Christmas 2023

Here’s a little Christmas 2023 recap in photos.  Our holiday season was full of fun and sickness…unfortunately.  Some of us are still struggling, praying it gets better soon.

Most of my updates are now on INSTAGRAM….and to be honest I’ve struggled whether or not to keep this blog going.  I don’t update it that much anymore and it’s just easier to keep up with friends/family on socials.

Then I have this nagging feeling that I don’t want to lose all my memories and this space on the internet I worked so hard for.  We shall see how time goes this year and what I decide to do.

I had a full fall season of Christmas sessions and it was a blast!  My photography biz is growing and thriving each year and for that I’m thankful.  If you need a photographer in DFW check me out at – Becky Branch Photography.

Here is a little recap of our Christmas and a lot of the photos from my cell can be found on Insta.  These are some photos I wanted to remember this time and I’m happy to share- including our annual tradition of ICE! at the Gaylord Texan.  We love it there, and this year’s Grinch theme did not dissapoint!

Heidi – 4 years old by the coffee tree

2023 family Christmas pic

Here’s a recap of our day at Gaylord ICE!  I highly recommend it if you are visiting the DFW area during the holiday season.

Time to Sparkle & Shine, It’s Christmas Time!

Tis the season to bedazzle yourself – and oh do I have some fabulous finds for you!  You all know I love accessories of all kinds and that’s because they always FIT!

I’m going to share some of my favorite holiday jewels and accessories, so you can sparkle and shine this season.

#1 on the List:

This dainty gold necklace with tiny pearls is something you can wear every day and layer with anything.  I’ve been wearing it non-stop all season because of it’s elegant and classic style.

This would make an amazing gift for any gal in your life.

#2 on the List:

These pearl bow earrings from Brianna Cannon are a must have this season.  They too, have a classic and sophisticated vibe that can take you from work to a holiday party in a pinch- and will leave you looking snatch!

#3 on the List:

I found the cutest little outfits and sunglasses and J Crew Factory.  They have some adorabe things for Christmas as well, and you can find them HERE.

#4 on the List:

These holiday earrings are the CUTEST, and at under $20 each they are a find!  Click HERE to shop.

And last, but not least…. #5 on the List:

I’ve been searching for some all-natural children’s makeup for a while now and I found this brand a year ago at a Christmas market I attended.  The makeup is all natural and safe for children.  Heidi loved it and it’s not crazy colors or anything overwhelming- just FUN!  Click HERE to shop Klee Naturals.

BONUS:

This is just a super fun find from World Market I wanted to share.  The doormat is inspired by a Euro village and it’s soooooo cute too!

My plaid tennis shoes are from Tretorn and on sale for $35…RUN!!!

Hope you all are having a wonderful time getting ready for the Christmas season.  We have a lot of fun things planned in the months ahead!

xoxo- Becky

Fall Vibes I’m Loving Right Now…

 

I recently got this amazing travel backpack for women.  I’m hoping now that things are a bit more “normal” in the world we can start traveling again.  I love to travel- as you all know if you have read my blog for any amount of time!  I was born in Germany, and in 2018 we had the chance to go back and take Connor.  Now, we have another little kiddo who I’d love to take traveling around as well!  I’ve been to Germany, England, and France.  I want our next trip to either be to Scotland/Ireland or Italy.  If you’ve ever been I’d LOVE some tips!  

My dream is to take Heidi someday back to England and get all dressed up to have a proper tea at some fancy hotel.  Hopefully…someday!!!

I love this backpack because it has plenty of storage and so many compartments for all the THINGS!  You can definitely fit a laptop, iPad, makeup bag, and even an extra set of clothing if needed.  All the things I love to keep with my on a plane while traveling.

This backpack also comes with this handy cable storage case.  I never thought about it, but keeping all those cables from tangling is quite the chore!

I can’t wait to plan many future trips and now I have the perfect backpack to travel with 🙂

Y’all also know how much I LOVE my Javasoks!!!  They just released their holiday lineup and it’s fabulous.  Javasoks are great for travel as well because they keep your drink cold or hot and are easy to take anywhere.  I got the nutcracker one and I can’t wait to use it.

This denim tartan lined jacket is everything!!! It’s something on my wish list for fall, hopefully they re-stock more sizes.

These orange earrings and headband from Brianna Cannon are my faves this fall as well.  Perfect colors to wear to the pumpkin patch and frolic in the leaves ha ha!

Halloween is next week and I’m all about the CANDY- Reese cups are my favorite.

These skull cupcakes and pumpkin cake are a feast for the eyes!!!

This is one of my favorite porches of all time.  The bats, the way it’s decorated…all the fall vibes.

Until next time my pretties….Happy….

Best Gaylord ICE Coupon 2023- 50% off Tickets!

We have enjoyed ICE! for the past 11 years as a family.  It truly has become one of our favorite Christmas traditions, and it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without our visit to ICE!.  The Gaylord Texan is the most magical hotel and everything is exceptional!  From the sights, lights, and the staff….everything is like walking through a Christmas wonderland.  I hope you and your family get to enjoy ICE! this year it will NOT dissapoint.

 

Here is my coupon code for 2023:

Buy tickets HERE

ICE! of years past:

Connor is now a TEENAGER, and this was his very first trip to the Gaylord.  I love this and it also makes me weep with how fast time flies!

 

Also, I’ll be taking these fun “in the box” Christmas photos soon if you want to book email me HERE.

 

 

Happy 4th Birthday to Heidi + First Day of School

Our sweet Heidi bug turned four years old.  It seems like yesterday she was born and here we are FOUR years later!  Connor is a teenager and started 8th grade this year….and Heidi is in Pre-K 4.  It’s true what they say, babies don’t keep.

Here are Connor and Heidi on the first day of school this year.  Then I’ll share some pictures from her birthday party.

Family Pic

 

Heidi’s favorite things at 4 years old:  Lion King, The Lion Guard, PJ Mask, stuffed animals, her “pilly” (Pillow), soft bows, trucks, swimming, turkey and cheese sandwiches, fruit, mermaids, and her friends and family.

Heidi you are a light in our lives and a joy we hoped and prayed for, but never imagined until you arrived.  You fill our hearts bursting with joy and curiosity every day.  You are always full of questions, and you know what you want.  I pray that God will bless you and your life in so many ways- my curly headed little angel!

Fun with friends at Kid’s Empire.  You love to play here but are NOT a fan of mascot animals.  The dragon and Chuck E Cheese scare you so bad!  It’s almost hilarious!!!

 

Birthday waffles for breakfast.

 

We love you so much- Happy year four Heidi!!!

Florida Vacay 2023

Summer 2023

What a whirlwind already! It went by so fast and before you know it I’m sure Christmas will be here. We had an amazing time at Miramar Beach. Despite the rain and high tides, we made some wonderful memories.  It was the kids first time to the ocean (or to at least swim in it).  Connor enjoyed the waves with his cousin Jarrett.

At night we all went hunting for crabs, as well as enjoying some delicious food while visiting the area.  The boys all went on a deep sea fishing boat for a day and caught a bunch of red snapper, and Terence even caught a shark.

The little girls enjoyed digging through the sand and making sand castles the most.  I just love looking out over the ocean and thinking “Wow….God you are amazing to have created such a beautiful place!”

We had the best time and won’t forget it 🙂

Come on Barbie let’s Go Party!

The sweetest Barbie Party EVER!!!

I had the joy of photographing this party with some fabulous DFW vendors. I’ll leave their info below….in the meantime, enjoy the pictures and who is going to see the movie this weekend?

 

Designed & Styled by: @bouncerie
Bounce & Bubble Houses, kids table & chairs: @dfwconfettibounce
Balloons & Shimmer wall: @stellarballoons
Wooden panels & platform: @glopartyandco
Acrylics & Signage: @castiestudio
Ballpit: @weliketosoftplay
Bar: @ellieandjuiceco
Fringes & Tableware: @ohmydarlingpartyco
Florals: @sparklingeventsdesigns
Boots & Hat Cutout: @afranco.crafthouse
Cake: @cakedbyshef_
Photographer (ME!): @thejavamama
Venue: @urbanfirehouse