I had been trying to keep to last year's budget (which was planned to be less than what I spent on clothes with my first 2 YLF years) or $510 ($10 a week) for the year 2011-12 Jun-July.

I was already suspecting this figure was too low when I did a recent tally and see that I have already spent $378, or about $11 a year. About $100 of this was on gear, mostly new racing bathers. So this only leaves $133 dollars for all my winter purchasing, which is manifestly inadeqate, as I want new boots and hopefully shoes as well, apart from anyone else.

I think we can afford to increase my clothing budget, as DH is not after all reducing his hours by 25%, which had been our plan at the time I set it. But I like limits so will need to think through what the increased plan could be

A further disappointment came today when I tried to get a westfield (a shopping centre chain) gift card. Last year I got $200 in vouchers from Westfield and they were very useful as they cover most shops in the centre.

This year they are just not available. Any advice about what to get instead ?
The choices are Myer and DJ - high end department stores
Rockmans - there is one in my town and not expensive but sometimes too big for me and a little middle aged for my style
Leona Edmiston - designer I think (don't know much about this)

It could be a combination (eg 100 in one and 100 in another)