Works For Me: The Kitchen Edition
I sure hope y'all are ready to flood us with clever kitchen ideas, because I have to admit, this isn't my strength. I told you yesterday that cooking isn't my favorite thing; as a result, my kitchen is probably the least organized room in my house. I already shared my best kitchen tip in one of my very first WFMWs, so I'm re-posting it today:
A couple of years ago I went to my grocery store with a pen and paper and walked the "route" I always take whenever I'm there. I wrote which aisles I come to, in order (that part is important). Then I transferred my written list to a Word document, with blank lines below each aisle. You can click here to see the finished product:
Each week I keep one of these lists on my fridge. As I run out of something, I write it down directly on the list. That way when I'm ready to go to the store, I have a complete list already in order, and I can sail through the store at lightning speed--no more back-tracking! (While you are welcome to use my list, chances are that your grocery store won't be in the same order as mine. The real key to this shortcut is having your items written down in the order you come to them. It will take you only 5-10 minutes to walk through your own grocery store and make one of these lists.)
I can't tell you how much time this has saved me--and money, too, because being more organized at the outset of my trip causes me to make fewer impulse purchases.
So, what about you? Any flashes of kitchen brilliance you want to share with us? Appliance cleaning, pantry organization, ANYthing that makes your life smoother in the kitchen is welcome today. Please post your link below, and see the guidelines here if you have any questions.
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Shannon, I love your tip! Thanks for re-posting it, since I wasn't around for the first time. :)
Posted by:Tammy L | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Thanks Shannon, I did the same thing at my favorite grocery store. Putting the list on the fridge is something I hadn't thought of, though. I need to do that.
Posted by:Myfriendconnie | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:20 PM
I think I'll print this list out and give it a try! :) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by:Overwhelmed! | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:20 PM
What a clever idea.
I am excited to collect a lot of good tips today.
Posted by:An Ordinary Mom | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:26 PM
Anytime you can save time in a grocery store is a good thing...not my favorite chore that is for sure.
Laura
Posted by:Laura | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:33 PM
This is an excellent tip! I in fact have a master list and even have a lot printed up.
Sadly, I've found that I have to use it!! It doesn't fill itself in. What's up with that? I am hopeless. You've inspired me to try it again.
Thanks!
Posted by:Joyful Days | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:36 PM
I'll have to try this at least with one of the stores I go to. I have a hard time finding things as it is. Thanks for the amazing tip!
Posted by:Jenelle | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:37 PM
I am LOVING WFMW! It is so much fun to share ideas with other blogging mommies!
Posted by:MrsLady | Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 11:47 PM
You know, I've been thinking about doing this so I can organize my shopping list by location. I think I just might. Thanks!
Posted by:proverbs31 | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 12:16 AM
I like it! I organize my list similarly when I go to the ranch market, otherwise I find myself backtracking way too often!
peace of Christ to you,
Jessica
Posted by:Jessica | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 12:27 AM
A great tip that would save much time. Thanks for putting it together.
Posted by:Michelle | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 12:42 AM
Hi. I'm participating for the first time today, and in my rush I forgot to say where and what the post was in my link. You can go ahead and delete linkie #31, I've redone it and #32 is the correct one.
Thanks, and I love the concept.
Robin from Israel
Posted by:Robin | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 01:30 AM
Nevermind, I figured out how to do it myself. *blush*
Posted by:Robin | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 01:47 AM
Great idea! I have a general idea of where the aisles in my most-visited market are stored in my head, but a sheet like this would make everything much more simple. Thanks for sharing..and for hosting! =)
Posted by:Larae | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 01:58 AM
That's exactly how I grocery shop, only I go off memory from the route I take in the store, which I can do OK. It really does make shopping quicker, which I have to be because I squeeze in trips while daughter #1 is at ballet.
Now if only I could do this with my Walmart trips. THAT one I'd better record aisles prior to my trips and shop in a route. I get lost in that store.
Brandy of The Building Brows
Posted by:Brandy | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 06:32 AM
Thank you. I love it so much, I printed right up. I always have a pad on my fridge and the kids know to post whatever we need. Now, I can incorporate it onto my handy new and improved list, which I also put on my desktop so I can just zip it right off when I need it thank you thank you thank you
Posted by:deborah | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 06:41 AM
That's a really good idea. My mom use to do that only she'd do that in her head! No think...no room left for that. I like your idea better.
Posted by:Girl Gone Wild | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 06:46 AM
That's a great idea. Especially if I needed hubby to go to the store for me.
Posted by:Heather | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 06:47 AM
I really like that Little Debbies is a category on your list.
Posted by:allysha | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:07 AM
I really need to do this too. I organize my list and pretty much have the aisles memorized, but there are always a few items out of order.
Posted by:amelia | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:08 AM
You know, that is a great idea. My store just redecorated and rehauled the whole store and I need to do that. I may just do that this week!
As a sidenote, I am going to make a great old person. My question is.......the store was fine the way it was, why change it? But, apparently, I don't get it.
I love your blog! Thanks for doing such a good job!
Posted by:Dawn | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:15 AM
This is a great idea, what a timesaver. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by:mira | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Great idea! I may need to try that!
Posted by:amblin | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Been wanting to make a list like this..thanks for giving me a headstart!
Posted by:The Preachers Wife | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:42 AM
Love the tip! Thanks for sharing. Next time I go to the Grocery store I am so doing this!!! Have a great week. I posted a Chicken Pasta Salad recipe that is one of our very favorites. Thanks for being such a great WFMW hostess!!!
Posted by:Becky | Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 07:42 AM