The last time we checked in on GroceryLists.org, there were about 800 lists, but today they're up to more than 1,100. Though they're still working on getting a list from every state in the country, the site is sort of like Post Secret for non-creative types. In fact, like Post Secret, they're working on a book that will present all that they've learned from reading other people's lists. For example, you can take a look at what you need to throw a great party (hint: "'boys please' in puffy, iron-on letters" is critical) and learn that some people need far more help than they can get at the grocery store.
Judging from the way the collection at GroceryLists.org is growing, it seems that a lot of people must keep lists. I know that I do. Of course, I never see anyone at the market walking around with a list besides me. Not that there's anything wrong with that.... Do you keep a grocery list, or do you just walk into the store and hope for the best?
A fraking amazing Battlestar Galactica cake
Iced Tea 101
Pierogies + cheese + onions + kraut = Parmageddon!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-13-2006 @ 5:19PM
Shannon said...
You know, come to think of it, I seem to be the only person with a list at the grocery store as well! I've never noticed that before. I must keep a list, if for no other reason than to cut down on the impulse buying at stores like Trader Joe's. I usually also have a few recipes in mind with very specific items--for instance, I would not trust myself to remember arugula or condensed milk on my own!
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5-13-2006 @ 5:53PM
Huffy said...
Yes, I keep a grocery list, not that it acts as an impulse buy deterrent when I'm in Trader Joe's! The only exception is when I go to the farmers' market, where you'll never find me with list in hand. At the market, I love to see what's new/just in (cherries are coming soon!), what looks best, what speaks to me, what a vendor may have "on special". Part of the market experience is its spontaneity.
That said, I *have* noticed list-carriers in stores, many times over; in fact, I'll occasionally find a shopper's discarded list in a cart or hand basket (talk about list voyeurism!!). I get some kind of perverse thrill seeing what other folks buy. Oh, Dr. Freud??!?
Huffy
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5-14-2006 @ 12:33PM
David said...
I use HandyShopper on my PDA (Palm). Through constant use, I've built a database of everything we buy, and what aisle each item is in. The program then sorts my list of needed items by aisle, which makes for a very efficient path through the store. It's also a great reference for figuring out what we need--browsing through the database often reminds me of things we're running low on, but hadn't added to the list.
I keep a second database of meals planned for the week. What I really need is a relational link between the two, so that when I check an item from the meals database, the corresponding perishable ingredients are checked on the grocery side.
Yes, I am a geek, and yes, I think that's a good thing.
I occasionally see folks with a paper list. Only once have I seen another shopper with an electronic list.
HandyShopper:
http://www.ggaub.com/hs/
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5-14-2006 @ 1:22PM
moonablaze said...
I'm weird. I make lists and then forget them at home. but I generaly still manage to stick to em...
trader joe's is a dangerous place for impulse buys. I'm pretty sure that's how they keep the prices so low. you go in for butter or milk and you somehow come out with pomegranate extract or a bottle (or three) of wine...
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