An excerpt from the Change Your Life Challenge:
A 70 Day Life Makeover Program for Women

To learn more about the challenge that thousands of women have used to improve relationships, finances, home management, self-esteem, fitness, self-care, stress and depression click here

Operation Handbag

"Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic."

Rosalind Russell

For many years I carried the world's largest handbag. Weighing in at no less than 25 pounds, I was prepared for every situation. Many shoulder aches later I finally put together a system that allowed me to be prepared for any event while also maintaining a bag that wouldn't break my back. Today, let's give your handbag a makeover to allow you to be prepared for any situation.

First, you'll need to have the right handbag. I have two. The first is a small bag ' about 7x6 inches with a long strap so it can easily be slung over my head and under one arm. I like to use this when I travel as it allows me to have both hands free. (It is also more secure than a bag over one shoulder.) I also use this purse when running short errands. My other bag is much bigger ' it is a cross between a tote, briefcase, and purse. (Make sure both bags that you choose fit securely over your shoulder so you are not constantly fussing with the strap.) I use this bag when I need to take my camera, or a book, or want to put my CATCH-ALL notebook in the bag. I also use the bigger bag when I am going to dinner with my family and want to take along some crayons or a coloring book to occupy my daughter.

The key to using multiple bags is to make sure that everything can be transferred quickly. Think of setting up your handbag in "stations." Let's look at the different stations you might have in a bag.

The Basics

1. Dollars & I.D.: Obviously, the most common reason to carry a bag is to transport our money and identification. What is interesting is how many extra things we pack into our wallets. Outdated receipts, credit cards, club cards we don't ever use, the family history in photos, and so much more. To avoid packing your wallet, get the smallest, functional wallet that you can find. I recommend just a small wallet that will hold your license, a credit card or two, and your dollar bills. Personally, I rarely use a wallet.

For more information call Sara Pattow at 262.692.3897 or sara@championpress.com

When I buy a purse, I make sure it has a small zipper compartment on the inside and just zip my license, credit card, and dollars into that area. As for all my discount and club cards, most places offer one that can be attached to your key chain. I opt for those whenever possible. I keep all my other credit cards and club cards in a business card holder at home. When I run errands, I grab any I need before leaving the house. I recommend staying away from bulky wallets that also hold checkbooks. They are hard to maneuver in a small purse. Instead, keep your change and checkbook separate.

2. Coins: For the past eight years I have used coins as my "secret savings." Whenever I make a purchase, I pay with dollars and never use change. Even if the purchase is $10.02, I will give the cashier $11.00. I just throw my change into the bottom of my purse or bag and then transfer it every other day or so to a large container. That container serves as my "rainy day" money or family vacation money. I am often amazed at how much I can save in so little time. If you choose not to stash your change for a rainy day, I'd recommend a coin purse. The zipper pockets in wallets rarely hold all the change we get in a day or they leave your wallet heavy and lopsided.

3. Checkbook: I keep my checkbook in a basic cover and keep it separate from my wallet. This allows me to optimize storage space in my purse instead of using a bulky wallet. Also, if my husband needs the checkbook, I can give it to him without taking apart my wallet. If I'm running to a place where I only need my checkbook and ID, I can just tuck my license behind my checks and go.

Cosmetics: Have you ever emptied your purse only to find seven lipsticks on the bottom' Or have you needed a powder or other makeup item and it's not there' I keep two or three small cosmetic bags with different looks (i.e., one for nighttime ' a bit more dramatic, one for daywear with warm colors, one for daywear with cool colors). In each small cosmetic bag I have the following: mascara, pressed powder, eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, eye shadow duo, blush, and under eye concealer. I leave these bags by my other cosmetics where I get ready each morning. Then, depending on the day ahead, I grab the applicable bag and add it to my purse, always returning it to my cosmetic area at night.

To Do Stations: If you are heading to a doctor's appointment or another location where you will likely have some extra time, take your bigger bag and add something from your to-do pile. I like to keep some blank note cards in a plastic bag. When I go somewhere I can add this to my purse and catch up on writing notes and cards to friends. The TO READ file or TO RESPOND file from your file system are other good choices.

Other items for your handbag:

If you are a contact lens wearer, I would recommend including a small bottle of solution and an extra pair of contact lens, and an extra case (good to keep in a plastic bag in case of leakage)

Sunglasses
Hairbrush or comb
One or two wet naps
Your actual or a photocopy of your health insurance card and auto insurance card
For more information call Sara Pattow at 262.692.3897 or sara@championpress.com

Emergency contact information (and who to notify in case of an accident) tuck this in your wallet or next to your ID.
Small note pad
If you take medications, a 24-hour supply of your medicines in case you are unexpectedly stranded somewhere
Pen
Needle and thread (the small travel sewing kits you get at hotels work perfectly)
Band-Aid' or two
Envelope: If you travel a lot or need to keep receipts, buy a poly-envelope to store them in for safekeeping

For any of the above items you choose to take with you, package them in a small bag within your purse. Your goal is to not have any loose items roaming around. Instead, you'll have a combination of small bags that can be easily transferred from one carrier to another. You also won't have to spend an hour digging when the woman behind you in the 'speedy-checkout' line is sighing condescendingly.