I like lists

 I like lists. They help me stay organized and I like ticking things off as they are done. When it comes to grocery shopping, creating a list helps me pick up everything needed for the week while staying focused on what I truly need, avoiding distractions and saving money. For my shopping list, I use the app AnyList on my phone. When I notice I'm low on something or I need an item for a recipe, I add it to my list in the moment (I learned the hard way that no, I won't remember everything!). As I'm preparing for my shop, I  add my weekly items to the same list. I cross the items off as I add them to my cart and I can reactivate them for the next trip which is great for those items I purchase regularly. Not into technology? A white board or even a piece of paper on your fridge work well too. You could just take a picture of it on your phone as you head out the door or add items to your written list. 

When I'm preparing for a big meal for a dinner party or the holidays, I like to write my menu down on a piece of paper or white board and then write out all of the steps in the order that I need to complete them and cross items off as I go. It breaks the prep up into smaller steps making it feel manageable and provides a sense of accomplishment as each item is completed. Here is an example from my most recent cooking class: