When you go to the grocery store with 3 kids, the ability to think clearly is gone. I think kids know this. Maybe this is why they ask for Cheez Its 47 times. We think it’s a mindless and hope-filled repetition when really, it’s strategy. They know that stress is breaking down our brain matter and eventually, autopilot will kick in and say, Blarg! Fine, whatever you want!
This is why navigating your list through the aisles is so painful sometimes! It’s inevitable that you miss something while you’re in that section and every other section you go through, resulting in a bouncing-back-and-forth between the four walls of Cub Foods. More thinky no good.
Because of this (and I’m not sure what irreversible brain damage has already been caused!), I categorize my paper grocery list. I do as much thinky as I can in my own house – beforehand – when I’m still clinically sane. But this isn’t just another Pinterest-promotable idea that is centered around your crafting ability and aesthetic design. This is LESS work for you. This idea is the most practical and integrative way of putting together your grocery list that you don’t have to think too hard on and can be done by anybody.
Fold a piece of paper into thirds. That’s it.
Top third is produce: fruits, vegetables, and random salad dressings I can’t resist. Also, the bulk section.
Middle section is grocery: The aisles! Anything on a shelf in a box or can.
The bottom third is broken down into two: dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, COFFEE CREAMER) and frozen foods (mmm, hash browns!).
This simple idea has revolutionized my grocery prep and shopping experience.
Find my printable in full sheet format here and in half-sheet format here. But honestly, avoid wasting the paper if you can and just use scrap paper you have laying around (school flyers, church bulletins, etc.). Easy peasy.
Now, get out there, mama! Good luck, and Godspeed.
How does Marabou support women?
We live in culture where “bouncing back” is more valued than proper rest. As admirable as it may be for a sports star to get back on the field, the same rules don’t apply to postpartum recovery. The traditional resting period has been stolen from women through pressure to get back to their job or simply through lack of presence.
Grandmas, sisters and best friends who otherwise would have been there to help a woman transition into motherhood often live too far away to be of any help. Household chores and caring for older children inevitably fall on the mom. But she just delivered a new life! She needs rest.
Marabou Services is a unique gift registry which provides services instead of stuff. Most mom’s get too many onesies, too many baby blankets and not enough helping hands. Break out of a destructive cultural norm and start a Marabou registry today.
With a Marabou registry you can sing up for any service which will benefit you or someone you know during the postpartum recovery period.
Postpartum doulas for a first time mom
House cleanings for moms of multiples
Childcare for moms with older children!
Once your registry is created, add it to any other registry or post it to your Facebook and ask friends and family contribute to your postpartum service, rather than buying you more stuff.
More and more moms find they have to figure out postpartum alone. Is it any wonder why PMDs are on the rise? Or women are embittered by the journey of motherhood? We can change that by giving the gift of peace.
