Yes, it’s Friday and it’s me back with another fascinating domestic chore related feature. I promise next week I’ll compose something a little more frivolous and entertaining.

When we moved to the countryside 18 months ago there were all sorts of marvellous plans I had that never quite evolved into anything other than a rural dream. One of my main desires was to be more organised and varied with regards what and where we bought our food from. I wanted to invest in more organic produce, shop locally where possible, improve my recipe repertoire. Hell, maybe one day I could grow my own rhubarb and runner beans.

Unfortunately life somehow got in the way and I admit to becoming the epitome of last minute until fairly recently.

Our nearest supermarket is Waitrose, which is as you can imagine, a very expensive way to “just pop out for a few bits”. I tried various alternative online supermarket delivery services and was left disappointed and pissed off with the the vast array of substitutions and the poor quality of the fruit and veg. That was until my sister-in-law recommended Ocado and it’s been almost life-changing in terms of my ability to buy what I need quickly, easily and make the most of frequent offers and savings. Just to be clear – this is NOT a sponsored post for Ocado, I have just had a really positive experience personally.

I tend to put my online order in on a Sunday afternoon for delivery Monday morning. I have a bunch of regulars that I always order so I know I can always whip up at least a spag bol or jacket potatoes with salad and then I endeavour to make the most of bargains – not only does that mean we try new things sometimes but it also saves the pennies. Ocado is by far the easiest website I have ever used in terms of the navigation. They price match too so after an order they will send you a voucher for your next shop if they find products were cheaper else where at the time you purchased. And I’ve received endless free gifts and “bundles” – £25 worth of free baby related garb and posh chocolates to name a few.

Can you tell I really like Ocado?

Apart from a revolutionary online experience, most of my other must-do-better boxes are yet to be ticked. All of our meat is organic albeit supermarket supplied, but apart from that I am yet to partake in a true home-grown adventure. I occasionally make time to visit our local green grocers (and my goodness you can taste the difference with the fruit especially I swear – amazing) and I still haven’t discovered what I’m sure are fantastic butchers in the local area.

I need to set aside some time per week to make a trip, somehow fit it in to my mental schedule of baby juggling, pre-school pick ups, running a business and spending time with my family and friends.

How do you manage a week of varied and (mostly) nutritious recipes and snacks? Do you have a favourite supermarket? Do you shop online or prefer to wheel your trolley down the aisles? Do you make a concerted effort to utilise local food suppliers and/or grow your own courgettes?!

Thanks so much for all the recommendations on washing machines last week by the way, I think a Bosch might just be winging its way to my utility room in the not to distant future 😉

P.S the header image was from a pepper/feta recipe we published YEARS ago, I really must give this one a whirl again, so quick and easy.