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.
Hello! I’m Diva, a Spanish/Belgian-born Beijinger, simply because I have been here for the longest time. Funny story, Diva is actually a nickname that was given to me back in the days when I was still a performing artist. Nowadays, I am an A.C.E (American Council On Exercise) Certified Fitness Instructor & Influencer that has found a way of combining my love for movement and wellness together. I am geared towards creating meaningful and impactful workouts for women. My message is clear: I seek to empower and inspire healthier lifestyles through my programs.
I can’t pinpoint why I particularly love this bag, but to keep it simple, it’s all-in-one – a bit like me with my many faces – casual, sporty, or fashionista. On any other day, you’ll catch me with a handbag but the contents are usually similar, with a few extra items such as wet wipes, my workout gear, and more lipstick.
Inside I have my coffee cup to consume my daily fuel of freshly brewed Blue Mountain Coffee – I totally admit my addiction to coffee – which I switch with hot water because it apparently cures everything when the weather’s cold. Then I have my trusty notebook. As a content creator I use it to plan, structure, organize or lay out my vision of new, engaging, and exciting content for my brand. Most times these ideas flash by sporadically so having my notebook at hand gives me the opportunity to jot down these ideas and pursue them. Not forgetting my pen, you can’t have too many of these (buys another pen).
The next item on my list is my computer, a good enough size to fit both in my satchel and handbag. I need it as I am always creating a poster, editing a video, or making sure I don’t miss any emails or important events (yes, I eventually transfer what I’ve scribbled in my notebook to my computer). Then of course I have my phone, which is indispensable as an influencer. Not to forget my headphones because life would be boring without music, but also because it is an essential tool I use for designing my content, as everything is rhythm-based.
Finally, my make-up bag which I always carry, because as much as I love a natural look, a little mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick doesn’t hurt anybody. You’ll notice many lipsticks because a woman can’t own too many of these and I can’t decide on just one shade for the day. My lipstick usually matches my mood… I also have a hydrating face mist for any time of the day, because Beijing weather is dry, and it also allows for a freshen-up before applying make-up, especially when you’re on the go. Then I’ve got body mist, perfume, and deodorant because you can’t be smelling any other way but fresh.
Don’t forget the mask because you know, you’re not only protecting yourself but others too.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our Official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
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Images: Diva
