~Town Day~

I've dubbed Friday as Town Day, but really whatever day we have appointments, etc. becomes Town Day. All of these days are flexible, this is just the general pattern.
  On Town Day I get groceries, do any banking, go to the library, etc. I used to get a frozen pizza on Town Day, so that when I got home I could pop it into the oven while putting away groceries and taking care of the boys. Lately, I just plan something simple or utilize my crock pot, which I need to do more often! Not much to talk about for Town Day, but I can share a few things that make it easier for me:

• Park next to a cart return, so that when you put the kids and groceries in the car, you can put the cart back instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot out of fear of leaving the kids alone. Plus if it's not raining or snowing, you can grab one to put the kids into when you are going into the store.
• Pack snacks in the diaper bag. Hungry little ones are more cantankerous and misbehave more easily. (Hey, I get cranky when I'm hungry too!)
• If possible, go before they have to nap, everyone will have a more pleasant experience. 
• If you have older kids, put one in charge of the reusable grocery bags, otherwise, like me, you will forget to bring them, or you will bring them and forget them in the car!
• Carry a pocket sized GermX, especially during flu-bug season! Those cloth cart covers are good for keeping older babies from sucking on the cart handle while shopping- yuck. 
• Take a pen and keep an estimated tally on your grocery list as you go along so that you don't bust your food budget. I always round up. 
• Go to the furthest store first, then work your way back towards home so you don't waste time, gas and sanity going in a zig-zag manner.
• If possible, look at the sales flyers or look online to see what is on sale that week, so you can make your decisions ahead of time instead of while standing in the store with impatient little ones. (I do this on Office Day, while making my grocery list/menu plan)
• Have a designated crate or basket at home just for library books. The day before you go to town, gather up all the books to take back. 
• Make your library book list ahead of time.
• Learning as you go-use this time with your toddler to practice colors, and "I Spy" type of thing. "What color are the bananas?" "Do you see any apples?" It makes it fun for them too. 

That about does it for Town Day, pretty basic. Nothing too exciting, buy it, bag it, and bring it home, lol.