April 24, 2010 Are you a list maker?  I'm not usually, but when I get too many things in my head, I have to write things down.  Still there are times when I have more confidence in my memory than I should and I go to the grocery store without a list, only to come home without the one essential ingredient I needed for my recipe.  Unfortunately for me, people don't go to their neighbor's any more to borrow a cup of sugar or an egg, at least not in the big neighborhood we live in.  A shame in many ways - it's a great way to get to know your neighbors.Lists are handy - they take a little bit of time but keep us on track and help us remember important things.  I wonder how much money the inventor of post-it notes has made?  Below are some lists that I have found, doing a little bit of investigation on the internet, but I'm sure there are more out there.www.Bettycrocker.com- a great site to not only look up recipies, but you can make a menu plan for the week and a list of groceries needed for your menu plan will be generated by the Site.www.Lifejot.com- you can create and save grocery lists, print or e-mail them.  A great site for adding organization to your life.www.mygrocerychecklist.com- you can create and save grocery lists here, but there is no option to e-mail it that I can see.  They also have a recipe search link, which is useful when trying to figure out what to make for dinner.www.workingmom.com/grocery_list/www.checkmark.heart.org - A list to help you shop for healthier choices from the Heart Association.There are also programs to help with overall family organization likewww.cozi.com.  Cozi is a FREE online family organizer that helps you manage the family calendar, organize your shopping list and to do list, share favorite memories in a family journal, and enjoy family photos—all in one spot. With Cozi's mobile access, your information is not only available from any computer with an Internet connection, but also from any mobile phone. ...read more

How many times have we all gone to the grocery store without a list, because you're not quite sure what you're going to cook, and you wander through the grocery store hoping some inspiration will pop out at you!  Then you load up your groceries, put them away and still stand in the kitchen wondering "what am I cooking for dinner tonight?"  Then, if you have kids like me (teenagers), they usually don't like it when I can't answer their questions about what I'm going to cook, then I can end up getting pressured into pizza, Taco Bell, or endless other options for unhealthy fast food. But there are weeks when I'm determined to make a meal plan, and I love those weeks when I take the time to do it.  It makes life so much easier, because I can answer that never ending question, "What's for dinner?" in the blink of an eye!  Why then, is it so hard for me to do this planning ahead on a regular basis when it makes my life so much more pleasant?  Because it's easier just to wander through the grocery store and pick up items that I think I might need or use sometime in the future. So if by using my grocery shopping service, you end up developing better meal planning and shopping strategies, then that will be an additional benefit.  Benefits of meal planning and making a list: You only spend money on groceries you will need and use before they go bad No spur of the moment purchases, or temptations to buy things at the end of the isle that you probably don't really need, thus saving you money Eliminate running to the store for 1 or 2 ingredients Eat healthier Spend less money on fast food/restaurants. ...read more