September 2012: What I Bought
Most of my money this month went to FEES. Australian visa fees, lawyer fees, cancelling smartphone fees and bank currency exchange fees.
Don’t get me wrong, I was tempted plenty of times (I window shopped $3000 worth of artwork at a local arts and crafts fair), but I’ve been exercising my willpower to NOT spend the way I am used to spending.
DR. DENNIS GROSS EXTRA STRENGTH ALPHA BETA PEEL TOWELETTES — $18 for 5 treatments (about 2.5 months)
Turns out, I love them. I was told on the package to use them daily, and I also heard that’s what I am supposed to do, but frankly, extra strength peels, daily, is not a great idea for your skin. Not to mention expensive.
So I use them ONCE bi-weekly, which means for under $100 a year, I can have an at-home mini facial in a pack every 2 weeks. In contrast, a facial at a fancy spa feels great for an hour and a half, but costs $200. Sold on the (cheaper) towelettes!
The day after I use them, my skin is glowing, incredibly soft, renewed and feels like new again. It also helps decongest and clear out my pores, and helps clear up any minor problems with my skin. I use the extra strength ones, which tend to tingle on my skin (read: sting) for about a minute or so because I don’t use them daily or even weekly, but you can start with the originals (I think they even give free samples at Sephora to try).
FOSSIL WATCH (REPLACEMENT) – $115
Replaced my dying watch (the band looked like it was torn apart by dogs), with something that has an 18mm face, which looks very solid and more masculine than my previous watches. What I really like, is the face is big enough for me to see the darn time. I created my own watch at the Watch Bar by picking the face and the band. I like this Watch Bar concept, at least I’m not stuck with the perfect face for the watch, but then the band choices are hideous.
ALDO FROANGI BOLD SILVER HEART RING — $4
On a super sale! Which means of course, that they’re making only a 10% profit off this sale price rather than a 300% one. (And that there are none left in stores) I hate to say it, but it reminded me of a cheaper knockoff of Wendy Brandes’ Diana Heart ring which I have been eying for years now. 
Wendy’s ring is obviously more beautiful and stylish, but I don’t have that kind of money ($500, especially now) to buy it.
FOREVER 21 BEJEWELED OVAL RING — $2
I don’t own anything this flashy but it just called my name. They also have an emerald ‘stone’ one which I may go back for 😉 
FOREVER 21 RHINESTONED RING — $2
I just liked it. Dark metal, rhinestones, simple, not too in-your-face for work. I was trying really really really hard this month to NOT spend money crazily. I’m slowly learning how to ramp down. Does it show?
fabulously frugirl says:
Ugh… I cringe to think of what my post would look like if I did one for September….
But, thanks for the tip on the towelettes!
Mochi & Macarons says:
My September wasn’t so bad. My October and subsequent months will be much better.
You’re welcome — I really do like them. Other people seem to like them too, it was almost all sold out at Sephora on Bloor before I got there. I took the last 2 packs.
The Asian Pear says:
I love those ring! I can’t believe that was only $2. Good buy!
I love these posts and might even do one for October… Although I think most of my purchases involve food… Not stuff. Heh… ^__^;
Mochi & Macarons says:
Hahaha!! If mine included food, it would never end 🙂
Amy Nievera says:
Huh… The facial wipes are VERY tempting. I have a box of Philosophy facials at home thingies but you have to mix the stuff together in a little plastic jar and then put it on your face and wipe it off with the side of a popsicle stick five minutes later, then wash your face. I’m too lazy for all that.
BTW, I finally bought those Costco face wipes you wrote about a while ago. So awesome!
I’m curious about the watch thing. Since you’re somewhat of a minimalist, wouldn’t it make more sense to NOT have a watch since you can find out the time on your cell phone?
Mochi & Macarons says:
1. The face wipes are very handy. And I use one every 2 weeks, no mixing required, just 2 steps and waiting in between the two towelettes.
2. The cost co wipes are the best makeup wipes I’ve ever used.
3. No, because I HATE having to dig into my bag to find my iPod touch (no more cellphone I gave that up), just to check the time. It’s the most ridiculous thing in the world to me.
A watch is much more convenient and easier to glance at quickly.
I also sometimes forget to bring my iPod touch… and/or charge it.