Senior shopping day

Three very full hours from the minute I drove out of the driveway, until all of the groceries were put away. Gosh that is exhausting. I made myself some lunch then went to sit down for an hour and work on some writing.

What I noticed --

• not as many deals as last year
• orange juice, peanut butter, and soy milk prices are high
• meat is still largely unaffordable 
• egg prices are slowly rising
• no butter deals (yet),
• almonds are a bargain this year 
• Fred Meyer is carrying more and more whole grain versions of traditional, house-brand favorites, such as hot dog buns and saltine crackers, and at the same price as the non-whole grain

I thought about not making a list (I know, stupid, stupid, stupid), because I didn't want to spare the time writing stuff down. Then, I played the tape to the end (a mental thing where you envision the whole process and what will likely happen). In my mental tape I realized that not having a list would mean that I would wander aimlessly throughout the store and my shopping would likely take twice as long, and I would be more exhausted because I would be making choices on the spot for the whole grocery trip. So, I went online and loaded coupons to my card, read the sale flyer, and made my list. 

I spent a lot, but I got a lot. The above photo is what I bought (minus a bundle of bananas, and a bag of zucchini that I left on the counter). I filled the trunk, then added a few bags to the back seat of my tiny car. I went early (thank you, change back to standard time), and that was a big help. The store was not terribly crowded, and I had pick of the markdown produce. I passed by the markdown stand twice, once at the beginning, and a second time just before leaving. I was able to score additional produce by making the second pass. Between sales, mark downs, coupons and the Senior 10% Discount, I saved a lot.

My family will be very happy that we are so well-stocked. As mentioned in comments the other day, managing the kitchen is a big job. It's not something that we just do in our free time, or as a hobby. I think we forget just how time-consuming and exhausting this job is. 

The holiday cup

My daughter took a friend to Starbucks yesterday. I was excited for her, not because of the coffee or friendship, but because of the holiday cup. My first question was not "what did you order?" No, it was "what does the holiday cup look like this year?" I enjoy finding out what the cups look like each holiday season. Some years, I actually do go to Starbucks during the holidays, and actually get a cup of my own. Other years, I find myself too busy. When I do make it there, I save my holiday cup for a while, as a memento.

This year's cup is cool and unusual, in that the design on the cup is meant for coloring in.

Kinda cool. I don't carry markers or crayons with me, but this would keep a little one entertained for a little while, while mom or dad enjoyed a cup of coffee. 

My favorite autumn/winter drink is the peppermint mocha, followed very close behind with pumpkin spice latte. I usually make my own coffee drinks at home, for pennies, using a mini-candy cane, cocoa, milk and coffee for the peppermint mocha, and this easy recipe for homemade pumpkin spice syrup for pumpkin spice lattes. (Now I'm in the mood for a mocha!) Both are especially yummy with some homemade biscotti. And as luck would have it I have all the ingredients that I need to make my own coffee drink and biscotti right here at home! I know what I'm doing later . . .