I'm leaving on a jet plane, but I do know when I'll be back again.

So, this time next week I'll be in Glasgow, Scotland. 

I've thought about things I'd like to pack, but haven't had the thought stick around long enough to truly think it through.  But when it crossed my mind this morning I thought, "I remember when I went to [place] I couldn't leave without... "  which made me wonder:

What do you always have to take with you on trips? (whether it's a road trip or flight)
If you have kids, what can't they leave without?

I remember when I was a kid and we did road trips I'd pack what seemed like my bedroom into 3 book bags (I'm not sure why I had three).  But then I remember when I got this huge Adidas bag for all my twirling competitions, so I'd then had that AND those book bags.  I've definitely learned how to go without since then. 

So, what's your essential thing(s) for when you go away?!

Recently I've learned that there are some people put in our lives for a season, and those who are put in our lives for life.  

Avocado Pesto

I found this recipe in the Biggest Loser Simple Swaps book.  It's SO good, but I had modified it after making it the first time.  The recipe had it used with spaghetti squash, which was extremely delicious, but I had also used it with whole wheat pasta and fresh salsa as well.


¹/2 ripe avocado, pitted & diced
¹/4 cup fresh basil or Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¹/2 teaspoon salt
¹/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
¹/3 cup hot water
2 tablespoons  chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)




combined all ingredients, except for the freshly chopped basil/parsley, in a blender and blend till smooth.  


I suggest not adding hot water, it made the 'sauce' too watered down (in my opinion).  Instead of the hot water I had used fresh lime and lemon juice, it added some nice flavor and wasn't too citrus-y.  I had used fresh basil and parsley from my garden in this and about a tablespoon of garlic.  I omitted the salt and used much more than a ¹/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.  


I had made this again and ate it with some whole wheat pasta and fresh salsa mixed in, SO GOOD!  I'm really glad that I had purchased this book because it gave me some great insight on more things that I can swap to live a healthier lifestyle.