what’s in my bag {spring edition}

By now, you girl know that I’m a complete and total bag lady. Since I travel so often, I’m always on the go and need to have all of the essentials close at hand. I basically carry my entire life with me in my car, but I’m trying (keyword: trying) to simplify what I carry each day to simplify my life. Less clutter means less anxiety, and I can use a lot less anxiety in my life right now. Less clutter also means that I can actually find things. What’s the point of having a purse filled with everything you could ever need if your bag is a unorganized, bottomless pit of receipts, coins, random lipsticks, and gum? 

This spring, I’ve simplified what I take with me and created a new organizational system that works for my lifestyle. Every single item goes into a bag or pocket. No exceptions. Every item has a specific home in my bag, so I know exactly where I can find all of my necessities. I’ve even eliminated my wallet to discourage myself from carrying excess cards or receipts. I keep my IDs, credit cards, and important gift cards in a pouch with a few coupons. If I need to keep a receipt for taxes, I simply snap a picture with my phone and upload it to my computer. 

There is one thing that I refuse to eliminate from my handbag’s contents: style. Each and every item is functional but also cute. I keep my items organized in soft pouches with fun patterns, and I try to find all of my essentials in bright colors and bold prints inspired by the spring season. Maybe it’s the blogger in me, but I even like for my pens and Kleenex to be cute!  I blame it on my ballerina heritage, but whatever- it makes me happy! And now on to my bag…

My first pouch contains my most reached for items: keys, ID and credit cards, pens, sunglasses, and Kleenex slim packs. My allergies are notorious in my family- especially in the spring. With all of the new blooms, my allergies have decided to show me who’s boss. I’m constantly sniffling, sneezing, and wiping my runny eyes, so Kleenex tissues are an absolute necessity for me. Sunglasses are another item that I can never be without. The Florida sun is unrelenting the spring and summer, and the glare can be horrible when you’re driving on a sunny day. Plus, I’m an optometrist’s wife, so I’ve got to keep my eye’s healthy. Oh, and they also conveniently cover my face enough, so that I can look decent even without makeup on- hallelujah!

Without a doubt, Kleenex tissues are the most used item in my purse. I’m constantly buying the travel packs (the slim travel packs are my favorite!), so I like to buy new designs each time I’m at the store. I recently went to the Kleenex Style Studio website and found these adorable new prints designed by one of my favorite designers, Isaac Mizrahi. I love that the packaging is convenient and efficient but still cute and fun. The bright pastel floral print is my current favorite. In addition to my bag, I carry these little pouches of tissues in my car, suitcases, and in random drawers around my house. 

I’m loving my simplified spring bag. It may seem like a small victory, but the fact that I haven’t lost my keys or cell phone in a week is kind of unheard of for me. Let’s see how long I can keep it up!