Like many others I am totally skint and wondered if anyone would like to...

[mamadiva]

join me in a kindof downgrade challenge with food, household cleaners, toiletries etc.

Random idea I know but I fancied trying it and this way we can find out whats good and whats not.

So anyone up for it?

I'm in .

I have had a go over the past few weeks, with some sucess I still spend around the same each week, but with the savings I have managed to get myself a few treats in or is that wrong

Oh and I have got the lo's some clothing in with that, so thats good!

Yes, why not?

Sainsbury's own Weetabix failed the test in our house. they do not 'suck up' milk the same according to dh.?! Ds doesn't seem to like them as much either. Can't see it myself though. (am going to buy weetabix and keep the box and put own brand in it and see if they notice)

Tesco value mushrooms fine if you are using them on day of purchase.

Always buy cheapo kitchen towels. Fine and we get through a lot!

I have been buying just what I need for that week and not spending more on 3 for 2 things or buting food that was on special but I hadn't planned it that week for example. I buy 1 packet of wipes instead of a pack of 4.

I've also tried to just use hot soapy water tp clean the kitchen and not all the special cleaners.

Tried down grade on washing up liquid - bad idea, just used loads more of the stuff. Branflakes also we didnt like. Potatoes & carrots were fine though.

Anything goes,I have bought a few things in with my shopping not so much treats but basics and was pleasantly surprised by ...

Smart Price nappies £1.48 for 20 no leaks and DS has very sensitive skin so will defo bu again.

Smart price eggs, oh the shame always said I wouldnt go down from free range but needs must

we bought the basics cauli and broccoli (sainsbury's) which was fine also basics chillis

might try the nappies as when you use them you get through loads and if they don't leak and are fine on their skin then why not?

Yeah agree about the washing up liquid, no good.

Have started using washing up liquid to wash kitchen and toilet so stopped with the cleaners too, savint money the enviroment and all!

also switched to ecover washing powder (not cheaper but still an evaluation of it) and not good for getting heavy stains out and with ds 1 -4 and ds 2 -1 we have heavy stains so gone back to persil

Anyone used own brand washing powder?

muppet Im not sure about other kinds but Smart Price ones are great, tescos arent as good but okay.

I spent loads tryign different nappies, but ended always back with pampers - I but them in the huge box whenits on offer in ASDA. I havenot paid full price for them for months. Wasn't there a post about Aldi nappies somewhere - Ithink they are supposed to be good.

poundland has great deals on shampoo and conditioner (amongst other things) I get nutrogena shampoo there. works a treat!

own brand cereals are just as good (and in some cases better!)

use old stained cloths (ripped up tea towels also) boil them and then use to clean toilets instead of those throw away wipes which are sooooo expensive.

Tesco own brand pull ups cost more than ASDA pampers in my local stores!

Not much sucess with washing powder - ds1 came out in huge rashes, so if my usual is on offer, I buy a couple. I tried some from our local market, but it didnt get the lo's clothes clean.

ooh you can get 4 of those 'magic' cleaning cloths for a pound at...Poundland
you don't even need any special cleaners and the bathroom one does a great job on the tub!

what do 'brands' put in washing powder that own brands leave out?

If you go to Tesco about 5.30pm, they reduce all the bakery stuff and vegetables which are ideal for freezing.

Tesco has duracell batteries on offer at the moment btw. I paid £5 for 16. I am going to get some more to get us through xmas!

okay, anyone fancy trying out an own brand item next shopping day that the've not tried before?

We can then evaluate...

Good idea - I'm in.