The Countdown to another school year

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2003
The Countdown to another school year
1
Sun, 08-19-2007 - 10:04pm

I know alot of American students are starting school this week but here in Canada the traditional back to school day is the day following Labour Day. That means these next two weeks are "getting ready for back to school" weeks for us.

That means alot of $$$! My 16 yo dd is going into 11th grade. She's in a school with a uniform so we don't have alot of the usual back to school shopping for jeans, tops and the likes (although she has more than her share of those believe me!). But I have to replace some of her uniform clothing that's worn out or too small. And I we had to go out and find her some shoes. Her school insists on black shoes only with no other colour on them. So we had to do some shopping to find all black comfortable shoes to wear. Believe me most shoes have some sort of colour stripe or logo on them and its not that easy!

She dances too so that means replacing worn out dancewear and shoes as well. And then of course we will have to fill in the gaps in her school supplies for the year.

My son is going into 7th grade and for him there is no uniform and he has changed physically so much (he's going to be 12 soon) that I have to buy him tons of clothing. AND we took him to see an orthodontist who estimates 3 years of braces at a cost of $5500 (gulp). He's likely going to get those started in the next few weeks or so.

So much money and so many shopping trips!!! And in the middle of all this is my birthday. I have been DYING to get myself something really special. I haven't had a new bag in years and I've been eyeing the lovely Coach bags at the local mall. But the ones I like are all around $350/$400. Do I dare in the midst of all this?

Avatar for bookwormmom
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2003
Sun, 08-19-2007 - 10:19pm
I am in New York near Buffalo and we start school after Labor day, on Sept. 5th.
I have been picking up the supplies when they are on sale.
As for clothes, they will still be in their summer clothes and I won't be getting anything special in the way of clothes until we get some new ones for the fall and winter.
Then again I am always checking out clearance and sales racks.
Kristie
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket