Any tips for my shopping habbits?

MollyMalone_4

Hi I've only just registered today, but have lurked on these boards for the past year or so.

I have a problem with food shopping, I can't seem to get into the swing of shopping 2 weekly.

Let me tell you I HATE shopping for food, it totally stresses me out, hence the decision why I go 2 weekly. Thing is by the end of the first week I'm running out on basics so I go for milk and bread etc. When I get in the supermarket though I end up spending more :mad: My daughter, hubby and I all take packed lunch to work so I need fresh stuff like cooked meat, cheese and fresh fruit as well as milk and bread. But like I say when I get in the supermarket theres either something that I've forgotten or I end up getting stuff that I shouldn't. This situation is getting me more stressed out than it was going every week :rolleyes: I make a list every week for the following weeks meals and I do stick to that. I've only started shopping 2 weekly over the last month but it doesn't seem to be working for me yet.

Any ideas on getting me into a routine with this please?

Thanks

MollyMalone.

freebie_junkie

you should have a good look through teh kitchen cupboards and the bathroom and where you keep your toiletries in teh bedroom before you set off and make a list and stick to it- a lot less stressful!

plus, if you know teh lay out of the supermarket way, its easier to set your shopping list out in order of the supermarket, then load it onto the conveyor belt in order of where it goes away (i.e. fridge stuff, cupboard stuff, bathroom cleaning stuff, bedroom toiletries), and then bag it in taht way so its well easier to put away when you get home too.

good luck!

loadsacash

I had that problem of spending more. I would go into the supermarket for milk and bread and end up spending £10.00!

I now buy the milk at the corner shop - dearer than the supermarket but saves money in the long run and I buy bread from the bakers.

I also shop online at Tesco.com.

If you go over to the Discount code board you can usually find a coupon there!

Penny-Pincher!!

I shop online mainly for this exact reason. You only buy what you need.

PP
xx

carolbee

I have a list from my last computer which had Microsoft extra or something like that with lots of pre-loaded extras on it, which included a shopping list template with a list under headings of things like meat, fish, bathroom, cleaning etc. It had little boxes next to each thing and you could edit the list, adding and deleting as necessary. we have one up in the kitchen and when we get near the end of something just tick the box, much easier to go through the cupboards. takes a bit of time setting it up but well worth it, used it for about 8 years and have to train the family to 'tick the box'

you could do the list in order of your supermarket shop

Lillibet_2

Hi MollyMalone

You might want to try posting over on the Old Style board, we have intenisvely discucssed how to keep grocery shopping under conntrol over there and people should be able to offer a wealth of ideas. Plus we have the monthly grocery challanges where people try to keep within their own set budgeets & post for support/help/ideas etc
I only shop 2 weekly, do you have a freezer 'cos bread & semi skim milk can be frozen, or have you tried the long life milk which you can keep in the cupboard until it's opened? I find non-organic fruit & veg keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge OK, but organic (which I prefer) doesn't.

HTH;)

MollyMalone_4

Thank you so much for your replies. I will definitly go to the old style boards (once I find my way round) and get some tips.

I will get my other half to do a list for me on the pc he loves doing stuff like that.

I have been considering getting my shopping online, but I'm not that much of a tesco's fan and asda don't deliver round here yet. Will keep my eye on that though

Thanks

MollyMalone

black-saturn

Get one of those wipe clean boards for the kitchen. When you run out of something write it on there. Then when you do your shopping list you will be able to copy the list onto a bit of paper. Stick to the list and only divert if there is a mega offer on of something.

Lydia.42

Hi
As others have said, check out the OS board. Great stuff.
Re: needing fresh stuff for sarnies - i often freeze packets of ham (stock up when reduced), so just leave it to defrost on draining board when i run low. Same for loaves of bread.
If you don't have a freezer/room in freezer how about using fresh stuff the first week of your shop for sarnies, and 2nd week making things like tuna/mayo or egg sarnies, etc.
HTH