“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
Editor's Note: This story was originally posted in September of 2020. I wanted to repost it to celebrate the reopening of the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique on August 25, 2022. You can find a link for reservations at the end of the post. -- Michelle Parenthood is a never ending series of…
We had always wanted to take an epic, cross-country, family road trip. Unfortunately, there was always some reason we didn't plan one. We had other obligations or some other lame excuse. In the end, I think we were nervous about spending too much time together in an enclosed space. Is…
I've always prefered bikinis. Mainly because it's always been hard for me to find one-pieces that fit properly. I'm 5'11, so yeah, I'm on the taller side. Most one piece swimsuits tend to run short. This makes it especially hard to find one that fits if you have a longer…
* “This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something Staying Blonde may earn a small commission. Of course, I’d never post about something I didn’t truly love!”Don't mind me, I'm just channeling my inner starlet! Nothing feels more old-school glam than cruising down the boulevard…
My kids and I both love gardening. Indoor gardening. Outdoor gardening. We love it all. Gardening is something I started doing with my kids when they were small and I'm tickled that they still love it today. If we could be outside planting all year long we would, unfortunately, winter…
Looking to add a little extra holiday pizazz to your Christmas decor? Why not try some DIY holiday arches?Every year we visit the Willow Glen neighborhood in San Jose to see the Christmas lights. It's one of those neighborhoods where all the homes go all-out with Christmas decor. Some of…
It's never too early to start thinking about your matching holiday pajamas. I learned my lesson a few years ago when I waited until the last minute to find our seasonal pajamas. As a result, I ended up having to choose from whatever wasn't sold out. It was slim pickings. …
Pointillism art is a perfect rainy day activity. Actually, it's perfect for any day. It's great for kids because it's a fun and unique way to approach painting. They like it because it's not hard to do. Parents will love it because it only requires only a few simple materials. …
Disneyland is wonderful, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes we need a little break from the crowds and craziness. Let me clarify that I when I say "we," I'm talking about us as parents. Kids, they're like energizer bunnies, they keep going and going and going. I'm usually the…
I admit that I am a bit of a sun-worshipper during the summer months. Having some color on my skin is something I love. Don't get me wrong, I never head outside without a some SPF and a good wide-brimmed hat. I just feel and look healthier when my skin…
What do you think I should cut out? My bag is seeming way too heavy! Is there anything I’m missing? I have all my packing cubes and gear linked in my bio. #packing #packingtips #europepackinglist #packwithme #packingcubes #compressioncubes #europetrip #summertravels #travelingfamily #familytravels
This is a delicious and easy recipe to make whenever you have fresh fruits or berries. It even tastes great with frozen fruit as well. I have the full recipe on Staying Blonde linked in my bio. #easybaking #easyrecipes #summerbaking #cherrycobbler #cobbler #easycobbler #cherries🍒 #cherries #cherryrecipes #stayingblonde
Hoping that everyone is having a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend. Today we remember and honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom. #memorialday #homeofthefreebecauseofthebrave
We picked nearly 10 pounds of cherries! What should I make first? @upickcherries opening day was yesterday and they’re open all weekend. I am so excited that cherry season is finally here. If you are looking to pick cherries, this orchard is located on Morgan Hill, Ca. You can find all the info at www.upickorchards.com. I also have it linked in my bio. #cherrypicking #cherries #momlife #momlifebestlife #bayareamom #bayareakids #bayareafamily #fruitpicking #funwithkids #familyfun #memorialweekend #stayingblonde #momofboth #momoftwokids #bayareafun #californialiving
It’s funny that it’s always my own stuff that I forget to pack. At least I do remember to pack everything for the kids! What’s the most annoying thing you ever forgot to pack? I guarantee I won’t ever forget my skin cream again. I love Yummylicious for my sensitive skin. I also love that it’s 100% organic, pure, vegan. Use my code “michelle20” to receive 20%off Yummylicious skin care products. Link in the bio. #skincare #skincareroutine #yummylicious #matureskin #skincareover40 #sensitiveskin #sensitiveskincare #packing #travelingfamily #whatipack #whatiweartoday #stayingblonde #yummylicious_skincare
You can’t go wrong with any of these hotels. We end up staying at one of these three when ever we visit Disneyland. They are all close to the parks, offer comfortable, spacious rooms, and all have fantastic pool areas. You can read more our three favorite Disney hotels in the link in my bio. #disneyhotels #disneyland #disneylandcalifornia #disneylandhotels #disneylandhotel #hojoanaheim #grandcalifornian #disneymom #disneyadvice #disneyfamily #disneylandtips #disneylandtipsandtricks #besthotels
How different is “vacation” you vs “everyday” you? I’ve come to the realization that “vacation” me is a lot more fun! When I’m traveling, I wake up early, have endless energy, am much more laid back, and I’m much more adventurous.
I wish that some of “vacation” me would rub off on “everyday” me. I could use some of that endless energy, and the ability to wake up early right about now. I don’t know, I guess waking up and getting the kids ready for school just isn’t as exciting as traveling. 😂 #momlifebelike #momlife #vacationmode #momtruths #xenses
Do you have a favorite hotel that you find yourself visiting over and over? What brings you back to that hotel? I`ve been thinking about this as I`m looking into a Disney trip for the fall, and I`ve realized that we stay at one of the same three hotels every time we visit the parks. I guess we are just creatures of habit.
A few things we look for in our Disney hotels are: close proximity to the parks, comfortable spacious rooms, and a fantastic pool area. Each of our favorite hotels have all three of these. These hotels also have something about them that seems to make our visits feel more like a vacation than just a trip.
I just shared a new blog post over on SB talking about our three go-to hotels when ever we visit the parks. If you`re wondering about this first photo, it`s from the Grand Californian. I had to take a pic and mention their robes! They are seriously the comfiest robes EVER. So much so, I bought one in their gift shop that I still wear daily. Have you tried their robes? Link in bio #disneylandhotels #bestdisneylandhotels #besthotels #disneyhotels #disneylandhotel #hojoanaheim #howardjohnsonanaheim #grandcalifornian #grandcalifornianhotel
My beautiful Grandma Betty left us for heaven yesterday. My heart is heavy, but I take solace in the thought she is finally reunited with my grandpa — the great love of her life.
I am already missing her and the stories she would weave. She was a divine story teller with the natural gift of gab. I will never forget her laugh. When she laughed the whole room laughed with her. She was a master gardener with the greenest thumb I’ve seen. Growing tomatoes was her specialty and my mouth waters just thinking about their goodness. She was an amazing cook, and would whip up some of the best southern recipes you’d ever eat. I will miss you, Grandma, but you will live in my happy memories until we meet again. In the meantime, give Grandpa a hug for me! ❤️
Have you been craving anything in particular lately? I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather or what, but I have been craving Dole Whip! I’ve heard that they’re supposed to be selling it at a grocery stores soon, but I haven’t seen it in any of mine yet. I guess I will just have book a trip down to Disneyland and grab some in person. What do you think?
On another Disney note, did you see that they are discontinuing park reservations at Walt Disney World starting next January? I am really hoping they do this for Disneyland as well. I’ve actually been holding off buying season passes until they do. What do you think? Would you like to see the reservation system go away? #dolewhip #disneyparks #tikiroom #enchantedtikiroom
Has mom guilt ever kept you from taking time for yourself? This year it almost kept me from going on my annual girl’s trip. I am glad I ended up pushing that guilt aside and went anyway. Sometimes you don’t realize how badly you need a break until you take a break. You can read more about how important it is to do this every so often in the link in my bio. #momguilt #momsweekend #girlsweekend #mombreak #momoftwokids #momofboth #momlifebelike #playadelcarmen #mexicotrip #visitmexico #allinclusiveresort #momlife❤️ #stayingblonde #royalhideawayplayacar
I thought about this as I listened to my kids fight on the way to school this morning. Out of all the things they had to inherit from me, they had to inherit my short fuse. 😝
Do your kids fight constantly? I am really hoping this is just a phase. #momlife #momlifebelike #momoftwokids #momofboth #momofteensandtweens #momofteenagers #momoftweens #tempertantrum #realmomlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged #motherhoodunplugged
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Mom of two, seeking a little sanity in the everyday.