In any typical household, the woman is the shopper. She shops for clothing, sales, gifts, sundries, and of course food for the family. I often discuss how to be a smart shopper, especially when it comes to your food budget*. We like to call it Smart Shopping. But there is more to Smart Shopping than just being a saavy shopper, knowing your sales, and menu planning, and price tracking.

One other aspect of living that I try to instill in others is to look at your own unique family situation. This means taking into account your personality, style, & habits as a family unit and as individuals. Remember, this is not about the person you want to be, but the acceptance of who you are today. The trick is to take that and use it in the most efficient way possible for your current situation.

I received an email that illustrates this beautifully in regards to food shopping. In this family, Mom does NOT do the majority of the food shopping; Dad does! He enjoys scouring the sales, driving from store to store, and figuring out the best way to spend his food budget and get the most out of it. Dad also keeps track of the food inventory. From the food that is purchased, Mom has the job of putting together the menu plan and cooking. The benefits here are that this family is using each person’s gift to the fullest and creating simplicity in a unique way. Mom does not have the food purchasing & inventory on her To Do List and Dad is less stressed over the budget. Life is simple, unique, and abundantly blessed when we work together as God intended. While this system may not work for your family, take time with your husband in prayer to consider ways God would have you use your talents more wisely to offer more a more simple life.

These are my thoughts.

* You can learn more about Smart Shopping for food with Trim the Fat by clicking here.