December 2008 Grocery Challenge

sharronej

Just updating my signanature, don't think I've been as organised so far but still my freezer is full of meat, fridge is full of dairy and veg and I'm a bit worried that my cupboards might fall off wall. So with a bit of organisation I should still come in on target. However, my vac has died so I'm going to have to nip out a pick up a new one today (

Money_Fritter

Hello Everbody

Can you put my down for £90 for the december grocery challenge.

Thanks

Money Fritter

sashanut

Hi all

This is my 3rd attempt at posting this message - trying to make my text red + large& each time losing the whole post:mad:

Hopefully 3rd time lucky then - am declaring for NOV @ £248.98 - a bit over but did get a few extra goodies for Christmas. Haven't been on as I now have a late-night fixed-term job until just after Christmas which allows me to get reduced price good-quality food. Now the dilemma - I don't actually NEED any food, so should I just stick to my ordinary budget - or stock up for the lean times that will definitely come??? Oh & DD just started at the same type of job - different location - so potentially LOTS of bargains to be had, if she sticks it - she's very nervous but needs a job as a confidence booster & also to earn a little money whilst she's at college..

rosieben

sashanut wrote: »

... Now the dilemma - I don't actually NEED any food, so should I just stick to my ordinary budget - or stock up for the lean times that will definitely come??? ...

I would definitely stock up on things like dried milk, pasta, rice and tinned goods that you use regularly, but also may be wise to try to build up a little spare cash if you can, so half and half I think. How about you stick to your original gc budget but allow an extra sum each week to buy stock, and put a fixed amount in a savings account or a piggy bank? £5 a week would soon add up to a useful amount.

PurpleSkies

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet Mr T has 2 litre Fresh n low semi skimmed milk for 50p!!!!! :beer:

Couldn't believe the price! Especially since Mr T's own milk has gone up to £1.53 for 2l!

sashanut

rosieben wrote: »

I would definitely stock up on things like dried milk, pasta, rice and tinned goods that you use regularly, but also may be wise to try to build up a little spare cash if you can, so half and half I think. How about you stick to your original gc budget but allow an extra sum each week to buy stock, and put a fixed amount in a savings account or a piggy bank? £5 a week would soon add up to a useful amount.

Sorry should have explained myself a bit better - it's M&S so they don't do value/stuff I use regularly - but I can get their yummy food cheaper so we are eating very well.....:rotfl:

Money_saving_Diva_2

Oh dear

I failed my challenge in November and have been hiding away and feeling hopeless for days. My OH can't/won't stop spending and we have spent a silly amount already for December.

If it isn't too late, can I try for £340 for December. I have had to put it up cos our spending has been out of control for the last week or so plus we have christmas..

Am a bit blue about it all actually but know I won't get back on track unless I come back here with all you wonderful people supporting me, so here I am.

Hope I can do better this month.

Diva.x

WelshWoofer

Hi all!
Just updating the sig with the weekend spends - approx £37.
In my defence, I did shop around for the first time in ages - went to Mr S for the main shop and got some bits from Farm Foods and Quality Save.
I've done a meal plan for this week using some stuff up in the freezer to make some room for Xmas stuff and OH has bought into it. I'm also going to try to do a Mr S home delivery shop for next week as I have a £10 late delivery voucher to use up so will try and find the cheapest slots for delivery to make the most of it.
I have some Christmas bits and pieces already bought but I also have about £80 in a different budget (including savings stamps) ready for the big shop - I may go and do the non-perishable stuff next Monday when its a bit quieter and I'm off work but its a case of hiding it all from the OH so its still there at Xmas!

I'm quite proud of the tea we had last night - all "use it up" stuff from the freezer, cupboards and fridge - nothing very glamourous - just pies, mash, peas, cabbage and gravy but it was yummy! Even Oh said "lets have this more often! Why do we bother trying to be all creative and thinking about what we give them??!

Anyway, its curry for tea tonight - a chicken madras from a batch already in the freezer for him and a chick pea one for me.

Am going to attempt to make lentil soup later too if I have time to use as lunches for work this week - we'll see how it turns out - any tips??

Good luck to everyone else!

nats04

Oh dear!!!

I had to drive down south for a work thing last week, then stay over in hotel and unfortunately the free booze ended up being paid for dearly with hangover snacks on the long drive home - so annoyed with myself on so many levels.

Current total with 10 days left is £103.26 - leaving me £11.74. Unfortunately I have to buy dog food today (or the poor creature will starve) which will take most of my remaining cash.

On a positive note, I got leftovers from my mum yesterday which have done todays lunch and tonight's dinner. I have enough food in the house for meals until the end of the week, after which I may be eating pasta and plain tomato sauce a lot!!!

rosieben

sashanut wrote: »

Sorry should have explained myself a bit better - it's M&S so they don't do value/stuff I use regularly - but I can get their yummy food cheaper so we are eating very well.....:rotfl:

In that case you should definitely be treating yourselves to some goodies! I used to love their steak pie and a few other lines but I don't get into town very often so not much temptation for me, thank goodness