July 2007 Grocery Challenge

redsquirrel80

Well I was going to do my first 'August' shop today, but not managed - realised there was a farmer's market on today and was going to check that out, but by the time I'd got myself organised I'd left it too late. So I've just sat down and written a shopping list for Tesco.. then remembered it shuts at 4 on a Sunday! :rolleyes:

Anyway, I'm going back up to £60 for this next month as I found £50 a real struggle, I don't think an extra tenner will hurt and it'll give me a bit more scope for interesting eating. As my cupboards are pretty full with pasta, rice and lentils, this will cover meat, fish, cheese, veg, fruit and bread, and this week I'm going to stock up on a few spices and sauces. It seemed to work fairly well last month doing a big shop at the start of the 'month'. I watched the River Cottage prog about chickens again the other day and it's completely put me off cheap meat, so I will only be buying organic/ free range and will be possibly visiting my local butcher to see what they do.

Despite not managing to go shopping today, am having fun going on Tesco website to check prices for things then off to other sites to find recipes and things to do with them... I actually feel quite inspired about my food despite being on a budget

lil_me

I find being on a budget much more inspiring, because I have to be more creative, actaully enjoy most of the food better.

Big booboo today, I found a new farm shop I'd seen a leaflet but didn't know where it was, anyway came out of there just over £12 lighter which I have now added to the total, minty lamb burgers I got for dinner were fantastic and worth the treat, sausages in the fridge, bottle of a nice sauce, couple of veg, some choccy fudge for me and biscuit treats for the boys To be honest we don't need much to get us through to last month so was nice being able to have a treat when on a budget too

Still haven't got round to doing the inventory of fridge/freezer and pantry yet, must get it done soonish, I have a rough idea of what main things are in the freezer but that is about all.

poohbear59

Hi folks, I wish we had a farmers market or veg shop within easy striking distance, I could do with some decent meat and veg. Our local greengrocers has odd opening hours and last week I walked past it (when it was open)to go to another shop and when I went back it was closed. Fruit and veg in the garden are coming on very slowly but I am still hoping we will get something to eat.
This months grocery challenge has been a wash out. I have completely lost track of how much we have spent and then on Friday after floods we got fish and chips (for five of us). First time in 3 years so it did taste good. Not good for the diet though.
Payday is 24th so I will try again and hope we have fewer visitors and disasters.

lil_me

Have you tried searching on www.bigbarn.co.uk to see what is listed as available in your area poohbear ? Only one I 'know' of your way on is an organic beef place in Carlisle, but there might be more. Would think that there would be more.

dawnylou

teedy23 wrote: »

dawnylou, you didnt fail , you just didnt do as well as you hoped. A new month coming and all to play for, you,ve a lot going on, and although it,s all happy things it,s still stressful. Cut yourself a bit of slack, the world wont end for the sake of £30, next month you,ll do even better, you,ll see. Good luck

Thanks. I hope I do better next month.
I have a lot of turkey left over and also some gammon and beef so that should help out.
Also have a mexican casserole for 2 frozen.
And we now have about 6kg of pasta as well as a huge bag of rice so shouldn't need to buy any of those either!

millionaire_in_training

Think I might manage this month as I have £60.46 left. Didn't actually spend much this week as I need to keep what I have for CC bill due 27th. Wont have money until Thurs. Big learning curve for me so far. Not been too difficult tbh doing the £250 but have 9 days left so will wait and see if I make it before thinking about cutting it down again.x

teedy23

spent £4.13 today, should have been another quid, but lovely young male s/a in supermarket said the magic words "If the coupon scans I,ll take it", I just wish I,d thought to bring more with me

rosieben

Well, I splurged on fresh milk this week so another £2.13 spent but I will come in under budget.

Been a bit of a struggle this month so I may increase my budget a little for next month, especially as i'm using up a lot of freezer and storecupboard stock. :cool:

irishwexford

Well I am still on track. I think I have just enough meat meals until end of week but still have plenty of food in storecupboard and enough washing powder and cleaning stuff also toilet rolls. I have knocked £40 off shopping bill and cut out all the waste so am pleased with this. May be able to save a bit more next month as cleaning itmes may stretch to another month and I am getting more organised with meal plans and shopping. Found it boring in the past trying to do this but enjoying it since coming on here and getting all the tips. :T

cheerfulness4

Oh dear, this month not gone well for us. Was already over budget and sent OH to Tesco on Sunday with a very small list of items and he came back with allsorts. :mad:

I know that everyone says don't let OH near the shopping but I was poorly and he's so good normally but he got enticed by the BOGOF penquins and value biscuit range, not to mention other 'bargains'. Love him to bits but don't think I'm letting him near my budget next month. :rolleyes: