Monday Lunch
I honestly don’t put too much thought into my lunches (I just make sure to have some veggies, carbs and protein), and find that I fall into patterns. This is not to say that eating bagelwich after bagelwich is a bad thing, but sometimes a girl needs a little variety in her life!
This afternoon I enjoyed a salad with lots of toppings.
All Topped Off
In the mix:
- Lettuce
- Black beans
- Beets
- Grape tomatoes
- Carrots
- Annie’s Naturals light honey mustard vinaigrette dressing
Served on the side: A pear (for a pear!) and a stick of string cheese.
Pear
I love cramming a ton of veggies into my mid-day meal. It makes me feel like Super(health)woman!
Now for some FUN stuff! 😀
Europe, Here I Come
I have some exciting news…
In exactly one short month, I will be boarding a plane to Europe!
As you may know, my little sister is graduating from college at the end of April. As her graduation present, my parents are taking our family to Europe! We will be visiting Italy (Florence, Lucerne, Rome and Venice), Switzerland (Lugano), France (Paris) and England (London).
PBF Invades Europe!
I have only been to Europe (Paris) once when I was in sixth grade and I don’t really remember much about it. When my family began talking about taking a trip overseas several months ago, I immediately expressed my interest. I wasn’t sure whether or not the trip would actually happen, so when my parents started talking seriously about it last Sunday, I got really, really excited.
Things happened pretty quickly, and before I knew it, last week I got a text message from my mom telling me that everything was all set!
We will be traveling with a tour group which I think will be perfect since it will allow us to see a lot of different sites without feeling overly stressed about organizing transportation, hotel stays and activities.
My family and I will be traveling for 12 days (goodbye to all of my vacation days at work!) and I plan to blog as often as I can without letting it interfere with our travels. I also have some other fun ideas for the blog during this time that I’m excited to share with you guys. 😀
For now, I need some advice!
- We will each be packing only one carry-on for the entire 12-day trip. This means I will be re-wearing practically everything I pack. I seriously have no idea where to begin when it comes to planning for a trip like this, so any advice you may have for packing light for a long trip to Europe would be amazing!
- What foods do I absolutely have to try on my trip? I’m planning on gaining approximately 30 pounds, so nothing is off limits. 😉
P.S. The Fashion page was updated today!
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Have a WONDERFUL time lady!! I look forward to reading your blog while you’re out and about because I’m going to be going to Europe about a month after you get back and I’ll definitely use your experience as a guide. We’re going to London, Tuscany, Greece and France!!
i REALLY wish our trip took us to greece. i guess i’ll just have to go back! 😉
I’m from Greece, and I REALLY recommend you visit sometime in the future. The islands are the most beautiful and tourist friendly! Luckily, you can get a taste of Greek food in Italy as well, since it is all Mediterranean! I highly recommend any kind of fresh fish, you will find it everywhere in Italy! Fresh figs won’t be in season yet, but if you find any… you MUST have some. Vegetables and fruits are the juiciest in Europe, and all organic! Cannoli, gelato, homemade pizza and pasta…
In France you neeed to have a crepe, and definitely fill up on their buttery croissants!!… best in the world! OH and in Paris, you should visit any ice cream shop with “Berthillon” ice cream… the praline-amaretto is the greatest ice cream ive ever eaten….ever. like, you have no idea.
Yay, this is so exciting! The tour group is definitely the way to go when there are so many things to see. We are planning on travelling through Italy and Poland for our honeymoon in September and my fiance’ wants to just wing it… which I’m a little nervous about!
As far as eating, I recommend gelato everywhere in Italy… there are so many different flavors! Just produce and cheese in general… I remember everything being so fresh and full of flavor.
congrats on your upcoming wedding!
That is SO exciting!! eeeee! I hope you have a blast and OMG I don’t know what you tell you about the carryon – WOW – I know you can do it though. 🙂
Lots of summer dresses! They take up less room, you can dress them up or down, and it’ll probably be hot, especially in Italy!
As far as foods…in Paris I had pizza with an egg on top which was really interesting, not sure if they do that anywhere here in the states. Crepes with nutella. In London…lot’s of beer 🙂
The best part of traveling…even though you may feel like you’re eating like a whale, the scale usually doesn’t budge (or even goes down) since you’re walking and active for most of the time! 😀
Well, gelato, DUH! In Rome, there is a little restaurant right in front of the Pantheon with outdoor patio seating. They had the BEST house wine and homemade pasta I have ever tasted. In Paris, chocolate croissants and any baguette sandwich. I lived off those while there.
As for packing – I’m not sure what the weather will be like when you’re there. When I did my backpacking trip I did lots of plain tanks and tees that I could roll up tightly…loose capris, long knit skirts, etc that could also roll up and not wrinkle.
I’m SO pumped for you. And let me know if you need help with like a guest post or anything for while you’re gone. I would love to help you, my friend!
i already have you on my email list for that very request! 🙂
AHHHHHHHHH how exciting!!!! My sister graduates from college next month also, and we were talking about a trip to Italy, but I don’t think it’s going to come off this year. I’m totally jealous- I can’t wait to get to Europe!
I recently got back from 2 weeks in Australia, and I had to pack light also. My tip- you don’t need as much as you think. Pack a few sundresses and skirts, and just rotate. I tend to pack EVERYTHING because I want my options, but it’s much more stress-free to pack light because you just have to wear what you have. AND you want to save room to bring home souvenirs!
SO exciting! Can’t wait to hear what you have planned for the blog, and definitely can’t wait to see your pictures 🙂
I went to Italy in 2008 and had the hardest time packing! I found it was beneficial to pack light cardigans, tees, scarves and mainly flats or sandals because those don’t weigh much. Also, some of my friends we got together to plan what we were packing so we could share accessories. It was nice because it spiced up the tees/cardigans/jackets we wore to make it look like it was a different outfit. Maybe you and your sister can do that? Another recommendation, leave a little room for shopping! Florence has AMAZING shopping! I cannot remember the places we ate, but I do not remember having a terrible meal. Gelato is a must and it is conveniently on every corner 🙂
Have a blast!
yes! my sister, mom and i plan to do a lot of sharing. i hope this helps!
I couldn’t be anymore jelly than I am right now! What exciting news!!!
I’ve never been to Europe – my boyfriend has been many, many times though and is going back this summer (his family is from Poland).
I’m thinking you need to go crazy and enjoy all of the pastries while you’re in Paris. I don’t think you could go wrong in doing so!!! 🙂
lol – i immediately started singing “i don’t think you’re ready for this jelly” when i read this comment. 😀
That’s so exciting, especially since you’re traveling all around Europe. This is what I wanna do when I graduate next year!
Ahhh you’re going to have such an amazing time!! If you need recommendations for things to do in Paris, let me know 🙂 Also, my mom has spent a lot of time in both Lugano and Venice, so she could probably be of help in those cities if you need any recommendations there!!
As for clothes- lots of dark colors!! Black and navy don’t show stains and can be worn over and over without looking gross 🙂
good point about the dark colors. i think in europe (esp. the big cities) the natives tend to wear waaaaay more dark colors than americans. if you wanna look less touristy, dark is the way to go! (although traveling in a tour group could make this tough no matter what you wear! lol)
also, when i travel i love having a smallish, crossbody bag with interior pockets to keep money, passport, other id, etc. nice and safe. 🙂
I went to London over christmas break with my family, and all I gotta say is you are very lucky you aren’t going when its cold or your jacket would take up your whole bag!! hah London was alot of fun though… not the best food except for the fish and chips of course!
Comfortable shoes as you do A LOT of walking!!
This is AWESOME!!!! I wish I was going!!! When I was in Florence, there was a cafe place we found and they had fresh spaghetti and mozzarella and basil pizza. We just walked in from the street! I’m going to go back through my pictures tonight and see if I can find the name of the restaurant because that was probably one of my most favorite meals of our entire 14 day trip!! I still remember the freshness of the spaghetti sauce!!! I’ll email you if I can find it 🙂
Good luck packing… haha…. I’ve got no advice for you there!
sounds delicious!!
You will ahve an absolute blast! Seriously. I love love loved Venice and Paris, as well as London. Oh my god, too much fun.
Pack for layers, that way you can sort of mix and match and *feel* like it’s a different outfit. Since it will be warm enough, just bring flat shoes (yes, me the queen of heels is saying this).
What to eat…pizza in Venice for sure. And also the donut like pastries that are like a huge donut hole with custard inside and doused in cinn sugar. NOM! Paris — baguettes and cheeeese!
It might be april, but bring your coat for England! lol x
PASTA, PIZZA, and fresh baked bread are so amazing in Italy. Get your carb fix on, ’cause its all so good there.
Aaand, other than living in England and traveling a lot of Europe as a tot, I’ve been around Europe as a Student Ambassador. We had to wear our red polos and khakis almost everywhere we went, so I had an awesome pair of khaki pants that zipped off into pedal pushers, then capris, and then shorts. I got them at Old Navy, and they were probably fashion suicide even for a 7th grader in the 90s.
I know you’re really jealous and wanting a pair SO badly now. 😉
Hey, it’d solve your packing woes!
can i PLEASE borrow those!? 😉
You are going to looove the food in Italy! The pizza, pasta, breads, oh my….
Oh my goodness, I am excited FOR you! I was in Lucerne last year on Switzerland’s national holiday. It was so much fun and incredibly pretty! There are some great half-day trip type things to do around there!
Your trip sounds AMAZING–I hope it’s absolutely incredible! In terms of clothing, I highly recommend bringing clothes made from quick-drying fabrics so you can wash them on the road. These types of fabrics also don’t tend to wrinkle as much in your suitcase, so they’re great for packing on long trips. It will be pretty warm when you’re in Europe, so skirts, sundresses, etc. will also be great. Oh, and the #1 most important item? Comfortable walking shoes! You will definitely want a great pair that you can walk around in for hours at a time. I can’t wait to hear more details about your trip!
How exciting!! I am definitely doing a family vacation to Europe some day with my kids.
As for packing — I think the biggest space sucker is shoes. Go lighter on the shoes and there’s more room to cram in everything else (and brings lots of underwear – that would probably be my #1 priority – hee).
Europe, so exciting! Both times I went to Europe I packed one carry on bag. It is hard but very doable! My advice is to pick brown or black and stick with it. I believe both times I went with brown or earth tones. I packed jeans and khakis as they don’t show the dirt as easily. Also pack 2 pairs of comfortable shoes (and a pair of flip-flops)!!!
Have fun!
that is SMART! brown vs. black… now which one do i choose!?
You’re going to have so much fun!!!! I just want to all of those cities 2 years ago, and am going to Italy at the end of August on my honeymoon!!! I’ll think of a few things/places to eat for you!
One reccomendation: Try to find woolite ( or an equivalent) in travel packs. I found myself doing my clothing in a hotel sink and letting it air dry. It helps if most of your clothing dries pretty fast. I usually only wore dresses and skirts while I was abroad.
FOOD! You have to buy Happy Hippos!! They are hippo shaped cookies with the most AMAZING filling. I reccomend the chocolate ones since they are filled with hazelnut!! I buy boxes of them when I am abroad. You can buy them in about any food mart around Europe (Italy, England, France).
I’m going to Europe at the end of the summer on a cruise…first time can’t wait! Is Ryan going wit you on the trip or is it just your sister and parents?
unfortunately he won’t be coming b/c he couldn’t get the time off of work. 🙁 we’re all really bummed (well, everyone but sadie).
I did that last summer!!
Italy: gelato obviously
London: omg, England is my favorite place in the world, ever! They have amazing ethnic food- whenever they imposed imperial reign, that country will totally have a restaurant in London. You must get Indian, Thai, and pub food. Order a beer and get fish and chips. But the chips MUST be completely covered with vinegar. England has the best malt vinegar EVER, Heinz makes it differently in the U.S., so I haven’t been able to re-create it. Anyway- the street vendors are also amazing, so you can get chips from them too. I know it seems sketch, but the vendors are great and the food is greasy and delicious.
If you can- go to Bruges, BEST CHOCOLATE EVERRR!
as far the luggage goes- I went to England for 6 weeks and packed a purse and a suitcase. You need cute walking shoes and loads of layers. I would do sundresses and lots of cardigans and light tees. You probably need one thicker jacket because it can get cold. It is not as hot as you would think, so think warmer, but also remember that every place you visit will not have air conditioning. Therefore, walking up the 600 steps of St. Paul’s cathedral will make you sweat, especially when the big Bulgarian woman in front of you is trying to make it up.
i LOVE anything vinegary!
This site might help with your packing dilemma! What a wonderful trip!
http://www.onebag.com/
That is so exciting!! My mum and sister did a group tour too, and they said it was a great way to get a taste of the countries and decide which ones they wanted to go back to. I CANNOT WAIT to see the shopping you do in Italy!
So exciting!!
The weather will be different in Italy (HOT) vs the rest of Europe (cooler temps) depending on when you are going. I was there May-June and wore sundresses in Italy and pants and needed a jacket in France, Belgium, and England.
I went for a study abroad and we were limited to one suitcase and one large purse. My tips are to bring things in neutral colors that you can mix/match and layer. I didnt bring anything that couldnt be used in at least two outfits. I brought 4 pairs of pants (only one pair of jeans), but several different plain tops, a few cardigans, one black jacket, and dresses that I could incorporate into other outfits. Bc I packed light, I was able to incorporate the things I bought while I was there into my outfits. (like beaufitful pashminas!) I also packed things I knew would fold or roll well. Nothing too poofy!
I would also only bring one pair of heels to save room in your suitcase and bring different flats since you know you’ll be doing lots of walking. Ballet flats are perfect! Also make sure you bring a purse that zips closed and bring small foldable umbrella!
Good luck! I cant wait to see what you decide to bring with you!
great idea about the umbrella! i never would’ve thought of that.
i’m so jealous! i’ve still not ever been to europe, though dan and i are DEFINITELY attempting to plan a trip … i can’t wait to live vicariously through you! 🙂
AHHHHHHHH!!! you comin to my home town!!!!!
BASICS in italy you must try gelato, fresh pasta, GNOCCHI is the shizzle there… omg and FLORENCE is BEAUTIFUL .. the best place in italy by far… france is so cute too.. you must try fresh bread and pastries from the bakeries… CREPEs.. so good there-the food is quite posh there but tis very nice!… switzerland you must have goulash and spetziel… not sure if i spelt that right but its SO SO SSO GOODDDDDDDD… goulash is amaze there
you will have a rockin time! you are going to some GREAT GREAT places!!!!!! i love them all!! but of course london is the BESTEST 😀
omg this is so exciting!!! Eat, pray, and Love just popped in my head!!! Just thinking of all the amazing sights and amazing food you will be enjoying!! I would so gain 30 pounds going there, and would not care one bit! hahaha!! Sorry but it’s not every day that a trip like this comes along! I love your attitude!!
I would say very comfy walking sneakers are a must with all the walking you will be doing! Black heels, just those, black matches with everything so you can wear with all your dressy oufits you would bring!
U are getting so many great tips, so u will be set!!! xoxo
I’m so jealous! You are going to have an amazing trip with your fam. Too bad Ryan can’t go, but you are right Sadie will be a happy camper!
I’ve been to London & Paris and in terms of food. You MUST in London try Fish & Chips and have a Guiness…they are soo different over there. My hubby lived in London for a semester and said the Thai food is amazing, other than taht London is known more for drnking!
Paris- Just eat all the cheese & bread you can! LOL. We went to the little cafes and got baguettes and brie, then got champagne and sat on the grassy field in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Finally, my hubby’s all time favorite restaurant is Acqua al 2. It is located in Florence and has this blueberry steak that is to die for. Its a MUST!!
As far as packing in a carry on for 12 days…you’re on your own. There would be absolutely no way I could do that! Good Luck!
OH MY GOD!! Bistecca al mirtillo… possibly the most delicious thing in Florence. Get a reservation at Acqua al 2 if you can.
Hazelnut Happy Hippos also come highly recommended, or Kinder Bueno.
I studied abroad and lived in Italy, so I suggest layers and at least a light jacket for the mornings/evenings. Pashminas are great for traveling, too. Packing lightly is so hard, but it’s such a blessing when you have to carry your stuff. Leave room for souvenirs!
So excited for you and can’t wait for the recap on the blog!
Also bring travel packs of tissues. Not every bathroom is stocked with toilet paper, especially public ones. LIFESAVER!
I second the Acqua al 2 recommendation. Make sure you have your hotel make reservations ahead of time, as the restaurant tends to get booked. You and your sister should split the tasting menu. It’s 10 plates of unbelieveableness. I actually just came back from Rome and Florence two nights ago and am in major Italy withdrawl. So envious of your upcoming trip!
I went to Europe a two years ago, for 19 days with a tour group….I seriously packed Dresses, a pair of jeans, a few tops and tons of sweaters.
Seriously. Dresses and Sweaters I wore for most of the trip, they’re easy to pack, lightweight, and if you can seriously back 12, they’re that lightweight, one for each day! 😀
PS
In Florence, they have the most amazing pesto lasagna! Try it! 🙂
oh… PS.. if you have any more specific questions about London.. shoot me an email movesnmunchies@hotmail.com… i would be happy to assist you! (I have lived here for 14 years!)
Have you read Eat, Pray, Love? That book might give you some ideas on what to try while in Europe 🙂
Another recommendation, try and leave a little room in your carry-on for souvenirs!
I know this might be reallllllly (REALLY) hard, but you know you are going to buy some gifts for Sadie and Ryan, right?
whoo hoo! this is exciting!
for food, i recommend any pastry/bread from any pattiserie/boulangerie in Paris. 🙂 macarons are especially good. they’re suuuuuper sweet cookies made with almond flour and egg whites, and if your sweet tooth is as awesome as it sounds, you must try one! (or 8 lol) i also love pain aux raisins (basically a cinnammon sugar pastry with raisins in it). in paris, galettes are also awesome (like crêpes, but savory and usually made with buckwheat flour).
i also remember having delicious pizza all over europe. tuna pizza sounds weird, but it’s good so maybe that’d be worth a shot?!
finally, whenever I went out to eat in europe, i realized that no one gets doggy bags there. they just eat all their food (or most of it)! like a whole pizza in one sitting for one person! so have fun pigging out!
I am so jealous! I have always wanted to go to Italy. I went to Paris and London for my honeymoon a couple of years ago and I loved it. Paris is a great city. If you can, there is a little pastry shop in Paris called La Duree (you can look it up online for the exact location). They have the most amazing macaroons and chocolate eclairs that I have ever tasted. They are so light and fluffy. I loved the shop so much that I made my husband take me back three more times before we left.
Definitely wear comfortable shoes. In London and Paris, all we did was walk. It was great exercise, but can be tough on your feet if you are wearing uncomfortable shoes.
Email me! I have a lot of travel tips for you. When you’re in Paris you MUST eat a banana & nutella crepe from a street vendor. My mouth is watering thinking about it right now. 🙂
Alright hun….I honeymooned in Europe and we indulged, ate, drank our way through 3 weeks AND…
I came back 3 lbs lighter. 🙂 HOW? Europeans savor every single bite, crumb and moment of food. It is such a beautiful experience you never end up over eating. There was always room left at the end of our dinner (only 1 slice of bread rather than 5 please) because every gelato stand calls your name when you walk around Florence! It is such a wonderful part of the world.
Here are my favs in Italy: Florence is the most amazing city in the world. Just walk, explore, and BE. Soak it!
– prosecco- hello to the best bubbly ever
– chianti- taste it everywhere you can!
– gelato- tiny cup every night was had by me
– espresso
France:
– pastries all the way- just little bites of it all then you get up and walk everywhere!
Oh I wish I could crawl into your one carry on bag!
My one rec for clothing is washable materials (jersey, cotton with stretch, dryfit style material) so you can wash in the sink or tub. We were gone for 21 days and only had 1 bag so I brought lots of mix n match things and everything was washed.
Leave room for shopping! 🙂
Girl! I JUST got back from Italy, Switzerland, and France! You’re going to love it!!!
Oh and also, bring hand sanitizer! It’s a lifesaver!
Honestly, don’t worry about it! I took a 12 day guided trip to France and Italy. For those 12 days straight I ate carbs and gelato and I actually lost weight because of all the walking!!
But definitely try the pastries since lent will be done!
In London, get fish and chips as well as a baked potato at some point (seriously, they’re amazing).
In Paris, there’s a place called Angelina right by the Louvre (226 rue de Rivoli, 1er) that’s really good and not too expensive.
As for packing, make sure to bring sundresses, as they take up little space and can be dressier than jeans and shorts. Make sure to bring stuff you can layer with as well and at least one pair of pants (leggings should be fine, especially if you wear them with a dress) just in case it’s a little cold. And comfortable shoes! If you don’t have a pair or two that will go with lots of outfits and look good it’s a DEFINITE investment for the trip.
I suggest wearing the bulkier items you’ll be bringing for your flight (the plane gets chilly and you’ll have more room in your bag). Otherwise, just commandeer some of Ryan’s bag 😛
Have fun!
What exciting news! I’ve never been to Europe – but have always wanted to go!
London will be cooler than the other cities- pack leggings and scarves. Some of the hotels might have laundry service too.
When I went to Europe, I found that having one brown and one black jersey dress (sourced from Gap and Target) worked for me. I also found my denim skirt and a couple pairs of shorts were essentail + a pair of linen pants. Besides the foundation pieces, I found it helpful to have many tee, tanks, and easy breezy shirts (they roll up really small). Make sure to bring statement necklaces and many earrings- they help you feel that you are changing your outfits up. Lastly, I lived in one pair of gold sandals, one pair of silver, and no lace Converse in brown/black. I also threw in a pair of heels for when needed, a few cardigans for breezy nights and getting into historic churches, and a light rain coat.
Just some ideas! 🙂 I was in Europe for one month and this worked for me.
Ah that’s so exciting! I will be leaving in a little over a month to go visit Europe as well — my boyfriend is living there right now, he actually lives in Lugano! Which is actually in Switzerland, not Italy like you noted. 😛 It’s just in the italian speaking part of Switzerland! 😀
Maybe I’ll run in to you there, I’m going to much of the same places! 😀
thanks for noting this! i corrected it! 🙂 oh and if you see me, please say hello!!!
That is so exciting!!!
I don’t have advice, the one time I went to Germany I had a HUGE check in bag and a carryon. and I still felt like I needed to have more than that.
After I graduated from high school, my friends and I took a 19 day trip around Europe, I only had one backpack for the whole trip! We packed for hot weather since we were going to be there in August… it ended up being cold and rainy practically the entire trip! My biggest regret was packing only one sweatshirt!
My boyfriend and I were gonna do this exact trip through EF Tours with our local community college. I bet its the same one huh? lol We also made out a list of all of the things we were gonna try. I thought I’d share. Pizza, gelato, wine, bread, coffee and desserts in Italy. Crepes, bread, coffee, desserts, steak frittes, champagne and cheese in France. Cheese, fish and chocolate in Switzerland, and Fish and chips, curry, tea, and scones with jam and devonshire cream in England. Im so jealous. We were gonna go but I ouldnt come up with the money 🙁 but hopefully we will try to do it for a honeymoon next year. Have fun, and dont forget to blog!