My Purse Must-Haves & A Gratitude Practice
It's no secret that I am a total designer bag fiend. Over the years I have perfected the size of the bag I need, as well as it's contents. For example, if my full size iPad doesn't fit in my purse, then there's a good chance it won't work for me. I typically need at least my iPad and my planner for business meetings. Also, my Macbook Air isn't much larger than my iPad - so if my iPad fits, I can usually fit my laptop in my purse if I absolutely need it.
Beyond business needs, I also have some everyday must-have-in-my-purse items:
nail clippers
pens
hand sanitizer
chapstick
ibuprofen
mints
lotion
tissues
sunglasses
eye drops (since Lasik my eyes are sensitive to light and dryness)
index cards (see why below)
I also polled my Facebook friends about what items are always in their purses. We mostly had the same items except for a few honorable mentions:
baby wipes
snacks
floss
small handgun
Most of these items probably seem pretty straight forward, but I do want to share about one of my newest must-haves: index cards. A dear friend of mine recently told me about a routine she uses to help practice gratitude. First, stick some index cards in your purse and then the next time something really awesome happens - write it down. For example: when my husband and I get to sneak away for a date night, when an old friend pops by for a visit, or when the kiddos do something cute. I write each awesome thing down on a card. The next time I feel down, I pull out my cards and read over what I've written. I am instantly reminded that whatever unpleasant thing I am currently going through will eventually pass and the Lord's blessings will take it's place.
I invite you to join me in practicing gratitude, I send many thanks to my friend Mari for the index card suggestion, and thank all my friends who shared your favorite purse items with me!
XO - Olivia
Update - I was recently able to buy my dream bag and am still surprised at the “extra” supplies I am able to tote around in it (pictured above).
You may also be interested in this post: My Favorite Resale Shops.