GiBee tagged me for this purse meme, and I couldn’t resist. Most of the time I forget all about meme tags and remember about six months later that oh, it completely slipped my mind, but I was supposed to write a post chronicling my four favorite varieties of prunes.
However, this one stayed on my mind because it brought back all those seventh grade memories of girls looking through each other’s purses in social studies class because it was just so interesting, much moreso than the history of the League of Nations or the branches of government or whatnot. Seeing who had what flavors of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers was way more important.
Also, there was an added bonus to doing this meme, because when I grabbed the camera so I could get started on my post, I was able to announce to my husband and my child that I was about to TAKE PICTURES OF MY PURSE FOR THE INTERNET, and you can’t buy those kinds of family memories, people. They’re more precious than gold.
Okay, here’s my purse:
It’s very plain with just a hint of blingage on the handles. I bought it because I seem to do better with a tote-style bag, because a tote-style bag enables me to carry around everything I need, like my wallet and my planner and numerous cans of corn and peas. With a smaller bag you just don’t have those kinds of options.
If you looked into my bag you would see this:
You may think it looks unorganized, but you would be wrong. Aside from the fact that I can never, ever find my keys without shaking the purse like a maraca to make sure that the keys are in fact inside, I like to keep the contents of my purse pretty manageable. And if you notice, I actually use the cell phone pocket as well as what I refer to as the Trusty Mentholatum Pocket.TM By the way, I could write an entire post about my lifelong addiction to Metholatum and the fact that I AM NEVER WITHOUT IT, EVER.
So while I’m on the subject, let me just say that if the best thing that ever comes my way as a result of blogging is a free case of Mentholatum from the fine folks at The Mentholatum Company in Orchard Park, NY, then I will consider my time spent on the interweb as not only successful, but profitable, because THERE IS NO BETTER LIP OINTMENT IN THE WORLD. You Carmex and Blistex people have no idea what you’re missing.
I’m just sayin’.
This next picture is the most critical item in my purse because without it I’d just sit on my couch all day, staring into space, wondering what in the world I was supposed to be doing:
I took this picture on a Monday night, so the calendar wasn’t really full yet, but now that it’s Wednesday, there is all manner of menus and obligations written in. Also, it’s very important to my OCD side that the datebook be a SHARPIES ONLY ZONE, because if you have not experienced the joy of using a Sharpie on very glossy paper, then you’ve got a lot of livin’ left to do, my friends. Oh yes indeed.
I am now delighted to show you two pens, a Starburst, and half a piece of candy cane:
Feel free to help yourself to the candy, by the way. Believe me – as delicious as it looks in this picture, it’s even more appetizing in person.
MMMMMM-mmm.
It’s probably only been in there since, you know, Christmas, so I’m sure it’s still super fresh and tasty.
Here’s my stash-o-drugs:
I’m supposed to take Clarinex so that I don’t sneeze to death in the spring. The problem is that I forget to take it before an onslaught of sneezing occurs, and then I get outside and start sneezing, so then I take the Clarinex, and the end result is that I become a very drowsy person who is still sneezing. Which means that I rarely take the Clarinex. Which leaves me wondering why I carry it around in my purse.
This is the best gum ever. With the worst name ever. I will not elaborate. Except to say that the gum, it is good. The end.
Also, do not tell my mama that I am chewing gum. Because she would be nothing short of mortified, seeing as how she considers it terribly unladylike and all.
And finally, here are all the little treasures you’ll find in the zippered pocket of my purse: powder, lip liner, lip gloss, two lipsticks (A GIRL NEEDS OPTIONS, OKAY?), and my iPod. Because you just never know when you’re going to need to apply make-up and listen to music at the same time, especially when you’re driving. So it’s better if all of those items STAY TOGETHER. It’s more convenient that way.
I’m sparing y’all the pictures of my package of Kleenex and the notepad where I keep my grocery lists. I’d hate for y’all to have too much excitement in one day, and believe me, the sight of the word “hummus” in my handwriting would send you straight over the edge. We might have to call for a doctor or something.
And if you’re wondering where my sunglasses are, THEY’RE ON MY HEAD, just where they should be, because why, why wouldn’t you wear them on your head at all times, why?
Finally, I believe I am supposed to tag some people to do this. First and foremost I am tagging my dear friend Big Mama because there is no way her purse doesn’t have some zippered pouches within zippered pouches, and I for one need to see that.
I’m also tagging Heth because, with six kids, I think there would have to be at least one animal / insect in her purse at all times. Plus, she’s about to have baby number seven, and what else does she have to do but sit around and take pictures of her purse all day? Those six kids can fend for themselves. They’ll be fine.
And finally, Addie – because my chief goal in life is to make her BLOG MORE.
Plus, you know, the rest of you can consider yourselves tagged, too.
I like for everyone to feel included, you know.
I swear, you are the funniest person in the whole entire world, Boo Mama. We’re on the same wave length this morning – I just revealed mine to the whole world, too.
That half gone candy cane almost made me fall out of this chair.
I love being nosy about other people’s purses! I did this not too long ago here:
http://adventuresinbabywearing.blogspot.com/2007/03/girl-and-her-handbag.html
Steph
I love it! I just saw what Shalee’s been carrying around in her purse and was so excited to see you were doing the same thing! I like your purse and all the cool stuff in it. You are just too funny!!
I couldn’t get the link for Heth to work for some reason though. I would love to check out her blog… seven kids? She’s got to have an interesting and fun blog!!
I got a strange kick out of that – like a dieter watching someone eat an ice cream cone…I am still living out of my baby’s DIAPER BAG. She’s almost six months…could it be time for a change?!
Love it all. Especially the LipSmackers memories–aahhh, Fruit Punch in your lavender tube! I wish you still existed.
Too funny. The contents of my purse are not exciting at all.
On another note, I just read that PAULA DEEN, yes ma’am, will be at the Alys Stephens Center TONIGHT (at UAB). If you don’t have plans, you might want to check it out.
Visit http://www.AlysStephens.org or call 975-2787 for more info.
Starts at 6:30 :)
This one is just making the rounds because I did mine today too. And fancy that I WAS going to post on prunes today too… It’s like we’re running on the same wavelength or something. Do do do do, do do do do… (Twilight zone, in case the tune was lost in the delivery)
I might consider doing this, if it weren’t for the fact that I would first have to actually gather up my purse content from about three different purses, a diaper bag, and the center console of the truck. I do love my normal everyday purse, though, being that it’s made out of Marine Corps cammies. Perfect for a proud little Marine wife.
Great post! I am one of those people who have 3-4 bags that I am living out of on any given day. I have pens and pencils and change and lipsticks and every kind of hair accessory in all these bags. The only thing that keeps getting moved is my wallet and cell.
ALso – I am totally OCD with my Sharpies too!! Love seeing that – aren’t they the best!??
Check out my blog:
pinksandbluesgirls.wordpress.com
Have a great day,
Audrey
http://www.pinksandblues.com
I love the sparklies on your purse. They make me feel happy. :)
Love the menthalatum and candy cane. You got a mint thang going on.
Michelle
BooMama,
I grew up in Orchard Park, NY. I don’t have any in’s with the mentholatum company though. Too funny!
You HAVE to be related to my MIL. She lives off of mentholatum, too. Every night before bed, she drinks a glass of water and puts on her mentholatum. She even found a cherry flavor! ROFLOL
Hugs,
Melinda
Of course your sunglasses are right where they belong. Perched on your head holding back the hair:-)I have been known to have a pair of sunglasses on my head, and dig another pair out for my face. Looked pretty ridiculus when I caught myself in the mirror (while applying lipstick,chatting on the phone and, oh yes… driving!)
Lord have mercy but I’m going to have to do this one! And when I say “Lord have mercy,” I mean it–the last time I checked, I had two containers of Blues Clues yogurt in my purse.
Mentholatum? Really? I’m going to have to try that one!
Okay we must discuss this Mentholatum business. I had no idea what it was as it looks like a prescription medicine bottle (yes, I’m referring to the one next to your cell phone, not the offical orange Clarinex one) but then you mentioned lips….so what IS it?? I live near Orchard Park and I may need to check this out! I cannot LIVE without my lips being properly slathered in goop. My preferred goop used to be Vaseline Lip Therapy with the awesome menthol/camphor tingle but they sadly discontinued that years ago and surprisingly the world did not come to an end like it should have. So I had to resort to plain old Vaseline in a jar that I keep on my nightstand, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and in the car. (this was an issue once when my 18 month old got hold of it….my couch was never the same, but SHE! Oh my she was shiny and beautiful! But I digress…) I crave that menthol/camphor tingle though, so I do have Blistex in the house but I can’t stand how it TASTES when bits of it migrate into the back of your mouth/throat. The medicated Vaseline Lip Therapy NEVER misbehaved or tasted so wretched. SO! Is this Mentholatum or whatever something I should look into?? Where would one FIND such stuff? I’ve never heard of it….Please help my lips to be happy!! Did you know being addicted to lip goop is a scientifically documented addiction? It really is!! BTW, do you put your lipstick on OVER the Mentholatum?? If this Mentholatum stuff is NOT lip goop, my what must you be thinking of this mega long comment….LOL!
A few things:
(1) Please know that I have a tube of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers in Dr. Pepper flavor in my makeup case at this precise moment. No lie.
(2) Stride IS the best gum. And IS a dumb name. It’s the only sugar free gum that doesn’t make me want to puke.
(3) For kicks, check out this site for the addictive properties of Mentholatum: http://www.kevdo.com/lipbalm/mentho.html
No, I do not have better things to do. And thus will be photographing my purse contents momentarily.
;)
really, better than carmex? i might have to try it. i am a huge carmex addict. sometimes the thought of being kidnapped crosses my mind and the biggest fear is that i might be without my carmex.
Ok all this lip goo talk is honestly the most bestest conversation I’ve had all week. Except bestest aint a word. And this aint a conversation. But ya know I’m just saying…the bestest. ::looking at my so empty sad tube of almost gone so I have to keep the suction thang going on-carmex wondering if Boomama will have some kind of rigged up contest and SEND ME a tube or whathaveyou of her stuff:: xoxo melzie
I KNEW I would love this post … yes, indeedy!
Can I borrow that pink lip gloss some time?
Have you tried the retractable sharpies?! OH.MY.DEAR.WORD, I may have died and gone to heaven with THAT invention.
Nah. But they sure are swell!
I posted my purse yesterday. ;)
You and my Mom should get together and do a Mentholatum commercial. She is addicted to it too. She is always disappointed when she visits and forgets hers and has to use our Carmex.
I’m not sure why, but I had you pegged for a Vera Bradley fan. I guess I associate VB with southern-ness. And you, dear, are certainly all things Southern! ;p
Is that an iPod Nano? I’ve been debating that purchase over a $$ iPod. Do you like it?
Mentholateum as lip chap? Doesn’t that burn?
I love the pink bling. I’m so glad I tagged Gibee so that she could tag you and that you actually, you know, did the thing! :vD
You have a lov-e-ly purse… I use lancome, too!
So….what’s playing on your iPod?
Mine is playing “Developing Enormously Effective Prayer” downloaded from the Living Proof web site…did you know you could do that? Only $4 a lesson…lovin’ it! Also, I’m listening to Chris Rice’s My Cathedral.
I saw Liz Curtis Higgs last night for a taping she was doing here in Colorado. She’s so much fun, so much fun, just so much fun ya’ll! To borrow an expression :)
Have a great day in the Lord!
Holly
Mentholatum! My hubby would crack up. He swears I’m addicted to it. Although mine sits on my night stand, and not in my purse!
BooMama, you make me laugh and brighten my days! Keep blogging, I love it!
I LOVE the purse idea. I’m not sure what’s in mine, anymore. Maybe I should check. Could be where that smell is coming from….:-)
Great post!
I completely understand the pleasure of a good Sharpie. But you lost me on the Mentholatum. I’m a Carmex girl.
Shalee just tagged me for this, so I’ll be doing it too.
Alright, everybody step back from that candy cane. I’m claiming it!!!
Did Sarah say that she had TWO containers of blue’s clues yogurt in her purse. Ugh! That has got to be one pungent purse! You should have tagged her too.
Thanks for the tag, I’ll reveal the terribly exciting contents later.
Well, BooMama, I have just now found your blog & am reading down the page laughing out loud. You should take this routine on the road! Really, you are a very funny lady…I’ve always wanted to be really funny, but never quite got there. Love your style and you live in AL. Wonder if we are neighbors? I’m in B’ham…just moved here from GA a little over a year ago. Now I want to know where you are. I’ll be back to read more. Feel free to stop by my place too!
Rhoda
Southern Hospitality
http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/
goodness, you are hilarious! now who else would have enough writing talent and southern flare to make a tour through a purse entertaining? I have to ask, who?
Boo Mama, you are unique.
Two years ago, Roy and I went to Kansas City for his 20-year h.s. reunion (he went to high school in Germany). I got all “done up” for the Friday-night gathering in a trendy downtown restaurant. I mean, you don’t want these people to take a look at your husband and think, “Poor Roy.” So I took pains. Well, after about 2 hours of back-in-the-day stories, I excused myself to the powder room for a breather. While I was washing my hands, two very young, very decked out up-to-the-minute girls came up to me after eyeballing me for a time. One of them said without preamble, “Do you have a tampon in that mom purse?”
Two years ago, Roy and I went to Kansas City for his 20-year h.s. reunion (he went to high school in Germany). I got all “done up” for the Friday-night gathering in a trendy downtown restaurant. I mean, you don’t want these people to take a look at you and think to themselves, “Poor Roy.” So I took pains. Well, after about 2 hours of back-in-the-day stories, I excused myself to the powder room for a breather. While I was washing my hands, two very young, very decked out up-to-the-minute girls came up to me after eyeballing me for a time. One of them said without preamble, “Do you have a tampon in that mom purse?”
Why does this interest us so much???? I didn’t see any bonnebell lip gloss. I am reliving this all through my precious little girl and her purse”ness”.
This post is one of several reasons why I love this blog! I always know I will be tickled over here.
A SHARPIE on slick paper! You are so right on! Second best is an almost new gel pen. It’s so fun writing that I’m deluded into thinking my handwriting is actually legible.
I may try your Mentholatum. But every time I’ve strayed from Carmex I’m so very sorry I did. Where do you buy Mentholatum? Never heard of it before, but I trust your judgement.
My dad was addicted to Mentholatum – I have vivid childhood memories of him slathering that stuff all over his lips and under his nose to “open up his sinuses” I am going to take picture of my purse and post it tomorrow…I’m sure my two year old will help (how thoughtful of her..:)
BTW, Burt’s Bees is the greatest lip balm ever!!
Stacy
http://musingsofmomgirl.blogspot.com
Your Central Texas fan club is trying to email you, but it gets kicked back. @charter.net? Doesn’t work for me. I have a gift for you. Please write me.
As I read the comments I thought to myself, “I can’t believe noone has mentioned Burt’s Bees!” and then finally it showed up towards the end! Yeah! I’m a huge BB fan…. one in the car, one in my purse. I love it! I’ve tried them all, and this is the one for me. Y’all really should try it!
Just for the record, prunes are not called prunes anymore. Dried plums, please!
I think this post is one of your best yet! I didn’t realize that someone’s purse could reveal so much!
In the ultimate pack rat maneuver, yesterday Bossy’s purse contained… Another purse!
That’s because Bossy was too lazy to switch everything over into her new summer bag.
Mentho has another use that noone has mentioned and I, for one, am surprised. Do you suffer from dry, cracked, splitting (you get the idea) cuticles??? If so, rub mentholatum into your cuticles every day (heck, every time you gloss those lips). Then sit back and be prepared to be AMAZED!!!!!!!!
Who knew other people’s purses were so incredibly interesting? Kind of like watching Big Brother. Pointless, really, but it sucks you in if you stop to take a peek. I’m especially impressed with the blingage and the number of actual writing implements.
Fun! I did this one a couple days ago.
I’m super excited to do this! I just need to get my hands on a digital camera or I will be completing this tag 6 months later, just like you.
Love your purse btw, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with have a candycane in your purse in May.