Staying Blonde is Michelle Tucker, mother of two fantastic kids. Staying Blonde is where I share my journey. Learn from my wins and fails — hopefully, you can take advantage of the lessons I’ve learned, things I’ve figured out, and the bits of life I’ve untangled. Life is best when we lift each other up.
Hi! I'm Michelle.
Staying blonde through travel, food, and family fun.
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Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 10 Days of Adventure, Wildlife & Beaches
The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
The Ultimate 11-Day Japan Itinerary for Families with Teens
Greek Lemon Rice Soup
Greek Lemon Rice Soup
Mom of two, seeking a little sanity in the everyday
Grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and dive right in. I’m sure you’ll find some goodness here!
Featured Stories
Travel
“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” ― Rick Steves
The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems
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
Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 10 Days of Adventure, Wildlife & Beaches
Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 10 Days of Adventure, Wildlife & Beaches
Eats
“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
Italian Beef and Shells Casserole
Italian Beef and Shells Casserole
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Cranberry Pomegranate Spritz
Cranberry Pomegranate Spritz
Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Bars
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
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
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Herbal Face Food Review
Herbal Face Food Review
Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio
Budget-Friendly Concrete Makeover: Let’s Paint the Patio
Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland
Create Your Own Wisteria Wonderland
How to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel
How to Make a Haunted Halloween Tunnel
Recent Posts
"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past." ― George Carlin
The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
The Ultimate Italy Summer Packing List (Carry-On Only)
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Easy Homemade with Greek Yogurt)
How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
How to Avoid Sargassum in Riviera Maya (Easy Cozumel Day Trip)
The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
The Best Road to Hana Stops with Kids
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems
Best Food on Maui: Must-Try Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Hidden Gems
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
This was hands down the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been on a plane…Especially on a long haul flight.
Just a tip, to always go online and check the seat pitch if you are on the taller side. I booked the extra legroom, so I just assumed it would be fine. Wow, was I wrong. 😩
On a positive note though, we arrived safely, and everyone we encountered was very friendly and accommodating. #flying #airlinetips #avianca #uncomfortable #nolegroom
Italy Packing Checklist (Carry-On Only!) 🇮🇹✈️
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how I fit everything into just a carry-on. After several family trips to Europe and beyond (and plenty of trial and error), I’ve learned that packing light is the only way to travel.
For every trip, I put together a packing list for myself and my kids, so I figured I’d start sharing these lists with you, too.
This first packing list includes everything I packed in my carry-on for two weeks in Italy. 🇮🇹 The best part? There was still plenty of room left for shopping! 🛍️
If you’d like the complete list, including my FREE printable packing checklist, you’ll find it over on the blog. Link in my bio.
And yes... as I get ready for Peru, I’m once again trying to fit everything into just a carry-on and backpack. 😅 I’ll be sharing that packing list soon, too!
#italypackinglist #packingforvacation #packinglist #italytravel #traveltipsandtric
Just a dog and a butterfly 🦋 🐶
I’ve been so busy these past couple weeks that I’ve had no time to post. So please enjoy Spud and the butterfly. He has an obsession with butterflies and it cracks me up. I can watch him chase them for hours.
Oh, and please ignore the spots in my yard, I’m reseeding. 😩 #englishbulldogpuppy #wholesome #englishbulldog #cute #butterfly
Congratulations to my “not-so-little” baby boy. 🎓❤️
I honestly don’t know how to put into words everything I’m feeling right now. Proud. Emotional. Nostalgic. Excited. A little overwhelmed. Somehow all of it at once.
It’s been a busy, yet wonderful couple of weeks. And the crazy thing is, we’re not even done yet. Now, it’s time to celebrate! 🎉
So proud of you, kiddo! ❤️ 👨🎓 And yes, it was his request for In-N-Out for his celebratory dinner! #classof2026🎓 #proudmama
Great Scott, this show is heavy... in the best way possible!
We attended opening night of Back to the Future: The Musical at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, and it was absolutely fantastic. From the incredible performances to the jaw-dropping special effects, we loved every minute of it!
If you’re a fan of the movie, you’re going to have so much fun reliving the story on stage. It’s a high-energy show the whole family can enjoy.
The show is in San Jose June 2–7, and there are still seats available! I have a link in my bio where you can grab your tickets today. #backtothefuturethemusical #bttf #sanjosefun #broadwaysanjose @bttfbway
Did you know that stroke and heart disease are among the leading causes of death? And even when they aren’t fatal, they can be physically debilitating and financially devastating.
Many people who experience a stroke have no warning signs beforehand, which is why preventive screenings can be so important. Life Line Screening is an independent company that offers screenings for people without symptoms, so you don’t need insurance, and the process is incredibly easy.
For me, it’s all about peace of mind. How about you?
For $15 off your screening package, use code Blonde15 during checkout at LifeLineScreening.com. I also have the link in my bio.
#lifelinescreening
We’ve been so busy around here that I forgot to do a puppy update!
Spud is doing so much better and his puppy energy has returned. We are very excited to get his stitches out and his cone off on Wednesday, so he can finally play with the other dogs again.
Again, thank you to everyone who’s reached out to ask about or help out Spud. We appreciate you all. ❤️ #puppyupdate #englishbulldogpuppy #healingjourney #puppy #englishbulldog
Can you pack everything into a carry-on? ✈️
That’s always been our family’s standard practice when we travel. Trust me, you don’t need nearly as much as you think.
The first time we went to Europe, we were gone for 26 days (14 of them in Italy), and I never once missed having a large suitcase. The key is building a simple capsule wardrobe, packing smart, and leaving a little extra room for shopping. 😉
Here’s what I typically pack in my carry-on for summer travel: (btw, I have the free Italy-Packing-Checklist printable up on the blog.)
• 1–3 dresses
• 2 t-shirts
• 2 tank tops
• 1 button-up shirt
• 1 long linen shirt (doubles as a beach cover-up)
• 1–2 pairs of shorts
• 1–2 skirts
• 1 pair of lightweight or linen pants
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of walking sandals
• 5–6 days of undergarments
• 1–2 swimsuits
• 1 lightweight sweater or jacket
• Pajamas
• Scarves (perfect for tying back your hair, adding an extra layer, or covering shoulders for churches)
• Packable hat
• Toiletries
• Laundry sheets (for sink laundry on longer trips)
Everything above fits in my carry-on. We also each bring a backpack with our flight essentials like headphones, chargers, snacks, medications, and anything we want easy access to on the plane.
If you’d like my full packing checklist, I have a free printable over on Staying Blonde.
Do you travel with a carry-on only, or are you team checked bag? 👇
#carryononly #traveltips #packingtips #europetravel #amalficoast

