Is Hearst Castle worth visiting? And will your kids enjoy this museum?
As many of you know, I have four boys. I love traveling and exploring the world with these guys and am mindful of finding cultural experiences we all will enjoy.
We visited Pismo Beach last weekend for a chill, relaxing getaway. The weather was incredible on the central coast of California, and it was exactly what we needed.
While in Pismo, we decided to head up the coast for a quick visit to Hearst Castle. I visited this magnificent creation as a child and wanted to return. Jason and my boys had never visited, and I wasn’t sure if this would be a good family outing or if I would receive many complaints.
Hearst Castle is located in San Simeon, California. It is a 1-hour drive north from Pismo Beach, and this gorgeous drive is worth experiencing.
The visiting center for Hearst Castle is right off Highway 1 at sea level.
I purchased tickets the night prior, but they have tours every 10 minutes, and nothing appeared to be impacted.
We opted for the main tour, a 70-minute guided tour through the “Grand Rooms.”
The rates of $30 for adults and $15 for kids were a great price point for this experience.
After we checked in at the visitor center, we loaded onto the bus.
It is a 15-minute bus ride to the Hearst Castle hilltop.
It’s truly a spectacular sight as you rise 1600 feet above sea level, meandering through California live oaks, looking towards the castle, and peering back at the gorgeous Pacific Ocean.
The story of this epic build during the Roaring Twenties is genuinely incredible.
Hearst Castle was constructed between 1919 and 1947. It would have cost $700 million to build today. The incredible scale of this project in an area that did not have roads has to be admired. I also enjoyed learning about Julia Morgan, a female architect who oversaw every aspect, including the furnishings of Hearst Castle.
At a time when female architects rarely existed and were less sought out, this petite and ingenious architect truly made a mark in the world, bringing William Randolph Hearst’s dream to life.
SOURCE https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/CA-01-079-0050
After the bus ride to the top, the first stop is a massive terrace that provides vast views down to the Pacific Ocean.
This is the terrace below Casa Del Sol, the first house completed on the hilltop, which became one of three large guest homes after the central Casa Grande was completed.
I used my favorite small gimbaled camera for all the video captured and photos shared in this post. I have a lot of camera gear, and I am still returning to this cheap mini camera because it’s that good.
Camera: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/_Xb5qDJIomsmo3
Next, we checked out this massive hilltop pool. This scale is impressive for today, over one hundred years later.
We took one quick photo with the boys before we headed inside Hearst Castle. This mountainside edifice offers so many incredible photo opportunities.
Hearst Castle is set up similarly to a European village, with the central house representing a cathedral.
I’ve lived in Europe and visited it many times. Hearst Castle captures the best aspects of a European village while incorporating priceless antiquities, making it a living museum.
One of the cutest aspects was that our tour guide invited my youngest, Stewart, to open the castle door.
We entered through a back door. Original guests of the castle would have entered through the front cathedral entrance. This original entrance would have placed guests centered in the impressively large and decorated Assembly Room.
This room contains priceless tapestries. The other part of this tapestry collection can be seen in the Leuvre.
Speaking of the assembly room, four original 16th-century tapestries from the Deeds of Scipio Africanus series hang on the walls. Some of the same tapestries are in the Louvre in Paris, but theirs are copies.
“During the French Revolution, the set was broken up and sold,” says Allen. “Today, only these four at San Simeon and a fragment of another from the set are known to exist still.”
SOURCE https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tapestry_-_Hearst_Castle_-_DSC06190.JPG
After viewing the assembly room, we moved through a narrow passage to the Refectory room, which inspired the set design for the Hogwarts dining room in Harry Potter.
Next is this beautiful morning room. The guest houses did not have kitchens, so guests came to the main house for everything, including morning coffee, and they enjoyed it in this fabulous room. I loved the Spanish ceiling inlay. It reminded me of our time in Toledo, Spain.
The details throughout the castle are truly aspects to appreciate, like this stone-carved passageway.
The Billiards room was a great space, and my boys loved it.
There are two tables in this space. The first doesn’t have pocket holes; the second is a traditional pool table. I didn’t realize that pool started out as a bumper concept, but Turner, my second son knew all about this original game and was able to explain it to me:)
The first table has no pockets.
After the Billiards room, we moved into the massive home theatre.
Then it was outside to the tennis courts.
Below the tennis court is the indoor pool, which is completely tiled and includes gold tiles.
This quick 70-minute tour is completely worth it and should not be missed if you are ever on the California central coast. It’s quick, beautiful, and inspirational. The tour guides are also incredible and make it fun for the entire family.
At the end of the Hearst Castle YouTube video, my boys give their reasons for enjoying Hearst Castle.
BONUS
After our morning at Hearst Castle, we returned to Pismo and enjoyed a yummy crab lunch at the Cracked Crab. I highly recommend this yummy crab restaurant; it checked all my favorite boxes, from homemade bleu cheese dressing to great soups and fresh crab. The YouTube video explains what I ordered:)
Now you know, before you go to Hearst Castle, whether it is worth a visit and whether your kids will enjoy it.
xoxo Kim
I realize that some procedures look shocking…Mesotherapy requires many, many pricks.
After a session, I look crazy, or people think I enjoy pain.
THIS IS FALSE
During child birth I needed an epidural with all four deliveries!
I don’t have a high pain tolerance; however, over the years, I’ve developed stamina for the pain.
I enjoy that in our app; we commiserate about all of these aspects of doing professional skincare at home.
I’ve had mesotherapy done professionally, and it’s brutal in professional hands, too. It’s simply the nature of this procedure. I’ve found I can stomach the pain easier if I’m in charge of it.
While I was in Korea, I kept telling my injector that I didn’t want anymore and that whatever was placed was enough for me.
I tried to bow out early, but she insisted I needed to keep going 😂🙈.
If you’ve ever seen my Korean Thread Video, you know I was trying to escape!
KOREAN THREAD 🎥
https://urlgeni.us/youtube/PDOThreads
The point I want to offer is that not all at-home beauty treatments are as painful as mesotherapy. The major reason Mesotherapy is painful is that you have large areas of skin to cover. You can use numbing cream to take a bit of the bite off, but even 12% topical lido is not going to fully numb you. Some pokes are easy, and others painful.
Mid-face and lip areas are by far my most sensitive regions, and each time I make it through, I feel like a superhero 🦸♀️😅.
I’m motivated by the convenience of performing these procedures at home. Although I don’t look forward to the pain of mesotherapy, I’m always encouraged by the benefits these products have for my skin.
I love the ability and freedom to choose for myself, and I appreciate it when others feel empowered as well.
I’ve never infered that my life choices are suitable for everyone; only that options exist, and that’s why I share.
My community, found inside the Natural Kaos App, is where these procedures take place.
NATURAL KAOS APP
https://urlgeni.us/AppInstall
I realize that some procedures look shocking…Mesotherapy requires many, many pricks.
After a session, I look crazy, or people think I enjoy pain.
THIS IS FALSE
During child birth I needed an epidural with all four deliveries!
I don’t have a high pain tolerance; however, over the years, I’ve developed stamina for the pain.
I enjoy that in our app; we commiserate about all of these aspects of doing professional skincare at home.
I’ve had mesotherapy done professionally, and it’s brutal in professional hands, too. It’s simply the nature of this procedure. I’ve found I can stomach the pain easier if I’m in charge of it.
While I was in Korea, I kept telling my injector that I didn’t want anymore and that whatever was placed was enough for me.
I tried to bow out early, but she insisted I needed to keep going 😂🙈.
If you’ve ever seen my Korean Thread Video, you know I was trying to escape!
KOREAN THREAD 🎥
https://urlgeni.us/youtube/PDOThreads
The point I want to offer is that not all at-home beauty treatments are as painful as mesotherapy. The major reason Mesotherapy is painful is that you have large areas of skin to cover. You can use numbing cream to take a bit of the bite off, but even 12% topical lido is not going to fully numb you. Some pokes are easy, and others painful.
Mid-face and lip areas are by far my most sensitive regions, and each time I make it through, I feel like a superhero 🦸♀️😅.
I’m motivated by the convenience of performing these procedures at home. Although I don’t look forward to the pain of mesotherapy, I’m always encouraged by the benefits these products have for my skin.
I love the ability and freedom to choose for myself, and I appreciate it when others feel empowered as well.
I’ve never infered that my life choices are suitable for everyone; only that options exist, and that’s why I share.
My community, found inside the Natural Kaos App, is where these procedures take place.
NATURAL KAOS APP
https://urlgeni.us/AppInstall
How I prepare to do Mesotherapy Injections?
I’m using Mayster PLLA. Today is my second round with this quasi Sculptra dupe. The reason I say “quasi” is because it has a lower molecular weight so the particles are not nearly as large as the PLLA molecules in Sculptra.
I’m using this product inside the Natural Kaos App.
You can find it on Apple and Android
I go Live at 4pm pst but all lives are saved inside the app for your future convenience.
Gain more insight on our app @natural.kaos.app account which showcases more of our weekly lives.
How I prepare to do Mesotherapy Injections?
I’m using Mayster PLLA. Today is my second round with this quasi Sculptra dupe. The reason I say “quasi” is because it has a lower molecular weight so the particles are not nearly as large as the PLLA molecules in Sculptra.
I’m using this product inside the Natural Kaos App.
You can find it on Apple and Android
I go Live at 4pm pst but all lives are saved inside the app for your future convenience.
Gain more insight on our app @natural.kaos.app account which showcases more of our weekly lives.
Last week, I shared a one-year-out Sculptra video, a result of the two sessions I had the privilege of receiving from the esteemed Dr Rice @estheticscenter in 2023.
Comment “Sculptra” for the full video link sent to your DM 📥 + Last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas.
I received a few comments stating:
1️⃣ “Sculptra can’t be placed beneath the eyes!”
2️⃣ “If you get Sculptra, you are no longer a candidate for a future facelift!”
Both of these statements are false, but I understand why some people have this perspective.
1️⃣ Most people go to med spas where RNs inject. RN injectors are fabulous and typically do more liquid facelift protocols than even the surgeon. However, at some locations, you may find they do not offer certain placements, like the tear trough. This is their decision based on comfort level.
I elected to pay more to have Dr Rice place my Sculptra because I knew he was the best person for this situation.
2️⃣ Offices like @estheticscenter, which profit from facelifts, don’t want to create a population of clientele that later would not be candidates for a facelift.
I truly dislike it when people attempt to fearmonger about products and procedures. It’s always better to look at the larger picture.
If Sculptra were to hinder a facial plastic surgeon from performing facelifts, it would never be in the doctor’s best interest to offer Sculptra. Dr Rice, for instance, is dedicated to serving his patients and providing them with a range of options, ensuring their best interests are always prioritized.
I hope this continues the conservation about Sculptra and gives more insight on why you may go to a med spa and they may not offer Sculptra placement under the eyes.
SCULPTRA 🎥 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/Sculptra
Last week, I shared a one-year-out Sculptra video, a result of the two sessions I had the privilege of receiving from the esteemed Dr Rice @estheticscenter in 2023.
Comment “Sculptra” for the full video link sent to your DM 📥 + Last minute Mother’s Day gift ideas.
I received a few comments stating:
1️⃣ “Sculptra can’t be placed beneath the eyes!”
2️⃣ “If you get Sculptra, you are no longer a candidate for a future facelift!”
Both of these statements are false, but I understand why some people have this perspective.
1️⃣ Most people go to med spas where RNs inject. RN injectors are fabulous and typically do more liquid facelift protocols than even the surgeon. However, at some locations, you may find they do not offer certain placements, like the tear trough. This is their decision based on comfort level.
I elected to pay more to have Dr Rice place my Sculptra because I knew he was the best person for this situation.
2️⃣ Offices like @estheticscenter, which profit from facelifts, don’t want to create a population of clientele that later would not be candidates for a facelift.
I truly dislike it when people attempt to fearmonger about products and procedures. It’s always better to look at the larger picture.
If Sculptra were to hinder a facial plastic surgeon from performing facelifts, it would never be in the doctor’s best interest to offer Sculptra. Dr Rice, for instance, is dedicated to serving his patients and providing them with a range of options, ensuring their best interests are always prioritized.
I hope this continues the conservation about Sculptra and gives more insight on why you may go to a med spa and they may not offer Sculptra placement under the eyes.
SCULPTRA 🎥 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/Sculptra
Happy Sunday…
Warm spring finally arrived and soon it will be in the 90’s.
This week also brought me a cold 🤧
It began with Pink Eye and by Friday I lost my voice.
I woke up on Saturday with a deep cough.
I’ve been in bed this weekend trying to recover so next weeks schedule isn’t compromised.
I’m still planing to do my next session of Mayster PLLA on Monday 5/6, inside the natural Kaos app.
Hopefully my voice can recover more so you can actually hear what I’m saying 😂.
If you know me, you know I like to talk 🗣️🎙️and losing my voice is certainly a difficult by product of this seasonal cold.
If you’ve experienced this years cold let me know if thee is another phase to this that I’ve yet to encounter?
For my app members please know I will rally to make Mondays Live demo. In the end if I still lack a voice I’ll have to cancel only because it would be super annoying to listen to me speak.
Stay tuned:)
PS. I filmed this on Thursday before this cold entered my 🫁.
It was also my third day injecting MELANOTAN 2 and laying out to trigger the melanin in my skin.
Happy Sunday…
Warm spring finally arrived and soon it will be in the 90’s.
This week also brought me a cold 🤧
It began with Pink Eye and by Friday I lost my voice.
I woke up on Saturday with a deep cough.
I’ve been in bed this weekend trying to recover so next weeks schedule isn’t compromised.
I’m still planing to do my next session of Mayster PLLA on Monday 5/6, inside the natural Kaos app.
Hopefully my voice can recover more so you can actually hear what I’m saying 😂.
If you know me, you know I like to talk 🗣️🎙️and losing my voice is certainly a difficult by product of this seasonal cold.
If you’ve experienced this years cold let me know if thee is another phase to this that I’ve yet to encounter?
For my app members please know I will rally to make Mondays Live demo. In the end if I still lack a voice I’ll have to cancel only because it would be super annoying to listen to me speak.
Stay tuned:)
PS. I filmed this on Thursday before this cold entered my 🫁.
It was also my third day injecting MELANOTAN 2 and laying out to trigger the melanin in my skin.
Comment “Sculptra” for the video link sent to your DM inbox. On FACEBOOK? Link 👇🏻
Are you sitting on the fence about Sculptra? I know it’s really $$$!!!
If you want to see the impact of four vials of Sculptra 12 months post then you’ll appreciate todays YouTube video.
Premiers at 5:15pm PST on the @spa.and.tell YouTube channel.
🎥 LINK: https://urlgeni.us/youtube/Sculptra
#sculptra #sculptraaesthetic #beforeandafter
Comment “Sculptra” for the video link sent to your DM inbox. On FACEBOOK? Link 👇🏻
Are you sitting on the fence about Sculptra? I know it’s really $$$!!!
If you want to see the impact of four vials of Sculptra 12 months post then you’ll appreciate todays YouTube video.
Premiers at 5:15pm PST on the @spa.and.tell YouTube channel.
🎥 LINK: https://urlgeni.us/youtube/Sculptra
#sculptra #sculptraaesthetic #beforeandafter
SAVE for future and comment “SPRAY” for the one I’m using.
Silver is an ancient remedy and before we had antibiotics the world used silver to fight infections. In fact, the Phoenicians stored water, wine and vinegar in silver bottles to prevent spoiling.
BENEFITS
Used for centuries for its antibacterial properties, it’s a must-have in any home medicine cabinet…because you can be 42 years old and contract PINK EYE!
1. **Antibacterial Powerhouse:** Colloidal silver is renowned for its ability to fight off harmful bacteria. Whether it’s on your skin or in your body, colloidal silver works to eliminate bacteria and promote a healthy environment.
2. **Gentle Yet Effective:** Unlike harsh chemical antibacterials, colloidal silver is gentle on the body while still delivering potent results. It targets bacteria without disturbing the body’s natural balance, making it suitable for daily use.
3. **Versatility:** From skincare to immune support, colloidal silver offers a wide range of benefits. Use it topically to soothe minor skin irritations or internally to bolster your immune system and fend off infections.
4. **Natural Alternative:** Say goodbye to synthetic antibiotics and hello to nature’s solution! Colloidal silver provides a natural alternative to traditional antibacterial treatments, making it a favorite among holistic health enthusiasts.
I’m using the @sovereignsilver hydrosol spray.
#pinkeye
SAVE for future and comment “SPRAY” for the one I’m using.
Silver is an ancient remedy and before we had antibiotics the world used silver to fight infections. In fact, the Phoenicians stored water, wine and vinegar in silver bottles to prevent spoiling.
BENEFITS
Used for centuries for its antibacterial properties, it’s a must-have in any home medicine cabinet…because you can be 42 years old and contract PINK EYE!
1. **Antibacterial Powerhouse:** Colloidal silver is renowned for its ability to fight off harmful bacteria. Whether it’s on your skin or in your body, colloidal silver works to eliminate bacteria and promote a healthy environment.
2. **Gentle Yet Effective:** Unlike harsh chemical antibacterials, colloidal silver is gentle on the body while still delivering potent results. It targets bacteria without disturbing the body’s natural balance, making it suitable for daily use.
3. **Versatility:** From skincare to immune support, colloidal silver offers a wide range of benefits. Use it topically to soothe minor skin irritations or internally to bolster your immune system and fend off infections.
4. **Natural Alternative:** Say goodbye to synthetic antibiotics and hello to nature’s solution! Colloidal silver provides a natural alternative to traditional antibacterial treatments, making it a favorite among holistic health enthusiasts.
I’m using the @sovereignsilver hydrosol spray.
#pinkeye
It’s not easy having your world unexpectedly turned upside down. Challenges happen in life that we are not prepared for no matter if we are planners.
UNFORTUNATELY, Not everything is in our control!
As a “semi-control freak” (don’t judge me) life continues to teach me that I never know what’s around the corner.
And It’s difficult to be prepared for the next curve ball life throws.
As I go thru another tragic experience (one I’m not sharing yet) it can feel debilitating.
Like what the F***!!! I’m NOT equipped for this obstacle.
The only truth I know, is that I can only control myself. I feel fortunate that I developed my little work out plan becoming accustomed to it pre devastation.
My routine is helping me thru this difficult time and I’m grateful to have it as a constant when other aspects of my life feel wild and unknown.
PSA: Get yourself a routine before your next curve ball!
XOXO Kim ❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷
It’s not easy having your world unexpectedly turned upside down. Challenges happen in life that we are not prepared for no matter if we are planners.
UNFORTUNATELY, Not everything is in our control!
As a “semi-control freak” (don’t judge me) life continues to teach me that I never know what’s around the corner.
And It’s difficult to be prepared for the next curve ball life throws.
As I go thru another tragic experience (one I’m not sharing yet) it can feel debilitating.
Like what the F***!!! I’m NOT equipped for this obstacle.
The only truth I know, is that I can only control myself. I feel fortunate that I developed my little work out plan becoming accustomed to it pre devastation.
My routine is helping me thru this difficult time and I’m grateful to have it as a constant when other aspects of my life feel wild and unknown.
PSA: Get yourself a routine before your next curve ball!
XOXO Kim ❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷🧡❤️🩷
Comment “DEAL” for the Nira Link sent to your DM.
SAVE $$$ Code: KIMPRATT
I love the results I see and feel with my Nira Pro.
With a large opening, Nira Pro treats my full face in only 3 minutes a day.
NIRA Pro is the fastest and most powerful at-home laser, FDA-cleared and clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The Nira Pro blasts heat into your skin, triggering collagen induction that plumps your cheeks and strengthens the skin around your eyes. You can also use it on your neck and even firm your hands.
Developed by laser experts, NIRA Pro is truly one of a kind. Bring the med spa home for visibly firmer, youthful-looking skin in 90 days guaranteed.
After triggering collagen, top with Niras Youth Renewal Peptide cream.
In 60 days, your skin will look five years younger due to its multi-peptide complex, which is clinically proven to increase collagen by 258% for a dramatic wrinkle reduction.
You’ve watched me use my Nira to tighten around my eyes for years because it’s the most powerful at-home device for wrinkle reduction.
Try the Nira Pro and save with code KIMPRATT.
Nira also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, but there is a reason that Nira has a 4.9 rating…it’s because it works!
FACEBOOK, here is the link: https://bit.ly/4d5vjTX
Save $$$ Code: KIMPRATT
Comment “DEAL” for the Nira Link sent to your DM.
SAVE $$$ Code: KIMPRATT
I love the results I see and feel with my Nira Pro.
With a large opening, Nira Pro treats my full face in only 3 minutes a day.
NIRA Pro is the fastest and most powerful at-home laser, FDA-cleared and clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The Nira Pro blasts heat into your skin, triggering collagen induction that plumps your cheeks and strengthens the skin around your eyes. You can also use it on your neck and even firm your hands.
Developed by laser experts, NIRA Pro is truly one of a kind. Bring the med spa home for visibly firmer, youthful-looking skin in 90 days guaranteed.
After triggering collagen, top with Niras Youth Renewal Peptide cream.
In 60 days, your skin will look five years younger due to its multi-peptide complex, which is clinically proven to increase collagen by 258% for a dramatic wrinkle reduction.
You’ve watched me use my Nira to tighten around my eyes for years because it’s the most powerful at-home device for wrinkle reduction.
Try the Nira Pro and save with code KIMPRATT.
Nira also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, but there is a reason that Nira has a 4.9 rating…it’s because it works!
FACEBOOK, here is the link: https://bit.ly/4d5vjTX
Save $$$ Code: KIMPRATT
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