list on it. I used to put a notepad on our fridge. If we needed something, I would write it down. That Friday, I would leave to go to the store, and guess what? Yup, I forgot that darn paper! I knew I had to figure something out. That’s when I came up with downloading a notepad onto my phone. I mean, come on, are we ever without our phones? I then labeled my grocery column and added each aisle or food group. So, my first thing on the list is produce, of course.

OK, so we need broccoli, grapes, strawberries, peppers, and bananas. I hit up that first and put all the smashable things in the seat at the top. Next is bread. That also goes in the top seat, so it doesn’t get smashed. I shop at Wegmans. Can you see a pattern here?

Next on my list is meat, and so on. I made my list the way I shop in Wegmans. It works out so nicely, and this way, I don’t forget anything. During the week, I just add things to my list, so I am not running to the store three or four times a week. Trust me; there were weeks I swear I was there all the time! I don’t have that kind of time anymore.

How do you stack groceries in your cart? Let me tell you; I used to be a hot mess. I would just throw it in years ago when I first got married. As the years went on, I tried my best to keep it nicer. Now I have a system, and the cashiers love me! It’s cute the ones that will thank me because it not only makes it easier on me, it makes it easier on them with bagging. Do you know how much easier it is to keep all your cold stuff together? All your perishable items? Produce? Then all your cleaning supplies, smelly stuff, or paper supplies?

Going home makes it so much easier to unload your things. If you just take a little extra time while you’re shopping to keep things together like that. When loading things on the belt, I always put on my bread, eggs, and produce last. That way, I know nothing is getting smashed as I load it back into my cart. I find grocery shopping so much easier now. I’ve always loved grocery shopping, but it’s so good to be organized and doing a weekly chore that got that much easier. If I only had someone to help me carry it all in?? Does anyone have a system for that?? Haha! I’m just kidding. I like getting my steps in. The only time I hate it if it’s hotter than blue blazes out, and if that’s the case, I’ll pull our car around to our back door and unload that baby right off our patio before that upper lip sweat gets out of hand.

I have to say; my kids and my husband help me if they are home, of course! But typically, they are at school and work. I’m used to going solo, and like I said, it’s great exercise.

Next time you shop, I hope this column gives you a few ideas to make it go a little smoother for you, then you can indulge in a cookie. Or two, or three. Depending on how many trips you make out to bring those groceries in. Happy shopping!

Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup butter (don’t substitute for margarine)
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 3/4 cups flour
– 2 tsp cream of tartar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– Cinnamon and sugar
Directions:

Cream sugar and butter together.

Drop in whole eggs and mix.

Sift together the salt, flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda.

Add to the first mixture and beat till smooth.

Make a small ball and roll in cinnamon and sugar.

Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes.