Though I’ve been sort of skirting the edges of adulting for a long time now, I have to admit that I’ve gotten used to taking a lot of shortcuts. Like, I know how to do my taxes and when to get my oil changed, but I haven’t been the savviest in a lot of the day-to-day tasks. I blame this on years of being a busy bee garbage person who ate 80% of meals while driving and kept a toothbrush in her purse in case she crashed on somebody’s couch. Now all of a sudden, I cook every meal and fold laundry right after I dry it instead of letting it sit in a basket until it’s so wrinkled that I just wash it again. I don’t even know who I am anymore.
Which is why I decided to document the silly life lessons that I pick up along the way! Much of what I’m learning these days are things that I already knew but didn’t want to hear. I’m giving in to those, these days. Here’s what I learned grocery shopping alone on a Monday night.
- I mean, obviously, make a list.
- But not just any list. Make a list of what you know you need AND what you’re gonna make with those things. We’re mostly pretty simple. Protein, carb, vegetable. We also like to throw in a frozen easy meal or two.
- Eventually, you can train yourself to remember your reusable bags (even if you live in a state that doesn’t charge for plastic and they look at you like a hippie weirdo)
- If you’re hungry, even a little, stop somewhere for a snack. This is worth it. Thank you, Sweet Potato Smash Fries, for keeping me from going on a hangry rampage.
- SHOP ON WEEKDAYS. I normally go on Sundays when everything is terrible. The combination of my list, not being hungry, and the fact that TJs was a ghost town got me in and out in thirteen minutes. Thirteen minutes.
- TJs is my favorite for almost everything, but I buy my meat at Smith’s because it’s cheaper and we get gas points.
- Put your heaviest items on the line first so they get bagged first! (This is a Sarah tip. I’m not advanced enough for this one.)
- By taking the time to plan out full meals, I made a pretty full list. This meant I didn’t buy random fillers just in case. I actually spent around $30 less than we normally do!
- Yes, you are a strong independent woman who just knocked out a week’s worth of shopping in no time. But no, carrying all of it in one trip was NOT a good idea.
Tune in next time for more things I shouldn’t have to learn (and yet…)
xx, Tab
TabithaTypes 