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

Featured Stories

8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without 8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without
8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without

These are the items you’ll find in my carry-on for every single trip, whether I’m flying across the coun... read more

Posada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon Posada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon
Posada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon

After ten days of exploring Peru,  our three days in the Amazon were the most uncomplicated part of the ... read more

The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon
The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon

One of the things that surprised me most? Every stop felt completely different. Peru isn’t just one dest... read more

The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only) The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)

Packing light gives you the freedom to enjoy it all without being weighed down (literally and mentally).... read more

Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt) Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)

Once you make this fresh, homemade tzatziki, you’ll understand. It’s lighter, brighter, and just tastes ... read more

How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip) How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)

When the beaches in Riviera Maya are covered in sargassum, the easiest solution is heading over to Cozum... read more

The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids

The key to planning a family-friendly Road to Hana itinerary is choosing the right stops,

read more
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: The best food on Maui is always worth a little effort.

read more
The Best Family Trips by Age: When and Where to Travel With Kids The Best Family Trips by Age: When and Where to Travel With Kids
The Best Family Trips by Age: When and Where to Travel With Kids

When planning family travel, especially if your goal is to make everyone happy, it’s worth considering n... read more

Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

I can prepare it, pop it in the fridge, and know it will provide me with delicious meals for the next co... read more

Travel

“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” ― Rick Steves
TravelLifestyleFeatured8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without
July 13, 2026

8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without

These are the items you’ll find in my carry-on for every single trip, whether I’m flying across the country or halfway around the world
South AmericaTravelFeaturedPosada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon
July 8, 2026

Posada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon

After ten days of exploring Peru,  our three days in the Amazon were the most uncomplicated part of the entire trip.
South AmericaTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon
June 27, 2026

The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon

One of the things that surprised me most? Every stop felt completely different. Peru isn’t just one destination. It’s several incredible vacations rolled into one.
EuropeTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
May 28, 2026

The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)

Packing light gives you the freedom to enjoy it all without being weighed down (literally and mentally).
MexicoTravelFeaturedHow to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
May 3, 2026

How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)

When the beaches in Riviera Maya are covered in sargassum, the easiest solution is heading over to Cozumel.
United StatesSouth PacificTravelFeaturedThe Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
April 30, 2026

The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids

The key to planning a family-friendly Road to Hana itinerary is choosing the right stops,

Eats

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child
AppetizersEatsFeaturedAuthentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
May 6, 2026

Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)

Once you make this fresh, homemade tzatziki, you’ll understand. It’s lighter, brighter, and just tastes like summer in Greece.
SweetsEatsPistachio Pudding Bars
March 20, 2026

Pistachio Pudding Bars

The bars have a soft, buttery crust, a creamy pistachio layer, and a light, fluffy topping that somehow makes the whole thing feel both rich and refreshing at the same…
Main CoursesEatsItalian Beef and Shells Casserole
January 23, 2026

Italian Beef and Shells Casserole

It’s hearty, comforting, and made with simple ingredients that come together into one cozy, satisfying dinner.
Quinoa Spinach SaladSaladsEatsLifestyleFeaturedSpinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
January 13, 2026

Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

I can prepare it, pop it in the fridge, and know it will provide me with delicious meals for the next couple of days.
DrinksEatsCranberry Pomegranate Spritz
December 6, 2025

Cranberry Pomegranate Spritz

This cocktail feels special without being complicated, which is my favorite combination.
Pumpkin barsSweetsSeasonalEatsPumpkin Bars
November 15, 2025

Pumpkin Bars

Be warned, though, you can't eat just one.  Also, don't be surprised if you find yourself making them more than once this fall season.

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
TravelLifestyleFeatured8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without
July 13, 2026

8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without

These are the items you’ll find in my carry-on for every single trip, whether I’m flying across the country or halfway around the world
FamilyTravelFeaturedThe Best Family Trips by Age: When and Where to Travel With Kids
February 6, 2026

The Best Family Trips by Age: When and Where to Travel With Kids

When planning family travel, especially if your goal is to make everyone happy, it’s worth considering not just where you go, but when you go.
Quinoa Spinach SaladSaladsEatsLifestyleFeaturedSpinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
January 13, 2026

Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

I can prepare it, pop it in the fridge, and know it will provide me with delicious meals for the next couple of days.
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 PaintDIYLifestyleBudget-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.

Recent Posts

"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past." ― George Carlin
TravelLifestyleFeatured8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without
July 13, 2026

8 Travel Essentials I Never Fly Without

These are the items you’ll find in my carry-on for every single trip, whether I’m flying across the country or halfway around the world
South AmericaTravelFeaturedPosada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon
July 8, 2026

Posada Amazonas: Our Family’s Unforgettable Stay in the Peruvian Amazon

After ten days of exploring Peru,  our three days in the Amazon were the most uncomplicated part of the entire trip.
South AmericaTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon
June 27, 2026

The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon

One of the things that surprised me most? Every stop felt completely different. Peru isn’t just one destination. It’s several incredible vacations rolled into one.
EuropeTravelFeaturedThe Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
May 28, 2026

The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)

Packing light gives you the freedom to enjoy it all without being weighed down (literally and mentally).
AppetizersEatsFeaturedAuthentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
May 6, 2026

Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)

Once you make this fresh, homemade tzatziki, you’ll understand. It’s lighter, brighter, and just tastes like summer in Greece.
MexicoTravelFeaturedHow to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
May 3, 2026

How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)

When the beaches in Riviera Maya are covered in sargassum, the easiest solution is heading over to Cozumel.

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
One ball is better than no ball… right? 😂

Just wanted to give a quick Spud update! We are absolutely over the moon watching him grow into such a happy, healthy guy… especially since it was so touch and go in the beginning. 

I do have to laugh though. We’ve been celebrating his first ball finally dropping… only so we can eventually schedule having it taken away. 😆 always an adventure.  #update #englishbulldogpuppy #bulldogpuppy #bulldog #dogmomlife🐾
Preparing for his future documentary?😂

I had no idea bulldogs could be this emotional… or that they could hold a grudge quite this well. I swear, every time he thinks we’ve wronged him, he gives us the look like he’s adding another chapter to the story. #englishbulldogpuppy #englishbulldogpuppy #bulldog #futuredocumentary #dogmomlife
I don’t know why my teenagers think I’m so cringey… 😂

I was filming this on my Insta360 and had no idea she was even in the shot. It wasn’t until I got home and reviewed the footage that I realized she quietly scooted herself away from me. 🤣 

Traveling with teens sure keeps you humble! Btw, after we both cracked up after watching this, she gave me full permission to post it. 🙌#momlifebelike #momofteens #familytravel #toofunny #machupicchu
Yes, I may have accidentally inhaled a few bugs, but getting to work alongside a biologist deep in the Amazon to collect and help identify new species was definitely one of the coolest things we did during our stay at Posada Amazonas.

The Discovering New Species program is part of a citizen science initiative between @wiredamazon and @rainforestexpeditions, helping researchers better understand the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon while giving visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rainforest.

We’re still waiting to find out if any of the specimens we collected are new to science. If we do discover a new species… what do you think we should name it?
#familytravel #amazonrainforest #ecotourism #perutravel #travelinspo
Would you ever stay in a room without a wall… in the middle of the Amazon?

I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first, but all my worries melted away as soon as we arrived. The rooms felt so luxurious and cozy.

Now, did we get bugs? Yes, from time to time. Especially in the evenings, when the moths liked to come in and congregate around the lights. But honestly, that was about it.
The mosquito nets worked great, and we all got incredible sleep with the sounds of the rainforest all around us.
Would you do it? #posadaamazonas #familytravel #ecolodge #perutravel #amazonrainforest
The Amazon was one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever shared as a family… and believe it or not, it was the easiest and most relaxing part of our entire trip to Peru. 

If the Amazon is on your bucket list (and I really think it should be!), I can’t recommend Posada Amazonas enough. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly eco-lodge that completely immerses you in the rainforest while still making the experience comfortable and accessible.

I just published a full blog post on Staying Blonde, where I’m sharing everything about our stay, including our favorite excursions, what the open-air rooms are really like, family travel tips, and an exclusive 20% discount for my readers through @rainforestexpeditions .

You’ll find the full review and all the details at the linkin my bio.  #travelideas #posadaamazonas #familytravel #amazontravel #perutravel
What’s your method for finding a perfect watermelon? Obviously this isn’t it.

i’ve been in Indiana for the last few days and I’ve really been craving watermelon. Send Help. 😂 🍉 #watermelon #adviceplease #ripewatermelon #fail
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