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Between Flights

Find simple routines, wellness inspiration, and small resets that help bring balance to a life that’s always moving. These are the habits, rituals, and moments that make busy seasons feel more grounded.

  • My Glow-Up Routine: What Actually Works for Me

    My Glow-Up Routine: What Actually Works for Me

    I used to think a glow-up had to mean making a huge change: dying your hair, completely changing your wardrobe, or giving yourself an entire makeover.

    But after years of trial and error, I’ve learned that a glow-up doesn’t have to be dramatic.

    Sometimes, it’s just figuring out what actually works for you.

    I still love trying new things, but now I have a baseline I can always come back to.

    Over time, I’ve figured out the little routines, habits, and products that consistently make me feel my best—and I’m sharing all of it here. At the end of this post, I’ve also rounded up my tried-and-true, go-to products: the things I genuinely use, love, and keep coming back to.

    Polish & Accentuate Your Best Features

    If you take away anything from this post let it be this. Polish and accentuate your best features by:

    • Figuring out what features you naturally like most. Using makeup, hair, skincare, clothing, etc. to enhance rather than completely change them
    • Find colors, hairstyles, and silhouettes that flatter you. Keeping your overall appearance polished and intentional
    • Lock in those small details that make you feel more put together

    Stop Chasing the Perfect Routine

    If my hair isn’t cooperating, I know what to do.

    If my skin is looking dull, I have a skincare routine.

    If I’ve gotten out of my workout routine, I know where to restart.

    If I need an outfit and don’t know what to wear, I know which colors and silhouettes I feel best in.

    I’m not starting from zero every time.

    That’s the difference between constantly chasing a “glow-up” and actually learning what works for you.

    So rather than giving you another list of 25 things you need to do to glow up, I want to show you how I built my own realistic glow-up routine—and how you can figure out yours.

    My Glow-Up Routine Formula

    Learn yourself → Experiment → Notice what works → Simplify → Repeat

    Your glow-up routine might look completely different from mine.

    That’s the point.

    There isn’t one perfect hair routine, skincare routine, workout, diet, or wardrobe that works for everyone.

    The goal isn’t to find the perfect routine.

    It’s to know yourself well enough that when you want to look and feel your best, you already know where to start.

    1. Hair: Find Your Foolproof Hair Routine

    You don’t need a bathroom full of hair products to have a good hair routine.

    You need to understand your hair and what consistently works for it.

    Start paying attention to:

    • How often your hair actually needs to be washed
    • Which hair products consistently work
    • Whether your hair looks better air-dried or styled
    • Which hairstyles make you feel put together
    • What you can do quickly when you’re short on time

    Once you figure that out, a bad hair day becomes much easier to fix.

    My Go-To Bad Hair Day Style

    One of my favorite “I need to look put together” tricks is a slicked-back twist with a jaw clip.

    I wet my hair, add flax seed gel, brush it back, twist it, and secure it with a jaw clip. It takes just a few minutes, stays put, and instantly looks polished. Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel Recipe

    Add a bold lip and I’m ready to go.

    I’ve been using MAC’s Twig Twist for years. It’s a bold neutral that looks super flattering on all skin tones, in my opinion.

    Glow Up Tip: 

    Find your own emergency beauty look—a hairstyle, makeup combination, or outfit you know will work every time.

    2. Skin: Build a Simple Skincare Routine

    Skincare can get complicated quickly.

    There is always another ingredient to try, another product trending, or another routine promising to transform your skin.

    Before adding more, figure out what keeps your skin feeling healthy, calm, and hydrated.

    Find the skincare products your skin consistently likes and build your routine around them.

    Then, if you want to experiment with something new, you have a baseline to return to if it doesn’t work.

    What Works for My Skin

    I’ve learned that my skin does really well with a little extra moisture.

    On especially dry days, I’ll do my regular nighttime skincare routine and finish with a thin layer of Vaseline before bed.

    I wake up with noticeably softer, more supple skin.

    It’s a simple trick, but it’s one of those things I’ve found through trial and error that works really well for me.

    Glow Up Tip: 

    Before adding another skincare product, pay attention to what your skin consistently responds well to.

    3. Hygiene: Build Your Everyday Essentials

    This might not be the glamorous part of a glow-up routine, but it makes a huge difference.

    Figure out the little things that make you feel clean, fresh, comfortable, and put together.

    For me, that includes:

    • My shower and body-care routine
    • Oral care
    • Keeping my brows maintained
    • Having my favorite products on hand
    • Staying comfortable during long or busy days

    The goal isn’t to create an elaborate hygiene routine.

    It’s to know what makes you feel your best and make those things automatic.

    Because sometimes feeling like you’ve got your life together isn’t about doing something new.

    It’s just taking care of the basics consistently.

    My Long-Day Essentials

    For long, busy, or warm days, I keep a few essentials on hand to help me feel fresh: panty liners, travel-size mouthwash, antibacterial wipes, and a travel-size body spray.

    They’re simple things, but they make a big difference when I’m on the go all day.

    Glow Up Tip: 

    Find the little hygiene products and habits that help you feel fresh, comfortable, and confident—especially when you’re away from home.

    4. Color: Know What Makes You Glow

    This was a game changer for me.

    Pay attention to the colors that make you look brighter and the ones that seem to wash you out.

    Think beyond clothing, too.

    Your best colors can influence:

    • Jewelry metals
    • Makeup tones
    • Hair colors
    • Clothing
    • The shades you reach for when you want to feel especially good

    You don’t necessarily need to follow a strict color analysis system.

    Just start noticing.

    When you find the colors that consistently flatter you, they can become the foundation for so many other style and beauty decisions.

    And getting dressed gets a whole lot easier.

    Glow Up Tip: 

    Pay attention to the outfits where you consistently feel like you look your best. What colors are you wearing?

    5. Fitness: Find a Workout Routine That Works for You

    Fitness is another area where it’s easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing.

    A workout can be popular without being the right workout for you.

    Instead, pay attention to how your body responds.

    Ask yourself:

    • What types of exercise do I actually enjoy?
    • What can I stick with consistently?
    • What helps me feel stronger?
    • What gives me the results I want?
    • What leaves me energized instead of completely drained?

    Your fitness routine should be based on your goals and your body, not someone else’s.

    Once you find a workout routine that works, you don’t have to replace it every time a new fitness trend comes along.

    6. Food: Build a Nutrition Routine That Makes You Feel Good

    This isn’t about finding the “perfect” diet.

    It’s about figuring out what makes you feel good and making those choices easier.

    I like having a few reliable foods and meals I can fall back on:

    • Easy breakfasts
    • Satisfying lunches
    • Go-to snacks
    • Simple dinners
    • Meals I genuinely enjoy eating

    The more you learn about what foods make you feel your best, the less effort it takes to make good choices—especially during busy weeks.

    How I Choose What to Eat

    Instead of choosing foods just because they’re considered “healthy,” I look at what benefits they offer and find simple ways to work them into meals I already enjoy.

    I think about what I want more of—protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, better digestion, or steady energy—and build from there.

    It makes eating well feel less like following a diet and more like giving my body what it actually needs.

    Glow Up Tip: 

    Don’t just ask, “Is this healthy?” Ask, “What does this food actually offer me?”

    7. Put Your Glow-Up Routine Together

    Eventually, all of these little discoveries start to become your personal formula.

    Your:

    • Reliable hairstyle
    • Simple skincare routine
    • Hygiene essentials
    • Best colors
    • Favorite workouts
    • Staple meals
    • Go-to outfit

    And suddenly, “getting yourself together” doesn’t feel like a massive project.

    You have a system.

    You know what works.

    And you know where to start when life gets busy.

    Final Thoughts

    I don’t think a glow-up happens all at once. Most of mine has happened by getting just 1% better at a time—trying something new, noticing what works, and keeping the things that make me feel my best.

    Over time, those little discoveries add up.

    That’s what a glow-up means to me now. Not becoming someone completely different, but knowing yourself well enough to bring out the best version of who you already are.

    You don’t need a perfect routine. You just need to find what works for you.

    Products I Use & Love

    These are simply some of the products I’ve tried, loved, and incorporated into my own routine—from hair and skincare to wellness, fitness, and everyday staples.

    I’m always refining what works for me, but these are the products I find myself reaching for again and again.

    Hair

    Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave In Conditioner & Heat Protection

    Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner 

    Jojoba Oil

    Skin

    CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, Face Wash for Dry Skin

    Jergens Natural Glow Face Self Tanner Lotion SPF 20

    Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil

    Protini™ Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer

    The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid  (this stuff is amazing for my seasonal eczema)

    Hygiene

    TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

    Panty Liners

    Antibacterial Body & Hand Sanitizing Cloths

    Colors

    Mac Lip Stick

    Triclone™ Skin Tech Foundation

    Fenty Liquid Blush

    Fitness

    Resistance Bands

    Hip Thrust Belt

    Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands

    Nutrition

    Protein Shaker Bottle Collapsible

    Propel Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix

    Electric Heated Lunch Box

  • Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel Recipe

    Homemade Flaxseed Hair Gel Recipe


    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.

  • How I Rest Between Work Trips: My 24-Hour Routine at Home

    How I Rest Between Work Trips: My 24-Hour Routine at Home

    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-loaf
    Afternoon 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.