essentials to carry in our bag

Aside from the usual items you have in our bag when you leave the house, you may find these items necessary to include in your bag next time. I personally carry these because they serve me a purpose, I want to be ready at all times, just like what we always say, A Girl Scout is always Ready.

1. I always bring a foldable umbrella in my bag, need not worry if your bag is small because there are a lot of three-fold umbrellas in the market that can fit almost any bag size. I bring them not just for the rainy season but due to the harmful sunrays when I need to walk around to get somewhere. There are also a lot of designs and colors to choose from so you can also match with your outfit. FASHION with a purpose.

2. I also bring a foldable fan. Just like the umbrella, I bring them because of the hot and humid weather in the Philippines. Though I always take the air-conditioned public transportation, there could be instances of air-conditioner malfunction, so with my foldable fan, I need not worry of the heat. And also , when I need to walk around to get somewhere, and the air is humid, my foldable fan will give me cool me up. You can also choose from a variety of designs and colors to match your outfit. Again, another FASHION with a purpose.

3. I have a Mini-Sewing Kit in my bag that includes thread of white and black, a needle, a tiny scissors,extra buttons & hooks and safety pins. I have them for emergency purposes. My top might lose a button or hook, the hem of my top or bottom might be loosen that needs repair. Or it may not be me, but somebody seated beside me in a bus or train, at least I can be of help immediately. Missing buttons and loosen hems are one of grooming's no-no.

4. Since I have long locks, no matter how I wanted them free-flowing, when I leave the house and take a public ride, there will be times when your beautiful long locks can be a trouble. Other passengers might be irritated with your hair in their face. So I bring hair clips, hair clamps,hair bands,etc to keep my hair in control. This is applicable if I take a public ride with opened windows. They can also help to keep my hair in control when I walk around to get somewhere. I have cute & trendy designs with me to match my outfit.

5. One item I really can't leave without is a hanky. I prefer them over Kleenex or other tissue paper because they are more durable and can be washed. With the pollution in the city, a hanky is very important to cover your face, mouth or nose so you can't breathe in the dust and the smoke from the vehicles or smokers ( especially since I am asthmatic) This serves also when you accidentally cough or sneeze, you have to be considerate too of other people around you. I have Armando Caruso's for semi-formal occasions, and I also have cute ones for ordinary days.

6. Aside from a hanky, you can also bring cleansing cloth. You can cleanse, moisturize while on the go.

I choose Bench Organics Apricot Whitening Cleansing Cloth, they are affordable too.

7. Keep your hands clean while outdoors. I carry with me alcogel to keep my hands sanitized. Especially after going to the ladies room or if I have to eat. This should also be a practice since meeting friends or colleagues is possible, so this will keep your hands sanitized before and after meeting them.

8. It is also good to bring freshmints in your bag. This will keep your breath fresh all-day when you meet people outside and brushing your teeth or mouthwash is not available.This will also keep you calm during traffic. ( As the famous commercial says: In times like this, you need Juicy fruit).

9. Since your time outdoors can be long, let's say you're 8 hours outside, 2 hours you'll spend on a ride, there will be time when you'll be dizzy or suffer from headache due to long hours of travel or heat. A pain relief must be in your purse too. You can also bring other medicines for stomach or digestion relief for emergencies.

10. With your pain relief medicine, you need also a handy snack, because you can't take it with an empty stomach. Put some cookies or salad in a small air-tight container so you can munch while in motion, good for long travels.

11. Don't forget to bring extra panty liners, if you have your menstrual period, you need extra sanitary pads too. This will help you clean and fresh in your private part.

12. Add some bandages in your purse for emergency purposes. You might have a cut while on board or walking, at least you have a first-aid.

13. I bring a mini flashlight in my bag. This will help me find the little stuff in my bag especially when the light is out. There are already bags in the market with flashlight in them.

14. I also bring a mini notebook and pen with me, so that when I need to write something that I need to remember ( like a phone number, a plate number,an address etc ) I can easily record it in my notebook.

15. Lastly, for those who are plastic-money dependent and who have a private ride, it is always advisable to keep an extra cash on hand. This will save you the trouble if your card has problems or you need to fuel you tank or for other emergencies where credit cards are not accepted.