Shopping Bills

[Chinchilla]

Long story, but dh and I are having to make cut backs in our monthly expenditure. We realised that I was spending far too much while shopping, because I make several trips to various supermarkets, and get a few extra things that can sometimes add up to £30 a time, on top of the weekly shop. OK, so we decided to stop having take-aways at the weekend, going out for pizza, and for me to make only one visit to the supermarket, unless I need milk or bread (and then I must only buy those items). No problem there, and last week, I managed to spend 'only' £75 in two trips (one for milk only!) However, today I went for the weekly shop, and managed to spend £110. Before you all gasp in horror, I have ds's 2nd birthday party next Monday, and a lot of the shop involved fizzy drinks, wine, squash etc. Also, there were a lot of toiletries involved this week. In addition, wherever possible, I bought BOGOF items and 'two for £xxx' offers.

Lidl/Aldi wipes are wonderful, only about £1.50 and at least as good as Pampers etc, and far better than even the most expensive supermarket own brands.

oliveoil, it was Tinker and Jasper.

I've been wondering about Chinchilla and her DH...whether they've sorted out the situation that started this thread - hope so, Chinchilla!

Toot I am glad the Lidl experience did not disappoint!
I bought their nappies for the first time last week - they are fine, just like any branded ones. Can't remember what they cost.

Yesterday I taught my 16m old to say "Lidl" as his new party piece.

Well done Jasper! I had an unexpected spin off from the lidl experience this morning. My SIL was in one of my cupboards to get coffee and saw some of the foreign looking lidl products. She assumed I`d been shopping at Felix van de bere (rather posh deli near where dh works). I did set her straight eventually but it was fun.

lol jasper

How do you say Lidl anyway? Is it Lie-dell or Lid-elle? Or Lid L?

I think it's lid-ell

Don't have this problem with Sainsbury's, sniff

like - hey diddle diddle the cat went to lidl, the cow jumped over the turnstile, the little dog laughed as he paid for his bags and the dish.....(any ideas?)

ate grapes in the aisle?

bobsmum and furball

Thanks for thinking of me Janh! Hmm, it's not sorted out, more delayed until he looks at the bamk account at the end of the month. If the shopping bills are reduced, and we have more money left in the account than last month, I think that I might get a reprieve! Howeve, we have decorated the kitchen this month, which costs a fortune, especially as you originally think, 'Oh, it's just a lick of paint'

Will let you all know...

Just reviving this to say have got into Prosecco spacemonkey! Lovely with Creme de cassis

I`ve found and Aldi quite near me too!! Whats the m.o there anyone? do we take bags and coins etc or are there other things I need to know?

Bags are 3p each (stronger, bigger ones 9p), so I always try to remember to take my own. You will need £1 for the trolley. You can only pay with cash or debit card, but it's worth it for the money you'll save.

Thanks molecule.

I also very much recommend Aldi - their prices are good but what's more important is that the quality of both food and non-food items is usually excellent. In Germany, where both Aldi and my good self originate from, a type of 'Which' magazine for product testing is very popular, and Aldi products tend to get top marks. On the rare occasion that they don't a 'good' or 'very good' Aldi immediately ditches their supplier and switches to a better one. Most of their stuff is top brand produce that has been rebranded for Aldi. Ok, hope I won't get done for advertising.

Chinchilla, Have you got to the root of the problem which started this thread yet?

I found a Netto in Bexleyheath at the weekend!!
(Of course just sailed past though - thought better check its cred on mumsnet before entering!!)

Will wait for bank statement to come through at beginning of month, and let you know. I think that I have spent slightly less, but some of my smaller shops have been paid for with cash, so they won't really show up!! Typically though, I have my MOT this month, which is going to cost me £192.50 tomorrow (), and dh has a service next month, at £175.00...

I think my dh needs a service too!

I think I would fail my MOT

I did...I needed new discs and pads!! I'm really getting run down now

Chinchilla, have you ever suggested to your hubs that if he cut out eating all together that would help on saving money. Sorry but I have a wonderful hubs who agrees with me that some shop brands taste absolutely crap, (you need 2 tins of tesco's own bake beans to make up 1 of heinz)I can spend about £110-£130 a week on shopping, okay I can indulge sometimes on cakes, puddings alcohol and things but as hubs says if i don't treat us now and then who will. He went shopping at Asda's the other day cause I was busy and no he didn't get it down by much cause he pointed out that we didn't need loo rolls cause i had stocked on that and didn't need washng powder cause we got that too and a few other bits. I always make hubby and DS's come shopping with me casue as I say if you can eat it you can help me load and unload it, plus I don't want my kids growing up and thinking this is a woman's job and they will also realise they are in the real world and yes that's how much you can spend.