Bags!

Of course a girl needs her bag! I am no exception. I love them-there are all sorts of shapes, colors and textures. But, my formula for everyday is a tote AND a clutch/small bag. Over the course of the day there are so many things that need to be done. Whether we are attending meetings, chauffeuring kids, running errands or meeting people, it is nice to have one place to put everything. This is where the tote comes in handy. In the morning, as I am getting ready/making lunches/preparing for the day, I drop what I need in my tote. Having several totes in different colors is a luxury. This way I am coordinated throughout the day. But, I don’t need to drag everything into each place and this is where the clutch or bag comes in handy. If I’m just running into a meeting I might just take my small purse. It has my cellphone, wallet and keys. My make-up bag is not needed and is tucked into the tote for between tasks. Sometimes though, we need the whole thing – maybe you will be waiting for a while and/or have kids with you. Just because you don’t have a baby anymore, a child (diaper)bag is great. The tote serves all these purposes, holding snacks, water bottles, tablets, kleenex and whatever else needed. Plus, the tote serves as a reminder – once I have cleared it out I have finished my tasks, but things I might forget about (oh, I was supposed to mail something) is waiting in the tote as a reminder.

At the end of the day, the tote and purse gets emptied. My wallet, make up bag and keys are put away for tomorrow. The act of emptying the bag everyday takes a little discipline, but it is worth it because nothing gets lost and has the chance to be put away and dealt with. Instead of thinking of this as a chore, I like to think of it as a luxury. I am taking a little bit of time to take care of myself and my things. Tomorrow will be easier because I know where everything is. Time is the biggest luxury because we can’t get more of it. Instead of this being a hassle it is a moment to pause and think. We can spend a few minutes packing and unpacking our own bags – just like we do with our kids backpacks.