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?

morrison's own cheap tissues are good Asdas were rubbish, hard and tore easily.

Morrison's own soup is lovely, the veg one is just like heinz.

jumpingdizzy I like soup but went off morrisons a couple of years ago when I was eating some and felt something furry in my mouth [boak] looked down to see loads of little grey feathers floating around in the soup, and morrisons were not very bothered when I let them know about it .

I use poundland for toiletries, toothpaste, mouthwash, simple bath stuff for DS, Shampoo etc.

Tesco's own nappies gave DS a rash between his legs as they rubbed when he walked. The value don't leak but they can only hold one toddler wee as they don't have the gel core in them. They are good if you are really skint a couple of days before payday or for pottytraining but because you have to change them so often they aren't that much cheaper.

I buy pretty much all own brand or value. We prefer tesco value to asda smartprice.

Tesco Value bio washing powder is good for towells and whites but it did bleach the colour from my bedding a bit. (1 pillow case didn't make it into that wash so I noticed it as it was much brighter than the rest) I use tescos own unless persil etc is on offer and works out the same price. I only ever use half and top it up with soda crystals. A bottle of Flash all purpose lasts ages and cleans everything, there is no need for expensive different cleaners.

What a fab topic!! Can I join, something different for me than pushchair addicts!!

I only like fairy washing up liquid but that is where my loyalty ends...

Personally I do not like Tesco, not keen on Morrison but it is only a mile from me and most night's after work dd and I take a little walk and have to say they do have some good things. Like chicken breasts, I get through quite a lot (chicken dishes, make chicken nuggets for dd etc) their value ones are about 2.60 for 3 or get the goujons.

Lidel nappies are fab, very very similar to pampers. Second choice Tesco own. They are also good for meats like gammon, low fat german sausages (yum!!) for toad in the hole, chopped bacon pieces.

Aldi have the brill cauliflower and it keeps for ages. We get through a lot of broccoli and cauli as dd not fond of potatoes so great to add with meals.

Not a fan of Daz but a HUGE box for 90 washes was only 7 quid in Asda last week.

I have to say I disagree with the posters who say that TEscos own brand detergent is as good as persil etc....I have 3 boys and the mud definately doesn't come off! I switched to Persil or Surf or something because I foundd I was washing things twice, at a higher temp too.

Also DH's gym-kit (really bad perspiration smells) wouldn't come clean either, the smells were still there aftyerwards. Tescos washing stuff doesn't have a nice lingering smell, like persils. When You dry stuff all over the house on radiators you really notice a nasty niff....

Ok back with results on Asda own brand powder and fabroc conditioner .
I have done a white wash and a light wash both at 30 and they have come out really clean and smelling great ,so I am impressed so far .

Wowooo I have it from a very reliable source that the sainsbury's weetabix are actually made by weetabix and come off of the same production line. Try a blind test put the sainsbos bix in a weetabix box, I bet he doesn't notice the difference

lidl nappies are really good and so are their pull ups also their 5in1 dishwasher tablets which are 2.99 for 40 versus those finish all in one ones which are about £6

Tesco has got the 'trattoria verdi' range for pasta, tinned stuff etc. and all is really good.
The gnocchi is 79p a pack and great for a pasta bake.

hi i just heard on tv that the energy companys should give people how r struggling a grant ( free money ) so it might be worth a phone call

Ah see I know for a fact too that Wlakers shortbread, make Marks and Spencers, ALDI Aand LIDL's! So why pay £4 a box when you can get the same stuff for about £1.50.

My DP is groundskeeper there so am well informed

Forgotabout this thred so thought I'd bump it again

I use Sainsbury's gold Roast instant coffee. It's usually half price of branded stuff and is just as good, imo.

I am currently checking offers on the website www.madaboutbargains.co.uk/offers/Off_Your_Trolley.htm

I check out all the half price, BOGOF offers at my two local supermarkets, tescos and Sainsbury's. Then I check out the Aldi and Netto webpages.

I also log onto Moneysaving expert.com for their shopping forums. I've just set my budget at £120 less per month than last year and it's working. I find myself asking if I really want stuff, if I need it or if I'm just buying it for fun. The magazines have disappeared from the basket as have the chocolates and useless offers.

Somerfields currently have Harpic Power toilet cleaner for £1 instead of £1.62. Andrex is £6.50 for 18 rolls and they're doing bread for £1 a loaf.

Sainsbury's have Cif fizzy cleaners for 98p instead of £2+ and they've got Just Right for 1.02 instead of £2.04. I've bought plenty to keep stocked up for the next couple of months.

Sorry, but I'm a bit obsessed by all this at the moment. DH has lost his bonus money so we've got to save that money each month, somehow and we'd fallen into the habit of spending every penny! That'll teach us!

lol mamadiva, does your dp work in a town beginning with A? I have a friend who works for Waklrs!

No Wallace but I know where you mean, he is at the other Walkers factory in Elgin, it's okay no secret most people know LOL.

ah, was just wondering if I knew someone who knew someone who knew you!

i buy most of buy washing up stuff,shampoos, toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, crisps, sweets, choccies, biscuit from Home bargains.
i thnk im going to buy nappies from aldi, i always seem to forget nappy when i go there.
tbh, im learning to save for the last 6m, before i used to just buy things without thinking how muc it cost me
also i started using local small shop when i buy veg, and meat. they tastes better than supermarkets(organic/fresh)

nettos wash powder is good, and the washing up liquid is pretty decent too and smells lovely.