Category: Travel

Christmas 2015

We road tripped it to Arkansas this Christmas and I was super excited because we actually got to spend CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY in Arkansas this year.  We haven’t been able to make that happen in years.

Connor is so good in the car.  He just sits back and watches his movies and barely makes a peep.  Except to go to the bathroom or eat.  I love my baby!

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Connor and I drove in a few days before Terence flew to Arkansas.  We spent most of our time at my sister’s new house (SO PRETTY by the way) and Vinny & Jarrett.  The night we got in Bonnie took us to the new outlet mall in Benton and it had a Lindt candy store.  We were in heaven….sooooo good!  We also found another candy store that carried our beloved Kinder Eggs.  I have no idea how they had them, but I don’t care!  We each bought a case to take home 🙂
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The boys always love seeing each other…most of the time.  They’ll be BFF one minute and fighting over random stuff the next.  Bonnie and I agree that they are payback for how bad we were at that age.  They made ornaments for Nana and decorated cookies.
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Bonnie and I met up with our friends at Ya Ya’s for our annual Christmas dinner.  It’s always good to see my best friends and I look forward to our dinner every single year…that and a filo brownie 🙂

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After a fun stay at Bon’s we headed to the farm to see Nannie!  Here is Nannie’s pretty tree.

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Everyone opening their stockings the next morning 🙂25a121ce-fb4c-44db-9eb4-5033800ac993

My Daddy <3

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The spread…need I say more.  We don’t go hungry at Nannie’s house.  Like Ever.dc57fac3-9db9-4968-92e7-28731bb74209

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Connor got a lot of new presents.  This was a big year for Star Wars and he brought home a ton of new toys to play with.  Thank you Santa!fcb4a407-41cb-4225-986a-1bbdcd361d82

Fun on the farm

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I took some pictures of my sister and her family.

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Isn’t that the most beautiful sunset?

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I’m sure I’m leaving out a ton of stuff.  We had a great time celebrating Jesus birthday and a wonderful trip home.  We actually came home a day early after we left Nannie’s because our car was packed so full we could barely move!  So, we decided to head home and get settled before all the craziness of life started again.

And last, but not least our annual New Years Eve pic!

We love you all and are so thankful and blessed to have another year to share.

xo- The Branches

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ICE! 2015 at The Gaylord Texan #VisitICE2015

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We have enjoyed ICE! every year for the past few years here in our home town of Grapevine, TX.  I can’t even put it into words how wonderful it is…but I shall try.

Nothing puts me in a more festive mood than visiting ICE! at the Gaylord Texan.  There is something about all the lights and decorations that you just can’t help but walk around with a wide smile on your face 🙂

This year we were invited to the Gaylord for the first annual Blogger Fam event.  It was so fun and we got a behind the scenes look at how ICE! is created each year.  There is a different theme every year…this year’s theme was “Christmas Around the World”.

You can see our previous visits to ICE! HERE & HERE  & check out the themes over the years.

I’ll let most of the pictures do the talking.  It’s amazing how all this is created in such a short amount of time.

Here are some facts about ICE!:

Experience the magic of Christmas Around the World as you journey through colorful holiday displays. It takes 40 remarkable ice artisans from Harbin, China to create this winter wonderland.  Bring a hat and gloves because it’s a chilly 9 degrees! There are more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures during the Lone Star Christmas celebration in Grapevine, TX.  It also takes two million lights, two million pounds of real Texas snow, 15,000 ornaments, and a 54-foot Christmas tree!

Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world featuring holiday scenes and children from Mexico, Germany, and more!

Enjoy two-story tall ice slides, an enchanting Parade of Toys and larger-than-life ornaments.

Travel through the North Pole and sit inside Santa’s sleigh!

Experience the Frostbite Factory – an interactive ice carving station.

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Conclude your experience with the majesty of a full nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice.

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Hanging out on Santa’s sleigh

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The ice slide 🙂BBP_2140 BBP_2135 BBP_2134

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Snow tubing

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I got to spend a lot of time with these two lovely gals!

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All three of our boys are in Kindergarten this year…they had a blast.  The Three Stooges.BBP_2100 BBP_2090

The inside of the Gaylord Texan is so beautiful!

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Thank you Gaylord Texan for a WONDERFUL stay and we will for sure be back next year for more fun!

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Don’t forget you have a couple of days left to get this deal for 50% off ICE! tickets:

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And the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders event is coming up too! Learn cheers and chants, dance moves, and take fun photos while the whole family enjoys a lavish brunch filled with delicious buttermilk pancakes, brioche French toast, breakfast tacos, pastries, and so much more.

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Date:  Sunday, December 13
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Yellow Rose Ballroom
Price:

  • $39.99* Adults
  • $19.99 Children (ages 4-12)
  • Children 3 & under: Free

*Pricing includes tax, gratuity and self-parking. Adult beverages for those ages 21 and up available for purchase. One adult cannot accompany more than six children.

Limited seating is available. Reserve your spot today!
Purchase tickets online or call 1-817-778-1000

Celebrate the True Spirit of American Beauty with @Almay #SimplyAmerican

This post is part of a collaboration between Almay and SheKnows. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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We had a great weekend at the Texas State Fair.  There is just something about the start of the Texas Sate Fair that says “fall” even if it is still 95 degrees outside.

This year I had the best time visiting the Almay bus at the fair.  I had a chance to spin the wheel of prizes, get a mini makeover, and recharge my phone on the patio and relax.

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Michelle and I chilling on the patio

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Almay has proudly announced its collaboration with the USO, the only military non-profit organization that has supported our troops and families for more than 70 years. Almay will honor the women of the U.S. military and veterans, and focus on troops as they transition from service back to their communities.

I got my picture taken at the “kissing booth” and put on the big American flag.

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This summer, Almay embarked on the ultimate road trip, creating a custom, Simply American experience that will stop at venues such as state fairs and other festivals. Almay will offer make up touch ups and celebrate the people, places and occasions that best exemplify the American spirit, including service women, veterans, military wives and their families.  This means so much to me because we are a former military family.  Terence and I lived on base for almost 6 years right after we got married 🙂

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The Almay Simply American bus tour is going out with a bang on October 3rd, making its last stop at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Texas peeps check it out!  I know a lot of friends who are going to the Music Festival, so don’t forget to stop by the bust and get your free makeup touch-ups with Almay makeup artists, Almay product samples, and giveaways!

Makeup samples from AlmayBBP_7585 Here is my makeup artist and my makeover- makeover selfies 🙂

She put the most moisturizing lipstick on me.  My lips are always dry, so I loved this! She also wrote down all the products we used so I could take it home.  #scoreBBP_7604

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Share your #SimplyAmerican beauty photos for a chance to have it featured on Almay’s hub page HERE.  In addition to contributing $250,000 to the USO, Almay will also donate $1 for each approved share, up to $10,000 max donation until 10/6/15.

Find all the stops for the Almay Simply American tour HERE.

Follow on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram

Just for kicks I’ll share the WORST picture in America!  Ha ha!  I actually suggested we ride the dizzy ladybug roller coaster at the fair.  I can’t tell you how thrilled we all were to be on it.  I look like I have whiplash (because I did!) that ride spins you so hard I could barely stand to get off!  Poor Connor’s face….oh my goodness!  Terence just kept telling me to stop screaming…these are the memories life is made of.  Histerical.

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What’s in a Home?

I can’t believe it’s already a few months until Christmas.  It seems like every year goes by faster and faster.  Connor is really enjoying Kindergarten and it’s fun to watch him learn and thrive every day.

It’s taken me some getting used to our new schedule.  For so long I worked full time and now that I’m not it’s hard to adjust.  I know what you’re thinking….“REALLY Becky…you are complaining about having MORE time???”  It’s just a new routine and I’m used to having something to do constantly and it’s in my nature I guess.  I LOVE MY JOB.  Thank you Jesus.  Terence and I were both sick with what Connor had a couple weeks ago and everyone was so great about it.  We’ve never really been a sickly family, but since Connor started school it’s like WHAM….bring it!  We had a scare with Terence’s x-ray that came back needing further inspection.  The next day Terence had a CT scan to rule out cancer in his lymph nodes.  After a worrisome 48 hours we were relieved to find out it wasn’t cancer and it was a calcified something-or-other…..but nothing to be concerned with right now.

I am enjoying being able to pick Connor up from school and drop him off.  Help with homework and hopefully go on field trips this fall. I’ve got to step up my game on cooking.  I am not gifted in the kitchen.  UGH.  It’s like torture for me to cook a decent meal.  Meal planning is so hard because I don’t eat a lot of meat, but the boys both like different things.  It’s just three people so why should it be so hard to cook something???  It is though and it stresses me out.  Is that normal?

Connor lost a second tooth at school today.  He looks so cute with his little snaggle toothed mouth 🙂

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We are still house hunting.  It’s been one of the most grueling processes.  I am beginning to wonder if we should have sold our house to begin with….sigh.  I’m ready for some space and a yard again.  I just want some place we can roam, put up a Christmas tree, and get to know our neighbors.  It’s hard in an apartment with kid who wants to bounce and run everywhere.  (And leave tiny itty bitty Legos laying on the floor)  I know God has the perfect place out there for us….I’m hoping we find it soon!  Prayers would be greatly appreciated as we continue this process and we have to put a notice in on our lease soon.

A few weeks ago my best friend Ellen came to visit and the Sheraton hotel in Fort Worth hosted us for the weekend.  It was SO much fun!  We had a great visit and some fun retail therapy!

Sprinkles cupcakes 🙂

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The rooms were so nice.  The Sheraton in Fort Worth recently remodeled and everything was exceptional.  Down to the Starbucks in the lobby 🙂BBP_6852 BBP_6856 BBP_6858 BBP_6860 BBP_6863 BBP_6865

I mean if we can’t find a house right now I can at least stay in an awesome hotel right?

And it was pretty awesome.

We Be Trippin

Last weekend Connor and I decided to make one last trip to Arkansas before school starts.  I’m glad I got the chance to spend some time with family and friends.  So, we road tripped it to AR in the 100-billion degree heat.  Many trips to Starbucks later we made it to my sister’s house.

I got to see Bonnie & Vinny’s new home they are building and help pick out light fixtures.  We ate a bunch of good food.  Spent some relaxing time at the farm with Nannie.  Got some hugs from my Mommy & Daddy.  I even got to visit with some of my best friends from New Jersey who happened to be in town!  It all worked out great and now we are back to the real world again.

These two are certainly a tornado together.  Alone…they are perfectly fine, but when you combine the two it’s utter chaos.  I got a horrible sinus infection while visiting and I had to sit for almost 2 hours at an urgent care place to get a steroid shot and some meds with these boys….CRAZINESS!  On the bright side I got to see my cousin who happened to work at Walmart pharmacy & filled my prescription!  What do ya know…it was so good to see her too 🙂

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Riding with Nannie on the farm

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I got to snap some photos of this beautiful baby girl…be still my heart.  If I had a girl I would go NUTS I tell ya!  Too many fru fru and frilly things to my heart’s delight.

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And to cap off the weekend we celebrated Great Granddaddy’s 89th birthday!  He’s so precious to us and we hope to spend many more years together.  We love you Granddaddy!

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Texas Summertime on Fat Daddy’s New Patio!

I attended a complimentary event with DFW Bloggers at Fat Daddy’s in Mansfield as part of their media guests.  All opinions are my own.

Summer is in full swing lady friends and it’s time to have some fun!  I can’t think of a better place than Fat Daddy’s in Mansfield, TX.  Fat Daddy’s has a brand new patio to hang out on and watch a game or spend time with your girlfriends.  The patio was decorated so nice & festive for the 4th of July.

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I had such a fun night meeting friends and I tried the Fat Daddy’s “Pink Cadillac”, which I highly recommend 🙂

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“Oh my gosh Becky…..look at that BROWNIE ICE CREAM SUNDAE!”  Seriously, this is the stuff good times are made of.

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The new patio has a full bar and comfy seating throughout.  There are also several televisions tuned into different sports channels so your guy doesn’t miss his favorite game.  I’m not a fan of sweating and thank goodness there is no shortage of fans on the patio.  You get that cool breeze while dining and enjoying your company.

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Fat Daddy’s has a new event going on just about every night.  Check out their list of Live Music and Events.  I’m personally looking forward to 80’s night!!!  Woohoo!!!

Fat Daddy’s also has a beautiful room in the back for private parties and events.  This room would be perfect for company holiday parties or birthday celebrations.

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Fat Daddy’s is large enough to invite all your friends, yet it’s warm and inviting, not cold like some night clubs.  Our group had a great time!  Yummy food, drinks, conversation, and DESSERT!  Our server was attentive to our needs and I enjoyed my time at Fat Daddy’s very much.  If you are in the DFW area check out Fat Daddy’s and their new patio.  I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

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I have a fun giveaway for (1) Java Mama reader courtesy of DFW Bloggers.

A goody bag worth over $600!!!  Must live locally to redeem.  (Ends: 7-17-15)

To Enter: Tell me what event at Fat Daddy’s you want to go see?

Includes:

The 2015 DFW Auto Show #TNTFtWorth

Last week I was invited to a fun event hosted by Techlicious & TravelingMom.

A group of DFW bloggers and I were invited to tour the GM Assembly Plant in Arlington.  It was so cool y’all!  It was fun getting a behind the scenes peek at how Yukons, Escalades, Tahoes, & Suburbans are made.  Some of the biggest and best trucks around- found right here in Texas.

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General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant has been building quality vehicles in Texas since January 6, 1954. It was the company’s first air-conditioned automobile factory. During its first years of production, GM Arlington produced Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Chevrolet passenger cars. The plant converted to truck production in 1997 and now is the only GM facility to produce GM’s portfolio of full-size sport utility vehicles – the award-winning Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

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After our tour we met up at the Fort Worth Sheraton.  A fabulous local that just completed a multi-million dollar renovation.  It’s right in the heart of Fort Worth and everyone was super friendly.  You must go check out the new rooms and P.S……. there’s a Starbucks in the lobby (You know what I’m sayin???)  

Myself and several other DFW bloggers enjoyed a fancy lunch and presentation about the Tech & Travel Show.  We had some awesome sponsors including: Chevrolet Suburban, VEX Robotics Ant by HEXBUG, Sheraton Fort Worth, & the Consumer Electronics Association.

Connor LOVED his HexBug Ant.

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The lunch was crazy good…but you know what else???  This chick won a KATE SPADE PURSE!!!  OMG!!!  I didn’t recognize my own name when it was called.  Really?

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The next day we met in Dallas for a preview of the DFW Auto Show.

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We enjoyed a private tour and yummy lunch during the awards ceremony.  My favorite part was looking at all the sparkly, shiny, fancy new cars.  They just SMELL SO GOOD!

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Maybe someday…a girl can dream 🙂

After the lunch there was another drawing for prizes and I won ANOTHER Kate Spade bag.  Seriously…I was about to go buy my weight in scratch off tickets.  Some lucky streak huh?

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Here I am by the 10 MILLIONTH vehicle built in the Arlington Assembly Plant.  Those people put Santa’s elves to shame!  They work incredibly hard and have the best work ethics.   Our group heard a few of the employees talk about their jobs before our tour and all I can say is “Wow” and they should be very proud of all their hard work.

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I love companies who support our military.  Being a former military family I try to promote and support companies who give back.  Thanks Chevy for helping to promote Cell Phones for Soldiers & congrats on all your hard work!  Here’s to many more years making the best vehicles around!

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A big shout out to Dwan and all her hard work too!  Thank you girlie 🙂