bag |bag| noun1 a flexible container with an opening at the top, used for carrying things. • a woman’s handbag: she had everything she needed in her bag.

Let’s be honest, ladies. If we were ever stranded on a deserted island with only one item of choice–the smartest thing we could do, is choose our purse. I don’t know about you, but mine is filled with things that could keep me surviving (and thriving) for weeks on end (that is of course, if there were somehow functioning electrical outlets for my iPhone on this hypothetical isle..).

I love reading and watching the popular “What’s in my Bag” posts on other blogging sites and YouTube channels, and wanted to share a few of my own essentials with you this week. No matter how often I change out my purse or bag, I always have certain items that go right along with me.

These are the top things that I can’t live without, when I’m out!

Extra Phone Charger & My Portable Charger
Let’s be honest. As much as I try to stay off my phone when I’m at dinner with a friend or spending time with my family in the evening–our phones run our lives these days. I’m literally able to work from my phone all day, if necessary, when I’m out away from my office. With e-mail, mobile apps, phone calls and text messages–it’s like carrying a tiny laptop around with me all day. I always keep an extra phone charger with me at all times, and have my portable charger if I’m not near an outlet when my phone needs a charge.

Chapstick & Lip Gloss
I always have to have something on my lips to keep them from getting chapped and dry. I never go anywhere without chapstick, and usually have some kind of lip gloss to use if I need a little refreshing before going to an evening dinner from a meeting or work.

Pen
If I don’t write things down, I don’t remember them. I always have a pen with me to write down notes, sign checks, write letters, etc. You never know what you’re going to need a pen for, but I can’t count the number of times a day that I hear someone ask, “does anyone have a pen?”. I do!

Sunglasses
I love things that are fashionable and practical. I always use sunglasses when I’m out to protect my eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, and always wear them while driving during the day. I have several pairs in my car and closet–and always keep a pair in my purse, just in case.

Keys, Wallet & Cardholder
There’s nothing more frustrating than misplacing your keys or your wallet. I have a key wallet that keeps both items together, so I’m less likely to lose them both! I also have a cardholder that keeps all of my business cards neat and organized when I need them.

Gum
Field Christian is getting to the age now when he’s asking me for gum all the time. I always have a package of gum in my purse, for him–and me! Extra Polar Ice and Spearmint are my favorite flavors.

Mini Perfume
Sometimes after running around all day, you just need a quick spritz of some perfume and you feel as refreshed as you did at the beginning of the day. I usually keep this in my purse to spray on quickly if I’m going to an afternoon event or if I’m meeting Field for dinner in the evening after running errands.

Wipes
This is a must for all mothers, but I think after having children, I’ll have hand wipes in my bag even after my kids grow out of their sticky-hands stage. It’s so nice to be able to wipe off my hands before going out to dinner or to have wipes on hand after my kids eat something sticky. They always, always come in handy!

Almonds
I am a snacker, and always need something to munch on throughout the day. I also try to maintain a healthy diet, so I keep a small bag of raw almonds in my purse to tide me over if I get hungry while I’m out. These are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and protein that fill you up and lower your blood sugar levels. They are a must-have for me!

Translucent Powder
I used to carry shine-control strips with me, until I tried the Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder for shine control. This translucent powder is light-weight, and completely covers oil and shine when you need a touch-up in the middle of the day.

What’s in your bag??

XO-
Sabrina