They say that what is in girls handbags can reveal a lot about her. This does not wholly convince me but what I do know is the content of my bag has changed over the years.
Pre-children I used to have all the typical girly things in my bag. A hairbrush, little deodorant, make-up, girl’s supplies (for those sneak up on you emergencies), purse, key, mobile, notepad, diary, pen, umbrella, and a book…usually one I was devouring on my commute to work.
Not only that but I was a lover of handbags. I loved matching bags to outfits and making it part of my whole ensemble.
I could also make all that I needed squeeze into the tiniest of bags on a night out.
Today this is what my handbag contains.
A toy car, some chocolate coins, baby wipes, spare pants (the kids, not mine!), my purse, keys, mobile, nappies, receipts, a pen, a diddy hairbrush and some lip balm!
Now what does this tell you?
- I have no time to reapply any make up during the course of the day!
- Potty training is still clearly in process and toilet stops are not for me to ‘freshen up!” but for wee wee stops and wet pant changes!
- No book! My love of reading has diminished along with my time.
- Deodorant – well clearly I must just smell. That or it reflects my lack of proper exercise (although I do walk to the pre-school and back twice a day!)
- No umbrella – you can’t push a double buggy, hold the hand of a 3-year-old and an umbrella. We just get wet!
- Diary? That would mean a social life surely?
- Chocolate coins – bribery and Mummy sanity!
My handbag now has to be fairly ample in size, gets kicked about and thrown under the buggy and totally used and abused. I don’t have the time, or even one in good enough condition to bother changing it over to match my outfit (of Jeans and a top). Is this painting a glamorous picture of motherhood?
However just because handbags for me are not a priority these days, does not mean they are not loved, admired and looked at with envy any time I am in a department store. I will still get my few handbags out and spend ages choosing which one to take on the rare occasions I go out. Sometimes a whole outfit can be chosen around which handbag I am in love with.
Just for points of note…it is my 30th birthday this year…. if you need ideas!
Photo courtesy of: Owen Vaughn

Good on your for still having a handbag! Any personal items I wish to take on a day out I put in my son’s changing bag. I sometimes use my knapsack as his day bag but its still on glamorous, lol.
My handbag had also become dual use now as well and has got bigger and bigger! It does not look glamorous!
I love that you ar using the blog as a birthday list. I’m expecting a post about the joys of spa days next.
What a great idea! I hope you are taking note of my list! he he x
Lol, love this post. Bags were always my thing *sigh*. But, youngest boy is now almost 4 and my bags are gradually getting smaller again (the ones over my shoulder-not the ones under my eyes) although they still aren’t anywhere near as fabulous as I’d like them to be xx
Yes my under eye bags are huge! he he
I am pleased to know they do get smaller. We have reduced on nappies but now it is lots of spare clothes!
xx
Back in the days when all I needed to take out was my phone, money and keys, I used to have lots of teeny tiny handbags that matched outfits. Nowadays I have my gorgeous Pink Linking mum bag that I carry everywhere and couldn’t be without…you just need so much stuff!! x
I looks back at those days with fond nostalgia! I would love a pink lining bag! x
It’s crazy how the contents of your handbag change when kiddies come along. I still carry my makeup around but who knows why when I don’t have to time to reapply it. When I am not with Beastie (at work) I often forget to spruce up my face anyway! I have pots of raisins, cars and currently a pirates of the caribbean man is lurking in the bottom somewhere which I keep meaning to turf out! xx
I love that you have a pirate man…do you find you end up pulling out all that contents in order to find your purse at the till? Embarrassing!At least you have make up with you…that is really good! x
Yes I can never find anything in my bag, even with pockets to divide things! I was like that before but now the contents aren’t so glamourous! ha ha x
Ha ha! Me too! x