What I ate Wednesday - Tesco Free From Angel Slices

Angel Slices were always my cake of choice with the soft sponge and sweet icing. Nothing was better than opening that little plastic packet from Mr Kipling!

Tesco have released their own version of a free from angel slice, which I tried at the Free From show, I purchased some from Tesco with the next weekly show and was not disappointed.

On appearance the Tesco angel slice has a subtle colouring compared to a Mr Kipling slice, the slice is also slightly bigger, which is not always a bad thing! The icing is of similar style, the yellow cake base with pink stripes and the white icing in the centre.

The sponge is a light bouncy texture and sweet, very much like a mainstream angel slice. They are not in any way dry or powdery. There is no aftertaste present and overall is a good quality sponge.

The icing is sweet, smooth and slightly crisp, but nothing is too overly sweet.

Pros:

• Only £1.80 for a pack of 5 
• The sponge is very soft
• Sweet icing 
• No aftertaste

Cons:

• I tend to want to eat the whole pack!

Quite a quick review today!

Hannah x 

Money Saving Monday #5 - My little ways to save money!

Saving money can be hard at the best of times, and with increasing costs it gets even harder. Here is a couple of tips and tricks I like to use!

Money Box
This may sound funny but all the pennies I find loose in my bags and pockets I put into a money box. Once it is full you won't believe how much is in there! Just pop that in the bank and I put it into my savings as it is money I otherwise would never knew I had so I won't miss it in my savings.

Putting Money into savings on pay day
I know this is harder for some people but as I do not own a house I have a high amount of disposable income because I have little bills, so half of my wages go into savings on payday. I know this is not possible for everyone but moving a set amount into your savings on pay day means that you won't spend it on thing you don't really need! I also put the 'left over' money if there is any into my savings the day before pay day so I doth spend that as well!

Its not a deal if you won't use it
It's great if something is of offer or reduced to clear, but if you don't use that item regularly, don't kid yourself, you won't use it, and this is just a waste.


Hunt around when shopping
You rarely need to pay full price for anything, use coupons, discount codes and shop around, if you are willing to wait you can always find a better deal.

Poundshops
I am a fan of high end makeup but I do use drugstore makeup and nail polishes too! These can be found in the pound shops, you guessed it for £1! In the past I have found Rimmel, OPI, China Glaze, Maybelline, Revlon plus many more! I also pick up so craft and home things in pound shops. But watch out some products are not a good deal!


Hannah x

Foodie Friday! - My New Favourite Snack

I have posted many times about my love of sweet treats I have come across, but today I am going to talk about a savoury snack I am in love with. Believe it or not I actually enjoy savoury food much more than sweet! Crisps are most definitely my downfall as you all know. I just don't find many savoury treats to talk about as many gluten free foods are sweet as they replace the flour!

One of the items in particular which I will be talking about was actually the second gluten free item I ever brought over a year ago, I promise its not the same box! These are the DS gluten free crispbread.

The best way to describe the texture of this product is that they are like a rice crispy version of a Ryvita! They are long and thin, with a crispy dry texture. The dry texture is comparable to a rice cake, which makes them perfect contrast for a rich smooth peanut butter.

I used regular Tesco peanut butter as the less fat/sugar varieties I feel are never quite the same and if I can read and understand all the ingredients on the back I'm happy! So this is what I use, I do not like crunchy but I would assume this would be just a tasty for those who enjoy it!

I normally take two crisp breads and share about a tablespoon of peanut butter between them, you could even add some cucumber on top, trust me, its good!

Why not give it a go!

Hannah x

Money Saving Monday #3 - Food for Days out

Today I wanted to give my thoughts on days out and in particular eating and drinking whilst out. This weekend I went to see Wicked (Which was AMAZING) and then the others walked over the O2, which I didn't do again as I hated it the first time!

Being as thrifty as I am (or cheap as some people may think) I was shocked at paying £18.50 for 5 bottles of water and two bags of sweets! So that made me think what sort of meals and refreshments I could do on a budget but still be on the go friendly and this is what I came up with.

Cinema/shows
I know some places won't let you take in your own food but some do and this is what I would pack for James and I

• 500ml bottles of fizz - 2 for £2 in ASDA and Waitrose but this offer circulates all supermarkets, then using 70p off on shopitize 
• Tesco Everyday Value midget Gems - 27p (other supermarkets do similar) 
• Popcorn is about £1 in most shops, just pick between your preference/ what's on offer. 

Total - £2.57

The average price of this in a cinema or show would be £15-£20 so that is a huge saving. And I would recommend throwing the midget gems in the popcorn bag and mix it up! YUM!

All Day Events
All day events can be tricky as you do not know what type of weather or seating there is other than the cafe, so to play it safe I always pick easy eating on the go items.

• Seabrook Crinkle Cut Crisps (6 pack) - Free with shopitize app 
• The same bottles of fizz as before 
• evian 500ml water bottles x6 - £1.80 after cash back from Checkoutsmart (you can buy basics but I enjoy this brands soft taste) 
• Bagels with Cream Cheese and Salmon x4
• Udis gluten free bagels 50p after coupon from free from show and in store offer.
• Cream Cheese 75p for basics
• Basics Smoked salmon trimmings for £1.69
• Frubes (James loves these!) 80p in ASDA after topcashback offer.
• Fruit from my garden

Total - £ 7.24

The best thing about this is we are bound to have left overs as there is only two of us but this could feed up to four. 

Evening Snacks (quiz night Suitable)
I am part of a drama group and when we do events such as quiz nights we do have a bar but we also welcome people to bring their own if they want. This is what I would take

• Kettle Chips 150g - £2.20 each but are 3 for 2 plus 70p off on Shopitize 
• Blossom Hill White Zinfandel £7 but £1 off with Shopitize
• Blossom Hill Californian Red - £5 but £1 off with shopitize 
• Basics peanuts - 70p 

Total - £14.40 

This is to cater for 6 people so that is only £2.40 per person! 

As you all know I really enjoy my coffees so this allows room in my budget to visit a Starbucks or a costa whilst out!

Hannah x

Foodie Friday #3 - Angelic Ginger Crunch Cookies

It's baking hot today in the UK so this weeks Foodie Friday I have kept well away from chocolate and anything that could get all melty!

So I opened my cookies I brought at the free from show. I was leaving these as long as possible because I love them and wanted to save them! Crazy I know!

I met the Angelic team at the Olympia show, they were lovely and spent a lot of time talking to James and I. It's good to find smaller brands in the gluten free market and when the people behind the brand are lovely, it just makes it even better!

When I brought these at the show it was mainly because James loved them, as James is not gluten free, he does not like anything gluten free that doesn't taste 100% 'normal' so I trust his opinion. I was getting excited about the savoury flavours but he said I had to buy these too, so I did.

I am so glad he did make me because now I want to try the other flavours!

These cookies have a good snap and a crunchy texture but they are not dry or stick in your mouth like bad gluten free cookies (you know the type I mean, the kind that give you a funny film feeling in your mouth and you have to drink something to clear it.) This made me extremely happy as ginger can be a dry flavour naturally.

The taste of these are great! Now if you don't like ginger you WILL NOT like these but as I love ginger, and I love these. They have a very strong ginger taste and leaves that wonderful tongue tingling after taste.

Pros:

• Great taste and texture 
• Under 75 calories a cookie
• The lady who runs Angelic is lovely!

Cons:

• Where they are a smaller brand they are harder to get hold of - you can order online. 

If I get hold of the other flavours I'll be sure to let you know what I think!

Hannah x 

What I ate Wednesday - Wellaby's Chips Review

Back on a crisp theme today! I did tell you I was obsessed!

These are Hummus and Pita Chips from Wellaby's and I found these at the free from show. I have tried a bag of chip from this brand before and really did not enjoy them.

But I believe you should give second chances particularly as I have found that gluten free products are hard to get right and this could mean I'm missing out on something good just because I've had one bad experience.

I have one hit and one miss as far as I am concerned. But I think it is more the taste than the texture that I don't enjoy.

Hummus Chips - Kalamata Olives
Starting with the miss as I want to leave on a positive! These chips have a lovely crispy crunch and slightly saltiness which compliments the olives. But I just do not enjoy these, I really thought I would as I love olives but I do not like the aftertaste, it's not a unpleasnt taste, just not to my palette. The texture is great and I will try them dipped into something to see if that makes them more enjoyable. But I just don't think these are for me.

Pita Chips - Italian Herb
Now these are amazing! They are flavoured with the right amount of herbs, as they do not overpower the taste of the actual chip. They have a fresh crunch to them and I think they would also be good with a salsa!

These chips are 95 calories a bag and are gluten free, wheat free, MSG free, Non GMO and nut free! That is a whole lot of free! I got theses 4 for £1 at the show but I know they can be found in Sainsbury's and Amazon.

Pros:

• Good on the go bags
• Under 100 calories for a snack
• The Italian herbs is a great flavour!
• They cater to many allergies

Cons:

• Not all flavours were to my taste 
• They are hard to find in shops

If anyone has had some good chips recently? I would love to know!

Hannah x

Money Saving Monday #2 - Products with many uses!

Enjoy getting the most out of a product? Me too! As I have been more and more conscious on what I am spending I have found some products which can be used for other uses! Here are my top 5:

Red Lip Stick

I am a lover of a red lip and have many red lipsticks, but did you know they are also great for cleaning up silver. Just put some lipstick on a tissue and give your sliver a little scrub! And hey presto clean Jewellery!

Lip Balm

Keeping in with the lip product theme I use lip balm (preferably one in a tub) to rub on my heels and toes to stop new shoes pinching or rubbing. This is something I always have in my handbag too so quick and easy on the go!

Floristry Ribbon

OK, so this one may not be in everyone houses, I trained as a florist for a short while before realising some flowers give me headaches! However I do still enjoy making arrangements when I have the time! But Floristry ribbon is as cheap as chips, Pick up a couple of rolls and you can use it to wrap gifts, prizes for raffles and even for kids crafts. You can choose how wide you want it just by ripping down the middle and it's really strong!

Magazines/Newspapers and old maps

As a crafter once you have read your favourite mag why not put it in your craft stash, either to use as background paper, to cut out embellishments or why not just keep your surfaces safe from the mess you're about to create! Maps also look great as wrapping paper, as does some left over wallpapers, then stick some of that floristry ribbon on top!

Lemons

Once you have finished with that little piece of lemon in your drink why not blitz it up with some water (or white vinegar if something is really dirty!). Lemon juice is great as a cleaner, and this does not waste the rind either! You can even get out some of that newspaper you've saved and your glass will shine!

Hannah x 

 

Foodie Friday #2 - Ten Acre Crisps

If you know me you will know I LOVE crisps, if crisps could provide all the nutrition I needed and I wouldn't get fat, I would honestly eat them all day!

When I found out I was gluten intolerant and could not longer have all the flavours I used to love it was a very sad moment! (sob story time).

So when I discovered Ten Acre at the Free From show I was over the moon as they had lots of lovely flavours! The type of flavours I thought I could no longer eat!

Ten Acre crisps are Gluten free, dairy free, MSG free and are vegan. They also have the coolest website, all I'll say is you have to check it out and then the crisps names will make sense!

I picked up two of the BBQ flavour called When Hickory got BBQ'd, as this is one of my favourite flavours and I can rarely find gluten free in this flavour, I also got two sweet and sour flavours called The Day Sweet and Sour Became Friends and one pack of sea salt called The Secret of Mr Salt, I know many brands do salted crisps but I have never had such a nice salted crisp!

These bags are 40g so are a typical coffee shop size bag and are on average 200 calories a bag.

These crisps are finely sliced and very light and crispy, they have a thin layer of flavouring so it does not transfer onto your fingers but you can taste the seasonings well. In terms of comparison to a high street brand crisp I would compare them to Tyrells but I feel Ten Acre are sliced even thiner giving a lovely crisp, crunchy texture.

Pros:

• Perfect thin crispiness
• Good flavour but no over powdery seasoning 
• Good value for money 
• Provide unusual flavours in gluten free!

Cons:

• I cannot walk into my local shop and pick them up!

I love these crisps and if you have a chance to try them I really recommend you do!

Hannah x 

What I ate Wednesday - Udis Chocolate & Toffee Muffins

Today's What I ate wednesday Review consists of a product I found at the Free From Show recently. I have heard of Udis before and had some bread based products from them but I never knew they had such good Chocolate and Toffee Muffins!

I tried these for my breakfast, because lets face it breakfast isn't always fun and sometimes it has to be ready fast!

In a pack you get one chocolate muffin and one toffee, this allows you to have both flavours and not worry about them going off before you eat them all! I think this is a fantastic idea. The smart Udis worker who thought of this needs a prize!

I found that other than the flavour, both muffins had the same texture which was a pleasant surprise as in the past I have found even within the same brand the texture can vary quite a bit depending on the flavour of the baked goods.

The muffins were very fluffy and soft in texture, there was a slight oiliness to the muffins which left a light residue on my fingers, but nothing you wouldn't expect from a 'mainstream' muffin, and I find this is preferable to a dry cake.

I was most pleased that there was no odd aftertaste, cakes and biscuits I find are the most guilty for leaving an aftertaste, but this was not the case here.

Pros:

• These muffins only cost me £1 at the show!
• Good flavour and texture
• No odd aftertaste. 
• Two flavours in one pack 

Cons:

• I have yet to find them in my local supermarkets so I may have to buy online!

Overall I think Udis have really hit the nail on its head with this product, the taste and texture is perfect and putting two flavours in one pack is genius as it allows for a bit more variation! Next time you see these in your local shop I would really recommend trying these!

Hannah x 

Money Saving Monday #1 - Samples and Coupons

It is fair to say that I love a bargain, freebie, sample, coupon, loyalty card or anything were I can get something for less, try before I buy or getting the most out of my money. As we all try to save money here and there I thought I would start a series of small money saving tips and deals I have found! Hence Money Saving Monday! This week I will start with my views and tips on samples and coupons.

Samples
Many manufactures give out samples on their websites or on Facebook or through other companies. My biggest tip is don't become a sample hoarder. If you have never had a dishwasher why apply for dishwasher tablet samples? If it is not something you will use or something someone you know will appreciate don't apply for one, otherwise people who do what to try these products will not be able to get their hands on them!

I find most of my samples through Facebook, from online shopping/Tesco groceries online or googling for a product I am interested in to see if they are freely giving away samples. I know many people contact companies for samples but I do not tend to do this. I also would recommend supersavvyme, they give away many samples and useful ones at that!

Here is a quick look at the samples I have received recently, as you see they are all on the same vain as these are products I am interested and potentially would buy!

Coupons
Coupons are great! Yes my family think it's funny but I don't mind, I enjoy using coupons. My first bit of advice is don't watch Extreme couponing and think 'yeah! Everything is gonna be free' This just does not work in the UK and those who do manage this are more than likely buying things they really don't want/need which is again a waste!

Watch out though, sometimes the non brand item still may be cheaper even with a coupon, just look when you think you are savvy shopping! I tend to use coupons combined with a deal or to get speciality items also to try branded products. Or if the coupon makes the price comparable to the own brand equivalent I'll give the product a go.

For example this week I brought 2 John West Infusions pots in Sainsbury's they were on offer from £1.50 down to £1 and I had two 50p off coupons. This meant I got flavoured Tuna for 50p a pot, a really good deal! (These were done on two separate days, if there is a product and I got my boyfriend to print the second coupon!).

As I am gluten free I do not take advantage of as many coupons as others could. However I do get some great deals.

Where I find coupons: 99% of my coupons are found online either through google, emails or Facebook, I have also received some in the past from companies when I have been dissatisfied by a product, but only contact companies if you have a real complaint or issue. I also received some in the post and recently from going to to a free from show!

I would also recommend cash back websites and apps! But I will talk about these more later. 

How do you save money?

Hananh x

Foodie Friday! - Olympia Allergy and Free From Show

So it is no longer Friday but I took the day off on Friday and James and I travelled down to London to go to this event for the first time!

I have never been to any type of food show before but I have always really wanted to. We got there as the doors opened and I couldn't believe how big the event was! I have been to caravan and craft shows in the past but nothing as full and busy!

There were many samples and freebies to try from many retailers, some that I have never heard of! As well as Sainsbury's and ASDA kitchens cooking meals.

We spend about 4-5 hours at the show and decided we would just walk round for a couple of hours before purchasing, as we would have to carry these all day. As we got into the building we were given goodie bags from Udis, this consisted of a couple of promotional leaflets, coupons and a box of gluten free pop tart style pastries, unfortunately James did not get a box in his bag.

Throughout the day we spoke to many companies and found some new foods to try.

Purchases
Many items were on a good offer so I couldn't resist! here is a rundown of what I brought and the prices:

• Udis Chocolate Chip & Toffee Muffins - £1
• Peppersmith mints, 3 lemon and 3 original -  6 for £5
• Wellabys pitta chips in italina herb and olive - 4 for £1
• Ten Arce crisps, Variety of flavours - 5 for £3
• B Free Fajita Kit - £2
• Helens Pastry and Chocolate Cupcake Mix - 2 for £4
• Angelic sweet and savoury biscuits - Mix and Match 3 for £5 or £5.50?
• Pizza flavour crisp bread and natural lemon chocolate bar - £5

Freebies
There was also many samples and freebies, I had eaten so many samples I thought I was going to burst!

The items I took away free were:

• Two packets of granola
• One Pure Bred Mini Muffin 
• Two ASDA bars
• Udis Toaster Pastries

Coupons
I also received £17 worth of coupons to use in the supermarket as well as many percentage off coupon codes for websites. Most have pretty long dates so I can stay stocked up!

Reviews of all items will be coming soon! Particularly on Angelic, I think they were the stand out company of the day!

Hannah x

Shop My Stash Sunday #4 - Stripes!

Seeing as I had mastered Men's cards last week I thought I'd give myself a break and do some more feminine ones, however I think a couple could be given to men at a push...

I am still using the Docrafts Dots and Stripes collections as clearly these really appeal to me,  I have tons from the collections! 

I found some of the shaped postcard style papers, the sort that have scalloped and curved edges. (Sorry I cannot remember what these are really called and the label has gone walking!) So I got these out as well as the other papers from this collection . 

I also hunted through my embellishment box and found some card toppers so I thought I would try those as well as a Cardmaking and Papercraft Embossing folder (goodness knows how that ended up in the wrong box!)

Add some buttons and Card Candi and your all set!

This is what I came up with!

Hannah x 

Using Baby Products For Beauty

We all like to save a little here and there, this lead me to recently thinking about how expensive my skin care routine can be. I like to use face wipes to remove the main bulk of makeup before washing my face but at £2-£3 for a pack that doesn't upset my skin they are not the cheapest so I looked for alternatives.

I had seen many people use baby wipes but didn't realise how cheap they were. So I brought a pack of 65 Pampers wipes for 99p in Family Bargains as I was browsing just to give them a go. I used them and found them to do the same job as the makeup wipes I'd been using but at a fraction of the cost. My face did not feel tight or sting. One happy bunny here!

I found to buy a 4 pack of wipes (250 odd sheets) is about £5, which is a great saving considering you'd only get about 50 face wipes for this price!

I was lucky enough that they were on offer at Sainsbury's for £3.50 and I had a £1 off coupon from Caring Everyday. This lead it to only being £2.50! for two thirds of a years worth of face wipes for the price I would pay for a regular pack of 25 face wipes!

I also picked up a new 2 in 1 baby shampoo for my makeup brushes. I used this as it does not strip the hair but also makes them soft and smell amazing. The 500ml was on offer for £1.50 and I had a £1 off coupon reducing the bottle to only 50p!

Do you find things in the baby section for your beauty needs?

Hannah x