Making groceries merry

I love to take Josie grocery shopping with me. She seems to like all the sights: the people, the produce, the colorful packaging, the beeping checkout scanner.
But I also think it's a good way to talk to her about food choices and prices. While she may not exactly get my end of the conversation, it's at least good practice of my spiel. And, perhaps, some of it will sink in.
Until then, I'm the crazy lady talking to my child in the grocery store about where apples come from, how many is five, why chips and soda are occasional treats and the best way to prepare mahi-mahi.
During our trips to "make groceries" as we used to say in Mississippi, I've learned some important ways to keep her happy and occupied.
1. Give her a job. OK. OK. I learned this from watching the Dog Whisperer. But it works. Usually, I hand her something (big and unbreakable) like a butternut squash or (noisy and unbreakable like) a box of couscous. It is her job to wave it around, shake it and then throw it in the cart.
This past weekend, I let her drive the buggy. She had great fun. The only hard part was keeping her from licking the steering wheel.

Look out! Student driver!

2. Sippy cup and snacks. Period. Paragraph.
3. Talk to her. As stated earlier, she may not get what I'm saying. But at the very least, she knows I'm near even if I'm out of her field of vision, perusing the myriad choices of mustard.
4. Go, baby! Go! Since having a baby, I've learned to appreciate the art of strategy (or is that strategery?). While not everything has to be a military operation, it helps not to dawdle or tarry. (Does anybody use those words any more?) Seriously, get in and get out. Josie's a pretty get-along-go-along kinda gal, but once she reaches her limit the whole freakin' store will know it. And then I'm stuck with THAT KID.
5. Bribery. In the wake of an unholy meltdown and all my previous defenses have failed, there is always hope in a new toy. Or better yet, a rediscovered toy. So, in her diaper bag are small trinkets that she only gets while we're out. I learned this from a wise woman and it has rarely failed me.

If all else fails, I just pull the chord, open the chute and bail. Don't feel bad for leaving a full cart behind. Sometimes, some things just ain't worth it.

I know there will be new challenges up ahead as Josie starts to walk on her own. I'm sure that keeping her contained in a cart will be a feat of Olympic proportions. So, I'm always looking to add to my arsenal of sanity savers. What are y'alls' tricks for running errands with baby in tow and avoiding epic melt-downs?

Also, don't forget to comment on my giveaway post for a chance to win a $35 shopping voucher at CSN Stores online! Winner will be announced Friday, Dec. 24 around noon or whenever I want.