Luxury vs Value...

I was sitting this  morning enjoying a  wonderous coffee in my favourite Caffe Nero when I was struck by the thought that some folks may not take this to be a 'money saving' experience. I guess it isn't  on the face of  it, however in life  I firmly believe that there should be some luxuries, the odd  thing or things that in your mind cannot possibly be compromised on.

Everyones list will naturally be different. Mine also includes Typhoo teabags, treats from Lush, Cadbury's Hot Chocolate, Bisto and Coca Cola. The real thing if you please and not some cheap and nasty imitation. In my defence, my cupboards are stocked with value products, my freezer is stuffed full of yellow stickered goodies and home grown vegetables...even the toiletries drawer only contains things bought on offer. My clothes are worn until  they either fall apart,  shrink or become tatty and or shabby, likewise my shoes and boots. So I allow myself the odd indulgence.

Even though I allow myself these items that CANNOT be comprimised on, I do still look  forthe best prices possible and would rather do without entirely than pay over the odds. People who shop with me get used to the cry of "I'm not f'ing paying that" as I walk round various shops. I've even been known to say it in Poundland....


I have little rules I made up myself regarding how much I'm prepared to pay for anything, including  the treats. For example, I adhere to a maximum of 10p per wash when it comes to Laundry detergent. My local Co Op last week had Surf 30 wash boxes of powder on offer for £3. I bought 3 as it met my 'rule'. However I'm 'careful' with my detergent usage and therefore a 30 wash box will do more like 100! Seriously, you do not need to use anything like the amount that manufacturers would have you believe. £9 for almost a years worth of laundry. Works for me! Toilet roll is another thing that comes under my rules. 25p a roll  is plenty thank you very much. This one is pretty easy to adhere to though as even if the main supermarkets do not have an  offer on when we come close to running out the pound shops can be relied on.

The difference between value products and those of a more named brand variety has, this evening, been brought into stark reality. My 6 year old was playing upstairs and decided to try some of her 17 year old sister's new bath products that she was given by various relatives for Christmas. When it comes to this sort of thing we buy named brands at discount prices. The relos seem to prefer the cheap and cheerful sets from poundland/wilkos etc. You know the sort of the thing I'm talking about...the bag jammed  full of products with a name that sounds similar to something that would retail at double the price.

Well...poor 6 year old came downstairs saying her face itched. Poor kid looked like she had been scalded the allergic reaction was that bad. A quick dose of antihistimine and a hose down in the shower has done the trick as has throwing the offending toiletries in the bin but it does go to show...cheaper isn't necessarily better. Some things shouldn't, and in the case of allergies...cannot be compromised on.