christmas gift guide for the photographer

IT'S REALLY OFFICIALLY ALMOST CHRISTMAS AND I'M TOO PUMPED. Y'all for real though, I put up all my Christmas decorations last night and I'm a little hyped up on the sheer number of Christmas lights and candy canes I've seen in the last 24 hours. In celebration of that, it's time for my first gift guide of the season!!

As a photographer, I'm always tryna get new gear, so this post is a compilation of things I have and love, and things I'm hoping Santa will drop on my doorstep this year if his elves somehow magically win the lottery ;) Some of the things in this guide will be on the pricier side, simply because photography equipment is generally pretty expensive, but I'll also include some more reasonable prices for those shopping on a budget.

one // a cutie camera strap
The camera strap I use was actually a gift, so I'm not sure where it's from, but there are TONS of adorable camera straps out there to choose from. I think it's really important to have a sturdy and comfortable camera strap because photographers have ALWAYS got their camera around their neck. Sometimes the ones that come from Nikon or Canon get worn down and gross, and they aren't exactly the greatest for comfort. For the photographer that moves around a lot and carries around a lot of gear, spring for something nice and functional like this strap, but if you're looking for something a little on the cheaper (and cuter) side, Etsy always has awesome straps like this one.

two // a prism
Y'all, I bought a prism this month and I'm obsessed with it!! I haven't had too much opportunity to shoot with it yet (I'm so excited to bring it to my next portrait session), but these are really neat because they bring a lot of light into photos and make really awesome lens distortions which make your photos super unique and interesting! Plus, this one from Amazon is only $16!!

three // a nice camera bag
I have a pretty nice camera bag - it definitely does the job I need it to, but in the future I would definitely like to invest in a bag that's a little bigger, and a little more stylish. Some of the bags I've been coveting lately are the Lola Rose bag from Gatta Bags, which is actually a pretty good price for the quality, but is also a smaller bag, and the Leather Capri bag from ONA Bags, which is a far stretch for price, but is HUGE and beautiful.

four // reflector set
This is another pretty pricey gift, but if the person you're gifting is a portrait photographer and they don't have reflectors yet, I can almost guarantee you they want some. These are super helpful because they bounce light onto the subject of the photographs which helps speed up post processing. The set I've been looking at is the Westcott Reflector Kit which I've heard about through Amy & Jordan's blog. Again, it's a pretty penny, but definitely worth it for a portrait photographer.

five // instax polaroid camera
I know, it's kind of basic to want one of these cameras, but they're seriously so stinkin' cool. Plus, they're not too bad in terms of price at around $60 from Target. These are a lot of fun, easy to carry around, and they're really nice quality.

six // cool vintage photography equipment
I'm kind of an old lady, so I love looking around old antique shops, and one of the things I find most interesting to look for is old photography equipment. Most often, it doesn't work, but it's still really interesting to look at, and is generally not too pricey, so this could definitely be something fun to pick up for your friend that likes displaying stuff like that in their home! Plus, it'll make for a fun trip through the antique store ;)

seven // prints of their favorite photographs
I LOVE getting my photos printed and framed, and one company I've really been loving lately for that is Parabo Press. It's super easy to get the photos from them and their prices are fantastic!! They also offer gift cards, so if you're not sure what photo they would want printed, just get them the gift card and they can pick it out themselves!

I really hope this little gift guide was helpful for y'all!! What other gift guides would you like to see in the future?

Have a great day!

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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,

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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!

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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!

gift guide for the animal lover

Howdy y'all! This week I'm feelin' real festive (I'm actually listening to Christmas music as I write this), so I decided to post my first gift guide of the season. Everyone's got an animal lover in their life (for me, it's my daddy's mom and my little sister), and even if they aren't the dog whisperer, who doesn't love a cute lil' puppy?

The first gift was actually featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for two years in a row. If Oprah loves it, you know it's legit, amirite? These adorable ornaments from Moon and Lola are cut in the shape of the breed of your dog/cat and can be inscribed with that pet's name. This is such a special gift because it will last forever, and will bring back memories of your best bud, even if they aren't with you anymore.

Get them a cute throw pillow like this "Raining Cats and Dogs" one or this pug one (because we all love pugs) both from Society 6.

The love doesn't just have to be limited to domesticated animals! If you've got more of a safari gal on your hands, try this elephant succulent planter.

Tea/Hot Chocolate/Coffee drinkers would love to cuddle up with a book and this fox mug from ModCloth.

Also from ModCloth, this super cute dress has got PUPPIES ON IT. How sweet is that?! Plus it's on sale for 60% off right now. ;)

If you're looking for something really meaningful, get them this Lab charm from James Avery, or whatever breed they may have. Just make sure they have a chain or charm bracelet to put it on!

If you have any ideas about what to get for the animal lover in your life, make sure to let me know my commenting, or tweeting at me!

Have a great day!

christmas gift guide

Howdy y'all! Today I'm doing a little holiday gift guide! Sometimes, finding the right gift, for the right person, on the right budget can be a little stressful, so I'm going to give you a few tips on how to find the perfect present. 

Starting off with budget, being a minor, without a job, I am basically broke. So budget is a big thing for me. While I was doing my shopping this year, I found a couple of great, budget friendly, websites. My favorite is Hautelook. Hautelook is a great website for anything and everything. The idea of the site is to take name brand stuff, and put it on GREAT sales. I bought a piece of jewelry worth over $100, for $20. The best part? It's completely reliable. The company is owned by Nordstrom, so you know you aren't getting ripped off.

For finding something for someone a little more specific in their taste, here are a few specialty websites.

1. Me being a Texas girl, I've got to include my absolute favorite site in the world. Texas Humor, originally a Twitter account run by some random Texan, it has branched off into a great business run by the same guy and his wife. Their stuff is great quality (very, very comfortable) and not to mention hilarious. Overall, this is a great place for the Texan in your life (we all know one).
2. Etsy, is also a great place to find something that is more of a rarity than what one might find at WalMart. If you look hard enough, you can find almost anything. Sometimes the prices are a little higher, but for the quality, it's probably worth it.
3. I know this isn't a website, and it's probably occurred to most of you, but if you can't find something online, SHOP SMALL! (This will link you to the website for the shop small movement, if you'd like to learn more about it.) Shopping locally or in a small town is great for that area's economy, and you can find some really amazing stuff in small, locally owned, stores.

For someone that really means a lot to you, you might try to spend some extra time and make them something. One of my friends is making notebooks with encouraging quotes and funny memories inside of it for all of the girls in her youth group. Another great thing is gift baskets tailored to that person's interests. For your movie lover, make them a basket with a bunch of candy and a theater gift-card in it. Finally, if all else fails, check Pinterest. You can ALWAYS find something fun there.

Hopefully this helped y'all think of some ideas for gifts. If you have any other cool ideas, let me know down below! 

Y'all are blessings!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies. All opinions expressed are my own.