December 2009 Grocery Challenge

poohbear59

I spent £142 in Mr T just before Christmas but £30 of that was paid back to me by DS2 and DS1 owes me £20 which I may get back someday soon. That makes my total spend so far for December just under my total by £15. I need some fresh veg for the weekend so reckon I have managed again this month but only just.

Our budget for January is leaving us £350 short for DDs before we take groceries into account so I may be going for a very low budget for January GC.

Mrs_Money_Penny

Hi All Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Have just updated signature and have spent from an annual budget of £2700 £2653.70. No more needed for the year so have just manged to get within target. Could you set my annual budget for next year to £2500 Helen.
Happy New Year all. See you on Januarys thread.

Spirit_2

Well I think I came in under £150 for the non Christmas food shop for the first 3 weeks of Christmas.......but never even set a budget for Christmas food shopping.

All I can say in my defence is that I have made a lovely Turkey and Leek pie, lots of Turkey soup, a ham & turkey pie for my mum, and put a lot of leftovers in the freezer

---

so no waste food which is a big change from other years.

Roll on the January thread - I need to size back control, I really enjoyed November when I stuck to a budget and meal planned.

Well done to all those of you who stuck to your guns.

sistercas

didnt keep to budget declaring at £472 :o

Alison_Funnell

Is there a new thread for January or will it continue here?

cw18

January thread is here

Alison_Funnell

Thanks - I am somewhat bemuse that I managed to miss it!!! LOL

SunnyGirl

Today's shop was £60.87 so: Declaring for December at £398.93 :T:T:T I'm very pleased at this. Thanks for all the support & ideas everyone you are all stars :A

See you in January!

BigMummaF

Spirit wrote: »

....- I need to size back control, I really enjoyed November when I stuck to a budget and meal planned.

Well done to all those of you who stuck to your guns.

I really must try harder with planning as like you, I found it did help. The method I found most successful for me was to:-
1.write down nos 1> however many days in the month, then write in meals as they pop into my mind beside each one.
2. make note of days when I need something in particular [perhaps someone has a late dental appt or I'm visiting & need a quick dinner]
3.look at what is there & try to make sure it's not all chicken one week, beef another, pasta the third etc.

I keep this list in my purse so when I'm wandering the aisles looking for inspiration, I can whip out the list & pick something from it. The flexibility means I can take advantage of offers & whoopsies & I don't get bored.

Another one for me is to watch portion sizes too; I bought smaller dinner plates but they hardly get used for our main meals well no more!All of that is going to change from this day forward & as the knowledgable Mrs Slocombe would say "I am unanimous in that" :rotfl:

I am pretty sure I've gone over my intended budget from Aug to Dec but my method of keeping account of what was spent on which category has changed more often than a chameleon on a patchwork quilt, but I am quietly pleased with the results. It would have been far, far worse if I didn't have you lot to help me so Thank You.

A Very Peaceful, Healthy & Frugal New Year to You & Yours.

poppy-glos

another shop in lidl today, now i'm done.

Declared at 341.75 for the month.