I swear, y’all. The fact that it’s FINALLY FALL in Dallas has breathed new life into my blood. It’s amazing what weather and mother nature can do for the soul. And if I’m freaking out over Dallas fall, I don’t even know what I’m gonna do next week when my boyfriend and I are in my second favorite city in the world — Portland. Oh my God. Just thinking about fall-time there and the layers I’ll pack has me titillated.

Anyhow, I haven’t done an Into It post since July and, with a new season upon us, I figured it was time. So let’s chat about what’s been grabbing my attention lately, shall we?

INTO IT

These phone cases are so freaking cute. I’ve seen a good amount around my office, so I’ve been flirting with the idea for what seems like 3 months, but I haven’t been able to pull the trigger because they’re pricey. But UGH. The Shadow Box font is what makes them so great. Sigh. If anyone close enough to me is reading this, maybe for the holidays? That’s right. It’s October 11 and I’m already starting my Wish List.

INTO IT

If you watched my YouTube earlier this week, you may have discovered that my #1 way to decompress is by way of hot water (i.e. the shower or bath). I’ve suffered for the last 4 years with no bathtub, but I finally came across a delicious way to still enjoy the shit out of my shower. These shower steamers from Bath and Body Works are just lovely. Just throw one down in your shower and relish in smelling whatever scent you chose while you bathe. It’s damn-near a spa experience (okay, that’s a massive exaggeration). I think the scent is pretty great, but that could also be because I tend to sit down IN my shower to relax, putting me even closer to the shower steamer itself.

INTO IT

Madewell is murdering my bank account little by little this fall. I’ve more or less decided they’re the only place I want to buy jeans or pants ever again because their stuff is true to size, always. Plus, it’s all well made (HAR) and flattering. Also, did you know that you can bring ANY BRAND of old jeans into Madewell and they’ll give you $20 toward a new pair from them? Yes, it’s true. It’s something they’ve been doing all year. Jeans serve well as insulation for housing, so they take your old ones and hand them off to Habitat for Humanity to build well-insulated homes. How cool is that? Also, I got these perfect loafers from them and this sweater dress that I’m sure will eat me alive because I’m short, but how could I not when it’s literally all the right colors? Anyway. Madewell.

INTO IT

I’ve been trying this thing lately where I don’t talk about people behind their backs. JK. That’s a line from Mean Girls. But I really have been trying this thing lately where I try and have a good handful of meatless meals a week. It’s for no other reason besides I LOVE red meat a lot and probably need less of it, so I’m challenging myself to fill up on veggies and legumes and healthy grains when I can. I’ve even gotten several Chipotle bowls sans meat — I know. Insane, right? But truly not that shabby. These enchiladas and these cauliflower rice bowls have been some of the best meatless recipes I’ve found so far, but I’ll keep looking. Don’t you worry.

INTO IT

When I posted about my Keratosis Pilaris, someone suggested getting and using Everyday Oil to help soothe it. My sister bit first, and when I was in Chicago last and smelled it at her house, I fell for it. Happy to report I’ve been using it since, but not sure if it’s done anything to my KP. I’ve actually been using it in my hair as a heat protectant and it makes my curls so shiny and soft, so I’m LOVING that! It has the best natural smell and isn’t too greasy.

INTO IT

I never thought I’d see the day where I returned back to lip gloss. To me, lip gloss is so middle school, it’s sticky, and just kinda gross. HOWEVER, I was introduced to Glossier’s lip gloss about a month ago and I’m in love with it. Seriously, I’ve been wearing it almost every day I don’t wear lipstick and it’s just great. Perfect consistency so it’s not too sticky or slimy, and I swear it gives some sort of tint to my lips even though it’s 100% colorless. I highly suggest it.

INTO IT

I’ve written numerous times about Hushup and Hustle’s Blender Bombs, but here I am doing it again. For this last package I ordered, I decided to try the nut-free bombs just to see and LOVE them. Instead of having a cinnamon coating, they have a coconut one and, even without the nuts, it keeps me full until lunchtime. My favorite recipe for them right now is 1 cup water, 4-5 frozen strawberries, 1 bomb, 1 banana, a small handful of frozen pineapple, a handful of spinach, 2 tbsps ground flaxseed, and ice! Tropical AF.

INTO IT

It only took me 31 years to get into eyeshadow, but it’s finally happened. Sort of. Kind of. I’m not about to wear it every day and get crazy with it, but I looked up a smoky eye tutorial for “small, hooded” eyelids before a wedding in September and actually did a decent job! Now I’m hooked. I’ve never taken the time to research how to work eyeshadow when your eyelids are completely hidden (like mine), but now that I know some tricks, I’m about it when it calls for it. And, obviously, the main palette I’ve been using is Urban Decay’s OG Naked. However, they did just come out with a pink-forward palette that I’m intrigued by.

INTO IT

The other day, someone asked if headbands were in and I was like “I don’t think ever went out?” I mean, sure — maybe the ones with MASSIVE FLOWERS on them circa 2006 are out (and should never, ever come back), but as for the rest, I’m always down for a headband. I got these two at Francesca’s the other day on a whim, and I’m not mad about either. Especially the crushed velvet one because who doesn’t love a velvet hair accessory?

INTO IT

Have you listened to Dr. Death or Dirty John yet? Because I finished both within 4 days of each other. Seriously, they’re way better stories than Serial, and the storytelling in general is just superb. If you are in need of something to binge on that’s not Netflix, go for it. Also, I gathered this list of podcasts a while ago that you can also browse if you want even more options.

INTO IT

Black nails for fall and winter. I don’t think I’ve ever done black nails, but after seeing them everywhere the past month, I decided to go for it and I love them. Unless you’re naturally gothic, they look anything but. It’s great because they go with EVERYTHING, hype up your coolness factor a bit, and pull your entire look together. I’m hooked.

What say you? Into it? Over it? Underneath it?

xox,