Monday, November 24, 2008

Things We Cannot Do Without...

As we all know, times are tough these days. So, I've been trying to cut corners where I can. Some things work out, some - not so much. Frank and I have been discussing what household items can be "substituted" with an off-brand and which ones shall never be touched.

Here is what we've come up with:

Dishwashing detergent: There is NO substitute for Dawn. None.









American cheese slices: Hubby says Kraft Singles only.

Toilet paper: No sandpaper for this families booties.

Toothpaste: Crest only baby!!








Tennis shoes: There is something to be said about comfortable shoes. Nike, NB, whatever. If you've found some that are as great, but cheaper, let me know!!

Well, this is just a few of our things.

Your turn. What items have to be a certain brand for you and your family??

6 comments:

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

I agree with the Kraft singles...the generic ones are just not right at all.

I'm also a Charmin girl and I'm hooked on the real, soft Kleenex.

I don't really like generic detergent either. It just doesn't seem to get the clothes as clean. Also, I like Downy softener...it's all about the smell for me.

Oh, and Smoked Sausage. There is just something not right about the generic kind. Ugh. In fact, meat in general I don't really like to mess with. You just don't know!

Robin Lynn said...

Oh we were just there recently!! I thought it necessary to review what we buy and see if we too could cut back a bit.
After our "experience" here is what I will not waiver on:

Wipes....no the store brand is not the same. Yes the store brand will leave fuzzies on my baby and does not do the job near as well. That being said I will NEVER again buy store brand wipes, only Pampers wipes for us!!

Diapers.....no other brand is as good as Pampers. NONE!!! Never changing again!!

Toilet paper.....no other brand is like Charmin (the strong kind). Not trying any other again and I am considering carrying my own roll for when I am away from the house!! LOL

Slice cheese...oh yes been there. For Cade's baptism party we served hamburgers and my lil sis convinced me to get the store brand cheese. So I did. Well there was some left over after the party and I used it for a sandwich. All I can say is sorry guests of the party. It was gross and not at all right. Weird texture and ugh on taste!!

Detergent....I will not use anything else but Tide. Nothing works that good.

Frozen broccoli....never ever use the store brand. Bird's Eye is the way to go. Store brand has gross pieces in it and it is not good. Broccoli rice casserole only gets name brand at my house.

Tilex.....there is no substitute for cleaning a bathroom. I swear by this stuff and I love to mix in some Comet too. Sparkling clean. Weird reaction when you mix them though so be careful not to close the bathroom door when cleaning....could pass out!! hehe

Sheets....thread count does matter!! Brand I am flexible on but not thread count!! hehe

I better stop now for fear of sounding snobby!! LOL After reading I know why my checkbook is always empty!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Robin

Kahla said...

I agree, some things just can't be replaced with generic!

Elizabeth said...

Oh, I absolutely agree. No matter how hard some companies try to duplicate an original product, they do not even come close.

Paper towels: Though I've had no choice but to cut corners on this one, none can compare to Viva by Kleenex

Soda: No "Diet Thunder" or "Diet Cola" can come close to Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke. ;)

TP: Must be Cottenelle

I know there are lots of others I can think of but those are a few of the biggies for me.

Jocelyn said...

@Robin - You and I seem to think the same things at the same time...scary! :)

Robin Lynn said...

Of course!! That is why it is so easy to be friends!!!
Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving!! Dreading going back to work!! hehe It is 2 and I am still in my pjs today recooperating from all the hustle and bustle and I don't plan to get out of them either!! LOL
Love ya'll!!
Robin