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I’m a single mom who who enjoys going out on evenings when I have a free night – date nights, girls nights out, holiday parties. My schedule is often packed each day so my time to get ready for a night out is limited. But as someone who likes to be organized and prepared, I have my purses organized – my daytime purse with everything a mom needs and my evening clutch with just the essentials.
My evening purses are much smaller, so it takes some extra planning to figure what is needed and how to make it all fit.
Step 1: Create a list of your date night essentials Decide what are your essentials for your date night purse. Type the list, save on your computer and print a copy. I keep a small printed checklist in my closet of my purse (daytime and evening) contents so I don’t forget everything. It’s good to routinely check to see what needs to be restocked and what has migrated to other parts of the house.
ID, credit card and cash, cell phone – you can’t go anywhere without these. Also a cell phone battery charger and cable are great to have so you’re not left out of touch.
It’s always good to be prepared with essential medicines so you can keep going all night feeling your best. Advil Liqui-Gels – nothing’s faster on tough pain (among OTC pain relievers), muscle aches, headaches or joint pain. Use as directed. Nexium 24HR for heartburn – Just one day. All-day, all night frequent heartburn protection.
A few makeup essentials are key to looking your best all night. ChapStick Total Hydration, 100% natural, to keep your lips moist and kissable. Lipstick for touch-ups. Powder to keep shine in control.
Mints or gum are essential to keep your breath fresh. And don’t forget a pen, because you never know if you’ll need to write a note or take a phone number.
Step 2: Purchase small sizes – if there’s anything that is an essential for your date night, purchase it in a travel sized bottle if possible.
Step 3: Purchase duplicates of essentials – I don’t empty my daytime purse daily. But I want to have my date night bag contents easily accessible and ready to do. Whenever possible I have duplicates so I don’t have to take things out of my daytime purse (and remember to return them). My cell phone, ID, cash and credit card, and lipstick are transferred between purses but everything else I have a set dedicated for my date night purse.
Step 4: Containerize – to keep your purse clutter free and easy to find what you, store your purse contents in several containers.
- small wallet – I love this small wallet and its actually what I use every day. I love that its small enough for a small clutch or any of my daytime bags but still holds everything I need. When I used to use a larger wallet, I had a small credit card sized hard case that was perfect for my evening bag.
- pill case – I love this small pill kit and keep it filled with my essentials – Advil Liqui-Gels, Nexium 24HR.
Small containers can be hard to find. Sometimes the perfect container is an empty container found around the house – repurposing may the perfect solution (and saves money). The travel cotton swab container is a perfect mini container that can be repurposed – remove the cardboard insert and the outer stick. Add some decorative tape for fun.
After Every Use: Empty your your purse – this isn’t your daily purse and if you’re like me, you have several clutches that you might choose from depending on your evening plans and outfit. Place a basket in your closet near your purse storage. After a night out take everything out and store it in a basket ready for my next evening out. This will also help to reduce clutter (things that you acquire during the evening such as receipts need to be cleaned out after every use). I also keep extras for restocking (medicine, mints)
I picked my up date night purse essentials at my local Walmart. I found the ChapStick Total Hydration, Advil Liqui-Gels and Nexium 24HR all in the pharmacy section of the store.
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