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I begin this blog by admitting that I am not by any means a purse fashionista. I couldn’t tell a Gucci bag from a Guffi one. For me, a purse has one purpose; carrying the stuff you can’t bear to leave at home.
Recently I purchased a new purse with one thought in mind – I wanted to be able to fit a full-size notebook inside. This is because I like to go to the mall or the park to write, and I wanted one bag in which to lug all my accouterments. My sisters say it looks like I’m carrying around a suitcase, but it works for me.
I have a friend who has a teeny, tiny purse and can fit everything she needs inside it. Cell phone, keys, undersized wallet, and sunglasses. There isn’t room for anything else except for one of those really skinny tubes of lipstick.
I have those same things in my purse. It’s just that I also have about two dozen pens and pencils, the notebook, my Kindle, a copy of Taming an Impossible Rogue (in case I run into Joss Whedon or Ron Howard and they’re looking for a good book to make into a movie), a checkbook, another (smaller) pad of paper, a camera, breath mints, a bottle of water, flavored stuff to put in the water, and a few other miscellaneous pieces of vital equipment for being me.
My friend says I’m being ridiculous and I’m going to injure my shoulder or my back because I haul too much around. To prove that everything I take with me is vital, I reached into the purse and randomly pulled out three items. Unfortunately, they were 1) an orange plastic spider left over from Halloween, 2) a green, unwrapped crayon my nephew must have thrown in there when I wasn’t looking, and 3) a snack bag of pulverized gold fish crackers.
Okay, maybe I do over-pack my purse. But am I the only one who does that? I want you to pull three random items from your purse or backpack or briefcase. Are you a streamlined goer? A hopeless over-packer? A responsible aunt who merely wants to be prepared for any emergency? Tell the truth, now!
I pulled out my purse, a prescription and a clean pair of undies. Usually my handbag is fairly full with about 4 pens (because you can never tell when it one will run out), two books (because I might finish one and am a fair way from home), a clean pair of undies (in case of an accident), my antidepressant prescription, a healthcare card and a number of old receipts left from whatever. Oh and my purse lives in the handbag too. I did used to pack a mini first aid kit in my handbag too. I probably should get there and create a new one for myself . . .
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:46 am.
See, now you sound prepared, Kelly. I can get behind that.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:10 am.
Well, I do not use a purse unless it is too warm out for a coat and I’m planning on a doctor visit. So let me find it and see what is inside.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:03 am.
A pen, small notepad and coughdrops.
Next month I have a doctor appointment. So I will add a book, wallet, my prescriptions, spare car key and a list of my blood pressure readings. Depending on the last time I got my mail, I may take the key to the post office box.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:09 am.
You go purseless, Tina? (I think I just had a heart palpatation.) *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:11 am.
Congrats on Taming an Impossible Rogue! I wish you much success. I don’t carry a purse very often. Other Half says I will leave it somewhere. (This is a true statement. I am scatter brained sometimes!) Ok. Three random. First I pulled out a notebook. Hhhmmmm, that’s where that old manuscript is. Second was a pair if clean socks. Finally, I pulled out a book. Oops, A Light at Winter’s End. That’s where that went! Sorry Julia! *g* I guess after I get done reading all of Tuesdays releases I will get back to that one! Again, good luck!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:53 am.
Thanks, Kelly! The stuff in your purse sounds pretty logical to me. And I won’t tell Julia that you forgot where you put her book.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:14 am.
When I worked as a nanny, the dad used to call me the bag lady. I’d have a huge bag with everything I could possibly need for the day plus a tote with crafts, a cookbook, maybe a change of clothes( I’ve gotten barfed/peed/pooped on more times than I care to count, thank you). Now that I just have to think about me, I have one of those smallish
cross-body bags that holds sunglasses, small wallet, asthma puffer and lipbalm. only! ahhh!
Sadly, I have several different of these bags in differnet styles, sizes and colours.
2 hold only my wallet and and meds. 1 holds everything plus a book, pen and pad, paperback and yet more room. 2 are the same size as the one I’m currently using, but in different colours.
let’s not even talk about the many many many other purses hiding in a suitcase in my closet.
sigh. I’m still a bag lady.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:33 am.
oh! and I just pulled out sunglasses, a wallet, and one tissue. lol
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:38 am.
I don’t think you’re a bag lady Kathy, you’re Mary Poppins!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:08 am.
I agree with Kelly, Kathy. Definitely Mary Poppins. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:15 am.
My wallet, aspirin and a pen. I also carry with me a book, a small makeup bag with emergency items. I used to have a mini first aid kit too so I’ll have to put that back in. Nice to know that I’m not the only who carries a lot of stuff with her too. When my purse is fully packed I could probably survive a few days because of what’s in it. I too carry water and something to eat.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:34 am.
Exactly, aida. When the zombie apocalypse comes, everybody will be coming to us for bandaids and snacks. And we will rule the Earth. ;->
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:16 am.
Breath mints, tiny notebook (as opposed to the big one for writing–I do that too) and a rubber banded stack of ‘Do you have our discount card?’ cards.
I’m a packer too. I like to have my stuff!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:44 am.
Stuff is important, Deb!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:16 am.
Your checkbook?! You still carry your checkbook? Is it 1990 inside your handbag? Use your debit card and make your bag 3 oz. lighter.
Like you, I carry heaps of stuff because I don’t have the memory to resupply my bag for whatever that day will bring.
Ereader
iPhone
Blackberry
drugs for headaches, migraine, agita, allergies and air sickness
make up (lose my luggage, will you? I won’t panic)
footies for sore feet
power ‘coz have mentioned I don’t like humidity?
In the words of Romy & Michelle, I’m an “important business woman”, I can’t keep running to the drug store to re-buy this crap, er, stuff.
Yeah, my bag is heavy but it’s also great looking.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:05 am.
Fresh, as long as it looks good is the main thing coz you have to admit that there is some pretty crappy looking little handbags out there isn’t there? And if it carries everything then it’s all that much better.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:02 am.
That mint has hair on it, doesn’t it? I’m impressed that you don’t have a debit card. That’s quite a hold out. good luck with that zombie apocalypse.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:30 pm.
Amen, Kelly. Amen. Don’t make me look at an ugly handbag.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
Ah, Fresh, I don’t have a debit card. And according to a wrapped peppermint I just found in my purse, it’s actually 1987 in there. *g*
Your purse makes sense for as much traveling as you do. I, alas, have no excuse — except for the forementioned coming zombie apocalypse. Ahem.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:20 am.
So, about three years ago I decided that I was sick of lugging around stuff. I took my wallet, grabbed cash, my ID, My CCs and other important cards and stuffed it in a small ‘wallet’ that literally just holds that. That is attached to my keys. This, my friends, is all I carry, in a pocket with my cell phone. Recently I added some allergy pills to the little pouch. The entire set up fits in my jeans pocket. As for my pockets, if I reach in for 3 things, I’ll come out with a pack of gum, my wallet, my cellphone and maybe a hanky. That’s all I carry.
Of course, if you asked me what I keep in my car, we’d have a whole different story!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:14 am.
That’s crazy, cail! You survive with only a wallet? You are a true goddess.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:21 am.
This is so me, Suzanne. The other day I was carrying my purse around wondering why it felt so heavy. I dug inside and found a water bottle. When did I put that there?
I have been looking for the perfect purse for YEARS. Not too big, but can hold all my stuff.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:33 am.
For a while I was using one of those bags that are supposed to replace the plastic ones that supermarkets pack your groceries in as a carry all. It held everything I needed it to but it looked butt ugly and I kept losing my phone in it.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:12 am.
I’m glad it’s not just me. But aren’t we the go-to gals when somebody suddenly needs a pencil? Or an aspirin? Or a towel? GG
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:22 am.
My purse is too big, but like you I want to be able to have everything on hand. I’m much better now than when my purse was also a diaper bag.
Let’s see, what have I pulled out of there? Purell, kleenex a pen. See? Need them. I also have plenty of room for my phone, my kindle or a book and my wallet, which is huge and has my checkbook, money, pictures and credit cards as well as important business cards.
See, need all of it!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:35 am.
We’re like purse boy scouts, Lori, aren’t we? Always prepared.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:23 am.
I HATE big purses and heavy packers!!! I only carry the necessary! In My medium/smallish size purse right now, while at school: wallet, car keys, pencil case, iPhone, iPad, iPhone/iPad charger. The End.
No makeup, no nothing else. I didn’t even bring candy today! (I could buy it here, though!)
I pack light and go small!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:52 am.
You’re too efficient, B! I am not nearly as organized as you are.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:25 am.
Technically, my purse is fairly empty other than my wallet and a keychain loaded with spare keys to everything and a keychain loaded with all those annoying cards every store makes you use for their sales. Of course, I never go anywhere without my totebag in addition to my purse and in there – think of it as a ‘survival bag’. I’ve got medications for headaches, muscle spasms, nail clippers, tweezers, first aid kit, food stores, disposible toothbrushes with the paste already on them, handcream, silverware, cellphone and kindle chargers, sweatshirt, and I am sure there are things in there that I don’t even remember being put in there. No, not totally crazy…it originally started out as my ‘work’ bag because I never know whether I am going to be forced over to work…then it really started to become handy when my parents would end up in the hospital and I’d be stuck there for days at a time – now its my ‘never leave home without it’ bag – but technically it is not a purse.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:59 am.
So you actually have two purses, wendy. *g* I like that idea. One for each shoulder.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:18 pm.
For back and forth to work I have a cute smallish purse that holds just a few things; wallet, phone, carmex, makeup bag and some folded pieces of paper. But then work has a drawer full of life essentials and the drive is all of 6 minutes.
But when I travel I carry a large bag that could keep us alive on a desert island for weeks!
Having been raised in the wilds of northern Wisconsin the trunk of my car still has everything you could possibly need to build a small shelter, outfit it and then light a forest fire!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:00 am.
Your car is your purse, then, right, kez? Heh heh.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:19 pm.
I must say, this has forced me to look inside my purse which I haven’t done in a very long time. I usually just reach my hand in and fish around until I come up with what I am looking for. It usually takes a few swipes, but eventually I will find it.
Reaching my hand in all I grab at first are old grocery receipts. I usually just stuff them in my purse when the cashier hands them to me. If I dig deeper, I find a pair of youngest daughters underwear, a granola bar and a bag of wetwipes. My wallet, blackberry, keys and some of youngest toys are in there, as well. I also have a side pocket, this is where I keep my lipstick, hand sanitizer and gum.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:27 am.
Amy, I don’t want to scare you, but your purse sounds a lot like mine.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
I don’t have much in my purse my wallet(with no money because I never have any money)my keys and a pen.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:36 am.
You sound very streamlined, Gail. I am not streamlined, in any sense of the word. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:32 pm.
I love purses, but my current go-to bag is a wristlet. It wouldn’t have room for a mini notebook, the first chapter of TAMING AN IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE, or even a lone fish cracker. It has room for my iPhone, credit cards, and a small amount of cash.
I think the amount of stuff I carry is usually determined by the size of the purse, rather than the other way around. In other words, I’ll carry as much stuff as can fit. I have found with this tiny purse that I don’t actually need a lot of the stuff I carry. If I want to go somewhere with a notebook, I can just carry the notebook sans purse.
Tell us if you meet Ron Howard! He’s love the sweeping historical romance of TAMING AN IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:50 am.
A wristlet? Where do you put your bottle of water? Or your bag of crackers?
And thank you, Susan, for working TAMING AN IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE into your reply twice. You’re a true friend. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:34 pm.
TAMING AN IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:49 pm.
Snort.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:38 pm.
I have a small purse that when opened expands. There isn’t any room for extra stuff, that’s why I also have a book bag.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:51 am.
I read a fantasy book once where the heroine’s purse was actually a doorway into a fourth dimension. She carried everything in there, including a boat and a tent, in a tiny little handbag. Is that what yours does when it expands, kay?
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:36 pm.
Reaching unto my purse I pulled out my checkbook, wallet & hand sanitizer. Of course I also carry either my ereader or a book all the time; cell phone; small calculator; lip balm; pens; a notebook; hand lotion; gift cards and pictures of our grandkids.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:10 am.
Now all that stuff sounds necessary, Sue. You’re far too organized.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
I normally like to have a small purse that just carries the stuff I need, otherwise I will fill it with crap. When I travel, I do switch to a bigger purse to carry extra stuff, especially my Nook.
So here’s 3 random things: Godiva Pearls, aspirin, and a scrunchy.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:12 am.
You eatin’ those pearls? can I have some?
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:32 pm.
Fresh, I’m afraid by the time I get them to you, they’d be gone, especially if I got stuck in traffic on 80.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
Sorry, SuzyQ, my mind shut down after I read the words “Godiva Pearls”. ;-D
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:39 pm.
I pulled out my wallet, my checkbook and my Kindle. I do carry a very full medium size bag and really need to clean it out. I too get told that I carry too much stuff with me but I really do feel as if I need all of the things inside it….but maybe not…lol
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:16 am.
No, Maria they’re all necessary! Don’t listen to those streamlining people!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
Hey Suzanne! Hope you had a great release day! I’m streamlined. If I reach in, I pull out: cell phone, notebook (1/2 size
), tube of lipstick. If I were to dig a bit deeper I’d find the undersized wallet, pens and gum. That’s it!
However, I do have to keep my purse on the smaller size. Anytime I’ve tried to upgrade to the really cute larger models, I end up pulling out things like a pacifier for my niece (who lives three hours away).
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:17 am.
Maybe that’s what I need to do, Haley; buy a tiny purse so I simply won’t have room for all the junk — I mean, supplies — I have in there now.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:16 pm.
Oh for the want of a good handbag! I am in dire need of a new one. My FOACH (IE. Fake Coach) bag that I snagged from my sister a couple of years ago has definitely seen better days. I carry so much crap in that thing too that it is crazy. I’ve got my adorable Vera Bradley wallet (which holds a plethora of things in itself), phone, occasionally a checkbook or 2, deposit slips for the bank, receipts, chapstick, pens gift cards and just about anything else I can manage to cram into it. My ereader does sometimes fit in it but right now, it is just crammed too full and the ereader is in my pool bag from our last trip to the beach. (yes I live a 30 min drive from the beach and its lovely here in Florida so we’ve already begun the season).
I really do need a new handbag but I can’t allow myself to spend any decent money on one. I’ve been looking for a new bag for almost a year and still haven’t found one I like. Ah well, when the munchkin is better, I’m hitting the consignment shops so we’ll see if I stumble upon anything there
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:18 am.
Now THAT sounds like a purse, Jen. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:17 pm.
LOL, I pulled out my checkbook, my little bag with my tweezers and cuticle clippers in them, and a scratch-off ticket that I won $4 that I still need to cash in.
Luckily for me, I just cleaned about 5 pounds of crap out of my purse yesterday, so if this had been the blog question yesterday, Heaven only knows what I would have pulled out. I threw away receipts, straw wrappers, napkins, gum wrappers, expired coupons I had intention of using (but forgot I had!), etc. I had gotten tired of not being able to find anything, so I cleaned it out yesterday. It still has a lot of stuff in it though.
I would like to go back to a smaller one though. It seems like if I carry a bigger purse, I keep cramming stuff in it. If I carry a smaller purse, I clean it out much more often, so it’s easier on my shoulder and back.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:45 am.
I desperately need a new purse though…this one is quite literally falling apart. I got it at Sam Moon, and it’s remarkably lasted me two years.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:47 am.
I think a purse is like a house, Julie. Whatever its size, your stuff expands to fill it.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:18 pm.
Well there was that wad of receipts, my wallet and my checkbook..[our checkbook, but I have permanent custody..] I just can’t go the ‘no bag’, I’m the ‘holder’ in the family. You know, ‘Could you please put my reading glasses in your bag?’ ‘Could I stash my clip-on sunglasses in your bag?’ ‘ Will this bottle of water go in ?’ ‘Oh we don’t need a bag for that — she’ll just put in her bag……’… And I have the bad habit of just dropping any loose change down in … I pulled out several dollars just the other day.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:14 am.
Yes, Cate! That’s me! “Aunt Suz, will you hold my hat?” “Suzie, can you fit my umbrella in there?” It’s not our fault — it’s the small purse people putting extra pressure on us! *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:20 pm.
Oh… if you don’t want to ‘commit’ to a new bag… hit the Goodwill/Salvation Army or your local thrift stores… I got a Coach bag at one for only $4 [which threw my sister into a real tizzy!]
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:15 am.
I use to have a very large purse. Then, I injured my shoulder carrying in and changed over to a nice looking Coach bag that was a backpack. I wore that for years and fit books in it, along with a myriad of keys (that I still don’t know what they’re for), pills for any general ailment I might run into (headache, stomach issues, etc). I was placed on weight carrying restrictions in 2009 following a surgery I had that said my bag had to be less than 5 pounds. So, I got this really small bag that had an incorporated wallet. Even though the weight carrying restrictions eventually went away, I found I was hooked on carrying this really small bag; so, I haven’t gone back to the larger one. I have my integrated wallet, my cell phone, a few pens, a small pack of tissue, a lipstick, and that’s it. It was a weird kind of freedom.
Oh, and let me say I’ve read your new release, Taming an Impossible Rogue. It was great! Thanks for the great read!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Thanks, Joy! I’m so glad you enjoyed TaIR.
My friend warned me that I’d hurt my back with that bag, but I scoff. Maybe I should go clean it out now, though.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:22 pm.
I pulled out an empty camera case, my sunglasses (in their case), and my mom’s liquorice candies that I forgot to give back to her the last time I saw her.
No, I’m not streamlined… I’ve got a large purse, but I make many excuses as to why I have it. I have a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 year old, so I generally carry around a ziplock baggie of cheerios, goldfish crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, etc. in my purse for those emergency moments when the kids get restless and bored. I also carry around my iPad, camera, my HUGE wallet, hand wipes, keys, perhaps a toy or two, and my son’s video game system everywhere I go. And that’s not including my other essentials, like chapstick and moisturizer, etc.
I’d say that my purse weighs a good 5 to 10 lbs on any given day. Perhaps more. But when I go out, I usually have the stroller with me, so I hang it on the back, and I’m good to go.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:31 am.
Cheri, I had to admit it, but your purse may have more stuff in it than mine does. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:23 pm.
I pulled out my kindle (of course loaded with my romance books), cell charger and wallet. I keep way too much in my purse!!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:54 am.
All those sound like necessities to me, mary lynn!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:25 pm.
OMG, purses! I get ‘em big too. I like totes. I have leather totes and fancy totes and really lightweight totes for when I travel. I tend to use one purse for a long time, then switch. No changing out for fashion sake here. As for what I pulled out: a wad of receipts from my last trip (I really need to move those to the big wad waiting for tax prep); a cellophane wrapped mint that I must have picked up from some receptionist’s jar seven months ago (I wonder if it is still good); a folded copy of an exam I gave in January (I was wondering where that was.)
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:57 am.
I know someone who uses itsy bitsy purses. She has an entire collection. They are adorable. They hold zilch. But she does not walk with one shoulder down and one up, the way those of us with the full, big ones do.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:58 am.
One last thing. I do think there is such a thing as a too big purse, like the one in the pic up there. It is a matter of proportion. No purse should be larger than the measurment from your chin to your navel is what I say.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:00 am.
Isn’t that purse ridiculous? I think that’s one of the Olsen twins carrying it. I actually felt better when I saw that photo — I’m not THAT bad. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:26 pm.
Plus it is leather, so even empty it is HEAVY
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:43 pm.
My lovely, shiny red zippered wallet.. a small notebook and a point and shoot camera.
My bags usually have pens, lots of receipts in addition to a small makeup bag, wallet, camera, phone, GPS, emergency feminine items and hand sanitizer for after the dog park or playing with the animals.
I like bigger bags as I will sometimes toss in my kindle or a book, dog treats, a beverage.. who knows. I just get irked at small bags because when I move to one, it ends up I need the extra space for something silly.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:06 am.
Exactly, Sheridan. It’s better to have extra room than not enough room.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:27 pm.
I closed my eyes and reached into my mid-sized purse and pulled out… a pair of over-sized sunglasses (Vital! Bright light gives me migraines.), a small travel lotion (Vital. I get dry hands.) and a bookmark from Deb Marlowe, for her novel Tall, Dark and Disreputable. (Also vital- have you SEEN that cover?! Hoooot.)
My purse gets out of control with gum wrappers and receipts. I have to clean it out once a week or it’s just ridiculous. But, I have to say, it was the best day of my life when I was able to stop carrying a diaper bag or backpack everywhere and could once again use a purse!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:13 am.
It sounds like you’re in control of the purse, Dana. Mine took over a long time ago. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:00 pm.
Overpacker. A tape measure (looking for shelving unit for living room), knee hi (for when I try on shoes), & emory board. Generally you find a paperback book in my purse as I love to read, sometimes a broach, pony tail holder, you never know. And I like a purse that I can carry on my shoulder.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:27 am.
I need an over-the-shoulder purse too, Ginger. Mine’s too heavy to hold on my arm.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:01 pm.
Train pass; tissue; inhaler (allergy season). I also carry my Nook (which always has two or three books on it waiting); a notebook (doing my ancestory so I need it to write things down with). Most illogical thing in my bag…….nothing I don’t see anything that is illogical in my bag (ok maybe three tubes of chapstick are a little illogical). Usually carry a mid-size purse but have been known to go crazy large.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:31 am.
Nope, not illogical at all, Jeanne. It all sounds highly vital to me.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:01 pm.
In my Purse I pulled out a smashed chocolate devil foods cake donut that my daughter was going to take to grandmas for breakfast. Next is a lemonade chapstick that my daughter uses and lastly the new Stella Cameron book to read. I seem to carry a lot of crap for my kids
vi also have 3 notebooks 7 pens a flashlight/redlaser, a quarter which makes me want to sing here’s a quarter call someone who cares 
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:38 am.
LOL, Karen. I once found a piece of pastry that I’d tucked in there to carry for someone or other, and it was rock hard. I could have used it as a hammer. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:03 pm.
Well, I think everything in my purse is necessary and that I’m super streamlined. Sure, my opinion may be *slightly* biased.
I just bought a new tote/purse two days ago and I ADORE it. I bought it for my trip to NYC next week where I will—-hold onto your purses—-carry everything I need for two days. That’s right; no luggage! Only Girl is going with me–mother daughter fun in NY!–and she’s doing the same thing. Packing light is a religion with us.
So, random pulling out of my new, shiny, pristine purse produces my sunglasses and my wallet and my make-up bag. That’s not too bad, right? I also always carry a small vial of aspirin, a couple of band-aids, reading glasses and (usually) my cell phone. Don’t call me on it unless it’s an emergency in the “a helicopter just landed on my leg” variety.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:42 am.
Pics or it didn’t happen.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:04 pm.
ROFL
The challenge is ON.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:21 pm.
But are going home with no luggage?
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:34 pm.
Of course! We don’t do shopping as entertainment. Well, not usually.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:26 pm.
But Claudia, a helicopter just landed on…Oh, never mind.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:03 pm.
LOL
Like Sheridan, I require photo evidence.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:26 pm.
Hmmm let’s see…3 things; my kindle, sunglasses & handlotion. I’m set and ready for the train ride to and from work:) Everything is esstial (almost;). The trains have accidents here atleast 2-3 times a month; us ladies with our “essentials” are prepared when it happens.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:56 am.
That’s what I’m talking about, Cherie! We need to be prepared for any emergency. You never know when an orange plastic spider could save a life, right?
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:32 pm.
First off, I WANT that purse in the picture. I’m on a pocketbook kick lately and it would fit right in with those I’m collecting. My three things were my Kindle, reading glasses, (to go with the Kindle, I guess,) and my Advair inhaler. My purse is loaded with everything from my checkbook to acetaminophen to sugar-free Werthers. I’ve tried to cut back on the contents, but going back and forth between the girls’ and my house I always end up looking for something if I clean out my purse. I have a charger for my Kindle at both locations so I’m never caught short in that department.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:10 pm.
It is cute, isn’t it, Donna? I have to admit, I spent more time than I needed to weeding through all the googled “purse” photos to find one I really liked. Sigh.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:33 pm.
The bigger the better !! I consider my purse my home away from home. Its my pharmacy, desk, vanity, chest of drawers, etc…reaching in I pulled out a handicap hang tag, a pair of gloves with magic fingers for a touch screen, and a small maglite flashlight. I also carry a card wallet, pens, a camera, clean undies(you never know!), receipts galore, brush, mints, my phone plus charger, lipgloss, scissors, a straw??, keys, my tablet and charger ( you never know when you will have 5 mins to read another chapter of the book you’re reading), etc etc… to much to mention LOL. Seems like once it goes in my purse it doesn’t come out. But hey I’m always prepared. Call me a purse hoader!!!!……
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:16 pm.
You’re my kind of gal, Lucinda.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:34 pm.
I don’t often carry a purse anymore since I got my iPhone, I always have a book with me.That being said, my sister and I had “the purse talk” just yesterday. She wants us to get rid of all but one dress and one everyday purse. I said I wanted to keep an assortment because I need different sizes and colors for different times. When I still worked out in the world I carried what one of my bosses dubbed “the bag from Hell”. It was actually a denim gym bag that I had enough stuff to survive the Zombie Apocalypse and it was all in its’ own little bag. I had 1st aid bag; office bag; make-up bag;tool bag;books (@ least three); and anything else I might need to get through the day bag. I loved that bag and mourned it’s passing into legend.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:22 pm.
Ah, faithful purse. I mourn its passing with you, evlqn
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:58 pm.
It was wonderful because even though it matched nothing beside my Levi’s I could take it anywhere and it did it’s job. I could even pack for the weekend with it. My sons would “appropriate” it whenever possible for their forays into the world. I have often thought about making myself another Bag from Hell, I need one.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:02 pm.
Suzanne, I am always a day late and a dollar short and my purse reflects this. You know those buy one/get one coupons from everything from meals to shoes? I can never find them when I am about to pay the cashier, but I bet I have several in my purse right now that expired in 2011.
I also end up with toys and food in my purse because I tend to hang out with six year old son. Also, have had dog leash and doggie sweater in there from hanging with my minchi.
I have the usual wallet, cell phone, checkbook and make up bag, and ALWAYS ALWAYS have hair spray. If you knew me, you’d know why.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:39 pm.
I don’t hoard coupons, but I imagine the day when someone will have an emergency and I — of course — will have just the item they need to save the day. Hairspray’s a good idea, Lisa. Maybe I should start packing that, too. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:36 pm.
I have purses of all shapes and sizes.. But I am trying to maximize what I carry in my purse. Becasue I have a problem with my neck and shoulders, I cannot carry the load I once could.. so it my wallet, phone, some lipsticks and a few odds and sods of things. But I still like to carry a big purse…
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm.
Oh, Kathleen! I’m so sorry you’ve been forced to downsize.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:37 pm.
I had to change my purse when i got back from the mall. The blue stripey felted wool bag is very pretty but not a warm weather strap. hot hot hot! ew
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:17 pm.
But did you switch it out for a bigger one or a smaller one, Kathy? *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:38 pm.
ummmmmmm…. the same size actually!just purple with leather trim and no hot sweater on my neck
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:50 pm.
Three random items from my purse are – lotion, epipens, and travel size bandaid container with bandaids.
Other things in my purse
benadryl – drug of choice for immediate allergy relief, and I won’t be driving if I ever have to use them because I’ll be using the epipens at the same time.
benadryl cream for those pesky allergy shots
chapstick with spf 15, along with an assortment of lipgloss
reusable bag that can be stuffed inside itself
blackberry
itouch (which will be going away soon, I hope, now that you use an Iphone with Sprint)
My favorite purse just “died” when the zipper broke. It had all these pockets, so I knew exactly where to find everything. I can’t find another one like it.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:32 pm.
Janae, I want you on my team when the zombie apocalypse comes. *g*
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:39 pm.
Janae, MEC.ca has one that isn’t too large and has all sorts of pockets. only 15.00 cdn. I know because I have one of those too
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:53 pm.
Thanks Kathy, I’ll have to check it out.
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:20 am.
I work retail and they frown at purses, done it an awfully long time…old ya’know. If it doesn’t fit in my pocket, it stays at home workdays. Now I like purses, ane I have a couple Coachs, gave 2 to my daughter also. And one of those is big enough for my kindles, when my husband goes to the hospital I pack it with everything including water and gbar. LOL I’d rather buy a book than a purse!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:32 pm.
Me too, Peggy!
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:39 pm.
I have back problems so my sister, The Bombshell, often does her best to get me tiny, fasionable but useful bags so I don’t kill myself.
Which is great…but then I also carry a backpack…and the teeny tiny purse? It’s packed so tight the dang thing could be used as a weapon anyway.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:51 pm.
I carry a fairly small bag. My 3 items: a wrapped mint, a small tin of Nivea cream, and two receipts for restaurants. Boring, eh.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:26 pm.
I am an overpacker. My purse must weigh at least 5#. Phone, camera, book or kindle(depending on what I’m reading) 2 different chapsticks,lots of receipts, wallet,pens,mirror,sunglasses,fruit snacks (for the grandkids). There is more but I think I will stop the inventory before I call for an intervention.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm.
I’m a minimalistic, frequently just putting in a small wallet in my pocket. I hate large purses.
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:28 pm.
I had to LOL at what you pulled out of your purse. Sounds like my moms purse on any given day. As for myself, I don’t carry a purse. I do have a small tote that I lug back and forth to work so I pulled three random things out of that. I present my glasses (my books look like Hyroglyphics without them), a Goodies headache powder and a small flashlight that has come in handy more times than you might think. Nothing too amusing but all needed for my workday.
BTW Suzie, the book I’m carrying to work these days is your latest and I’m really enjoying it. Just thought I’d pass that along..
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:31 pm.
I found a pen that does not write, an old movie ticket stub & an ancient roll of ‘fluffy’ mints. Too gross for words.
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:22 am.
I just bought a larger purse because we are going on vacation next week and I need it to hold stuff while I’m sightseeing. This includes my usual keys, wallet, phone, lip balm, medicines, with the added guide book, reading book,camera,sunblock,and water bottle necessary for vacationing.
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:39 pm.