After truly failing last year's No Buy, it's time to attempt a Low Buy Year. As I felt really bad if I bought something last year, this year I know I can buy something if I want but not buying anything will feel even better.
So, here's what I bought in January and rules for 2025.
> Temptations:
Before seeing Dear Evan Hansen early in the month, we went to DFO South Wharf and the Spencer Outlet Centre. I was SO tempted by some discounted Christmas stock at TK Maxx. One was a glass jug with a snowman in it, but I was worried it would break as I wouldn't get home until late. The second was a ceramic present - the paint was chipping but I would have changed the colour of it anyway, so I didn't mind considering it was only $5. The third thing was a ceramic Christmas tree around 40cm so it would have been too annoying to carry around.
I also went from one Bed Bath N' Table to another looking for one specific Christmas ornament (which I couldn't find) so naturally, while out shopping, I searched every other store with discount Christmas stock. We also have a Christmas store nearby where I wanted everything! At Savers there was a cute snowman, very small, but it had no price, and more Casa Domani Portofino plates and bowls which I managed to talk myself out of.
I enjoy looking at artwork though. I have to keep reminding myself that I have no space for it. I am planning on getting artwork I previously bought framed (finally!) as well as selling/donating more stuff I no longer need.
My parents are currently renovating their house and I'm seeing firsthand how much stuff they have, and I simply don't want to be like that. Obviously, we're talking 70+ years of stuff vs. my own, but my Mum is the type to buy a $10 top every time she goes out just because it's cheap, same goes for my Dad and his weekly Temu purchases. And of course, there's objectively nothing wrong with that - but I don't want to be a person who does that.
I also liked some cute pjs in TK Maxx but I like what I own more. Same goes for a pair of sandals. Later I liked some pjs (I'd featured before) at Peter Alexander and boots at Target (that you'll see in an upcoming post).
I then went to Mansfield over the Australia Day long weekend and there were some adorable reindeer ornaments at Loyola Jewels. I might have gotten them had they been more than 40% off but I proudly walked away. I also liked a handmade wooden cat thing at Wallaby Ritz and a lot of driftwood sculpture art at Wilcox Gallery.
> What I Bought:
I was clearly doing so well and then I saw this incredible Christmas reindeer thing with extendable legs ($23.50) in white and gold in a gift shop. She is absolutely beautiful and was half price so I couldn't resist.
I also used the rest of my gift cards (which I spoke about last month) to buy a pink dress ($25) from Big W. I used to own a pink dress which I loved, but the chiffon fabric got a run in it and then I couldn't wear it anymore, so I considered this a replacement. And, although I don't think you should buy the same item of clothing in every colour, I have the same dress in black and navy stripes. But... a couple of days after I bought it, I went out in the black dress and felt gross about myself. It put me off the pink, so I returned it for a full refund.
I then ended up buying the Shadow Cable Guys Original Controller and Phone Holder by SEGA. I had been thinking about getting a phone holder to watch videos while in the bath or beside my bed. I don't like to make a habit out of it, but I will find it useful. The one I tagged in the post is now available, but I managed to get one through Woolworths. And, because I had four vouchers to use, I ended up paying $8.62 total for it. And while you can obviously get really cheap phone holders, I will be able to resell this one when I no longer want/need it.
Total: $32.12
I went to the theatre twice - Dear Evan Hansen ($79 ticket and $20 programme) and School of Rock ($49 ticket).
I went to the drive-in for Wicked ($19 ticket) and cinema for Companion ($10 ticket).
> My Rules:
Here are my allowances for 2025, as follows (within reason):
1. Replacements
I’m allowed to buy replacement items of things I can no longer use/wear. For example, I'm forever looking to replace a pair of black heels that I LOVED! If I found them at an op shop or they resold them, I would buy them. I'd also like a pair of flat black boots as mine have a mini heel and aren't great for long walks (only short ones).
2. For Right Now
Obviously, I'll continue using the Deliberation Station Combo Kit before I buy anything, but I want to buy things that I need right now. I've made the mistake of buying things for my future before but styles, needs, wants and likes change so there's no guarantee that when the time does come that you will want/need it at all. Besides, technology and goods improve all the time so something might be outdated by the time time comes around.
If I don't need it right now, I don't need it at all. Art is a little tricky if it's limited edition/one off, but I'll try my best to stick to this. My exception was Christmas items, as I'd been looking at a lot of discounted items and planned for it so I'm okay with this small spend. Besides, I didn't go crazy. I was select with my one purchase.
I've dropped the following rules from last year:
- Wishlist Items From Last Year, as I don't have any this time around...
- Discontinued Items, as I have enough plates/bowls but you never know...
- Going Out To Events, as I'm not restricting myself this time (within reason).
- Boost Juice, as they now have a peach drink permanently on the menu.
As I mentioned in December's wrap up, I've committed to buying a glass art piece that I won't get (nor need to pay off) until mid 2025. It's around $1300 and by my dream artist, so I can't wait for that!
> Items I'm Trying Not To Buy In 2025:
1. Art - I especially love ceramics at the moment, but I don't have shelf space for it. I also love wall art, but I don't have spare wall space either. All the pieces I'm loving at the moment are around $5000, which is out of my price range. The only art I would consider would be if an artist I loved released something that I absolutely could not say no to. Like I said above, I've committed to buying one art piece so that's an exception.
2. Skincare, haircare and make-up - I'm pretty good at not buying new things anyway, but I don't want to buy skincare, haircare or make-up unless it's a replacement item. For example, I hate the shampoo and conditioner I currently use but there's so much of it left that I want to use it up before buying something else.
3. Home stuff - I don't need any new knickknacks, candles, plates or cups, things like that.
4. Merchandise - If I go to a gig or a musical, I do not need merch. Unless it was some amazing piece that I absolutely loved beyond measure but that's unlikely to happen. Musical programmes are a must though!
5. Pyjamas - I have so many already. I don't need more. I'm trying to buy less clothes in general.
6. Printed t-shirts - I also have so many t-shirts. Like an unbelievable amount. Granted I wear them all until they are absolutely destroyed but I'll get through what I have before buying more.
7. Books - I have many to get through already. If I do manage to finish them, I will go to the library.
8. Pop vinyl figurines - The only exception to this rule would be if they bought out Faramir from Lord of the Rings because I've been waiting on him forever. I really only collect Keanu Reeves related pop vinyls these days so if they brought out another one, I would be tempted and might buy, but those only.
9. Shoes - I don't need any new shoes. This is going to tempt me the most, so I felt it was worth putting on the list. I do have my exceptions though as I mentioned above. I do need a pair of flat black boots. I'd also like to replace my black heels and red boots but they're not easy to find.
10. Alcohol - I don't drink a lot, but I have some bottles I should finish first. I have varying degrees of moonshine, vodka, peach vodka and peach schnapps (my fav!) to finish. I just always forget to buy mixers haha.
I did, however, say that I don't want to restrict myself so if I do end up buying anything from the list above, I won't feel bad about myself for doing so unlike last year. But I'm extremely proud of my efforts in January.
Until next month! x
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