Over the years, I used to be the type of person that would make a grocery list in their head and I would never forget what was on that list.  But with 3 kids, afterschool activities, and carpool, I tend to forget I even had a mental list.  Every Monday I get my pad of paper and start writing down the things I need.  Then I get the weekly ads to see who's got the better deals and even stock up on items when they are on sale. 

Then I get my coupons and organize those to what I need to already by and save more money.  When there are items I know I will need in the future, like make that birthday cake, or that dessert for the bake sale, I think ahead and get extra for food storage.  That way, when I need something, I won't have to go to the store again for the same thing.