Organize your shopping list

I have a horrible habit of grocery shopping without a list, or often even without a menu in mind. Many weeks, that means that I come home with impulse purchases I don't need. Even if it's a healthy purchase -- two pounds of leeks last week, for instance (they were on sale!) -- I still have to figure out what to do with them.

Ediets has an interesting solution -- the 5-minute shopping list. They recommend that you keep your receipts week-to-week and create your list off of those. Then, add in new items you know you need and allow yourself three or four empty slots for impulse purchases. If you're a hardcore impulse shopper, they recommend faxing in your order or ordering online, if your supermarket offers those options.

I do need to be more organized so that I don't forget items I need, but those impulse purchases of mine have led to some great new recipes. Those leeks turned into a delicious pumpkin and leek soup, a dish I never would have cooked up otherwise.