My mother was considered a bag lady, in a literal sense. During winters when we’d travel to Atlanta for our church convention or to South Carolina to visit Aunt Grace by way of Amtrak, my mother was more than prepared with bags full of whatever we’d need along the way. Fried chicken sandwiches, check. Wrigley’s Doublemint gum, check. Tissue, check. A bag for trash, check. My bag filled with my most prized possessions (usually a doll and activity books of many kinds), check. Sweaters, coin purse, tambourine, reading glasses, pens… She had it all. I, too, am like my mother, prepared with a pocketbook full of essentials. Here are a few of my favorite things.
1. The Handbag: My bag of choice lately has been my seven-year-old LV Neverfull. It’s classic, timeless, and super spacious. The quality is unmatched and I’ve even used it as a carry-on, stuffing my laptop, and tablet, among a million other things without any damage or wear and tear. I usually carry a purse hook in this bag. It comes in handy at restaurants or when there is limited space in public areas. I hang it near and keep my essentials safe.
2. Journal, Writing Tools, & Business Cards: I launched Little Mavericks a few years ago and my mind is constantly consumed with creative thoughts. I always have a journal of some sort to jot down thoughts and inspirations. I sometimes even write poetry, current happenings, gratitudes, and gripes. Business cards are a must! These tiny ones were designed using MOO.
3. Glasses (not pictured): I swear by Ray Bans. They’ve been the most durable out of all the brands I’ve tried. Plus, I love their distinctive shape and vintage designs from the ’70s. I’m currently rocking Nomads.
4. Perfume: I love Philosophy products. My daily spritz is their Pure Grace fragrance, which features notes of crisp soap and water (LOL, that’s how the website describes it). I keep a travel size in my purse at all times.
5. Hand Sanitizer: No germs for me! I love these travel-size antibacterial hand sprays.
6. Lip balm: Because who wants ashy lips? I choose eos Lip Balm every chance I get. This ball of moisturizer lasts a long time, too.
7. Poo Spray: Pooohweee! When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to GO. While I try my best to keep toilet time to my lovely home sweet home, during emergencies, I keep the funk at bay with Poo-purri. It minimizes odor and gives peace of mind. No smelly wellies in my stall. LOL.
8. Earphones: I am a music lover and prefer to listen to music any chance I get. My current blasters are Beats. Not my fave, just currents.
9. The Blue Pouch: “Because I’m a lady.” -Sheneneh Jenkins from Martin (LOL)
I carry personal items such as sanitary napkins, floss, hand cream, Aleve, etc. I love The Honeypot Company products.
10. My Phone (not pictured): No explanation really needed. Though I’m unattached, my phone comes in handy when I need GPS, an appointment reminder, or a quick laugh from an Instagram post.
11. Hanky: I’ve been carrying hankies since a little girl. It’s helpful in Japan being that most restrooms do not have paper towels.
12. Altoids: Who doesn’t like peppermint?
I switch bags from time to time but my essentials remain the same.
What’s in your handbag?