I put in an order for groceries last night (Wednesday) as that's when the new week's grocery prices go into effect and I've learned that waiting to get the specials often means that they are likely to be out of stock by that time!
I was also very careful to specify either "No substitutions" when I was ordering the sale items or lowest priced item (usually store brand) on the regular priced items or choosing a specific substitution (for example, if the gallon sized container of store brand vinegar, which was marked low in stock, was not available, then, substitute the 64 fl. oz. container of store brand vinegar and not a gallon of brand name vinegar that was higher priced).
Some of the items I ordered were items I was running low on and had written down on the list I keep on the fridge door (soy sauce, sesame oil, baking powder, etc.). I have heard the phrase, "Two are one and one is none" when it comes to stocking the pantry, but, I don't always follow that rule, especially when it comes to items that last a long time. As a result, I was rather shocked to realize that I was almost out of baking powder when I went to bake the banana bread on Tuesday night and didn't have a spare can in the cabinet. Other items were stocking up items as they were on sale or I had a coupon.
The items were delivered this afternoon and there were no substitutions.
Here's the receipt:
Order Summary
Item Details
16 Items
Other Fees
$0.30
I spent a total of $59.53.
The protein drinks were practically half off with a digital coupon and while I don't always drink it, I paid full price for it when I had the tooth extraction and couldn't have solids for a few days. I have more dental work to come and I thought I'll take advantage of the sale price and stock up a bit.
The vegetable oil was free with a "Best Customer" coupon and while I still have an unopened bottle of vegetable oil in the pantry, I was not going to turn down a free bottle of oil!
I bought some fruit, but, didn't buy any vegetables because I'm picking more kale and leafy greens from the garden than we can eat and I've some frozen okra and moringa from last year's garden, as well.
My April grocery budget is $250 - $3.70 March overspend = $246.30
Total spent to date = $59.53
Balance remaining = $246.30 - $59.53 = $186.77
As always, I am grateful for:
- Being able to order groceries online
- Being able to have the groceries delivered
- The availability of groceries
- Sales, coupons, and special offers
- Being able to fill in the gaps in the pantry
What do you think? Have you done any grocery shopping in April yet?
We had a flyer yesterday from a local store about Easter Bargains. I may check that out tomorrow
ReplyDeleteHope you find some good Easter bargains, Angela. I know that some British bloggers have mentioned deals on vegetables for 15p per bag.
DeleteI had to shop Tuesday instead of Wednesday this week so technically that is my first April shop. We had a lot left from previous week so spent a lot less and only bought the offers. I haven't showed online for years...I wasn'tvery good at it and kept ordering the wrong sizes! I do like to pick my own fruit and veg, the items they picked never seemed quite right. But I haven't ruled out trying again one day as those special first online shop offers that drop through my door are quite tempting.
ReplyDeleteI started online shopping during Covid, selecting the option to pick up at the store parking lot. But, this year, my daughter paid for the subscription to get the groceries delivered and I'm figuring out what works best. Shopping in person does give one more control over which items are selected when it comes to fresh produce. :)
DeleteSounds like you have figured out the ins and outs of ordering groceries.
ReplyDeleteIt did work out better, this way, didn't it? I just have to make sure that I have the minimum $ amount to in other purchases to qualify for the free delivery, if all the no substitution items aren't available. :)
DeleteHow nice to be a "best customer" and get a free bottle of cooking oil. You now have "Two are one" where vegetable oil is concerned!
ReplyDeleteYes! It worked out well, actually, because I had been dithering about wheter to buy another bottle of oil or not. Also, I have been requested to bring cutlets to Easter lunch at our friends' home, and I will probably use up the oil left in the currently opened bottle for that. :)
DeleteYou do such a good job with your ordering and budgeting. I just did a quick shop this morning for veggies and milk and a couple of necessary items. When I order I always specify NO substitutions unless it is something I am almost out of and then I specify the sub I want.
ReplyDeleteHappy, blessed Easter- xo Diana
Thank you, Diana. I am still figuring it all out, but, I've learned to specify substitutions or say do not substitute. :)
DeleteHappy Easter to you, too. :)