Leah Tackles

My No-Buy/Low-Buy Year-End Update and Results

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Hi there! Happy Monday! And Merry Christmas!

At the beginning of 2023 I did a blog post about My No-Buy/Low Buy For 2023 and today it’s time to pay the piper and talk openly about how I did.

My No-Buy/Low-Buy Rules

This is what I posted in January 2023.

I will not be buying clothes. I will not be buying any makeup that isn’t replacing things like eyeliner, mascara, and concealer. I will not be buying skincare that isn’t replacing my basic skincare. I will not be buying any shoes. I am allowing myself to use gift cards or store credits. I have given myself one item/month, but I hope not to use this.

If you’d like to follow along or get updates, please let me know. And feel free to send me gift cards  KIDDING. Nah, serious.

How Did I Do?

I did fall off the wagon a bit at the end of the year and bought some clothes. I could rationalize them by saying they’re gifts that my husband will give me for Christmas, and it wasn’t more than 3-4 items, but I definitely wasn’t as on my game as I was the first half of the year. I did not buy any skincare beyond replacing what had run out. I did not buy any shoes, and in fact in 2024 I will be allowing myself to buy running shoes because I am in desperate need. If I use the “one item/month” I did quite well overall and even if I didn’t meet my goal, I was very close to it because most other things were gifts/gift card items.

How Do I Feel?

I did a post on contentment and I did realize that when I get overwhelmed or have something triggering happen, I want the quick feel better excitement of buying something.

Will I Repeat My No-Buy/Low-Buy?

YES! I will also continue to share my journey.

Have you ever considered a no-buy?

Custom Apparel

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HarlanMD SmartLotion | Eczema Relief

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Our son has eczema so when HarlanMD offered to send me HarlanMD SmartLotion I was excited to try it.

HarlanMD SmartLotion

If you have eczema and dermatitis then HarlanMD SmartLotion is something I would suggest you try. Our son has suffered from eczema since he was a baby, he is now almost 11. Dr. Harlan a board-certified dermatologist, has made creating a product and bringing hope of an eczema-free America his life work. I appreciate the postcard-sized informational pages included, and the fact that if his support staff cannot answer your questions, Dr. Harlan has committed to doing so personally. I spent some time on the website and it’s very well-done and informative.

I have been using this in place of our other favorite eczema, sensitive skin lotion and have been impressed. We apply this lotion after our son bathes and has toweled dry.

You can purchase the lotion here. I think this would make a thoughtful gift, and I appreciate that it supports a small start-up business in America with a positive product they’re hoping to share.

Do you have eczema? What has helped you?

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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Affordable Parka | Women’s Arctic Parka – Universal Thread Target

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s October and last week I began reaching for my coats, and my go-to for rainy or snowy weather (50º-30º ish) has been a coat that I randomly got when I was with my mom at Target five years ago. It’s so good. The coat changes slightly each year, but the reason I love it remains despite the slight style variations: It covers the bum, has giant pockets that hold your phone and wallet easily, it is a midweight, water-repellant, and has a giant hood. Listen, this isn’t the prettiest or warmest coat you’ll ever wear, but when you’re running into the grocery store and you need to be protected from the elements, this is it. I wear this coat for the real-life stuff.

Women’s Arctic Parka – Universal Thread

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Best Thermal Tops | Walmart Time and Tru

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

All of a sudden last week in a matter of days Michigan began looking and feeling like fall. I started reaching for my fall basics, some of which were my Time and Tru thermal waffle shirts.

Walmart Time and Tru Thermals

Time and Tru Thermal (I have multiple colors!)

Time and Tru Thermal 2-Pack

Time and Tru Striped Turtleneck (the navy is such a staple! Looks much more expensive than $15!)

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What I Wore To My Brother-In-Law’s Wedding | Sabina Musayev Helena Dress

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I just spent the most magical week with my family in Montana for my brother-in-law’s wedding. I wore a gorgeous dress by Sabina Musayev that I can’t wait to share with you. I will also link the shoes I wore and my rehearsal dinner outfit.

Sabina Musayev Helena Dress in Silver Multi

This dress is a showstopper. It is beautiful and the perfect dress to pack. I had it in a small bag rolled into a ball and there was no need to steam it. It is slinky and drapes beautifully on the body. It has a hook and eye detail that allows you to wear it more conservatively if you prefer, which I did until later in the reception. It is a dress I hope to wear again and it makes me so happy to own it. It is a dress Hailey could wear someday. A keeper. For size reference, I wore it in a small.

Michael Kors Serena Strappy Sandal in Black

I had a hard time finding a low-block heel that I thought worked well but these were perfect! I wore them for about 9 hours and I got one tiny blister on one foot after hours of dancing.

Angel Sleeve Twist-Front Midi Dress

This dress was comfortable and so adorable. I love the bow in the back. It is a little low-cut, but fits nicely. I wore it in an XS Tall because sometimes midi hit in a place I don’t love (I am 5’7 so sometimes I wear regular and sometimes tall, it depends on how I want it to fit). It’s on clearance now.

Women’s Carissa Slide Sandals – A New Day

The best affordable little sandal. I love these and wear them all the day.

Quilted Black Clutch / Shoulder Bag

A great bag that I used as a clutch. It held everything easily.

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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A Coat Your Tween Will Wear | Abercrombie Lightweight Packable Puffer

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last year our oldest started 6th grade and it was her first year in a building that was operating like a middle school (switching classrooms for each period) and she did not want to wear a big coat to school. I get it, I remember being the same way. I wore a thin corduroy jacket in the dead of winter when I was 14, sorry Mom. I recently got her the Abercrombie Lightweight Packable Puffer and she LOVES it. It’s adorable, thin but fairly warm, and best of all? It’s a coat that my tween will wear.

Abercrombie Lightweight Packable Puffer

I think this jacket would be fantastic for traveling, and I plan to pack it on a trip that we have coming up (we will be on the trip when you read this, Montana!) and I wish I had one myself!

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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If you’re not using a silk pillowcase yet…

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Hi there! Happy Monday! Enjoy your Labor Day if you’re in the U.S.A.

I’ve been using a silk pillowcase for years, but if you’re not here is your perfect opportunity. This mulberry silk pillowcase from Amazon is absolute perfection and is less than a Starbucks run.

Amazon Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are smooth which helps to reduce friction to help your skin and hair not tug. A silk pillowcase will help you to not get frizzy hair, or wrinkled smushed into your skin from your pillowcase, and as an added bonus? It feels much cooler than a regular cotton pillowcase.

Shop

Have you tried a silk pillowcase? I’m also a BIG FAN of silk eye masks.

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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Adult Acne Over-The-Counter | Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Acne Face Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have been using Differin Gel and Tretinoin for both adult acne (mostly blackheads) and wrinkles for several years. I recently saw a dermatologist for a skin check and was talking to her about the fact that despite my good skincare regimen, my blackheads are very persistent. She suggested that I try an over-the-counter face wash with Benzoyl Peroxide. I have not been using it enough to see fantastic results, but I also have noticed no negative side effects or drying out of my skin. I would be happy to share an update after I have used it longer.

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Acne Face Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide

I am including the product details below. I am using the Differin Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser in the morning and continuing the same dual cleanser routine that I’ve been doing for over a year in the evenings (I start with a mild exfoliant and finish with a gentle cleanser).

Highlights

  • TARGET ACNE: Penetrates deep into pores with 5% benzoyl peroxide with less irritation & dryness
  • DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Micronized, dual-action formula absorbs excess oil in the skin, while releasing a gentle moisturizer that won’t clog pores
  • KEY INGREDIENTS: 5% benzoyl peroxide that can effectively target and treat acne
  • HOW TO USE: Apply to dampened skin and gently massage, rinse thoroughly with warm water

Description

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser was developed by dermatologists and is effective without being abrasive. That means you get the clearer skin you want, with less redness and irritation. This unique, dual-action micronized formula works deep in pores to absorb excess oil while releasing a gentle moisturizer that won’t clog pores.

Have you struggled with adult acne?

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Feel More Confident and Fashionable This Fall

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s back-to-school week here and that means getting into a new routine. Often in a busy season, it is easy to wake up and just want to be cozy because you’re so overwhelmed, or feel like NOTHING looks good. Today I want to share a tip I know you’ve probably heard: Pick your clothes out the night before. But I will take it a step further.

Feel More Confident and Fashionable This Fall

Each evening I ask Alexa what the weather will be the next day, and then I think about what activities I/our family has. Do I have an important meeting? Do I need to run the kids around outside? Appointment? Etc. Then I pick my clothes, steam or de-wrinkle things, and put it all out in my closet. I also grab socks, bra, undies, and a workout outfit if I’ll be running or working out.

Do you pick out your clothes the night before?

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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Braided Rhinestone Slide Sandals | Target Dupe

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I found the most stunning pair of braided rhinestone slides from Target, the Women’s Lucy Braided Rhinestone Slide Sandals – A New Day.

Women’s Lucy Braided Rhinestone Slide Sandals – A New Day

The Women’s Lucy Braided Rhinestone Slide Sandals are 29.99 and you can often snag them for 20% off. They’re a dupe for the Madden Girl by Steve Madden Park Slides. I am a neutrals gal, but these are such a fun girly pop. They’re incredibly sparkly, especially in the sun, and this summer I am fully embracing everything Barbie Core and girly. I am wearing these at an upcoming rehearsal dinner with a dress, but they look equally good with jeans or sweatpants.

Normally a rhinestone slide would be a pass for me, but these? SO GOOD.

Need wholesale screen printing, embroidery, and decorated goods? Gumseat Productions.

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