🌧️ Semi-Annual Sale Day 1: A Rainy Start with Duckies and Deals
It’s been raining cats and dogs here for weeks — and of course, today it was pouring hard as we left to run errands. But hey, duckies do love the rain, right? That made it the perfect time to launch Day 1 of the Semi-Annual Sale... with Billie. 🐥☔
Once everything else was taken care of, hubby took me to the mall early to wait for the store opening. This year, he even came shopping with me! We only had to wait about 30 minutes.
I had already placed an online order on Sunday for the Hot Cocoa & Cream items — I had a feeling they wouldn’t show up in stores, and I was right. They'll be perfect for some upcoming holiday neighbor gifts.
🛍️ Store Arrival & Atmosphere
When we walked into the mall, I expected to see a big line like we get during Halloween or collaboration launches... but nope. No one was there yet. I took the chance to check out where everything was set up and watched the employees hustling to pack up BOPIS orders before the doors opened.
As 10:00 AM approached, the queue behind me started to grow, and then it was time to go in.
The store looked great. I headed straight for the Returning Fragrances table to grab a few mists. I tried most of them, but the ones I chose were Forever Red Vanilla Rum and Chocolate Amber. I was lucky I grabbed them when I did — because right after I circled the table to look for the matching forms, both were sold out!
🎄 Christmas in July Thoughts
Next, I headed for the Christmas in July table. Since I go through PocketBacs so fast, I feel like this was a missed opportunity — there should’ve been some cute holiday refills or holders that matched the labels. (Imagine a tiny reindeer or cocoa mug!)
I tried all the CIJ scents, and unfortunately, Merry Cookie wasn’t it for me. It smelled more like buttered popcorn, and it shifted even worse on my skin. I’m a fan of sweet sugar cookie or gingerbread scents, and this just missed the mark.
✨ Looking Ahead
Holiday will be here before we know it, and I’m hoping we’ll have lots of fun fragrances to choose from — with matching PocketBacs and holders. (Hint hint, B&BW!)
By this point, the store was super crowded, so I grabbed my blue mesh bags and headed to the register while there was still space.
🗼 A Little Parisian Surprise
While I was checking out, I spotted the Emily in Paris: Paris Amour candle sitting on the counter. I asked if it was available, and the manager said, "Absolutely!" It was $10.99 — about $11 and change after tax. Since I had already used my coupon on the main purchase, I had to step out of line and buy that one separately. No discounts left to apply, but I was happy to snag it!
