Holden Beach Family Photographer | What I Learned in June

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Memorial Day celebrating the cousins May/June birthday

1. June was a brave month for me. Honestly never having a c section or any kind of surgery, I was terrified to have a procedure on my heart. (see the whole story here) I did e-mail all my newborn clients before having this done and found a backup in case the recovery ended up being worse than it was. I am so thankful for such patient + kind clients. I did quite a few newborns the week before and then the two I did first after my surgery just happened to be born at a great time to wait a little over a week. (thank you sweet babies) The recovery was not bad at all, and I’m thankful for my husband and mom taking such good care of me + the kids that week.

2.I’m so thankful for my neighbors. Honestly, I could cry. I have been so blessed by them. They brought me awesome whole30 food after the surgery and checked on us. One of my neighbors taught me how to make her homemade lara bars because they are just amazing. You feel like you’re eating dessert.

3.That being said, if you are having any procedure done, I learned to plan a crazy busy week right before. I did not have a lot of time to think about it which was great. Owen’s birthday party was the night before so I honestly didn’t even have a second. And I’m so thankful to Ericka for helping me out so much with his party. So much cuteness – more to come soon.

4.Renting bikes at the beach is my favorite. We spent a week at the beach in the beginning of June, and oh my, I love the bikes. Harrison can still fit in the baby seat bike (like this one here– holds up to 40lbs) and we used the tagalong bike with Owen. (see one kind of like it here) They both loved it soooo much. We haven’t rented bikes until this year because you have to book them so far in advance, but I finally was able to get them. (See our favorite place to rent bikes and all our Holden Beach favorites here)

5. If you’ve been following my love of whole30, I can now drink coffee again without worrying about a racing heart…So, I thought I would add in one cup a day when I feel like it. So I have tried quite a few things..almond milk, etc. I just haven’t found anything exciting or worth even drinking the coffee. (I am super picky about coffee.) After trying bulletproof coffee, I am super impressed. I made it in the vitamix with grass fed unsalted butter, coconut oil, coffee + vanilla. It was realllly yummy. I’m sure I’ll cheat every now and then at my favorite coffee place, but I need something for everyday.

6. I discovered Nom Nom Paleo. This website might be a little life changing for my whole30 meals. I did download the app, and I am sooo excited about all the recipes. Cauliflower fried rice and the bacon guacamole sammies – such great ideas. She has a lot that are specifically whole30 although whole30 and Paleo are not very different.

7. My favorite summer dress here, and I am also loving the skort trend for the gym. (I got this one + love it)

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Rebecca Keller is a family photographer featured in People Magazine who spends her time sipping iced coffee, chasing after her two little ones, reading, running, and editing. Because we chat a lot about our personal lives on the blog, we may receive commissions on affiliate links in articles. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about Holden Beach Family photography + newborn sessions.

 

 

 

 

Raleigh Downtown Newborn Photography NC | That Dreamy Nursery 

This was one of those perfect weekday mornings at home. This sweet baby girl woke up from her nap a few minutes after I arrived, and she was just so happy. Her nursery was just so pretty, and the perfect spot to start our session. So much love went into her room, and I am always thrilled when the nursery has pretty light for us to use. This little one was very interested in the camera, and she had some sweet schnauzer siblings (OH MY GOODNESS – THEY WERE SO CUTE!) Did they love her or what? I have grown up with schnauzers and love, love, love them. Love everything about this session – it was just the sweetest morning at home. (I know I say it all the time, but I loovvvvvvvve sessions at home!)

According to Mom….

What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time? How crazy and amazing it was to create a little person and bring her into this world!

What was your favorite part of our session? Everything seemed so natural and easy! We were comfortable being in our own home and Becky was so patient with us and had great ideas for photos.

How did you prepare the baby for our photoshoot? Made sure she was well rested and had a full tummy. She was so intrigued by the clicking of the camera!

How was your experience having your newborn photographed? Were you worried or nervous before the session? It was the perfect experience! I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. Obviously I was nervous how Hudson would do because babies are so unpredictable but everything worked out really well!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken? Just relax and enjoy the moments.

Was there a sentimental item in your nursery or parts of your nursery that we photographed that are special to you? Becky did a great job photographing Hudson’s nursery with us in it. She used a special lens that was able to capture the whole room, it’s one of my favorite photos.

Do you have any other children? How did they react to the baby? Hudson is our first baby!

How would you describe your perfect Saturday as a family? Stay in pajamas all morning and be lazy:)then maybe go for a stroll later and sit outside at a local restaurant with some friends!

Any advice to other families picking out wardrobe or preparing for family portraits? I would think to go neutral and classic…something that will look great 20 years from now when you’re still enjoying the photos!

 

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Rebecca Keller is a family and newborn photographer featured in People Magazine and on The Bump. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about Raleigh Maternity and Newborn Portraits.

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Strawberry Picking Tips Raleigh NC

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Article by Ericka of Little Apple Styles

My kids love any and every fruit.  We are so lucky to live in between so many farms! The Little Apple family has surely taken advantage of the strawberry season.  We stop by at least twice a week, in between carpools, to kill some time and Ethan is quite popular. I soon realized he is known by name  because I tend to call him a million times while we are there…Ethan come here, Ethan stop, Ethan do not eat that, Ethan we have to pay for it first, Ethan NOT THE FLOWERS….three year olds!

While growing up, Mr. Little Apple spent most of his summers on Alabama Farms helping his grandparents/uncles in their fields.  He has mad fruit picking skills!  He can pick the sweetest and juiciest strawberries like nobody I know.  He has been teaching our kids – and I have been trying to learn by osmosis.  Recently I compiled a list of tips for a friend – and decided to share them with you.  If you are a novice like me – it will come handy specially when going with kids!

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– Check the weather before you leave.  April AND May showers bring the flowers in NC for sure!

– Bring extra cash, most farms will have knick knacks, plants or snacks to purchase while in there.  Our favorite purchases are homemade Ice Cream and fresh strawberry preserves.

– Don’t pick berries with green tips – those are not ripe.

– Strawberries are delicate fruit and bruise easily.  Be gentle when placing in your basket. They will last longer if they are unblemished

– Do not pick the flowers.  Strawberry flowers turn into strawberry fruits.  Farm attendants will get mad at you if they see flowers in your basket, or in your hair.  Do not ask me how I know this!

– Do NOT wash the strawberries until you are ready to eat them.  Unwashed strawberries store better and longer.

– Strawberries store great in mason jars while refrigerated.  The mason jar lid creates a tight closure.  If you want a fresh flavor consume within a week.

– Lastly, my best kept secret for picking the best strawberries: Bring a small basket, let your kids pick 5-6 strawberries each… and buy the ones pre-picked by the Farm staff. There, I said it!

While we had been enjoying our strawberries in between errands, the rain did not let us document our adventures as often as I was planning too.  I was able to convince Becky to join us one afternoon. The weather app was giving us a 30 minute window of no rain, and the light looked perfect…until we arrived there. The sun decided to welcome us in a very hot and bright way.  The sun was blinding us and we were sweaty messes – but we were determined!  Becky managed to get fantastic photos regardless – but it was definitely an adventure.

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Ericka Jimmerson is a busy mom of two who runs Little Apple Styles, photography + event styling. Contact her at littleapplestyles@gmail.com if you need help making your event picture perfect!

Rebecca Keller is a family photographer featured in People Magazine who spends her time chasing after her two little ones, reading, running, and editing. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about family photography and travel sessions.

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What to Do at Holden Beach | Favorite Things

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I just photographed two sweet families at Holden Beach (one in this blog post!) and with our first ever Coastal Minis coming up, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about Holden Beach for those coming to visit. First of all, the colors this Mama chose for her session – love, love, love. The boys coordinated perfectly with their sister. We did end up having some no see em’s (I think that’s what they are called) the night of their session, but these kids still played and laughed in the ocean, no problem. It was a complicated week trying to figure out when to have our session because of the tropical storm. Everytime we thought it was going to rain per the forecast, it was a gorgeous day. It actually rained right before I photographed this family. (I was in middle of a downpour on the beach photographing the other family! Can’t wait to share their images soon! ) A lot going on in one evening!

A few of my favorites at Holden Beach..

1.My favorite place to eat is the Yacht Basin Provision Company. (They also have a location at Southport, so when googling, make sure you pick Holden Beach) It is on the mainland right under the bridge. It’s a super cute dock with great shrimp, crabcakes and burgers. (I usually get “thee special”)

2.If you love coffee, we absolutely love Ocean Boulevard Coffee. It’s right when you turn on the island, and it’s in the same building as Beach Fun Rentals. They also have wi-fi, which is awesome.

3.Speaking of Beach Fun Rentals, we have loved renting bikes from them – especially since we can get a tagalong bike for Owen and baby bike seat for Harrison.

4.For pizza, you can get dominoes delivered, but I’m definitely going to recommend Patronie’s Pizza. 

5.Produce. Since you know I love some produce with my whole30 eating and all, and who can resist having watermelon around in the summer, we have loved Lulum’s Produce which is on the way to Shallotte. They also sell an amazing key lime pie.

6.If you want to go out for breakfast, have a burger or lunch, or especially if you need a birthday cake or dessert, you will want to go to The Purple Onion. They have so many baked goodies, but call ahead and order if you need a birthday cake. They are open until 2pm most days.

7.Ice Cream. Beaches -n- Cream all the way. My favorite of theirs has been the Krispy Kreme, but you just never know when they will have it. (You can check their social media for their daily flavors)

8. Sunset Slush is a fun place to take the kids. It’s right under the bridge and the kids can play cornhole while they eat their slushie.

9.The walkway/pier under the bridge. It’s fun to walk out there and watch the boats. You can also see what the fishermen have caught.

We’ve also eaten at The Seafood Barn (get there right at 5 to beat the rush, Castaways, and Archibalds – great for a sandwich or chess pie!) Inlet view is a little bit of a drive but is also a fun place with cornhole + gorgeous view.

9. If you want to drive a little bit, Calabash isn’t super bar and we love eating at The Boundary House and then perusing through the Christmas shop there.

10. Miss Minnie’s Antiques – a fun shop to stop in if you are in Shallotte.

11. Tide Dye Tuesday under the bridge. So much fun, and this year they had 5.00 Holden Beach 2016 shirts – so much fun and a great memory. Tuesdays 2-3:30 on the island right under the bridge at the Pavillion. (right next to Sunset Slush) We got there early, and there was already a line.

What to Do If It Rains

It is inevitable that it will rain at some point if you stay at the beach long enough, right? Especially if you are staying for a week. Shallotte is not too far and has a few great options

1.Planet Fun is just that – fun. It is such a great place for kids – so many fun things for them to do.

2.Go See a Movie. If there are some fun kids movies out, this is a great spot.

We love Holden Beach. It’s so quiet and such a great family beach..Most of all our favorite part of Holden, the beach.

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Rebecca Keller is a Holden Beach Family Photographer featured in People Magazine and on several blogs including Let the Kids Dress Themselves. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information and family photography and travel sessions.

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Durham Newborn Photographer | The Best Nap

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I know this Mama was a little stressed when I arrived that her little one was not going to sleep, but oh my, he slept like a dream…his session was just the best nap for this little one. He was so content to just be held and rocked by his Mommy and Daddy. And his parents were just so much fun. They are readers, so I loved that they had their books out and could make recommendations. They are also big board game fans, which is super cool, so this little guy will always be surrounded by so many fun memories. This was just a cozy weekend morning at home, and this little man didn’t wake up until the very, very end.

According to Mom…

What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time? James was due May 1 but starting from when I was around 6 months pregnant, everybody kept telling me he’d be early based on my size and how I was carrying. I work with nurses and other medical professionals, so I thought they probably knew what they were talking about. My mom was also two weeks early with her first child, so that also made me think James would be an April baby. By the time my due date rolled around, I already felt like James was late–then I thought for SURE I’d be a mom by Mother’s Day–and yet again, that milestone came and went with no baby! It was agonizing waiting those last few weeks. I was finally induced on May 13 and James was born after only 7 hours of labor. My first thought when they put him in my arms was “You’re finally here! Finally!!” I was just so shocked to suddenly have my baby in my arms after waiting so long.

What was the best part of having a newborn session at home? It was a relief not to have to pack up James and all of his accessories and take him to a strange place–I’m sure he cooperated so well partly because we did the shoot in a familiar place with all of the usual sights and sounds. I’m also so pleased that our cats Rupert and Delilah got to be in the photos. They are an integral part of our family and the pictures of them with James are priceless!

How did you prepare the baby for our photoshoot? The day before the shoot Jeremiah and I gave James his first sponge bath at home. We’d like to think that that tired him out enough to make him sleep through the whole shoot!

How was your experience having your newborn photographed? Were you worried or nervous beforehand? How did it turn out? I was nervous that James wouldn’t cooperate and that we’d be dealing with a screaming baby the whole time. Luckily he slept like a dream! I loved how Becky came in and did such a quick assessment of our space to find the best places to take pictures. It was a relief for her to take charge and to get her advice on the wardrobe. Everything turned out great!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken? My advice for someone getting newborn photos would be to go with the flow and be yourselves! The pictures of Jeremiah and me with James turned out so well I think because we felt so comfortable and were just being ourselves instead of worrying about trying to pose.

Did you have a sentimental item at our session? All of the blankets and quilts in the photoshoots were made by family members. Nobody told me they were making those blankets for him–they were all surprise gifts. One of my mothers-in-law actually learned how to quilt just to make James that turtle quilt! It was touching for me to see James welcomed with such love by all of his extended family.

I started knitting the white blanket very early on in my pregnancy, before we even knew we were having a boy. It is my very first gift for James and I hope he will treasure it. I made the “It’s a Boy” wreath on his due date while I was impatiently awaiting his arrival.

Do you have any other children? How did they react to the baby? James’s only siblings are his cat brother and sister, Rupert and Delilah! He actually has a couple onesies that say “My Big Brother/Sister is a Cat”. This photoshoot was the first time the cats really came in contact with James; before that they had really been keeping their distance! This was a great ice-breaker for them.

Any advice to other families picking out wardrobe or preparing for a session? My only advice would be to have multiple outfits picked out in advance. The night before I laid out several different combinations of outfits for James, Jeremiah and myself. We saved a ton of time when Becky arrived for the shoot and it made it easy for her advise us on what to wear. I’ll also add that mommas should dress lightly–you can’t see it in the pictures but I was very warm from all of those pregnancy hormones!

What’s your perfect Saturday as a family? Jeremiah and I like to do a big Saturday breakfast–bacon, pancakes, coffee–while listening to Prince or Beatles records from our vinyl collection. (James’s middle name, Harrison, is after George Harrison.) In the afternoon we’ll do something outdoors like a walk on the American Tobacco Trail, a trip to Duke Gardens, or an outing to a UNC football game. To cap off the night, we’ll snuggle on the couch with the cats for a movie or a few episodes of one of our favorite shows. We can’t wait to introduce James to all of our favorite things!

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Rebecca Keller is a Raleigh Maternity and Family Photographer featured in People Magazine and on The Bump. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about family photography and travel sessions.

 

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