I usually do my shopping on the weekends or during lunch, since I am by a Treasure Island and a Trader Joe's. I then plan my meals for the week so I know what I am cooking on what day. It's the only way I know that I will cook all week.
That's when I've generally done my best cooking, too - I'll plan a week in advance and get all my shopping done for that week. I love seeing my frig full of fresh veggies and herbs and meats things - all ready for me to make something delish. But that kind of planning/cooking goes in fits and starts. I'm not in that mode right now. These days, most of the time, I start looking in the frig and cupboards around 5 or 6 and just throw something together.
Love the idea of growing one's own vegetables, winrit.
I always try to scrounge off my father-in-law who does a huge, gorgeous garden every summer.
Tomato paste in a tube? Huh, never seen that - that sounds great.