My Best Buys This May

I’ve really been enjoying the return to salad weather and tucking into Tesco Sweet and Smoky Beetroot – shredded beetroot that actually isn’t dowsed in vinegar. To my mind this is how beetroot should be eaten. I’m a bit unsure about the packaging though. It proclaims, “I’m new” and “Keep me in the fridge”. Er, I don’t think it can actually talk Tesco, so why insist on trying to thrust this human quality on it?

In our household, we occasionally enjoy a glass of Sprite/7Up Zero, but it can be pricey at around £2 for a 2-litre bottle, so I was thrilled when I discovered Tesco Lemon and Lime Zero for just 65p for the same size bottle. But then I was even happier when I found Sainsbury’s Lemon and Lime Zero for just 55p a bottle! Although the price has now risen to 60p it’s still a great buy, which is as tasty as the big name brands.

For a lovely summer meal, we’ve been enjoying Sainsbury’s Minted Lamb Grills (frozen, 4 for £2) accompanied by Sainsbury’s Microwaveable Golden Vegetable Rice (frozen, £1 for 2 sachets) and served with a salad. This is a tasty, budget, family meal that is quick and easy to prepare.

As a bit of a treat I’ve bought Marks and Spencer Passion Fruit and Peach Jaffa Cakes. They are absolutely gorgeous, but strangely come in packs of eleven, what’s wrong with twelve? Nevertheless, Jaffa Cakes have come of age!

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A Life In Boxes

As I write this I’m sitting in a house filled with boxes. Cardboard boxes of all sizes that are currently being filled with what amounts to my life.

This may all seem very melodramatic, but I’m sure the coming months (and beyond) are likely to be filled with a certain amount of drama. We’re about to embark on a rather complicated move, which we’re trying to synchronize and plan with precision. Yeh right!

In our household we don’t often do plans. We more commonly operate on a kind of ‘make-it-up-as-you-go-along’ mentality. Many a time we’ve enjoyed an outing or holiday where the kids (can barely call them that now) have exclaimed, “Wow, you did well planning that one!” At which point hubby and I exchange knowing looks indicating, “Well, actually we made it up as we went along”.

What I’m actually anticipating is an element of chaos and the likelihood that ‘plans’, such as they are, will change on a near daily basis.

We’re currently at stage one of said move – packing all the things that we can manage quite nicely without for some time into a series of boxes, duly sealed and labelled. These will then be stored so that we can enter stage two.

Of course, part of this process involves ditching the junk, which is easy for me as I’m a ‘serial sorter’ anyway. Any excuse and you’ll find me rummaging through various cupboards and drawers, throwing out unwanted items and meticulously putting the rest in order. It’s something I do when I have things on my mind that I just can’t seem to resolve – a psychologist would have a field day with me! The good thing is that now the rest of the family have the incentive to clear out all their junk too!

So on to stage two. This will mean moving all our remaining belongings into what we are calling ‘temporary accommodation number one’. Basically a brief period spent kind of indoor camping at a relative’s outbuilding, before spending the majority of the summer in our beloved static caravan.

OK. With me so far?

At the end of summer we’ll be getting ‘temporary accommodation number two’ in place and that’s when the fun begins …

More than that I won’t reveal at this time, as final arrangements have to be confirmed and we have much work to do. All I will say is that we’ll be trading a suburban lifestyle for village life, views of the house opposite for a countryside scene and busy roads and good transport links for winding lanes and an hourly bus service.

So keep watching for future posts when more will be revealed …

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Paper Bills

The Internet has proved such a useful tool in so many ways. The choices are endless – ordering shopping, booking holidays, comparing prices, researching everything from family trees to ‘useless’ facts – but using it should remain just that, a choice.

It appears that the answer to almost anything is increasingly becoming “Look on the Internet”. This is fine for those people who are actually able to do so and, indeed, want to. However, there are still a large number of people who don’t have access to the Web, whether it’s due to financial restraints, lack of skills or personal choice. That is why in any situation people should be given a valid alternative without penalty.

Even though I regularly use the Internet for a list of tasks, there are still a few things that I prefer not to do online. When it comes to bills, online versions are all very well, but I have to remember to look for them. At least receiving a paper bill requires no more thought than retrieving it from the doormat!

Of course, pre-Internet we all regularly received our paper bills as there was no alternative, but if we want to continue receiving them in this way, we often have to pay a charge. Although not extortionate (commonly around £1.50), this is still unfair to many people who do not have any choice in the matter – pensioners, those on a low budget etc. The very people for who every penny counts!

 

Although I opt for some of my bills to be sent on paper, it’s exactly that, a choice. For others it’s a necessity for which they should not be charged.

Companies obviously opt for online billing to reduce their costs and paperwork, but if they could afford to send paper bills out at no extra charge when all customers received them, then surely they can continue to do so for the reduced number of people now receiving them in this way.

As for the ‘saving paper’ argument, those bills that I do receive online still have to be printed off for tax purposes as we’re a self-employed household – and we’re not the only ones.

So maybe it’s time that companies reviewed the billing situation to allow everyone a ‘free choice.

What do you think?

This April I’ve been …

… writing very few blog posts. My excuse? In a word, ‘life’. You know that thing that John Lennon sang “happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. It’s been one of those months, umpteen viruses circulating in the household (I’ve experienced three myself), car problems of a major nature resulting in the purchase of an ‘emergency car’ to go on a planned break, some sad news and preparations for a big life change (more about that in future posts).

… opening up my static caravan in East Anglia after its winter sleep. I always love going back to it after not being able to visit for so long, and on this occasion the break was more welcome than ever. I call it my ‘happy place’ as its somewhere I can just relax, forget about the stresses of life, enjoy the sea air and countryside and just chill.

… playing pirate adventure golf, great fun and a great stress reliever!

… discovering that lots of shops seem to have had a spring change round. Some of them I can understand doing so, as they’re in the middle of refurbishment, but others I’m sure have changed things just to be awkward! For example, my local Marks and Spencer Outlet shop has put all the men’s clothes where the women’s used to be and vice versa. What’s the point of that?

… reading the series of Lake District mysteries by Martin Edwards. The books, featuring DCI Hannah Scarlett and historian Daniel Kind, are full of twists and turns in the plots and make for gripping reading.

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So That Was October

October – a nip in the air, mists moving in, the faint smell of bonfires, leaves turning gold and in our household the return of casseroles, jacket potatoes, cottage pie and yummy henhouse pie (recipe here) to the menu.

I hate the onset of the long, dark evenings, but always find that this time of year I return more enthusiastically to the many crafts that I love. I’m currently preparing to embark on some cross stitch projects for Christmas, and have just bought the latest issue (number 10) of Enjoy Cross Stitch, a magazine full of cross stitch projects that comes in a zip-up plastic wallet, which also contains threads, cards and envelopes, felt frames, ribbons, Aida fabric and a needle all for the price of £7.99. I’m also back to knitting jumpers and gloves, rediscovering latch-hook rug-making after several years away from the craft and finishing a couple of tapestry projects.

On my blog my thoughts seem to have been very much focused on clothes – leggings, pyjamas, shoes and wardrobe favourites have all had a mention. With the onset of autumn it’s certainly a time to review our wardrobe, weeding out the summer clothes that we never did wear, and the jumpers from last year that we’re not really sure why we kept. Now’s the time to see what items we’re missing to complete our outfits for the new season – any excuse to go shopping!

Amongst all my ramblings I championed StayNew Leggings from the M&S Collection, but have to say the second pair I bought of these did not appear to be as thick as the first when it came to wearing them, which was somewhat of a disappointment, though I still prefer them to many other versions that I’ve tried.

There’ll be plenty more reviews and tales of customer service next month, in the meantime I’ll leave you with these little gems:

Best thing I’ve seen this month: Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat performed at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, Kent, a vibrant performance of the old favourite. This should have starred ‘H’ from steps, but on the night we went he was 'indisposed' and therefore replaced by Rob Wilshaw, who gave a stunning performance.

Best thing I’ve read this month: ‘The Sleep Room’ by F. R. Tallis, a subtly chilling read that leaves you wondering about the realities of life. Set in a part of Suffolk that I know well, it seemed all the more disturbing for me.

In my bad books this month: Marks and Spencer Café, Hempstead Valley, where a very surly assistant was rather rude and abrupt to me, resulting in me abandoning all ideas of lunch there! I promptly took my custom elsewhere – somewhere that treated me as a valued customer as opposed to a nuisance.

Budget Brands: Daisy Household Products

In an attempt to reduce our shopping bills, many of us are swapping some of our ‘big brand’ products for supermarket own versions or budget brands.

I’ve made quite a few of these swaps in recent months, with one of my latest discoveries being the Daisy brand available at Tesco.

The first product that I tried from this range was the ironing water. Ok this item in itself may seem an extravagance, but I find the waft of scented steam makes the ironing process a bit more bearable. I have tried Comfort Vaporesse, but at £1.40 this is becoming a bit pricey, so too is Tesco own label, which has fluctuated between 80p and £1.20 at various times, though is currently selling at 90p. Costing just 79p*, Daisy Lilac Blossom ironing water has a lovely fragrance, and is just as good as the dearer brands.

Something I always begrudge spending money on is bin bags. For the smaller bins in our house, we use recycled carrier bags (when we get them, though we often reuse bags), but for the larger swing bin and refuse sacks, I need to purchase bags without paying too much. Daisy 50L tie handle swing bin bags cost just £1.11 for 25, and do the job just as well as more expensive versions. The 70L tie top refuse sacks also represent great value at £1.49 for 20.

I’m certainly planning to buy more of the products in the range, including washing up 500ml for just 59p and 1L bottles of fabric softener for 99p.

Have you tried the Daisy range?

*When I bought the ironing water prior to writing this blog, I paid 79p, but I have now seen it on the shelves for the higher price of 89p! It seems that prices change with the weather these days.

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Cleaning Up – Wiping It All Away

It’s possible to buy wipes for just about any household cleaning job imaginable these days. They’re quick and easy to use in between cleaning with some of the more deep cleansing products available, as well as being hygienic because you dispose of them, rather than hang on to germ-ridden cloths.

Here are some of the cleaning wipes that I recommend.

Sainsbury’s Antibacterial Total Cleaning Surface Wipes (apple variety), £1.15. I love the fresh, apple fragrance as well as their ease of use and the antibacterial properties are a real plus. Great for kitchen surfaces, cupboard fronts, paintwork, tiles etc, these wipes are really handy to keep in your kitchen. Tip: store them in an airtight container, rather than relying on the resealable packaging to stop them drying out.

Sainsbury’s Antibacterial Floor Wipes (apple variety), £1.15. That gorgeous apple smell again, this time on large, strong wipes that you can attach to a floor mop or use by hand. Great for keeping up with spills and dirty footprints on hard flooring.

For a quick clean ditch the bucket for wipes

Windowlene Wipes for Glass & Shiny Surfaces, around £2, but you can often find them on offer. I’ve tried other brands (including supermarket own) of window and glass wipes, but find that other makes just don’t perform as well. Containing vinegar for a streak-free finish, these are great for dealing with the constant splashes you find on the kitchen window above your sink. Handy for mirrors and other glass surfaces too.

Parazone Wipes Plus, around £1.50. There are times when your toilet seat just needs a bit of an extra clean and these wipes are really useful to keep to hand. Flushable wipes containing disinfectant, these are a hygienic way to keep your toilet clean and fresh.

1001 Carpet and Upholstery Wipes, around £2. These handy, biodegradable wipes can be used on wet and dry stains on carpets and upholstery, leaving carpets and fabrics fresh, whilst removing the offending marks. These are great for tackling isolated stains and spillages, without having to resort to carpet shampoo for small areas – a quick and easy solution for dirty marks.

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This March I’m Loving …

My new Brita Marella Maxtra Water Filter Jug with memo function. I’ve owned a fair few water filter jugs over the years, but this is by far the best. Its streamlined shape allows for it to be stored in the door of the fridge and it fills and pours like a dream, unlike some very leaky, dribbly ones I’ve used in the past. The memo function reminds me when the filter needs changing so I don’t even have to think! I wish more household gadgets came with memo functions.

Warburton’s Seeded Batch Loaf which has a lovely nutty flavour, whilst making me feel quite good for eating such a wholesome product.

The range of Savoir T-shirts available from the current Spring/Summer K&Co catalogue. I particularly love the striped, V-neck t-shirts (cat no. 2AFH712) at £9 each (I own two in pink and turquoise) and the scoop neck butterfly print t-shirts (cat no. 2ADST12) also £9 each (I have this in grey and navy), They’re a comfy fit, look cheerful and go with just about anything.

Twinings Cherry and Cinnamon tea bags – they make a tasty, refreshing change from your day-to-day cuppa.

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The Ins and Out of Direct Debits

I’ve previously mentioned that paying household bills by direct debit can save you money, with many companies offering a discount for doing just that.

In addition to this it ensures bills are always paid on time without you having to remember to see to them.

But there can be a downside to some kinds of direct debit. I pay all our household bills by this method, with three different variations in use:

Paying the bill in full by direct debit. This applies to my phone bill, for example, for which I receive a quarterly statement, informing me how much will be taken from my account and when, usually giving me 10-14 days notice. Although this doesn’t spread the cost, it does give me a small discount on the bill and ensures I don’t forget to pay.

Paying in equal monthly instalments by direct debit. This is used to pay for services for which a set sum is applied for the year, as with Council Tax. The yearly bill is broken down into equal monthly payments, spreading the cost.

Paying a variable amount (changeable with notice) by direct debit. This method is used by energy suppliers, for example, who set a monthly amount and then review it on a yearly basis, putting it up or down depending on your usage. However, EDF have recently started reviewing our payments with greater frequency and, we feel, quite unnecessarily. We’ve had to argue the point that the idea of this form of direct debit is that the balance is cleared over the course of a year, as opposed to being permanently in credit! The idea is to spread the cost, not only pay in advance.

If your direct debit payments do get raised unexpectedly to an amount you consider inappropriate, then do challenge this. Theoretically direct debit payments and only be taken from your account if you are a) aware of the amount (reasonable notice must be given of a change) and b) have agreed to the amount. If you tell a company not to take a certain amount, they are not supposed to and payments taken in error can be reclaimed. Don’t be persuaded to pay more than you need: it’s better that extra money sits in your bank account, as opposed to the account of the company you’re paying.

Direct debits can be a convenient, money-saving way to pay your bills – but do be aware of the pitfalls.

How do you get on with direct debit payments? comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk

January Blog Review

It’s been a busy start to the year for Shoppers’ Joy, with many bargains found, products tested and services commented on. In addition to my usual product reviews for everything from cosmetics to supermarket buys, I started a series of DS games reviews. These have proved very popular, and as I have now played over 40 DS games, there are certainly many more to come. During February I also plan to start reviewing some of my favourite books and authors, as reading is another of my passions.

And of course, January saw lots of snow

January has seen the launch of several new magazines, two of which I have taken a look at – Knit & Stitch and Simply Crochet. Knit & Stitch represents especially good value, coming as it does with balls of wool and knitting needles/crochet hooks. If you’re thinking of taking up a new hobby or rediscovering long-forgotten skills, this type of magazine could be a great buy.

In January we often tend to take a close look at our budgets in the wake of all the added expense of Christmas. With this in mind, I wrote “5 Ways To Cut Your Shopping Bills”” and “”5 Ways To Cut Household Bills”, outlining some handy money-saving tips. If you haven’t read these yet, then do take the time to check these out.

There’s a lot more to come next month, so please keep reading. Thanks to you all.

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5 Ways To Cut Household Bills

With the cost of just about everything constantly rising, we all need to find ways to save money. By making a few adjustments it’s possible to reduce some of your household bills and save those vital extra pounds.

1. Ditch your satellite/cable TV provider and opt for Freesat or Freeview instead. After the initial outlay, there are no more monthly costs to find, yet you can still receive a decent number of channels. How many channels do you pay for, but not watch anyway? I changed to Freeview four years ago (following bad service from a provider) and invested in a Humax box – I haven’t looked back. I can pause, rewind and play live TV (as with many subscription packages) and record two programmes whilst watching a third – but without the monthly fee!
2. Pay your bills by direct debit. If you don’t do this already, arrange to pay all your bills this way, as there is often a discount awarded for this type of payment. By paying all bills monthly, you also avoid being sent a huge bill in one go.
3. Take out a dual fuel option. Many providers offer a discount if you have both your gas and electric supplied by them as one package. Search online or get recommendations from friends to find a good deal that suits you. Never sign up with a supplier on impulse without researching the deal properly first.
4. Watch your water consumption. With water meters very much the norm, be aware of your water usage. When we first changed to a meter our monthly payments took a sharp rise, but with careful thought we have now brought them back down to almost what they were before. To save water: collect rainwater to water plants and lawns; avoid using running water to wash vegetable, rinse dishes etc – always use a bowl of water; do not leave the tap running when cleaning your teeth; shower as routine, reserve an occasional bath as a relaxing treat; only use the washing machine with a full load.



Watch your water usage

5. Remember to use the ‘off’ switch. It may sound obvious, but it’s so easy to get into bad habits with electrical appliances, leaving them on unnecessarily. Remember to actually turn off the TV instead of leaving it on standby, which can use as much electricity as watching it. Turn off lights when leaving a room and switch off the computer/games console etc when not in use.

How do you save money on your household bills? comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk

Shopping Nostalgia

Remember when …

The only thing found frozen at the supermarket was the food – now it can be the computerised tills as well.

Half the things that we buy now were available at almost twice the size!

Going a bit far back!

Walnut Whips had a walnut inside at the bottom as well as outside at the top.

BHS was known as British Home Stores and stocked its own brand of pick ‘n’ mix, crisps and grocery items, as well as the clothing and household items that they sell today.

We managed fine with our shopping despite shops being closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays – shop workers actually got more than one day off at Christmas to spend with their families!

But we certainly don’t miss …

Communal changing rooms – what a nightmare they were!

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Newly Discovered Products

Here are a few of the products that I've tried for the first time recently, and loved!

Marks and Spencer’s Half and Half Supersoft Loaf, £1.39. This is a great idea; the packaging opens at both ends, to reveal a white loaf at one end and a seeded loaf at the other. Great for pleasing everyone in the household.

Ella Valentine 6 Large Free Range Baking Eggs, £1.29 from Sainsburys. Don’t just use them for baking though – they’re brilliant for everything. I think the point is they are evenly sized, so that they work well in all your favourite recipes.

Cussons Pure Hand Wash, Soothing with Aloe Vera - £1 at Savers. Lovely scent and soft, clean, feel.

Dr Magic Snatch A Dye sheets, just pop one in your wash load to stop colours running from one garment to another, £1 for 20 sheets at Savers. (Other dearer brands are available, but appear to perform identically).

Tell me about any products you’ve discovered and loved, email me at email comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk

Bargains of the Week!

I’ve never been a fan of pound shops, but a rare venture into Poundland this week saw me leaving clutching a bright, cheerful shower curtain. £1 for a shower curtain! I may have to go back for more.

With a household of five, I was struggling to find a decent holder for all the toothbrushes and the numerous preferred varieties of toothpaste, but I have found the answer. A £1 cutlery drainer from Sainsburys Basics range. Perfect!

Four British chicken legs for £1 at Sainsburys. Bargain!

£1 seems to be my new favourite price.