I do my major shopping every 2 weeks at Wal-Mart. I see that many Janes can't stand going there, but I think you need to know where the "good ones" are. One just opened up not far from my house and it is wonderful! I have never waited in line and that is a miracle at Wally-World. I think I can get double the groceries there than at Publix. Which is really important when you are shopping on a budget.

I also find myself going to farmers markets that are popping up in the area. Nothing beat  fresh, locally grown produce.

For special occasions I will shop at Whole Foods or Fresh Market. Especially for their meats or seafood.

Having two kids, we try and shop every Sunday for the week. I find that if I plan out the meals for the week and buy everything I need, it saves us time, money and a lot of:

"What's for dinner?"

"I don't know, what do you want?"

"I don't care, what do you want?"

And we end up having eggs. Or pizza. Or eggs.

Also, for the longest time I was totally turned off by the idea of shopping at supercenters like Super Wal-Mart or Super Target... there was something about the idea of having underwear and chicken in the same cart that skeeved me out. But because I'm at Target so often now buying diapers and other necessities, I find it unbelievably convenient to swing over to the grocery side and pick up some essentials. I'm completely converted!

When it comes to special meals, I absolutely shop at the Fresh Market or other gourmet grocer. And it's not just for the food. The shopping experience is so wonderful and relaxing...especially if the wine samples are out!

I shop weekly at Publix and go to BJs about once a month to stock up on household items.  I know I could spend less at Walmart but I just can't stand going in there.  Plus I have to go to Publix to get the Boar's Head lunchmeat and I don't like having to go to many different places.  I've heard great things about Fresh Market, Whole Foods and Native Sun though, especially their premade meals.  I'll have to check them out.

First of all, congrats on your anniversary!!  You need to write a post about the secrets of a happy, long marriage. :)

My husband and I used to stop by the grocery store every night after work and get whatever we were in the mood for. Now with a baby, shopping is a little more challenging and time is a little harder to come by! I now do a weekly shop at Publix and get all the grocery items. I also do a weekly shop at Target for all the staples. I know that Wal-Mart is cheaper, but I can't take the experience so I never shop there. I do find myself spending a bit more at Target on groceries and items that Publix doesn't carry. I haven't mastered any great recipes, so specialty items....what are those?!  I think I'd be lost in Fresh Market.  :)

I tend to do my grocery shopping weekly at one store. But when we're making a special meal or want special ingredients I'll go somewhere like Fresh Market as well. I really, really hate shopping at Wal-Mart, but I'll do it on occasion if we need a lot of both groceries and toiletry items. There is definitely a big difference in Wal-Mart prices but I just can't handle the frustrating shopping experience that comes with it. I'm really starting to re-think my weekly shopping strategy...I tend to overspend and much of what I buy goes to waste.

Oh, and I also love the little mom and pop ethnic grocery stores. We frequently go to an Asian market and an Indian market. They have a great variety of spices with a much lower price.

I am with Stephanie... we used to shop at Wal-Mart for groceries when we first got married to save money (against my will), then we stopped for a few years and now we are back to shopping at Wal-Mart for staple items. The prices are so low and the Wal-Mart near my house has a huge selection of organic items. According to my price comparisons, they are much, much lower than Whole Foods or Fresh Market. I know some people wouldn't be caught dead in Wal-Mart, but if it means more money in the bank and in my pocket...I say WHY NOT!? I would rather save the money for retirement or use on a nice vacation or nice furniture! :-)

I find myself doing the same thing.  When its the usual weekly shopping, my regular grocery store is fine, but when I want to put something special together, I intentionally seek out a market that carries high quality, fresh and/or exotic foods.  

I hope it helped make your 24th anniversary something special!

I use to make one trip to the grocery store a week and walk out spending around $100.  These days things are a bit different.  I go to Costco and buy in bulk the basic necessities: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, diapers, coffee and cleaning supplies.  I hit the fish market for the freshest and best variety of seafood every other week.  The Fresh Market is strickly for quick convenience trips, those one-offs that I'm needing at the last moment...kicking myself that I am paying too much.  The mail circular is what gets me into the grocery store.  I pick up whatever is on special.  Always hitting the meats, wines and produce.  At the end of the day, I'm looking for the best quality and bang for my buck.

I know I have found myself shopping at WalMart for the staple and pantry items (you really can't beat the price!) and making a second trip to Whole Foods (and local farmer's markets) for the produce, meats and fish.  I feel better about spending a little more on these items that I perceive to be healthier and of better quality than can be found at a traditional grocery store when I am saving on the basics.