How I’m Prepping for Two Weeks Off as a Full-Time Creator

(And What’s in My Japan Suitcase)

In just a T-3 weeks, I’ll be getting on a plane with my two boys, Gavyn and Hunter, and flying halfway across the world to Japan — something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl. It’s a trip I have planned and saved for, and also one I never wanted to take with my ex - strange, huh? The vibes weren’t there, so I didn’t want to travel anywhere with him lol.

I digress. In this post, I wanted to answer a few questions that came up during my weekly Instagram Q&A last week— how does a full time content creator take time off? And what are you packing? Which, of course led me to think, these questions would make great topics for this week’s Substack post! 😊

Here’s the honest part no one really talks about: as a full-time content creator and recipe developer, taking two weeks off isn’t as simple as putting up an “out of office” reply and hopping on a flight. No one else can cover for me. I develop my own recipes, film and edit them, I write my own newsletters and Substack and do my own posting. All that to say, the weeks leading up to a “break” are twice as busy as usual and require a lot of planning, so I will break it down for you.

In addition to the work prep, I’ve also gotten a head start on packing, and that’s because I am the queen of forgetting important things at home. BUT NOT THIS TIME. So I’ll show you what I’m bringing.

me + @chefbai deep in work mode

Prepping for time off

The reality is, I am not really taking time off in the traditional sense. While I am away, I will still be posting my own recipe content and answering important emails. I will also be sharing some of my Japan travels and editing while the kids sleep (how can I not share, I love sharing!!). I simply won’t be filming in my kitchen.

So here is what I have been doing behind the scenes:

• Developing, testing, filming, and editing 8 new recipes, in addition to the 4 recipes I share each week. This means my recipe testing is happening in the late evenings while the kids are sleeping and on my days when they are with their dad.

• Filming, editing, and submitting content for August sponsored content.

• Writing and scheduling content for my newsletter, Substack and Instagram.

• Pre-loading everything into my editorial calendar so nothing falls through the cracks and I know what I am posting, when.

• Meeting with my manager and team to discuss deliverables, timelines, and expectations for partnerships while I am away.

I always like to share the behind the scenes, because there is a lot that goes into the final, polished version of the videos you see posted on Instagram and most people are surprised when they see how much goes into the business of content creation!

Packing Essentials

Ok, so I will admit, packing for trips gives me anxiety. I never know what to bring and I am someone that likes to dress according to my mood and how I feel in my body; so traveling kind of takes that away because it’s like — you wear what you pack and that’s that. In addition, I haven’t packed for two kids for 2 weeks away. The only way I am staying sane is to be super organized and not wait until the last minute. I have started packing now.

The one thing I know to be true is that Japan in August is hot af and muggy and humid. But I don’t mind at all. I’m one of those people that loves being hot more than being cold.

So far as outfits go, I am going to keep it simple and be a repeat outfit offender because yes, I want to save room in my luggage to shop. So all of us are bringing 4 pairs of shorts, 6 shirts, 12 pairs of underwear (if you’re in need for some new bras and undies, I just got some seamless options from EBY & I’m OBSESSED) and socks, and 3-4 “nicer” outfits for evenings out. I am also limiting shoes to 2 pairs for the boys and 3 pairs for myself. I don’t expect to workout while I am away, but I will pack 2 sets of workout clothes just in case I get to sneak in a short workout on The Sculpt Society app in the hotel room.

I always link all of my clothes/products on my Shopmy & Amazon Storefront for you guys!

Now that I’ve got the clothes down, here are my suitcases and what essentials I am bringing:

Rimowa luggage - I am fully aware that Rimowa luggage is expensive but I like nice things that will last a lifetime, so I invested in a nice Rimowa set.

Packing cubes - so important for maximizing space in your suitcase! They also help me find things easier too!

Shoe bags - these are a new addition to my packing routine and obsessed because there is nothing worse than when your dirty shoes touch clean clothes!

Extra battery packs for phone - love this one because it has multiple cords to charge all the things.

Kids digital cameras w SIM cards - so they can take pictures on the trip of whatever they want

Headphones - specifically noise cancelling haha.

Travel LEGO storage boxes - the flight is going to be long, so need to bring some activities for the kids! These are great and compact!!

Travel pillows for the plane - these clip around your suitcase so they’re super easy to travel with!

Emergency first aid kit - because there’s nothing worse than a blister, scrape, or surprise kid meltdown with no bandaid in sight.

Phone/watch/iPad chargers - even better, this one can charge all three!

Hand sanitizer - Touchland is a fav of mine and the kids love them too!

Travel makeup bag - I have a few but this one is my favorite because it holds EVERYTHING!

Travel jewelry case - a total game changer for keeping all of my jewelry organized and untangled.

Sunscreen - I really love this non-toxic sunscreen because it doesn’t leave that white film all over my skin. My boys like this one too.

Portable fan - to help make the humidity a little better

Fav amazon sunglasses - I love these because they look like the St. Laurent glasses but they’re cheap. No biggie if they get lost!

Collagen single packets: You guys know I cannot live a day without my favorite collagen. When I travel, I need to bring them with me in the single size packets, so I don’t need to lug the big ass bottle with me everywhere. Get them here, and remember to stock up because they always sell out, especially this time of year. Remember, anytime you spend $150+, you get 15% off plus free shipping with my link!

Probiotic packets: I swear by these probiotics. I stopped taking my beloved Seed a few months ago because I found the equivalent that are better and cheaper. And they are NOT in pill form. These are “pixie sticks” that you just dump in your mouth and go. So yummy, so effective, and so budget friendly. They are also BOGO now - basically 2 months for $29 which is insane! Get them here!

I have a big list on my Amazon storefront with ALLLLL my travel essentials I have acquired over the years. Check everything out here.

As always, thank you for being here and supporting my journey! I have some pretty exciting news to share when I get back from Japan - and hint: it starts with a weekly exclusive meal prep series where I show you how to meal prep and create healthy meals for the entire week, on a major budget. Be sure to subscribe to my Substack to be the first to see how it’s going to work. It might just change your life!

xo,

Nicole