test please delete

[Zippy]

eldest is stopping at friends, little un is having a nice piece of steak and a jacket with us. However she won't be drinking any fizzy stuff

We used to get a tiny glass of fizzy stuff at Christmas only. My sister and I used to hang around the drinks cabinet from the end of November.

I take it your eldest has gone to recuperate from the tiring experience of emptying the 5* family wallet?

[FiveTimes]

I take it your eldest has gone to recuperate from the tiring experience of emptying the 5* family wallet?

That is happening tomorrow

She has earmarked a few jackets, fleeces, hoodies etc .. none of them are cheap

[Zippy]

That is happening tomorrow

She has earmarked a few jackets, fleeces, hoodies etc .. none of them are cheap

I don't know how old she is (but she seems very sensible from what you have said) so why don't you just give her a couple of hundred quid (adjust as per your budget) and leave her to it?
Drop her off at the shops and you, Mrs 5* and younger 5* can enjoy a pub lunch.
Please feel free to ignore me

[norrahe]

That is happening tomorrow

She has earmarked a few jackets, fleeces, hoodies etc .. none of them are cheap

If they are decent "outdoors" type such as north face, berghaus etc... then they won't be cheap at all. Whatever you do resist the urge, to go cheap, you'll end up replacing them in no time.

[norrahe]

I'd be careful - I've heard they are well dodgy.

Well I've been out for dinner with Mich, will be interesting to meet the others

[Zippy]

Well I've been out for dinner with Mich, will be interesting to meet the others

You've already hit the bottom of the barrel love - the only way is up

[FiveTimes]

She is 15 and we are prepared to spend, spend spend. She is quite sensible although I quite like the idea of dropping her off and going for lunch.

Problem is regardless how much we spend, she will have grown out of it 12 months.

[FiveTimes]

Well I've been out for dinner with Mich, will be interesting to meet the others

did he wow you with his knowledge of wines and restaurants

[Zippy]

She is 15 and we are prepared to spend, spend spend. She is quite sensible although I quite like the idea of dropping her off and going for lunch.

Problem is regardless how much we spend, she will have grown out of it 12 months.

Oh just let her go for it then. 15 is an age where they either have sense or they never will have it! She'll get what she needs, and if she gets a few bargains (see Norr's Blacks recommendations) she could spend the change on something frivolous or spending money for her trip?
I have to say - sounds like you've got nice kids

[norrahe]

did he wow you with his knowledge of wines and restaurants

We went to a good restaurant and he hogged the wine list.

I normally pick wines when I go out (given I may have one or two wine qualifications and may know summat about wine).