I’m not reinventing the wheel here—this recipe is one I found a while back, but I’m sharing it because it never lets me down.
I usually wake up hungry, but at 4 a.m. I can’t stomach a full breakfast, and I definitely don’t want anything smelly like boiled eggs. These muffins are the perfect solution. They’re easy to grab on the go, incredibly portable, and honestly, I can’t imagine heading to work without them. They keep me full for hours and pack a decent amount of protein, too. 💪 There are also a lot of different combinations you can try—I rotate the flavors, but my favorite is double chocolate. Chocolate muffin mix with the chocolate Core Power gives total cosmic brownie vibes 👌
Ingredients:
● 1 box Kodiak muffin mix
● 1 (42g) Core Power shake
● 4 oz Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. Combine the muffin mix and Core Power shake, stirring until just mixed.
2. Stir in the Greek yogurt.
3. Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray (I’d skip paper liners—this mix tends to stick).
4. Bake at 350°F for 23 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage—they freeze really well!
As promised, here’s my homemade flaxseed gel recipe. It’s ridiculously simple, inexpensive, and takes less than 15 minutes to make. The recipe itself is easy—but the pro tips are what will save you from ending up with a sticky mess and a wasted batch.
Ingredients
● ¼ cup whole flaxseeds
● 2 cups of water
Instructions
1. Add the flaxseeds and water to a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the liquid begins to thicken and becomes slightly sticky, remove it from the heat.
4. Immediately strain the seeds from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer.
5. Allow the gel to cool completely before using or transferring it to a container.
Storage
Store your flaxseed gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pro Tips
● Strain early. As soon as the liquid becomes even slightly sticky, it’s time to strain it. Don’t wait until it reaches your desired gel consistency—the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
● Skip the cheesecloth. Trust me on this one. I tried using cheesecloth, and it did not go well. A fine mesh strainer works much better.
● Add a natural scent. I’ve simmered the mixture with a cinnamon stick before, and it gives the gel a subtle, cozy scent.
● Customize it. You can add a few drops of essential oil once the gel has cooled. Rosemary is one of my favorites. I would be cautious with citrus oils, though, as some can potentially lighten hair with repeated use.
Bonus tip: You can actually re-boil the same flaxseeds a couple of times to get additional batches of gel before discarding them, which makes this even more budget-friendly and reduces waste.
Why I Use Flaxseed Gel
My hair is low porosity and prone to frizz, so I’m always looking for products that provide moisture without weighing my hair down. One of the reasons I love flaxseed gel is that it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry out my hair the way many store-bought gels can. Flaxseeds are also naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which can help support healthy-looking hair.
I’ve also noticed it helps improve the appearance of my nails and cuticles and has personally helped me clear up the occasional zit.
I’ve found that flaxseed gel gives me definition and hold without leaving my hair crunchy or stiff.
As a pilot, I’m constantly moving between different climates and spending long days in dry cabin air, so keeping my hair moisturized and frizz-free can be a challenge. This has become one of my favorite products for maintaining my hair while on the go.
How I Use It
I typically apply flaxseed gel to soaking wet hair. If I’m wearing my hair naturally, I use the Curly Girl Method and drench my hair in the gel while it’s wet to encourage curl definition and minimize frizz.
On days when I want a polished look, I’ll also apply it generously to wet hair and brush it back into a slicked-back updo.
If needed, I’ll add a little more gel once my hair is dry to tame any remaining frizz or touch up my style.
Have you ever made your own hair products before? I’d love to hear what you’ve tried—or if you have any favorite additions to flaxseed gel.
After being on the road for a couple days, dealing with delays, large crowds, weather and the unknown of whether or not I’ll catch my flight home, I’m usually pretty tired. The key is not to sit down until the important things are done- especially if I only have one day off.
There’s nothing better than coming home to this little bread-loafAfternoon Matcha to keep the vibes high
First things First
Once I’ve showered, started the laundry, and made dinner, it was time to start relaxing and spending time with my little Cockapoo mutt, love of my life, Teddy.
My Little Evening Reset Ritual
One of my favorite ways to unwind is changing into a matching pajama set, putting on some lotion and cozy socks, and lighting a candle. It sounds simple, but after a few days of airports, hotels, and alarms going off in the middle of the night, those little rituals signal to my brain that I’m finally home.
I’ll usually put on a show and work on little projects while I watch, stopping every few minutes whenever Teddy decides it’s time to play—which is frequenttttt lol.
Adjusting Back to My Sleep Schedule
I try to keep my sleep schedule within about three hours of whatever I was doing on my trip. I had all morning flights, so I was waking up around 3:15 a.m. most days, which made it easy to call it an early night.
Because I got the brunt of my preparation done the evening before, I was able to mostly relax during my one full day at home before heading back to work.
A Slow Morning With Teddy
A slow morning being woken up by the sweetest little fur baby is honestly the best part of my day.
I took Teddy outside for some sunlight and fresh air, and then we came back in for breakfast. Even after he has his own, he always wants some of mine. To be fair, my avocado toast smelled pretty good.
Preparing for My Next Trip
Since I was already in the kitchen, I made a few things to bring on my next trip. When your time at home is limited, it’s amazing how productive you can be.
My Travel Day Essentials: Protein Muffins & Flaxseed Gel
I’ve also been making these protein muffins for a while now. They’re perfect for early mornings and eating on the go, plus they don’t smell up the flight deck like boiled eggs. I’ll share the recipe in a separate post because they’ve become one of my favorite travel staples.
Later, I made a fresh batch of flaxseed gel. I’m completely obsessed with this stuff. I use it as a hair mask, for slicked-back styles, or when I want to wear my natural curls. It deserves its own post too, so I’ll share exactly how I make it soon.
Choosing Rest Over Productivity
Having a short amount of time off can be tricky, and a lot of it comes down to listening to your body. With a heat index of 102, a walk was out of the question. The gym would have been too much for me that day, and while seeing friends would have been nice, it would have cut into the rest I knew I needed.
So I spent the day at home.
Washing my hair, using my flaxseed gel, doing my nails, drinking my water 💅🏻, repacking my suitcase (which was mostly still packed), ironing my uniform, working on the blog, and spending time with my fur baby.
Sometimes Rest Is the Productive Choice
Not every reset day has to be exciting. Sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down, take care of yourself, and enjoy being home for a little while before it’s time to head back out again.
Feeling better after a long-haul flight doesn’t actually start when you land—it starts before you even leave the house.
I’ve learned that when I spend the night before a trip running errands, doing laundry, packing at the last minute, and staying up too late, I show up to the airport already stressed and tired. Which sometimes is inevitable if you have a busy schedule like me, BUT if you can, definitely try to avoid it.
I try to have everything packed ahead of time, get a good night’s sleep, and give myself enough time to get to the airport without rushing (not too much time though—the gate’s not going anywhere). If I’m going to an airport I’ve never been to before, I’ll even look at the airport map in whatever airline app I’m flying on before I leave so I already have a general idea of where I’m going.
Airports are stressful because we make them stressful. A little planning the day before can make a huge difference.
💧 Stay Hydrated
This one is pretty obvious but it’s easier said than done!
Once you’ve prepared the day before, the next step is taking care of yourself during the flight.
For me, that starts with staying hydrated. Airplanes are incredibly dry, and two sad little cups of water on a nine-hour flight just aren’t going to cut it. I always bring a refillable water bottle and usually pack hydration sticks in my carry-on. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to help yourself feel better when you land.
And while I’m not here to tell anyone how to enjoy their vacation, if your goal is to avoid feeling completely wiped out when you land, I’d be mindful about drinking too much alcohol during the flight. If you’re planning to have a drink or two, keeping it moderate and earlier in the flight may make it easier to rest and still arrive feeling relatively refreshed.
😴 Sleep If You Can (But Don’t Rely on It)
I’m not a great airplane sleeper—which is probably a good thing since I’m usually the one flying it, lol. Even as a passenger on an international flight, I have a hard time sleeping unless I’m horizontal.
Since I’ve accepted that about myself, I usually download a show that will actually hold my attention. Lately, I’ve been finding limited series or slightly creepy shows that keep me invested and wanting to watch the next episode.
That said, if you’re someone who can sleep on a plane, absolutely do it. Getting a few hours of sleep can make a huge difference when you arrive.
🍴 Pack Snacks You Actually Like
I always pack snacks for the flight, even though there’s usually a meal service.
Sometimes the food is just too heavy, or I’m not really in the mood for it, so I like having options I actually enjoy. I usually bring protein bars, dried fruit, and beef jerky. Sometimes I’ll even grab something at the airport that I know I’ll want later and save for when we get to our cruising altitude.
I’ve also learned I don’t always have to eat everything that’s offered on the plane. Just because it’s “free” doesn’t mean it’s for me lol. Plane meals can feel a lot heavier than normal because of altitude and pressure changes, and eating a full meal in the middle of the night just doesn’t always sit right for me.
So if I’m not feeling the first meal, I’ll skip it, stay hydrated, and just wait for the second service instead, which is usually a lighter breakfast. I’ll have that with a coffee and it feels a lot easier on my stomach.
It’s a small thing, but having food I actually like on hand makes the whole flight feel a lot more manageable.
🌙 Don’t Let the Arrival Day Beat You
This is probably the hardest part for me, but it’s also the thing that helps the most.
When I get to my destination after an overnight flight, all I want to do is nap. The problem is that if I do, my body gets completely confused for the next few days.
So if you’re like me—do not nap.
Keep moving. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, grab a coffee, wander around, do whatever you need to do to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime. I also try not to cram too much into my first day. Arrival day is for getting settled, not setting a personal record for sightseeing (though I have done this before- it will catch up to you!)
My ideal first day is pretty simple: check in, walk around a little, have an early dinner, and get to bed early.
Then on day two, go hard.
I’d much rather take it easy on the first day and wake up feeling adjusted than spend my entire trip fighting jet lag because I took a three-hour “power nap” that turned into a full night’s sleep at 2 p.m.
✨ Recap (The Real Takeaway)
If I had to sum it all up, it really comes down to a few simple things that make a huge difference.
Plan ahead so you’re not starting your trip already stressed and exhausted. Pack the day before and get a good night’s sleep.
Bring hydration sticks and a refillable water bottle, and stay hydrated throughout the flight. Don’t rely on those small servings of water—they’re not going to be enough on a long flight.
Be mindful with alcohol and heavy meals on the plane. Everyone travels differently, but I’ve found that keeping things lighter makes it easier on your body and helps you feel better when you land.
Have something ready to keep you entertained for the duration of the flight, whether that’s a book, show, movie, or something downloaded that you actually want to watch.
And finally—if you’re like me—don’t nap when you get there. Keep moving, stay awake, have an early dinner, and get to bed early so you can reset. Day two is where you really go enjoy the trip.
As someone who travels for both work and my personal life, I’ve figured out a lot of tricks that make things easier. But I’m always looking for ways to improve my travel experience because even when you do everything “right,” it can still be brutal. What are your best travel hacks?
Every time I travel to Italy, my packing list gets a little more intentional. Probably because I’m tired of dragging around a 6947484lb suitcase. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not about bringing more—it’s about bringing the right things that actually make the trip smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
These are the essentials I’ve ended up relying on the most.
Travel Medicine Essentials
One thing I never leave home without is a small pouch of medications. While I hope I never need them, I’ve learned that it’s always better to be prepared when I’m far from home.
I usually pack my preferred fever and cold medicine, along with pain relievers, allergy medication, and vitamin C. Between crowded airports, long flights, and being surrounded by travelers, it’s easy to pick up something along the way.
A few years ago, I landed in Paris and almost immediately came down with a fever. Thank gosh I had brought my medicine bag, because I barely had the energy to leave my hotel, much less go to a pharmacy and decipher medicine labels in French.
Even though Italy has pharmacies, I’ve found it’s not always convenient to find exactly what I’m used to—especially if I’m in a smaller town or not feeling well. Having my go-to basics on hand makes everything easier and lets me get back to enjoying the trip sooner.
2. A Refillable Water Bottle
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A refillable water bottle is something I always bring. I fill it before boarding my flight because it’s much cheaper than buying bottled water at the airport, and it’s nice to have on the plane when you want easy access to water without waiting for service.
Once I’m in Italy, it becomes even more useful since many cities have public fountains where you can refill throughout the day. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated, save money, and avoid constantly buying plastic bottles.
3. Your Preferred Feminine Products
If you rely on specific feminine hygiene products, I definitely recommend packing enough for your trip or bringing your preferred brand from home.
While you can find feminine products in Italy, I’ve personally found the selection to be more limited compared to what I’m used to, especially outside of larger cities like Milan. It’s one of those things that’s easier to plan ahead for so you don’t have to think about it once you arrive.
Having your usual products on hand makes the trip much more comfortable and stress-free, especially when you’re on the go.
4. Outlet Converters (Bring More Than One)
Outlet converters are an absolute must— and I usually bring more than one.
With a phone, camera, portable charger, and my curling iron, I need multiple charging options at once. Having extra adapters means I can charge everything at the same time without constantly swapping plugs. I personally think it’s very important to be able to charge your phone and curl your hair at the same time lol
It’s a small thing that makes mornings in a hotel room way less stressful and more time efficient.
5. An Eye Mask
An eye mask is one of those small items that makes a big difference. Sometimes hotel curtains don’t fully close, and when the sun starts coming in early, it can make it hard to stay asleep.
If I’m not quite ready to wake up, an eye mask comes in clutch. It’s also great for flights and travel days when you need rest wherever you can get it.
Bonus points if it’s silky— Like this one. it feels better on your skin and is gentler overall.
And if you don’t have one, I’ve even used pants hangers clipped onto curtains in a pinch. Not perfect, but it works.
6. A Small Notebook
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A small notebook has become one of my favorite travel essentials. I use it to write down what I ate, where I ate, places I visited, and small details I don’t want to forget later.
I also love jotting down new Italian words or phrases I hear along the way. It makes the trip feel more interactive and helps me actually remember what I’m learning instead of letting it slip away.
Especially if you’re like me and don’t want to rely on the notesapp on your phone, having something physical to write in just feels more intentional and easier to come back to later.
7. A Small Foldable Tote Bag
A foldable tote bag is something I always pack because it’s surprisingly useful. It fits easily into my luggage and gives me extra space when I need it, especially when I’m out shopping or picking up souvenirs.
It’s different from a purse in that it actually holds those unexpected extras. Sometimes shops give you paper bags, and then suddenly you’re walking around and there’s a torrential downpour and you’re trying to save your wine bottles from smashing into the pavement. Ask me how I know lol.
Having a lightweight tote on hand means I’m always prepared for those unexpected moments while traveling.
Final Thoughts
Over time, I’ve realized that the best travel essentials aren’t just about being practical—they’re about making the trip easier so you can actually enjoy where you are. These are the things I always end up reaching for when I’m in Italy, and they’ve made my trips smoother, more comfortable, and a lot less stressful.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to pack everything—it’s to pack what lets you focus less on what you forgot and more on the experience in front of you.
I’m always looking for ways to refine my packing. I’d love to know- what are your travel essentials when you go to Italy or abroad?
