Would you pay extra for premium economy?
Since I was flying solo, I figured why not give it a try! This was just one leg of a 29-hour travel day, so for a 12-hour flight, the extra legroom and comfy seat were totally worth it.
A couple of downsides though. One of my tray was broken, and they ran out of chicken before they got to me. But honestly, the beef was pretty good, so no major complaints there - especially since I got some good rest, which is a rarity for me when I fly. #premiumeconomy #upgrade #isitworthit #flightreview #airlinereview #traveltips #travelexperience #cathaypacific
Nov 5
Our arches do double duty all season long! These are the same ones we use for our Halloween tunnel. We just tuck away the spooky decor, add some festive lights, and voilà…instant Candy Cane Lane.
Full supply list + instructions are linked in my bio. #holidaydecorations #christmasdiy #christmasdiydecor #diy #pvcarches #christmasarches #holidayarches #diyholidaydecor #christmasiscoming
Nov 5
If you travel a lot (or know someone who does), you need this backpack!
I finally upgraded my old travel backpack to the Zephyr from @blackvoyage, and honestly, I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
It fits so much more, has a spot for everything, and best of all... my shoulders and back aren’t screaming at me after a travel day.
Use my code REALSTAYINGBLONDE15 for 15% off. The link is in my bio #travelgear #blackvoyage #vacuumsealbackpack #travelbackpack #travelmusthaves
Nov 2
One last Halloween pic for the feed! It’s a rare moment when I get a family photo that’s officially “teen approved” for the ’gram.
If you have teens, you know what I’m talking about! Over the past few months, you might’ve noticed it’s been mostly just me showing up here. It turns out my Instagram got a little lonelier as my kids got a little pickier about being featured (unless it’s a paid shoot, of course 😂).
So here’s a family photo while I can still get one, because who knows when that’ll happen again! #momlifebelike #momofteens #happyhalloween
Nov 2
🎃👻💀 Happy Halloween, everyone!
I can’t believe it’s here already, and on a Friday, no less! I’m extra excited that our arches will stay up through the entire weekend to celebrate Día de los Muertos as well.
Right now, I’m in full prep mode, cleaning, cooking, and getting everything ready for tonight’s festivities. It’s going to be a full, fun, weekend.
For those who may not be familiar, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed. It’s celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Families build ofrendas adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, and favorite foods of the departed to welcome their spirits home. It’s not about sadness, it’s about remembering with joy and celebrating the lives that shaped us. 🌼💀✨ #happyhalloween #diadelosmuertos
Oct 31
Who’s ready for Halloween? Our Halloween tunnel is up and ready. This year we’re all about Dia de los Muertos. We have everything up, except our projector and screen. We wanted to get it up this weekend, but unfortunately, we’ve had bouts of rain that kept us from getting it out. We plan on putting it up soon and playing clips from Coco and other fun and festive videos.
So far, I think our Halloween tunnel turned out beautifully. What do you think? #halloween #halloweendecorations #diyhalloween #halloweentunnel #halloweenarches #halloweencostumeideas #díadelosmuertos #halloweenready
Oct 27
Tag your ride-or-die. 💫
We all need that one friend who’ll show up when plans fall apart. For me, that’s my cousin Amy!
Nine days before the trip, she dropped everything, flew out, and helped me drive a Tuk Tuk across Sri Lanka after my partner, had backed out.
And honestly, this made me believe that everything really does happen for a reason. This wasn’t just a trip were on with @largeminority , it was a life-changing adventure. Who would you call that would drop everything and fly across the world? #rideordie #rideordiebestie #girltrip #friendsforlife❤️ #cousins❤️ #girlgoals #srilanka #tuktuktravels #largeminority #largeminoritytravel #truth #bff❤️ @maddy_pat_mad
Oct 22
Happy Monday! Not trying to brag, but I worked out three times last week! I know it’s not a lot, but it’s a big step up from doing nothing. Just a little reminder to celebrate the small wins, progress is progress. Starting small still counts… at least that’s what I like to tell myself! My goal this week is to keep it up! 🤞 #mondaymood #mondaymotivation #momlifebelike #littlewins
Oct 20
Truth! It took me 50 years to learn lessons I wish I’d known in my 20s.
Traveling through Sri Lanka with @largeminority Travel reminded me daily to laugh more, prioritize myself, step outside my comfort zone, and that age is only just a number. Growth never stops.
If you are looking for the ultimate travel experience, I highly encourage you to check out large minority travel. I have a link to their website in my bio, and you can you read all about our adventure at over at stayingblonde. #lessonslearnedinlife #thisis50 #srilankatravel #srilanka #tuktuktravel #traveltips #lifelessons #truth #wanderlust #lifeover40
Oct 17
California is one of those places people seem to either love or hate, but no matter how you feel, there’s no denying its beauty.I often forget just how stunning this state is until I step away from my daily routine and take time to explore what’s right around me.
I attended a wedding on the coast recently and it inspired me to start exploring my local surroundings a bit more. Where should I go first? #california #aptos #beautifulplaces
Oct 16
Which one is your favorite? I can’t decide myself. I loved pirates so much, but I also loved the way the way Sleepy Hollow looked. This year we’re going in a completely different direction. I can’t wait to show you the theme we landed on. #halloweendecorating #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #halloweenideas #halloweentunnel
Oct 15
We finally got our Halloween tunnel up, and it’s finally time to start decorating it! We are a bit behind schedule this year, and the rain this past weekend definitely didn’t help the matter. As you can see this tunnel is fairly inexpensive and easy to put up. I have the full supply list and directions in the link in my bio. #halloweendecorating #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #halloweendecorations #halloweenarches #halloweentunnel
Oct 14
Just a little reminder to put yourself out there. Say hi. Smile. Offer a compliment. Start a conversation with a stranger. You never know what serendipitous moments might follow.
My recent travels taught me the beauty of stepping outside my comfort zone, the courage to ask for help, and how a simple smile can lead to genuine human connection.
The other day at Capitola Beach, I stopped a passerby to ask a quick question and found out he had just arrived from Japan and is spending the next two weeks traveling through California. Naturally, I shared with him about my recent travels to Japan. We ended up chatting for quite a while, and was such a lovely, full-circle moment.
And of course, in true traveler fashion, we took a photo. ❤️ #smallworld #travelerlife #wanderlust #serendipity #capitola
Oct 13
