February 2009 Grocery Challenge

IsoChick

Off to visit MrT's tonight instead of an online shop :eek:

Have made my weekly meal plan and written a list. The only meat I need to get is chicken thighs - everything else is already in the freezer; as is bread for the week.

Need quite a few storecupboard things also, but have had a little LBM about how I shop...

For example: 2 of my recipes need mince. I already have a 500g pack of mince in the freezer - enough for the recipes. However, previously, I would have gone and bought another pack of mince to replace that, even though we won't be eating it for a week. Which would mean that I'd have spent a few pounds that would sit in my freezer for a week as it wouldn't be on my meal plan... d'oh!

Now, I just cross the mince off my 'freezer list' then when I make my next shopping list, I'll add it on if I need it.

OrkneyStar

IsoChick wrote: »

For example: 2 of my recipes need mince. I already have a 500g pack of mince in the freezer - enough for the recipes. However, previously, I would have gone and bought another pack of mince to replace that, even though we won't be eating it for a week. Which would mean that I'd have spent a few pounds that would sit in my freezer for a week as it wouldn't be on my meal plan... d'oh!
Now, I just cross the mince off my 'freezer list' then when I make my next shopping list, I'll add it on if I need it.

I have a replace when using policy too. The way I see it there will always be a few bits in there for a bad week (if my back plays up/loads of snow/need money for some other bill etc). It has always worked well for me but each to their own.
x

WelshWoofer

Morning all!
I've managed to get through the week without an extra penny spent on groceries (since the "big shop" on Saturday).
I have written a shortish shopping list for tomorrow, mostly meat for OH, fruit and a few tins, which I'm hoping will come in around £25 ish
I have a few nectar vouchers to use so will shop at Mr S and try to stick to the list.
We're also staying in for Valentine's night - OH is cooking me a veggie curry (a big sacrifice for him as he's an ardent meat eater!) and the rugby is on (I'm very patriotically Welsh!). I've factored in to the shopping list a nice steak for Sunday for him to say thank you - still cheaper than going out!

Had some good news today - got paid an extra £750 after tax - was expecting a smallish (few hundred pounds) bonus but not one this good! If only we didn't have to pay tax!
I've squirrelled it away into another bank account to hold on to until I decide what to do with - i.e. which debt to put most of it towards. I hope to have a frugalish month (only 4 more weeks exactly until the next pay day) and maybe save an extra £300 so it could be £1000 towards paying something off:j
Best laid plans and all that!

I also have my belated birthday present to look forward to on the 28th - a spa weekend with OH - all those lovely treatments and a nice night in a hotel with a meal out in Chester. Not very MSE but stil lovely!

Can you tell I'm in a good mood and its Friday!
Will update the spends tomorrow
Take care
R

Reverbe

Well it's the 13th and still on a No spend for groceries I am thrilled cos with the saving I managed to go out last night for the first time in months, saw a fab gig by an artist who is always excellent entertainment _ great sogs, funny lyrics, a good laugh, excellent guitarist - who I haven't seen live for 3 years.

elly2

afternoon all another £1.56 here today for more milk !!! if i manage to stay away from the shops tomorrow that means i have spent less than £15 out of this weeks £60 budget but i must confess i am missing going shopping lol. tonights tea is mini toad in the holes with mashed pots and frozen veg (needing to make a dent in the amount of sausage i have in the freezer). x

tessie_bear

hi....good afternoon....my shopping plans to get somrthing nice in for valentines day had gone haywire as oldest ds was sick this morning so wasnt up to school....hes spent day in bed and must be ill because he normally perks up when he finds out he isnt going to school...but not today very pasty....so ive had time to made valentines cakes for pudding tomorrow....could not find red coloring for pink icing so have used yellow...that well known romantic colour.....have got spag bol going in the sc which smells nice......ds is off to disneyland next week with grandparents....so im planning on using u a few storecupboard and freezer box bits (i dont have a freeze) he is quite fussy so ill be able to use up the must have bargains i have picked up without him moaning

i saw in the paper that asda have a few special offers for pancake day...syrup sauces etc im not sure of the whole list but they are 2 for a £ so im going to have a look.....also ragu and pasta 2 for a£

i am really catching on to the good nsd help mt budget...dont find it easy not going out spending...but over a couple of weeks they make a great difference to budget....obvious i know when u think about it

tata tess

redmel1621

orchid-96 wrote: »

Flat Eric Don'twotty too much about yr overspend - just sit down and work out a meal plan and work out how many meals etc. you will get for what you bought - and if you were mislead on something, take it back for a refund :mad: I would do this out of principle......The main thing is you are aware of what you are spending, which before doing the challenge I certainly was not...

Thanks TheBees I will have a go with that casserole,sounds gorgeous...

I have been thinking today, that I might be trying to manage on too strict a budget as I don't want my kids to suffer (lack of vits etc.) but having said that they are probably having better meals now and less rubbish as I have been trying to bake more so that must be better eh!!!

what do others spend per month with 3 young kiddies and a fussy dh? I would love to know....

Hi Orchid - I don't think I could manage on £200pm..
I used to do £220 a while back, but then, things were a lot cheaper then. I am trying £340pm and was hoping to reduce it however, I think this month I am going to be under, but next month baby 3 arrives so I will try and stick with the same figure as I will be buying baby milk and nappies.

Mel x

yummymummy05

ok guys we all know we love twinks hobnobs - BUT - instead of making them into biscuits - put the mixture in the bottom of a cake tin to make one big flapjack - then when it's cooled melt 200g chocolate (1/2 milk 1/2dark is best!) and pour it on top leave it in fridge to set then cut into squares!!

This is absolutely yummy - they're all gone within - minutes!

nmlc

Hi everyone

Just an update on the grocery spends, have spent £25.22 in Aldi and £51.84 in Mr A - felt this was quite a lot as only bought 1 x whole chicken for Sunday roast and a couple of packs of cooked meat for OH's packed lunches for next week - the rest was just normal stuff - no washing powder/fabric conditioner etc (I always find this adds lots to the bill). I have done a meal plan which we will stick to but only now have £30.37 left until the 28 Feb - my freezer and storecupboards are quite well stocked so may be able to scrape through to end of month on budget - I hope! I now know how much money we were spending before GC and why we now have debts!
Keep safe and well everyone.
nmlc x

kezlou

Well just did another shop as i just found out another friend has lost her job, she had no money / food so took some round for her.Just hoping were okay after march, as thats when OH contract runs out.
Anyway when is the price of food going to come down? Its ridiculous got an absolute shock this afternoon at the Asian food store( that is its name btw). The "was" prices were before xmas.
Pudding rice 2kg used to be £1.25 now its £3.49.:eek:
Brown Lentils 500g was 50p now £1.25 :eek:

Decided not to buy meat as i have got quite a bit. Was hoping to only spend £200 this month but looks like its not going to happen. Good job i wrote £400.:mad:

Now have to wait for the milkman to turn up.