Our attempt at being MF!!

pavlovs_dog

Could you buy uniform now just in case, but keep the receipt and return anything you don't need if you are lucky in the sales?

sarahevie1

Re unuform
I went with a list of what they needed. Did the same last year as well. I find the biggest expense is shoes but dd2 had hers replaced at Easter, so will last a bit longer. Dd1 needed new Clark's £34, but her last pair did the whole year so can't complain.

Last academic year I spent £250 on uniform for dd1 and 2. £195 at the start of term, then replacement shoes dd2, summer dresses Dd1 and new policy shirts dd1. I'd like to spend less this year.

ourcornercottage

In terms of school uniform I'd 100% recomnend m and s polo shirts the stain resistant ones as firstly they are actually stain resistant and secondly don't shrink with multiple washing. Buy a little bit on the big size as they last forever. MiniOCCs ones from reception class did 2 years (side 6) and will buy one back again this year in next size up as his y1 ones (size 7) are still going strong and should see out another year.

I find next trousers good as the slim fit ones fit the miniOCC well but I'm ssure there are others that are just as good, non slim fit ones on miniOCC look like clowns trousers so we always go for next.

Otherwise sainsburyis best supermarket kids clothes and their pe kit is fab although miniOCC school has to have a school branded for most of the stuff which I find annoying as it's expensive and he looses it and other kids pick it up.having names in doesn't seem to return it to its rightful owner for some reason

Don't panic on money it's amazing how little you can live on when you need to. I did a month on about £20 when our plumbing went up the spout!

smallholdingsister

I definitely only buy what is needed uniform-wise.

I do chuck white polo shirts when they are grey though.

diamondsonly

Great tips on school uniforms. We have to buy DD uniform from the school but still good to know about shirts etc. DD will be going into independent pre-school in sept but I have been told the PTA hold second uniform sales and I think I may check it out for blazers and pricey items. Never really been intro second hand clothes other than family hand me downs but she's so young she won't know the difference right?


Hi Cath I do have a diary, although more a random ramble at times :rotfl:

CathT

Thanks for all the uniform tips.

We ventured to Mr S but first they argued over who was pushing the trolley and then there was hardly anything I needed. The trousers were like a cargo style and I want DS to look smart! Just picked up some polo shirts including some stain resistant ones for DS. I bought the rest online from N3XT and chose to have them delivered to store to save on delivery.

Total spend so far on uniform is £90 for the two children. Still need shoes, pe pumps, book bag, tie, 2xjumpers (school branded ones) and possibly new lunch boxes and clear water bottles.

The missing jumper hasn't reappeared, i tried the one I have on ds and it is too big anyway which softens the blow slightly! Goodness knows where it has disappeared to!

Sold an old basket yesterday for £3 and spent £4 at the PYO fruit farm. Was a bit trickier now coming to the end of the season but ds loved it.

Hanging in there financially, paid the rest of birthday break I booked last week. Current account is empty with a bit of money 'borrowed' from another account. £20+ in purse. 8 days until payday. DH wages have been calculated without any overtime or his previous payrise taken into account. Should be able to pay a good chunk off the cc as he has done a lot of OT lately. Has done 9 hours already this week. He came home from work after a 2am start, I went for a run when he got back and on my return he had cut the lawns! :j:j

smallholdingsister

You really work well as a team.
Makes life so much easier.

CathT

smallholdingsister wrote: »

You really work well as a team.
Makes life so much easier.

Thank you

We have both experienced our parents divorce so having a happy marriage is top priority for us too. We are a good team. DH really is a gem though.

HelenDaveKids

Sounds like running going well xx

CathT

CathT wrote: »

Food. - £140.48
Petrol - £60.42

Spends updated. Have also spent a small fortune on uniform today but will check all receipts tomorrow. It was £30ish in uniform shop (still more items needed :eek:), £84 in the expensive Shoe shop that starts with a C. We are not too far from an outlet village but couldn't cope with how busy it would be. Why are school shoes soooo expensive though. I don't spend £40 on shoes for me! Then collected uniform at n3xt which was about £90. Do have a pack of polo tops to return to mr s tomorrow so perhaps some damage limitation there.

Had a lovely afternoon with the children at a birthday party at a fab traditional sweet shop. Hoping for a quiet day tomorrow although the forecast weather may ensure we stay in. I am armed with a crafty project, hot chocolate and cream and baking ingredients!

Had hoped to achieve so much more in the house by this point in my holiday but I have made lots of lovely memories instead. Took dd swimming yesterday just the two of us. £8 on tickets but her smile was priceless.