I carry an anvil (What's In Your Bag?)

Member Name: Suzela

Product:	What's In Your Bag?
Date:	12/03/09 (234 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I feel organised(ish)

Disadvantages: Heavy

My husband thinks I carry an anvil around in my many handbags but everything I carry is essential for me to function effectively in the big wide world outside my front door. Please note I do not believe in small handbags!

So where to start:

My phone - well my pda to be precise:
One of the disadvantages of running a business and working from home is that it can become a bit claustraphobic. You don't want to go out in case you miss a phone call with potential business or an urgent email or a wonderful supplier offer. My PDA allows me to keep on top of my day to day business stuff outside of the house so this is always by my side (or in this case in my bag).

My diary:
This is an A5 size diary. You would think that with a pda I wouldn't need one of these but I do. It contains much more than dates and appointments. It has my thoughts and ideas either relating to customers or if I see something on my travels which inspires a design in me I scribble it down in the first coffee shop that I come across.

Pen:
Well I need to something to scribble things down with.

Business Cards:
You never know what opportunities will come your way! I've handed out my card to ladies that I've been chatting to when we were sat next to each other when we've been having our my nails done. Or because I love make up, I spend alot of time talking to cosmetics assistants and alot do freelance bridal make up/know someone who does bridal hair/make up so it makes sense for them to give me their details and me to give them my card as we are working in the same industry.

Oyster Card:
Vitally important for travelling around London.

Small London AtoZ:
I have to go all over London and this is a godsend as it also has a tube map on the back. Always handy when one tube line goes bum!

Make Up:
My essential kit is as follows:
Laura Mercier lip corrector pencil
Laura Mercier lip gloss or Mac lipstick
Laura Mercier concealer
Nars Mascara
My going out after an appointment/shopping trip kit is as follows:
All of the above plus
Mac or Laura Mercier Eye shadow
Mac eyeliner
Laura Mercier Blusher
Laura Mercier travel make up brushes

Lip Balm:
Either Bobbi Brown or Lush (currently Let them Eat Cake) together with Carmex

Hair Brush:
Well you never know when you'll need it

Hairspray:
Only when I'm going out.

Umbrella:
I always carry my Radley compact umbrella - better to be safe than sorry!

Personal Lady items:
Again better to be safe than caught out! These live in the side pocket.

Inhaler:
The bain (and saviour) of all asthmatics

Indigestion Tablets/Ibuprofen/paracetemol/other meds:
Needed more and more as I get older unfortunately!

Packet of tissues:
Essential in London to get rid of black bogies!

Antibacterial gel:
Again essential if you use public transport in London!

Purse:
Well obviously and of course this is stacked full of my favourite things ie credit cards and loyalty cards. And occasionally there is the odd tenner in there! Oh and my Cafe Nero loyalty card thingy.

iPod:
I have an 80mb classic with ear buds. Always important for tube journeys and for wandering around the park in a world of my own.

Keys:
As much as I like getting out of the house I do like getting back into it!

Mints:
Either extra strong or TicTacs.

A Teaspoon:
Well I often grab a lunch from M&S or Boots and I often get a yoghurt and always forget to pick up a spoon. So have found it easier to bring my own!

Crystal and pearl samples:
I design bridal accessories and if I'm not with a customer in a bridal shop or in their home, I'm often to be found in bridal shops looking at new collections in the flesh rather than on the net to get a feel for the new colours and shades which are en vogue. That way I can find the best crystal and pearl matches for those colours and ensure I am well stocked for the season.

Receipts and used train tickets:
I have piles of them. I should throw them out more often than I do but I kind of forget about them. I do sort them out but it's about once a year!

I think that is it which is probably just as well as it does make for a very heavy bag!

Thank you for reading!

Summary: Errrr....what's in my bag?