Beating Lifestyle Inflation and Staying Mortgage Free!

EssexHebridean

Well at least there are some positives to outweigh the bad stuff. that's appalling about the GP's surgery though, AND the teacher too - they really shouldn't be calling parents as a knee jerk reaction before things have been thoroughly thought through.

earthgirl2

Thanks for the support with my grumbles. The over 70s health check made me giggle 😆

much better week or so. Beautiful weather and lots of relaxing in the garden. 

Money update:
groceries £100 this week 😬 
I've discovered a way to shop from value range for online delivery finally. But we need a big top up. 

Cut out some things - little round cheeses for packed lunch are gone, own brand crisps are in instead of the branded ones I'm usually shown online! Grapes are too expensive. I'm encouraging carrot and cucumber sticks instead- or bananas- much cheaper.

Collected a big 0li0 bag
Still using the work cars which is brilliant 

so not a lot to report but I'm still being frugal and working hard. When I'm not relaxing in the sun that is!

themadvix

They sound like excellent economies to make and relaxing in the garden is definitely important! Been doing that here too. 😊

Cheery_Daff

It's funny, isn't it - I remember a time when I always considered grapes too expensive - they were just one of those things that we never bought. Now we do without thinking, but they're extortionate! Not saying they should be cheaper considering where they've come from, but definitely worth considering a cheaper alternative. Carrot sticks are a great idea. 

EssexHebridean

I usually buy grapes in Als - or when they have them the value ones from T's - and they're not too bad a price - I do get at least 3, and sometimes 4 portions from a tub (probably should be more than that but they're sooooo tasty!) so that doesn't feel horribly pricey to me, but it possibly would if I had junior people hoovering them up at top speed! When I shop at Al's Bananas annoy me as I prefer to buy individually as - let's face it, they do come with their own packaging don't they, and there I'm forced to buy in bags due to the price being better that way. (No - I know I could make the choice to just spend more, but it bugs me that the supermarkets play this game and I refuse to join in!)

pennywisepoundstupid

Red seedless grapes are 99p on offer in lidl from tomorrow.

EssexHebridean

pennywisepoundstupid said:

Red seedless grapes are 99p on offer in lidl from tomorrow.

T's will not be happy then - they're showing a CC price of £1.50 at the moment!  

earthgirl2

Work became manic but I'm on Easter break from work now. I should be able to catch up and relax too. We have a cheap break booked away to a relatives caravan next week.

Food shopping was expensice last week (£100)  and cheap this week (£40)
I saved money by walking to errands rather than using the car.
I bought a present at 70% off, and got a couple for xmas presents.

beanielou

How is the lodger?

apple_muncher

Hope you have fair weather for the caravan trip.