Clean Sheets

Warning: Quantity does not equal value.

My brother came with me to the supermarket yesterday evening, he is much more helpful than my usual assistants.

Like me, he likes to get value for money and we were discussing our preferences as we strolled the aisles. I had on a previous occasion noticed that large 3 kg bags of pasta were not better value than the regular size and was surprised but simply avoided them.

This time it was Weetabix that surprised me with pricing that doesn't seem fair. Larger packets need less handling, less packaging and often have messages such as "family value!" emblazoned across them, but they do not, as the following example shows always save you money.

pack of 12 Weetabix €1.69 = .1408c each

pack of 24 Weetabix €1.99 = .0829c each

pack of 48 Weetabix €4.19 = 0.0872c each

pack of 72 Weetabix €6.59 = 0.0915c each

(correct to 4 decimal places, prices confirmed on tesco.ie 4/2/2010, i am also surprised to discover that a 24 pack of Weetabix is 10c cheaper instore (€1.89) than online.)

Unit pricing is now a legal requirement and this makes it easy to see whether a smaller or bigger pack offers a better per kilo price, but in another twist to this tale there are no unit prices for Weetabix on the shelf in my local Tesco. I think this is in breach of the law and I would even question the misleading banner boasting value across the largest box of Weetabix.

I know it's not possible to check every single price or item with a calculator but for larger items you buy regularly it's worth checking it out.

Don't ASSUME anything.

Original personal gift for kids (that you can DIY)

Crafts have taken off in recent times and the pretty blank cards you can easily find now with matching envelopes are testament to this.

If you (or someone you know) is handy with Microsoft Publisher (or similar) and has a colour printer a pack of these cards can be turned into a creative, personal and money saving (yours and the recipents!) gift.

Simply using A4 sheets of address labels you can add a label to back of each envelope saying "Special Delivery from Sally" and a label to the back each card saying "This card was made especially for you by Sally" add a picture of the childs favourite character to each label for some interest. Use a font that is fun, in a colour that coordinates with the picture and you'l be amazed how smart it looks.

Finally slide them carefully back in their packaging or tie a ribbon around the pile and wrap with some markers or colouring pencils and you'll have an original gift.

If you're lucky you'll get a homemade card on your next birthday.

I've done these for girls and boys, and they are currently what The Princess brings to birthday parties, so if you're inviting her - you know what's coming!