I have been going slowly through the book “Home Schooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit” by Terri Maxwell. I am greatly enjoying this book! I am taking my time as each chapter has things she suggests you do. Some of them work for me, and some of them don’t. I realize this is because I am different that she is. I don’t have to do everything she does. Yet there are things that I am loving that she suggests!
One thing I love I am implementing today! She recommends making up master lists for things you need frequently. The first one that I knew I needed to implement was a grocery shopping list! It is time to go grocery shopping, so the timing is perfect!
Last night I wrote up a master grocery shopping list! I always have to take time to think and write it out monthly, this was a great idea! This morning I input the list into It will save me time every month, I won’t have to write it out! I just will print a copy and fill in the quantities.
I used Microsoft Word and created a 4 column table. I wrote in columns 1 and 3 the items for my list, and left columns 2 and 4 blank for the quantities that will change monthly.
Here is a snapshot of part of my list, just to give you an idea of what I’m doing 🙂
The F/N.Mkt are for the items that I get at the Farmers Market or the Natural Market and the $ are for me to check pricing and see where I can save $ buying that particular product!
I am really excited about this! I think it will work well and save me time!
I am planning to start themes weekly here in next week. I’d love to hear what you think about what I have planned, and any suggestions you have 🙂
Simplifying Life with Organizing Today!
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Denise J. Hughes
June 9, 2012 at 10:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the book recommendation. My grandma used to always say, “Swallow the meat. Spit out the bones.” 🙂 That’s what I love about reading. I can take the things that work for me and not stress about the things that don’t.
Love your blog!
simplyhelpinghim
June 10, 2012 at 5:03 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So true! I am learning that more and more as I get older. Everything doesn’t have to work for me! It is such a stress reliever to me! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 I’ll be sure to swing by your blog too! 🙂 I love connecting! 🙂 Have a simply sweet day! 🙂
Stephanie
June 9, 2012 at 7:16 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I read that book a few years ago and LOVED it! I think what I took the most from it was that when there is something in your life that is continually robbing you of a meek and quiet spirit, find a solution to overcome it.
I have yet to do a Master List yet though! I don’t know why, it just seems like a HUGE thing to tackle!
simplyhelpinghim
June 9, 2012 at 12:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes there are definitely tons of options and ways to overcome what robs us of a meek and quiet spirit! I love it! I just happened to need to go grocery shopping and the Master List was a great idea I thought! I love it! I have only made the one for grocery shopping. I’m gonna see what other things I can make Master List’s for….gardening, house cleaning, volunteering, etc. The possibilities are endless! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Laura Lane
June 8, 2012 at 10:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great idea! I should do it too.
simplyhelpinghim
June 9, 2012 at 5:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I really love it Laura! I can see it already taking away a little bit of stress and adding some time back into my day too! I plan to watch and see if there are any other Master Lists that would save me time too! 🙂 Thanks for coming by! 🙂
Melanie Schemanski
June 8, 2012 at 8:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I try to read that book each summer. It is a fantastic book that really helps redirect your thinking! Great job getting organized!
simplyhelpinghim
June 9, 2012 at 5:41 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes it is a great book! So much to learn from it! I find myself spending 3-4 days on a chapter and sometimes re-reading the chapter in that time period as well. I want to soak it all in! 🙂
Jody
June 8, 2012 at 8:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the idea of a master list for grocery shopping. I hate writing up my list each week. I love the idea of having a master list to start with! Happy to have stumbled upon a fellow home school mom’s site! Blessings!
simplyhelpinghim
June 8, 2012 at 8:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was so excited to find the idea as well! I printed my first list up today and it only took me about 10 min. To go through it all! That was definitely an “AH” moment 🙂 it is always nice to find kindred spirits 😉 Ty for stopping by! 🙂
Joy @ Joy In This Journey
June 8, 2012 at 10:07 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have a master list of meals that help me plan dinners, and then I build my shopping list from that. I also have a white board on my fridge where I write things down when I use them up. I’m still training my family to do the same so I don’t miss something. These have helped me a little with not forgetting items when I’m at the store.
simplyhelpinghim
June 8, 2012 at 10:23 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I typically don’t plan meals, but I know it works wonderfully for lots of moms! It’s a great tool! If I forget things I typically do without it (unless it’s something major like milk or eggs LOL) Thanks for stopping by and sharing your list! 🙂
Diane
June 8, 2012 at 8:34 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There is always a certain block of things that are on every list – love the idea of creating a master list. When I write my list out, I try to organize it roughly by the order of the aisles/departments in the store I use most. Otherwise, I forget things and don’t feel like backtracking through the store to get them.
Visiting from Company Girls!
simplyhelpinghim
June 8, 2012 at 8:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That is how my list is written! LOL! Starting at the back of the store and working forward! 🙂 The F/N.Mkt are for the items that I get at the Farmers Market or the Natural Market and the $ are for me to check pricing and see where I can save $ buying that particular product! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Tamara
June 8, 2012 at 8:39 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And here I thought I was neurotic for doing this! Now I feel normal. Thanks!
simplyhelpinghim
June 9, 2012 at 5:41 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not at all! 🙂 I think it’s great! It is a great time saver and organizer! 🙂
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