While we were in the Sierras camping over Thanksgiving weekend, we had the chance to test out our new hammock aka "The Roo".  Created by Kammok, these hammocks can easily be carried in a pack and are ideal for camping in the woods.  The Roo isn't only made for one.  It can hold up to two people comfortably and is perfect if you want to fall asleep watching the stars with that special someone.  Kammok doesn't only make awesome gear; with every Roo sold, they donate a treated mosquito net or provide health education to a family in Africa to fight Malaria.  To find out more about the Roo and what Kammok is doing check out their site here.

DATE: November 2013

LOCATION: Eastern Sierras, California

I'm off to the Sierras for Thanksgiving weekend.  

Every time I go camping, I like to pack early 

and get all my gear together. It's one of

 my favorite things to do.

People often ask me what I bring when I camp.

I've captured a couple winter outfits,

some essential gear, and a

 map of the area.

Questions regarding camping? Email me.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are hot spots during the summer, but are just as beautiful during the fall and winter months.  I spent two Thanksgiving weekends here over the last few years and this was the perfect little getaway.  These parks offer good hiking trails, stunning vista views, and a chance to get up close and personal with some of the world's largest trees.  Since most campgrounds are closed during this time of year, book a rustic cabin in Grant Grove and you'll get a warmer, more comfortable experience in the woods.

LOCATION: Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Park

DATE: November 2008 + November 2009

It's too bad we couldn't spend hours driving through the Painted Desert.  We were bound and determined to reach Phoenix by evening and all we could do was drive.  I urged Isaac to stop at the side of the road so I could snap a few photos of these pastel formations.  If someone dropped me off in the middle of the desert, I'd be too busy snapping away to realize no one else was around.  I'd be happy to get lost here for a day (or a couple hours, lets be real).

LOCATION: The Painted Desert, Arizona

DATE: September 2013

I've always wanted to go to Horseshoe Bend.  I've wanted to be that person that sits at the edge of the rock with their feet dangling over, high off of adrenaline,  with nothing to lose.  But when I finally visited, I  walked to the edge and was completely paralyzed by fear.  I couldn't do it.  I'll blame it on the fact that Maggie could have pulled me over, or the fact that there was loose sand beneath my feet.  I could have taken the plunge into the Colorado at any time!  So I stayed back and took this photo as quickly as I could.  I'm finally okay with being honest about my fear of heights.

LOCATION: Horseshoe Bend, AZ

DATE: September 2013

I'm a sucker for the night sky.  I could sit for  hours and watch it rotate above me.  I'm so intrigued by space — the stars, the planets, and the galaxies that exist even though I can't grasp their existence.  It is such a mystery that it sometimes scares me, but I'm hypnotized by the beauty of it all.  I don't think I'll ever stop wanting to learn about space, nor do I think I'll ever stop photographing it.

Can you point out any constellations?

LOCATION: Lake Powell, Utah

DATE: September 2013 

I took so many pictures at Lake Powell.  It's hard not to when the light changes everything around you. During high noon, the colors are very muted and cool and as the sun sets, its very warm and contrasty.  I guess this is true everywhere, but at the lake its extreme.  It was fun watching the colors change from orange to pink to red to purple.  This was on of my favorite summer nights.

LOCATION: Lake Powell, UT

DATE: September 2013

After leaving Zion, we headed to Lake Powell.  We spent the day playing with Maggie; trying to teach her to not run after birds (which she failed) and how to swim (which she also failed). I was the only one who took advantage of the water.  There was no easing in to this lake —the water was like bath water.  

LOCATION: Lake Powell, Utah

DATE: September 2013 

I celebrated my 30th Birthday in Zion National Park. In years passed, I've always gone to Yosemite with a bunch of friends, but wanted to shake things up and do something a little different.  This time it was with my husband, Isaac, and our new pup, Maggie.  Instead of hiking, we drove around the park — mostly because it was 100+ degrees and the park didn't allow dogs on many of the trails.  I settled for passengers seat and snapped photos out the window.

LOCATION: Zion National Park

DATE: September 2, 2013

Before heading back to Los Angeles, we put on a few layers and hiked a few miles into the Sierras.  The air felt crisp and clean.  We made our way upstream, passing by patches of snow that hid beneath boulders and tree roots.  Spring was fighting its way in and I was loving the green that was growing around me.  We stopped at every lake on the trail and discussed where we would build our little cabin.  What a view we would have if we could really do that!  Every morning I'd look out and forget all the worries of the world.  

LOCATION: Eastern Sierras

DATE: May 2013

After scouting out a few campgrounds, we decided to camp at Convict Lake.  We had the perfect little spot with the best view of Mount Morrison. During the day, we hiked around the lake and relaxed by the water.  Everything seemed so serene as the wind passed through the trees and whisked across the water.

LOCATION: Convict Lake Campground

DATE: May 2013