Friday 14 October 2022

Making shopping fun

 Good morning. I went on an impulsive spendathon last night. My fridge was empty and I fancied a change from the usual searching the shelves in Aldi. Why not go to Sainsbugs, which I did. Same distance away from home, eight minute drive. Ok I know it is more expensive there, but hey, they have a lot more choice. Looking down my receipt tells me that ooops, I did spend rather a lot. 

I am quite happy to search for bargains for 95% of the time. Yellow stickers have saved me lots of money in the past. But hey, a girls gotta have some variety in life, a little bit of excitement cheers me up. So off I went to Sainsburys. It was more of a fun outing rather than a slog. I was determined to walk in the door and put whatever I like in the trolley. 

The shop is big, the aisles are wide, and there weren't many people there. There was no pressure to dodge anyone. I could browse the shelves without interruption. It was a bit like an Alice in Wonderland situation. Oooh, lots of goodies, which shall I choose. I filled the trolley, one of the shallow ones, not the deep ones where you have to bend down to reach the bottom. 

I have no idea what the closing time is there, I sauntered around as the store became very quiet. They even switched the noisy air conditioning off which was a relief to my ears. I got to the checkouts to find there was one till open with an assistant ready to feed the items through. There was no way I was going to scan it myself. I just don't do self scanning, no not chuffing likely. 

I had a bit of a banter with the lady manning, or womaning the till. Two more assistants joined us, and it became quite jolly. Once I get going with the verbal there is no stopping me. I have noticed that not a lot of people smile these days, so I like to do my bit and lighten the mood. Some may think I am a dotty old woman, but I don't care. 

So what was the damage? £122, paid with cash of course. I am on a one woman mission to promote the joys of spending real money. Now the fridge is full. There are things that I wouldn't normally buy, and things that are more expensive, but what the heck, I enjoyed myself. Back to Aldi for the next shopping session, whenever that will be. I have enough here to last a while. 

I found some Danish blue cheese which I love but haven't had it for ages, Aldi doesn't sell it. Two packs thank you. There was an offer on Purina dry cat food so several bags of that went into the trolley. A bottle of Innocent smoothie. Two kids toothbrushes, because I like them small and soft. Chicken for Mayze. Dewar posh coffee. Some veggie ready meals. Can't wait to get started on all this. Now now, don't be greedy, save some for later, that's what my mum would have said. 

I've just been reading an article about a man who wanted to buy a sandwich from a Tesco store. They wouldn't serve him until he signed up for a Clubcard. He reluctantly did so just to get the sandwich. It was one of those Getgo stores, that doesn't have any real tills, serve yourself and pay with your phone. This is the way we are being pushed. Here is the story if you want to read it. 

It's looking good outside, I must get organised and get out there. I have some blog posts waiting in the wings, but first to tuck into some food from the fridge. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona.   

19 comments:

  1. I prefer not to stick to a "routine" so I can appreciate this post. You are soooooo self-disciplined with your food to make it last. I wish I had your will power. Love the blog Sharon x

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    1. Where shopping is concerned I am a spur of the moment person. No once a week on a Friday morning for me. Mix it up a bit.

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  2. I am really pleased you enjoyed your shopping trip Ilona and you bought just what you wanted it is good to treat yourself to nice things now and again you have worked hard all your life dear lady you enjoy yes blue cheese ah yummy lolxx Jo dorset

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    1. I used to enjoy rummaging for yellow stickers, getting excited because I got my food shopping down to a very cheap level. Now I can let go a bit, even with the price rises. It is now a leisure activity to be enjoyed. Back to the grindstone when all this lot is eaten.

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  3. Well done llona, everyone needs a treat , you are so disciplined xxx

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    1. I try to be. I have my weak moments, ha ha.

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  4. Good for you, you've earned a bit of shopping fun, and enjoy your treats.

    How dare the Tesco branch treat the customer that way. Still, we all know where we stand, which in my case is never in a Tesco branch.

    Amanda, Sussex

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    1. I am not reading anything good about Tesco at the moment.

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  5. I split my shopping between Tesco and Sainsbury's - recently Tesco has gone right off, dropping lots of lines and with frequent gaps on the shelves. Sainsbury's seems more reliable and pretty much comparable on price, so I am tending to go there more often. And given their respective locations a much more pleasant clientele than Tesco.

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    1. I think the attitude of the staff has a lot to do with customer satisfaction. In Aldi they are pleasant but can't stop to chat. Sainsbury's staff seem more laid back.

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  6. What a fun excursion! When a person isn't a spendaholic, a splurge shopping event is a real treat. Hope you have a great day!

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    1. I will never be a spendaholic. A treat is a treat, something you don't need every day.

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  7. Have you ever watched Mike Jeavons on YouTube? He gets groceries from various stores in the UK. He buys enough for a week. I find them interesting

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  8. I too am pleased to read you went on a spree,over the next days or weeks you will enjoy opening the fridge!

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  9. Good for you!!!! I am glad you went and browsed and a got a few tasty extras. For you it was a great “treat “ I know!!! You live the life you love and in life a few extras occasionally are nice. Enjoy all your treats mother!!!!! 😊😊

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    1. I am now thinking of breakfast. What shall I have.

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