Diana Milena

Author: Diana Milena

Motherhood

July 10, 2019

5 Lessons I Learned During the First Year of Motherhood

It seems as though we've been together forever, my son and I. It's such an honor to be his mother - to teach, guide, and navigate life with him as he opens up my eyes to all this world has to offer. I cannot imagine life without him. I knew that motherhood would change me - but I didn't realize that it would change my soul.

Healthy Living

May 22, 2019

Why We Love Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid food to your baby. You skip purees and go straight to finger foods. This is supposed to improve dexterity early on, teach babies how to regulate their appetite, and introduce them to a wide variety of flavors and textures that promote healthy eating for a lifetime. We tried baby led-weaning, and it was a huge success! :)

Healthy Living

May 18, 2019

Shopping Our Local Farmers Market

The sun warms our skin, and a light breeze fills the air as we admire the delicious harvests of seasonal fruits and veggies at our local farmer's market. I love being able to connect with the farmers and artisans, and meet the hard-working people who grow our food. Local farmer's markets contribute to healthy and sustainable food systems that preserve our land and community. We are always sure to opt for organic or pesticide-free fruits and veggies while wandering through the market. Organic food isn't just healthier for you - it's healthier for our planet too.

Lifestyle

May 16, 2019

Visiting the Getty Villa

We visited the beautiful Getty Villa! My son loved looking at all of the sculptures and hanging out in the garden. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to bring a baby to the Getty Villa, but he loved it! I carried him around in his carrier most of the time, and he enjoyed looking around and taking it all in. The garden area is very beautiful and a nice place to relax and end your day after viewing the galleries.

Lifestyle

May 15, 2019

Enjoying The Simple Moments

It can be difficult to stop and enjoy the simple things in life - like going to the park to feed the ducks. We had driven past this park countless times, but never stopped to explore it. Becoming a mother has helped me slow down take time to appreciate the tiny moments. We had a lovely time! :)

Motherhood

April 29, 2019

Motherhood Gave Me More Than Happiness

When I gave birth to my son, I gained a new perspective. It was a revelation. Life became about living beyond myself; about being bigger and better. Becoming a mother made me see the world differently. It gave me purpose, humility, and an ingrained sense of empathy. And most importantly, it gave me love: true unadulterated unconditional love.

Travel

April 20, 2019

Knapp’s Castle Hike | The Hidden Gem Near Santa Barbara

In the mountains above Santa Barbara, there's a famous ruined mansion with fantastic panoramic views of Santa Ynez Valley. One of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, the so-called Knapp's Castle is a palatial estate that burned down over seventy years ago, and the remains are now a popular short hiking destination. It's a pretty easy hike, kid friendly, and less than a mile round trip, with about 50 feet of elevation change. Although it can be tricky to find the trail, the majestic views from this unique spot are worth the effort.

Travel

April 17, 2019

Baby’s First Island Trip! The Painted Cave & Cueva Valdez, Santa Cruz Island

Just off the coast of southern California, there's an enormous, record-holding sea cave that almost no one sees. Named from its colorful rock formations, lichens, and algae, the Painted Cave (the second largest sea cave in the entire world!) plunges a quarter-mile deep into the side of Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park.

Travel

April 12, 2019

Red Rock Canyon | Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just a few miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses 195,819 acres within the Mojave Desert. This beautiful place features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, hiking and trails, plants and wildlife, geology, camping, cultural resources and much more. If you're ever staying in Vegas, I highly recommend driving out to see it!

Travel

April 12, 2019

Vegas Baby! Our Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

A luxurious and quiet escape from the Vegas frenzy, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is my favorite place to stay in the city. It is blissfully smaller and feels more private than other Four Seasons, while consistent with their signature high-end experience.

Beauty & Style

April 11, 2019

Matching With My Mini Me

I have so much fun matching with my mini me! ;) Haha, I will find any excuse to find the perfect coordinating outfits (not so easy to find for a baby boy). Here are some photos we took on our roof right before sunset.

Motherhood

April 2, 2019

Mother’s Day at the Beach

This was my second official Mother's Day! I celebrated my first one while I was pregnant. :) We stopped by the beach before sunset and had some fun taking these photos.

Travel

March 28, 2019

Wildflower Super Bloom: Road Trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument

Spring is here, and so is the super bloom! We went on a little road trip to see the wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument, and it was amazing! :) The rolling hillsides are covered in flowers; shimmering in gold, buttercream yellow, and soft blue, as they sway in the spring breeze. Near Soda Lake, patches of amber orange flowers mix among vibrant purple blossoms.

Travel

March 26, 2019

Baby’s First Time Sailing in San Francisco Bay

It was my baby Ocean's very first time on a boat (at 4 months old)! We went on a fun sunset sailing cruise in beautiful San Francisco Bay! I think that the best way to see this incredible city is from the water, as the sun is setting over the Pacific Ocean. There's nothing more serene, romantic, and magical than sailing at sunset! :)

Motherhood

February 27, 2019

Meet Ocean: A Birth Story

The day my son, Ocean, was born was the most amazing, most painful, most difficult, most beautiful, and most transformative day of my life! Remembering this day is the best feeling in the world. I learned that just because something is painful or difficult, doesn’t mean it’s bad. Pain and pleasure, struggle and strength, life and death — they're all intertwined. Our judgments of “good” and “bad” are meaningless. We are capable of doing impossibly difficult things.