13 Things To Get From The Grocery Before The Storm

With the winter months enveloping us in cold winds and snow, the giant Winter Storm Jonas closing in on the northeastern coast was really an inevitability — as are the flocks of people picking up groceries to survive the storm. Feeling unprepared? I doubt you're alone. Global warming has thrown our planet into a weird pattern of guesswork surrounding the weather. This Christmas it was 68 degrees outside in New York City when I came to visit my family. Southern California was in the low 50s. The snow is just one more curveball to add to this weird weather game.

Unlike most people, I am excited for blizzards. Maybe it's my childlike sense of wonder or just a total lack of responsibilities since I am in my 20s, but I really do love being inside during a snowstorm. Obviously, it's no laughing matter — but I can't help but enjoy getting supplies and barricading myself in front of the television. To be honest, I already do that without the storm warnings so I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love being at home a lot.

If you are anything like me and want to be fully prepared for a snow storm that will be hitting you at some point this year, be it Jonas or some other, you're in luck. I know exactly what you need to buy in order to both survive and thrive during a blizzard. The main thing to take away is that you are planning for a night in that will be extending into the foreseeable future. Since you will have limited mobility, you are stocking up on items you know you will be craving. Go for those items in the store that you usually talk yourself out of. Trashy magazines by the counter, junk food and non-perishables. I don't want to see any of you near the sushi while snow is falling by the bucket. Take a look at my list, and adjust accordingly.

Water

This is more practical than anything else. Just in case your water and power stops working, it's always a good idea to have water on hand. Bring it on, snowmageddon!

Pet Food

Don't forget Fido! You might be used to picking up pet food at regular intervals, but snow doesn't care about your schedule. Just in case, stock up on a few weeks worth of pet food and rest easy that your furry friends will be taken care of.

Paper Dishes And Plastic Utensils

Worst case scenario, the pipes are frozen and suddenly you've got your last licked-up dish. Eating with your hands isn't the end of the world, but this is a nice backup plan to avoid going all Tarzan on this storm.

Dried Fruits, Nuts, And Energy Bars

Really, anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated and won't expire in the next few weeks. Odds are a storm will blow over long before it comes to that, but at the very least you can never overbuy on these items — you'll be able to eat them later, regardless of how hard it storms.

Bread

Bread is just comforting to have around. Despite the extreme bread buying craze that storms bring about, it's not entirely necessary — but it is convenient for making sandwiches, which broadens meal possibilities when you're stuck indoors. Grab a loaf so you don't have to get too creative about cooking if you're out of power.

Batteries

When's the last time you pulled out those flashlights? ... Can't remember, can you? Stock pile on batteries for your flashlights and for any other battery-operated chargers you might need juiced up for your phone, computer, or other electronics.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is nature's answer to snow. In fact, they are polar opposites. Snow is cold, white and tasteless (if you're lucky) while hot chocolate is sweet, warm and rich in flavor. If we are to go by romantic comedy rules —opposites attract. When there is a blizzard, there is also a piping hot mug of hot coco to get you through.

Cheap DVDs

Every time I pass by a bin of $4 DVDs I want to get some. I stop myself because I know it's a waste of money. Not during a storm. All rules go out the window when a storm is concerned. You take as many of those classics home for further inspection. You never know how long the storm is, or what the WiFi situation will be like, so you might as well be entertained.

Mac and Cheese

This is just common sense. This dish is warm, easy to make, and widely known to be the best comfort food in the nation. Plus it won't expire any time soon.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Actually...I spoke too quickly. Chicken noodle soup is the greatest comfort food in the world. Best part about it is that you can get it ready-made, and like mac and cheese, it won't spoil on you halfway through a snowpocalypse.

Nutella

You don't need power, water, or even utensils to enjoy this delicacy.

Candles

Hopefully you took my note and got yourself some batteries for those flashlights — but that being said, ambience is important, and at least you'll know before a candle runs out of juice.

Puzzles

If you don't want to watch television all day, but still do something try puzzles. Get the weirdest one at the store and go to town. You'll have a nice commemorative thing to remember your night.

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