Category Archives: Our Everyday

Where to Pick Strawberries in Raleigh

Article by Ericka of Little Apple Styles

where to pick strawberries in raleighP I N this to pinterest

We are so “berry” excited for strawberry season!  The DIY Farmer in me has gone overboard this year with all the container gardening.   Becky mentioned I should share all my gardening adventures.  I guess she thought it was funny that I decided to get the basil-attacking-slugs drunk (Editor’s note – Beer is lethal for slugs).  When that did not work, because my slugs are hard core drinkers, I tried to convince my husband to let me raise chickens.   I may or may have not sketched my coop already.  I will share some tips, once they actually work for me!

Since our strawberry plants did not survive the sudden freeze – I scouted the internet and Facebook pages for some info on the best strawberry picking farms.  My main criteria, not further than 1 hour from my house.  I did not realize all these other cities were less than 1 hour from Morrisville.  I also did not realize I had so many around the corner from me.  Most of them offer both pick-your-own (PYO) and pre-picked (PP).

I noticed most farms are using social media to keep their customers informed in “real time.”   Check their page before going – just in case there are any changes in their schedule.  Also, if you are planning on picking your own, it is important to check if they are not picked out for the day.  Oh, and not all of them accept credit cards or have baskets available.  I tried to as include as much information as possible in the list below …and I am planning on touring them all so I can find my most favorite strawberry picking farm.

Which one is your favorite?  Did I miss any?  I would love to hear from all my strawberry-loving-readers!outdoor newborn photograpy raleigh_1157P I N this to pinterest

 

Buckwheat Farm

2700 Holland Rd, Apex, NC 27502

This farm is currently open for pick-your-own strawberries.  The cost is $2 per pound.  You need to bring your own picking containers.

 

DJ’s Berry Patch

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex, NC, 27523

We love this farm! They have been selling pre-picked Sweet Charlie strawberries since last week for $14 per bucket.  DELICIOUS!  I was afraid to buy the large bucket since I thought it would be too much for my family.  My strawberry monsters proved me wrong.  They were all gone within 36 hours.  This farm will be ready for pick-your-own today (4/18)

Gross Farms

1606 Pickett Road Sanford, NC 27332

This farm opened this past Thursday, April 14th and they have pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries available.  Their prices for this season are as follows: Flat $11.00, Quart $4.00 and PYO $1.80/lb.

 

Hunts Strawberry Farm

4505 Watkins Road, Raleigh, NC, 27616

This farm is open for pick-your-own strawberries.  The gallon bucket of pre-picked strawberries is $13.00.  PYO gallon’s cost is $9.  This farm is cash or check only.

 

Jean’s Berry Patch 

38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex, NC

While their official season begins today, Monday 18th, they were open over the weekend.  You can stop by since 7:30am for pick-your-own strawberries. The cost for PYO is 1.80 per pound and the cost of pre-pricked strawberries is $4.50 per quart.  Cash/check only and you need to bring your own container to this farm.

 

Logan Farms 

110 Logan Farm Lane, Sanford, NC, 27330

Strawberry Picking started Friday, April 15th. This farm is one of the farthest from us, but excited to stop by so I can visit their greenhouse.  I contacted the get pricing information.  I will update this post as soon as I hear from them.

 

Lyon Farms 

1544 Munns Road, Creedmoor, NC, 27522

This farm is already open for season.   The cost is $1.5/lb for pick-your-own strawberries and $10 for the pre-picked bucket.  This farm has other vegetables available for sale on-site.  Payment is cash/checks only.

 

Page Farms 

6100 Mt. Herman Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27617

While the strawberry season has already started in this farm – check their Facebook page before you decide to stop by.  They are very good at announcing if there are picked out for the day in social media.  The cost of their berries is $1.85/lb for pick-your-own and $14 for a pre-picked bucket.

 

Phillips Farm of Cary, NC 

6701 Good Hope Church Rd, Cary, NC, 27519

Their strawberry picking season starts today, Monday April 18th.  The cost for pick-your-own is $2 per pound and the cost of pre-pricked strawberries is $4.25 per pound.  Cash/check only and you need to bring your own container to this farm.  If you forget it, you can buy a picking basket there for $1.25 each.

 

Pope’s Strawberry Farm

1305 Fayetteville Street, Knightdale, North Carolina, 27545

Schedule to open April 20th – check their Facebook page for further updates.

 

Porter Farms and Nursery 

3525 NC Highway 42, Willow Spring, NC, 27592

Strawberry picking fields are currently open.  Their pre-picked strawberries are also available at 7615 Ten-Ten Road.  The cost of a Bucket of strawberries is $10.

 

Smith’s Nursery and Produce Farm 

443 Sanders Road, Benson, NC, 27504

The farm has been open for pick -your-own strawberries since March 31st.  The cost is $2.50/lb for PYO.  Pre-picked strawberries buckets are $13.50

 

Vollmer Farm 

677 NC 98 Hwy E, Bunn, NC 27508

This farm is very popular.  They are one of the few certified organic berry producers in the area.  They are open for you pick-your-own strawberries and the cost is $3.50 per pound. Pre-picked strawberries are also available at the farm and at Western Wake Farmers Market in Cary by the UNC Wellness Center.

 

Waller Family Farm 

5030 Kerley Road, Durham, NC, 27705

Schedule to open the end of April – check their Facebook page for further updates.outdoor newborn photograpy raleigh_1158P I N this to pinterestoutdoor newborn photograpy raleigh_1156P I N this to pinterest

raleigh strawberry farms P I N this to pinterest

Picking strawberries 2014 | Rebecca Keller Photography 

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 and on The Bump. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about newborn and maternity photography in Raleigh, NC.

Tags: ,

What I Learned in March

family photography Cary Raleigh 343P I N this to pinterest

1.We visited Ripley’s Aquarium during Spring Break, and there are divers there that get in the water with the sharks. They had a stick with them..not sure how much that would help them in a shark attack. We watched them swim around with the sharks for several minutes, and I just couldn’t watch it anymore.

2.Renting a bike with the seat for Harrison at the beach was definitely a highlight of March. Oh my, he just giggled and giggled, “I ride a bike with Mommy!” Last summer, I kept trying to rent one and it was too late. North Carolina spring break at the cold beach is not a popular Spring Break destination so bikes were actually available!

3.I have love, love, loved the Kindle Paperwhite. I have been reading so much more because with the recommendations + also just the fact that I don’t have to wait two days for a book (I know right, two.whole.days) or go to a bookstore. (Between working and taking care of my kiddos, I just don’t get out much) This month has been one of my busiest I’ve had…and with being so busy, I have to take time to de stress and not think about working every second of the day. Reading makes me relax + not having to wait for the books has been a plus. I need stress relief so that I am refreshed and ready to work again, and so that I can truly give my best to every session. I got the 119.00 version with the special offers which are basically ads on the screen when it’s locked – not a big deal.

4.I have never stopped craving greens since I was pregnant with Harrison. I know, weird, right? When I was pregnant with Harrison, I started wanting to eat green everything and also balsamic vinaigrette. It died down a little bit, but now I’m back to wanting collard greens, spinach, broccoli, etc all the time -ha!

5. I love fresh 48 sessions. It can be difficult to plan these because you just never know when a baby is going to be born, right? I stopped photographing births because that was even more difficult + getting childcare last minute is tough, especially when a baby can be born so quickly. I’ve loved the few fresh 48 sessions I’ve gotten to do in the past few months – just so sweet. See this one from March.

raleigh newborn baby photographer_1044P I N this to pinterest

6.An Easter Egg hunt at the farm was just perfect. Due to an ear infection, we missed another planned egg hunt, so I was so glad we were able to squeeze this one in after a newborn session I had that day. Millstone Creek Orchards is one of our favorite places, and this was the first year for an egg hunt. It was so much fun + the peach trees were just gorgeous.

7.Mini sessions do not always have to be planned months in advance. I’m such a planner when it comes to the business…type A, I like to have things planned out WAY in advance. Ericka and I reallllly wanted to do baby lamb minis this year. I mean, we researched, searched, looked and looked, and had all but given up. We were so heartbroken. At the last minute, this sweet baby lamb was born, and we were able to throw it together quickly..and oh my, love these!

Books I read this month….

Ok, it doesn’t make sense that I read a lot of books this month since I was working just so much. But I needed the stress relief when I did have a few minutes. Also, I read very fast…I was kind of that kid that got done with all their work super early in school so I could read.

1.Me Before You So I knew a movie was coming out about this book so I wanted to read it. I don’t want to spoil it for you but I’m not 100% happy with the way the story goes, but, that being said, I did love the book. It definitely kept my attention, and I couldn’t wait to read more of it.

2.When I’m Gone This book was very interesting – a lot of heartache as the Mother had cancer, but the story in the book had so many twists and turns right to the very end. I definitely want to read more by this author.

3.The Sweetness of Forgetting Eeek..this one was so good. It now has me wanting to read more fiction about WWII. (which I also just read The Nightingale which was not as happy as this book, but also so good and about WWII) I really loved the story in this book as it has so much history but also such a good story.The ending is also just so good. It did make me very hungry and want to bake a lot of things.

4.The Lake House So I tried Audible this month, and this was the book I downloaded since it was on my list of books I wanted to read. This book was just too long for audible, ha, and I was never going to finish it. I couldn’t pay attention so I ended up downloading it to read. (Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks) I read mixed reviews about this book, but I realllly enjoyed the story. It flips back and forth between the 1930s and the 2000s, and it was such a good mystery. It has the happiest ending, which I just love, too. (I can’t help it. I LOVE happy endings!) It’s a long read, but definitely a book I really enjoyed.

Some books on my list for April are: The Wedding Dress, Brooklyn, and The Paris Wife. What are you reading this month? I lovvve recommendations

raleigh newborn baby photographer_1045P I N this to pinterest

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 Family Photography Raleigh Cary  and Raleigh family photography.

Tags: ,,

You know we love to celebrate holidays around here, and also, um, DOUGHNUTS! Like love, love, love them. I have a hard time not making a doughnut run every Taco Tuesday after dinner since we usually are already out and about on Tuesdays. Yeah, we LOVE doughnuts. These two were just so cute in their St. Patrick’s Day shirts, yes, I had to photograph them enjoying their little treat. (And yes, they made a huge mess.) Owen was super excited to wear his shirt to school today, too, and Harrison has been walking around the house repeating, “Donut pinch me. Donut pinch me.” So much green + cuteness over here. Harrison and I will be baking some green cupcakes to surprise Owen with when he comes home from school. Oh, I LOVE HOLIDAYS. Ok, enough with the rambling! Don’t forget to wear green today so you donut get pinched.

Shirts by Swanky Shank like my favorite etsy shop shirt designer ever. 

raleigh child photographer st patricks day 1P I N this to pinterestraleigh child photographer 4st patricks day 1P I N this to pinterestraleigh child photographer 5st patricks day 1P I N this to pinterestraleigh child photographer st patricks day 13P I N this to pinterestraleigh child photographer st patricks day 12P I N this to pinterestwhat to wear_0961P I N this to pinterest

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

 

Tags: ,,

family photographer raleighP I N this to pinterestA Few Favorites in March…

1.The boys have loved what we’re reading in March…so many cute books, but I think this one has been the favorite.

2. 15 Bunny Project Ideas – if you’re looking for some cuteness to make for Easter.

3. Is Pollen season already here? I struggle with my sinuses and have loved these.

4. Easter decorating – so much fun!

5. After much, research, (asking a bunch of friends on facebook! ha!) I bought the paperwhite. I was worried I would miss holding a book, but I have loved it. The screen in the bright light of carpool can’t be beat!

A few things I want to tackle/read or just plain interesting stuff..

Who has done yoga on a horse? this is pretty amazing.

Great running stretching ideas..

Great article about “how to (not) do it all with two kids..”

How Seven Female Leaders Spend Their First Hour at Work

I have never made cinnamon rolls in the crock pot but I think I’m going to have to try these.

Just for fun…

1. A session around this time last year – it had just snowed right before this session!

2. A session in March two years ago – loved this sweet newborn session at home.

Pretty Stuff…

I keep eyeing this bag...I am going to need a bigger one, now that I love my planner + paperwhite and taking both everywhere just does not fit in my bag. There is a pocket option, too, which is also cute. And the fact that it’s not ridiculously expensive for a purse.

So pretty.

raleigh newborn photographer_0944P I N this to pinterest

Rebecca Keller is a family photographer Raleigh NC featured in People Magazine and on several blogs including The Bump. Contact Rebecca Keller Photography for more information about family photography and travel sessions. Because I chat alot about my personal life, books i’ve read, and other style recommendations, etc – I may receive commissions on affiliate links in articles.

 

 

 

 

Oh, I just love the books we picked out to read this month and so do the kids! We got these the very beginning of March and Harrison already has I Am a Bunny memorized. I love sharing my love of books and reading with my little ones..to see them get so excited about books and see their eyes light up when reading. Everyday, after I make my bed, I leave all the books we are reading there, and the boys have so much fun climbing up and reading during the day. It’s so sweet when I don’t know where they are, and I catch them reading together. Melts my mama heart.

wake forest family photographer_0792P I N this to pinterest

What we’re reading in March…

1.One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish  Since it’s Dr. Suess’ birthday this month, we picked one Dr. Seuss book. And this one is just so fun, and I am always impressed by Dr. Suess’ imagination. The boys have read this one over and over.

2.I Am a Bunny. One of my clients brought this to a session – it’s from an older golden book they read when they were little. Oh, IT IS THE CUTEST. My boys have love, love, loved this board book, and the fact that Harrison already has it memorized… It’s cute, and goes through where the bunny lives and all the seasons. ADORABLE.

3.Too Many Carrots – I haven’t seen too many books that go through the different kinds of houses/where animals live. This is a cute story about a bunny who has too many carrots and ends up moving from house to house.

4.Wolfie the Bunny – the boys have loved the bunny saying over and over that his wolf brother is going to “EAT THEM ALL UP!” A wolf was left on their doorstep and these bunnies adopt him – The story is cute about the wolf and his big sister.

5.The Easter Egg – this book was a good one for Owen. He loves looking at the pages and predicting what’s going to happen.I love how the story is around a bunny who keeps a robin’s egg safe. Such a sweet story – love the ending.

6.Duck & Goose, Here Comes the Easter Bunny! In this board book, these two, (A Harrison favorite) are on a search to find the Easter Bunny.

wake forest family photographer_0793P I N this to pinterestwake forest family photographer_0794P I N this to pinterestwake forest family photographer_0795P I N this to pinterest

Rebecca Keller is a Wake Forest Family Photographer in Raleigh, North Carolina featured in People Magazine and on several blogs including The Bump and Let the Kids Dress Themselves. Because I chat alot about my personal life, books i’ve read, and other style recommendations, etc – I may receive commissions on affiliate links in articles.

 

 

Tags: ,