I just got back from a 24 hour vacation to Carmel Valley to celebrate seven years of marriage to my man and I am one happy girl right now. With two kids and two businesses, it is so important to make the time that we never feel like we have, to just get away to play and relax, and Carmel Valley was the ideal place for that. I even forced myself to let my big camera take a vacation too (well, for most of the time at least) and I just used my phone to document the fun. We checked in super early at the Bernardus Lodge and headed straight for the hills of the Garland Ranch Regional Park. It was one of the most beautiful runs that I can remember, going through mossy oak covered paths, up to waterfalls, ponds and majestic views out over the valley. After that we felt like we had truly earned our relaxation time on the gorgeous grounds of the Bernardus that we felt like we had all to ourselves. We hung out poolside, in the massive hot tub and in their eucalyptus steam room that I wanted to take home with me. The next day we played bocce ball and explored the town a little before heading up to the beautifully re-designed Carmel Valley Ranch for lunch and one last cocktail before heading home in time to pick up the kids from school. It really was a perfect trip, one that we hope to repeat again in a year!