February 2009 Grocery Challenge

Barneysmom

I think it's pot luck with the butcher's vans at the car boot/markets.
I got some really dodgy lamb chops from one but at the same time, the chicken and the beef was really good.

mumzyof2

Barneysmom wrote: »

I think it's pot luck with the butcher's vans at the car boot/markets.
I got some really dodgy lamb chops from one but at the same time, the chicken and the beef was really good.

Is it same as doing my bit for supporting local shops tho? The lamb steaks were really nice and so is the chicken.

sharronej

mumzyof2 wrote: »

Wow I cant believe you went to all those shops and only spent £80 and thats with the best meat from markets/butchers/farms and also local veg. Well done you :T :T

Everyorne

I know alot of us have been going on about buying from local butchers etc... I was wondering what anyone thought of those big vans than go to carboots/markets?
We have one here on a tuesday and last time i got 10 pork steaks for £10 and 12 chicken breast fillets for £10. Is this not as good as butchers meat? I know its proberly thebits that aint good enough to sell elsewhere. Im not sure

The way I judge it is whether or not the same meat van is there week after week, building up a client base and a reputation. If they didn't get the repeat business then they would move on, personally if they meet that criteria I would feel okay buying from them - but I only buy if the meat is in fridges and not on a stand in front (of course in this weather it wouldn't matter - it's colder than the fridge :rotfl: I have had some really good quality meat as well so I wouldn't be too quick to assume it's only the cheaper bits

MoneyQueen

I have been to Homebargains today for the first time and couldn't believe how cheap everything was. Spent £6.33 in total which included 4-5 months worth of chewing gum, 3 packs of biccies, 2 bags of rice cakes, 1 spray bottle, 1 shower sponge, 1 dip, 8 bags of crisps.. so I am chuffed.. Snacking at work sorted for Feb.. have updated my signature...

Have a nice weekend everyone

mumzyof2

yes its the same meat van week after week has been for about 2 years now... i find myself on a tuesay just standing there listening to his deals and his jokes..even when i not buying any meat lol.

toottifrootti

thanks rosie for starting the February thread.

I came in under budget for January (posted total on jan thread ) so I will try and cut back for February.
Mrs M. could you please put me down for £100.00. thanks!

Are farmers markets generally cheaper than the supermarkets? I can never remember prices when I go to our farmers market so dont feel confident at buying there. i usually looks good but havent worked myself up for that yet!!!:rotfl:
And thanks to The Bees fpr your info re butchers - I havent managed that one yet eithere - i always feel that they will be dearer and I really cant afford that - i know it is better quality.
sorry if I should have been posting this elsewhere.:o

elizabunny

toottifrootti wrote: »

thanks rosie for starting the February thread.

Are farmers markets generally cheaper than the supermarkets? I can never remember prices when I go to our farmers market so dont feel confident at buying there. i usually looks good but havent worked myself up for that yet!!

I'm not so sure that it's just about being cheaper than supermarkets, I think it's as much about knowing that, say for example the veggies are from your locality and in lots of cases are super fresh ie. some things may have been harvested the day before. On our farmers market today they were selling large and fabulously fresh fancy Cabbages -sorry can't remember the names, for 2 for £1 which I thought were very good value. You can't -or shouldn't be able to buy things which are out of season and there's a site somewhere on the web (sorry:o ) which gives good guidance. I believe if you can buy a lemon, it's not a farmers market. I presume this is because Lemons are not grown in this county. I must admit I did feel a bit out of my depth at first today, but all the other eager shoppers were busily filling up their baskets -so I thought 'this must be good' and joined in.

glitterball

I can't believe we are on page 12 already, I will need to check in every night to keep on top of things...

Well a bit concerned I have already spent more that half my February budget and its still January

To be fair £13 was on washing powder that should last me a very long time, and I had run out of staples like pasta and rice so stocked up on that too. I will have to try to spend next to nothing the rest of the month as the freezer is beginning to get a bit low and I was hoping to do a Costco meat shop next month.

01001011

First round of shopping. Looks like a good start for this month's challenge

Inventory list:
Fridge:
Tomato x1
Celery x1
Avocado x2
Kiwi x6

Cupboard:
Banana x4
Onion x7 (1kg)
Soya milk 2L

Freezer:
White fish 1.2 kg £2.30
Salmon 1.5 kg £9.80
Chicken beast
Pork chop x4 £1.75
Lamb chop 1 kg £5
Mussel 750g £3.30
Prawn 300g £1.20

Friday night Tesco:
tomatoes x16 20p
total: 20p

Saturday evening Asda:
Eggs x6 20p
Yogurt x2 20p
Mince pie 20p (eaten)
Sponge cake 16p
Soft cheese 250g 50p
Kiwi x12 74p
Mackerel £1.07 (already eaten)
Frozen corn 1kg 88p
Frozen marsh potato 59p
Brown rice 1kg £1.19
total: £5.73p

money spent so far: £5.92p

angelatgraceland

Well my sig is now up to date and I have my brand new budget(well it is now past midnight) so Ive just emptied out my purse and done the counting!
Came in under budget for January but I really needed to as I need to sort out the cars in Feb. Planning expenditure is the essential bit for me this year-stocking up on presents and trying to buy what I can in Sales way before a birthday is sprung on me. I hope that I do as well this whole year as I have this month but /Im guessing that I will either be over or jsut scrape through with my outgoings this month which is why, although I calculate my budget week by week as far as what I put in my purse-my budget is actually calculated annualy on here. It will give me a truer picture of the overall state of my finances. I still have a couple of things to sort out-closing some cards I never use-Egg,New Look and BHS. I may well not even use any cards this year with the exception of buying online where I really have to put it on a card. I have found it so much easier with calculations by just having the cash-I cannot overspend and Im much more careful.
My habit at present seems to be going in a shop and coming out with very little. I popped in Asda today and spent only just over £17. Unheard of-but Im looking at things 6 times now I think before I buy(rather than just twice)
I did stock up on potatoes as they had some nice reds for just 72p for a 2.5 kilo bag. Also had some new pots in bags at 39p a bag so its lots of spuds I think! Baked beans with sausages are still cheaper than baked beans on their own. Ravioli is only 20p per tin! Both the ravioli and the meatballs are nice if you add a bit of tom puree or sauce and some oregano and onion/peper to "tart them up" a bit along with a bit of grated cheese. This really does upgrade the meal. Especially with the meatballs-if Ive been in a terrible rush Ive done this with some value spaghetti(dried not tinned)and it has turned out much nicer. Great kiddie food in a hurry! Shame Asda wouldnt take any vouchers-so it will be down to Waitrose for the next topup -offload them there! DH has a habit of bringing the newspapers home from work when they are read. I dont read them often-I just flick through every page hunting for vouchers. He thinks Ive lost it Im sure!