At the tippity-top of my list is the Ring Spotlight security camera. We chose this one over the doorbell model because we could angle it on our porch to see the whole front of the house, plus our driveway! AND it didn’t break the bank!! We got the battery version, but it does come in a hardwire option as well. Make sure you pay attention to which one you’ve selected! I did sign up for the $30 annual plan (not required) but it allows you to save past recorded videos. My fav feature so far has been the alarm, which I can activate from my phone while Dustin is sitting on the porch to scare the shit out of him 🙂 10/10 would recommend
Ring Camera Solar Pannel – $49
Shortly after buying the Ring camera, we discovered that the rechargeable batteries were dying somewhat quickly, and since the camera needs a later to reach, we quickly ordered the solar panel, which is the easiest thing in the world to set up, and voila! Now the battery literally stays at 100% all the time and I don’t have to worry about it! Definitely, if you buy the battery operated cam (there’s a wired version too) spend the extra $50 and get the solar panel to go with it! Worth every penny!
Buffalo Plaid Curtain Valance – $13
Okay, I am obsessed with the fact that buffalo plaid is finally back in style, and it’s everywhere!! The curtains are a little more grey and softer in person, which I like, and they are super cute in my kitchen!! If it wasn’t overkill, I’d totally have them in my laundry room as well!!
Vikor & Rolf FLOWERBOMB Purfume 1oz – $69
If you’ve followed along for a while, you know this is my all-time favorite perfume!! It’s extremely fragrant and lasts forever, so 1-2 squirts will do you for the entire day. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten on this stuff – from both men and women!! Hands down, my fav perfume ever!!
Aviano 20lbs Weighted Blanket – $150
The holy grail right here. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the whole weighted blanket thing but FRIEND. If you have not laid under one of these yet, your life is about to be changed. I purchased this particular one because the outside is a soft fleece. Not crazy about the blue color, but for as much as I love it, it could be lime green and I’d still be using it every night!! The outside fleece cover is removable for washing, but I will tell you that putting the weighted inside blanket back in the cover is a royal pain in the ass. But! I still highly, highly recommend!! The amount of weight in the blanket determines how much you weigh, so make sure that you pay attention to the weight of the blanket – it affects the price and it’s effectiveness on the body!!
Corkcicle 25oz Canteen in Wood Snowdrift – $38
Another long-time fav of mine is the Corkcicle, in any form and size. My favorite is the canteen (shown above) and I literally have seven, yes, SEVEN of these kicking around!! Don’t bring your Yeti here, I will never ever try anything else because the Corkcicle is hands down, the best beverage/water/coffee/wine container I’ve ever used!!
Reusable Ice Cubes 60 pack – $12
Okay, hear me out on this one. Reusable ice cubes. Life changing (especially in a Corkcicle!) I stumbled upon these at Big Lots like 5 years ago, and I’m obsessed!!! They ARE dishwasher safe, and they live in a little container right in my fridge! NO MORE FILLING UP ANNOYING ICE CUBE TRAYS AND THEN SPILLING WATER ALL OVER YOURSELF!!! The best stocking stuffer!!
I am forever changed by this gadget (insert praying hands emoji) It’s a customizable foot massager and it’s one of the best things I own!!! I know what you’re thinking, why the hell would anyone pay $130 for a FOOT MASSAGER, but it’s even “Dustin approved” and it totally brings my achey feet back to life after a long wedding day. My favorite feature is that you can change the level of heat, pressure, kneading, all of it! This bad boy sits right underneath my desk. The best part is that the feet inserts zip out and are machine washable!!
I know, this is a little extra, but I finally decided to try out some legit silk pillow cases to see if they made a difference with my hair. I have a bad habit of going to sleep with wet hair from my shower, and these pillowcases have saved my hair!!
Ouai Leave-in Conditioner – $40
I’m a big freak about packaging and branding and I’ve walked past this soooo many times. Finally, after many YouTube video recommendations, I tried it out and damn!!! I love it! It’s like a cream, but it’s a spray, and you definitely don’t need much at all! It has mended my split ends and softened my hair better than anything else I’ve tried!! But now, the hype must have caught on because they’re always out of stock!! Snag it while it’s in!!
Tatcha Silk Canvas Face Primer – $52
I really didn’t want to love this primer as much as I do because of the price, but all the rave is legit. I will never ever use another primer again!! Not only is it great when you first put it on and apply makeup (like a lot of other primers) but it STAYS IN PLACE, and is actually long lasting, which totally justifies the price!!
Kiara Sky Gel Polish – “The Simple Life” – $13
If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I literally keep this bottle of gel polish in my purse at all times. Haha!! This is my GO-TO color all year long, and I rarely stray. It’s the perfect pale, neutral pink and the quality is AMAZING. I’ve tried my fair share of gel polish brands and Kiara Sky is hands down the best I’ve ever tried!! No chipping here!
Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Perfume 3.4 oz – $73
I found this perfume thanks to the fact that I think literally every CFP Bride ever, has worn some sort of Daisy perfume on her wedding day. This is definitely a close 2nd to my favorite perfume! And the price isn’t too bad either, so I usually switch between this one and Flowerbomb!!
TARTE Maneater Liquid Eyeliner – $22
I’ve been a liquid eyeliner girl since 2008, and I’ll never go back! From my many years of over-lining my eyes in high school (I’ve chilled out a bit now, thankfully) I’ve found that the key to a long lasting and great liquid eyeliner is a felt tip! NOT a brush tip!! Forever, I used some cheap Maybeline felt tip eyeliner, and then they discontinued it!! But fear not, this bad boy is coming in hot and I’ve LOVED it!! Definitely worth a try, and the felt tip makes it super easy for super thin, not high-school aggressively, over-lined lids!
PROACTIV MD Face Wash & Spot Treatment Duo – $28
Another high school goodie that has grown up with my through the years! Unfortunately, I still get acne here and there (sadly that didn’t disappear once I stopped my over use of eyeliner) and I will tell you that the Proactiv MD is SO worth the price. I don’t use this every day, just when I’m breaking out, and it clears it up legit overnight. It also significantly helps with redness, but be careful using the serum at first, if you use too much, it will really dry out your skin! So, instead I just use it as a spot treatment, instead of all over my face.
Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Brush – $99
This is definitely on my wish list!! I haven’t taken the leap yet, but I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this face cleaning brush! I love that there are interchangeable brush heads for various skin types and needs, and this will definitely be an item that I treat myself to eventually!
Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix (2pack) – $12
My favorite waffle mix!! and YES it does make a difference when you use actual Belgian waffle mix, as opposed to pancake/regular waffle mix. Move over Bisquick, this shit is SO good!! The perfect “breakfast for dinner” fix!! Or….breakfast for breakfast I suppose.
Okay, $20 waffle maker – yes please! It’s just like the waffle makers at the hotel, and I don’t know why, but flipping them over in the waffle grill thing is so satisfying. This is absolutely a perfect gift for anyone who doesn’t already have a waffle maker!! It’s one of those things that you never knew you needed, but won’t be able to live without!
You Are A Badass At Making Money
I am a huge audio-book fan, especially when it’s read by the author. Honestly, I started reading this book because I thought it was about business…but it’s SO much better!! It’s not specifically about increasing revenue in business, but it focuses on our financial mindset all around. And, it’s funny as hell!! No matter what your bank account looks like, this book definitely applies to anyone and everyone, in business or not, and was SUCH a good listen!! I’ve listened to it twice now!
MATRIX Brass Off Purple Shampoo – $11
For my fellow blondes, this is by far my FAV purple shampoo!! I’ve tried many other brands, but keep coming back to this one! Just be careful because it’s super concentrated, and doesn’t need to be left on your hair long at ALL. Maybe 2 minutes. This is not a purple shampoo that you want to shave your legs with it sitting in your hair (from my experience, LOL!)
Removable Heated Seats For Your Car (1) – $40
Heated car seats are God’s great gift to the North Country. There are a lot of brands that make removable/portable heated seats for the car, but these were the best one’s I’ve found that don’t look super tacky or cheap! The price isn’t bad either, and is perfect for anyone! Especially your dad who is impossible to shop for 🙂
Alright, Instagram sold me on these. I don’t know if it was the color or the packaging, but I had to try them. And guys, the hype is real. I’ve tried a lot of different brands of hair vitamins and I keep coming back to these!! The taste is awesome and doesn’t give me a weird sicky feeling if I haven’t ate anything. I take 2 of them at night and they have REALLY have made a difference! I wouldn’t say that I suddenly turned into Rapunzel, but the strength of my hair has improved significantly. I get my hair dyed/bleached religiously every 6 weeks (ain’t no time for roots) which can wreck havoc on your hair, but since I’ve been taking these (6 months now) I can definitely tell a difference! Be paitent, I was half-way through my 2nd bottle (1.5 months) until I really started to notice a significant impact!
If I was was banished to an inhabitable island, i’d ask to take this sleep mask. It’s so cheap but SO GOOD. It’s weighted with flax seeds (I believe?) and can be popped into the microwave for a few seconds to heat it up. It’s great for migraine and headaches, but it’s too heavy to sleep with. There is NO light peak-through like some other masks I’ve tried, and the best part is that you can take our the weighted pocket thing to pop the mask into the washing machine! Sometimes I’ll also add a drop or two of cedarwood or lavender essential oils right onto the mask when I really need to sleep like a rock. 10/10 would recommend!
Okay, I WISH I saw these cute things at weddings more often!!! They make for GREAT photos and are a great little keepsake! They come in all sorts of colors and shapes to match wedding themes and colors. Perfect guide for a bride-to-be!!
Dr. Scholls Perfect Slip-on Shoes – $48
SO comfy!! And SO many colors, I’ve had a hard time choosing which ones to buy! To my delight, these slide-on sneakers are back in style and they are EVERYWHERE. These are the comfiest and most durable ones I’ve found so far! Plus, I haven’t had any issues with blisters or rubbing whatsoever, even the first time I wore them!
MoroccanOil Hydrated Hair Mask (travel size) – $16
My FAV hair mask of all time!! I’ve tried SO many hair masks but this one seems to trump them all so far! And the smell is AMAZING! I use this mask once every 2-3 weeks and it keeps my hair super shiny and gives it a little burst, especially during the winter time!
THIS IS NOT A DRILL. YES! You can buy ALL PINK starbursts!! Say no more, if this ended up under my tree this year, I would NOT be disappointed!!! PERFECT stocking stuffer!!
iPhone & Apple Watch Charging Stand – $14
Another wonderful and convenient Amazon find! This charging station for your phone and watch Is small enough to sit comfortably on a nightstand or like me, on your desk! They come in a few different colors and I bought one the grey/silver one to match my computer! This gift is also super gender neutral (unlike most of these gift ideas haha!) and is a great for the tech-lover in your home!
Another comfort, life-changing item on my list. Here me preach for a sec, if you or someone you’re shopping for has never owned a heated blanket before, RUN don’t walk! I will caution you, these things can be kind of pricey sometimes, and the $30 ones you find at Walmart are literally the size of a hand towel. I don’t know about you but I prefer my blankets a little bigger, so if you’re shopping for one of these, make sure to pay attention to the size!! I also recommend finding ones that have auto shut-offs just in case!
Got pets or kids? You need this. I always thought steam mops were a waste of time, until I bought one. No more lugging out the nasty mop and bucket. This steam mop can be filled with any cleaner you want, unlike most steamers were you have to buy the specific cleaning cartridge to fit the mop. The mop head is removable and when you’re done mopping, just stick it right in the washer! It’s especially perfect for cleaning up salt marks inside on the floor during the winter! I keep mine right in the kitchen for easy access! My favorite feature is that it has a “steam burst” option where you flip the mop head around and can spray steam directly on the floor for all that dried on gunk!
I am a HUGE slipper fan, and I came across these and thought they were SO cute!! Sometimes my feet get a little too warm in my mocs because I always swear socks with them, so these fluffy slides might just do the trick! They come in a bunch of cute colors and would be the perfect gift for any fellow slipper-lover!
Perfect Laundry Room Sign – $23
Not that I really NEED any more home decor, but HOW CUTE is this laundry room sign?! I think the style is perfect and neutral enough to match anyone’s current decor or theme. Had to add this one to my list, don’t be surprised if you see this hanging up in my laundry room soon!!
Okay, Okay, I can’t even tell you how much I love this thing. It’s a portable indoor weather station and it’s fabulous! I have one right in my kitchen and literally every single member of my household looks at this thing daily. We got one that tells you some sort of air pressure so Dustin can check it for hunting (???) But I also love that it shows you the moon phase, humidity, weather forecast, everything! Another one of those “didn’t know I needed one until I had it!” type gifts!
I originally got this sound machine for my daughter, but I end up using it more than her I think! I bought this one because it doesn’t just have nursery music, but it has all kinds of sound options from nature sounds to a fan to rain on a roof (my fav) and you can set it to a timer!! This thing is so cute and the nightlight can be turned on or off. Definitely a great gift for anyone who can’t sleep in silence, or needs a meditation tool!
Everything Bagel Seasoning – $6
I’m pretty sure there’s nothing that this stuff isn’t good on. It’s like the Montreal steak seasoning for hippies hahaha! Kidding, but this stuff is SO good and definitely worth a try!
The Present Is Female 2020 Calendar – $35
I LOVE this little calendar, created by one of my friends, Bailey Phelps! The best part is that these are all hand drawn portraits of some of our favorite, and most influential ladies including Mindy Kaling, Ava DuVernay, Radhya Al-Mutawakel, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Leana Wen, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Megan Rapinoe, Jameela Jamil, Greta Thunberg, Christine Blasey Ford, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sonia Sotomayor. Bailey also offers commission work, which would also be the perfect personalized gift for someone you love!! Definitely worth checking out!
Ahhh, another beauty item on my wish list!! A personal face steamer! I’ve been dying to try one of these, especially because my skin gets so dry during the colder months. I’ve ready (rather, seen on YouTube) that it’s great to use as your applying face cream or night serum because it keeps your pore open and allows the stuff to set right in on your face. The price is a steal too, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
One of the best reads I’ve found in a long time! I have listened to this book 3 times already, and each time, I get something new or different out of it! I was a little hesitant getting into it at first, I’m not one who’s been big on manifesting or meditating, but It has changed my outlook and approach on a lot of different areas in my life, and I can’t recommend this book enough!! It’s SO much better to listen to, rather than read, in my opinion!!
Canon Mini Mobile Photo Printer – $99
I bought this mini printer for my sister last year, and it’s still on my list this year because of how NEAT this little thing is!!! It syncs to your phone, you download an app, and can instantly print little photos right from your phone’s camera roll or Instagram account! It’s perfect for anyone who scrapbooks or journals, and the compact size and slim profile makes it perfect for traveling!!
Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick – $6
My favorite diamond cleaner!! I was pretty shocked at how well this little thing worked, considering the cheap price, but I couldn’t believe how sparkly and shiny this made my ring!! I also used it on my smaller diamond earnings and what a difference! Definitely recommend, and a perfect stocking stuffer for any one who wants to keep their jewelry looking like it just came out of the case!
I know, so random, but I swear by humidifiers!! Especially during the cold months AND if you have a wood/pellet stove, the air is super dry which we all know is not great for our house or our health. I love this portable one because it’s SO low maintenance and not a pain in the ass to move around and fill up like the big ones I have. This is also perfect for a desk at work or home!
I shared my favorite gel polish a little earlier, and this UV lamp is on my wish list! I have a smaller one from walmart, but it’s SO small, that I can’t fit all 5 fingers under the lamp LOL! I like this one because it had as automatic timer, AND it’s wide enough to fit all 5 fingers in at once! Perfect for any beauty lover!
What A Bride Really Needs To Know About Wedding Photography
Alright, alright, here’s 1/2 of my shameless plug, but you KNOW I couldn’t do a gift guide and leave my own little creations out!! Last year I wrote, designed and published this book, created SPECIFICALLY for those brides who I’m not able to join alongside their wedding day. I wanted to create a resource for ALL brides, with all of the knowledge, tips and know-how they need when working with any wedding photographer. It’s all of the CFP goodness, jam-packed into a pretty book with bonus worksheets at the back!. I am only bringing these bad boys back for the holidays, and then they’ll be tucked away in the vault for the rest of the year. Starting 11/28 at 4pm, you can snag yourself one at 50% off, for $20!! If you want to learn more about what’s inside, and all of the topics covered, click HERE.
I am also bringing back our 50% off CFP Gift Certificates this year! They are redeemable for one full photo session with digital images & print release, and they are valid for up to one year after purchase! The best part is that these are totally digital, so you can buy online then download from a link sent to your email, print & gift! Super easy! Sessions are regularly $300 and this is the ONLY time of year that we run any kind of sale or discount….which is why we only have 10 gift certificates up for grabs this year! This deal starts on 11/28 at 4pm! Here’s the link in case you want to snag this sweet deal!! click HERE!
