Friday Five - Grocery Shopping

This week's Friday Five from the RevGals has to do with food shopping...


1. Grocery shopping--love it or hate it?

I usually really enjoy grocery shopping - the satisfaction of finding everything on the list (almost like a scavenger hunt at some of my local stores!), looking for new items, getting ideas for meals. If I'm rushed, however, then I dread it. It becomes a chore instead of an adventure. Takes all the fun right out of it!

2. Who is the primary food shopper in your household?

That would be me, except that RevDad can be counted on to pick up the little something we need now and then - milk, bread, etc. Now that I'm the one working part time, I have the time to do it, and do the big stocking-up trips. And now that Lil' Princess is off from school, I have a very enthusiastic helper! She always has ~interesting~ suggestions!

3. Do you have a beloved store like TJ's which is unique to your location or family?

This question makes me wistful...being in the boonies, we are very limited in our options. I can drive 10 miles to the nearest grocery store, which has an extremely limited selection, most of which is past its expiration date (and don't even go NEAR the produce section, it will make you weep with dismay). I can drive 30 miles to the next nearest grocery store, which has a slightly less limited selection, fresher foods, and ridiculously high prices - and none of the lovely goodies all the RevGals mention, since mild taco sauce is as exotic as it gets. OR I can drive an hour and go to Walmart. More selections, better prices, and no soul.

4. How about a farmer's market, or CSA share, as we move into summer? Or do you grow your own fruits/veggies/herbs?

There is a sort of CSA share available which does drop-offs in a nearby town. It provides some fruits and vegetables for those who pay their membership dues. I haven't gotten directly involved, since you can only buy in bulk, and we are only three people in our family, and I don't know how to (or really right now want to learn to) can or freeze or dehydrate. My RevFriend in that town did take part last year, and we split some of what she bought, which worked out nicely. That reminds me, I need to ask her if she is interested in doing that again this year.

5. What's the favorite thing you buy at the grocery store?
Hmmmm...locally, I can't think of anything I get particularly excited about. When we do our big trip to Walmart occasionaly (whoopee!) I do look forward to stocking up on my chai tea. Which is getting dangerously low right now, good thing we're going on a little vacation next week, and I'll have access to a larger grocery store. Yes, one of the highlights of vacation, for me, is going grocery shopping at a place that has a lovely variety!