What’s In My Bag?
Hi there! Today as I packed my backpack for another shift as a school nurse, I thought about the daily essentials I carry. I think a lot of these items are handy for anyone regardless of their profession, and can help you stay fancy on the go! Let’s dive in.
Cosmetics
I try not to bring too much with me as I use public transportation and bags can get heavy FAST. So I stick with basics.
Native deodorant comes in the tiniest mini I’ve ever seen, fits in any bag and doesn’t interfere with your perfume or cologne. It’s aluminum free but works very well in my opinion.
Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol has become a favorite over this past summer. It’s great for a midday refresh when you’re spending time outside or have had a long day. You can even store it in the fridge for a burst of cool mist.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream is just excellent. The container is small and the lid is attached (twist gently to open) so you don’t have to worry about it making a mess in your bag. The formula is non-greasy with a light scent.
Elf Lip Lacquer in Clear. It’s $3, not sticky or goopy and goes with everything. For this price, buy multiples to have in every bag.
Trader Joe’s Hand Sanitizer Of course any hand sanitizer will do. I just like that this one is a strong spray rather than a gel, and only costs $1.99. Comes in multiple scents.
Hand Soap Sheets. There’s nothing worse than getting to a public restroom and finding that there is zero soap. These little containers are a lifesaver in those instances and good for travel too. Keep some in your car to use with a water bottle for rinsing!
Goodwipes are great to keep you fresh on the go. I like the personal care flushable wipes and the larger body wipes. All come individually wrapped for convenience.
Tech
Anker Wireless Charging Bank. This is slim, lightweight and holds a charge for..e…ver. You can charge wirelessly or via USB-C. Anker has a reputation for solid products and I’ve always found them to be reliable and well-built.
Long Charging Cord and Wall Charging Block. I work at different sites, so I never know if an outlet is close by. This saves me from having to charge my phone via computer.
iPad Pro and Apple Pencil are great for life admin on the go (blogging, anyone?). I like using the Goodnotes app to take notes or make my calendar. You can link it to your laptop and phone to edit and view it anywhere.
AirPods Pro 2. The noise cancellation is a must for phone calls in noisy areas or even just carving out a quiet space wherever you are.
Self-Inking Stamp if you do a lot of paperwork. This has saved my wrists, and you can get anything on it- your title, an address, maybe even just your name.
Gel Pens. I recently bought these and they’re amazing. Stylish, comfy to hold and quick-drying. You could even give them as a gift because they come in a nice box.
Hand Warmer or Misting Fan depending on the the season. The hand warmer also functions as a power bank, and the fan can fold at a 90 degree angle and be set on a desk.
Fellow 16 oz Carter Move Travel Mug is a real workhorse. Keeps drinks piping hot (or cold) all day and even has a splash guard so you don’t make a mess when you’re driving.
Simple Modern 40oz tumbler. I have this in the Cream Leopard color and my goal is to drink 3 per day to stay hydrated. It’s much easier to do so with the included straw (you actually get two). This also goes in the dishwasher. Use this ice ring mold if you like your water on the cold side.
Baggu Tote Bags live in all of my bags. They wash easily and hold a lot, yet fold down very small. Great to avoid bag fees if you end up on an impromptu shopping trip.
Mini Umbrella. I always have one with me. It might not get you through a typhoon but you will be able to get home without being absolutely soaked.
What Is My Bag?
For work, I switch between two different ones.
Fjallraven Kanken backpack in black. This is small but fits everything. It’s easy to wipe clean and has padding for your back. Once I even sat on it when I didn’t have a chair! Pro tip: get the shoulder pads to make the straps more comfortable.
Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag has dozens of colors, materials and sizes. It fits a lot and I like the messenger style to be hands-free. It’s a lot easier to get over a large down coat in winter too.
Have you used any of these products before? What do you carry in your bag every day? Let me know in the comments below!
