I needed a new hairdryer for the winters and managed to find a good brand (Remington) discounted to $16 at Big W. Unfortunately I hesitated and that sale ended, but I found the same model for around $20 on eBay. So I paid a similar amount to an Anko hairdryer and got free postage. Fingers crossed it works alright.

Definitely watch the big box clearance racks though.

My shower head is also leaking so I got a new one from eBay for a similar amount - it’s advertised as water saving (unfortunately no star rating) and I bought only the shower head to replace the one part. Also free postage.

I went to Officeworks and got a $4 charger cable for an old Android phone so I can install whichever current alternative app to watch videos and block ads.

I painted a picture using a heavily discounted kit of student paints and canvas I got from Officeworks, plus some medium and a few extra brushes from Kmart. (Picked up a while back.) You don’t need professional grade materials particularly while you’re learning.

I’ve been too busy for much sewing but I picked a half done project back up - finished the first patch on a favourite comforter and will try to slowly patch the other rips. (A comforter is like a combination of doona and quilt that doesn’t need a separate cover. I bought it secondhand about 15 years ago and haven’t been able to find another one like it.)

I also buy laundry detergent at Aldi, it’s pretty decent. Using half the amount of any laundry detergent both saves on soap and makes it easier to rinse your clothes clean.