Blogging is fun in many ways, but one thing I particularly enjoy is going back and reading old posts. I love to see how I’ve evolved over the years, how my style has changed, and my thoughts have changed. Last summer I wrote a post titled Tips for Being a Prepared Mom, From a Habitually Unprepared Person. I went through everything in my bag, and my quest to be a better prepared mom. Almost a year later, my bag doesn’t hold quite the same contents, and I’ve really been able to get a hold of being better prepared. I may still be the mom that rolls up to the car line at the very last minute, but I rarely show up unprepared, win some you lose some.
So what’s changed? My boys are getting older, my youngest is potty trained, so I don’t need to carry diapers and wipes any more! Hallelujah! He’s also past the age of having accidents so I don’t tend to carry extra clothes – although as messy as these boys can be, I’m starting to second guess my current strategy. My bags have become much smaller, and much more about me! Although I love a good big tote from time to time, I’m back to preferring a cross body bag most days, (especially my Madewell Transport Tote) and also find myself changing bags with outfits – which is something I never did in the past. I was always a one bag kind of gal, but it’s fun to add a little interest to your outfit with the right bag.
What’s In My Spring and Summer Bag
For this post, I literally pulled out my purse and looked through the contents, no editing, no planning – what I truly carry day to day. So here we go!
1. A small wallet – My sweet momma got me this little Kate Spade wallet for christmas. It is the perfect size, and fits well into even my smallest bags, like my Madewell simple cross body bag.
2. My Glasses – I wear glasses for distance, so sometimes when I’m at work on the computer all day or when I’m driving. So I keep those around! I also keep a pair of sunglasses on hand, that is if I haven’t currently lost the pair I own, which is a recurring theme for me.
3. Tissues & Wet Wipes – another essential that hasn’t changed, this momma always carries a pack of Kleenex. I’ve also started adding the Kleenex Wet Wipes to the bag. Mom life is a messy one, not just for the kids, but me too, so I find myself reaching for these all of the time. I personally like that they don’t have a lot of harsh chemicals, which are not only not great for you – they dry out my skin. These are gentle and safe for use on my hands and face. There is an Ibotta offer on these at Walgreens right now so you can try them for yourself! Purchase 2 Kleenex Wet Wipes at Walgreens and receive a $1 Rebate through the Ibotta App. 
4. My Essentials Pouch
One thing that hasn’t changed from my tips for being prepared post, is my essentials pouch. I love to keep the small things I need in this little pouch. It keeps them from rolling all over the place and makes it easy to switch from bag to bag. What’s inside?
Mouthwash & Floss – please tell me I’m not the only person who carries this?! My husband makes fun of me, but I mean after a cup of coffee or a salad with lots of salad in teeth opportunities, I like to clean my mouth up!
Ibuprofen – Whether it’s a headache, backache or cramps, nothing is worse than being hit and not having Ibu. This is always in my bag!
Checkbook & Pen – I feel really old school carrying a check book, but ever since my little guy went to Kindergarten, the checkbook is a must. I feel like I’m always writing a check for some activity
Lipgloss – What girl doesn’t have a collection of lip products in her purse, it’s like you can look terribly haggard and tired at the end of the day, but put on some lipgloss and life’s better, right?!
5. Wet Comb – I’m in the process of seeing just how long I can grow my hair. Which means, it stays tangly – so I brush it.
6. Cell Phone – I mean this is a given, are any of us ever without phones these days?
7. Toys & Snacks – There is probably a Hot Wheels car in every bag I own. When you’re trying to keep the little one quiet in church, or a restaurant, that little car can be a life saver! I also, always keep atleast one snack on hand, that’s a mom essential.
The days that I carry a smaller bag, I grab my favorites from my essentials pouch instead of carrying the entire thing, for this reason I prefer my bigger bags, so I can stay prepared! Here are a few of my favorite bags:
It’ll be fun looking back on this post in a year, or even just this summer and seeing how things change! Do we share any of the same essentials?
-Brooke
Pin Me For Later!
Now, let’s…get…linking!!
NEW! I’ve started a collaborative Pinterest board for the Oh, Hey Girl! Link-Up. I would love for you to join and share your looks there too! Just send me a message on Pinterest or at Brooke@pumpsandpushups.com if you would like to be added.
Link up any post you would like to show off; your outfit, home decor, recipe, workout. Anything at all! Because, oh, hey girl! I want to see it!
Link-Up ‘Rules’
1. Follow me on Bloglovin or Instagram
2. Link back to my site from your post, you can grab a button if you like!
See who I link with here! (p.s. – if you have a new link up on your blog, leave it in the comments, so I can add to this list!)
