I actually packed rather well this time. We took gifts for everyone with us, which left space on the way home for their gifts to us. We also travelled with half-empty suitcases so that we could bring local goodies home with us. I like to buy local beauty products, summer clothing and snacks.
Instead of lugging two large suitcases everywhere with us during our stay, we borrowed smaller suitcases for our short trips. This made an incredible difference because we just took what we needed and could leave our winter clothes, gifts from family and extra purchases with family while we did a road trip. Another great thing for us this time was the ability to do laundry along the way, meaning we could pack fewer clothes, and also did not have to do giant loads laundry when we arrived home. The laundry smelled of sunshine, and dried within an hour!
The luggage allowance was 2 x 23kg (total 96kg for both of us) hold luggage each, plus 7kg hand luggage each. In the end we had 23kg + 17kg (40kg for both of us).
I bought three pairs of light cotton trousers, one dress, two tank tops, one t shirt and one pair of flip flops. I also bought local beauty products, which did weigh quite a bit, but all in all we did come back relatively light. I like rooibos beauty products and products for very curly hair, so I tend to buy my favourites.
The only thing I overpacked was jeans. I took three pairs and I could have only taken one pair. You never know what the weather is going to do though, so I am rather pleased with myself this time.