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Hi! I'm Michelle.

Staying blonde through travel, food, and family fun.
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Mom of two, seeking a little sanity in the everyday

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Japan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time Japan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time
Japan Travel Mistakes: What We'd do Differently Next Time

Traveling always comes with lessons learned, and I hope by sharing ours, it might help you plan a smooth... read more

The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens

We spent 11 days exploring Tokyo and Kyoto with our two teens, soaking up neon lights, centuries-old tem... read more

Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio
Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let's Paint the Patio

Painting concrete is an affordable and surprisingly transformative way to refresh outdoor spaces, such a... read more

The Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear The Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear
The Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear

“These are the items we always bring to keep things organized and ensure our trips run smoothly an... read more

Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland
Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland

My daughter loves her wisteria filled room, and I love that we created something beautiful together.

read more
Traveling with Teens Traveling with Teens
Traveling with Teens

Traveling with teens, like traveling with kids of any age, comes with unique challenges.

read more
Five Days on Oahu Five Days on Oahu
Five Days on Oahu

This excellent Oahu itinerary strikes the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It proves that you ... read more

Italy with Kids: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary Italy with Kids: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary
Italy with Kids: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary
This post contains affiliate links We spent the last 15 days of our family’s European vacation in Italy. I ... read more
Greek Lemon Rice Soup Greek Lemon Rice Soup
Greek Lemon Rice Soup

Greek lemon rice soup, also known as Avgolemono, is one of those dishes that reminds me of home. It&#821... read more

Our Dyslexic Journey Our Dyslexic Journey
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
AsiaTravelFeaturedJapan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time
August 21, 2025

Japan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time

Traveling always comes with lessons learned, and I hope by sharing ours, it might help you plan a smoother trip to Japan.
AsiaTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
July 27, 2025

The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens

We spent 11 days exploring Tokyo and Kyoto with our two teens, soaking up neon lights, centuries-old temples, cuddly animals, and more bowls of ramen than I can count.
TravelFeaturedThe Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear
May 18, 2025

The Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear

"These are the items we always bring to keep things organized and ensure our trips run smoothly and stress-free."
South PacificTravelMaui: A Family Friendly Guide to the Valley Isle
April 14, 2025

Maui: A Family Friendly Guide to the Valley Isle

Maui is pure magic. With its stunning scenery, world-class beaches, incredible food, and endless adventures, it’s no wonder we keep coming back to the Valley Isle year after year.
DisneylandDisneyTravelDisneyland on a Budget
March 2, 2025

Disneyland on a Budget

"With some planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy a magical Disneyland trip without overspending."
AthensTravelFeaturedTraveling with Teens
January 28, 2025

Traveling with Teens

Traveling with teens, like traveling with kids of any age, comes with unique challenges.

Eats

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child
Five Cup SaladSaladsEatsFive Cup Salad
June 22, 2025

Five Cup Salad

Also known as Ambrosia Salad, this sweet, tangy, and creamy side dish is a staple at summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, and potlucks alike.
SweetsEatsEasy Lemon Sorbet
March 30, 2025

Easy Lemon Sorbet

We have a lemon tree in our backyard (one of the perks of California living!), and when it’s heavy with fruit, I know exactly what to make: homemade lemon sorbet.…
Chicken Tortilla Soup with LimeSoupsEatsChicken Tortilla Soup with Lime
February 7, 2025

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Lime

I usually crave soup only on cold, dreary days, but this chicken tortilla soup with lime is something I hunger for year-round.
Waldorf SaladSaladsEatsWaldorf Salad
November 12, 2024

Waldorf Salad

I love making this salad in the fall when I have an abundance of apples. It's a welcomed alternative to baking them into pies and other sweets.
Couscous Tabbouleh SaladSaladsEatsCouscous Tabbouleh Salad
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…
White Hot ChocolateDrinksSeasonalEatsWhite Hot Chocolate
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…

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
Beauty and FashionHerbal Face Food Review
July 10, 2025

Herbal Face Food Review

The ingredients are so pure and concentrated that you actually feel a tingle when you apply it
concrete PaintDIYLifestyleFeaturedBudget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio
June 27, 2025

Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio

Painting concrete is an affordable and surprisingly transformative way to refresh outdoor spaces, such as patios, walkways, and side yards.
DIYFamilyLifestyleFeaturedCreate Your Own Wisteria Wonderland
March 13, 2025

Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland

My daughter loves her wisteria filled room, and I love that we created something beautiful together.
Halloween tunnelHolidaysDIYLifestyleTrendingHow to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel
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.
Holiday archesHolidaysDIYLifestyleDIY Holiday Arches
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.
pumpkinsHolidaysFamilyLifestyleFinding the Great Pumpkin: Tips for Picking the Perfect One
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…

Recent Posts

"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past." ― George Carlin
AsiaTravelFeaturedJapan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time
August 21, 2025

Japan Travel Mistakes: What We’d do Differently Next Time

Traveling always comes with lessons learned, and I hope by sharing ours, it might help you plan a smoother trip to Japan.
AsiaTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
July 27, 2025

The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens

We spent 11 days exploring Tokyo and Kyoto with our two teens, soaking up neon lights, centuries-old temples, cuddly animals, and more bowls of ramen than I can count.
Beauty and FashionHerbal Face Food Review
July 10, 2025

Herbal Face Food Review

The ingredients are so pure and concentrated that you actually feel a tingle when you apply it
concrete PaintDIYLifestyleFeaturedBudget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio
June 27, 2025

Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio

Painting concrete is an affordable and surprisingly transformative way to refresh outdoor spaces, such as patios, walkways, and side yards.
Five Cup SaladSaladsEatsFive Cup Salad
June 22, 2025

Five Cup Salad

Also known as Ambrosia Salad, this sweet, tangy, and creamy side dish is a staple at summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, and potlucks alike.
TravelFeaturedThe Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear
May 18, 2025

The Very Best Travel Essentials and Gear

"These are the items we always bring to keep things organized and ensure our trips run smoothly and stress-free."

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