Shopping Tips

Just wanted to pass along a few ideas I've had and tried lately that have worked marvelously for me!

Tip One: Bring your portable DVD player and set up the kids to watch while you shop. This little action has saved me loads and loads of time! Mine don't get to watch too much TV, but they love it when they can, so they are entertained thoroughly while I shop. So many people have commented on what a great idea it is when they see me strolling along with two completely happy kids in my cart. If you shop at a Tom Thumb or a place like it, I hear they have pre installed movies on Dvd players for kids in their shopping carts already. Kudos.

Tip Two: Whether you have kids or not, this one could be useful. I frequently have trouble finding space for all of my things without them getting smashed. The underneath part of the cart isn't that useful because I often find my things falling out. Last shopping trip it dawned on me to see if a shopping basket would slide underneath the cart. It did, and Viola! I now have a considerable bit of more space for goods. I like to use it for breakables or smashables like bread and eggs, or even for the heavy stuff like canned goods. The best part is that it also solves a problem of taking a long time in line to unload your goods. The basket just has to be set on the checkout line completely full.

Tip Three: Expand the basket idea and compartmentalize your entire cart. I think two baskets would fit in the main part of the cart and at least one beneath. Then, when it's time to unload, all you have to do is line up the baskets and your done! I'm trying this out next time I go!

Yeah, maybe it's a little over the top, but...I don't care. It will save me time in the checkout line!

I Hate Wal Mart!

I do shop there but I always end up asking ...why? The produce is terrible. I rarely buy it. But, this isn't even my biggest complaint. Before I go on ranting, I must admit that there are savings to be made by shopping at Wal Mart. The non grocery items are mostly just fine. My biggest complaint is the lack of service. Now, maybe this Wal Mart and the Wal Mart in Alabama just "happpened" to have really terrible service, or maybe this is actually a trend with Wal Marts across the nation. I would love to know. I think I must have inheireted a bit of my Grandpa Bootsma's personality. He was always a stickler for getting the proper treatment or service when he was visiting a place. I am becoming more and more that way! I do realize that places often cut back on items or certain services to offer cheaper prices, but really, people DO need to be able to check out!! Today was the second time that I have had to stand in line for no less than 30 minutes. One of the times was closer to 45 minutes! Checking out is not an enjoyable task with two children underfoot, and you add a 30 minute wait to that and it is down right nightmarish. My blood pressure was so high by the time we left that I am not sure I will visit Wal Mart again for a VERY long time! Sure, it costs more to shop at Kroger (which by the way, I must now plug for Publix...I miss you!), but what you lose in money you save in time and sanity.

I can almost here my parents tsk tsk. Maybe I am becoming a spoiled city girl, but I must say that when my parents shopped at Wal Mart (thanks for the sacrifice-hehe), I didn't have to be concerned about the length of the line. And, my parents were awesome enough to have great gardens so we got the BEST kind of produce around! I'm going to stick with Kroger from now on if I can. It will be a new adventure for me trying to stick to a good budget while shopping at a real grocery store. I am certainly going to be clipping coupons. Wish me luck!