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I do the ‘big shop’ once a month & only pay £126 – I raid an often forgotten supermarket & buy all our veg & meat frozen

A SAVVY shopper has revealed that rather than nipping to her local supermarket every week to stock up on groceries, she does one huge monthly shop.

Jessica, a bargain hunter from the UK, raids an often forgotten shop, where you’ll find impressive deals on all things from biscuits and crisps, to frozen meat and vegetables. 

Shopping cart full of groceries.
tiktok@treats4all/
A bargain hunter has revealed that she does a huge shop once a month that can last up to 12 weeks[/caption]
Grocery receipt showing a total of £136.35.
tiktok@treats4all/
Jessica, a savvy shopper from the UK, took to social media to show off her huge haul, leaving many open-mouthed[/caption]
Farmfoods store in Aberdeen after closing after 50 years.
Google
Thanks to deals in Farmfoods, Jessica spent just £126.35[/caption]

Whilst Jessica loves shopping in Asda, Aldi, B&M, Lidl and Home Bargains, posting on social media, the young woman documented her recent trip to Farmfoods – the Scottish frozen food and grocery supermarket chain.

Alongside her four-minute clip, Jessica wrote: “Come do the monthly shop with us, part one.”

She then confirmed that some of her buys, which she nabbed in the Burnley store, can last her up to 12 weeks, as she added: “This will last more than one to three months for a lot of things.”

Jessica and her partner eagerly ensured their trolley was packed full, as they took advantage of the three for £1 offer on custard creams and large variety packs of crisps for £2.49. 

They also nabbed baguettes for 69p a pack and fruit juices, which were just two for £1.60. 

But that’s not all, as Jessica also made sure to stock up on vegetables too – all of which she found in the frozen section. 

Jessica got her hands on petits pois, baby sweetcorn, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, mixed vegetables, as well as mixed peppers for only £1 a bag. 

As well as this, she made sure her cupboards would be full to the brim as she bought 24 packs of flavoured waters for £6.99, as well as 500ml bottles of Vimto, which cost £8.50 for 12. 

Jessica then found sauces and spice kits, as well as cereal bars and 1kg packs of rice for just £1.69.

Not only did Jessica nab a large selection of cupboard items, but she also stocked up on meat too, which she found in the large Farmfoods freezers.

Jessica grabbed lamb steaks and beef burgers, which were included in the three for £10 deal, as well as fish fingers and chicken nuggets, which were part of the three for £5 on BirdsEye items offer

And to ensure her freezer would have countless options for all cravings, Jessica even nabbed three for £5 frozen pizzas, as well as a selection of ice cream tubs too. 

We often find it cheaper for frozen food and a lot of snacks. They always have really amazing deals on

Jessica

After bagging her purse-friendly buys, overjoyed with her huge haul, Jessica beamed: “It came to about £136.

“Then we used vouchers that you get on their emails and it went down to about £125.” 

Bargain hunters beam

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @treats4all, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 743,100 views. 

Social media users were left gobsmacked at the affordable food shop and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.

How to save cash on your food shop

Money saving experts at HSBC UK have revealed their top tips to saving cash on your food shop.

1. Set a budget
Creating a budget will help to stretch your budget. Start by working out how much you spent on food over the last three months, then each month you get paid, set aside a certain amount for food.

2. Plan your meals
Make a list of your main meals for the coming week, including the ingredients you need, and stick to it. Don’t get drawn into offers for things that you don’t need. If you already have some food leftover from the week before, try to see what you can do with that first.

3. Think about when and where you shop
It’s best to shop on a full stomach so you don’t get tempted. Shopping less often can help you to think about what you buy and it may help you to stick to your budget.

4. Go online
Shopping online is a good and easy way to manage your budget. It can also help to track expenses, whilst also preventing impulse buys.

One person said: “Those prices are fantastic!” 

Another added: “£136 is really good for all of that!!” 

You can’t beat Farmfoods. I do the same each month

TikTok user

A third commented: “Never shopped there, you might need to try it especially for cupboard and freezer items!” 

Meanwhile, someone else claimed: “You can’t beat Farmfoods. I do the same each month.” 

Hacks for Keeping Food Fresh in Your Fridge

IF you want your food to stay fresh, you'll need to try out this useful hacks...

  1. Herbs in Water: Store fresh herbs like parsley and coriander in a glass of water, then cover with a plastic bag to keep them fresh for weeks.
  2. Wrap Greens in Paper Towels: Wrap leafy greens in paper towels before placing them in a plastic bag. The towels absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting.
  3. Use Mason Jars: Store salads, chopped vegetables, and even leftovers in mason jars. They are airtight and keep food fresher for longer.
  4. Revive Stale Bread: Sprinkle a bit of water on stale bread and pop it in the oven for a few minutes to make it fresh again.
  5. Baking Soda for Odours: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odours and keep food tasting fresh.
  6. Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil: Chop herbs and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray. This preserves their flavour and makes them easy to use.
  7. Keep Cheese Fresh: Wrap cheese in wax paper instead of plastic wrap. Wax paper allows the cheese to breathe, preventing it from becoming slimy.
  8. Store Avocados with Onions: Place a cut avocado in an airtight container with a slice of onion. The sulphur compounds in the onion slow down oxidation, keeping the avocado fresh.
  9. Use Vinegar Wash for Berries: Rinse berries in a mixture of water and vinegar (one cup of vinegar to three cups of water) before storing. This kills bacteria and mould spores, extending their shelf life.
  10. Egg Freshness Test: To check if eggs are still fresh, place them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink, while old ones will float.

Implement these clever hacks to maximise the freshness of your food and make the most of your groceries.

Not only this, but one bargain hunter asked: “Is Farmfoods cheaper than other shops?”

To this, Jessica replied: “We often find it cheaper for frozen food and a lot of snacks. They always have really amazing deals on.”

But despite this, one shopper wasn’t all that impressed, as she wrote: “That trolley has obesity, diabetes and heart disease written all over it.”

However, Jessica was keen to clap back, as she responded: “This lasts us more than a month so I highly disagree.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Shopping cart in supermarket aisle.
Getty
Shoppers were left beaming at the ‘fantastic’ prices[/caption]

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What the colour and texture of your EARWAX reveals about your health – from brown to green and smelly

THE human body often finds ways to indicate when something is amiss, be it through headaches or vomiting or through secretions such as snot and saliva.

But have you ever stopped to think what your earwax might be telling you about your health?

Woman holding two used cotton swabs.
Getty
Your earwax could reveal things going on with your health, such as infections or skin conditions[/caption]

While many of us deem earwax uncomfortable, itchy, and unsightly, it actually serves an important function.

Not only does it protect the ear canal, it could also act as a prompt to seek medical help.

Audiologist Ashish Shah at The Hearing Care Partnership has divulged everything you need to know when it comes to the colour and consistency of your earwax – and what it might be telling you about your health.

She said: “Earwax can be a bit gross, and whilst we always recommend having your ears cleaned professionally, there are times in which you are likely to do it yourself at home and may notice changes in either the colour, texture or smell of your earwax.

“Interestingly, what comes out of our ears can give us a good indication of what is going on deeper in the ear, so it is something to keep an eye on.”

From yellow wax to a smelly secretion, Ashish explains what it all could mean.

YELLOW TO LIGHT BROWN

Yellow or light brown is what people often see inside their ears.

And it’s the sign of healthy functioning ear wax, said Ashish. He added: “We would typically expect it to be this colour.”

DARK BROWN

When ear wax is dark brown, it often means the wax has been in the ear for a while and will likely be quite hard.

Wax of this colour could indicate there is a build-up that should be removed by a professional.

Ashish explained: “Many factors can cause a build-up of ear wax such as general overproduction of wax, infection and inflammation, over-cleaning, narrow or damaged ear canals and prolonged use of earphones and ear plugs.”

Other signs you could have earwax build-up

Symptoms of earwax build-up include:

  • hearing loss
  • earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
  • ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)

Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse.

A pharmacist can give advice and suggest treatments.

Source: NHS

RED

When ear wax presents itself as red, whether that’s bright red or a brownish red, this indicates there has been a bleed within the ear which has occurred.

Ashish said: “Typically this is a result of damage caused by using cotton buds, but we’d always recommend you get it checked out by your GP.”

GREEN OR CREAM

Greens and creamy colours can be a sign of an infection.

These can be, but are not always, linked with pain, dizziness or discharge from the ears, said Ashish.

He recommended: “If you suspect an infection is present, we would advise you to see your GP.”

Illustration of earwax colors and their meanings.

SMELLY

If you are noticing a strong odour from your ears, this could indicate an infection in the middle part of your ear, warned Ashish.

He said: “This may also come along with additional symptoms such as dizziness or a lack of balance, ringing in your ears or a blocked feeling in your ears.

“This is something you will want to address with your GP as early as possible to avoid any possible infection progressing.”

DRY OR FLAKY

Dry or flaky earwax is normally nothing to worry about and can be quite normal for some.

As we get older, glands tend to dry out, so those of an older age can expect to find drier wax inside their ears.

But Ashish cautioned: “If you experience dry or flaky earwax alongside itching, inflammation, soreness or even a loss of hearing, this could indicate a condition such as eczema or an ear infection and is best to be seen by a GP to confirm and treat.”

What to avoid when cleaning your ears

WHEN it comes to cleaning your ears at home, certain methods risk permanently damage your hearing.

So it’s important to take proper care if you do decide to clean your ears at home.

Boots advises against the following two methods:

Ear candling

This involves placing a lit, hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. While many people online claim how effective it is, Boots doesn’t recommend it as a treatment. This is because it can cause serious injuries and burns, and has been known to pierce the inside of the ear.

Inserting items in your ear

From cotton buds to stainless steel earwax tools, bobby pins to tweezers, when it comes to your ears, you should never put anything in them to clear away any excess wax or debris. 

Boots says the majority of doctors will advise that you never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear as any sharp objects can perforate your eardrum and could cause serious and permanent damage to your hearing.

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‘Is this Alan or Garth Crooks?’ – Shearer picks bonkers Prem team of the week with two at the back and Merino as striker

FANS have been left baffled by Alan Shearer’s bonkers Premier League team of the week.

The Newcastle United legend picked his eleven most impressive players from match week 25.

Alan Shearer, Amazon Prime pundit and former footballer.
Getty
Alan Shearer has left fans baffled with his team of the week picks[/caption]
Garth Crooks, master of ceremonies.
PA:Empics Sport
Fans have compared the team to the previous picks made by Garth Crooks[/caption]
Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur in a soccer uniform.
Getty
Djed Spence was one of two defenders to be picked[/caption]
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrating a goal.
Alamy
Shearer opted to choose Mikel Merino as a striker[/caption]

Shearer, 54, opted to pick a unique formation with just two defenders, Brighton’s Adam Webster and Tottenham’s Djed Spence.

They were positioned behind two central midfielders in Bournemouth goalscorer Ryan Christie and Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez.

The record Prem goalscorer then selected six attacking players, including Seagulls duo Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Everton‘s Carlos Alcaraz.

They were positioned behind another trio made up of Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri and City ace Omar Marmoush.

Fans were left baffled by the attacking look of the team.

Many compared it to the teams that Garth Crooks would famously pick when he would do the job for the BBC.

The retired footballer became a cult figure for regularly picking players out of position in order to fit them into a team.

One posted: “Garth’s legacy lives on.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

A second wrote: “Is this really Alan or Garth Crooks?”

A third commented: “Bring back Garth.”

Alex Palmer of Ipswich Town reacts after a soccer match.
Reuters
Alex Palmer was in the team after impressing for Ipswich Town[/caption]
Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck celebrating a goal.
Brighton goalscorers Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh both made the team
Getty
Alan Shearer's Premier League Team of the Week MW25 lineup.

A fourth said: “Wow, this is very interesting, just two defenders.”

Another added: “I don’t understand this formation.”

The recent match week saw Manchester United lose to Spurs and both title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal win.

A supercomputer has provided its prediction for the final Premier League table following the results.

Who are these famous footballers?

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I bought a sofa off Temu and was amazed when I unpacked it – it was under £500 and I didn’t have to assemble it either

IT’S known for its bargain basement prices and is the perfect place to stock up on cheap home items or cute gifts.

But Temu might not be your first port of call if you’re looking for a new sofa.

Woman reviewing a Temu couch.
Summer decided to try her luck by ordering a sofa off Temu for £476
Tiktok/@summerklingbeil
Woman unboxing a new sofa.
Tiktok/@summerklingbeil
She was stunned when she took it out of the packaging and started puffing it up[/caption]
Beige corduroy sectional sofa with pillows.
Summer also showed what the sofa looked like when it was all set up and ready to use
Tiktok/@summerklingbeil

However, that’s exactly what Summer did – taking a big risk and ordering a cream cord couch on the cut-price website.

She then took to TikTok to show herself opening the packages, as well as what it looked like when she had it all set up.

She kicked off the video by posing in front of the two boxes which contained the sofa, as she said: “So I bought a couch off Temu…”

Summer then started to unpack the furniture, screaming excitedly as she saw it all rolled up inside.

Once it was out of the box, Summer was able to open the plastic packaging it came in – which let the air in and caused the sofa to expand to its actual size.

She couldn’t hide her amazement as she watched the three-seater sofa puff up, after which she and her boyfriend started whacking the cushions to try and fluff it up.

After opening the first box, Summer went on to the second – releasing the chaise longue part of the sofa.

She then shared an update 96 hours later, with the sofa in its proper place and accessorised with throws and cushions in a cute sage green colour.

Summer returned to the social media site a few days later to share an update on the sofa, as she revealed she’d paid $600 (£476) for it, and it arrived in just three days.

She also said it’s as supportive as she wants it to be, it bounces back after you sit on it and doesn’t smell “toxic”.

She added that it “fits like 6 people” and is “soooo comfy”.

“You are one brave woman to order it!” one person joked in the comments on the video, which has had more than 20 million views and a million likes.

“But wow, it turned out pretty great! I might need my own Temu boneless couch!”

“I bought the same one and I loveeee it,” another added.

“Wait a damn minute!!! Temu couch is (fire),” a third insisted.

To which Summer replied: “We’ve been sleeping on Temu!”

Why is Temu so cheap?

TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices.

The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace – essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. 

The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashionmake-up, electronics and furniture. 

According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. 

The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. 

Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. 

It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. 

By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn’t marked up extra.

While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands

“Looks good but it’s not going to last very long,” someone else wrote.

“The only thing I’d hate is it doesn’t have legs to lift it up off the floor,” another sighed.

“I always heard it can cause mould issues if it’s right on the floor like that.”

“How TF did they compress a couch!?” someone else hilariously wondered.

“I thought that was gonna be like a toy size couch!”

Read More »

Simba Kids Mattress review: “It’s like sleeping in mummy and daddy’s bed!”

Girl sleeping on a mattress with a stuffed elephant.
Aaron Dowler

SIMBA’S adult mattresses have consistently garnered great ratings from us at Sun Shopping.

However, can its kids’ mattress achieve the same praise?

Girl sleeping on a mattress with a stuffed elephant.
Aaron Dowler
We tested out the Simba Kids Mattress[/caption]

Hybrid Kids Mattress, £349 from Simba

With overwhelmingly positive reviews, including a 4.9/5 rating from over 1,800 buyers, it appears well-loved by parents and children alike.

I — or rather, my little sister — have put it to the test to find out.

Pros:

  • Well packaged
  • Slim while still feeling dense and supportive
  • Removable washable cover

Cons:

  • So slim that some sheets will be too large
  • Feels more like a super luxury mattress topper

Ratings:

  • Comfort: 7/10
  • Support: 10/10
  • Cooling technology: 8/10
  • Design: 8/10
  • Value: 8/10
  • Overall rating: 8/10

How we tested the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress

Person unboxing a Simba kids mattress.
Aaron Dowler
I’m a seasoned mattress reviewer, but had to enlist my 11-year old sister for this review[/caption]

Hybrid Kids Mattress, £349 from Simba

As a self-proclaimed prince of sleep, I am well-versed in mattress testing, but this occasion called for a more youthful tester — so I had my 11-year-old sister put the Simba Kids Mattress to the test.

The girl LOVES to sleep and we deemed her the perfect candidate for the job.

She’s small for her age and is also hypermobile, so sometimes her joints and ligaments can get a little stressed out, making rest extremely important for her.

After the first few days of testing, a newsworthy quote from her was “It’s like sleeping in mummy and daddy’s bed”.

Our parents sleep on a £3,000 Tempur mattress, so we were off to a flying start.

Simba Hybrid Kid’s Mattress review: Quickfire Q&A

Who is it designed for? “Sleepers aged three and up”, according to Simba. For children under three, the brand has a separate Hybrid Cot Bed Mattress.

How much is the Simba Kids Mattress? £349 — or, in other words, a lot for a child’s mattress. However, you could make the argument that it represents a long-term investment in a child’s sleep quality during crucial developmental years.

What we loved: Its slim profile is a standout feature, making it ideal for bunk beds or compact frames. The removable and washable cover is a practical touch, catering to the inevitability of spills and messes.

What we didn’t: The mattress is notably slim, which initially raised concerns about its comfort and durability, though it proved supportive once fully inflated. For lighter children, the firmness might feel slightly hard at first, though this could improve with regular use.

Our verdict: Overall, the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress is a strong contender for families prioritising quality sleep, though its slim design and price may not suit everyone.

Simba Kid’s Mattress review: The Nitty Gritty

First impressions

Simba kids mattress box.
Aaron Dowler
The mattress arrived neatly packed and on-time[/caption]

Hybrid Kids Mattress, £349 from Simba

Boring stuff first — the Simba Kids Hybrid Mattress arrived on time, within the one-hour delivery window.

Simba packed it well in a recyclable cardboard box. It’s also vacuum-sealed, making the box surprisingly easy to carry. I was able to drag it to the second floor of the house with little effort.

Once I took the mattress out of the plastic wrapper, it started rising, though it rose slower than other Simba mattresses we have tried.

Simba states that it takes 6 hours to fully reflate and will be in its final shape after 72 hours.

My first impressions were tainted with a slight worry — this mattress is very slim. It looks more like a luxury mattress topper.

I started to doubt how comfortable a mattress could be when it’s so thin.

Rolled-up mattress in plastic packaging.
Aaron Dowler
I was slightly concerned at how slim the mattress is, even when fully inflated[/caption]

It reached full depth just before bedtime, which is 7 to 8 hours after opening. Not much else happened once we got to the 72-hour mark other than the sides plumping out a bit.

Once fully inflated, it was still remarkably slim when compared to its Hybrid Mattress counterpart. This would be a great option if you have a bunk bed or kids bed frame that isn’t shallow.

Does it deliver?

Simba Kids mattress label.
Aaron Dowler
“It’s like sinking into a cloud”[/caption]

Hybrid Kids Mattress, £349 from Simba

“It’s like sinking into a cloud,” was the review after the first sleep.

My parents also had to drag her out of bed that morning, and if that’s not a vote of confidence then I don’t know what is.

“It’s like sinking into a cloud,” was the review after the first sleep. My parents also had to drag her out of bed that morning, and if that’s not a vote of confidence then I don’t know what is.

I also tested it out for myself with a 20-minute power nap, as Simba claims that because of its standard single size, it can be used by adults too.

It felt a bit firmer than my Simba Hybrid mattress, and not as luxurious as my Simba APEX mattress. Still, it was a dream to sleep on. 

My sister also said that it was quite firm. I don’t think this would be the case if she was a bit heavier, but as she is so slight, she doesn’t have a lot of ‘sinking power’.

With some regular use and growth, I think this issue will even out.

My sister takes after me and loves to snack, making the removable and washable cover is very helpful — it helps with Capri Sun spills and biscuit messes.

The cover fits in a standard-size drum, too, meaning no sad visits to the local deserted launderette.

Features and design

  • Single: W90 L190 D16 (cm)
  • Country of origin: United Kingdom
  • 500g knitted cover
  • CertiPUR® foam support base
  • Open structure CertiPUR® foam with heat diffusing graphite for 1000gM (Sheet)
  • Titanium alloy Aerocoil® pocket Springs – 970 springs, 1.8mm thick

What parents are saying about the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress

With an average rating of 4.9/5 and 1803 reviews, people have got a lot to say about the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress.

My parent’s primary concerns when choosing a mattress were muscle support and comfort.

Her (and my) mum said: “My daughter is hyper-mobile and has dance classes several times per week which is why we wanted to ensure that she really got the rest that she needed — we wanted a mattress that was supportive on her aching muscles”.

Another parent, writing on the Simba website, said: “As parents of a toddler, the inevitable sleepless nights have impacted everyone’s sleep. So we invested in Simba mattresses so that no matter which bed we sleep in, our comfort is never compromised“.

Another wrote: “My 9-year-old daughter got this mattress and absolutely loves it! When I asked her to describe how it felt she simply said “AMAZING.””

How much is the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress?

The Simba Hybrid Kids mattress is £349 which includes free next-day delivery.

Finance options with DivideBuy and Splitit are also available for 3, 6, and 9 months with 0% APR (subject to credit terms).

Where to buy the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress

You can currently buy the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress directly from the Simba website.

It isn’t available at any other retailers.

Simba Kids Mattress alternatives

Unsurprisingly there’s a wealth of options out there when it comes to kids’ mattresses.

One of Simba’s primary competitors, Nectar, came out with a kids’ mattress late last year, and while we’ve not yet tried it ourselves, initial reviews have been good. It’s also slightly cheaper than Simba’s, at £265.

A sub-£200 option is the Silentnight Healthy Growth range, which consistently gets good reviews from parents.

Jay-Be is also renowned for its kids’ mattresses and has a wide selection available at Bensons for Beds.

Simba Kids Mattress: The Verdict

The final say… should you splash your cash with Simba?

In our humble opinion, it’s a no-brainer. I am yet to have a bad experience with a Simba mattress and I’ve tried a few in my time, from the entry-level Hybrid right through to the top-of-the-range APEX

A slimmer bed frame or using it on bunk beds is great because of its slimline nature. 

One 11-year-old girl feels very happy and well-rested.

  • Hybrid Kids Mattress, £349 from Simbabuy here

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