A shopping list for me is the only way I remember what I needed at home. If I don’t have a list, I will end up with many spontaneous purchases and only a few needed things.

I am old school and prefer a handwritten list. On my refrigerator, you will find one of those nice, long, narrow shopping list pads with a magnetic backing. I find it helpful to jot things down that need replenishing in my fridge or pantry.

When the weekly circulars are available on-line, I add special sale items to the list. Before heading out the door, it is easy to tear that sheet off the pad and put it in my handbag.