Shop smarter

There was an article in the Fresno Bee on last Thursday on shopping smarter for food. It had some interesting contrasts to most of the usual advice. It actually advised going to the store more frequently so you aren't stuck there for a long time. I found that interesting. I like to go to the store, but I know lots of people don't, so I guess for the people who don't this will work better than the weekly or monthly shopping. They do admit that this choice takes more time though.
It did say to stick to a list, and to plan your meals and to plan around the stuff you already have on hand. Ok, that sounds good so far. It mentioned $2 per serving recipes on pamperedchef.com Thanksgiving recipes less than $1 a serving at gotmilk.com, and the federal government recipe collecton at recipefinder.nal.usda.gov. (I had no idea they had that!) Another surprise is they recommend driving around to different stores. Now that surprised me with the price of gas, you must be kidding, although I suppose it's better now. They say it won't cost extra gasoline if you choose retailers that are part of your normal routine. My friend Amy mentioned a store recently that she stops at as part of her normal routine. I don't have a normal routine so that wouldn't work for me. I never know where I am going to be.
He gave some local advice which is nice. Grocery Outlet has organic food, and beginning in January the Ashlan and Blackstone store will begin carrying fresh meat. They recommend Asian markets for produce. Organic produce can be found at Farmers markets and the Vineyard on Shaw and Blackstone is a great source. They also recommend the produce at Food Maxx on Blackstone and Barstow. Another recommendation was trying some of the ethic stores like Bertos meat market, Lindas Seafood market, Louie Kee market for weekly meat specials, King poultry live and fresh chicken. Vallarta market has the freshest chile's. Whole Foods Market offers a value tour and they have a one day one item sale every Wednesday.
I think it's so interesting that everywhere you look there are articles and advice to help you save. Mostly it's about groceries though. I wish there was something that could magically cut my utility bill in half besides not using it!