Despite what I keep thinking about “not needing anything new” or “we have everything we need”, I still ended up spending quite a bit for Black Friday this year. What started as a purchase here and there added up to be quite a substantial amount.
So one of my 2022 New Year’s Resolutions is to make a “No Buy” list, unless it’s replenishing something used up, or replacing something broken beyond repair.
In all, I’ve spent a pretty penny on Black Friday deals. Although they truly were good deals, I’m also well aware that I could have saved more money by just not purchasing. But I honestly have no regrets on my purchases, so here’s what I ended up getting…..
Penhaligon’s Dolly Mix
RRP $85, discounted to $68 for Black Friday on David Jones, with free delivery. I was also able to pay with some AMEX points, so the final price came to about $48. Being suddenly into fragrances lately, I wanted the non-committal testing of smaller bottles before diving into the full size. I’ve been wearing one a day to see how each settles and how long they last, and so far, I’m loving Empressa, Luna, and Elizabethan Rose, in that order. Surprisingly, The Favourite, which I thought I would like the best, is not (pun intended) my favourite.
Tempur Pillows
Original (M) RRP $329. David Jones had it discounted to $105.28, and the Millennium (M) RRP $349 was discounted to $111.68.
I’ve been reading rave reviews on these pillows, and so curious to try and see if they’ll help give us both a better night sleep. To be honest, both hubby and I have no issues falling asleep, but I’ve worken up with neck cricks or pins and needles in my arms a few times. I’ve always been a back sleeper, but want to have better support when I roll over on my side. Hubby occasionally has some sleep apnea, so I was hoping the shape of the Millennium could adjust his head to allow better airway flow. I also read up some comments that complained the pillows were hard or too high, but neither of us felt this was the case. We bought the medium size, as there currently isn’t much choice in Australia to go lower, and we had no issues switching over.
Colourpop
Advertisement
Couldn’t resist the 40% discount on palettes, and 30% discount on everything else. I bought the Smoke n Roses palette, two of the 4-pan palettes, and 6 lip products for $63.40 (RRP $98).
However, note to self, pay with Paypal and not via credit card. Even with points bonus, the extra international fee was exorbitantly high. Paypal definitely had better conversion rates than using my AMEX (as I was trying to earn points).
Further note to self: I don’t need any more makeup!
Taobao Haul
Too much to list, but it was a combination of small home appliances and crafting stuff. I find that appliances in Australia are way too overpriced and also a lot bigger with less functions (unless you’re willing to pay a premium). For a small family, they’re just too big to use. I bought a mini coffee machine, slow juicer, mini lael printer, air fryer, a bunch of shoe storage boxes (these were stackable and with slide-out drawers), along with (a lot!) of other bits and pieces. Including shipping, it came to around $1k, and is probably my most substantial purchase. Now for the 2 months wait for this to actually get to Australia…. Fingers crossed!
Probably one of my better hauls. I was going to get some skincare products anyway, and came across the latest goodie bag hack on AB. So for two products ($130), I managed to score all 4 goodie bag samples, a $20 voucher for next order, plus AMEX had a special promotion for $20 credit back on Adore Beauty.
While I’d like to say I needed everything I purchased above, some were most definitely discretionary. I’ve been pretty good the whole year of lockdown and haven’t purchased any new clothing, shoes, or jewellery, so consider these my indulgements. But really, they’re a bit of a weakness since I probably just got caught up in all the sales and promotional spam. However, I have been using everything I’ve bought and genuinely loved the items, so absolutely no regrests and I will be enjoying these purchases for a while to come.
What do you think of my Black Friday purchases?
Did you get anything for 2021 Black Friday?
Would you say it’s money well spent or are you having buyers remorse?
