Bottled Water: The Emperor’s New Beverage

The rise of the bottled water phenomenon in Ireland can be viewed as the ultimate triumph of marketing over common sense. Advertising and marketing professionals must not have been able to believe their luck when they realised that they would be able to charge people - and charge them a goodly sum, too - for something that comes out of their taps at home for free. The bottled water companies’ marketing coup is remarkable in its audacity. They somehow managed to convince otherwise rational individuals that (i) there is some sort of significant difference in quality between water bought in a bottle from that found in any tap; and (ii) that one brand of bottled can be superior to its competitors’ exactly identical product. Millions of euro have been spent in efforts to convince the consumer that one company’s H₂O is better than the other brands’ identical product. Who pays for these attempts at product differentiation of the world’s most generic product?

The person who purchases bottled water, obviously.

The price of bottled water varies widely, from a few cents to a couple of euro per litre, but it’s hard to justify paying good money for water at any price (particularly at a price more expensive per litre than that of petrol). And the anomalies of the bottled water industry don’t stop there: not only are people will people pay for water, they’ll actually go the lengths of having it imported from other countries! It seems crazy to import water from places like France to Ireland, the wettest country in Europe.

The cost to the environment

Apart from the economic cost of shipping water from country to country (fuel isn’t exactly cheap at the moment), there is also a significant cost to the environment. The best way to illustrate the carbon footprint associated with bottled water is the case of Fiji Water. As most people will be aware, Fiji is a small group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In order for Fiji Water to sell their product, they must import many hundreds of tonnes of plastic from China to the remote archipelago in order to make the bottles (lots of fossil fuels burned up right there), then ship the finished product thousands of miles of across the globe to its North American and European markets (oodles more carbon released into the atmosphere).

Alternatives

There is an alternative to buying water in plastic bottles. Reusing old drinks bottles is will save a lot of money, or you can invest in a stylish steel, aluminium or high-quality plastic water bottle. While these bottles aren’t cheap, you’ll only ever have to buy one, as they last for a lifetime.

And the next time that you’re out for a meal and the waiter asks whether you’d like still or sparkling, just tell him that tap is fine.

Introductory offers

These mortage rates are provided by MoneyMate.
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Fixed rates: three-year term

Fixed rates: five-year term

These mortage rates are provided by MoneyMate.
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Regular Savings accounts

These mortage rates are provided by MoneyMate.
MoneyMate is a specialist provider of investment data management solutions to the global Asset Management industry.

Not too many years ago, back when the Celtic Tiger was still purring away and things were good, very few of us paid much attention to what we spent on lunch each day. Back then, there wasn’t a cloud on the economic horizon, so why worry that you’re paying the better part of a tenner for a sandwich?

Circumstances have changed in a big way over the last couple of years, and so have consumer attitudes. People no longer have the money to be as flaithiúlach on their lunch breaks, and some shops around Dublin are cashing in on these trends.

The budget option

Griffin’s Londis was one of the first businesses to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for budget lunch options. This chain of convenience stores created somewhat of a stir last year when they dramatically reduced the price of some of their sandwiches, cutting the cost of a chicken fillet roll to less then €2. Considering that most convenience stores were selling the same item for between four and five euro, Griffin’s Londis was onto a winner.

Séamus Griffin operates nineteen Londis outlets in the greater Dublin area, so when he started to slash prices, his competitors had no option but to react. The effects of the ensuing price war are still in evidence in the shops around Dublin city centre today.

Take, for example, Westmoreland Street. Westmoreland Street is home to one of Griffin’s largest stores. While prices have risen a small amount since the height of the sandwich wars, but there are still some very good deals on offer. Londis continue to run their ‘Weekly Madness’ offer, heavily discounting one particular sandwich each week - this week it’s a ham baguette with two fillings for €1.97. A customer can add wedges to their order for an extra 70c, three sausage rolls for an extra 80c, or five chicken wings for an extra 90c - not too bad at all.

Situated almost directly across the road from Londis on Westmoreland Street, Spar has been obliged to reduce their prices accordingly. So now, in this particular outlet of Spar, a chicken fillet roll with two fillings will cost the customer only €1.99. The ‘Sandwich of the Day’ costs only €2.89, soup and a sandwich is only €4.00, and two 500ml bottles of a number of different soft drinks are only €2.

These lower prices have been great for competition and for the consumer, but the effect seems to have been limited to relatively small area of the city. How do these prices compare to your local convenience store? Let us know if you’ve found any good lunchtime deals in your area.

Tradtional B&B welcome

There is something very heart-warming about Irish B&Bs. Usually family-run, they have long been a hospitable and sometimes rather eccentric offering of endless cups of tea, dubious wallpaper and that perennial favourite, the full Irish breakfast. Where else can you sit in someone’s living room and get the best local tourist information while surrounded by First Holy Communion photographs?

When it comes to holidaying in Ireland, there has been a major shift in value for money perceptions, from 49% in the early ’08 season to 61% at the end of the ’09 season, but with B&B occupancy rates still falling (demand fell by 25% in the ’08 -’09 period), offering quality accommodation at a good rate is more important than ever.

There is huge variety across Ireland’s 2,500 B&Bs, from modest suburban homes to grand country houses. Rates differ widely, but start from about €35 per person sharing/€45 single occupancy. Be warned, there are a few B&Bs that are little more than a spare room and a badly-painted sign. In fact, B&Bs are the only type of accommodation that don’t legally have to be registered. Always look for Fáilte Ireland approved accommodation. Fáilte Ireland has just launched a new star grading system for B&Bs, with two to five stars being awarded based on a number of “quality areas”. You must have a minimum of two stars to be approved and regular assessment ensures that standards don’t slip. This very welcome development is a great barometer of value for money, giving you a much better idea of what you should expect for your euro. The system has just begun so you should start seeing stars later this year.

61% planning to holiday at home

Recent surveys carried out by Failte Ireland show that 61% of Irish people are planning a holiday in Ireland this year and 74% of these will be short breaks. While hotels are still the most popular choice, B&Bs are fighting their corner and really do offer a far more unique and personal service. While bed and breakfast is still standard fare, many B&Bs also offer the option of excellent home cooked dinners. Again the price will vary depending on the establishment, but expect to pay upwards of €25. Some are even happy for you to bring your own wine, so check before you book.

Supporting local tourism is a win-win situation. Save on hassle, money and the environment by avoiding air and sea travel, keep the economy afloat and gain a new-found appreciation of your own country. Just remember to shop around and look out for the Fáilte Ireland seal of approval.

For more information on B&B accommodation in Ireland visit:

www.discoverireland.com
www.bandbireland.com
www.irishfarmholidays.com

Use the taxback.com online calculator to find out how much you might be owed. Taxback.com will help get you the maximum refund due to you, without any long, complicated forms. They’ll claim all your expenses and refunds such as PRSI, income levy refunds, medical expenses, rent relief and more. They work on a no refund, no fee basis – so there’s no up-front cost to find out how much tax you’re owed.

Register now for your free four year Irish tax refund estimate, and be in with the chance to get your tax back for free!

]]> http://www.saveafewbob.ie/taxback-special/feed/ http://www.saveafewbob.ie/cosmetics-special-offers/ http://www.saveafewbob.ie/cosmetics-special-offers/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:42:18 +0000 admin http://www.saveafewbob.ie/?p=6168 Spring has finally arrived and with it the new looks and trends for Spring/Summer 2010! The two hottest trends are pastels and nude. The catwalks were flush with delicate lilacs for the eyes, pale to hot pinks on the lips and totally wearable corals on the cheeks. Pointer- not all at the same time!]]> Spring has finally arrived and with it the new looks and trends for Spring/Summer 2010!

The two hottest trends are pastels and nude. The catwalks were flush with delicate lilacs for the eyes, pale to hot pinks on the lips and totally wearable corals on the cheeks. Pointer- not all at the same time!

The pastel trend is great for day to night wear. Lilac on the eyes can be deepened to a more striking aubergine or purple for night by applying either pencil liner or darker shadow.

Coral on the cheeks is great for the Irish complexion. With groomed brows, nude shadow and great lashes can give a healthy glow without much effort on the rest of the make-up.

Teamed with a nude shade on the lips, pale rose wood works well. The pink lip is also in. If you decide to go for a striking shade, seal the deal by lining with a matching pencil to avoid bleeding and to increase durability.

The nude look is making the skin appear bare but beautiful. A little effort is required to achieve this but with a good long-wear foundation and a deft way with a foundation brush the results are well worth it. Prime the skin if necessary to create a good canvas but lightly does it with the make-up.

Groom the brows well and where you would normally use charcoal or black to line and define the eyes, switch to a tan or light brown to achieve the same shape on the eyes but with a much lighter looking make-up finish. Add a little gold to the inner corners for luminosity; choose either a long-wear gel or satin finish shadow.

As summer approaches and the weather will hopefully improve hang on tightly to your gold shadow and highlighters as that is going to be Trend No.1 across the board.

Cosmetics Special Offers for March

Clinique’s Bonus Time gift in March is available at Boots from 18th-30th March and is called ‘Pretty Pinks for a Fresh New You’. It contains 2 piece brush set, Rinse of Foaming Cleanser 50ml, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 30ml, Flower lid palette - Pink Slate Eye Shadow and Iced Lotus Blush, High Impact Mascara, Long Last Glosswear in Airkiss and is free with any two purchased, one to be skin care.

At Sam McCauley chemists this month one of my faves, Rimmel’s Sexy Curves mascara is half price, from €10.75 to €5.38, and there is a 3-for-2 promotion on L’Oreal Paris cosmetics! And exclusively to McCauley’s, stop my beating heart, there is an Olay promotion where one lucky customer can win a Fendi bag worth €500+. Application forms in store, no purchase necessary.

To celebrate yummy mummies everywhere, Nourish are giving 10% off all skin and body care products for the Mother’s Day weekend, from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th March. You can save on your mum’s favourite natural skin and body care treats from Dr. Hauschka, Weleda, Trilogy, Lavera and Burt’s Bees.

The winner of our Milano Perfect Night In competition is Majella Byrnes, Knocklyon, Dublin 16. Congratulations Majella, a €50 Tesco voucher is on the way to you!

Marks and Spencer Love In vouchers (11-02-2010)

The winners of our Valentines Day special offer, two M&S Love In vouchers are:

John Collins,Turners Cross, Cork.

Trudi Shannon, Tinryland, Carlow.

3 pairs of tickets to Des Bishop Unplugged   (03-02-2010)

The winners of the three pairs of tickets to go see Des Bishop perform in the Button Factory are:

Louise Bready, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Denise Feerick, Baggot Street, Dublin 2.

Sandra Stephen, Killester, Dublin 5.

Have a great night out girls!

€50 top-up voucher (01-02-2010)

Eilis Carroll, Ferrycarrig, Wexford is the winner of our ‘Cheer Up Ireland’ photography competition. Congratulations Eilis!

Arnotts €100 voucher (28-01-2010)

Pádraig Ó Mórdha, Finglas, Dublin, has landed himself a €100 shopping voucher for Arnotts. Happy shopping Pádraig!

To be in with the chance to win some fantastic future prizes, subscribe to our BOB weekly newsletter!

Unfortunately, more often than not ethical products are charged at premium prices. For many organisations; being environmentally friendly means incurring higher manufacturing costs. That expense is passed on to you. So, all things considered…

Dealing with debt

For those who are struggling to cope with their debt, help is at hand through the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (or MABS for short). This is the only Government approved debt advice agency and they provide their service for free. They have an excellent website, www.mabs.ie, which outlines the steps one needs to take to regain control of their finances.

The path to money management

For those who require personal help, MABS can arrange a confidential one to one meeting with a financial adviser who will work with them to clear existing debts while advising them on how best to budget for the future. Their approach to dealing with debt is set out in a few simple steps:

• Assess current financial position

• Assist in drawing up a Personal Budget

• Negotiate debt repayments with creditors

• Educate on Managing Money

Free budget planner

MABS also provides visitors to their site with a very valuable tool, a free budget planner. This is an excellent resource which can be used by anyone who wants to get a clearer picture of their personal finances. By keeping track of your personal income and outgoings over a 3 month period, one can gain a greater understanding of their current financial position or receive  a timely warning to take corrective action if required. The budget planner is available to download here.

For those who find themselves struggling with personal debt, visit  MABS or call 1890 283438.

Amidst the backdrop of the recession, looking for a job is a tiresome task. But don’t be defeated by a closing door as another one will always open. You can increase your employment prospects by updating your CV. Outlined below are ways that you can build your CV and by doing so survive redundancy…

Full-time education

It is important that even while out of work you continue to upgrade your skill set. Full-time courses are a great way to improve your educational qualifications. If you are considering taking on a third-level course, you should find out if you are eligible to receive any government grants. Grants cover lecture fees, maintenance, rent allowance and more. For more information on what grants are available to you, contact your local council.

Before committing yourself to a full-time course, consider the following:

• Will I be able to commit myself for the duration of the course?

• How will I financially support myself?

• Does the course meet my needs?

Part-time courses

If you can’t afford to embark upon a full-time course, part-time courses are also a great way to spend your free time wisely. They can provide a creative outlet, as well as an alternative social setting. For some, evening classes offer a path to a possible new career. They give you insight into a desired profession without the long hours or responsibility.

Part-time courses can also help you save money in the long term, for example DIY. DIY courses are extremely rewarding since the ability to make home improvements is a lifelong skill and a real money saver. Employing a professional (to solve a problem that you know the solution to) can be trying on your patience and your pocket. It is difficult to ensure that the job will be done adequately, let alone within budget. Most DIY courses are not designed to turn you into a professional but instead to show you the basics, for example how to hang wallpaper, lay tiles and floors, use power tools etc.

Visit Nightcourses to find more information on classes and courses taking place across Ireland.

Volunteering

Have you considered volunteering? Volunteering is a great way to get a gain perspective on life. On your doorstep is good place to start. Contact your local community or youth centre. Make sure elderly neighbours never lack for food, heat or company. Organise a neighbourhood clean-up or a fundraiser for a local cause. Do meals on wheels, donate blood and get back into the community spirit. As a nation, we have long had a culture of volunteering. But don’t always leave it to others - get out there and give something back - you’ll be very glad you did.

Whatever you decide to do, remember it’s your job that’s been made redundant, not you! Don’t let redundancy stop you in your tracks. See it as an opportunity to evaluate your ambitions. Are you happy in your career? Where do you see yourself going? How will you get there? Sometimes we need to take a step back before we can move forward.

Topflight highly recommend that you enjoy your end of season ski holiday in France from as little as €449 per person sharing including 7 nights self-catering accommodation, flights, in-flight ski & boot carriage, transfers, rep service & tax.

3* Club Belambra Les Bergers Apartments

Alpe d’Huez – departing March 13th from Dublin from €399pps, self catering, based on 4 sharing. These ski in/ski out apartments are only 100m from the ski school and only 600m from the center of the après ski action.

3* Le Cheval Blanc Apartments

Val Thorens departing March 6th from Dublin from €419pps, self catering. At the foot of the main slopes, only 150m from the nearest lift.

For more information on these Topflight End of Ski Season offers contact Topflight on 01 2401700 or click here

The scheme works on the premise that the buyer can purchase a new car with a government discount while the seller receives a more competitive VAT profit margin. To date, the initiative has yet to significantly impact on the motor industry. The latest sales figures released indicate that people are still apprehensive about spending.

According to the Central Statistics Office, the total number of all vehicles licensed in January 2010 was 15,595 compared with 19,341 in the corresponding month last year - a decrease of 19.4%. Poor weather conditions in the New Year are likely to have hampered sales.

If you’re considering availing of the scrappage scheme but are unsure of how it works, the following information may be useful…

What is the Car Scrappage Scheme?

Owners of cars of 10 years or older can receive a €1,500 reduction in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on the purchase of a new low-emissions car when an applicable car is traded in against it.

How long does the scheme last?

The scheme came into effect on the 1st of January 2010. It will run until December 31st 2010.

What conditions apply?

As with most government schemes, certain conditions apply:

• The VRT relief will only apply to the purchase of a new car with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less

• Used cars must have been registered to the owner for at least 18 months

• The car must be 10 years or more from the date of first registration and must be scrapped 60 days before or after the new car is registered

• The car must have a valid NCT or one that expired less than 90 days before being scrapped. However, the scheme will still apply to cars that failed the NCT test within the previous six months.

• The car must have been insured for at least 12 months in the 18 months prior to being scrapped.

The scheme certainly provides a great money saving opportunity for consumers. For prospective buyers wishing to purchase a small car, the €1,500 rebate will represent a substantial saving. Be warned that a high inventory of used cars still line forecourts across the country, as a result be prepared to haggle with your dealer. As always, shopping around is essential to identify and guarantee great value.

Some people argue that car buying reflects consumer confidence since people must feel financially secure before they make any significant purchase. Given last months poor car sales, one could argue that consumer sentiment remains stagnant. We need to regain our confidence and our purchasing power. As previously mentioned, the scheme expires on the 31st of December 2010. If you’re in the financial position to do so, avail of the current window of opportunity and get the best motor for the best price.

A previous post on office lunches showed that it is cost effective to bring homemade lunches to work. However, lifestyle factors, not to mention willpower, can make it difficult to fit sandwich making into your daily routine. If you’re unable or unwilling to give up those extra few minutes sleep to prepare your lunch, you can still save money by availing of the best lunchtime deals. When I’m having an off day, I use MyLunch.ie to check out the latest lunchtime offers. Finally, an easy way to balance nutrition and good value!

1.Clothes

Baby clothes are cuter than ever but refrain from blowing your whole budget on baby grows and socks! Newborns outgrow their clothes very quickly. If possible, avail of second hand items from family and friends. If your bundle of joy is the first child on the scene, shop online. There are some great websites that specialise in providing beautiful pieces of baby clothing for low prices.

Remember, if you buy a size bigger (say 3-6 months) bear in mind what season it will be when the baby can actually wear the item. There’s no point in kitting your little girl out in a summer dress during the winter months. Savvy parents should also consider selling pieces of outgrown clothing online. The money you make may cover replacement items!

Price range: 99c upwards
Best value providers: Rollercoaster, eBay

2.Pushchair

Babies seem to have it easy. They are fed, clothed and transported, passing on the fee to you. What a fee it can be. Pushchairs range widely in price, style and function. You should select a pushchair based on your lifestyle, as well as your baby’s needs. Are you looking for a lightweight stroller or first class features? Are you and your baby going to travel often? Do you use public transport or a car?

Like any mode of transport, it’s important to test drive your pushchair before making a purchasing decision. If you are unable to try out a buggy in-store, get other parents’ advice. Find out which strollers are dependable and easiest to use. Online forums are a great way to engage with other parents and to learn from their experiences, good and bad!

Price range: €25-€400
Best online parent forum: Eumom
Best value pushchair providers: Baby Depot, Mothercare

3.Cot

A cot is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make for your baby. Again, buying a new cot can prove to be a costly task. We suggest looking for second hand editions. Consider size when you begin your search; this will narrow your focus. A larger cot may be more practical as it will accommodate your baby into the toddling years. Lengthening the life of your cot means you won’t have to fork out more money on a second cot to suit the needs of your growing bundle of joy. If you are thinking about buying a second hand cot, ensure that it meets current safety standards.

Price range: €30-€500
Best value providers: eBay, Done Deal

4.Moses Basket

For the first few weeks, you can ensure your tot sleeps well in a Moses Basket. Some people do not feel a Moses Basket represents good value for money since you use it for a short period of time. For others, a Moses Basket is invaluable. Some babies seem to like the security of the basket, while other babies seem to find it restrictive. Every baby is different. Buying a basic Moses Basket may be the most affordable option.

Price range: €40- €100
Best value providers: Argos, Baby Depot

5.Car seat

Investing in a quality car seat is vital to protecting your baby. Car seats can be expensive but if you purchase a well made model, it is a one off, invaluable investment. Consider which cars you might use the car seat in? Is your chosen car seat compatible with these cars?

Before you buy a car seat, make sure that it fits in your car. Also, ask for advice on how to install it properly. Don’t buy a second-hand car seat as you can’t be sure that it hasn’t been damaged or weakened in some way.

Price range: €50-€300
Best value providers: Mothercare, Tony Kealy’s

6.High chair

Once your child is able to support themselves, you’ll be able to sit them in high chair. Like most baby items, there are many variations of the item; combination, multi-functional, folding, convertible and more. A convertible high chair is a good long term investment, as the name suggests this model can be adjusted and transformed into a normal chair. Again, safety is the single most important factor when deciding on a high chair. Ease of use and cleaning are also important decision making factors.

Price range: €40-€300
Best value providers: Bella Baby, Amazon

7.Changing station

Changing your baby’s nappy is an unavoidable, frequent chore. A changing station is extremely convenient, not to mention a fantastic back saver. There are many styles of changing units available and an even greater array of accessories. It’s most important to select a changing station that is both sturdy and safe. Your decision may also be influenced by space. If you are looking for a unit to fit a small space, a combination table may be most suitable. If you are not restricted by space but rather want to find a unit to suit your décor, antique stores are a great place to find beautiful changing tables that will add rather than detract from your home.

Price range: €20 - €200
Best value providers: Baby Depot, eBay

8.Baby bottles

Buying a quality bottle is important for your baby. A good baby bottle can prevent common problems associated with bottles such as an upset stomach. There is some debate surrounding the safety of plastic bottles. Recent research showed that some plastic bottles contain a potentially harmful chemical. Glass bottles are a great money saver since they are easily washed and sterilised. However, glass bottles pose an obvious threat if they fall and break. Like most baby basics, choice is determined by parental preference. In our opinion, Avent make great plastic bottles, particularly for breastfeeding mothers who need to use bottles. Glass bottles are more difficult to locate. You can order them online from Baby Born Free or Baby Beginnings.

Price range: €3-€30 (depending on make and number of bottles)
Best value providers: Mothercare

9.Play mat

Babies need to be entertained, as well as cared for. Play mats provide great distraction even before he or she is able to sit up or stand. Play mats feature plenty activities to keep your newborn content, including bright colours, mirrors and toys. It’s worth investing in a quality play mat as it will keep your child entertained from birth through to toddler years.

Price range: €15-€70
Best value providers: Amazon, Argos

10.Bouncy chair

Bouncers also serve as a great way to entertain your baby boy or girl. A bouncer may also help some babies fall asleep. A bouncy seat acts as a lifesaver for parents whose baby needs a rocking motion to fall asleep.

Price range: €30-€150
Best value providers: Baby Biz

If you can’t afford a weekend away and dining out is restricted to a main course and tap water, you’ll be glad to know that there is a less expensive but equally appetising offer available!

Mark’s and Spencer are helping customers celebrate Valentines Day in affordable fashion with their ‘Love In’ special offer. From the 11th-14th of February, you can choose a starter, main course, side dish and dessert for two, plus a bottle of wine and a special gift, all for €25. If you chose the most expensive menu options, you could save over €20 compared to buying these products separately.

The menu includes…

Starters

GastroPub Camembert with Chutney
Tomato & Mozzarella Tarts
The Cook Menu Scallops
Coquilles St Jacques

Mains

The Cook Menu Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
Duck A L’Orange
The Cook Menu Lamb Rack with Basil & Pine nuts
The Cook Menu Goats Cheese & Pesto En Croute

Sides Dishes

GastroPub Chunky Chips
Mediterranean Style Vegetables
Ultimate Mash
House Salad Bowl

Desserts

2 Mocha Fondants
2 Raspberry Pannacotta
2 Melting Middle Chocolate Puddings
Special Strawberry Selection

Wine & Soft Drinks

Rose Cava
Sparkling Burgundy
Petit Chablis
Sancerre
Barbaresco
Chianti Florentini
Pressé Twin Pack
Irish coffee Twin Pack

Something Special

Single Rose
Chocolate Selection

Types of laser treatment

LASIK

LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery. It is estimated that 31 million people have undergone this surgery worldwide. During LASIK surgery, a surgeon uses a mechanical blade to cut the cornea, creating a flap of tissue. The surface underneath is sculpted with a laser and the flap replaced. The procedure is performed with anaesthetic eye drops to prevent pain. The surgery takes fifteen minutes, causes minimal discomfort and the patient recovers quickly. Most patients are able to return to work after 48 hours.

LASEK

LASEK surgery is mostly used for people with thin corneas. During LASEK treatment, an ultra thin layer of the cornea is gently peeled back by the surgeon using a fine blade and alcohol solution. A laser is applied to the surface area of the cornea. After surgery, the  surface layer is replaced and held in place by a special soft contact lens while the eye heals. The procedure is again performed with anaesthetic eye drops to prevent pain. However, the patient will take longer to recover after LASEK surgery than LASIK surgery.

Wavefront

Wavefront is designed to treat the specific shape of a person’s eye. It is a tailored made treatment which corrects the most minor of flaws. The cost is reflective of the more specialised procedure. Wavefront is more expensive than standard LASIK and LASEK treatments.

Success rate

The success rate of laser eye surgery differs. Some patients may have vision as good as they did when wearing glasses. Others will still need to wear glasses for certain purposes, for example reading or driving. Generally, the higher your prescription is, the less likely you are to achieve perfect vision.

Risks

As with any major surgery, there are risks involved. With laser eye surgery, the biggest risks are infection, reduced quality or loss of vision, under or over-correction, dry eye and night glare. The numbers of unsuccessful cases are very low. Nevertheless, it is important that you consider all possible outcomes. Only approach a reputable clinic.

Ask questions

You must trust your surgeon. Before proceeding with any treatment, ask your surgeon the following questions…

Are you registered with the Irish Medical Council?

How many procedures have you carried out?

What is your success rate?

What are the potential risks or complications?

What is the estimated recovery period?

What aftercare service do you provide?

What does the qouoted cost include?

Uncover any hidden costs. Don’t hold your tongue, only to regret it later.

Cost

Laser eye surgery is a private healthcare expense, therefore you will need to personally finance any treatment received. However, there are ways to significantly reduce the cost. Immediate discounts include the 20% tax deductible by the Revenue Commissioners and a further 15% by health insurance operators such as VHI, Quinn and Hibernian.

As always, make to shop around. Even with a service as specific as laser eye surgery, prices can vary. In order to secure the best deal, sign up to newsletters produced by various laser eye surgery providers. Newsletters act as value alerts, drawing your attention to the best deal possible.

Optical Express

• Clinics in Cork, Dublin and Kildare

• Free consultation

• Lifetime aftercare

• €595 per eye for LASEK

• €595 per eye for LASEK

• €1,200 per eye for Wavefront

(Prices vary according to prescription)

Optilase

• One clinic in Ely Place, Dublin 2

• Free consultation

• €995 per eye for LASEK

• €995 per eye for LASIK

• €1,795 per eye for LASEK Wavefront

• €1,795 per eye for LASIK Wavefront

Ultralase

• Clinics in Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick

• Free consultation

• Life long aftercare

• Various payment plans, including 12 interest free credit

• €1,295 per eye for LASEK

• €1,745 per eye for LASIK

• €1,775 per eye for LASEK Wavefront

• €2,175 per eye for LASIK Wavefront

Wellington Eye Clinic

• One clinic in Sandyford, Dublin 18

• 12 month post-operative visits and check-ups

• Lifetime guarantee

• €2,050 per eye for LASEK Wavefront

• €2,050 per eye for LASIK Wavefront

• €2,200 per eye for customised surgery

Blackrock Clinic

• One clinic in Blackrock, Dublin 4

• 24 hour, seven day a week back up

• Blade free surgery

• €2,200 per eye for customised, Wavefront Intralase

It may be cheaper to go abroad but availing of after care will obviously be more difficult. You must consider all possible expenses, pre and post surgery. If you are looking for real value for money, do not solely select your clinic based on price. When it comes to your health, professionalism and care are also huge factors.

Laser eye surgery is very a personal choice. One might argue that your eyesight is a precious gift that you shouldn’t risk altering. However, that same person probably doesn’t spend every morning scrambling for glasses or searching the bathroom tiles for a slippery contact lens. If you do decide to undertake laser eye surgery, ensure you are fully aware of your options and the associated risks. Before you regain 20/20 vision, you need to balance your perspective.

*Prices quoted were correct as of 02-02-2010

Buying medicine from your local pharmacy will be significantly cheaper from today. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has announced that 300 well known brands are included in the price cuts. If you do not qualify for the medical card, the drop in price is especially good news. Price reductions mean that those who have to pay for their medicines could save €3 - €4 on every €10 they spend. That’s a potential saving of up to €500 per year. Check this list to see if you can buy your medicine at a better price.

With one of the toughest years in living memory behind us, Vodafone are attempting to boost the Irish spirit. ‘Cheer Up Ireland’ is a photography competition on Flickr, that encourages entrants to submit photos that make them happy. The competition is well worth entering as the winner will receive a €3,000 shopping voucher.

Any SaveAFewBob users that submit an entry should also forward your chosen photograph to info@saveafewbob.ie. I will select the image that I think best encapsulates a brighter 2010. The winner will receive a €50 Vodafone credit voucher. Don’t be camera shy as entries must be submitted before the 31st of January!

Courtesy of ESB Customer Supply, we have 3 pairs of tickets to go see Des Bishop perform an exclusive gig in the Button Factory on 3rd February. You cannot buy tickets for this gig, you can only win them.

If you’d like to get your hands on a pair of tickets, answer the following question:

Des Bishop teamed up with an ESB Customer Supply energy guru to make his home more energy efficient. What is the name of the guru?

Click here for a clue.

Email your answer to info@saveafewbob.ie with ‘Des Bishop Unplugged’ as the subject line. Closing date for entries is Friday 29th January. Good luck!

Free events

Free events include photography exhibitions, film screenings and pipe band performances. Kilfenora Céilí band are sure to provide a festival highlight when they headline a free outdoor céilí at Meeting House Square on Sunday 31st January.

Free family entertainment

The programme also includes free family orientated events. Entertainment will be provided by various street performers on Saturday and Sunday evening, from 12pm - 4pm. On Sunday, a parade will wind through the streets from 12.30 pm - 1.30pm. The colourful spectacle, featuring costumes by Buí Blog, will travel via Dame Street, College Green, Fleet Street and Temple Bar finishing at the Civic Offices on Wood Quay.

Admission fees

If you can afford to put your hand in your pocket, other worthwhile events include the Cultural workshops (experience sean nós singing and dancing for €12) and Trad movie screenings in the IFI (tickets €7.75).

At present, Flogas offers the best deal available. Customers that switch their natural gas to Flogas Natural Gas, and pay by direct debit, will receive a 9% discount. If you think switching providers may be more hassle than it’s worth, you’d be wrong. There are no changeover costs, no disruption to current natural gas supply and customers continue to use their existing natural gas meter. Start saving money today by switching suppliers. Use your common sense to save cents!

In general, contact lenses fall into two main categories; soft lenses and gas permeable lenses.

Soft contact lenses

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, soft lenses are a great option as they are extremely comfortable, conforming easily to the shape of the eye. You can buy soft contact lenses in three forms: single use; daily wear and extended wear.

Single use

As the name suggests, single use contacts are packaged individually, designed to be worn only once. You put in a new pair every day, then remove and discard them before you go to sleep at night. With single use lenses you do not incur the cost of solution. Despite this saving, single use contacts are the most expensive of the soft contacts options.

Daily wear

Daily wear contacts are designed to be worn daily. They may be reused from one week to four weeks. The user will insert these lenses every morning and remove them every night. Due to the build up of bacteria on the surface of the lenses, you will also require solution to clean lenses before and after every use.

Extended wear

Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously for up to seven days. These contacts are less hassle since you can wear them while sleeping. However, it is important to note that extended wear contacts have been linked to eye infections.

Gas permeable contact lenses

Gas permeable lenses provide optimum vision correction for many conditions. They are more durable than soft lenses but require a longer adjustment period. If your prescription doesn’t change and you take care of your lenses, you can go two or three years without replacing them. As a result, gas permeable lenses tend to be less expensive since they last longer than soft contact lenses.

Vision on a budget

Finding contact lenses that suit your vision and lifestyle is one problem. Finding contacts lenses that suit your budget can be even more problematic. Prices have dropped significantly since contact lenses were first introduced to the market. Yet, people are still paying a substantial amount. While you cannot substitute advice from an eye care professional, you can certainly substitute high prices with lower prices for the exact same product.

It’s worth noting that the majority of contact lenses are sourced from the same company. Often it is only the packaging and price that vary. For example, Boots’ Daily Disposables are in fact Ciba Vision Focus Dailies Basic. As a result you may be buying the same product but paying a higher price than you need to.

Buying online

More recently, people have wandered from traditional opticians in search of better value. Without doubt, best value can be found on the Internet. I did some research and looked for the exact same contact lenses in high street chain Specsavers and online provider YourLenses.ie. The price difference is huge…

	Specsavers	YourLenses.ie	Saving
Daily disposables1-Day Acuvue(3 month pack)	€149	€51.90	€97.10
Monthly disposablesPureVision(6 month pack)	€155	€34.50	€120.50

Making your decision

Evidently, there are huge savings to be made by purchasing contact lenses online. However, a savvy consumer must look at the whole picture before making up their mind. Firstly, while online providers offer lower prices, a delivery charge will be added on. Secondly, if you purchase online you will not receive any aftercare. If you buy contact lenses from high street opticians, you will automatically receive aftercare. My advice is to consider cost and care before making your decision.

The scheme provides free pre-school provision for children between the ages of 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months. Children enrolled in playschools will receive free pre-school provision of 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, over the same period as the primary school year. The government will cover the service provider’s capitation fee.

For further information, contact your local City/County Childcare Committee or pre-school provider.