Perishables

[purplepassion]

I don't take any milk out before freezing and it work fine. About thawing on the counter, I put the milk in a brown paper bag and set it on the counter for a few hours then I put it in the fridge to finish defrosting. I've never had a problem with the milk. Hope this helps.

[klcrn]

When I need to make an "extra" trip to the store I try to go BY MYSELF!! I have found that taking hubby and kidlets adds tons of items we really don't need-expecially junk. I also try to shop in a store that I know well so I can go straight to the needed items and I do not have to hunt all over the store which gives more exposure to all those temtations. I will still grab those "super bargins" if I see one but this approach really seems to help me cut down on impulse buying. Good luck-

[KBMommy]

I like the idea of bringing in just enough cash but I rarely have more than $5 cash and use my debit card for just abut everything.
My dh hates shopping at the grocery and I do often overspend.
The times that I have not overspent are when i go by myself and I am in a bit of a hurry - there's a program i want to watch, things I have to do, etc. so I don't dawdle. I go straight in and pick up what I need and get right back out.
Speaking of milk, I recently read of the idea of buying homogenized milk/ whole milk and watering it down to make 1% milk, giving you quite a bit more milk. Does anyone do this and if so, how much water do you add???

[MrsManiac]

I'm pretty much reiterating what everyone else has said:

I go alone(dh can't be trusted lol)
Take only as much cash as you need
Stick to the outer perimeter--usually that's where the fresh stuff is, and you'll avoid the temptations in the aisles!
Choose a mantra: I'm only buying what I need, I'm only buying what I need.....
Keep your eyes off the impulse counters(magazine racks, candy displays, etc). The stuff there is a waste of money!