a month without supermarket - new challenge for 2011 starts at post 1013

flea72

aliwali wrote: »

My next investigation is how to make my own yoghurt, do I need a machine or can it be done another way?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/717089

this should provide all the info you need

F

Gigervamp

Aliwali, it might be worth checking local butchers for butter. I know there is at least one butcher in our local market that sells it, along with cheese.

There's a thread on here about making yoghurt. You don't need much equipment. A flask works well. You just need to keep the yoghurt warm while it does its thing. I have an Easyo yoghurt maker which is basically an insulated container. I don't use the Easyo packets, just make up the yoghurt with milk and plain yoghurt, pour boiling water into the Easyo container, then put the container with the yoghurt mix in and leave overnight.

aliwali

Thanks for the yoghurt info, I'll have a read of that later. I tried the butchers for butter, none of the ones in my town sell it. They do dripping but not butter. I resorted to Co-op for it today until I find another source.

3 days and I've not been near Mr T yet, trust me that is a real achievement for me!!

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

Watching cup of coffee in hand *intrigued*. Best of luck folks.

Lily-Lu

aliwali wrote: »

Where did everyone go? Been reading this thread from the beginning over a few nights and got all inspired. Then got to the end and the last post was January! Is it because this challenge is not sustainable long term?

No not at all. I suppose it depends where people live and what options they have available to them; but I'm still going strong, here:D
I have had the need to visit the Co-Op 3 times sinse last December for things I haven't been able to find at local independent shops.
Wholemeal flour, strong white flour and suet have been difficult to sourse locally, but other than that, It's been easy to stay away from supermarkets.

I've recently discovered a scheme for supporting local independent shops and just for my fruit and veg it was well worth joining. I pay £5.00 for a year membership and the participating independent businesses decide what discount they're going to offer to members.
My local fruit and veg shop offer a 10% discount, so within the first few shops/weeks, I'd earned the cost of the card back and anything from that point has been a saving:D
This scheme covers the Manchester and Durham area from what I can gather, so if anyone is interested in supporting their local independent shops / businesses in these areas, then please have a gander at the website:D www.tagpassiton.com

Aliwali - there's not a lot of us 'supporters of local independents' about, as you can see from the lack of participating posters; so thanks for coming aboard and I really hope you find it easy to get-by without having to resort the dreaded supermarket - good luck

And remember, as far as local independent shops go; if you don't use it, you'll lose it;)

aliwali

Well still going fairly strong here. I have been to the co-op a few times but I don't mind as that is on the high street, and I would rather do that than go to Mr T's!!

I did have to pop to that dreaded shop today for nappies as I had a voucher and it was too good to not get. I do use re-usables but I have in-laws looking after the kids tomorrow and I can't expect them to use re-usables for various reasons.

Really enjoying making my own bread, I have a yoghurt maker now and its divine. Everyone on the farmers market was lovely as is my organic fruit and veg box.

And I'm still in budget for this month so far. Was worried I may spend more but I'm doing ok at the moment.

catznine

I'm thinking about trying this challenge again! Anyone else up for it? I am away next week but will use local shops as we are self catering and there are none of the big 4 supermarkets where we are going. The following 3 weeks are going to be challenging though!;)

pink_princess

catznine wrote: »

I'm thinking about trying this challenge again! Anyone else up for it? I am away next week but will use local shops as we are self catering and there are none of the big 4 supermarkets where we are going. The following 3 weeks are going to be challenging though!;)

Is the challenge just to stay out of the big 4?

If so I'll join you but if it is all supermarkets then I'd fail big style.

catznine

Yes just avoiding the big 4! Reading back through the thread reminded me that we all had to go to the co#p etc for some items. Mostly though we coped using the markets, farm shops, poundlands and warehouse stores. I can't believe this was 5 years ago but it did change a lot of my shopping habits for good, I still shop around and buy a fair bit in bulk. Definately save money this way!:)

westlothianlass

Hi, I'm up for the challenge. I read the thread previously, got inspired but never got fully on board. I did try and stay away from the big 4 but recently have fallen off the independent wagon so it will be great to try again.
Just writing a list of what meat/fish i usually buy from the supermarket so that when i go into town I can be organised and buy in bulk. We live in quite a rural location but not to far to travel for butcher/fishmonger so fingers crossed.
The only thing that is worrying me is wine:rotfl:but ive just looked at some demijohns we laid down last year and its looking pretty good:D.
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