February 2007 Grocery Challenge

lil_me

Right, I'm over this month, half term next week so have panic bought to try not to have to take kids shopping! What I will do is add what I overspend onto next months budget, as it'll no doubt last until then, I think I need to do a use up month. I fell for the yellow stickers/cheap stuff again have also ordered double next week and paid up front as I will be out when she calls next week, always use more over half term. In my defence I was under each month before that suppose it's better than the £600+ I spent this time last year!

Pigpen, I understand what you mean about bulk buying being cheaper, unfortunately I don't have the family size or storage to do so or I would. I've been moaning for a larger fridge and freezer, but that would mean rearranging kitchen so I think DP has ignored my requests! I have ordered what will no doubt be a years supply of washing powder in with that for this month which was just under £20. IMO it's not worth missing stocking up on a bargain to keep in the challenge as it saves in long run.

kiwi88_2

lil_me wrote:

unfortunately I don't have the family size or storage to do so or I would. I've been moaning for a larger fridge and freezer, but that would mean rearranging kitchen so I think DP has ignored my requests! I have ordered what will no doubt be a years supply of washing powder in with that for this month which was just under £20. IMO it's not worth missing stocking up on a bargain to keep in the challenge as it saves in long run.

Now this is going to sound weird but if I find really good bargains in the non perishable range I store the overflow at the bottom of my wardrobe

Lil_me have you thought of one of those lockable storage containers for just outside the back door? You could use it as overflow storage and much cheaper than a fridge/freezer :rotfl: Wouldn't work for meat bargains though :eek: I agree with not missing a bargain for the sake of the budget especially if it saves in the long run.

Pigpen nice to see you on this board as well :rotfl: It all helps doesn't it

lil_me

Doesn't sound weird at all, that's where the washing powder is going, next to the loo roll :rotfl: Well actually half of it might not fit and will have to go under the bed.

Outside isn't good idea here, unfortunately. I was considering maybe 2 fridge/freezers. I like the fridge at higher level. I can use bad back as excuse for needing them aswell and I can switch one off if I don't need it. DPs probably right, I've gone mad. I'll only end up buying more than I need to :rotfl:

Oh well over this month already, and next week fruit and veg to pay for, think give up this month as a bad job, but I have still cut my spending down hugely and have a lot in. I think I will keep same budget amount next month and deduct what I go over in this one to add to it.

LJM

well just been to top up bits spent £48 but £2 was savings stamps got a lot for my money though morrisons have so many great offers on at the mo and there was loads on the discount shelf too so hopefully i should be able to stick within budget this month

pigpen

kiwi88 wrote:

Pigpen nice to see you on this board as well :rotfl: It all helps doesn't it

Thank you and yes it does all help.

Today my husband wanted me to go buy him a sandwich.. I asked him for the money.. put it in my piggy and made him a sandwich!! lol .. He wasn't impressed, but he was fed!!

lil_me

Well done you Pigpen :rotfl:

Actually that has just reminded me of something, DP used to buy food at work and when he's away with the clubs he goes to etc from 'his' money, and now he's eating at home more or taking stuff with him, maybe another reason I have spent a bit more. It is saving money and he is eating better so it's my fault too as I pushed him to stop buying at work. In fact he just popped home for a toastie and a coffee when he was on about buying something all day :rotfl: think he's noticing the difference. Oh and I have got all the pet food, inc the dogs which will last about a month from now.

katakuri

Just read this thread - sounds like a good plan, soooo skint at the minute! We usually spend £120 a month, going to try to keep it to £100 (that may, or may not include the wine budget, lol) Have consulted the what to buy/what not to buy at Lidl/Aldi/Netto and will be acting on the sagely advice tomorrow - Lidl Manchester, here we come!!! Wish me luck... :-)

shell2001

Well just wrote out my plan till end of month and it never appeared so here goes again.

Sat - Out for lunch so picnic tea. Cooked gammon ham yest & some chicken drumsticks so will make rolls
Sun - Roast Pork (or chicken), Roasties, Veg, Yorkshires
Mon - Cold meat, HM Chips with Peppercorn sauce
Tue - HM Chicken & Leek pie, Roasties, Veg (pie filling in freezer)
Wed - HM Pork Burgers, Wedges, Sweetcorn & Peas
Thur - Spag Bol (with hidden veg)
Fri - BBQ Chicken with E F Rice
Sat - HM Pizza
Sun - Baguettes (girls at Nannies)
Mon - HM Chicken Breast in peppercorn sauce, roast, veggies
Tue - HM Chicken Nuggets, Noodles & Stir-fry veggies
Wed - Lasagna, peas, sweetcorn & HM rolls

So need to buy

Mince, Pork mince, Joint or chicken, Chicken Breast,
Cheese, Milk
Fruit, Veg, Spuds
More cereal for DH breakfasts

Breakfast usually bread via HM Loaf or cereal
Lunch - Sandwiches & fruit or cheese on toast
Snacks - Fruit or HM cakes/biscuits

Think that is everything.

Lydia.42

kiwi88 wrote:

Now this is going to sound weird but if I find really good bargains in the non perishable range I store the overflow at the bottom of my wardrobe

As the OP said, this doesn't sound weird. If you get a bragain, why not fill up space you have. We have a big crate with a lid on in the bottom of the air-cupboard (no cylinder anymore - got a combi in the kitchen), which is full of BOGOF's for the kitchen and bathroom, etc. Loo Rolls (i have enough to run a hotel for about 4 months, OH has banned me from buying anymore at the mo:rotfl: ) are stacked near the hatch in the loft, with an open pack in the air-cupboard. When this runs out, i open the loft hatch, and use the ladder grabber hooky thing (technical jargon :rotfl: ), and hook the next pack down.

No space is safe in our house!!!!!! :rotfl:

rosieben

I'm just registered and hopping in late on this one for February; I've been keeping my receipts though as I was lurking and read this thread some time ago!! I reckon I must be spending £30 - £35 a week which is pretty high considering I live alone - although that does include papers/mag, and all fruit and veg, and lotto :eek: Hoping to do better.... I'll be back with a 'spent so far' total in a while