The Quest for the Perfect Handbag

I am still on the hunt for the perfect handbag to carry all my stuff, the one I have is doing a pretty good job, but I think there is something better. It has to be able to carry: my netbook (love the netbook), portable hard drive, wallet, keys, phone, camera, pashmina, merino wool hat, 2x fold up shopping bags, pens, book light, umbrella, mini tape measure, sachets of decaf coffee, a muesli bar type thing, a few lollies, panadol, band-aids, a mini sewing kit .... plus whatever else I happen to need that day!

I want to have everything I might possibly need with me, just in case I need it! But I also want it to be in a small, neat handbag and easy to access the thing I want when I want it. This means lots of pockets and sections to keep it all organised.

The pashmina is great, although I have an alteration I want to make to it. I use it as not only a shawl/wrap in the evening, but also as a blanket on buses, planes etc. It has been so handy so many times when you head out not expecting to stay out late, but end up doing so and it gets cold. My daughter also uses it if she gets cold, or if we are out somewhere and she wants to lay down and rest. I am keen to get one in a slightly more neutral colour though, and a bit wider, so that it works even better as a blanket, whilst still being able to be used as a shawl with whatever I am wearing at the time.

Carrying an umbrella has also been very useful when caught out in the rain! However, it only works when it is not also blowing a gale! If I wore sunglasses not doubt I'd be carrying those with me too.

I love my netbook with mobile broadband as it means I have all my info, emails etc with me all the time, and when I need to look something up I can. I never have to worry that I've left that document or bit of info on the home computer, or that I forgot to print something off, as I have it all with me- also means I dont need to carry a huge stack of paperwork with me to meetings.

What I would love to find, and I'm sure we will get there fairly soon, is a cellphone/still camera/digital camera that does good quality on all those aspects, combined with a  reasonably cheap data plan and decent size screen so that you could facebook, check emails and look up information whilst out and about without it costing a fortune! Combining all of those into one item would make my handbag a lot lighter- I know the technology is improving all the time and there are a few options out there that are close, but am waiting for the perfect one!

I decided I needed to start carrying food after being on a "short" 45 minute flight, that wasnt. We flew from Christchurch up to Wellington, the 45 minute flight, but instead of landing, we circled a bit, and due to a storm couldnt land. So we flew back to Christchurch, landed, refueled,  and then flew back to Wellington. In total it took 3 1/2 hours and we werent allowed to get off the plane, nor were we offered food. I was so glad my daughter wasnt with me as she would not have been a happy camper! I know others have had similar things happen on planes and other public transport, so it seems logical to carry some food with you in case of these or other 'emergencies'.

Anyone else have anything they have to carry with them at all times? Or found  a great handbag that fits everything?

Collapsible bowls

One of the coolest things I found a couple of years ago were these collapsible bowls, made by Tupperware. They are a great solution to the problem of storing storage containers! We all want to have containers in our cupboards to store leftovers, veges, etc. but the containers themselves can take up a lot of room when they are not being used.

These are great as they collapse flat when not in use, but are strong, Tupperware quality when they are in use. You can also only pop out one section to make a smaller container. I love using them for taking lunch to work, as when you have eaten the food they collapse down flat and don't continue taking up space in my bag!

Then just a few weeks ago, I found the mini keyring version!

These are just so cute. Mini versions of this very container, on a keyring, that actually work! I have two and haven't used them yet, but they would be great for carrying any little pills, some loose leaf tea, or coffee, anything that you might want to have with you whenever you go out.

Love it!



Progressive International Collapsible Prep Bowl Set, Blue and White

Welcome to The Minimalist Pack-rat!!!

It may sound like a contradiction in terms but it is my life. I like my spaces to be clean and clear, with easy access to what I need, but at the same time I want to make sure I have everything I could possibly ever need- both at home and when I am out and about.
This blog is to highlight some of the cool products and ways I've found that help me achieve my aim, and track the journey to being a minimalist pack-rat!

There are seem key areas where I am constantly trying to reduce what I have but also want to add more all the time! These are my handbag, kitchen and when I'm traveling. It's about finding ways to streamline what I have/carry with me, finding things that serve multiple purposes or better ways of organising it all.