I’ve developed some rules for myself regarding grocery shopping:

1. Keep a grocery list and use it:
   Keep a grocery list someplace. My wife picks up paper tablets with a magnet on the back — so it’s always on the side of the fridge. It could be in a drawer or a notebook — just keep it someplace where it’s handy and always in the same place.When you notice you’re about to run out of something, put it on the list.Try to think about what you’re going to have for meals in the coming week. Got the stuff you need? If not, put it on the list.When you go grocery shopping, take the damned list. Try to avoid buying impulse items if you can. (Impulse doughnuts are okay, though.)
2. Coupons and Sale items:
   You can save an appreciable amount and look for sale items or use coupons. If something I use is on sale, I’ll often buy it at the sale price and put it in the pantry until needed. Stuff like mustard, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, etc.Sure, maybe it’s only $3 or $4 per week in savings, but think about the total over a year: That’s $150 – $200, and that will buy you a lot of beer at Christmastime.
3. Store brands can be a good deal:
   Generic brands or store brands are usually about as good as name-brand stuff. If your kids complain about the peanut butter, for example, use a black marker and write “Peter Pan” on the label.

Washing dishes:

Use the dishwasher if you have one: It makes life easier.

Or even if you have a dishwasher, wash them by hand if you’re looking for a bit of martyrdom.

Sometimes when you finish washing dishes, there’s still some gunk on them.

Tip: Presoak the dishes & silverware..
I put just a little bit of water on the plates and leave them on the counter for a little while, and I let the silverware soak in water. This loosens up all the gunk and the dishes will come out clean, after washing. Then you won’t have to use your fingernails to scrape off those bits of hardened gunk before putting the dishes away..

Tip 2: Go with an alternative: Paper plates & plastic forks.
If she objects, tell her all the dishes & silverware are soaking for a couple of days.

Here’s another dishwashing tip:
Getting rid of stains on plastic storage containers.

Sometimes plastic containers get stained and diswashing won’t remove the stain (happens with spaghetti sauce, etc.).

Tip 3: Fill the container with soapy water and a little bit of bleach.
Let it sit for an hour or so. The bleach will usually remove the stain.

Here’s the bowl after soaking it with soapy water & bleach:

Option: Save yourself some time, trouble, and 3¢ worth of bleach: Just throw away the dirty bowl.

Sheets should not be washed by leaving them on the bed and bringing in the pressure washer. (They then take forever to dry.)

Take them outside if you’re going to pressure wash them.

Or use the washing machine.
Tip: Use some fabric softener (read the label).

If you find her socks buried between the sheets:

You have three choices:

1. Wash them with the sheets.

2. Fold them neatly and place them on the bed.

3. Wad them into a ball and put them in between the sheets.

Note: If you choose Option 3, you have nobody but yourself to blame for the consequences.

This web page has some tips for using vinegar, including stuff like this:

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)
[Are they nuts? Who reads the owners' manual?]

There are some more cleaning tips at the “Links” page.