I’ve been carrying the same diaper bag — a purple MZ Wallace “Kate” bag — since Levi was born. One my favorite features is the detachable market purse, a small zip-top case I call my “mom pouch.”
If the contents of my diaper bag are primarily toddler-related (stickers, crayons, books, diapers, wipes, table toppers, animal crackers), the contents of my mom pouch are my grown-up essentials. When the opportunity arises to leave my diaper bag at home (let’s say, JB and I go on a rare date), I can quickly and easily toss my mom pouch into a smaller handbag and feel confident that I have everything I might need.
Here’s what’s inside my bag (aka mom pouch):
1. hello breath spray - I prefer a spritz or two of breath spray to freshen up while out and about rather than sucking on a curiously strong mint or chomping on a piece of gum, especially if I’m meeting up with somebody.
2. Honest Organic Lip Balm - The organic oils in this Lavender Mint lip balm moisturize lips from within rather than sealing them off like petroleum-based lip balms. And it smells so good.
3. Dental floss - After once being forced to use a strand of my own hair to wiggle out a rogue piece of food, I always carry dental floss in my bag for emergencies.
4. MAC Cremeblend Blush - I sometimes leave the house without any makeup, which is fine for running a brief errand or two. But if I’m going to be sitting in Starbucks doing work or heading to a play date with Levi, I’ll dab some bright pink cream blush on my cheeks for a healthy flush. The best part? Not having to carry an extra makeup brush.
5. Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara - Again, carrying a small tube of mascara is helpful for when I have to quickly put on my face in the car — all you really need is mascara, blush, and some lip gloss. I prefer to use the samples in those free-with-purchase gift sets from department store makeup counters. (PSA: Never apply makeup while driving!)
6. Bite Beauty Lip Shine in Sante (similar) - I discovered this all-natural lip gloss at Sephora. Infused with resveratrol, the super-antioxidant found in red wine, it (supposedly) has anti-aging qualities in addition to mouthwatering smell.
7. Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen - Although I don’t use this cuticle-softening pen as frequently as I should, it’s handy to have on hand for when I’m tempted to pick at my skin.
8. Comb and ponytail holders - Because we all have bad hair days.
9. iPhone earbuds - I listen to music on my iPhone when I’m working at coffee shop or working out at the gym. Keeping my earphones in my mom pouch means I’ll never forget them at home.
10. Splenda packets - For the rare occasion when a restaurant only has the pink or blue stuff.
About hello oral care:
hello, the first line of seriously friendly oral care, debuted in March 2013, so they’re still relatively new. The brand promises a friendly mouth – healthy, white teeth, fresh breath and a clean, moisturized mouth – without artificial sweeteners, dyes or alcohol. The products feature chic, curvy packaging designed by BMW DesignworksUSA, and are made in the USA using naturally derived ingredients wherever possible. Never tested on animals.
The giveaway:
Two Bunny & Dolly readers will each win one hello breath spray and one Honest organic moisturizing lip balm. To enter, simply visit hello’s website and leave a comment with the breath spray flavor that sounds the most interesting. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Tuesday, July 30th. (Note: Breath spray and lip balm flavors will also be chosen randomly.)
Update: Congratulations to our winners, Molly and Julia! Ladies, I will email you for your mailing addresses. And thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway!
P.S. - Get a coupon for $1.00 off any hello toothpaste, mouthwash or breath spray by “liking” hello on Facebook. Then click on the “coupons” box under the “like” button. Coupons are limited to one per person.
Thanks to hello™ for sponsoring today’s discussion. As always, all opinions are my own.
Joy
I love that this is practical and pretty! And I enjoy finding out what other women are carrying in their purses. It’s such a great way to learn about awesome new (to me) products. I have my regular “go everywhere” bag (a Baggu tote) and then I have my “city” bag, which goes with me when I hang out in the city on Fridays while James is at the office. The city bag has pens, my headphones, lots of quarters (for metered parking), tissues, mints, and a backup granola bar. Then I stuff all of my regular things (wallet, lip balm, bobbi pins) in afterward. It’s a fat bag by the end of it!
I also love peeking inside other people’s bags — it’s always fun to learn about new products that way. When I worked in downtown Omaha, I always had a stash of quarters in my bag, too. Of course, now that it’s been years since I’ve had to park down there, they’ve upgraded the meters to credit card ones. So much easier!
adrienne
Do you use the honest diapers and products for Levi?
Also…try stevia instead of splenda!! 🙂
I have some Honest diapers and baby products to try out on Levi — look for a review soon! Also, why do you prefer Stevia to Splenda?
Adrienne K
Stevia is made from a natural leaf… splenda is artifical. i eat enough other crap, so i figured i’d go with natural for my coffee/tea over man-made. 🙂
molly
That hello dispenser (bottle?) is too adorable for words! After playing around on the website, I’ve decided that I’d be most excited to try the pink grapefruit mint flavor. Sounds refreshing and zesty all in one!
Lola
I don’t have a “mom pouch” per se, but I do have a zippered pocket in my everyday bag with my non-kiddo related necessities: pen, floss, gum, lip balm, hand cream, hair tie, and earbuds. I’m definitely going to add a tube of mascara now, though! While I’m not usually a breath spray kind of gal, supermint sounds like it would do the trick!
Ooh, hand cream! That’d be a great addition to my mom pouch!
Betty
First of all hip hip horay! For awesome package design! I have never seen “hello” products but now I must have them all! I feel like if I sprayed “supermint” breathspray whilst running errands I would feel like a spy or something fun!
Betty
..also agree with Adrienne. Stevia packets are great and plenty sweet so I actually use half, fold over and paper clip the rest for next time.
Do you prefer Stevia over Splenda for the taste or for health reasons?
Betty
Stevia because its natural. I recommend raw agave nectar too! Low glycemic and a little bit goes a long way.
Anna K.
I crave grapefruit flavors with my pregnancy, so my pick would definitely be the pink grapefruit mint. Yum! Beautiful post!
Rebecca
I agree with everyone else…the pink grapefruit mint sounds too yummy not to try. And the bottle is awesome!
Julia
I’m always fascinated by what people tote around with them! I love the design of the hello breath spray. I would definitely go with the sweet cinnamint flavor.
I love grapefruits so I’d probably love the pink grapefruit! 🙂
Misty
I love the packaging of the Hello breath spray. I like mints but the great packaging/design is enough to get me to try a breath spray. I’ll be heading to Walgreens tomorrow to purchase one. I like cinnamon so I’ll have to try the sweet cinnamint first.
Thank you so much for offering such a fun and generous giveaway. I would love to try Pink Grapefruit Mint.
Definitely pink grapefruit.
Mojito mint sounds like a lot of fun.
the supermint flavor
For me, the most interesting spray would be the Mojito mint
I’ve never heard of the hello breath spray before but it definitely sounds like a great product. I’d like to try the mojito mint.