August 2008 Grocery Challenge

Chell

Thanks for all the congrats everyone.

I think I need to keep DH away from the washing machine! I've just noticed that for the second time he has washed whites with darks. The washing machine was full of bubbles so I dread to think how much our washing liquid bill would be if he is allowed near the machine again.

Another NSD here. We are having pasta with pesto, creme fraiche and veg for dinner and we might have some garlic bread if there is any of yesterdays loaf left.

I'd bought some of that cheap Hovis breadmix last week. It makes a 2lb loaf but my breadmaker only does 1.5lb. I put it on a dough setting to prepare it then baked it in the oven in a batch shape. It turned out lovely.

Flylady_Flower

Have just updated my signature (thanks for the reminder SavvyStudent ). Have added everything in, including new Tops I got for work at the weekend and underwear that we ALL needed... that means extras budget is totally bust this month, but as I have had so many extras (pre-payment prescription, bits of clothing, etc) that will not come up next month, I think £27.29 over is not too bad (shouldn't need any more stuff - :eek: AAARRHH - forgot school uniform - why has he decided to have a growth spurt now! )

Grocery total is looking a bit close for comfort - I have £66.90 to get me through next 2 weeks and remainder of this, but should do it if I stick to my lists - we had nothing in at all at the end of last month and have re-stocked the freezer and cupboards now, so should really be top-up stuff and I only need washing powder on the cleaning stuff front (am thinking of doing washing gloop but I need a bucket with a lid or the dogs will eat it - can't be coping with the mess if THAT happens :rotfl: ), we'll see!

Sun has been out here most of day now since about 9am - not very warm though and keeps going overcast and threatening to rain - B***dy British weather - I know it's what keeps us green but it really doesn't help keep us very pleasant in this land does it ?

SavvyStudent_2

Haha no problem I aim to please. Right I'm off for a fridge / cupboard clear out. Dreading what I'm going to find right at the back...

annelouise_2

newlywed = they are perfect xx

I will buy them when I get back home ready for my jar journals for Xmas gifts.

They will look so stylish filled with quotes,comments,observations on really nice paper.Very personal and nice to keep.

annelouise

Justamum

I'm not doing brilliantly on the GC front, but over the past couple of months I've managed to bring the overdraft right down. In fact we still have £24 and some pennies in the bank, which is not bad for us for this time of the month. I shouldn't have to buy anything else using the bank account this month (apart from some diesel - I have £26.50 left of the £100 allowance I have allocated for that, which should hopefully see us until pay day - especially as it's come down by 3p over the past few days. It's "only" £1.37 a litre now :eek::eek::eek:)

I'm going to have to sit down and write out a meal plan. I keep meaning to but can't seem to find the time (excuses, excuses). Anyway I'm feeling quite a lot happier today. There are only a few minus signs on the bank statement. Hopefully that will be none next month.

Flylady_Flower

Justamum wrote: »

apart from some diesel - I have £26.50 left of the £100 allowance I have allocated for that, which should hopefully see us until pay day - especially as it's come down by 3p over the past few days. It's "only" £1.37 a litre now :eek::eek::eek:)

Hi Justamum and anyone else out there who's interested - Asda have just reduced their Diesel/Petrol again - I was in there yesterday morning and it was £1.23.9 a ltr and they got a message as I was coming out about a reduction - it is now £1.21.9 a ltr -I presume it is country wide (may not be same amount, but should still be another 2p reduction?) - was originally £1.29.9 in ours - £1.37 is really extortionate

Justamum

denisefowler wrote: »

Hi Justamum and anyone else out there who's interested - Asda have just reduced their Diesel/Petrol again - I was in there yesterday morning and it was £1.23.9 a ltr and they got a message as I was coming out about a reduction - it is now £1.21.9 a ltr -I presume it is country wide (may not be same amount, but should still be another 2p reduction?) - was originally £1.29.9 in ours

That's cheap! Unfortunately we don't have an Asda over here.

Herewegoagain

Justamum wrote: »

That's cheap! Unfortunately we don't have an Asda over here.

mr m and mr t have also brought it down here, petrol at £1.11 I think,, do you have either of those justamum, hope so;)

scotsaver

What is going on with this weather - the rain this morning was just torrential - at least I only need to water in the Greenhouse at the moment so at least that's something.

Told the girls we would just nip out and get the School Uniform shopping done today as the weather is so dodgy at the moment, anyway, got it all done and that comes out of a seperate budget so one less thing to worry about. While we were out though we popped into Wilkinson's and must let you all know that Packets of Seeds are 75% off so got 3 packets for 80p.:D :j Got some Mini Patio Peppers and Tomatoes that I thought would be good in Hanging Baskets next year.;)

Got back and had some lunch and have spent this afternoon making a huge batch of Tomato Sauce which I have split into 4 freezer containers so that will do for Pizza Bases/Spag Bol/Lasagne etc:D Have also made a Bacon and Egg Pie for Dinner tonight, shall boil some salad potatoes and make a bowl of Salad to go with that from Salad Leaves in the Garden - can't wait for my Toms and cucumbers to be ready - sure the tomatoes were ready before this last year

helenm2008 - thanks for the info on the Blackcurrants, think I'll wait a few more days and pick them when it's dry in the garden and shall turn them into Jam as I have some jars put aside.;)

Susan946 - Happy Anniversary - have a good day:D

Savingfortravel - hope you got all your packing done - have a great holiday:D

Chell - congrats on the arrival of your baby:D

Enjoy the rest of the day everyone and fingers crossed for some better weather.

EagerLearner

annelouise wrote: »

Rather off thread but here goes -

I need some pretty not kitchen looking glass jars for Xmas gifts with lids,about 8 inches tall.

Any suggestions welcomed from all.

annelouise

Hi annelouise - what about this one - is it too small?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SWEET-LITTLE-GLASS-JAR-COUNTRY-KITCHEN-STORAGE_W0QQitemZ250281869479QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250281869479&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318

or:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Glass-Storage-Jar-in-good-condition_W0QQitemZ170249750993QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170249750993&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318

May not be the right size though...

What I like to do it buy the Douwe Egberts coffee ones in the supermarket then use for pressies, yoghurt, storing nuts etc :j Tesco do the 200g jar for £5.12, but as this includes lots of good coffee, I think it's 2 items for the price of one