2015 year in review

Howdy y'all! With this being the last post of 2015 (!!!!!!!), I thought we could take a little trip down memory lane. Here's my 2015 year in review.

In January, I was trying to get back in to blogging (and failing miserably, I might add). The only thing I posted all month was a recipe for these Cowboy Cookies.

In February I did a little better with two posts. In the first I made these cute little Valentines, and in the second I ranted about how much I didn't like this mascara. 

March had another two posts which I'm honestly not too proud of. I could have put more effort into these for sure. Read a standardized testing pep talk and how to redo your room on a budget at the links.

April was also kind of a gross month for B&B. While I put a lot of effort into these posts, I really wasn't all that happy with them. After Easter I posted 3 recipes to use all of your leftover eggs and some of the tunes I was listening to at the time.

In May I was so stressed about school that I decided to take the month off, which I regret immensely. My finals were not all that bad that semester, and I definitely could have used that time to be growing my blog.

Towards the end of June I started coming back strong with a recipe for Firecracker Flag Cakes. This was also the time I started applying myself to research and engage in the blogging community.

In July I didn't miss a single post! This was a huge step for me as a blogger because I was beginning to show real commitment to my blog. I first posted a summer lookbook along with my love letter to blogging, a post about my time at church camp, and an ootd.

In August I wrote 3 posts that I LOVED. The first was a post about gratitude, a message I think is one of the most important to spread. The second was a Breckenridge travel guide along with a few of the pictures I took there. Finally I posted some of the outfits I wore on my first week back at school.

September was another pretty good month for B&B. I saw a lot of progress in my traffic due to my engagement in the community, and I was pretty happy with my posts. I wrote about what I was watching on Netflix, my top 6 favorite blogs at the time, an outfit I wore to a wedding, and how I used my planner.

October was the month I switched from one post a week, to two. I started my Currently Coveting series, was nominated to do the Liebester Award, shared my struggle with being motivated, put together a fall ootd, participated in the Gal Pal Holiday linkup with a post on what to do on Halloween, even if you aren't a fan, and shared what I carry in my purse.

In November I began documenting my monthly goals so that I could stay accountable and created this easy DIY editorial calendar. I ranted to you all about how much I love water, continued the Currently Coveting series, and told a story about the time I took pictures on the field of AT&T Stadium. Finally, I started getting into the holiday spirit with my first gift guide of the season, and another Gal Pal Holiday post.

I kicked off December with my monthly goals and 25 random facts about me. I shared another gift guide, a new installment in Currently Coveting, and a Gal Pal Holiday post on my Christmas playlist. I participated in the Blogger Secret Santa linkup and wrote about how you can transform your blogging mindset. I finish December with this post.

My year started off as a pile of crap. I was not happy with my blog, and my posts reflected that. I know everyone says it, but it really is true that you NEED to be involved in the blogging community for a successful blog. I am so proud of the amount of progress I have made this year, and hope that I can continue to grow in 2016.

Thank you all so much for supporting Beauty & Blazers and encouraging me along the way. I am truly so grateful to have found all of these amazing people with such incredible work ethics and can't wait to continue to work with y'all.

You rock my socks,

Follow me on:

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*Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored or endorsed in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.*

4 steps to take your blogging mindset from 'ew' to 'woo!'

Howdy y'all! I can't believe that there are only two posts left of 2015, and that I am fast approaching my 3 YEAR blogging anniversary!!! It is absolutely insane to me that I've been doing it this long - it seems like just a few months ago little 13 year old Alison sat down to write her first post. But, I'll quit being cheesy now and get on with some content! This morning I wanted to talk to y'all about blogging, and how your mindset can shape your experience blogging, as well as that of your reader.

Some say the writing is what defines the blog, others photography, design, content, engagement. These are all important factors in blogging, but the way you execute all of them stems from your mindset. How you see yourself as a blogger, how you see your blog, and how you see your readers.

We all have those days where we just want to reschedule the post, skip the Twitter chat, and go watch and unholy amount of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix - and that's fine. But if you're sitting down every day and thinking 'I hate this,' then you've got a problem. Here are some steps to take your blogging mindset from 'ew', to 'WOO!'.

Write content that you are genuinely excited about. Yeah, you're probably staring at your screen saying "Duh, Alison," but there are times that I write a post just because I need a post, and those are always the times I wish I was doing anything else. When I write something I'm truly passionate about, I get SO excited to share it and promote it and tell other people how passionate I am about this thing!! Also, your readers can definitely see when you are, or when you aren't happy with a blog post. I personally, as a reader, am drawn to blog posts where the author is happy to be writing what they're writing - this is especially noticeable in bloggers who only write sponsored posts. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a few sponsored posts, but when that is literally all you write, and you only seem excited about one or two of the products you promote, it turns off your reader.

Look to blogs you admire to get you all fired up. You have to be a little careful with this one, because sometimes it leads to the comparison game, and we all know what that does to blogging morale. However, having someone to look up to encourages me to keep getting better, and to always try harder.

Be consistent and plan ahead. I find that when I've planned in advance, it's always easier to get a post done with a positive attitude. Also, keeping a consistent calendar helps you to create a good schedule for yourself, just like with a sleep or exercise schedule. Basically, if you know what's going to happen before it happens, you can make it happen.

Don't overdo it. When I was a new blogger, like when I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, I tried to schedule myself to write 4 posts A WEEK. And it couldn't be just any post either - each day had a theme, so I was confined to what I could write. While this isn't out of reach for a full time blogger, for a 13 year old who also had to balance school and extracurriculars, and who had no frame of reference, this was completely out of reach. I guarantee, you won't be motivated to get stuff done if there's too much stuff to do.

Hopefully these simple steps will help you to rethink how you write your blog, to make it something you're super duper excited about!! How do you keep a positive attitude about blogging? Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great day!

Follow me on:
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*Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or endorsed in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.*

blogger secret santa

Howdy y'all, and merry Christmas!! Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday, so I'm super excited about today, and specifically this post. I participated in the Blogger Secret Santa linkup hosted by Cathleen and Olivia, so today I'll be sharing who I was Santa for and who my Santa was!

First off, I was a Santa for Pick Your Beau. I was super excited to buy for her because her blog is absolutely precious!! From her wishlist, I picked out a couple of things including some Lush goodies and a few other things. To find out more about what I got her, make sure to check out her blog!!

My Santa ended up being Rachel from Seashells & Sparkles. She is such a sweetheart so I was very excited when I found out it was her! Rachel gave me an adorable initial mug which I am absolutely obsessed with along with some earl grey tea. She also sent me a really pretty pink lipstick, and 2 pairs of fuzzy socks which I have been wearing non-stop. :) Finally she hooked me up with this candy stash of Twizzlers, Reeses cups, and Kit Kats.

All of us bloggers have pretty similar taste, so this was a really fun group to engage with! If you'd like to find out more about what everyone got, make sure to visit Cathleen or Olivia's sites to look at the link list. Also, I'd love to hear what you gave or received this Christmas, so make sure to leave me a comment below!

Finally, I'd like to leave you with a bible verse that really touched my heart this morning, "A light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness." Isaiah 9:2. When Jesus came into this world, it was lit up by Him and the hope He gave to man from the very day of His birth, to His death on the cross, where He saved us from our sins. As you celebrate today, remember to say a prayer of thanks, and always remember the reason for the season.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas,

Follow me on:
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*Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or endorsed in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.*

the ultimate christmas playlist

Howdy y'all! After my week long hiatus, I'm happy to be back with a new Gal Pal Holiday post. This super fun linkup is hosted by Cathleen, Rachel, and Cristina (read my October and November posts at the links). I start listening to Christmas music in July, so I'm pretty ready to share my "Ultimate Christmas Playlist" with y'all.

I use Spotify to listen to all of my tunes. Spotify is such a great platform because it allows you to listen to literally anything and save it so you always have access to it. It also allows you to save music to you phone so you can play it even when you're offline. I personally invest in Premium which is $10 a month, and I think it's worth every cent.

Now originally, my Spotify was linked to my personal Facebook account, so I haven't shared it for obvious reasons, but since I really want to be able to share my playlists with y'all, I have made another account and will probably be switching over to that one eventually. All of my playlists have been moved there so you can listen to them now!! Here's the link, or you can look up beautynblazers in the search bar.

Now on to the playlist, I started making this thing in like, October, and it's pretty rockin' - I won't lie. I've got everything from folky Christmas, to jazzy Christmas, to country Christmas. Not to mention the classic and silly tunes. Here's the link to the physical playlist and I will also list all of the songs below.

Mvmt. I, "Rejoice, Rejoice!" by the Oh Hellos from the Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album

Mvmt. II, "Begin and Never Cease" by the Oh Hellos from the Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album

Mvmt. III, "Silent Night, Holy Night" by the Oh Hellos from the Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album

Mvmt. IV, "Every Bell on Earth Will Ring" by Oh Hellos from the Oh Hellos Family Christmas Album

Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights) by J.D. McPherson from Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights)

Blue Christmas by Michael Buble from Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition)

Cold December Night by Michael Buble from Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition)

Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia) by Michael Buble/Thalia from Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition)

Baby It's Cold Outside (duet with Michael Buble) by Idina Menzel, Michael Buble from Holiday Wishes

Baby It's Cold Outside - feat. Norah Jones by Willie Nelson from ...Featuring

Christmas Coming Home by Lennon & Maisy from Christmas Coming Home

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Josh Groban from Noel

Believe by Josh Groban from The Polar Express - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Special Edition

Hot Chocolate by Tom Hanks form The Polar Express - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Special Edition

Dominick the Donkey - The Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte, Joe Reisman's Orchestra and Chorus from Christmas with Lou Monte

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey from Christmas Hits

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey from I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - EP

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. from What a Night! A Christmas Album

Baby, It's Cold Outside by the Robertsons from Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas

Ragin' Cajun Redneck Christmas by the Robertsons from Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas

Away in a Manger by the Robertsons, Sadie Robertson, Alison Krauss from Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas

I may be adding a few songs to this as time goes on, but for now I really like what I've got! What are some of your favorite Christmas songs? Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

Follow me on:
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Contact me at:
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*Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or endorsed in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.*

currently coveting

Howdy y'all! It's finally time for another currently coveting!! (yes, I know you've been waiting on the edge of your seat) Want to read last month's? Check it out here.

Currently coveting posts are not the place for reasonable dreams, which is why I'm including this Longchamp bag. So. Much. Money. (at least for a high school student with no job)

More of these awesome cookies. I made them last weekend, and they were LEGIT.

It may be winter, but I still want Chacos with my whole heart.

Everything from ban.do. But mostly this duffle bag. Yeah it's another bag. What can ya' do?

This happy wall sign from Francesca's.

And what would a currently coveting be without some Target? This elf pajama set is HILARIOUS and also looks very comfy.

This adorable art print from Rifle Paper Co. (which is the bee's knees if you didn't already know)

What are you coveting this month? Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

gifts under $15

Howdy y'all! This Tuesday I'm comin' @ ya' with another gift guide - affordable, "stocking stuffer" items. These are great for the new friends that you aren't quite sure what to get, or for white elephant/gift exchanges.

Fuzzy socks, or just funny patterned socks are always great. Target has always got some good ones, and I love these pug socks from ModCloth. (So much that I actually included them in my most recent Currently Coveting post)

I love me some good bath stuff, and it can be pretty affordable if you don't go too crazy. Get your bud some neat bath bombs from Lush, or maybe a nice body butter (I love the Vanilla Bean scent) from this awesome company, Kuhdoo. I've actually met one of the owners and my grandma is good friends with them. Their products are homemade and absolutely fantastic!

I love receiving pretty pens. It seems like such a simple thing, but they're so fun! My personal favorites are the Pilot G-2 Bolds, but if you're lookin' for a little more color, Poppin has some great options.

Another great option is a cute little mug with some hot cocoa mix or candy inside. I have to include Target (yet again) for their SUPER affordable and adorable mugs as well as this super fun Friends mug from Francesca's.

What affordable gifts are you planning for this year? Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

25 random facts about me

Howdy y'all! Happy Friday!! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their families, and didn't fall into too hard of a food coma (but who are we kidding, I was basically dead). Today I thought I would tell y'all a little more about me - get to know the blogger behind the blog. Here's 25 facts about me.

1. The dollar spot at Target is pretty much my second home.
2. I like my burgers dry with pickles and cheese only (also, Whataburger does it best).
3. I don't like soda because of the carbonation, so I live on water and sweet tea instead.
4. I'm very Type A and get stressed if I don't have super detailed directions.
5. I'm a sophomore in high school.
6. I love history and am planning to major in it when I go to college.
7. I prefer Twitter to Instagram. (which is basically a blogger sin, but the Twitter interface is much easier to use)
8. I'm an editor on my school's yearbook and have been a yearbook kid since I was in 7th grade.
9. I hate big cities (I've been to NYC, and I still don't understand why everyone is so obsessed), and plan to live in a small, rural town when I move out.
10. I get anxious very easy and have a difficult time making friends and talking to people.
11. I love big dogs, especially labs, because they're fun to cuddle with.
12. My best friend and I have been friends since kindergarten, totaling to 10 years as best buds.
13. My favorite number is 13.
14. I love bluegrass music. (check out the "Fresh Bluegrass" playlist on Spotify for some rad tunes)
15. I've been playing the piano since I was 7 but still suck at it.
16. I hate Shakespeare (if I have to watch frickin' Romeo and Juliet one more time...).
17. My favorite movie is Pride & Prejudice 2005 starring Keira Knightley. (not only is it the cutest story [Jane Austen is fave], but the filmography and score are absolutely amazing)
18. My sister and I have a 40 day snap streak (which is about how long I've had SnapChat) so if we aren't goals, I don't know what is.
19. It takes me longer than it should to differentiate between left and right.
20. At one point I had around 20,000 pins on Pinterest, but I recently cleaned it out. I deleted about 13,000...
21. I only have 1 flannel, and it doesn't fit me anymore, so I take my dad's flannel shirts.
22. Last summer when I went to Colorado (read about it here), I drank 6 liters of water the first day we were there.
23. When I went to Disney World, I cried when I walked into Magic Kingdom because I was so excited. That was only 2 years ago...
24. Speaking of Disney, my favorite princess is Rapunzel.
25. Last but not least, whenever Southern Living (aka my life source) comes in the mail, I freak out bc Southern Living is the actual best magazine on the planet.

So there ya' have it folks. A few weird and wacky things about me. What are some of your quirks? Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

december goals

Howdy y'all! It's the beginning of a new month, which means it's time for some new monthly goals as well as a recap of last month's goals.

I had some pretty hardcore goals for November (read them in their entirety here). which made accomplishing all of them difficult. I did make some progress though.

First I wanted to work on procrastination. While I did get a little better with this, I could still use some work.

I also wanted to reach out to more people and make some friends, both in the real world and blogging community. It's slow progress, but I'm doing pretty well!! I've been talking to more people in school, and am planning to join another Twitter chat as well as an Instagram challenge this month.

Next up was making my mornings a time I cherish. I hardcore failed... This has always been something I really struggled with, so I'm going to continue to work on it.

I also wanted to organize all of my blogging resources, and begin using them. I organized what was in my computer, but haven't gotten all my printables together, and haven't really started using them.

Finally, I wanted to work on being thankful. I've been working on a list of things I'm thankful for that I keep in my phone case so I can jot stuff down quick if I think of something. I've also been trying to say more prayers of thanks, using the list as a reference.

Now that we got our recap out of the way, here are my December goals.

One of my biggest things this month, is really cracking down on practicing my piano. I've been taking lessons for about 8 years, but I still really stink at it. Plus, I've got a recital coming up in a few weeks, and my pieces aren't looking too hot. I'm planning to do this by setting alarms to periodically go off during the afternoon and evenings where I will have to drop what I'm doing and go practice.

Another big one is prioritizing my bible reading. I really do not read and get into the word enough, so I want to get in a good habit of reading every day. The She Reads Truth app has some awesome plans that I'm going to use to get started. I'll also be writing a lot of the verses I read in those given passages so I can really get into the word and retain it.

This month is super busy. With finals, Christmas and everything in between, it's easy to get stressed out and upset. I also have a birthday coming up, and while it's exciting, not only is my piano recital that day, but my sister has a band concert, and most of my friends are booked for the month already. I've been pretty upset about that, but one of my goals this month is to stay optimistic. I think that by throwing myself into my other goals, and being festive as frick, I can keep a positive mindset over the course of the month.

Speaking of being festive, I LOVE Christmas. Part of the fun is, of course, spreading Christmas cheer (by singing loud for all to hear?). So, this month I'll making a bunch of Christmas cards for everyone from church buddies to yearbook buddies to blogging buddies (if you want a Christmas card from me, fill out this lil' Google form). I've also already got 2 ugly Christmas sweaters, one that's semi-ugly, several pairs of earrings, a (really obnoxious) jingle bell bracelet and a reindeer antler headband complete with lights, so you could say I'm set...

Finally, I'm ready to rock the socks off of finals. It's going to require a lot of study guide making, fuzzy socks, and peppermint tea/hot chocolate, but I want to do really well these last couple of weeks so I can finish my semester, and start the next one, on a good note.

What are your goals for this December? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!