A reader recently emailed me asking about what’s inside my purse, which reminded them of Mary Poppins’ magical bag. Their curiosity gave me the perfect excuse to clean out my purse and take a closer look at everything tucked away in there. As I went through it, I realized it’s truly packed with a wide array of items—everything except a lamp, perhaps! But hey, it provides a workout with its weight, so that’s a plus.
My purse does triple duty as a diaper bag and an on-the-go survival kit, so it often contains a mix of necessities. I aimed for a post that resembles those “What’s in her bag?” features in magazines, but I’m definitely not the type to just toss lip gloss into a tiny clutch. If you weren’t convinced I’m a bit quirky from making my own deodorant and toothpaste, you might think so now.
First off, my purse is a Saddleback Leather Tote, by far the most expensive accessory I’ve purchased. I saved up for it, considering it a worthwhile investment because it comes with a 100-year warranty that you can pass down to your heirs. It’s so well-made and practical—it holds its shape, doesn’t tip over, and fits all sorts of smaller bags inside. It can be worn cross-body or over the shoulder and has an inside pouch for essentials like a wallet or checkbook, plus a metal hook for my keys to prevent them from getting lost or taken by my kids.
Two things I always carry are my phone in an Otterbox case (thanks to having kids) and a Moleskine notebook. The notebook is perfect for jotting down lists (my OCD loves it) and random blog ideas that pop into my head.
Being a doula, I keep several essentials with me: magnesium oil, rescue remedy, and herbal hand sanitizer and breath spray from Tropical Traditions. While I’m not a habitual hand sanitizer user, it’s handy for unexpected situations like impromptu visits to the park or using a port-a-potty.
Marrying into a family of outdoor enthusiasts has taught me to always be prepared. Inside my bag, there’s a smaller bag with various survival items.
With kids around, someone is always craving a snack or drink. I carry a Klean Kanteen with water and a Lunchbot with snacks like nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. A hungry toddler in a crowded store isn’t something I want to deal with!
I also have a small bag with first aid and health essentials. It includes a jar of coconut oil and small bottles of essential oils and tinctures. I carry these in tiny glass amber bottles.
Cloth diapering, especially with two kids still in diapers, is a time and space-saver. I keep a couple of one-size diapers in a wet bag, ready to adjust for either child as needed. Once used, they just go in the wash when we get home.
In case of emergencies or food poisoning, I carry a pill container with capsules of cayenne, activated charcoal, and probiotics.
Why the need for a bag within a bag? For organization, of course! My husband found these Eagle Creek Quarter Cube Pack-It Bags, which fit perfectly in my Saddleback purse. I can fit up to four, and they help keep everything neatly organized.
The random contents of my purse change daily, but that’s a peek into my (40 lb) purse. How about you? What’s the most unusual thing you have in your purse right now?
