Missy’s debtfree seperation! Hugs & support needed

HairyHandofDartmoor

Shopping around can make a big difference. I put things back if it goes over budget, that forces me to only buy food we really need.

missymoo81

Well I went in with £20, was hoping to spend £10 but did need sun cream and was v pleased with the sauces and naan bread that tipped me over the top.

missymoo81

Morning!

Well was going to try and have a NSD today but have missed my Nan and grandads birthdays and Im going to see them for the first time since I left OH which is 6 months ago now, so may be a bit emotional having to explain myself. Need to get whiskey for grandad and flowers for nanny, any ideas on where the cheapest place would be? Hoping to bring it in under £20. May has just informed me she needs new school shoes! Bang goes another £30-£40..... again any ideas on cheapest, she has really wide feet so really struggle to get them cheaply!

Honeysucklelou2

How about an orchid for your nan? You can get them for £5 or £6 in the supermarkets and they last for a long time. Does your grandfather like anything else besides whiskey? Perhaps a couple of bottles of a nice bottled ale would be ok? The two presents combined could be bought for £20 or under.

beanielou

Or a nice plant.
Something that lasts longer than flowers.

missymoo81

Thanks hunnies, i really appreciate that! I took your advice and bought a plant. I got a beautiful rose for £7 and I had to get whiskey as grandad doesnt drink anything but for his tipple. I managed to get a bottle for £13. I got £1 cards and a £1 bag. I also managed to get a pair of school shoes for £14. Theye not what I usually buy. But they seem really good! So feeling ok. I avoided costa! Does anyone know if Aldi still do value pasta and oats? Thanks so much.

parsniphead

The Aldi by us still do value pasta but I don't know about oats.

missymoo81

Thanks parsnip! Right well pizza and salad bits for dinner! Had a blood test today so will see how my ailments are doing, really hoping Im not celiac, as really cant be affording gluten free stuff! Not happy though as have a bit bump and a bruise where she took the blood! Not sure thats normal?!

CapricornLass

Gluten free is more expensive, but only if you buy/eat only stuff marked 'Free From'. But there are things that are naturally gluten free that you can buy on the 'normal' shelves, and I think you will be surprised at just how much there is. I'm afraid that you may find that shopping takes longer, though, because you have to stop and check all the labels. The cheapest place for G/F flour for me is Lidl. I don't know about Aldi, as that is a 20 mile round trip away.



The other thing is that if you cook things from scratch, you will have a much wider range of dishes, although there's no denying G/F flour can be tricker to handle. But not impossible - G/F chelsea buns, anyone? I batch cook and use my freezer too, e.g. I make a sponge cake, fill it with jam, and then cut it into single portions and freeze it, just taking out a slice when I want it.



But I get the impression that you are quite used to having to cook?

missymoo81

Wow thanks Capricornlass. I appreciate that! Ive been buying gluten free porridge, but I think from what Deliciously Ella says, the value ones should be ok... so will go back to that. Im also on a no sugar, no white carbs way if eating, due to prediabetes. So again makes things more expensive. I dont have much time any more, I seem to love at 100 miles an hour. So easier is better for me, but you pay the price for convenience I know. I think batch cooking may be the answer.