Petmania

Petmania

I have always wanted a rabbit and so yesterday I decided to go to the new retail park in Navan and visit the new Petmania store. I first took time to have a good look round before focusing on my purchase. The Petmania Store is filled with beautiful animals, birds and fish. There are accessories, foods and treats for all types of pets. Petmania is also working with Bird Watch Ireland in their latest Garden Bird survey and any one can help with this survey by picking up a pack at any Petmania Store. When I finally decided to focus on purchasing my rabbit the young shop assistant was courtious, informative and helpful, before leaving the store with my rabbit I was fully confident that I would be able to care for my new pet. My Rabbit was settling in nicely last night and this morning he has made himself one of the family as he eats and drinks in the hutch that I made myself. Petmania is well worth a visit.

Bridge over the Boyne

Value and Style in Robinstown

I recently visited Orla's Boutique in Robinstown, and I was amazed at the range of fashion both in clothes and accessories, well worth a visit and you may pick up that special outfit for that special occasion, I bought some accessories that were reasonably priced and will go well with some new tops I recently purchased in NEXT.

Penny's, Navan Shopping Centre. Penny's offers a wide range of clothes for men, women and children. The clothes are reasonably priced and are of good quality. The problem is that Penny's like many clothes stores in County Meath is that they think that all women are a size 12 or less. Stores such as Penny's are not catering to women who are larger than a size 12, when one does see a jumper above size 12 it is usually something with little style value. Women of all sizes should be catered for and catered for in a full range of fashions not just on a couple of left over hangers at the end of the discounted rail. Its time that Penny's and others started to serve all their customers equal rather than simply catering to the mass market.

Turkey anyone

On Friday I decided to buy one of the advertised frozen turkeys for 5.99 in Dunne's. This was 3.6 Kilo although after defrosting I am sure it was slightly lighter. Still a fairly big turkey. I defrosted for 16 hours in a cool room. I then removed the jibs. I stuffed using stuffing that I bought in Dunne's for 2.99. I then placed a full onion inside the Turkey which help maintain moisture during the cooking process, I also added two bay leaves. I then wrapped in tin foil and popped it into the oven for 2.45 Hours taking out after an hour to base and again at the two hour mark. For the final 30 minutes of cooking I removed the tin foil as recommended on the instructions. While this exposed roasting gave the turkey a perfect outer finish I feel that it actually dried it out much more than if I have had left the foil in place.

I served the turkey with roasties and gravy. The turkey was very tasty, the stuffing was a little tacky (I thought) but all in all a very nice dinner for approx 5 Euro per head. This turkey would have easily feed 5/6 people and needless to say I am still having turkey sandwiches on Monday for lunch. Anyone wanting a very reasonably priced turkey for Christmas could easily facilitate one of these turkeys in their freezer.

TLC

Free Range Chickens

In or about February of this year I decided to buy six Free Range chickens. I love eggs and as my garden is a good size I decided I could accommodate 6 chickens. The Chickens are easy housed and easy feed and each morning there are fresh eggs for breakfast. In fact my chickens produce one egg each per day which means that I can also supply family and friends with fresh eggs. Now chickens are not kept without some effort on my part. Once per week I must clean out their house. Each morning and evening they must be feed with layers pellets and spoiled with some bread. I love watching the chickens interact with each other as they go about the garden eating grass and enjoying their freedom. Layers pellets cost 9 Euro per bag in any Farm supply store, the bag of pellets can last a month. The chickens originally cost me 7 Euro each and so all in all this has been a cost effective, healthy and worthwhile purchase. The personal satisfaction I get from watching and rearing my chickens is priceless.

However, the story does not end there. A friend gave me a rooster and I put him in with the chickens. A few weeks later one of the hens started to clock. This means that she sits constantly on any eggs laid in the nest not just her own. I took her off to another little house and left her to clock. Unfortunately this was not successful and after 24 days there were no chicks. I put the hen back into with the rest of the hens and again she started clocking. This time I left her with the other hens but separated the nest, after 21 days 6 little chicks were born, this is their picture below without blacky who is always doing his own thing.

One of my hens was accidentally killed by my dog and so now I have 5 mature hens, 6 babies and a rooster. I also attended Dunderry Fair in the summer and bought myself 2 ducks, these are great and again fresh eggs every day. All of these animals are so easy to keep and can be feed for a few cents per day. However, you do need a bit of space, not allot but enough to let them walk about and eat grass.

Free Range chickens

Stew anyone

Yesterday I bought stewing steak in Dunnes, 2.46 Euro and it was very tasty. How I made my stew. First I put some extra virgin Olive Oil in the saucepan, I then added some seasoning for example ground pepper and sea salt, just a sprinkle of each. I then added my stewing steak and moved it around until it was nice and brown, I then added an onion, put as much or as little onion as you like, I use one standard onion. I then stirred the onion and meat until they were of consistent colour. Then I added one chopped carrot and some garden peas. By this point you should be tempted to start eating it out of the pan but don't. I then added one pint of Bisto, you can use instant granules or power it doesn't matter its simply to get some stock. I then added 6 good sized potatoes. Bring to the boil, then reduce to simmer for two hours, stirring but not nibbling occasionally. I tell you now it was absolutely beautiful and feed two people who could eat no more. This was followed by a coffee and one of those Kit Kats I had so much trouble with on Saturday. The total cost of this meal was about 2 Euro per person.

The Meath Post

The Meath Post

Why I think the Meath Post offers good value. For 1 Euro each Tuesday you get up to date news and views from around the county. The Post is tabloid sized and can be easily accommodated while having a tea/coffee break. The Gig guide tells us who is performing in Meath, the out and about section lets us know where the action is and the fashion guide points us in the right direction for that special out fit. The Sports section is precise and detailed and carries great action shots as and when they happened. This week the Post has a 13 page Christmas Shopping supplement which like this Blog encourages people to shop local. So folks why not pop the Post into the trolley and get some real value for money.

Not a happy shopping experience

On Saturday morning I went to do some shopping in Tesco in Navan. Firstly, one of my main bones of contention was the fact that there were so many staff filling shelves and blocking up the main isles, there was a care less attitude to customers some of whom had children in their care and were struggling to keep on the move. My next problem was that when I went to the Checkout, the young woman serving was almost falling asleep, she keep yawning and closing her eyes, this is poor customer service and leaves one wondering if there was anyone in charge. Thirdly, I checked my receipt after paying and discovered that two packs of Kit Kat that had been advertised at a reduced rate where in fact charged to me at 1.70 and 1.74 which would be their normal price. I made my way to Customer Service. The young woman behind the desk summoned a member of floor staff, who arrived and then went of to check my complaint about the Kit Kat. The floor staff member returned to tell me that the Kit Kats that I had purchased from the special offer stand were not actually the Kit Kats on special offer. I showed the young woman the Kit Kats and asked why the special offer stand was filled with Kit Kats that were not on special offer, she said she did not know. I had the difference refunded to me, however, this is not the first time that I have found special offers being advertised in Tesco and then being charged full price at the Check Out. However, I must also caution myself at this point, for when I got to the Check Out I realised that I had not brought my shopping bags and I added 4% to my bill by having to purchase shopping bags. Not a happy shopping experience.

Exclusive

Crime on the rise

This week it is reported that Meath has the second highest rate of burglaries outside of Dublin. It is therefore important that we take every step possible to make it impossible for the burglar to enter your property. If you have gates at the entrance to your house secure those gates with a pad lock and chain, this is not expensive and shows the burglar that your are serious about protecting your property. If a person other than those legally allowed ie the Gardai were to break that chain or lock then it is a crime, it is trespass. If burglars see an open gate this in their mind is the first invitation to them to commit their crime. Insure that all windows and doors are secured on the inside, if one of the latches is not working then get it fixed, generally burglars don't like to break glass as it brings unwanted attention, they like it simple so don't make it simple. Don't leave anything out side that can be used by the burglar, don't leave a chair beside a window or anything else he/she can stand on, don't leave a rock, hammer or anything else that the burglar can use to break the window, keep a clean and tidy yard garden. Many burglars know their trade and may not come tooled up for the job, when they go to court they use this as mitigation (my lord I did not go with the intention of burglary - its was opportunistic - this gets him/her a lighter sentence). Have an alarm fitted or fit one yourself if you are competent to do so, there are a wide range of alarms on the market, you can even buy small alarms for each individual door and window and these are very cheap, shop around, if you can afford it get a professional in. Always keep your vehicle keys in a safe place, many burglaries are now committed simply to get access to keys to steal vehicles. Keep all valuables in a safe place and don't tell anyone where that safe place is. You can buy a good safe that can be fitted under the floor boards or into the wall, this is a worth while investment for your jewellery etc. If at night you hear something that you think is suspicious, call the Gardai, don't confront anyone yourself, the Gardai are happy to come to your assistance and they wont be too bothered if it is a false alarm. These are just a few simple tips.

Slane Bridge in County Meath

Shopping in Meath

This Blog has been established for two reasons. Firstly I have established this Blog to try and help shoppers in County Meath to identify the best value and service for your shopping experience in County Meath. Secondly I have established this Blog to help curtail the numbers of County Meath shoppers who are travelling north each week to do their shopping. Today (26/10/09) the Irish Times, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Paul Cullen tells us that, "250,00 households in the Republic are now regularly doing their shopping in the north", and that this figure is up 25% on last year. Mr Cullen further tells us that alcohol sales in off licences in the north is up 30% while off licence sales in the Republic are down 7%. It is estimated that cross border shopping in 2009 will cost the retail sector 810 Million Euro compared to 640 Million Euro in 2008. I must also make it clear that I have myself shopped in the north on a number of occasions, however, having finally got over the initial excitement of going off somewhere different for the day i.e. Newry, I began to do the sums and had to seriously ask myself if the same value could not be found here in County Meath. We as consumers have a right to ask our retailers to offer better value and service for money, we will not get if we don't ask. Now that's what I am about, trying to point you in the right direction, I am doing this off my own back with no help or support from any business interest, I will try to do my best for you the shopper and I would ask that you give me your feed back on my Blog. I hope to run Polls about topical subjects and I hope to have some competitions so that you can win shopping vouchers and other prizes. It is my hope to make this Blog the number one reference point for people in County Meath who are about to do their shopping, you will get 100% Independent and hands on shopping information, this information will not be tainted with favour to any retailer but simply by my own experience. I will also offer helpful hints on other matters that may help you the shopper save money in these testing times. Happy Shopping where ever you shop.

Going Green at Tesco

Going Green at Tesco

Going Green at Tesco: Tesco is offering shoppers an opportunity to be rewarded for more enviromentally friendly shopping. This is an opportunity for people to buy quality produce and at the same time get rewarded for their efforts.

You can choose to collect Green Clubcard Points or ask us to donate the monetary equivalent to Temple Street on your behalf. Just pick up a recycling envelope in-store or click here to order an envelope.

Whenever you recycle an old mobile phone, you'll collect 500 Green Clubcard Points if it turns on. Or you can choose to donate €5 to Temple Street on your behalf.
For a phone that does not turn on, you will receive 100 Green Clubcard Points or you can choose to donate €1 to Temple Street. Terms & Conditions apply.

You can collect 100 Green Clubcard Points whenever you recycle an old inkjet cartridge or choose to donate €1 to Temple Street*. By recycling these cartridges we can reduce the amount of harmful waste going to landfill sites.*Selected Inkjets only. Terms & Conditions apply.

Citizens Information

Citizens Information: For free and confidential information on your rights and entitlements drop into or phone:

Navan Citizens Information Centre, 1 Brews Hill, Navan, Meath: Tel: 1800206506 or 046-9074086, Mon to Fri: 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Trim: Tel: 046-9436349.

Ashbourne: Tel: 01 8351806.

Dunnes Stores

Yesterday I purchased a stuffed Turkey leg for 3.99, this provided a very tasty meal for two served with roast potatoes/carrots and gravy. The very important thing about this product as well as its price and value was that it could be traced back to a small farmer in Tydavnet in County Monaghan.

Dunnes continue to offer a 3 for 2 cereal deal which again is value for money particularly if you have kids.

I hope this week to get to Buy Lo that opened in Ashbourne, I am told that there is some good value in certain items however until I see for myself I wont say anything.

Tesco has a 2 for 10 Euro in their meat department this week however after the 3 for 10 Euro it does not look like real value and so this week Dunnes gets my vote for their 3 for 9 Euro, whole chicken, chicken breasts, sandwich steak, chops etc.

Last nights full moon

Property

Property prices continue to fall, yet Sherry/Fitzgerald estate agents have recorded that there is a gradual move in the right direction. Renting has for many become the new buying as people wait for the market to bottom out. The rental market is doing well in some areas but in others the rental value has dropped significantly compared to 12 months ago. Places such as Meath has been hit with values dropping significantly. A new three bedroom house can now be rented for 700/800 Euro per month depending on location. The Government have added a new property tax at 200 Euro per home which makes margins even thinner for landlords. The real deal is to shop around and ask for the best price, if an agent says 700 per month you say 650 and you will find flexability as the demand in many areas is low.

Dunnes Stores

Last week I reported that Tesco had provided very good value with their three for one offer at 10 Euro, this week however Dunnes Stores has provided better value with its three for one offer at 9 Euro. Whole Chicken, Chicken Breasts. chops etc for 9 Euro is exceptionally good value.

Both Dunnes and Tesco are now offering a white sliced pan for 55 cents which again is good value.

Single Parent Tax Credit

The one-parent family tax credit can be claimed if you are a single Mum or Dad and you have a child who is dependent on you and resides with you for at least one night in the year. Therefore this tax credit can potentially be claimed by both parents.

In Certain circumstances you can also receive this for an adult dependent in further education/training, and for incapacitated individuals. You do not qualify for one parent family tax credit if:

1. You qualify for the married persons tax credit.
2. You are living with another person as man and wife.

The one-parent family tax credit varies across the years from 1,580 in 2005 up to 1,830 for the Tax year 2009.