I'm back! hopefully...

so it's been awhile since my last post. I'd like to say I was doing something constructive, but mainly I've been super busy with life. I have a million posts in the works, but I thought I'd take this time to discuss waste not, want not.

I'm not the perfect homemaker - as evidenced by the current state of my home. however, I think I have the process of stocking the kitchen down to an art. unless you count being unable to keep enough hot pockets and frozen pizzas to please the boyfriend. I fail miserably at that.

anywho.

here are the steps I take to make sure I don't waste my time and money at the grocery store:

the day before:

1. review this week's local grocery store ads. if you have to shop at walmart (like myself), at least take advantage of their price matching. I especially use this when soda goes on sale at other stores. I really should invest in the dr. pepper brand because of how much we drink. price match has saved me many dollars.
2. inventory what you currently have. I know it sounds silly, but I like to keep a running list of what's in my freezer, fridge and pantry. and yes, I write it down. it helps when planning meals for the week and prevents pantry overload.
3. think about certain meals you want to make for the next week or two. what do you need to make those meals? what do you already have? start making your grocery list.
4. once you have dinners squared away (I like to think of the protein I want to use and build out from there), think about what you want for breakfast and lunch. continue writing your list.
5. quickly check the trash bags, storage bags, dish and laundry needs, and the bathrooms. write down anything you will run out of in the next week or two. add to the list.

dooms day

1. go to store. stand in line. shoot murderous daggers out of your eyes at everyone around you. [I don't know why I loathe going to the grocery store so much. but I always hate my life while I'm there.]
2. I like to know how much I'm spending along the way, so I keep a running total while I shop. if you like surprises, skip this step.

the day after

1. I usually shove everything in their respective places when I get home. the only item I properly put away is parsley. I take it out of the produce bag, trim the stems and place the bunch in water. but fresh herbs turn quickly. and that's the only reason why I'm not completely lazy after getting home from the store.
2. the next day, break down any large packs of meat you bought. I portion my ground beef, cube steaks, chicken breasts, etc. anything I'm not using the day of goes in the freezer.
3. I clean my produce and let it dry. then I put it where it should go.
4. pantry organization is next. [note: I first typed "panty organization". for those of you that know me well know that is another topic I could write about. but perhaps not on my food blog] just group like things together. tomato sauce, paste and other tomato products all go together. canned beans, boxed things, rice, pasta, blah blah blah. you get the picture.

I know this sounds like a hassle, but when you only buy things for the meals you intend to make you waste less food. if you're feeling extra organized, plan meals that can be rolled over into another meal. you save even more time and money!

I promise to post recipes again soon. this was just the easy way to get back in the groove.