12 Grocery Shopping Hacks That You Need Now. More Than Ever.
I don't know about y'all, but it seems like these days, every time I go to the gas station or the grocery store, I find myself saying "WTF?" (sometimes audibly, sometimes not) when I notice the prices. It really is amazing that with the work and housing crises that we're currently going through, somehow we're also trying to figure out how to make $20 to get our gas talk above a quarter full and a hundred bucks to get us past two plastic grocery bags.
While it's pretty hard to come up with gas hacks, in the spirit of doing what I can to get y'all ready for the holiday season, I did want to share several grocery shopping hacks; 12 that can hopefully get you more bang for your buck, so that itw can be as stressless (on your budget) as possible.
1. Download an App
These days, there's an app for just about everything. The cool thing about grocery-related ones is many of them can help you to keep some extra coins in your pocket. Ones that you should definitely check out include Checkout 51 (which gives you a list of offers, then gives you cash back whenever you purchase something that's on the list), ibotta (which gives you money when you take a pic of your receipt and submit it; you need to reach $20 and you typically get it back within a day) and Coupons (which offers a good variety of paperless coupons that you can easily scan at checkout).
2. Use a Calculator
Now tell the truth — how often do you actually use the calculator app that is there for your convenience on your smartphone? I once read that a couple should be spending around $130-150 a week on groceries; however, with inflation and all of this shipping drama that's currently going on, it's a pretty safe assumption that you should set aside $25-50 more, just to be on the safe side. Since groceries are a bit higher, going into the store on a set budget and then making sure that you honor said-budget by keeping track of your costs with a calculator can help you to get what you need without stressing out in the process (so can using the handheld or smaller baskets and/or purchasing generic brands).
3. Get Produce at a Local Farmers Market
Fresher fruits and veggies. A wider variety. Cheaper prices. Support of local farmers. Better for the environment. These are just a few solid reasons why you should consider not getting your produce at the grocery store and stopping by your local farmers market instead. I can't tell you how many times I've compared costs in my mind and honestly been pretty pissed by how much a grocery chain will charge for not nearly as much or delicious as a farmers market does (Whole Foods is absolutely not exempt in this case either).
4. At the Store, Get Things in Season
Speaking of produce, if you click right here, you will be taken to a site that will provide you with information about when different fruits and vegetables are available, based on the season of the year that you are in. And just why should you care? For one thing, produce is best for you when it's in season. And when it comes to saving money, purchasing it when it's in season means that you should be able to get stuff at a lower cost because your grocery store will be carrying an abundance of it all. Make sense?
5. Don’t Turn Your Nose Up at Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s and Walmart
Earlier this year, I checked out an article entitled, "America Just Named Its Cheapest Grocery Store. Do You Shop There?" Can you guess which one it is? I mean, it's in the title and yes, Aldi's, it is. While they don't tend to have as much of a variety, a lot of your "staple stuff", you can get for much cheaper. The same goes for Trader Joe's, Walmart, Walmart Neighborhood Market (I don't really like their produce, but their meat costs are bar none), and Costco's. Oh, and while Target wasn't on the list, I do know quite a few people who get groceries from there. If you scan the circle on your Target app, it'll take you to deals throughout that store. You're welcome.
6. Learn the Bottom Shelf/Outer Aisle Trick
Grocery stores are a business too, right? This means that they've got their own marketing strategies. One of them is putting some of their most expensive stuff at eye level because that's what will catch your attention first. That said, a workaround for this is to be intentional about looking for what's on their bottom shelves and outer aisles. If you do a bit of comparing, it might shock you how much you can stand to save by applying this lil' trick to your shopping routine.
7. A Few Meat-Buying Tips
Hats off to all vegetarians and vegans (did you peep the recent report tied to veganism and depression? Thoughts?). Personally, I am a meat-eater and not ashamed of it. If you're a part of my tribe, I've got a few tips for you. One, although tougher meats are more expensive than tender cuts, oftentimes butchers will run your tougher orders through a tenderizer if you ask them to (sometimes you can get better cuts if you tip them on the low too). Two, get meat based on the portions that you actually need. What I mean by that is, if you know that you're not going to eat an entire roast, ask the butcher to cut the roast in half so that you don't waste any and, since they weigh by the pound, you can save a couple of dollars. Three, don't overlook the area where meat is marked way down. Just make sure to cook it ASAP or that you immediately freeze it properly. Four, the holidays are the perfect time to stock up on meat for your freezer.
For instance, Thanksgiving is going to have a lot of turkeys and because those bad boys can't sit around forever, stores are going to cut the rate (especially the day before and after the holiday) so that they can get rid of them.
8. Stock Up on Frozen Stuff (and Freezing Stuff)
According to many health experts, frozen fruits and veggies are just about as healthy as fresh produce is. The reason why they can actually be better for you, in the long run, is fresh produce tends to expire pretty quickly (which means you have to hurry up and eat it or toss it when it goes bad) while frozen stuff lasts much longer and is cheaper too. Just make sure that you read the labels carefully to make sure that the brand that you go with is low on preservatives, additives, sugar, and salt. Oh, and when it comes to buying frozen meat, to avoid freezer burn, it's important to vacuum seal everything. While the better ones are going to run you between $100-200, they are worth every dime considering how long they're able to keep so much of your food nice and fresh. A list of some of the top ones is provided for you here.
9. Remember That You Can “Break Up” Bulk Deals
Something that it took me a second to catch is when you see those "Get 10 for such-and-such price" bulk deals, you don't have to purchase all 10 items. If you get just two, you will still end up with a discounted rate. And how can you be sure that you don't overdo it on the bulk stuff, in general? Easy — take a picture of the inside of your refrigerator and pantry before you head out. That way, you can easily recall what you need and what you've already got a ton of.
10. Cop a Rotisserie Chicken
I honestly can't think of the last time that I went into a grocery store — pretty much any grocery store — and I didn't see a mini-kiosk that had a whole bunch of rotisserie chickens on it. Good thing too because that kind is healthier than fried chicken, is affordable as all get out (usually a whole one is less than ten bucks) and it's so easy to prepare a meal with, with plenty of room for leftovers if there aren't a ton of people in your house. I have spared myself a "shame drive" to a drive-thru several times by picking up a rotisserie on the way home. If you've never considered it before, I promise you won't regret it.
11. Take Advantage of Bulk Bins
If you're a single gal like myself, it can be challenging to grocery shop in smaller servings. When it comes to this, one hack to apply is to get things like beans, spices, and grains out of bulk bins. That way, you can measure out exactly what you want; especially if you're experimenting with a new recipe and you're not exactly sure if you want to "marry yourself" to some of the ingredients just yet.
12. Avoid Shopping After Work
While some of y'all might be tempted to "yeah right" me on this one, when you're too hungry or too tired to go grocery shopping, you don't tend to make the best decisions because you're not as alert as you should be. So, while it's OK to cop a couple of items real quick when you're on the way home after a long day at work, try and do your major shopping on the weekends, on your lunch break, or at least after taking an hour nap. That way, you won't be rushed, anxious or so ravenous that you end up making unwise shopping decisions. Make sense? Cool.
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next October (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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This Is How Tonight's Rare Super Blue Moon Will Impact Your Sun & Rising Sign
Once in a Blue Moon, we have a Blue Moon. This year, however, this celestial body is at its largest capacity, as the Super Blue Moon in Aquarius emerges on August 19, at 2:26 p.m. EST. This is the first of the four Supermoons occurring back-to-back in 2024, and it’s time to feel all the feels.
What Does the Super Blue Moon Mean?
With this Blue Moon happening in the air sign of Aquarius, themes of friendship, community, purpose, destiny, and alignment come into play, and this Supermoon is here to bring things into a better place. Aquarius is all about progression and forward-movement energy, but amid Mercury retrograde, we are being asked to slow down, think about it, and listen to what our intuition is telling us about the path ahead.
When is the Super Blue Moon of 2024?
On August 19, the day of the Super Blue Moon, Jupiter in Gemini forms a square to Saturn retrograde in Pisces and any limitations you have been feeling in your life when it comes to connection, spirituality, freedom, and a deeper understanding of where you want to evolve are coming into clear view. Full Moons are a time to focus on where you need to let go a little more and let divine timing do its thing.
This Full Moon is no different, and we are being put in a position for self-growth, improvement, healing, and letting go of the past to create room for our future.
Aquarius is a sign that also rules politics and rebellion, and we could see some shifts happening in the political sphere during this Blue Moon. What’s been hidden is coming to the surface, and where the collective needs to improve or move on will be brought to the world’s attention as well. It’s about nurturing your dreams and insights right now, connecting with like-minded souls, self-reflection, and growth.
Balance the head with the heart, and pay attention to what’s been brought to your attention during this Blue Moon.
Read below for your sun and rising sign to see how this Super Blue Moon will be for you.
What the Blue Super Moon of 2024 Has in Store for Your Sign
ARIES
This Blue Moon for you is a process, Aries, and you are healing. There is a lot that is coming to the surface during this time, and not all of it may be a comfortable awakening at first. Your friendships, community, and group associations are going through a stage of reflection, and there is more you are learning about this area of your life.
You are opening up to the idea of connecting and doing the things that matter with the people around you, instead of pushing people away too much. There is a lot for you to work on letting go of at this time, most importantly however, you are letting go of old pain and hurt that has been preventing you from connecting with new people, perspectives, and experiences.
TAURUS
The Super Blue Moon in Aquarius is asking you to slow down, Taurus. You are getting an opportunity to grow in stability, and to build a nice life for yourself through your purpose and dedication. You are reflecting on the areas of your life in which you feel the most stable and grounded and are finding gratitude in the little things.
It’s important to find a balance between career responsibilities and personal responsibilities right now and to prioritize what is worth your time and what aligns most with your future goals. Overall, you are evaluating your long-term goals during this time, and thinking about the big picture of what is going to serve you in the long run.
GEMINI
This Blue Moon, for you, is about protecting your energy and allowing karma to balance its scales on its own. You have had to go through some combative energy recently with your ruling planet, Mercury, in retrograde, and this Blue Moon is about taking your peace more seriously. You need space to grow, develop, and gain the full picture, and you are taking that time right now.
This Blue Moon is reminding you of the importance of creating boundaries in your life, and not feeling like you have to be everywhere at once when you don’t have the energy to. Life is opening up to you and you have a lot of opportunities to think about and ponder over right now, Gemini.
CANCER
The Super Blue Moon is here, and you are reflecting on what is worthy of your heart, time, and focus Cancer. Emotionally, you could be feeling a lot right now, and are being reminded to reach out for support, talk about things with someone you trust, and not take on all of these emotions alone. There is significance in being able to be vulnerable with another, and you are opening up to a deeper understanding of that right now.
It’s time to let go of focusing so much on what isn’t working out or coming to fruition for you and to bring your attention to the beauty and growth that has been surrounding you the whole time. Do the rituals and self-care routines that make you feel safe and loved today.
LEO
This Super Blue Moon is a big awakening moment for you, Leo. With the Blue Moon happening in your opposite sign, Aquarius, there is a lot to reflect on right now, especially in matters of the heart. Love is coming full circle, and the culminations you are seeing now may be difficult to grasp. Remember your power and your strength, and remember that whatever is being brought to your attention was meant to be shown for you at this time and place.
If you can look at obstacles or challenges that present themselves as learning moments right now, you can prove to yourself how much you have evolved from the way things were. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and allow your relationships to move into a space of growth and understanding without forcing it too much.
VIRGO
The Super Blue Moon is here, and you are being asked to move on and move forward, Virgo. This Full Moon is reflecting to you how much you have been holding in emotionally, and how this could be disrupting your health and overall well-being in life. It’s about moving forward with less weight on your shoulders right now and about understanding that you deserve the best for yourself on all levels.
The more negativity you let go of, the more room you have for positive experiences to enter your life, and you are cleaning house right now. You are ready to rewrite your story and let go of the past. Make your health and well-being the priority, and choose yourself, Virgo.
LIBRA
This Blue Moon is an opportunity for you, Libra. You are letting go of what has been disrupting your happiness and sense of confidence, and you are putting your intentions and joy first. It’s about recognizing your unique gifts, skills, and talents and about putting yourself and your needs out there more.
New doors are opening for you, but you need time to reflect on what it has taken to get here, where you want to see these new doors lead you, and how to best live up to your full potential. This is overall, a more favorable Full Moon for you with it occurring in a fellow air sign, and you are flowing well with the energies in the sky during this time.
SCORPIO
Happy outcomes are coming to fruition for you during this Super Blue Moon, Scorpio. You finally see the full picture you have been looking for, and you are breathing some more fresh air right now. There is a lot of hope, opportunity, stability, and compassion filling your world, and you are secure in what you have built for yourself and what options you have for your future.
There is so much to look forward to in life right now, and this Blue Moon is an opportunity to see it all right in front of you, Scorpio. Overall, this Aquarius Blue Moon is showing you how magical life can get and is helping you let go of doubting yourself or your potential in life.
SAGITTARIUS
On the day of the Blue Moon, you are being asked to look for the hope and the glimmers of love in your life. It’s time to let go of being too hard on yourself, your growth, or where your relationships have been and to have more faith in it all. This Blue Moon is showing you what is possible through a strong faith in yourself and is reflecting to you just how much your heart has grown.
Some important conversations are being had right now, and the clarity may be disheartening at first. Allow time to heal, and remember that you deserve to be heard, too, Sagittarius. Take the time to reflect on how you can feel more happy with life and how you can give yourself some more grace and compassion right now.
CAPRICORN
This Blue Moon is beaming with clarity for you, Capricorn. You are processing, communicating effectively, and moving through a major growth spurt in your life. You have been working a lot on your finances as of late, and your stability here, and new ideas and perspectives are coming into bloom for you now.
Although you still need more time to get all the details, especially financially, the inspiration you are gaining now and the communications you are having are creating a breakthrough in your life overall. Remember that to obtain something; you have to believe that you are worthy of it first and that it all starts with that belief. Start believing in yourself and your value more, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS
The Super Blue Moon is happening in your sign, Aquarius, and it’s your time to shine, be, and be loved. There is a lot of favorable energy surrounding you during this Full Moon, and you are overall letting go of what hasn’t been working in your life. The past is coming up a lot for you right now, but you are really taking this opportunity to heal, let go, and understand yourself a little better.
You deserve space to just breathe, move forward, and become, and you are seeing that path more clearly now to do so. Focus on the heartfelt connections in your life during this Blue Moon, and remember that things aren’t what they were in the past. You have new experiences ahead of you and to create for yourself, and this Super Blue Moon is a chance to thank where you have been and honor your energy.
PISCES
Rest, recuperation, and rejuvenation are what this Blue Moon is all about for you, Pisces. You are in a deep mode of healing, and there is a lot to process in your life right now. There is a sense of feeling like things have been at a stalemate, but all that’s required to move out of this energy right now is patience and self-understanding. Consider all options and avenues, but remember that at the end of the day, making no decision is still a decision.
Be confident in what your intuition is telling you, pay attention to the signs, and gain some spiritual guidance. This Blue Moon is helping you let go of misunderstandings and confusion and gain the clarity needed to make some new decisions for yourself that better align with who you are today.
Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
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