• Living abroad with only what fits in a carry-on has changed my definition of "enough."
• I no longer buy "just in case" stuff that rarely gets used, and I've found joy in a simple wardrobe.
• Ironically, the more I appreciate the things we own, the less attached I've become to them.

I'll admit it: I love shopping and the thrill of getting something new.

But ever since my husband and I started doing extended stays in Paris and other cities throughout Europe, I've surprised myself with how little I actually need.

We never check luggage because it's such a hassle, so whenever we get home after living out of carry-on suitcases for three months, I'll look around our apartment, open my closet, and think, "Wow, I forgot about most of this stuff."

Even though I'm a lifelong declutterer and keep our space tidy and organized, I've come to realize that getting by with only what fits in a carry-on has changed my definition of "enough."

Having fewer clothes makes getting dressed easier

It's kind of ironic that going to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, is where I've ended up with the smallest wardrobe. But as it turns out, having fewer options saves me a lot of mental energy and has made me more creative and intentional about what I wear.

I pack versatile pieces that work together so I can mix and match, rewear the same few pairs of pants, and do laundry every week. Even winter trips, when I have to pack bulkier clothes, have proven that I can get by with much less than I ever thought possible.

I have dozens of sweaters at home since I'm a bit of a collector, but all I really need are just a few Quince cashmere fisherman turtlenecks.

I also love jewelry, hats, and sunglasses, and usually have multiple options based on my mood. But being away for months at a time has made me realize that I'm perfectly fine with having just a few accessories to rotate through.

Whenever I get back from one of our trips, I end up editing my closet because I realize there's so much I don't wear. Yes, it's nice to have all my clothes and accessories, but it also gets easier each time to give stuff away to friends, family, neighbors, or donation centers.

I've stopped buying so many 'just in case' items

It's easy to imagine all sorts of scenarios where I might need certain things, especially when traveling. (Should I pack a pair of heels in case we go to an ultra-fancy dinner? Or what if I suddenly need that scarf I haven't worn in five years?)

News flash: I've never needed something I didn't pack. It's a lesson that has made me less likely to shop on impulse.

I still love going on a T.J. Maxx run and filling up a cart while browsing my favorite sites. However, before I make a purchase, I ask myself if it's something I'll genuinely use or just something that I might hypothetically need one day.

If it doesn't pass the reality check, I don't buy it.

I'm much more thoughtful about what I bring into our apartment

Because we're on the move so much, being at home feels even more comforting. I love that our space is decorated with objects that spark joy, but over the last few years, I've become less interested in accumulating stuff.

Instead, I find myself appreciating what we already have — from our shelves full of books and framed photos of our family and travels to my houseplants that our wonderful neighbors take care of while we're away.

Funnily enough, though, the more I appreciate the things we own, the less attached I've become to most of them. I don't even feel much of an urge to buy things for our apartment because I know we'll be leaving again soon.

Having more options doesn't necessarily make life better

Whether it's my wardrobe, household items, or even food, I've realized I don't need endless options. Like, do I really need 12 types of tea in my cupboard at any given moment? Often, I'm fine with just a few bags of my go-to blends.

Traveling with just a carry-on has made me realize that day to day, I tend to stick to my core favorites and don't really need a million choices for everything. I get plenty of variety when I'm out exploring.

At home, I'm happy to keep things simple and enjoy what I already have. That's more than enough for me.

• As a former Trader Joe's employee, I know the store inside and out.
• I rely on the store's products for quick, nutritious meals that I can make ahead of time.
• Some of my favorite items include the frozen pie crusts, soy chorizo, and miso-ginger broth.

After shopping at Trader Joe's for over 20 years — and working at my local store for two — I like to think I know the chain inside and out.

The retailer is my go-to spot for picking up budget-friendly meals I can make in my small apartment kitchen.

Here are some of my favorite items to buy for quick meals I can throw together without much thought.

I love making a veggie-loaded quiche with Trader Joe's frozen pie crusts.

I think Trader Joe's frozen pie crusts taste just as good as homemade versions, but are way more convenient to use.

I throw in whatever vegetables I have kicking around in the back of my fridge to make an easy quiche — with plenty of leftovers to take to work.

Trader Joe's soy chorizo is a versatile item.

I'm not a fan of repeating the same meal every day, so I like to opt for versatile ingredients.

For example, I keep Trader Joe's flavorful soy chorizo on hand for quesadillas, tacos, burritos, or taco salads, giving me plenty of options throughout the week.

I always stock up on seasonal veggies.

Although Trader Joe's pre-prepared and frozen sections are always enticing, I get the most bang for my buck by buying whole ingredients and cooking them myself. That's why the produce section is always my first stop.

Most recently, my local store had a great display of fall vegetables, so I got my favorite — honeynut squash. Similar to butternut squash, it tastes delicious roasted in grain bowls and salads.

Sheet-pan gnocchi is one of my go-to weeknight dinners.

I find that when gnocchi roasts in the oven, it takes on a lovely chewy-yet-crispy texture that's far superior to bland boiled gnocchi.

I add it to a well-oiled sheet pan with cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, zucchini, and sausage, then serve it on a bed of arugula with a dollop of pesto on top.

Trader Joe's broccoli-and-kale slaw makes a great base for salads.

I find that Trader Joe's sturdy broccoli-and-kale slaw fares much better than leafy greens.

So, I like to pack up a batch of the salad (without the dressing) to enjoy throughout the week.

I always keep a can of Trader Joe's vegetarian chili in the pantry.

Trader Joe's organic vegetarian chili saves me on days I don't feel like cooking. It's classic, comforting, and just dying to be dressed up.

I like to pair it with grilled cheese for dipping, add it to a box of Trader Joe's mac and cheese, or serve it on a baked potato.

The Thai-style red-curry sauce packs tons of flavor.

Trader Joe's bottled sauces are my secret to quick, flavorful dinners that require minimal prep.

Instead of ordering takeout, I make a delicious curry with onion, peppers, and broccoli — the Thai-style red-curry sauce does all the heavy lifting.

I turn Trader Joe's marinated chickpeas into a high-protein lunch.

Trader Joe's Greek chickpeas come packed in a flavorful, herby marinate, so no dressing is required. However, I like to add cucumbers, tomato, onion, and feta for a delicious Mediterranean-style salad.

Trader Joe's miso-ginger broth serves as the backbone for a delicious soup.

Although Trader Joe's miso-ginger broth is great on its own, I always jazz it up with some sautéed veggies, frozen potstickers, and a soft-boiled egg.

It also pairs great with Trader Joe's instant ramen for a comforting, hearty noodle soup.

I always keep Trader Joe’s Mediterranean hummus on hand for easy lunches.

In my opinion, Trader Joe's Mediterranean hummus is truly the best store-bought version around. It's also one of the few that comes in a big enough container to last me more than a couple of days.

I love to pack bento-style snack boxes with a scoop of hummus, chopped veggies, and crackers to take with me.

Trader Joe's peanut-butter granola is my breakfast hero.

I always prioritize having a high-protein breakfast to keep my energy levels up throughout the day.

So, I love making a PB&J-inspired yogurt bowl with Greek yogurt, Trader Joe's peanut-butter granola, and a swirl of jam on top.

This story was originally published on October 24, 2024, and most recently updated on October 20, 2026.

Keep reading our Trader Joe's diaries to see what other shoppers are putting in their carts.

• I'm a mom of three and a dietitian who often works with busy parents who are trying to lose weight.
• Meals like quesadillas and Cobb salads can easily be made more nutritious or kid-friendly.
• Burrito bowls and dishes made with protein-rich pasta can be customized for parents and children.

As a registered dietitian who helps busy parents lose weight — and as a mom of three myself — I know the struggle of trying to make just one dinner that works for everyone at the table.

In many cases, kids want something fun and familiar, while parents aim for somewhat nutritious meals that support their weight-loss goals.

Fortunately, you don't have to cook a bunch of separate dinners or settle for "kid food."

Here are eight family-friendly meals I swear by that allow for simple swaps and add-ons to make them lighter, more nutrient-dense, and better for balancing blood sugar.

Build-your-own burrito bowls are easy to customize.

This works well as a buffet-style dinner option where everyone can fill their plate to fit their food preferences.

Start with pulled rotisserie chicken as the main lean protein, and add side dishes of black beans and brown rice for fiber-rich carbohydrates.

Chopped lettuce, salsa, and avocado are great additions for more flavor and nutrients. Kids may prefer having tortillas available to make their own burritos.

Use one pack of buns for two different sausages.

Fire up the grill, and while the kids enjoy hot dogs, swap yours for a leaner chicken sausage. They're typically higher in protein and lower in fat, making them a better fit for weight management.

Load yours with gut-friendly toppings like sauerkraut and grilled onions, and pair it with a side of slaw or grilled veggies and antioxidant-rich berries.

This way, you can have a balanced dish while your kids enjoy a classic.

While the kids eat chicken strips, turn a few into a hearty Cobb salad.

The best meals for weight loss tend to be high in protein and contain a lot of bulky veggies or fruits. So, make a few extra chicken strips for yourself and use them as a protein source in a satisfying Cobb salad.

Add chopped chicken strips to romaine lettuce, tomato, bacon bits, sliced boiled egg, and a sprinkle of blue-cheese crumbles. Pair the salad with a light portion of dressing.

A Cobb salad is great because egg, bacon, and chicken can add enough protein to the meal to help keep you satisfied. Meanwhile, produce like romaine and tomatoes adds nutrients, bulk, and variety to the meal without making it high in calories.

Quesadillas can be simple and kid-approved or more nutritious for health-conscious adults.

It's easy to customize cheese quesadillas to be as simple or as intricate as you and your kids prefer.

To upgrade your own, add lean ground beef or ground turkey (protein), nonfat refried beans (fiber), and roasted peppers or onions (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants).

The protein and fiber combo in this meal can help you feel full faster and longer, helping avoid the urge for late-night snacks.

As a bonus, serve everyone a side of cucumber or jicama slices for an extra dose of fruit or veggies that provide a crunchy, fiber-rich addition.

Use common taco ingredients to make a satisfying salad.

Tacos are a weekly staple in our house. The kids love theirs with ground beef or turkey, topped with shredded cheese, all stuffed inside a crispy taco shell.

Fortunately, it's easy to transform these sorts of ingredients into a hearty, protein-rich, nutrient-dense taco salad.

Start by filling a bowl with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, black beans, salsa, avocado, and lean ground turkey or beef. Sprinkle a crumbled taco shell on top for crunch, then add a little dressing if desired.

This way, you can enjoy the same taco flavors, just way more veggies and fewer carbs to help you stick to your daily calorie goals.

Better-for-you ramen can be served two ways.

A basic ramen recipe can be upgraded with lean protein, such as diced chicken and a hard-boiled egg, and leafy greens, like spinach or bok choy.

Aim to fill one side of your bowl with protein and vegetables, reserving the noodles and broth for the other half.

If your kids are a little picky, just serve components of the dish separately and adjust the ingredients you use. Serve noodles with some of their favorite fruit, so they can pick and choose what they like.

Pizza can work for everyone.

With some adjustments, pizza night can still be great for parents trying to manage their weight.

First off, using a cauliflower crust is a great way to reduce the carb count of a typical pizza dinner while adding more vegetables.

More veggies means more fiber for gut health and extra nutrients that help support your metabolism and overall health.

I also like to serve a salad or raw veggies on the side to help me fill up on lower-calorie foods, so I can stick to smaller portions of pizza while still feeling satisfied.

Be sure to also add protein to your pizza to create a more balanced meal. Chicken is a great lean option, but I also understand if you're more of a sausage or pepperoni fan.

Pasta doesn't have to derail your weight loss efforts.

There are several ways to enjoy pasta regularly without disrupting weight-loss efforts.

First, swap out your noodles. Regular pasta is high in carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar when eaten in large portions or without being balanced by protein and fiber.

Instead, use noodles made from lentils or chickpeas. They contain more fiber and protein, slowing how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed and helping keep blood sugar steadier — which can help with weight management.

Once the noodles are coated in sauce, your kids may not even notice you've made the swap.

Skip high-fat, calorie-laden cream sauces and top your pasta with marinara, which is naturally low in calories. Top with prepackaged frozen meatballs for an easy protein boost.

Don't forget to mix spinach or roasted broccoli into your dish for extra fiber. For pickier eaters, you may want to serve it on the side.

This story was originally published on November 3, 2025, and most recently updated on October 20, 2026.

• My husband and I took my 75-year-old mom to Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• During the two-week trip, I had to make some adjustments to my typical travel style.
• Overall, though, my mom really impressed me and I was surprised by what she could handle.

"I want to go to Montenegro," my mom told me over the phone. She was back home in Chicago, and I was in France, where my husband and I had moved three years earlier.

It wasn't entirely surprising. Since we moved abroad, my mom has been eager to travel more. But Montenegro? The idea felt a little random, which made it all the more intriguing.

Turns out she'd spotted a video of the country on Facebook, likely on one of the Polish-language pages she follows.

I was excited to share another adventure with her, especially one she'd chosen. And if we were going that far, I figured we may as well see more of the region.

After all, I'm a travel blogger and journalist, and my mom has become increasingly interested in seeing what I do and experiencing firsthand what I enjoy so much about travel.

She'd visited us a few times since we moved to France, but the Balkans would be a bigger adventure.

I planned for my husband and me to take her to three countries (Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) over two weeks. This meant navigating border crossings outside the European Union, handling several layers of logistics, and creating a plan that would work for my mom, who would turn 75 on the trip.

I knew my usual travel pace wasn't going to work for this trip, so we had to plan ahead

My husband and I are active travelers. We regularly rack up 20,000-step days, love a hike to a panoramic viewpoint, and push through heat and discomfort because we're of the "We may never come back here" mindset. Whenever we can, we also take public transit.

My mom travels differently. She spent 40 years as a server, so she's no stranger to being on her feet and is generally in good health, but retirement has slowed her down.

Even on her most active days, she moves at a gentler pace. Hills are particularly challenging, and long stretches of walking, especially on uneven surfaces, can catch up with her.

Before booking accommodations or transportation, I considered the physical demands of each day. I checked elevation changes for walks between hotels and the places we wanted to visit, looked for ways to avoid unnecessary uphill treks, and ruled out extra-long guided tours.

I also hired private drivers ahead of time to give us more flexibility. This way, we could tailor the stops to our needs rather than follow a big group's schedule, including when we stopped, where we were dropped off, and how long we stayed.

We made small adjustments throughout to ensure my mom was comfortable

We started with three easy nights in Dubrovnik, Croatia. During our stay, we explored the popular Croatian city's Old Town and lingered over meals of fresh fish. We spent a lot of time in the pool, since I learned my mom has far more energy in the water than on land.

After that, we were driven into Montenegro, where we learned the importance of rest. On a hot day in Perast, she loved the short boat ride to the man-made island, Our Lady of the Rocks.

But by midday, the heat had made us all a little testy. Ice cream helped, but the real fix was learning to schedule breaks before we reached the point of needing them.

My husband and I usually take a late-afternoon break rather than staying out until dinner anyway. With my mom, we just moved it up a few hours. She never asked us to accommodate her, but I learned to tell when she needed one.

Sometimes, the best adjustment was giving ourselves permission to split up. In the Old Town of Kotor, Montenegro, which was walking distance from our base in Dobrota, my husband and I hiked up to the Kotor Fortress while she stayed behind to rest and feed the cat that adopted us for our three-day stay.

When we got back, she was ready to go, and we spent a few hours exploring together.

Our next leg of the trip was to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which included a four-hour stretch of winding mountain roads that left all of us feeling a little green — my mom most of all. This is where a private driver really paid off.

He pulled over so she could get some air and rest, waited without complaint or worry that we were on a tight schedule, and let her ride up front the rest of the drive.

On a big bus, she likely would have had to suffer through it.

By the end of the trip, I was surprised by what she could handle

Our group of three felt almost like a well-oiled machine by our last stop to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. At this point, I knew what worked and what didn't. Steep hills were a no-go. Long car rides were hard and great to avoid, when possible. She could handle a full day if we built in breaks.

In Sarajevo, we took several guided tours to learn about the city's history and war. My mom had lived through hardship herself in Poland before immigrating to the U.S. in the 1980s, so I wasn't sure how she'd react to heavier subjects. She was fascinated.

During the siege, a narrow tunnel — known as the Tunnel of Hope — was dug under the airport to move food, supplies, and people. Today, you can walk through a short restored section. I assumed she'd wait outside, but she walked right through.

That's what I learned most from traveling with my mom. I couldn't assume what she could or couldn't do. Instead, I simply had to pay attention.

She didn't need me to plan a completely different trip. She needed me to understand that her version of a good travel day looked a little different from mine, and that it can be just as full.

• I'm a diehard Costco fan who's had an executive membership for 11 years.
• My family swears by the store's freezer section for easy breakfasts, quick appetizers, and snacks.
• Some of our favorite products include Kirkland Signature frozen fruit and Bibigio spring rolls.

With a busy schedule and a hungry family, I'd be a mess if it weren't for Costco's extensive frozen options.

I've been an executive member for 11 years, and I feed my family of four — my husband, my son, my mother-in-law, and myself — almost exclusively with Costco products.

We're diehard loyalists, thanks to the value, the store's wide selection, and our general trust in the products Costco stocks. We consider the store's freezers our cheat code to fast, balanced, and easy breakfasts, snacks, and dinner appetizers.

These are the staples we always have in the house and swear by.

Our days start with waffles.

By far the most cherished meal of the day in our family is breakfast. In fact, I've somehow turned it into a DIY multi-course meal.

While I'm making a fruit smoothie — more on that soon — I toss Eggo's homestyle waffles in the toaster. They're a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, and at Costco, I can buy a pack of 60 for about $11.

Frozen berries make smoothies an easy staple.

I love making smoothies with frozen fruit — and thankfully, Costco has tons of options.

I'm obsessed with Kirkland Signature's frozen organic blueberries. A bag costs $9.59, which works out to about $3.20 a pound. Blueberries have always felt like a luxury to me, so the fact that I can get them at such a great price will never not be exciting.

The frozen blueberries pair perfectly with Kirkland Signature's frozen organic strawberries. At my local store, these are even cheaper than the blueberries at $11.99 for a 4-pound bag, which works out to $3 a pound.

Fresh strawberries can fluctuate dramatically in price and availability in my area, so it's so reassuring to have consistent, delicious frozen options year-round.

I swear by frozen mangoes, too.

This is our final frozen fruit fixation.

Our local Costco has been stocking organic frozen mangoes from Nature's Touch lately. I love that they're peeled and pitted, which takes so much of the work off my plate.

At $10.39 per bag, the mangoes work out to about $2.07 a pound. They're by far our cheapest frozen fruit in the freezer, and the most delightfully tropical.

We spice up the mornings with Annie's cinnamon rolls, usually as a weekend treat.

We discovered Annie's frozen cinnamon rolls when our two-year-old tried a free sample at our local store. His face lit up far too adorably for me to say no.

Now, whenever we feel like enjoying a fancier breakfast, I'll pull out a tube. Each tube comes with five reasonably-sized rolls, plus just the right amount of icing.

Our Costco sells packs of three tubes for $14.89, meaning each roll is under $1. Another free-sample success story!

Frozen appetizers like vegetable spring rolls are the fastest way to make our at-home dinners feel fancy.

I swear we eat meals other than breakfast. Bibigo's vegetable spring rolls are one of our favorite additions to any dinner. A box of 50 (yes, 50!) is $9.49 at my local store.

Appetizers have always felt like an indulgence in my family, so there's nothing better than pulling out a dozen spring rolls to snack on as we make dinner. Don't skip the sweet soy-ginger dipping sauce, either.

We also love Sukhi's Irresistible Indian Cuisine samosas.

Samosas are delicious, but a food item I won't even try to make on my own. Luckily, I discovered Sukhi's Irresistible Indian Cuisine samosas at Costco. A box of 16 costs $15.99 at my nearest store.

These are a true crowd pleaser, especially when vegetarian family members are in town.

The potato-and-peas flavor, combined with the provided cilantro chutney, is truly divine.

Nothing's better than a Kirkland Signature ice-cream bar.

Now I must wax poetic about my all-time favorite Costco freezer staple.

With creamy vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed almonds, Kirkland Signature's ice-cream bars are the perfect dessert, especially in the middle of California's perpetual summer heat wave.

I genuinely prefer these ice-cream bars over name-brand competitors. They're so coveted in our house that we have to take "Kirkland bar" shifts where each parent hides in the garage and enjoys their ice cream — or else we end up with an over-sugared, sticky toddler.

These usually cost $10.59 for 18 bars at my Costco, but they go on sale regularly. We always stock up.

Curious to know what other shoppers put in their carts? Check out our other Costco diaries here.