My Must-Have October Purchases

Another month has come and gone, and like many people, I did too much online shopping in October. But I promise these weren't random impulse buys—they're items I now can't imagine living without! Let's get into them.

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Beauty Blenders

I've never been much of a makeup person, but the GFOUNS Mini Blender Bundle has been a game-changer. These makeup sponges are perfect for spot-treating with a concealer or BB cream (which was my main reason for purchasing them). I don't wear foundation, so the larger blenders are a waste for me. The mini size allows me to quickly dab on a bit of coverage exactly where I need it. They save me time in the morning, blend seamlessly, and you can't beat the value at less than $15 for a pack of 30. I don't know how I lived without these!

Green Tea

A great way to start my day is with a bottle of Ito En Unsweetened Jasmine Green Tea. I'm always looking for tasty and healthy drinks, and this tea checks all the boxes. The jasmine flavor is delicate and fragrant without being overpowering. And unlike many bottled teas loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners, this brew contains zero sweeteners. It's just pure green tea goodness; the ingredients are purified water, jasmine green tea, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It's refreshing and full of antioxidants.

Graphics Card

Now, on to my favorite purchase for my husband this month—the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card. As an avid gamer and streamer, he needed a graphics card upgrade, and this one has him beaming. The quality and performance are phenomenal, especially for the price point. It was an affordable way to dramatically improve his gaming and streaming capabilities. I don't know all the technical details, but I do know how happy it makes him. His excitement alone makes this purchase worth every penny.

Delicious Gummies

These Sugar-Free Black and Chlorophyll Seed Oil Filled Gummies have become a daily ritual. I already took chlorophyll regularly and discovered that black seed oil boasts some impressive benefits, too—from immune support to heart health. The manuka honey gives the gummies a delicious hint of sweetness without any sugar. It satisfies my sweet tooth while packing some extra nutrients into my day. They're delicious and good for me, which is a win-win in my book!

Edge Control

Now, onto the hair category. As an African-American woman, finding products that keep my edges laid has always been a struggle. But the Goiple Edge Control Wax is a total game-changer. Finally, an edge control that actually keeps my edges in place all day! So many products claim long-lasting hold and don't deliver, but this wax indeed does. It provides a firm hold without flaking or making my edges crunchy. And a little goes a long way, making the container last for a while. No more flyaways!

Face Serum

Skincare is hugely important to me as I move through my 40s. I want to keep my skin looking its best. The DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum with Hyaluronic Acid has become a skin savior. This serum absorbs lightning-fast without any sticky residue. The blend of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is just what my skin craves. I apply it after cleansing, and my skin drinks it up. It leaves my face radiant and healthy-looking. And you can't beat the clean ingredients.

Switch OLED Case

As a Nintendo Switch addict, protecting my device is essential. The Fintie Galaxy Flip Case has been a godsend. It safely encases my Switch OLED while adding some flair. The gorgeous galaxy design is what initially drew me in. But it also integrates the kickstand and flips to protect the screen. The added grips make gameplay more comfortable, too. My Switch now travels around the house protected in style.

Rose Tea

I satisfy my sweet tooth more healthily with Rose Buds Flower Tea. This tea is made purely from rose buds, with no added flavorings or sweeteners. It captures the delicate floral taste of rose petals perfectly. I love sipping it on its own or blending it into other teas. Its mild yet addictive flavor also makes it ideal for baking. Any recipe calling for rosewater can be easily swapped with this tea instead. It adds a touch of floral goodness to desserts and drinks without overpowering other ingredients.

USB-C Extender

While not the sexiest purchase, the MOGOOD USB C Male-to-Female Adapter solved an annoying tech dilemma. My new Switch case no longer fits into my slim docking station. But this handy USB extender gave my Switch the extra length needed to connect. Sometimes, the boring purchases prove unexpectedly invaluable!

© A Little Bit Of Me

Nutritional Bars

Call me boring, but I was ridiculously excited about finding LUNA Bars on sale. They offer the ideal balance of taste and nutrition that I look for in a snack. The assortment of flavors keeps things interesting. Whether I'm fueling up before a workout or staving off an afternoon slump, these bars hit the spot. They're packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, like so many similar bars, without going overboard on sugar. This variety pack was an incredible deal at a little over $1 per bar (they were on sale for $12.92).

Overnight Oats

I've been trying to eat more balanced breakfasts that aren't pure carbfests. Nature's Path Organic Original Instant Oatmeal has become my overnight oats savior. It's creamier than most instant oats, with a pleasant nutty flavor. And it contains just 1g of sugar compared to 12g or more in many brands. I mix it with steel-cut oats for added nutrition and texture. It provides an energizing yet balanced start to my day, keeping me full for hours. And the ease of instant oats means I have zero excuses for skipping my first meal of the day.

Sticking with the oatmeal theme, Nature's Path Organic Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Maple Instant Oatmeal satisfies my sweet cravings. With just 8g of sugar, it still packs tons of whole-grain goodness. The subtle maple brown sugar flavor gives my overnight oats a deliciously sweet taste that isn't overpowering. This has become my go-to variety when I want a treat for breakfast while maintaining my nutrition goals.

Animal Earrings

Never underestimate the power of adorable Sterling Silver Guinea Pig Earrings when you have pet guinea pigs. As a piggie mom, I'm always seeking fun guinea pig accessories since they're less common than cats or dogs. These delicate little earrings capture the essence of guinea pigs perfectly. And they're the ideal size—not comically large but still very identifiable as my beloved cavies. They add a subtle, meaningful touch to any outfit.

Comfy Leggings

Leisurewear has become a wardrobe staple while working from home. I picked up these TNNZEET Grey Tie-Dye High Waisted Leggings and now basically live in them. The fabric is luxuriously soft, and the fit hugs in all the right places. I love the smoky tie-dye pattern, which feels modern and chic. Whether lounging or running errands, these leggings check all the boxes—stylish, comfortable, and affordable.

Chirping Cat Toy

My cat loves the OurPets Play-N-Squeak Bird toy. She loves batting the feathers around and pouncing on the toy. The realistic bird chirping sound drives her even crazier. It provides great stimulation and exercise for indoor cats. Yes, the noise can get a tad annoying, but seeing my cat's sheer joy playing with this toy makes up for it. It's the perfect interactive cat toy for hunters and pouncers.

Litter Box Freshener

Keeping the litter box smelling fresh is an ongoing battle as a cat mom. But ARM & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer has been a revelation. Just a light sprinkling keeps odors at bay for days on end. I also apply it to the bottom tray of my cat's self-cleaning litter box, which can get a little stinky. The light scent does the trick without overwhelming sensitive cat noses. Thanks to its superior odor-eliminating powers, this has become my go-to litter box deodorizer.

Rolling Cat Toy

Sadly, this toy flopped my cat—the cool PETNEY Interactive Feather Cat Toy. The moving feathers spooked my cat despite the enticing look. Fortunately, we discovered one feline fan at my husband's workplace. The resident cat there now enjoys pouncing on the unpredictable feathers daily. So it didn't turn out as planned, but it still brought joy to another furry friend.

Another Face Serum

My skincare routine needed an antioxidant boost, which the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum provided. This basic serum contains 10% niacinamide to target blemishes, enlarged pores, and uneven tone—all my problem areas. I apply it after my vitamin C serum, and my skin drinks it up without any irritation (which can be an issue for my mildly sensitive skin). And at just $6 a bottle, this serum can't be beaten for glowing, clear skin on a budget.

Overnight Oats Containers

As you can probably tell, overnight oats have become my weekday breakfast obsession (again). These handy Xigugo Overnight Oats Containers take my meal prep to the next level. The screw-top lid and sealing ring keep my oats fresh. And the included spoons are super convenient. The generous 8oz capacity gives me room to mix and match ingredients. These containers make whipping up overnight oats an absolute breeze. They're perfectly designed for grab-and-go morning convenience.

Face Mist

My battle against hormonal acne continues, and Neutrogena Soothing Clear Turmeric Mist has become an unexpected skincare hero. As I've gotten older, my skin reacts badly to many acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. But this lightweight turmeric mist calms inflammation without causing irritation. Spritzing it on after my moisturizer is so refreshing. Its clarifying powers, combined with the relaxing aroma, make it a joy to use.

Switch Oled Travel Case

Another Switch accessory purchase was the sleek Molshine Purple Sky Carrying Case. I snagged it for travel, and it looks super stylish. The deep galaxy purple and pink ombre color scheme fit my aesthetic perfectly. However, my Switch actually fits better without its flip case inside here. So, it functions more as a standalone case. Either way, it securely transports my Switch and adds some flair. The lush colors and nebula design make gaming on the go even more fun.

Yet Another Mouse and Keyboard

For some new tech I'm testing, the most vital components were the Amazon Basics Ergonomic Wireless Mouse and GEODMAER Backlit Wireless Keyboard. I wanted simple, quality accessories without breaking the bank. This basic mouse glides smoothly, and the side buttons are handy for browsing. While very lightweight, the keyboard's rainbow backlight delights my inner child. Sometimes, the affordable basics get the job done remarkably well.

That's a wrap!

Those are my must-have purchases from October! Many sparked joy, solved problems, or elevated my health—everything you want from great products. I can't wait to see what new favorites November has in store. Online shopping may be a vice, but it feels pretty darn good when you find vital items that improve your life. 

What recent purchases have you fallen in love with? I'm always looking for the next life-changing item!