This week I had to go mad and actually spend some money in the supermarket. We were almost out of everything fresh, you've seen earlier this week how I eeked out the last four potatoes, but we both have really yucky colds and were craving something light and fresh and a bit fruity too.
So I headed out before the blizzards of Friday took hold to Mr Sainsb*rys to see if there were any bargains to be had. I spent a total of £3.35 on the above supplies so now (with my change going into the Sealed Pot) my £2 Housekeeping Challenge total is down to £475 to last us for the rest of the year. Not bad at all though with only £ 3.69 being spent on groceries up to now this year.
Whilst there I treated myself (with my spends) to this magazine, not a magazine I usually buy but our very own Frugal Queen was in it in a lovely two page spread telling the world how she paid off debts of £45k in just 2 years, so I had to have a read, although I have followed her journey avidly on her wonderful Blog (see HERE). Nice to see a balanced account of someones story in a magazine instead of a 'sensalisation' just for dramatic effect. A good balanced article.
My poor depleted fruit drawer in the fridge before I went shopping ...
... and after, it doesn't look that great but I also got 2 bananas which don't live in the fridge.
Before going out I had found this tucked at the back of the store cupboard, so I knew some more fruity goodness could be made that will keep us going even longer.
I managed to make five large jars and two smaller ones of very yummy Orange Marmalade as well as a dish that's in the fridge that we are working our through first. It is very tasty. Not too sweet which I like, lots of the jams I have made are a little sweet for me but this has a nice tang to it.
So as fast as I get the stores down I seem build them up again, but at least it food ready to eat instead of food waiting to be prepared.
There's something really satisfying about a nice warm kitchen that smells of oranges when outside the window is a scene of a snowy wonderland.
Keep safe and keep warm in this chilly but beautiful weather.
Sue xx
Wow - you are doing well! Will enjoy watching along this year...keep warm in the snow. XX
ReplyDeleteYour stock cupboard is lovey, all that gorgeous marmalade.
ReplyDeleteI did my first shop of the year yesterday day too, I stocked up at the butchers and the farm shop
ReplyDeleteI have also just discovered subscribe and save on @mazon and have ordered lots of suma goodies
love the gonk
Shaz
ps i stretch a tin of marmalade oranges to 7 large jars by using a kg of sugar and a full can of water but mine is a different brand to yours
That's something I used to do too, unfortunately I can't anymore as Lovely Hubby is diabetic, so I use a higher fruit ratio to sugar, even now marmalade and jam is a naughty treat for him.
DeleteSue xx
Well done Sue for not being lured into buying other goodies. Looking at your store cupboard you have some lovely things in stock and your marmalade looks yummy. I love the bright orange "McGonk" he looks very cheerful out in the snow. Hope you are feeling a bit better today.
ReplyDeleteKaren x
It is going well.
ReplyDeleteAnd you've got LOADS of snow.. still green here, but bitterly cold. That'll be me staying put then!
After reading your blog last year I decided to try and stockpile on a few things. So far I have managed washing powder and hair conditioner, it's a start!
ReplyDeleteLisa x
It's a good start well done.
DeleteEven though my budget is limited now if I see something that will save me money over the year I will still stockpile.
Sue xx
Been worried about poor Caldwell all day, how is he now?
ReplyDeleteSarah.
You are so organised. I need to get my butt in gear and start organising for 2013. How is Caldwell doing?
ReplyDeleteYou're doing SO well Sue.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, I'm new to your blog. Can you explain the challenge again ? Is it £500 total spend for the year on shopping (not including the bulk buy stuff?) Perhaps there is a link to somewhere else on your site that I just haven't found yet. Loving the idea though. Thanks, Shelley mrsllewellyn@mail.com
ReplyDelete(by the way I have a blog too - www.motheroeuf.blogspot.com)
The Challenge is described in lots of detail on the Challenge page at the top of the Blog 'The £2 Housekeeping Challenge for 2013 - Less Spending'
DeleteAll the stockpiling was done last year as and when things appeared on offer, mostly before the idea of the challenge was even finalised, it was having these supplies that made me realise I could really cut back on spending this year and possibly keep it at £480. I usually spend £2,600 a year on food.
Any future stockpiling will be out of our £480 budget.
Sue xx
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteI do hope you both feel better soon. Rotten colds are no fun. No wonder you are caving lots of fresh fruit.
You got a lot for your £3.35. Good to hear the change went in the sealed pot!
We will have to try orange marmalade. Mr Sft loves it on his toast.
Your stores are looking nice and healthy.
I think you are enjoying this challenge, and how it allows you to save for such an important ‘dream’.
Do you consider spending every penny?
Sft x
Hi Sue, after reading your blog last year I started stockpiling this year. I'm recording when we start using something from the stores to see how long the stocks last. I love seeing the stocks in the pantry! What an exciting life I lead haha!
ReplyDeleteJudy xx
Hi Sue Your pantry looks great and well stocked but what are the two carrots for in your shopping...is that one each and how many meals?
ReplyDelete