It seems like it was just yesterday that a trip to the grocery store included pushing a baby while the oldest dragged his feet. Now that they are older shopping trips are way more fun!
We've shopped at the same Giant Eagle for that last 15 years. Many of the cashiers have watched our kids grow up. Ever since they could walk the kids have tried to help. Now that they are older, they do help. Starting with the shopping list and ending with one of them helping me make dinner.
Participating Giant Eagle stores have given us another reason to be loyal shoppers - they have slashed prices on over 5,000 items, including Dairy, Pet, Grocery, Frozen, Household items, Snacks, and Cereal.
Inspired by the kids cooking enthusiasm, I let them plan out a meal. While there they were also charged with getting some school lunch necessities.
Make a list!
Working off a list, preferably based on the circular ad is the crucial first step.The first stop on our trip around the store is an actual trip around the store.
We work in a circle starting with fresh fruits and vegetables, working our way through the meat section, round the dairy, and ending with the aisles.Learn to pick the best fruits and veggies.
We eat a lot of bananas in our house! Picking out the ones we will get and weighing them before taking them to the register not only reinforces weights and measures but helps us stay on budget.
Instilling cost-conscious shopping in our future adults.
Giant Eagle makes it easy to spot savings, especially the prices that were slashed. Slashed prices are everywhere! It's easy to fill up our cart without emptying my wallet!Finding sale prices is easy, too. Grocery prices are clearly marked.
Shopping is a balancing act
Having a list and a budget eliminates the chance of buying things that aren't needed. And, gives a little room for picking up something that's wanted like ice cream for dessert or a morning off from making sandwiches.
Get in line!
Making smart choices doesn't end when you get at the checkout line. Emptying the cart, turning over coupons, and paying is also important shopping lessons to learn. Bonus points for remembering to thank the cashier.It's not over until the grocieries are away
Once home, we look over our purchases while the oldest starts to put them away.
Thanks to a fruitful venture to Giant Eagle it was time to start dinner. An easy meal for a lazy Sunday afternoon was just what everyone wanted. Ending with a fabulous ice cream sundae!
Making this easy dinner was the perfect job for the kids to tackle with just a little help from me.
Beef and mushroom stroganoff is one of my favorite recipes to make with the kids. And, so easy with only five ingredients!
Look how proud he is! Served with a side of veggies, it was a delicious well-rounded meal.
And what's dinner with our dessert! Little sister is all about the ice cream sundae with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
It may not feel like spring outside today, but those strawberries sure taste like it!
McCormick Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef sirloin, trimmed and cut into thin strips
1 package McCormick® Beef Stroganoff Sauce Mix
1 package (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms
1 cup water
1 cup sour cream
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, cook, and stir until no longer pink. Add mushrooms
Add in sauce mix and water, stirring to combine.
Bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream. Sprinkle with paprika and serve over noodles or rice, if desired.
