How I became a #MorrisonsMum for the weekend…& what we made

I have always loved supermarket shopping but since becoming a mum, well it isn’t as much fun. I no longer throw in ‘ooh.. that looks nice’ or ‘that’s new – I’ll take 3!’ buys. I’ve had to become a grown up (sigh) and plan out proper cost – effective, family meals.

Even with a list I find it hard to stick to the plan – so, the challenge by Morrisons and Britmums to become a #MorrisonsMum over the Bank holiday weekend was a welcome one. Plus, it meant I could drag Mr VIB to the brand spanking new store that had opened nearby!

The challenge was to check out the Morrisons I’m Cheaper campaign armed with £80 in vouchers and cook some family meals – for less. So, I grabbed my favourite family cookbook MadHouse Cookbook by Jo Pratt and got planning

Once in store I discovered the I’m Cheaper campaign meant Morrisons are making price reductions across 1,200 products – permanently. So, no brand match coupons cluttering up your purse here – just cheaper prices on everyday family favourites.

Liking the sound of this.

We grabbed a trolley and began our supermarket sweep. And, I have to say I was very impressed. Not only were the prices lower and the signs well displayed, Market Street was so inviting I found myself wandering for much longer than I should of. Much to Mr VIB’s and Miss Marnie’s dismay…thank god for the Peppa Pig ride.

Here’s what we ate and how much it cost on our #MorrisonsMum

Bank Holiday Weekend: 

 FRIDAY NIGHT

At the end of the week we like to have a takeaway. Once Miss Marnie is in bed it’s our downtime. But, of late we have cut this out because well, its soooooo expensive. I’m not really a fan of supermarket ‘takeaway at home’ meals – but we gave it a whirl.

VERDICT

I was actually pleasantly surprised how great this meal was and at less than half what we could spend on just one meal – it may well become a regular thing. We cooked everything in the oven and I think that’s whats makes the difference – the microwave don’t cut it here. (NOTE: The price includes the extra side dishes but not the beers.)

SATURDAY MORNING

Weekend breakfasts are my fave. We can all sit together and eat something a little more interesting than cereal/toast. As Miss Marnie loves pancakes we whipped some up and tucked in. My favourite American Pancake recipe is by Nigella Lawson here.

VERDICT

Breakfast for 3 for 65p – unbelievable right? It’s true I did the maths…and that includes the fruit too! That has put an end to our cafe fry-ups – sorry Mr VIB.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

I love baking and enlisted my little helper and set to work making Raspberry and Marshmallow muffins from my cookbook. With a glass of fizzy lemonade it made a lovely afternoon tea.

VERDICT

£4.10 for a bakers dozen means about 30p per muffin. That may well have made me think twice about our sneaky coffee shop muffin treats when Mr VIB is at work!

SUNDAY NIGHT

If we’re not having a roast for lunch or out for a meal – Sunday nights tea needs to be quick and tasty. We want to eat and settle down for some Bates Motel or Mad Men on catch up and prolong the weekend feeling. As it was a Bank Holiday we thought we would set the table and really enjoy a toddler free catch-up with one of our favourite meals!

 VERDICT

Burger and Chips you can’t beat it can you?. My first choice for a meal out – and one of my pregnancy cravings (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) – but, it may well be my favourite meal at home now! I managed to make four homemade burgers, oven baked fries and homemade coleslaw for less that £7 – now that’s a Happy Meal!

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

Ok, I’m going to say it – I hate Bar-B-Q’s! I really do – I like going to other peoples but doing them – no thanks! It’s picnics all the way for me. As the sun was finally shining and there was a local fayre on we packed up and hit the local park with our best friends. It ended up being a great day out and our cheapest Bank Holiday by far.

VERDICT

I have to admit I am a sucker for easy picnic buys and can blow a small fortune on fancy bits and bobs that end up going to waste. So, being a #MorrisonsMum I planned out a set lunch and stuck to it. Sandwiches, crisps, fruit, popcorn, juice and yesterdays muffins meant we spent less than £6 for a family picnic. Leaving our spare cash to spend on raffle tickets, bouncy castles and games at the charity fayre!

THANKS for making our weekend a tasty one MORRISONS!

So, will you take be giving the Morrisons I’m Cheaper range a try soon?

V. I. BE HONEST: Morrisons and Britmums sent £80 in shopping vouchers for us to do a family weekend shop and review the new cheaper prices. All views our our own and #MAMAapproved