Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle, we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expat parents each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
Hannah Northcott is a mom of two, drama teacher, certified yoga instructor, and co-founder of Well Women. She shares stories and strategies to live well, love well, and be well through workshops and Well Women’s various platforms. Styling items from clothing auctions is her jam and she shares outfit inspirations on Well Style. Originally from Manila, she has lived in Michigan, New York, Vancouver, Kuala Lumpur, and has spent the last decade here in Beijing.
So Hannah, tell us… What’s in your bag?
“I love this striped Michael Kors bag that my mom gave me for Christmas. It’s my Mary Poppins bag that carries the different things that I need for the multiple roles that I play in life.“
The Mac is a must-have item for work but even with multiple devices, I like going old school with pen and paper. This journal keeps my thoughts, to-do lists, notes from meetings, and inspiration that pop up on any given day.
I have a bag within a bag and a pair of sunglasses. This small purse easily transports my phone and ID tag around work.
Athletic Greens (travel pack) is the daily nutritional drink that fuels my body with all the good stuff it needs. I hydrate often and my kids are always hungry so I carry around a water bottle and small snack containers.
An organizer kit houses the little things that I need to freshen up.
I’m currently directing a play, The Audition, by Don Zolidis at ISB where I teach MS Drama. I carry this script and of course, a mask, everywhere I go.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our Official Jingkids WeChat account, or leave a comment below!
KEEP READING: What’s In Your Bag? With Engineer & Expat Mom Eva Biehl
Images: Courtesy of Hannah Northcott, Priss Baxter
