I tend to carry a lot of things when I’m going out, especially if I’m going to a far place or will be spending a lot of time out. Nine out of ten, I end up not using these things and keep moving them from bag to bag. Six out of ten, other people end up using these things.
I remember back in university, Pst. Laju Iren used to call me “Miss Details” cause I had everything. I even had a book titled “Where There Is No Doctor” and my First Aid Kit was a travelling bag filled with all sorts.
I think I picked up this habit from my Mum. Growing up, my maternal Aunt used to call our family car “a moving house” because it had everything you can think of.
Below is a list of what is currently in my handbag:
1. Wallet: This holds my cards and cash.
2. Water: I always carry a bottle of water with me wherever I go. Sometimes, I don’t even drink more than a sip cause using bathrooms when in transit isn’t one of my favourite things but I have to have my water.
3. Phone: I need my phone all the time.
4. Shawl (Pashmina): I made the decision to always have a shawl on me during my NYSC when the trousers of one of my friends tore on his way home. I remember two years ago, on my way back from work, a woman’s dress tore while she was alighting from a public bus. I had to give her my shawl to cover up.
5. Hair Brush: I’m currently wearing a weave so I carry my hairbrush around to straighten my hair when needed.
6. Wet wipes: in the past I used to carry baby wipes in my bag but because they are bulky, I stopped. However, I recently found these medicated, disinfecting wipes that are portable.
7. Hand Cream: I apply hand cream after I wash my hands and whenever my hands feel dry.
8. Perfume: Nothing fancy really. Just a nice spray to freshen up especially if I’ve been on the streets of Lagos.
9. Tissue: I think every lady has tissues in her bag. I need tissues for bathroom runs, to blot out oil from my face (for when I run out of oil blotting sheets), to clean stuff, etc.
10. Lippie: In case I need to touch up after a meal or something.
11. Mirror: A little vanity never hurt anyone.
12. Sanitary Pad: Just in case the red robot decides to visit unexpectedly.
13. Handkerchief: Growing up, I used to sweat a lot so I’ve always had to have a handkerchief on me.
14. Car Key: My Key ring is from Oyiza’s Portal.
15. Hair Tie: I usually let my weave down so I have this hair tie for when I get hot and need to pull it up in a ponytail.
16. Snack: I don’t always have a snack but when I do, it’s either a mini loaf of Mango Bake Shop Banana Bread or Carrot Bread or a few pieces of crackers or a small packet of cookies.
17. Chewing Gum: I like having these as they are essential for freshening my breath and keeping awake.
18. Pen, Highliter + Paper: I might just need to take a note or make an unexpected trip to the bank or somewhere else where I’ll need to fill a form or something.
In the past, I used to have a whole lot more in my bag but these days, I put most of the other stuff in my car. Maybe I’ll do a “What’s In My Car” Post soon.
Do you think these stuff are unnecessary? What are those things you always have to have when leaving the house? Mention them in the comment section below.
