Hi! I'm Michelle.

Staying blonde through travel, food, and family fun.

Mom of two, seeking a little sanity in the everyday

Featured Stories

A 12-Day Greece Itinerary with Kids

This Greece itinerary offers a beautiful glimpse into Greece’s diverse offerings and provides hind... read more

Disneyland’s Silhouette Studio

Disneyland's Silhouette Studio

The Disneyland silhouette is not just a souvenir; it’s a piece of Disney magic to cherish forever.... read more

DIY Easy Succulent Pumpkins

These easy succulent pumpkins stay completely intact. There is no gutting, cutting, or messiness involve... read more

My Honest Review of Hotel XCaret Mexico

Hotel XCaret Mexico is stunning and really is like no other resort I have ever experienced. Let me tell... read more

Our Dyslexic Journey

I was clueless as to what dyslexia truly was thinking it was nothing more than transposing letters. Thus... read more

Travel

“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” ― Rick Steves

Europe Travel

September 19, 2024

One Day in London

Although London's vastness makes it impossible to see in a day, it's surprising how much you can experience in just 24 hours.

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Europe Travel

September 13, 2024

Our Stay at the Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection

The Mount Juliet Estate, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is a luxurious five-star hotel located in County Kilkenny, Ireland.

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Europe Travel

August 29, 2024

Naxos—The Perfect Greek Island for Families

Naxos should be a key destination in any Greek island-hopping itinerary, as it might be the perfect island, especially for families.

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Europe Travel

August 21, 2024

Three Days in Ireland

Explore the enchanting beauty of Ireland in just three days. Discover stunning landscapes, charming cities, and unforgettable adventures.

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Travel

August 14, 2024

The Art of the Extended Layover

The Art of the Extended Layover Booking an extended layover is one of my favorite travel hacks. I like to think of it as a bonus trip within a trip.…

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Europe Travel Featured

August 6, 2024

A 12-Day Greece Itinerary with Kids

This Greece itinerary offers a beautiful glimpse into Greece's diverse offerings and provides hindsight on what we'd do differently.

Michelle Tucker 1

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Eats

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child

Salads Eats

April 5, 2024

Couscous Tabbouleh Salad

Couscous Tabbouleh Salad This simple and delightful Eastern Mediterranean dish, is a favorite of mine, especially during the warmer seasons of spring and summer. Tabbouleh is traditionally made with bulgur…

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Drinks Seasonal Eats

January 31, 2024

White Hot Chocolate

Warm up this winter season with a White Hot Chocolate. This is a decadent and delicious treat that is quick and easy to make. Cozy Up with White Hot Chocolate…

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Sweets Eats

January 18, 2024

Homemade Cream Puffs

Indulge in the Delight of Homemade Cream Puffs: A Simple and Irresistibly Delicious Dessert Cream puffs, those delightful French pastries that journeyed to the United States in the 1800s, might…

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Sweets Eats

May 29, 2023

Easy Cobbler with Fresh Fruit and Berries

Originally posted in June of 2021, I wanted to update and repost this recipe since it's so easy, delicious, and perfect for spring and summer. Be sure to watch the…

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Sweets Eats

March 20, 2023

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a delicious dessert that my entire family absolutely loves. This recipe is made with a simple short bread crust, a creamy lemony filling, and a dusting of…

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Appetizers Eats

February 7, 2023

Shishito Peppers

Shishito Peppers I’m always on the lookout for healthy snacks. If they are both quick and easy to make, they get bonus points. Shishito peppers are just that: they’re heathy,…

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Lifestyle

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

Holidays DIY Lifestyle

September 28, 2024

How to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel

A Haunted Halloween Tunnel is a fun and easy DIY project. Here is a full supply list and instructions so you can make your own.

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Holidays DIY Lifestyle

November 27, 2023

DIY Holiday Arches

How to build your own DIY holiday arches. They are both easy and inexpensive to make. They will also make you the house to see on the block.

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Holidays Family Lifestyle

October 24, 2023

Finding the Great Pumpkin: Tips for Picking the Perfect One

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red and the air turns crisp, it can only mean one thing: pumpkin season is here. And with it comes the…

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Family Lifestyle

October 10, 2023

Unlocking the Secret of Tarantula Sightings: Tips for a Successful Encounter in California’s Scenic Parks

We recently embarked on a unique family adventure, taking the kids up to Henry Coe State Park to witness a fascinating natural phenomenon—tarantula mating season. Yes, tarantulas—the big, hairy spiders…

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Holidays DIY Lifestyle

October 6, 2023

Turn Your Essential Oil Diffuser into a Bubbling Cauldron

What's great about this DIY is that you don't need much. Just an essential oil diffuser, a small plastic cauldron, and poly-fill fiber.

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DIY Lifestyle Featured

September 26, 2023

DIY Easy Succulent Pumpkins

These easy succulent pumpkins stay completely intact. There is no gutting, cutting, or messiness involved.

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Shop the Feed

“Shopping is my cardio.” — Carrie Bradshaw

Latest on Social

“Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots.” — Steve Allen

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stayingblonde

2 days ago

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Michelle Tucker

2 days ago

I don’t decorate too much for Thanksgiving. To be honest I’ve already started decorating for Christmas. 😂 But when I saw my neighbors turkey pumpkin decoration, I knew I had to have one as well! Isn’t it just the cutest? I have this one and a bunch of other designs linked in my bio. #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdecor #holidaydecor #holidaydecorating #pumpkinturkeys

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Michelle Tucker

4 days ago

What’s your comfort movie? You know, the movie that can immediately cheer you up and make you smile? “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” is mine. I don’t care that it’s only the first November. I desperately needed to take my mind off of things and laugh a little last night, and “Christmas Vacation” did the job. Do you have a comfort movie, and if so, what is it? #christmasvacation #christmasmovies #comfortmovie #needtolaugh

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Michelle Tucker

6 days ago

Happy Halloween! 🎃
I find it funny how when the kids were younger I was so obsessed with having the perfect family costumes and taking perfect photos. Now that they’re older, I’m happy as long as we get a photo! Seriously, getting a family photo with teens on a busy night like Halloween is no easy feat! It may not be our best Halloween photo, but I still call it a win. #happyhalloween #momofteenagers #momlifebelike #momlifebestlife

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stayingblonde

1 weeks ago

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Michelle Tucker

1 weeks ago

I am loving our Sleepy Hollow theme. We still need to carve all of the pumpkins, but we are pretty much done. The headless horseman digital decorations from @atmosfx look great this year. I am also loving the fun pumpkin digital decorations they have as well. I think we might add a few of those to the tunnel too on Halloween night.
I have a full blog post on how we build our Halloween tunnel up at Staying Blonde right now Link in bio. #countdowntohalloween #halloweendecorations #halloweendecor #sleepyhollow #legendofsleepyhollow #headlesshorseman #atmosfx #hauntedtunnel #halloweenarches #diyhalloween #diyhalloweendecorations

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Michelle Tucker

2 weeks ago

When it comes to the Holidays, do you enjoy the Halloween or Christmas season more? I really enjoy Halloween, but I just LOVE Christmas, especially at Disneyland. It’s definitely my favorite time of the year to visit the parks. Fingers crossed that we can make it work and squeeze in a trip this holiday season. 🤞 #christmasiscoming #countdowntochristmas #christmasvshalloween #disneylandcalifornia #disneyland #disneymom #disneyfamily

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Michelle Tucker

2 weeks ago

I don’t have time to talk about crazy things like that. 😂 Plus, I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I have two trips already lined up for next year. #travelgoals #travel #funny #catsofinstagram #truth #marriedlife #travelmom

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Michelle Tucker

2 weeks ago

No Halloween season is complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch, right?!. I just can’t believe that I was able to rally my teens into going with me another year. Of course, they only agreed to go if they could bring friends.
I knew not to push my luck and force too much time together, hence no family photo, but I did get individual ones, so I’ll take that as a win. Why didn’t anyone warn me that getting teens excited to do anything would be this hard?

Although, this is a perfect pumpkin patch for all ages. It has just about something for everyone. This one is called Spina Farms, and it is located in Morgan Hill, California. It has a huge corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin blasters, great food, music, and tons of pumpkins. 🎃
#pumpkinpatch #momlifebelike #momlifebestlife #momofteens #bayareafamily #bayareamom #bayareafun #spinafarmspumpkinpatch #spinafarms

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Michelle Tucker

3 weeks ago

This is our favorite pumpkin patch ever. We’ve been coming here since the kids were little, and it’s been fun to see how it’s grown over the years. We love it because it has a little something for everyone, and it is great for all ages. And, believe it or not, pumpkins here don’t break the bank. We got tons of huge pumpkins and none of them were more than $10. #spinafarms #pumpkinpatch #spinafarmspumpkinpatch #hayride #fallfun #halloweenfun #bayareafun #bayareafamily #bayareakids #bayareamom #momlife

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Michelle Tucker

3 weeks ago

Greetings from Sleepy Hollow. I’ve been a bit under the weather lately, so it’s taking me a little longer to get our halloween tunnel decorated. This year we are doing the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I am excited and anxious for our visit from the Headless Horseman on halloween night.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has always been one of my favorite Halloween tales. What’s your favorite Halloween story? #halloweenfun #sleepyhollow #legendofsleepyhollow #halloweentunnel #halloweenarches #halloweendecorations #halloweendecor #halloweenideas #momlifebestlife

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Michelle Tucker

4 weeks ago

Just your average Friday night corn stalk run. Seriously though, I can’t believe I had to pay for dead corns stalks. If I were back in Indiana right now, I’d just go cut some down. 😂

We finally settled on a theme for this year‘s haunted tunnel and these stalks will look perfect! I know it’s not a lot to go on, but does anyone want to guess what our theme is? #halloweendecor #halloweentime #halloweendecorating #momlife #momlifebestlife

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Michelle Tucker

4 weeks ago

I made these in September of last year and I don’t think I got rid of them until after Christmas. I used them as centerpieces on my Thanksgiving table and I used them as fall decorations on my front porch. All you need to remember is to spritz them every other day or so. The best thing about them is that I was able to replant the succulents in little pots and I still have them today. I have the full set of instructions of how to make these succulent pumpkin centerpieces over at Staying Blonde. Link in bio.

Here is all you need:
•Succulent cuttings
•Sheet moss
•Hot glue
•Pumpkin
#fallcrafts #falldecor #diyfalldecor #diyhalloweendecorations #centerpiece #centerpiecesideas #thanksgivingcenterpiece #thanksgivingideas #succulents #succulentpumpkin

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stayingblonde

1 months ago

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Michelle Tucker

1 months ago

I love breaking out the costume bin. My animals, not so much. 😂 But aren’t they cute?! Do you dress up your animals for Halloween? #halloweenfun #halloweencostumes #dogcostume #catcostume #dogmomlife #catmomlife #halloweenideas #funnyanimals

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Michelle Tucker

1 months ago

Do you have an essential oil diffuser? Why not make it spooky?

For the month of October I like everything spooky inside and outside of my home. This easy diy Halloween decoration is cute and makes the house smell good. All you need is a diffuser, an inexpensive plastic cauldron and poly fiber-fill. I pull the fill around the diffuser opening, so the it doesn’t get too damp. To to make the project even easier, you can cut out the bottom of the cauldron so all you have to do is set the cauldron on top of your diffuser. I have the full set of directions in the link in my bio.

On another note, Who else used to love the show “Bewitched?” I remember watching reruns of it all the time as a kid. So of course, when I saw this song I had to use it! #diyhalloween #diyhalloweendecorations #diyhalloweendecor #essentialoils #essentialoildiffuser #halloweendecor #halloweenfun #halloweenideas #halloweendecorations

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stayingblonde

1 months ago

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stayingblonde

1 months ago

13.8K

Hi! I'm Michelle.

Staying blonde through travel, food, and family fun.

Trending

Ten Tips for Traveling to Europe with Kids

DIY Holiday Arches

Greek Lemon Rice Soup

Mom of two, seeking a little sanity in the everyday

Featured Stories

Travel

“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” ― Rick Steves

One Day in London

Our Stay at the Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection

Naxos—The Perfect Greek Island for Families

Three Days in Ireland

The Art of the Extended Layover

A 12-Day Greece Itinerary with Kids

Eats

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child

Couscous Tabbouleh Salad

White Hot Chocolate

Homemade Cream Puffs

Easy Cobbler with Fresh Fruit and Berries

Lemon Bars

Shishito Peppers

Lifestyle

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

How to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel

DIY Holiday Arches

Finding the Great Pumpkin: Tips for Picking the Perfect One

Unlocking the Secret of Tarantula Sightings: Tips for a Successful Encounter in California’s Scenic Parks

Turn Your Essential Oil Diffuser into a Bubbling Cauldron

DIY Easy Succulent Pumpkins

Recent Posts

"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past." ― George Carlin

How to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel

One Day in London

Our Stay at the Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection

Naxos—The Perfect Greek Island for Families

Three Days in Ireland

The Art of the Extended Layover

Shop the Feed

“Shopping is my cardio.” — Carrie Bradshaw

Latest on Social

“Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots.” — Steve Allen

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