The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

Pooky

Ouch Possession, that's a lot for uniform isn't it. The thing that bugged me was DD2 needed football boots (astro turf not studs), indoor trainers for the gym, outdoor trainers for netball/tennis, jazz shoes for dance, a tennis racquet, a hockey stick, a fully logo'd track suit, a netball skirt, gym shorts, football/hockey shorts and top, dance wear and football socks. She grew put of her first pair of football boots before they even got used, they never did tennis, they weren't allowed to carry their hockey sticks on the bus and if it rained they stayed in and did word searches meaning the track suit didn't get used! Madness.

DD2s bus pass is subsidised by the local council as a push to get them to use the buses so it's £100 per year. DD1s however is £575 per year as she's over 16. It's a lot to find each year and I'm glad DD1 will have left college by the time DD2 starts as trying to find 2 lots of £575 would be impossible.

ArthriticOldThing

This threat has really moved on quickly. I've just had to read like mad to catch up with you all.

As I was reading about the frozen/fresh veg thing, was wondering if could use frozen carrot for carrot soup. Its one veg I've never been able to eat frozen at all and I hate restaurants where they serve it. So thank you Possession for that information. I will buy a bag next time am in Heron shop to give it a go.

Hearing about the cost of school uniforms now makes me very glad my two are up and well past that stage.

I've had my first CBT session this morning. Since my OH died I've been on/off ADs and steadily sinking downwards. The GP advised trying CBT but have been worrying/stressing about it for weeks. So glad the first is over and the therapist was very good - calm and gentle with big baby me - I still cry when talking about my DH. So its at least one anxiety less.

The goddaughter is finding it very frustrating that her body will not respond as she wants it to. We all keep telling her to be patient but she is not good at that. But at least she is fighting. Thank you for all your kind thoughts and hugs and sympathies.

I'm a bit worried about the decaff coffee thing as I live on it practically. As a former caffeine addict I now find that am unable to touch it after 2pm if am to have any hope of sleeping at all. Am not a lover of tea but will have to try that naturally decaff tea - can't remember the name.

fuddle so glad to hear DD has gained a little weight.

PRINCESSX87

Just a quick heads up, I see yesterday that Mr M’s are now doing school uniforms. They say their the cheapest on the market. Don’t know how many of you it will help, Here’s the link.

http://www.morrisons.co.uk/more-for-you/Back-to-School/Back-To-School/

fuddle

The uniform costs you are talking about would be completely out of my reach. If that pressure rears its head while we survive on the income that we do at present I would have no option but to buy supermarket uniform and go into school to ask for leniency only buying blazer and tie or school logo'd jumper.

I agree with the concept of uniform and that its better for children to be accepted as individuals if they are all kitted out the same but if it came to it and I needed to do it, I would kick up a stink.

We live in a world where 'everybody can access money' but I'm sorry not everyone can. We don't have an over draught or a credit card and never will again. The money we have is the money we have. I dread to think how long it would take to save upwards of £200 per child for uniforms.

nuttyp

Hi everyone, finally caught up with all the talk. School uniforms are so expensive, youngest DD is at collage and has another 2 years to go. She has to wear business like attire, and that includes a blazer. She gets a lot of her clothes from primark. We often get cheap vest tops and then she has shear printed blouses.

Tomorrow is going to be a very long day, a full 14 hours and if you can remember I have to work with the person I sent home for smelling of alcohol. Its not a shift I am looking forward too, I just hope things go alright. I spoke to my manager today as we changed over, and told him about my holiday plans for next year. He is going in may!! So we had a long chat about what there is over there to do.
He is going to sort my holiday so it gets approved asap.

Tea tonight is bubble and squeak, mushy peas and a fish type portion. We had lots of left over veg from last night's tea so using it up.

Take care everyone x

FairyPrincessk

NuttyP, meant to say--not sure which Disney you're visiting but I lived in Southern California for awhile. If you need any suggestions for cheap supermarkets etc. let me know.

I don't envy anyone the uniform problems. I only wore them for a couple of the schools I went to, although my brother wore one for longer as they were gradually introduced in some areas in the US. In his case it just had to be Khakhi or navy trouser/skirt/pinafore and either maroon, navy or white polo style shirt with no logos/brands on it. I don't really understand why each piece of a uniform must be branded. Why can't schools simply specify colours and then order sew-on or iron-on patches for the logo or require a tie?

Work was slow today but I pushed through and got it done. Heading to the gym now after I get the tea in the SC. Haven't been out to the garden today as its been pouring but now there is a break so will just pop out and check on things.

jem132

Hi I have some. Very happy news to tell you all. I have my own car again yay. Dh has a company van and I have my mums second car when I want it but it become increasingly difficult as she won't come over to pick me up or bring me home after dropping it at hers. And with her work patterns she's need 2 cars for a while now. But today my mum lent me £800 eeeek to buy a little corsa and the insurance is only £35 a mt fully comprehensive. I am so giddy I have to pay her £200 a mt for 4 mts and it's paid for. But that means I need to shave £50 a week off my house keeping. Starting this week I have tunns of food so need to make a menu.

I've been given 2 massive marrow what do I do with them??????

Did I mention iv got a new car lol xxxx

Off to plan what I can make for my new car

juliettet

Insurance seems a little pricey Jem, have you looked at the MSE section?

Knit_Witch

Yay on the car! oh and marrow recipes!

jem132

Juliette that's the cheapest quote iv had in years. I live in a very high crime area .
Knit witch. Thankyou x