January 2012 Grocery Challenge

Fiasco55

I have managed a 4th NSD this month today :j. This is real progress for me. Dinner tonight was a lovely panini. I am a day shift tomorrow so lunch will be egg mayo sandwich and I am not too sure what I will have for dinner. * wonders off to rummage the cupboards...

meg72

mumwithamission wrote: »

Hi all, and thank you so much for all your inspirational stories. Am struggling to keep up with it all - had no idea joining would be such a time commitment, but am still very motivated. Really struggling as a newbie tho' and completely in awe of how frugal so many of you manage to be. Haven't totted things up yet, but know I'm overspent. However, I have done a stock take of everything and made a meal planner for rest of month. Problem is I'm setting up the 2nd purse system and am drawn to half-price or less offers on anything (that isnt perishable) that we use regularly. I spent the weekned clearing out more of the loft to make room for it all, and it's giving me a real buzz, but buying those offers in the first place is costing a fair bit....am I doing it all wrong?

Bless, No you are not doing it wrong,anyway you want to do it is fine, Its YOUR challenge.and as long as you reduce your overall spend you win.

It is tempting at first to buy up all the offers you see, but honestly these offers do come round quite regular so maybe not buy quite so many,and every so often have a use up week.

rosieben

tigerfeet, your [GF and DF] SC Chicken with herby sauce is in the index :beer:

ms_night_ryder

spent £1.25 in mr t's on 1 lindt 100g teddy bear 75p x2 small selection packs 25p each will add that and the graped from yesterday to my total.

PolkaDotsAndLace

Burning the midnight oil sitting and working out the shopping list for the weekend (bit early, but if I don't at least start the list I end up running around the morning we're shopping and forget we've run out of stock cubes or something) Will hopefully manage it for around £30, but I'm really miffed to see that the grated cheese is now hiked up by around 30 - 50p. I'll buy that in Scotmid instead if it's still a 2 for £3 offer.

[Deleted User]

mumwithamission wrote: »

Hi all, and thank you so much for all your inspirational stories. Am struggling to keep up with it all - had no idea joining would be such a time commitment, but am still very motivated. Really struggling as a newbie tho' and completely in awe of how frugal so many of you manage to be. Haven't totted things up yet, but know I'm overspent. However, I have done a stock take of everything and made a meal planner for rest of month. Problem is I'm setting up the 2nd purse system and am drawn to half-price or less offers on anything (that isnt perishable) that we use regularly. I spent the weekned clearing out more of the loft to make room for it all, and it's giving me a real buzz, but buying those offers in the first place is costing a fair bit....am I doing it all wrong?

Sorry if this has been answered, I CANT KEEP UP WITH THIS THREAD. I think sometimes it can be a good idea to stockpile non perishables if they are things that you use, but i would not go buying them all from the supermarket at once, as this can be a more expensive option, but maybe try approved foods, foodbargains, rospa, etc, sites that sell short dated foods. I have bought 12 packs of cous cous at times, for 99p, when you build up your stocks over a few months, without breaking the bank, you get to a stage where you are just topping up with fresh stuff. I think the fact that you are feeling so motivated is great. Throw in a couple of nights of really cheap stuff. There are some great posts at the beginning of this thread on meals for 2 for 50p, which could give you some ideas. Meal plan, go through your cupboards and see what meals u can make from what you have, then just buy things to go with it. I have become frugal by disciplining myself and saying im not gonna buy anything for the freezer until i have cleared a drawer, so far its working this month, but it doesn't always. There is always another bargain around the corner, or in another store, so you will not miss out. Find out when your local supermarket reduces their stuff, i have not paid more than 50p for top quality bread in ages, sometimes its 10p, though i should not be buying it as ive got loads of bread mix (derrrrrr). if you haven't fallen asleep reading this, Good luck and your doing great.

SpagBol

Today I found loads of risotto rice in the cupboard, it's difficult to judge but I reckon we could make quite a few meals in one go...can you freeze a veg (got carrots, brocolli, frozen peas/sweetcorn and a tin of kidney beans) risotto no cream or anything just the rice, stock and veg? :think: I'm [STRIKE]hoping[/STRIKE] guessing yes!

tigerfeet2006

I freeze all sorts of risottos with no problems.

djhops

I'm in going for £100 pcm please, for the record here's my tips (I would welcome anyone else's)

- Never shop at the same supermarket twice (they all have their own specialisms/ bargains)
- Always cross-question branded (what are you getting extra for your money)
- Cook food from scratch (healthier too) and make in bulk (use for lunches etc)
- Remember with food, it's 'best before' not necessarily 'throw away after'
- Eat less meat (also healthier too)
- Try to reduce portion size if you're overweight (that's healthier too, you sense a trend!)
- Don't automatcially buy two for one (sometimes you just end up being a glutton)
- Finally and I appreciate it's not for all... brew your own beer!

SueP19

moomi wrote: »

Hi I'm new to this thread & have read through but I'm still confused so any suggestions/help very welcome. I basically spend £100 A week on everything, plus a takeaway & it's just ridiculous now, the are 2 adults, a 10 yr old, a 4 yr old & the cat. The kids rarely eat the same as us so end up cooking even more. I don't tend to waste much in that it doesn't get thrown out but surely I can reduce this. I've chatted to mr moomi about this & he agrees. I just don't know quite where to start! I can see a few of you meal plan, do you have exAples I could see? Also bulk buying, should I do this straight away for stuff like washing powder, dishwasher tablets, cat food etc? Thanks everyone

I am just like you, we are 3 adults and we started last year spending about £110-£120 a week, we didn't buy luxuries or throw food away. I was very confused how to reduce it but steadily we did by switching brands etc I join here in january and did my first meal plan (with a calender and just added sausages once a week, joint once a week etc).
By visiting this thread everyday I have managed to shave my budget more, it makes you very focused on what you spend when you get in the supermarket and by having the meal plan I am currently working on next weeks shopping comparing prices and whats on offer

Keep going you won't regret it :grouphug:

Am also just starting the 2nd purse system