Travel – Sunkissed Blonde by Diana Milena

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.

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! 🙂

Travel

January 10, 2019

The Magical Ritz-Carlton Maison Orleans, New Orleans

No matter where I am in the world, or how far my travels have taken me, when I walk through the door at the Ritz-Carlton, I feel at home. The Maison Orleans is the exclusive “hotel within a hotel” on the Club Level of the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, and features personalized concierge services, a business center, and suites inspired by the mansions of the Garden District. We were lucky to celebrate the holidays and spend Christmas here!

Travel

November 21, 2017

My First Camping Experience: Backpacking Through The 20 Lakes Basin

Despite being 6 months pregnant and wildly inexperienced, this camping trip started me on the path toward some incredible outdoor experiences. Thanks to a water taxi and gentle to moderate grade terrain, you don’t have to be an expert backpacker to enjoy the beauty of the 20 Lakes Basin, located just east of Yosemite National Park.