I have to admit, as a mom of two, I am not overjoyed when I come to the realization that it is time for a shopping trip. I wait until the last possible minute, until my cabinets are bare. I am one that takes much pride in Cape May County, so I have come to find that grocery shopping seems to be a more daunting task in the summer months. The crowds overload the checkout lines, the oldest of my children wants everything, and my youngest just kicked off his shoe and I need to backtrack until I find it. Has anyone had a day like this?? That was my last day in the grocery store.

I have now come to terms with the fact that my time is worth more than $5.00 and have signed up and am now thoroughly addicted to online food shopping. It is an extra $10.00, at the most, and to me it is totally worth the money to save the possibility to repeat any day like that again.

One of the advantages (there are many), with the internet ordering is you can get up and see if you really need that ingredient or if you already have it hiding in the back of the fridge. You can dismiss the "on sale" package of the ohhhh so yummy Oreos, saving you the calories and the expense. You can also check the dates on the milk to see if it will last till your next order. You can shop right out of a recipe book. You can also compare (if you want) who has the best deal between shoprite and acme prices right next to each other, in black and white.

It leaves me to wonder with Acme claiming they have lowered their prices, and shoprite being know for their absolute bargains, who really supports the best bang for my buck. Here lies the results of the Cape May Mom shopping list challenge.

I composed a list of cleaning supplies, milk, formula, and canned vegetables. I sat there and compared each price by price. Even though items were occasionally less at Acme, the total without the online surcharge was less at shoprite. However, overall Acme has delivery for $10.00, when shoprite has a charge for $10.00 just for pick up. In the end, Shoprite came to $58.19 for pick up. Acme was $62.27 with delivery. It definitely changed my perspective towards Acme. Acme presented a fair game. If I can save the gas and the groceries are loaded right on my counter top, who wouldn't pay the extra $5.00 for the extra service.

All in all, shoprite's prices were still lower, excluding vinegar and toothpaste than Acme. Acme's service was much more mommy friendly. Now, if only we could get Acme to cook and clean up for us too. That is what I would call excellent customer service.