When I wrote my first, seasonal “Stuff I Like” post, I did not intend for it to take a whole year for me to write another one.  I have about zero creativity and mental space for “extra stuff” for some odd reason when I am pregnant, and then it all comes back about ten minutes postpartum.  But then there is the whole time factor so blogging was difficult for the first few months, and alas, here we are, and it’s been one year since I wrote about all the things I’m into lately!  So, here we go!

Books

Food Freedom Forever by Melissa Hartwig.  

I am not hugely into the Whole 30 movement.  It seemed too restrictive.  I also don’t like food rules…especially those given to me by someone who doesn’t even know me.  Not every “diet” is good for every person.  And so, I have often ignored or down played the Whole 30.  BUT, I stumbled across the audio version of this book a while back, decided to listen to it, and I am really liking it!  She’s got some good things to say about breaking through diet mentalities and guilt associated with food choices.  I like that a lot!  I think I’ve also gained a greater appreciation for the Whole 30 (when completed as the creators intended!) and the value it can give to people, particularly in understanding how different foods affect them.  This is an easy read/listen that I’d recommend.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

I feel like this is a book I should have read in high school and didn’t.  So, here I am with the unabridged version.  The chapters are short which is great for me (because I get sleepy!).  If I read one chapter a night, I’ll finish around Christmas.  I know some people who just buzz through books, but, as much as I’m enjoying reading as an adult, I’m not a fast reader.  Tips and tricks for improving my reading speed?  Send them my way!  Until then, Alexander Dumas and I will be taking it very slow.

I’m reading a few others right now, but I’ll spare you all the details…The Whole Christ (Sinclair Ferguson)–a very heady doctrine book which I am reading with a group of ladies at my church– Abandoned to God (A biography of Oswald Chambers written by David McCasland) which I am enjoying during my own personal devotion time, and The Free Voice (Cornelius Reid)–a book about singing pedagogy based on the great masters of the Bel Canto era for my own personal “continuing education” as a private voice teacher.  Nerding so hard.

Watch

I tend to land a free month of Amazon Prime here and there, so we decided to watch this Tom Clancy show on Prime.  We are liking it!  We are the one-episode-on-Friday, one-episode-on-Saturday types.  Not huge on TV time, and I don’t typically like it to be part of the work week.  We’re even taking a quick break from Season 8 of The Walking Dead, to watch these eight episodes before our Prime trial ends.  But also, season 4 of Poldark!  Another eight episodes airing live on PBS this fall, because I LOVE BBC television.  Admittedly, I’m not as into it this season–seems a bit too predictable and a little soap opera-y, but of course I still need to know what happens.

Sports

I’ve been trying out some new sports lately.  Like Pickleball!!  It’s basically oversized ping pong which makes it so much more approachable for the average person than, say, tennis which requires some skills.  Anyone can hit it over the net on day one.  Winning.  It’s been fun to play with the Hubs at the gym on occasions.  But, speaking of tennis, I’ve been taking tennis lessons!  My husband gifted me this tennis racket and a tennis class at our gym for Christmas last year, but, I was inclined to wait until I was not pregnant to cash in on it.  It’s been so fun, and I honestly feel like I am improving!  It also really got me into the US Open in August.  (Helps when you understand the sport a bit more.)  And also archery.  I’m loving my new bow that my dad got for me over the summer, and I love that I can just shoot it in my backyard…often on Sundays during the kids’ afternoon naps!

Bake

It is fall!  It is a terrible time to be gluten intolerant!  I just want all the Fall baked goods!!  I’ve been on a quest to make a really delicious pumpkin muffin that doesn’t make me feel like crap.  Back in the day, pumpkin bread was my all time favorite fall treat.  My mom’s is killer, but I just can’t eat it anymore without consequences that make it not worth it.  So, I’ve been baking and tweaking and tweaking and baking.  But, guys, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!  Danielle Walker’s recipe nailed it, and I am done.  I’m just making these.  You can find the recipe in her Meals Made Simple cookbook, but I like the slight adjustments she makes in the video here.  (Because chocolate chips?  Of course.)

Hand Lettering

I still love to letter, and am slowly but surely making my way through this online course.  I can’t recommend her courses enough if you’re trying to learn hand lettering.  She is great.  And then Tombow came out with colored hard nib fudes, and I just lost it.  Can life get better?  Also, my husband lost it when I rattled off “colored hard nib fudenosukes!”  There are so many things you can know about in life.  Apparently, you can know about types of pens.  Excited to try out these guys…hopefully this weekend!

Exercise Equipment

I’ve been wanting a rebounder (mini trampoline) for quite a while now, and I finally sprang for one!  (Heh…no pun intended!)  Anyway, it’s been a fun way to mix up my pre-strength training warm up time from my usual jump rope.  The effects on the lymphatic system are notable as well.  (Katie sums up some research on rebounding here.) Plus, it is just so fun!

Beauty

I’m really trying to simplify my beauty routine…particularly since I logged my time last summer, and saw how much time I was devoting to it!  Probably more than I’d like to, considering some days only my kids see me!  I’m enjoying this eye cream from RMS Beauty (best to apply with a brush for sure!).  Also, this hair straightener is killer!  I’ve always bought a cheap one ($20-$30) that is just okay and lasts for maybe three years before it dies.  This time, I decided to get a better one.  It heats up in probably 30 seconds to 375 degrees and appears to be quite gentle on my hair.  Fast and effective…that’s my style.

Weird and Crunchy Health Regimens

Intermittent Fasting!  It is on trend with the crunchy people.  I was so skeptical.  I thought I would hate it.  (Because this girl loves breakfast!)  Turns out I LOVE it!  I use a 12-16 hour fasting window most days (typically 14 hours, I’d say), and I can’t believe that I actually like this!  I think it has totally helped me burn fat and lean out, have energy, control cravings, and regulate my blood sugar (and there seems to be a substantial amount of research to support this.  Like this.).  I don’t always do it on the weekends, but during the week I mostly do, because I honestly feel so good and enjoy it when I do.

I could go on…I’m always into, like, lots of things, but these are the Fall ’18 highlights.  What are you into these days?  Tell me what else I should love!

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