PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.

March 2017 Grocery Challenge

1141517192047

Comments

  • Today will be a NSD for me too, as I'm not going out either. YAY. Yesterday's were the following:

    €12.30 - bulk shower gel
    €1.20 - bananas
    €3.24 - baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda)
    €16.74

    €137.81 - €16.74 = €121.07 left for the month

    I finally realized this past week that all my baked goods for the last year have never risen because of my baking soda. I must have gotten an old batch from the get go. At first I thought it was my loaf pan then I noticed it with other things a few months ago. Last week I made banana bread in a brand new loaf pan with thicker sides that I was sure would hold the heat better. Same darn flat result. That's when it finally clicked that the baking soda was the only common denominator other than our oven. It was frustratingly expensive though as I'm used to paying only $1.25 for the size I bought yesterday. I almost didn't get out of spite. Oh well, I'm going to test my theory with cornbread later today that go along with the chili I pulled out of the freezer.

    Cooking for the day:

    This wild boar ragout is currently cooking in the Dutch oven and it smells absolutely heavenly http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/wild-boar-ragu-238625. That will do for a few meals this week for me.

    Prepped a strata that's soaking in the fridge. I'll bake it tonight for our breakfasts this week.

    Beef and black bean Chili from the freezer is defrosted and I'll make the cornbread in a bit.

    Mushroom and leftover greens risotto is for OH's dinner tonight when he returns.

    We also pulled two veg soups from the freezer for him to eat this week for lunches. Fingers crossed on making it to Wednesday or Thursday without grocery shopping. That would be wonderful!
  • allie23
    allie23 Posts: 1,857
    Photogenic Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    Forumite
    Hi folks, Can I join in for the rest of the month. I had £70 to do me until the 25th. Todays food shop was £25.82 so £44.18 left. It will be doable as there is only two of us.

    Will join properly next month as I really need to get back to focusing on minimising spends for food. Doing a 'soup and pudding' night on Friday so off to look at the recipe list for some new soup ideas.
    January GC 2024 £135/£180
    Frugal living Challenge 2024
  • Lauralozzle
    Lauralozzle Posts: 719
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic First Post
    Forumite
    Went shopping today to pick up bits for work/pack up and extras for dinners next week. £46.16 was spent but there were some treats too (wine and chocolate for starters!)

    Shopping budget is now at £160.31/£300
    February Grocery Budget: £190.75/£350.00
    NST no. NSD 4/15
  • Baileys_Babe
    Baileys_Babe Posts: 5,559
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    edited 5 March 2017 at 5:14PM
    January and February I did the challenge quietly at home, for March I would like some company, is it okay if I join in with everyone else?

    My month will run from 25th February to 31st March, 5 weeks. My budget will be £350 I will also have any money left over from February's budget which I aim to use for bulk purchasing.
    We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children, our budget covers all food and drink including take aways, meals and snacks out, alcohol, toiletries, cleaning materials.

    My total budget for January and February was £560, we spent £527.95, leaving £32.05 which I am rolling into this budget. We need to try better at not buying take aways or going out for meals as this has accounted for £139.75 of this years food spending :o

    Budget: £381.05
    350 + 31.05 = 382.05

    Spends: £164.59
    Various super markets £93.56
    Wholesaler £59.03
    Take away £12

    Remaining: £216.46

    Day 9 of my March GC 7 nsd's
    Fashion on a ration 2024 66/66 coupons remaining
    80 coupons rolled over 0/80 coupons spent - using for secondhand purchases

    One
     income, home educating family 
  • XSpender
    XSpender Posts: 3,811
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Forumite
    Small spends this months and a shop in Aldi this morning for the coming week put me on £11198/£400 slightly ahead of the £100 I am aiming for.

    This is split into:

    £79.27 - food, laundry, cleaning and dog
    £11.83 - DH bought lunches/didn't take from home
    £20.88 - beer

    I have made sure I have bought easy meals for DH as I am away 2 nights this week and will make sure I pack his lunch Monday and Tuesday when I am home.
    Save £10,500 - £2673.77 - 25.5%
    Pay off £7000 - £1743 - 19.4%
    Make £2021 extra income - £99.75
  • Doom_and_Gloom
    Doom_and_Gloom Posts: 4,695
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary Photogenic
    Forumite
    Spent £12.24. Nutritional yeast, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, tofu, bread, milk and a pizza.
    Tofu was reduced. Picked up 6 packs but only 3 on this months budget and 3 have been added to next months already. Portioned up and in freezer. Due to space issues didn't use the takeaway like container but the little zip freezer bags. Was able to get 2 portions in each bag. 11 bags used. Couldn't miss out on it though as tofu is rarely reduced.
    Nutritional yeast was buy one get one half price. Have added half total cost to this month and added the rest to next month already.
    Seems a bit like I cheat but it does work. A bit like a bulk budget but I couldn't work that out :o.

    Dinner : pizza (OH). Vegan fry up; vegan sausages, tofu scramble, sweet potato, onion, mushrooms, courgette, tomato and beans with cucumber and lettuce (me).

    £48.01/£155.
    £106.99 left.
    I am a vegan woman. My OH is a lovely omni guy :D
  • lynnejk
    lynnejk Posts: 5,732
    Rampant Recycler Debt-free and Proud!
    Forumite
    Afternoon everyone

    Spends today in A*di of £26.88 - but included large pack of chicken and three packs of cheese (DH forgot cheese last week) as right out.

    Hope you all have a money-saving Monday
    Lx
    £10day.2014=3213/2015=3421/2016=3238/2017=2702/2018=498..APR=12.03/300
    GrocC.2014=2162/2015=2083/2016=218/2017=1996/2018=450..APR=17.13/200
    Bulk buy.......APR=233.76
    GC.NSD..2015=216/2016=213/2017=229/2018=39..APR=03/15
    SPC130:staradminx61..2014=1178/2015=1287/2016=4616/2017=3843
    OS WL= -2/8 ......CC =00......Savings = £13,140
  • Flat_Eric
    Flat_Eric Posts: 4,060
    First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    After two grocery spends this weekend, I'm trying to work out how best to itemise what's on my receipts.

    I'm not sure I can face itemising every single item into a spreadsheet but likewise, this month, I want to be able to see how much I spend on catfood, alcohol, ready meals, chocolate etc.

    Does anyone have any ideas on how best to do this?
  • zafiro1984
    zafiro1984 Posts: 2,445
    Photogenic First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Forumite
    Not spent anything yet this month, I'm trying to see just how long I can last with what I have in the fridge, cupboards and freezers. I think I'll run out of fresh stuff first.
  • Fruittea
    Fruittea Posts: 956
    First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
    Ooh, fish box - is that from a local place or a web provider please?

    Sorry I didn't reply - I've been travelling. Yes it is Abel and Cole Suffolk Lass. Their trout is fantastic. The cod didn't impress me this time. But I've had the trout quite a few times and it's always good. I only get the fish box every so often. Another good fish supplier is Bernard Russell - you know the meat people. Their cod was brilliant. I usually wait for a Groupon or deal and buy then.
    The other one I would recommend is Ocado for fish - usually brilliant and very fresh. I won't buy from any supermarket accept Morrys.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 607.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.8K Life & Family
  • 247.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards