November Digest
Here's what I'm buying for Black Friday
Didn’t expect to take a break from the monthly digest for two months, but life has thrown some curveballs! I am so excited for it to finally feel like fall and for the cozy months to commence. Today, I thought I’d share what I do for Black Friday. I have an internal battle raging: one part is trying to compute our current climate and approach to Christmas (more on that soon), and the other is trying to make the most of the deals coming. Today, I’m sharing how I “do” Black Friday.
I tends to spend a lot on Black Friday weekend. Not on impulse purchases (ok, maybe a few) but in a slightly more intentional way.
Here’s what my Black Friday “process” looks like. I hope it’s helpful!
Step 1:
I make a Pinterest board called “To Purchase” and add to it throughout the year. It’s got a few different things:
Gift ideas for family that I don’t need to buy in May or aren’t sure they’ll like by December.
Clothes items that actually fill a void in my closet, not just a random “Oh, I like, I want.”
Housewares. I’ve got a rug and lamp in there. It’s things I might love but wouldn’t buy at full price. It’s things I’d maybe like, but it’s just not a priority in the moment, or I know I don’t want to spend full price on it.
Wellness-related things. In years past, this was:
LumeBox - I’m obsessed.
Dehumidifiers (I know. I’m wild.)
Room air filters
Step 2:
I make a list of all the products we use on an ongoing basis—basically, the fancy/boutique brands we buy from. Being able to stock up for the year, or at least a few months, at a discounted price, sure helps! Here are some on my list:
Dirty Labs dish detergent*1
Merit Minimalist stick
Dime skin care*
Biossance face wash
Living Proof hair products
Frey detergent*
Rifle Paper Co. for Christmas wrapping paper, gifts, etc.
Naomi Paper Co. greeting cards
Val Marie Paper prayer journals of course! Definitely check out what VMP is doing this Black Friday!
Step 3:
This year, I do need a new strategy for not getting sucked into all the clothes deals. So I’m going through my wardrobe this weekend to get rid of things I’m not wearing or don’t fit anymore. I’ll make a list of actual needs and only purchase items from that list.
Step 4:
When Black Friday starts, I’ll check my everyday product’s list, wardrobe list and Pinterest board. If they are big enough deals, I’ll order. If not, it might stay stuck in “To Purchase” purgatory, and that’s honestly ok.
TIPS:
Check for earlier deals. A lot of places will have deals before.
Don’t forget to use something like Rakuten. I ordered my Skylight from my phone (like a bonehead) and could have scored an extra discount if I was on my computer through Rakuten.
Don’t wait past the return window. I do this entirely too much. A few times, it pays off, and I end up loving the item. My favorite pair of jeans and swimsuit ended up like this, but mostly, it doesn’t pay. You might as well schedule a return day on your calendar now. ;)
DID YOU READ OUR LATEST SERIES?
We spent seven weeks talking CONTROL ISSUES. That little Fix-It Fast from the summer wrecked me in the best way, and I’m realized control IN REALLY SMALL THINGS is what causes a crazy amount of my stress. Here’s what we talked about!
Is this why I’m overwhelmed all the time? - What started my realization
How much is control costing me? - The short answer? It ain’t cheap.
What if fighting my circumstances is wrecking my life? - The verse that taught me how to pray through my control issues.
When is ignorance bliss? - Re-evaluating our relationship with information and uncertainty.
Is goal-setting a form of control? - This one stepped on my toes especially.
Should I stop using my Oura ring? - ROI, H-Bombs and Reddit tell all
What is God asking me to do? - 6 questions to help you figure it out
LIFE LATELY
The last few months have been interesting to say the least. We started homeschool (and it’s not what I thought—more on that to come), prepped for NaNoWriMo with brainstorming walks and enjoyed the perks of shorter days. We celebrated Vivi’s b-day, Tyler’s 40th (we suprised him!), my 41th and our 15th anniversary. ;) I also spent 10 days with sand in my toes which is my absolutely happy place.
CURRENTLY READING
Making a comeback next month! ;)
If you see an asterisk, I get credit to this store for any purchases.