April 2013 Grocery Challenge

lbnblbnb

I got my £19.99 for the fishing bivvy back in Aldi, no argument from them. Apparently they enter the codes for fruit and veg by hand and someone got it wrong. I would have stood my ground, but glad I didn't have to - I don't like conflict! Then spent some more there, I will update my sig in a moment. Getting tight but my budget only runs to the 18th and we are away for a while at my mum so should still be able to do it.

getting-sorted-sarah

Spent £18 on a take away and am including this in budget - that'll teach me! Need milk tomorrow but resisted the urge to go out today on the hunt for reduced easter things that I don't need! So far so good. Veggie sausage and mash tonight!

Coxy11

Hi everyone,

Officially joining you now that April has arrived. Have been AWOL for a couple of days as we were entertaining family and friends Sunday/Monday for DHs birthday. Lots of wine, desserts and coleslaw left. Felt decidedly ropey this morning due to lack of sleep and too much vino. However a walk in the park with the children and pooch has blown away those cobwebs thank goodness.

I have noted down people's budgets and will update the list later on. Good to see some more new people coming on board. It's a great challenge to be part of, lovely people on here who are happy to help with questions and tips. The recipe index is invaluable to someone like me who totally lacks inspiration when meal-planning

Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Back later.
Coxy

K9sandFelines

Anybody point me in the direction of some tried and tested recipes with mushrooms please? Bought YS punnet of, yesterday, and checked the fridge to find i already had some .... first hitch of meal planning!

Scarlet1982

I did my weekly shop today with extras as I had a voucher for £5 pound off didn't manage to spend the £40 I needed though:(

The prices on my supermarket were different to the prices in T today with it being a promo change. I'll have to remember not to make that mistake again.

I'm hoping to be good the rest of the week and take lunch to work and avoid all shops.

sistercas

I would like to rejoin for April if that's ok , I haven't been keeping tabs on my shopping and its spiralling out of control . I always meal plan and do a list but then seem to do several top up shops . I've actually totted up all the shops and it came to £735 :eek::eek::o. That's for 4 adults (one at uni but paying for all her food / living expenses ). We really cant afford that amount as DH has taken early retirement due to ill health , so we are living on his pension .
I need to try and halve that amount .

I've done a meal plan for this week and made a list on my superm@rket which comes to £63 for the week , hopefully I can stick to it and won't need any top ups

smokies

finding my first month a real eye opener, I set my budget at £300.00, I have included things like takeways, lunches etc.... this is right or should this come out of other budgets

I have only about £50 left in the kitty for the rest of my month which ends on the 19th.

Thinking about it my cupboards are full and the freezers have plenty in so its really only fresh veg, fruit, milk and bread....

did anyone else find it a shock when they first started this journey on watching the pennies....

Smokies

Wentthedaywell?

I succumbed to the siren call of Hotel Du Chocolate today, and I bought half price easter choc. Only a half price £4 little box; I was nearly tempted to a £11 one cos it was a better saving down from £11!

But I didn't get any Easter eggs so I can have a little treat.

getting-sorted-sarah

smokies I think almost everyone finds it an eye opener at first, you are not alone! It is up to you whether you include lunches etc, some people do, and cleaning products, pet food etc, some prefer to have another budget. Whatever works best for you, it is about focusing on where your money goes!

Billie-jo

sistercas wrote: »

I've actually totted up all the shops and it came to £735 :eek::eek::o. That's for 4 adults (one at uni but paying for all her food / living expenses )

YIKES - thats a hefty amount but so easily done if you take your eye off the ball. I used to spend £500 every 4 weeks but have now got it down to £200-£240 each calender month. Hubby also took early retirement for same reasons but also got invalidity pension as well, however this has now stopped as he is now classed as an OAP and gets pension off the government plus works pension. There is myself and DH all meals, mum on Sundays plus take her a meal down in the week and in holidays we have 3 children at least once a week. Adult son will be moving out very soon to live with his girlfriend but for another week or so he is here 2 times a week.

Had another NSD day today.
We had turkey & mushroom pie with veg using the left over meat from Sunday and it was lovely. Two portions of pie left over for tomorrow's lunch, if we dont fancy them they will go in the freezer for later. Spaghetti Bolognaise tomorrow with salad.