I ran into the local market for a few of my customary week-end things on Friday and couldn’t find my list. Sometimes my list is only in my head, but it gets lost just the same. Does it find the sock from the dryer that’s missing?
Until that glorious day when
the carts will set us free, we need a plan and a list when we shop. Tanya B. Leach of the Associated Press says that “
most people pay for their groceries with three currencies – money, time and angst.” I guess she has seen me wailing. The 2.5 gallon baggies that have always been stocked in aisle 4, third shelf down, are gone. My toothpaste in the stand-up tube has only a 1 in 6 chance of being available on any given excursion. The Artichoke Hearts I dearly love are always on the top shelf in the back, completely out of reach.
Now when I see these items, I load the cart. But if I’m throwing out lettuce, and cut back the next trip, you know I won’t have enough…does this mean shopping is an art or science?
Ms. Leach
interviewed experts. Adam Roberts, author of
Amateur Gourmet: How to Shop, Chop and Table Hop Like a Pro, advises “
hunting” for what looks freshest and best, then creating dinner accordingly. He also advises us that “
grocery shopping can feel less overwhelming if you keep a well stocked pantry.” Susan Mitchell, nutrition consultant for SuperTarget Stores, thinks wandering can be frustrating and recommends following your list to save time and money. Liz Crawford, a consumer strategist recommends an organized pantry as well; you won’t duplicate what you already have. Use what’s at home as a basis for your menu. Mr. Roberts calls shopping from your list “
gathering.”
My style combines hunting and gathering with research, rescue and retreat. That’s when I climb up inside the ice cream case to see if there is any vanilla chocolate chip available. You get the picture.
After all, it was the weekend. Have a good one!
- Nancy
