i talk to food: how to prepare for europe

I leave tomorrow morning! I leave tomorrow morning!

Wowaweewa, I am getting more and more excited about it as it comes closer. To be honest, I haven't really felt excited until yesterday.

I have my suitcase 75% packed. All I need to pack are undies, shoes and last minute accessories.

I realize that I have been lucky enough to have experience in packing for big trips. Which is why I am not particularly freaking out about it.

a few tips for packing:
1. Make a packing list
2. Have an idea of different outfit combinations
3. Bring layers (never know what the weather might do)
4. Pack something comforting from home: a picture, candle etc.
5. Be sure to pick up any prescriptions that you might need mid-trip. For instance, birth control pills.
6. Be sure to pay any bills that will be due while on your trip.
7. Buy small packets of Tide detergent. You can do small loads of laundry in your bath tub or sink at the hotel.

for international trips:
1. Make sure to call your bank to let them know you will be traveling. They will block your account if they see international charges on your credit card.
2. Set up a phone plan with your cell. I got a package of 500 text messages for 40 dollars.
3. Get a power adapter for all your chargers. I bought one for 10 dollars at Target.

I've been doing a couple of things to prepare myself for the trip.

1. Pedicure
- haven't had one since Christmas. One thing I've discovered as a runner, is that your feet are abused and need a little professional help.

2. Packed my bag with vitamin packs, green powders and healthy snacks
- I know I'll be eating rich heavy foods in France. I bought a variety of green powders to swig when I feel the need for a little vegetable boost.

I have been taking USANA Vitamins for about two weeks. I absolutely love their vitamins. I highly suggest you check out their website to find out what makes them different from the rest.

3. Get a haircut
- Not totally necessary, but I haven't had one in over a year. Eeeeh so excited! (Just a trim)

4. Workout hard
- I've been working out everyday hard before I leave Friday. I know I'll be on a plane for 7 hours and will have no idea the next time I'll get a chance to break a sweat. Yesterday I went on a nice 9.5 mile run. It felt greeeat.

5. Buy healthy snacks for the plane
- I am hard boiling eggs currently. I also have apples and pretzel chips for the long ride too!

6. Buy a new book
- I have heard A TON about 50 Shades of Grey. I have been curious about it and I think it's a necessary purchase for such a long trip.

7. Buy a couple new journals.
- I am going to miss Tyler SO MUCH. I am going to keep a daily journal and write in it as if it was to him. He can read it when I get home too :)

8. Eat clean
- I am sort of trying to eat a little cleaner than usual. Limited foods that cause my stomach to bloat, which happens often with the amount of vegetables I eat. I made a kale, celery, apple and orange juice yesterday to eat with a Raw Crunch Bar for lunch. It kept me feeling refreshed and light.

I also made a tasty kale, green bean and spinach saute with pesto and en egg.

I'm off to workout and finish packing!

I'll leave you with the dishes I made in my very last Advanced Cooking Class!

First Course: Radishes with Anchovy Butter