I LOVE to shop! I LOVE to find good deals! So when it comes to grocery shopping, it's no different. It's almost competitive. But I'm competitive with myself, and seeing if I can save more money this time than I did the last time. Living in Germany, I've had to come to some hard realizations. People over here (Americans that is) always like to say, "You're not in the States, and there is no Wal-mart. So if you see it, get it." That seems to be the motto. If you see something you need/want, get it now, or it may not be there when you come back. Then they might not have it again for 6 months or so... (this is all on-base) This is a hard concept for me. I like to look at it then see if I can find it somewhere cheaper before I buy it. Doesn't always work that way. Also, there are no "off-brands". Everything at the Commissary is brand-name. This was hard at first. I got so used to shopping at Wal-mart and getting the Great Value brand products. But, as the saying goes, "You're not in the States, and there is no Wal-mart". Yeah, yeah. Got it...
So I've been trying to compare prices on various items at the Commissary (on base) versus other German grocery stores. I've been checking it out and comparing little by little. Some things I've figured out that are cheaper to buy "on the economy" (i.e. Germany grocery stores) are: bread, olive oil, coffee, produce! And let me tell you their bread is fabulous! The Germans really know how to bake bread! And there are little bakeries (bäckerei) all over the place! Their coffee is pretty yummy too :) And I have figured out that it's better to get produce from local places. They grow it themselves so why not?!
Another thing about German stores (not just grocery stores), they don't have bags. Like when you check out with your groceries, you have to have your own bags to take the stuff home. They love to recycle over here, so we have reusable grocery bags! And I must say that I like them soooo much more than the plastic grocery sacks. You can fit a lot more into each bag, and they're sturdier and easier to carry! I'm a fan :) There will be some stores (NOT grocery stores) that will give you a bag, and some stores that will SELL you a bag. So make sure you have a bag with you, or be prepared to carry all of your items.
Coming soon: Blumen!
120-volt Receptacle
2 years ago
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6 comments:
Josh and I would have such a hard time. We're the same, we try to find it somewhere cheaper!
I really like the no-bags concept! Can't wait until that starts here!!! The reusable bags are SO much better and very ECO-friendly!!
Love you!!
I wish we had a farmers' market close so we could get fresh produce. Of course, it would cost _more_ here, not less, to do it that way. Probably worth it, though.
How many bags do you take with you?
I have about 5 total. But I've only needed that many once though. I usually take them all because they all fold up inside one bag. The ones I don't use I keep folded up inside another bag.
I love reading about you're journey! I took a cake decorating class last year and loved it. I hope you do, too!
Hey! Can you use expired coupons at the Commissary? I think I read that somewhere. If you can, let me know and I would be happy to send you mine once every month or two.
I think you're right. I'll ask and let you know! Thanks!
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