I know, I know it's been done to death but (food shopping, France, etc)

[flyingcloud]

But do you ever read threads on the other parts of MN about people's weekly shops and go how on earth do they manage to keep it so low??

Firstly, my weekly shop for DH, me and DD (2yo) seems to cost at least double what MNers living in the UK spend (I am too ashamed to admit how much).

Secondly, if I tried some of the budget food/recipes that are recommended on MN, I can imagine some sort of revolt from DH (he does other things, the kitchen and cooking are not his domain, because if they were the weekly shop would cost five times as much and consist of cheese and meat). Sardine curry anyone? Can you imagine trying to give a French man Quorn?

I did a budget week before Christmas - we ate stews, soups and such like for a whole week. After two days DH very nearly did stop coming home for meals. I can try cooking/shopping cheap, but DH then won't eat it and it goes to waste.

We do eat three meals a day at home, all three of us and DD now has a nanny who eats one meal a day with us. I think I am going to start scanning local school menus - surely they manage to keep on a budget?

I don't blame my DH - as I said he does other things and I take care of the kitchen - but he has an enormous appetite and does very physical work.

That's it really, rant over.

Erm, that was supposed to be shock at the rise in petrol, not glee!

Twunk, I hope you don't let him kiss you afterwards! ;)

Ewww no! disgusting. He bought it for the boys - they were sensible enough to reject it too!

Thankfully we have an own use company car, or we'd be seriously tightening our belts. We have gone down to one car from 2 though - the second car was eating up far too much money with road tax, repairs, diesel... DH cycles everywhere now, and I travel in luxury (ish).

I could go around all the different shops but I cannot be bothered.

There is a new discount shop in the next village, but they don't have everything that I need so I rarely go there.