Musing with Manouska: What’s in your bag?

There are just a few key items I can’t leave the house without. It doesn’t matter if I’m sporting a medium-size clutch, purse or an oversized duffle bag — these are my essentials.

Liz Claiborne purse: Much roomier than it looks, this purse is a delicious shade of blue that adds an extra pop to my bag collection. It goes great with a relaxed sporty look, and Liz’s signature geometric print also pairs well with any nautical inspired look.

Shades: My eyes aren’t the biggest fans of bright lights, so I shade them with stylish, cheetah-print sunglasses. They’re essential for people-watching and enjoying the great outdoors.

Moleskines: I’m in love my deliciously bright, soft-covered Moleskine journals. Whether I’d like to be or not, I’m always deep in thought and musing over something. Perfect for jotting down notes, inspirational quotes and theories — whatever you’re musing about at the moment.

Dance First. Think Later.: When I’m feeling down or when I need a bit of witty advice, Dance First. Think Later. reminds me to do just that. Filled with 618 rules to live by from great philosophers, writers, poets, politicians, musicians and TV hosts, there’s a bit of something in here for almost anything life throws your way.

Lip moisturizers: Just one lip moisturizer isn’t enough, obviously, so I must have a steady supply. Carmex is for everyday application and my Lancôme Juicy tube is nice for a tint of color. And I always carry my Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting lip color pallet just in case an event or change of attire calls for a festive lip color.

Shea butter: I carry a small slab of shea butter that I melted down and put in an old body butter container. It works perfectly as a lip, hair and body moisturizer — a convenient 3-in-1!

iPod Touch: My portable tunes supplier takes me on whatever musical journey I’d like. Currently on repeat: “Hey” by KING, “Calypso Blues Remix” by Theophilus London and “Climax” by Usher

Sally Hansen and a nail filer: Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails base coat literally leaves my nails, well, hard as nails. With key strengthening ingredients like nylon and retinol, it gives my nails added protection against whatever my hands and nails may endure each day. I also use it as a top coat to give my favorite nail colors added shine. My nail filer keeps me prepared for any breakage that Sally can’t protect me from, wherever I am!

Student ID: You can’t enter any residence hall, swipe for any meal points or Lion Cash or enjoy the many perks and student activities Penn State has to offer without this little piece of plastic. I make sure to carry it everywhere to be sure I take advantage of everything and anything this gigantic university has to offer.

Loose change: My final essential item is a small and nifty change purse I found while thrift shopping. I love the colorful print, and it’s compact yet still roomy enough for all my change, bills and cards.

Photo illustration by Yuting Zhang

123 Comments

  • Bao Shaud says:

    The subsequent time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to read, however I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix should you werent too busy searching for attention.

  • nerve flow says:

    I have been reading out many of your stories and i must say pretty nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your site.

  • I saw a lot of website but I think this one holds something special in it in it

  • I am not sure the place you are getting your information, but good topic. I must spend a while studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I was searching for this info for my mission.

  • PT777 says:

    Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.

  • It’s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  • slot online says:

    I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂

  • rtp slot says:

    You made a number of good points there. I did a search on the topic and found the majority of people will have the same opinion with your blog.

  • sonabuds says:

    Glad to be one of several visitants on this awesome web site : D.

  • situs slot says:

    Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *