My Organized Purse

I am not big on purses.  I definitely used to be, but just haven't being going crazy over them as much as I did before I had kids.  Don't get me wrong, I still love purses and love to add to my collection, but I just don't very often.  For awhile now, I have been carrying a cognac tote from Nordstrom's website.  I saw it on one of my favorite blogs, Hi Sugarplum!, and went for it when it was on sale.  It is by the line BP, which I believe is from their Junior's department.  Anyway, it's cute and I do like it, but it lacks structure and there are absolutely no pockets inside.  It definitely does the trick when I need to take more than my usual items.

My stuff was all over the place.  When I have that much space, it's obviously easier to just throw things in instead of having any kind of organization.  I was finally getting over that purse, at least for day to day use.  I needed something that kind of forced me to keep it organized.  Enter the Merona Dome Satchel from Target.

At $34.99, it's inexpensive in the world of handbags, but it was even more than I would have liked to pay.  It's obviously not top quality and I am sure it won't stand the test of time, but I am happy with it and have finally discovered the shape of handbag that I prefer for whenever I do find myself shopping for a replacement.  Now, let's see how I keep it organized!

The things that I absolutely need in my purse are my planner, coupon accordion, makeup bag, wallet, keys and phone.  

It's like the bag was made for the specific items that I like to carry with me, because they fit so nicely.  The four bigger items have their spot in the middle and then I usually pop my keys in the side zipper pocket and my cell phone in one of the side slits.

I have had this bag for a little over two weeks now and I am absolutely loving it!  There is just enough space to fit what I want and not too much space to allow me to just throw things anywhere.  It kind of forces me to put my cards, receipts, makeup, etc. back where they belong right after I use them.  

Now, you ask, where do I keep all of the stuff for my four children?!  I am currently using a Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty One as a diaper bag.  We have one child who is still in diapers and I like having a place for a tiny first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, etc.  I always grab that if I am heading out with the kids.  If I am going somewhere that doesn't require me to have my entire wallet, planner, makeup, etc., then I just use a small wallet and throw that in the diaper bag and leave my purse at home.  Otherwise, I just take both.  Not a big deal.  

I definitely suggest looking for a bag with more structure if you are hoping to keep it organized.  It definitely helps when you only have just enough room for what you like to carry along.  

In case you are wondering about some of the items I keep in my purse.... My wallet is actually a personal sized Filofax organizer.  I purchased mine from Amazon a few years ago.  My coupon accordion was from Office Depot, but those things can be found anywhere.  My makeup bag is a Coach outlet find, also from many years back.  My planner is an Erin Condren Life Planner.  There is no way I could keep the schedules of six people organized without a planner that I love.  Should you ever find yourself interested in ordering an Erin Condren Life Planner or anything from the site, please use my referral code to get $10.00 off of your first purchase!  

At some point, I may do a post about my organized wallet and a post about how I use my Erin Condren Life Planner.  Hopefully I can get to those sooner rather than later!