December 2011 - Grocery Challenge

sproggi

OK confession time.........
I succumbed to the temptation that is known as Ice*and:o
In my defence, it has been about 1 and 1/2 years since I last ventured
into their doorway, it was my little sis's fault, she wanted to go in there
whilst we were out present shopping and I did have £15 of love to shop
vouchers that they take........... I know, all poor excuses!

So, £1 for hot chocolate from po*ndland, £2.76 on tinned cream in
Wilk*nsons and £7 in Ice*and (£22 minus £15 vouchers), total £10.76
to add.

I really cannot buy anything other than f&v,bread,milk and fresh cream now, my
cupboards are overflowing and I had to take a chicken and carrots out of the
freezer for tea tomorrow, just so that I could cram my shopping in from today:o

Now off to update my sig and sit in the naughty corner.

I must not get tempted
I must not get tempted
I must not get tempted

Sproggi

mummyjane

Had a delivery from Mr S, so need to update my sig although it means I'm now already over budget. On the plus side, the shopping arriving has meant I could make my hm irish cream - gorgeous recipe although next time I think I'll go a bit easier on the whisky

I've checked the cupboards and freezers and we are all set for meals until payday (30th) so just have perishables to buy next week.

tigerfeet2006

Welcome Elantan. There is a great bunch of people on here who will support you in your endeavour. As suggested start slowly or you will fail and get discouraged.

Start by doing a stock take of what is in your cupboards, fridge and freezer and then meal plan for a week or two. See what meals you cam make with what you have and then make a list of what you need to complete those meals. I plan to use my slow cooker around three times a week, have at least two meals without meat and to have at least one simple meal a week like omelette and chips. When you can try to make a bit extra and freeze it for those 'end of month, have no money' days or those 'I really cannot be bothered' days. I usually have a list of seven main meals that I then choose from to suit the day, others do a day by day list.

Do you eat breAkfast? If not do you find yourself snacking during the morning? Try and make sure you have some breakfast. Porridge is a good cheap option or SM branded cereals. Also do you take packed lunches into work or do you buy lunch at work? Pack lunches are the way to go.

Check out the recipes at the beginning of the Grocery Challenge thread as well.

Sue14

Another Mr M shop yesterday, and I almost fainted at the checkout, lol, when I got a bill for £72.33! Before joining the GC that amount was nothing new, but I'm not used to spending so much in one place now, lol! Luckily I was able to take off alcohol, a couple of presents and some flowers, which brought it down to a more reasonable amount of £28.32! I still have to get a turkey crown, the perishables, and some more alcohol later in the week, but I'm almost finished Christmas shopping now and, unless we get snowed in and have to put our guests up for longer than expected, we shouldn't have to spend much in January.

XSpender

I am declaring my December total at £437.81 as my new month starts tomorrow. Although I am over the budget I set myself I am continuing to reduce my monthly spends month on month since rejoing the GC. This weekI have spent less than £50 which is unheard of:j

I am still aiming for the magic £100/week on everything target so I will set my January budget at £500 as it is a 5 week month (will post my target on the Jan thread when it starts). I have all the meat, christmas pud and rum sauce and a couple of snacky bits in for Christmas and have made my own cake so shouldn't need much as it is only the 3 of us for dinner, the outlaws are coming to us for tea and then we are away to my brothers. Famous last words and I do need to get some booze in:eek: If I leave DH in the house I may stand a chance. As he has gone to bed at 8pm with the flu it may happen.;)

'Night all x

supersally01

Evening all,
Need to add a few spends, as been a while since my last update. Not spent much on actual groceries, as been relying on the freezer. Also had DS birthday, and had a seperate budget for that.
Adding up all receipts shows £68 spend, but xmas still to come.
Am going to M&S, using their £5 off £35 spend, with 20% off SD, will be £24. Aim to do this twice for £48.
This should cover xmas day, as going out xmas eve and boxing day. Also given guests lists of items to bring on the day. (to cut costs)
All days after this will be normal shopping.

Hope all have a fab money saving, xmas.

tessie_bear

hi...im going to get a grip of the planning for christmas today...no more mucking about...list for shopping and activities with the kids and a concrete plan to wrap up christmas gifts....there i have said it now just got to do it.....oh and work out how much of the gc i want to spend

tata tess

mummybearx

Morning all!!

Was going to report 3 NSD's in a row, but just remembered I popped out for bread on Saturday. And some crisps, a bit of chocolate, bottle of juice.... Spend about £8 :eek: lol

Running low of lots of things at home. Kinda getting sick of pasta and risotto. Going to get a look at the recipe lists and see what I can come up with for the next few days without spending much cash.

x

mummybearx

Ooops, just remembered we got a takeaway on Thursday night. I was at work all day, home for 10 mins then back out again (went to the pantomime!!) Didn't get home til about 10.30pm, and we phoned a takeaway (£17 eek!)

Still, next month I will try harder!!!

quintwins

morning all it's cold and wet here i'm i'm not half wakened even tho i've been up for 2 hrs i really need a kick up the bum today

anyhoo £4 to the kids school this morning for snack money it's £2 each for the week which i still have to pay even if there only in for 3 days i need spuds but theres no chance i'm going today i have enough for tonights tea so will get some in the morning, dinner is lo sausage casarole from friday it's been in the fridge since then so i hope it's ok altho i'm sure it will be i'll make sure it's well cooked