Show What’s in Your Bag
Many women seemingly live out of their purses.It appears others can name any items, and they can magically produce those items like magicians. In fact, some women have large purses that function almost like miniature suitcases. However, they also tend to carry far more than they actually need to carry. You may want to effectively stock your purse with the essentials without lugging around unnecessary extras. Here are the top 10 types of items you should always carry in your purse, in addition to your wallet.
1. Water and a Snack
If you have a busy schedule, you might have trouble squeezing in time to stop for food or drinks. Solve that problem by keeping water and non-perishable snacks in your purse. Water is especially important since your body needs it for many reasons, including joint lubrication. If you do not want to carry a large bottle of water in your purse, consider carrying a collapsible water bottle instead. That way, you can fill it quickly wherever you go, drink from it when needed, and quickly collapse it again.
When selecting snack foods to stash in your purse, be careful. Not all snacks travel well. One great option is to pack a few individually wrapped granola bars before you leave the house for the day. You can eat them anywhere, and they cannot spill in your purse. Other options include:
- Nuts
- Dried Fruits
- Trail Mix
- Jerky
- Crackers
2. Personal “Must Have” Items
Personal “must have” items are items unique to you and your preferences or needs. They are the items you simply cannot live without. You might feel attachments to some items for sentimental reasons. Others might be necessary for your work or personal activities. Some examples of such items include:
- House or Work Keys
- Family Photographs
- Reading Glasses
- Business Cards
- Lucky Charms
3. Something to Do
There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere, such as on a commuter train or bus, with nothing to do. Try packing a novel or crossword puzzle book for longer trips. You can also pack earbuds if you like to listen to music. If you tend to amuse yourself by playing games on your cellphone, always keep a spare phone charger in your purse.
4. Medications
There are two types of medications you always need in your purse. They are prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescribed medications are most important. For example, you may need to carry an epinephrine pen (epi-pen) in case of major allergic reactions. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, may also require you to take important medications with you everywhere you go. Carrying OTC medications like pain relievers is also important. You never know when a headache or other mild ailment may strike.
5. First Aid Items
According to the American Red Cross, it is always important to keep a first aid kit handy. You may not be able to store a full kit in your purse, but there are certain first aid items you can easily take with you on the go. Always keep items like bandages and disinfectant ointments in your purse for emergencies. Cuts and scratches often occur at the worst possible times and in the worst possible locations. Prepare for those situations, and you could save yourself or another person in a time of need.
6. Your Favorite Cosmetics
Makeup has been a staple of the fashion world since the late 1800s. Although, today’s cosmetics are certainly far different from the early cosmetics offered by companies like Avon. Today, you have many different cosmetics options, including Nabila K! Some of the best contain natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals. Keep those cosmetics handy by getting a zippered makeup pouch to keep in your purse. Stock it with your favorite essentials, like lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush.
7. Personal Care Items
If you are like most women, you probably already keep sanitary napkins or tampons in your purse. However, there are other personal care items that can come in handy on the go. For example, you may want to keep an extra stick of deodorant or some perfume in your purse. You may also want breath mints or breath spray to help you prepare for unexpected business or social interactions. And, of course, in this day and age, some kind of hand sanitizer.
8. Hair Items
Short hair does not require a lot of on-the-go care. However, if you have long tresses, you may want to keep certain hair items in your purse. Bobby pins or hair elastics can help you keep unruly hair in check. You may even want to keep a hairbrush or hair spray in your purse. Then you can adjust your look on the fly wherever there is a mirror.
9. Safety Items
As an independent individual, you may travel alone quite often. If so, you must keep personal safety in mind. Today, there are many products designed for personal safety that can fit in a purse. Pepper spray is a common option. You can also opt to carry a light that might temporarily blind an assailant. A third option is a small alarm you can pull or press to make a shrill noise when you are in danger.
10. Pen and Paper
Now, most people do not think to carry a pen and paper. Texting and calling have become so simple that it is often unnecessary to write a note. However, there are times when taking notes, making lists, or leaving notes for other people is still important. When you keep a pen and paper handy, you are prepared for any situation and can also help other people out in a pinch.
What’s in Your Bag?
If you are like me, you have more than one handbag. There are purses for seasonal wear, and I have certain clutches that I like to use on more formal or festive occasions. Each of these are left stocked with a variation on the items listed above. It is a definite timesaver when you can pull out a purse to go out and know it already has everything you need in it. At the end of each day, upon returning, I set aside about 10 minutes to go through my purse to empty out anything that doesn’t belong there, like loose paper, wrappers, etc. That way, the purse is ready for the next time I need it!
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