You may have noticed that there have not been any blogs for a week and a bit, its because I have been preparing for a farmers market and stock for an exciting new project in the USA which I will give more details about when it is ready.

If you are looking to make small changes in the way you manage your money and finances then the way you do your weekly grocery shop at the supermarket may help.

Generally you will currently fall into one of two categories, the first is the "no list" shoppers and the second is the "list makers" shoppers. Which are you? If you don't make a list and just walk up and down every aisle grabbing what you think you need or what catches your eye you are likely to end up spending more money on impulse purchases, potentially buying store cupboard essentials you already have or forgetting things and having to make another trip a day or two later and on that trip spending even more money.

List makers however spend a short time before they leave home having a quick check of cupboards and the fridge/freezer to see what is running low, what is empty and if there is anything you might like as a treat that week. When shopping they will then stick to the list, only deviating if there is a special offer which will help reduce their bill.

There is also a third category, people who write a meal plan at the beginning of the week, work out what they will need each day and then buy only those things (if not already in the cupboard) for their weekly shop.

Ideally you will want to fall into the list maker or the meal planner type of shopper as it will help you focus only on what you need to buy rather than what ever takes your fancy that night!

So what kind of grocery shopper are you?

(This Thrifty Tip was suggested by Birdy from Birdy's Knits. Please suggest your tip here)

With autumn virtually here it is a great season for apples and this chicken apple burger is a good treat! Best served with a salad or (if you are me) chunky chips!!

You will need:

• 2 Granny Smith apples (cored)
• 1/2tsp poultry seasoning
• 1/2tsp salt
• 1/4tsp ground black pepper
• 1lb ground chicken
• 1/2 stalk finely chopped celery (optional)
• 4oz cranberry sauce
  
• Burger buns or ciabatta buns

and this is what you do:

1. Finely cut 6 slices from the apples to create 12 apple rings,
2. From the remainder of the apples, coarsely grate approximately 10oz (3/4cup)
3. Spray a rigid grill pan with spray oil and heat to a medium-high heat,
4. In a bowl stir the grated apple with the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper until blended,
5. Mix in the chicken and celery (optional) until just combined,
6. Shape the chicken mixture into burger patty shapes handling it as little as possible. You should get 4 1/2inch thick patties,
7. Place the burgers in the grill pan and grill for 10-12 minutes until the chicken loses its pink colour throughout and turn over once.
8. Serve in the buns with the apple rings and cranberry sauce.