One of my favorite things to read are round-ups where content creators share the random stuff they’ve been into lately. I’ve discovered so many cool products, recipes, and book recommendations that way. So I thought, why not start doing the same?

Welcome to my first-ever round-up of things I’m loving lately – The Little Things: October 2024 edition.

1. Non-fat greek yogurt mixed with protein powder

I’m about a week into a calorie deficit after my Italian vacation. I’ve been eating at maintenance for a while now, and it felt like the right time to tighten things up a bit. No strict timeline or specific goal, just focusing on lowering body fat while still eating as much as possible. (You can read about my last deficit here).

Lately, I’m back on my high-protein yogurt snack kick. Mixing non-fat Greek yogurt with 1/2 – 1 scoop of protein powder (this one’s my favorite) has been a game changer. I top it off with a bit of granola and some strawberries. It keeps me full and satisfies my afternoon sweet tooth. You have to try it!

2. Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Dramatized Audio Books (by Graphic Audio)

I’m currently in a bit of a reading slump, and I fully blame the Fourth Wing & Iron Flame dramatized audiobooks for it. Ever since I finished, no other book can hold my attention. If you haven’t experienced a graphic audio before, consider this your sign. Every character has a different voice actor, complete with sound effects and music—it’s like watching a movie in your head, and I savored every second of this re-read (getting prepped for Onyx Storm in January!).

If you fall in love with these, do yourself a favor and check out the ACOTAR graphic audios, too. They’re just as incredible!

3. My new Kindle and Case

I’ve been waiting forever for Amazon to release new Kindles. My old Paperwhite was so slow it felt like an eternity to turn a page—definitely not ideal for a book lover! The second they announced the new models, I pounced and snagged a teal Paperwhite, and I couldn’t be happier. Plus, I treated myself to a new case, and honestly, it’s bringing me way more joy than any inanimate object should!

4. For the kiddos: Pogo sticks!

Did anyone else grow up pogo sticking? I loved it. I also had one of those weird ball-and-chain toys you’d swing around your ankle and jump over as it passed. (Skip-Its, right?) Anyway, last week, James tried a neighbor’s pogo stick and immediately got obsessed, so of course, I ordered one for him right away. It’s been great for my neurodivergent, high-energy boy. The bouncing gives him that sensory regulation he needs while keeping things fun. Highly recommend! (For reference, James is 8, and it’s perfect for him.)

5. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Holy shit, the Defined Dish does it again. We made these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs over the weekend, and they turned out so good. I swapped out the blue cheese for dairy-free feta (since we try to avoid dairy), and they were still amazing. Plus, they make a ton of leftovers, which is always a win in my book. The best part? They’re super low-calorie and high in protein—perfection!

6. After Lunch Walks

Now that I’m focusing on my total daily energy expenditure again, I’ve brought back daily walks—and it helps that Austin is finally cooling down below 90 degrees! Walking right after lunch has been a game changer. It’s a great midday break, but it also ensures the glucose from lunch is being put to good use. Lately, I’ve been walking anywhere from 30-45 minutes, but honestly, even just 10 minutes can make a difference. Get out there and walk before it gets too cold, y’all!

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And that’s it for my first edition of The Little Things! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into what’s been bringing me joy lately. If you’ve discovered any new favorites or have your own go-to’s this month, I’d love to hear about them!

Drop me a DM on Instagram, and let’s chat about what’s making life a little sweeter right now. Stay tuned for next month’s round-up—I’ve got a feeling there’ll be plenty more fun finds to share. Thanks for reading!