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

VickyM_2

kittie wrote: »

I saw the programme last night and it was really eye-opening. How they put products attractive to children on the bottom shelf to encourage pester power. The bogofs that make you buy more than you need. It was all about how they suck the customer into buying more. Grhhh I was so angry

I cycled a round trip of 11 miles this morning, to get 1 chicken breast and 1 punnet of blueberries and 4 big and gorgeous oranges at 30p each. The sun is shining and I got the feel-good factor. The complete opposite of the energy-sucking experience that is called shopping at tesco and I didn`t save a little, I saved a lot and a lot helps more than a little

... and you got some fantastic (and free) exercise as well!

This thread so cheers me up - I come back and read it on a regular basis and just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for showing in the best possible way that you don't need to plod round a supermarket, that shopping can be fun, and that you can save money and eat really good food! I've always believed this (and tried to do it myself) and it's so great to see the word spreading.

:beer: to the lot of you!!

katmad99

hello again, and well done everyone, you all seem to be doing so well!! I am still having to go to lidl for a few basics, but get my eggs, veg and as much fruit as i can from the farmers market. Other fruit (citrus etc) i get fair trade produce form the local independent shop. So...i'm not a total convert, but i'm still doing my best, and haven't been to any major supermarkets since i started!

catznine

Just had my Abel and Cole delivery!:j

Broccoli, celery, potatoes, carrots, aubergine, blood oranges, mandarins, pears. Soya milk, organic semi skim milk, 1/2 doz org eggs and yeo valley org butter for £14.84.

Still haven't been to Sainsburys as I am trying to hold out. Thanks Rach for the idea re fry light. I always allow myself some olive oil on healthy extras. I shouldn't need anything more this week.

I haven't had any letters or coupons sent from Mr T/Sainsburys so guess I wasn't spending that much anyway!

[Deleted User]

I can`t help feeling so sorry for the people who can`t be bothered trying this alternative way of shopping. Just look at the lovely items in catznine`s box and those oranges I got yesterday were absolutely fantastic. Heavy and large, sweet and juicy. 30p each or 4 for £1

Another spin off is my re-newed brain activity ie what will I cook with x y z. It is great fun and could get the children (if I had any at home) involved in making up recipes. My DH loves coming home to `he knows not what` I start with good ingredients so whatever I make has to turn out well

Today I have sourdough rising very slowly in the fridge and I`ll bake it tomorrow after a few more simple processes with it. Ah I love this slower pace of life

Is anyone else noticing that they don`t crave sugar like they might have done previously? I haven`t eaten sweets for weeks. I do eat a small amount of very dark montezuma chocolate every day though

the_optimist

kittie wrote: »

Ah I love this slower pace of life

I agree with you but this slower pace of life is not possible for everybody. I have the time to go to various shops. Friends of mine would love to be able to do that but unfortunatety they can usually only get their weekly shopping in on Sundays - in a supermarket!

I also found out, that I need to be more organised now. Wanted to get some meat today only to find out the butchers was closed.
Even worse, yesterday evening I needed to get something and the only option was Mr T :mad: What a depressing shop! I can't believe I used to enjoy walking round there looking for bargains. Needless to say, I was in and out in seconds yesterday

rach

well i've been doing this for over a month now, just a week and a bit to go and i'll have done 46 days. have bought zero from supermarkets. i will definitely get a few bits from the supermarket. i still have almost £20 (from £80) in my food & household budget for march

today i went to my local high street with my trolley and bought:

market stall 1 (£5 total)
1lb tomatoes 80p
1 lettuce -70p
3lb apples £1
1lb red seedless grapes £1
1lb mushrooms £1
3 lemons 50p

market stall 2:
3lb carrots & onions mixed £1.50
1lb bananas 50p

butchers (total £7.10 - bargain i think!)
2lb mince (though not the usual extra lean steak mince i buy at supermarket)
8 sausages
4 rashers back bacon
6 free range eggs
3 slices black pudding

in_my_wellies

This is a bit nasty but anyway, a beautiful pheasant was knocked down at the end of my drive this afternoon. It limped a few feet up the drive and died so now it's hanging in the shed.

Will get farm shop veg tomorrow and serve it for lunch on Sunday

sausagefans

in_my_wellies wrote: »

This is a bit nasty but anyway, a beautiful pheasant was knocked down at the end of my drive this afternoon. It limped a few feet up the drive and died so now it's hanging in the shed.

Will get farm shop veg tomorrow and serve it for lunch on Sunday

I don't think that nasty at all. You didn't drive into it, you didn't shoot it but you did stop it from having a wasted life!

All credit to you IMHO.

Thanks

Stephen

Gers

It's catching on!

Click here for Daily Mail article about not using supermarkets for a month

Are these people anyone from here??

catznine

Thanks for that! Really interesting article, I love to hear how others are doing on this challenge! They do all seem to spend a lot though on their weekly shops:eek: at least it proved that even they could save money by avoiding the larger supermarkets!