A while back I mentioned the tote I’ve been using for a while, and I had a few questions about what all I carry regularly, if I use a diaper bag, etc. So, today, just for fun, I thought I’d give you a peak inside my giant bag. ALSO, scroll to the bottom of this post for details about a fun giveaway I have going on Instagram tOday for my favOrite recent find!!!
So, let me just dump this bag out right here for you…
Here she is. As you can see, I’m a big fan of bags inside of bags. 😉
And now, let’s dig around and break it down:
The bag itself is from Nordstrom. I love it. It is big enough to fit everything I need and then some. I can even carry my laptop in it if I need to, BUT, it still feels like a purse.
Maybooks Daily Planner (for summer). I ordered this because my schedule is so much lighter in the summer, and I wanted my bag to be too. I’ll, of course, go back to using my Emily Ley Simplified Planner in the fall.
Kate Spade Gold Dots Bag. I stole this cutie from my sister after her wedding (what kind of person steals from a bride?). It holds some chapstick, hairties, my sunglasses, headphones, etc.
Kate Spade Pencil Pouch. (Because what 32 year old woman doesn’t need a pencil pouch?!?). I actually won this in a blog give away YEARS ago, and I love it for keeping up with pens, my checkbook, and spare change. *I don’t actually think it’s being made anymore. 🙁
Alphabet Bags XL Travel Pouch. I ordered this a while back after I read a blog post somewhere saying that “second-time moms don’t carry diaper bags.” #truth Honestly, my motivation for giving up my diaper bag (which I loved by the way), was super dumb, but I really do love this approach so much more! This bag fits 2 or 3 diapers, a pack of wipes, a stack of Chickfila kids’ meal books to entertain Sam, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a travel size sunscreen, an extra pacifier, and more. I like that I can take it out when I’m not with the kids, or throw it in a different bag (gym/pool/etc.) if I don’t need my purse. It’s perfect for my needs right now; and, how funny (and true) is that saying?
iPhone case/wallet. I told y’all I was going to buy this after both Emily Lex and Anne Bogel raved about it, and it has NOT disappointed. It’s wonderful. I keep id, credit card, and library card (#nerdalert) in it, and it goes everywhere with me. I feel like it is safer/more durable than a regular case, keeps my kids off of it more, and I’m never without the essentials. I also get compliments on it all the time!! (I’ve been using it for about two months now, and it does have some wear. I don’t mind, but I’ll probably have to replace it eventually. Thankfully, it’s less than $20.)
O-Venture Big O Key Ring. You aren’t going to believe me when I say this, but this key ring is LIFE CHANGING. I’m serious. Full disclosure: O-Venture sent me one of these for free. There. BUT… I am absolutely hooked. In fact, I already bought our nanny one (#withmyveryownmoney) because I think every one responsible for little people and all their stuff should have one. I love it.
Can I tell you a tiny bit more?
So, it’s basically just a big leather bangle with a key ring attached, but here’s what I love:
- I NEVER lose my keys. They are easy to spot around the house, very grab-able in my big bag, and they stay around my wrist when I am out.
- My hands are FREE. If you’ve ever tried unlocking your minivan while holding a four year old’s grimy hand, carrying a 345 pound carseat, and balancing your coffee (duh), you understand why this is so important. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d even put this thing around my wrist/arm much, but I do it totally naturally and it is SO convenient. It can push all the way up to above the elbow if I wanted to do something crazy like go for a run, or just dangle around my wrist. It’s never fallen off. Also, y’all, when I go in the grocery store, I put my cellphone wallet in my back pocket and wear my keys around my wrist. I don’t even take a purse in the store!!
- It is cute. Right?
- The key ring part is removable. They say it’s for “valet,” but I’m not fancy. I just like this feature because when my husband drives the van he can pop the keys off and doesn’t have to sport a gold leather bangle all day. (As if driving the minivan wasn’t bad enough. 😉 )
Have I convinced you yet?! NOW, in full disclosure, let me say. These suckers are NOT CHEAP. A signature leather bangle like mine will set you back $55.00. (For a key ring?!? I know!!) But, you have options… You can suck it up and do it because you really will be obsessed. You can buy the silicone one for only $27 which I think it is equally as adorable and functional AND has the added advantage of being able to be washed easily. OR, you can enter the giveaway for a FREE gold leather one on my Instagram account…
To enter, simply follow ME and O-Venture on Instagram. Then, tag a friend who might have her hands full occasionally on my post with the above image. That’s it. It will take you five seconds. You may as well try… Right?
Giveaway is now closed. Congrats to @wggleworm on winning!! 🙂
Sorry for adding a million other things to your wish list. That’s all for today!
E
