“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” — Julia Child
Happy 18th birthday to my oldest! I can’t believe I’m officially a mom to an adult.
Every stage of parenthood has gone by way too fast… the blink-and-you-miss-it baby days, the whirlwind childhood years, and now the way-too-fast teenage years. It really does feel like just last year he was becoming a teen.
Excuse me while I go quiet for a bit…I’m having a moment processing all of this 😂
#happybirthday
Mar 30
Never underestimate Sri Lankan hospitality… some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. ❤️
I was craving rice and curry the other day, and it instantly brought me back to this moment from our Sri Lanka road trip.
Each morning of the trip we were given a challenge for the day, and this one felt almost impossible. We needed to get invited into a stranger’s home to learn how to make traditional rice and curry.
I honestly didn’t think it would happen… but wow, was I wrong.
We were welcomed in with so much warmth and kindness, and it ended up being one of those experiences you just can’t plan…the kind that stays with you.
And really, can you imagine this playing out the same way in the U.S.? 😂
If you want to read more about our full tuk tuk road trip it’s all linked in my bio. #srilanka #srilankatravel #tuktuksrilanka #travelstories #amazingexperience
Mar 27
I’m not done with Sri Lanka content just yet… I took way too much footage on that trip not to post it.
When I first found out I’d be going to Sri Lanka for our tuk tuk road trip with @largeminority , I assumed most of the island would be jungles and tropical beaches. I was completely wrong.
The Central Highlands feel like a different world. This area is cool, misty, full of waterfalls, wildflowers, and endless tea plantations. Staying overnight on a tea plantation was such a cool experience, and I highly recommend it if you visit.
You can read more about our Sri Lanka tuk tuk road trip with Large Minority in the link in my bio. #srilankatravel #tuktuk #srilanka #traveltipsandtricks
Mar 24
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen on the side of the road?
I’m pretty sure mine is this elephant. 🐘
I knew I had a perfect clip somewhere in my footage that would work perfectly with this viral sound. Sri Lanka seriously had me filming everything, because every time we turned a corner there was something we definitely don’t see back home.
Our Tuk Tuk trip was wild in the best way possible. You could read more about our road trip with @largeminority in the Link in my bio.
#srilanka #travelmoments #elephant #travelreels #srilankatravel
Mar 24
What’s your favorite garden-fresh veggie? 🌱
I don’t usually plant until early April, but the weather has been so nice that I figured I should at least get the garden cleaned out and ready.
I’m thinking about keeping it simple this year and filling most of it with tomatoes and peppers since that’s what we actually eat the most. I love growing cucumbers too, but the last two years they’ve been so bitter I’m starting to take it personally. #veggiegarden #gardeninglife #californialiving
Mar 23
Happy Birthday to my little one! 15 trips around the sun! Is it too much to ask for time to slow down a little bit?#happybirthday #thisis15
Mar 22
It’s finally spring, which felt like the perfect excuse to make a dessert that is perfect for spring and summer.
These Pistachio Pudding Bars are the most Midwest dessert ever, and I first had them back in Indiana at my best friend’s mom’s 4th of July BBQ years ago. Still one of my favorites.
The full Recipe is on the blog. Link in bio.
#retrorecipes #easydessert #midwestrecipes #nostalgicfood #springbaking
Mar 20
Did you know in Sri Lanka they have bread tuk-tuks?
They sound like ice cream trucks… but they’re delivering baked goods instead of ice cream.
Once Amy and I realized that, we started chasing them down like little kids.
Now when I hear an ice cream truck at home, my brain doesn’t think ice cream anymore…
It thinks bread tuk-tuk. 😂
Travel changes you in unexpected ways. @maddy_pat_mad #srilankatravels #breadtuktuk #srilanka #tuktuk #traveltipsandtricks
Mar 19
One of the best things about Japan is that you don’t need a list of viral restaurants.
We never planned our meals around famous spots, never stressed about where to eat, and somehow every single thing we tried was amazing.
From street food to tiny neighborhood restaurants to snacks we grabbed on the go… we seriously didn’t have one bad meal the entire trip.
Japan might be the only place where you can walk into almost anywhere and know it’s going to be good. #japanfood #japaneats #japantravels #tokyofood #kyotofood
Mar 18
If you’re headed to Ireland but short on time, this is a great itinerary that gets you out of Dublin and into the beautiful Irish countryside without a lot of long drives. ☘️
We left from Dublin and visited Glendalough on the way to Kilkenny, stayed two nights at Mount Juliet Estate, stopped at Jerpoint Abbey, visited the Hawkeye School of Falconry, and spent our last night back in Dublin.
It’s scenic, easy to do in a few days, and one of our favorite trips.
I have the full itinerary up on the blog if you want all the details. Link in bio. And by the way, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️
#irelandtravel #irelanditinerary #familytravel #ireland🇮🇪 #travelwithkids
Mar 16
Ireland has that ability to sweep you off your feet and temporarily affect your parental judgment… 😂
In our defense, it was during the day, our kids are a little older, and in Ireland, pubs are surprisingly family-friendly.
Most pubs allow kids when they’re with an adult, usually until around 9pm. So yes… you can still get the pub experience even with kids in tow.
If Ireland is on your list, I have our full 3-day itinerary up on the blog with all our favorite stops.
Hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️
#happystpatricksday #irelandtravel #travelwithkids #familytravel #momlifebestlife
Mar 16
We had four days in Tokyo with the kids, and this is how we split up our time.
Tokyo is huge, so having a rough plan made a big difference, and this schedule ended up working really well for our family.
We stayed at Mimaru Suites Shinjuku West, explored Asakusa, Harajuku, Shibuya, TeamLab Planets, DisneySea, and somehow still found time for 7-Eleven snacks, Denny’s Japan and numerous Raman shops. 😄
If you’re planning Tokyo with kids, feel free to save this for later.
Our Full Japan itinerary is on the blog. Link in bio.
#tokyowithkids #japanwithkids #tokyoitinerary #familytravel #japantrip @mimaruhotels
Mar 15
Just reminiscing about Japan. Shibuya Sky is a must if you’re headed to Tokyo. It offers the most breathtaking 360° open-air view of the city.
If you want sunset tickets, plan ahead because they sell out fast. We weren’t able to get that coveted sunset time slot. But honestly, the nighttime views are just as spectacular.
Tip: If sunset tickets are gone and you really want to be up there for sunset, try booking a time a little earlier. Once you’re up there, you can usually stay awhile, which means you may still catch sunset without needing the exact time slot. Tickets generally go on sale 14 days in-advance starting at midnight Japan time.
Tokyo completely lived up to the hype, and this view was one of the highlights of the whole trip. I have our full kid-friendly itinerary linked in my bio. #shibuyasky #tokyotravel #tokyotravelguide #japantravel #beautifulview
Mar 13
