“Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” ― Rick Steves
Just throwing some quintessential summer vibes out there. Where do you go to soak in the summer sun? #summer #santacruz #santacruzboardwalk #summervibes @beachboardwalk
Jun 28
Painting concrete is a budget-friendly, and surprisingly transformative way to refresh outdoor spaces like patios, walkways, and side yards. Although it does take some preparation and special paint to make sure the finish will be smooth, durable, and long lasting. Before considering a concrete painting project of your own, here are a few things to know:
•Start with a deep clean
We borrowed a pressure washer and thoroughly cleaned the entire surface. This is a crucial first step – don’t skip it! Once clean, let the concrete dry completely overnight.
•Fill in the cracks:
Use a concrete crack filler to patch up any gaps. This step helps prevent moisture from getting in and keeps the paint from peeling later on.
•Prime the surface:
Just like with any paint job, primer makes all the difference. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the final coat of paint.
•Use the right paint:
You can’t use just any paint for concrete. We used Behr Elastomeric Masonry, Stucco, and Brick Exterior Paint, which is designed to adhere to rough surfaces and withstand the elements.
I have the full set of instructions on how we did our DIY patio project up on Staying Blonde right now. Link in bio. #diypainting #diyhomeprojects #diypatiomakeover #budgetfriendlydiy #concretepatio #concretepainting #diyinspiration
Jun 27
Did you know that you can paint concrete?! I only learned this recently, and I wasted no time transforming our ugly, patchy, concrete side-yard into a more serene, usable space.
Painting concrete is a budget-friendly, and surprisingly transformative way to refresh outdoor spaces like patios, walkways, and side yards. Although it does take some preparation and special paint to make sure the finish will be smooth, durable, and long lasting. Before considering a concrete painting project of your own, here are a few things to know:
•Start with a deep clean
We borrowed a pressure washer and thoroughly cleaned the entire surface. This is a crucial first step – don’t skip it! Once clean, let the concrete dry completely overnight.
•Fill in the cracks
Use a concrete crack filler to patch up any gaps. This step helps prevent moisture from getting in and keeps the paint from peeling later on.
•Prime the surface
Just like with any paint job, primer makes all the difference. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the final coat of paint.
•Use the right paint
You can’t use just any paint for concrete. We used Behr Elastomeric Masonry, Stucco, and Brick Exterior Paint, which is designed to adhere to rough surfaces and withstand the elements.
I have the full set of instructions on how we did our DIY patio project up on Staying Blonde right now. Link in bio. #diypainting #diyhomeprojects #diypatiomakeover #budgetfriendlydiy #concretepatio #concretepainting #diyinspiration #patiomakeover
Jun 27
Have you ever had Five Cup Salad - a.k.a. Ambrosia Salad? It’s an old vintage recipe that’s been around forever, and for good reason. It’s a sweet and tangy side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings and potlucks alike.
This particular version is technically a 6 cup salad. I add a cup of chopped pecans to give it an extra buttery crunch that makes it irresistible. Is a tiny twist, but it makes a big difference.
I have the full recipe linked in my bio and in my stories. #fivecupsalad #ambrosiasalad #saladrecipes #easyrecipeideas #vintagerecipe #summerrecipes
Jun 23
Happy Summer! I feel like I wait all year long to finally come alive these next few months.
Now that summer is officially here, I love wearing my whites, my linens, and now my new favorite - crinkle gauze! I love this crinkly gauze material because it gives you the look and breathability of linen, but doesn’t wrinkle like linen does. I wore this outfit on the plane and I looked just as refreshed after a six hour flight as I did before I left. Do you love crinkle gauze clothing for the warm summer days? I have a few pieces linked on my LTK in my bio and in my stories. #happysummer #summerstyle #crinklegauze #travelstyle #styletip #ltk @shop.ltk
Jun 20
Rome is Calling.
It keeps popping up in my photo memories, and I figured that was my sign to put together a reel. Two years ago today, we were on our Roman Holiday, wandering those cobblestone streets, eating gelato, and falling (even more) in love with the Eternal City.
Rome might just be my favorite city in the world...and one I’ll never get tired of visiting.
You can find my 3-day Rome itinerary, packed with all the must-sees, linked in my bio.
What’s one place you could return to again and again and never get bored? #rome #romeitaly #travelrome #romeitinerary #rometravel #italytravel
Jun 18
Who else is ready for summer adventures?! Something about these next few months always makes me feel more alive. Next stop for us: Japan.🇯🇵 Where are you headed this summer? #wanderlust #familytravel #europesummer #summertravel #travelinspo #travelideas
Jun 17
A few snaps from our kid-free escape to Mexico to celebrate our 25th anniversary.
It had been seven years since we’d gotten away, just the two of us, and did we need it! You forget how relaxing a vacation can be when it’s not full of refereeing sibling fights. The only people we had to yell at were each other! 😂
We stayed at the Royal Hideaway in Playa del Carmen, a favorite of mine from past girls’ trips. It’s small, quiet, and perfect for doing absolutely nothing. 10/10 would recommend for anyone needing to hit the pause button.
#anniversarytrip #25yearsmarried #playadelcármen #royalhideaway #kidfreevacation #couplesgetaway #rivieramaya #allinclusiveresort #adultonlyresort
Jun 16
Celebrating 25 years of marital bliss. Now, was it all bliss? Of course not. But it’s been love, laughter, growth, and grit. It hasn’t all been candlelit dinners and romantic getaways... it’s also been bills, laundry, loud chewing, and figuring out who’s turn it was to unload the dishwasher. And guess what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Marriage isn’t always easy, but building a life together for 25 years? That’s something to celebrate! Here’s to us and all the adventures still ahead. ❤️ #25yearsmarried #anniversarylove #happyanniversarytous
Jun 11
👩🎓 And that’s a wrap on middle school.
Audrey graduated yesterday, and somehow my youngest is now headed to high school. I’m so proud I could burst, but my heart is feeling all the feels. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I’m still trying to figure out how time is moving this fast. 😭
#congratulations #graduate #middleschool #momlife #momlifebestlife
Jun 7
Cuteness overload! We we had such a fun time and wanted to adopt them all. Although our two dogs and cat at home may have objected to that idea. 😂
The Itty bitty kitty Café is part of IBOK rescue, which is a nonprofit kitten rescue dedicated to rescuing orphaned kittens from high kill shelters.
The café is located in Cambrian Park in San Jose and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost is $15 for 50 minutes of play, love, and cuddles. I have the link to it in my bio. #ittybittykittycafe #catcafe #sanjose #catsofinstagram #dailycat #catlove
Jun 2
With all my ripe blueberries, I couldn’t resist making this delicious and easy blueberry cobbler. This recipe can be made with just about any fruit or berry. It’s so easy and so delicious. It’s a perfect summertime treat. I have the full recipe up on stayingblonde.com. Link in bio #easybaking #easyrecipe #summerrecipes #blueberrycobbler #cobbler #cobblerrecipe
May 31
We’ve got a new licensed driver in the house!
I know I’m late posting this—but it’s May, and if you’re a parent, you get it.
Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for all the emotions that come with this milestone. I’m so proud of him (he’s a great driver!), but I am also a little terrified. Not because of him—but because of all the crazy drivers on the road. I’m finally understanding that there is no end to the worrying once you become a parent. There will always be something to worry about! 😩 #newdriver #momlifebestlife #congratulations #newdriverontheroad #momlifeunfiltered
May 28
