it’s in the bag.

by Janetha on January 24, 2012

in Uncategorized

sometimes my impulse buying habits turn out great! for example, i bought this kangaroo contigo water bottle on a whim without thinking about it, simply because i wanted a purple contigo, and it’s turned out to be my favorite water bottle:

IMG 9638IMG 9641

the compartment stores my workout printout perfectly. it doesn’t take much to please me, i guess.

other times, however, my impulse buying habits turn out to be a big waste of money.

exhibit A is this bedspread set we bought back in november:

image (image source: kohls.com)

i was so hell-bent on getting a new bedspread and i liked the look of this one, so i really didn’t think about the investment before handing over my debit card to the cashier. also, i bought it at kohl’s, where they convince you that you are buying something for 87% off and, even though you are still spending $150, you are walking away with a killer deal.

this particular bedspread set ended up being HORRIBLE. it was scratchy. it felt awful next to my skin. it was cheaply made. it was bad.

buyer’s remorse.. for sure.

i was walking around the store sometime in december, killing time because marshall was working out of town, and i came across an incredibly soft, cozy comforter. it was positively perfect and i wanting it. BAD. and i also saw some microfleece sheets. after a few texts back and forth with marshall, i was back at my house, packing up the overpriced, crappy comforter set to give to goodwill and putting the soft, snuggly new items on my bed.

when marshall got back in town and crawled into the new threads for the first time, he said something like, “our bed comfortableness just went from a five to a ten!”

so, all in all, even though i wasted money on the first set, it all worked out for the best.

exhibit B of impulse purchasing gone bad is this purse i bought back in september:

image

i am very particular about my purses. i like them to have a cross-body strap and a handle strap. i also like them to be big enough to haul around all my crap. i was looking for a purse for months, and when i saw this one at urban outfitters, i swooped it up without a second thought. since it had both of the handle options, i knew it would be perfect.

sigh, wrong.

since september, i have been using this purse and have grumbled at least once a day about it. why, you ask? well, because it doesn’t have an outer pocket. turns out, the handle specifications really didn’t matter to me as much as the outer pocket does. i didn’t even KNOW that mattered to me until i didn’t have it. my purse before this one had the outer pocket where i exclusively stashed three things: my phone, my car keys, and gum.

well, this purse has no outer pocket and my crap—including my keys, phone, and gum—is always floating around and i get ridiculously frustrated when my phone is ringing and i can’t locate it or i am walking to my car, searching for my keys in my huge, unorganized purse the whole time. you are probably reading this, thinking i am a crazy person, right? either that or you have already stopped reading.

clearly this is something i feel passionately enough about to blog about, so i am just going to keep going. i finally decided that i’d had enough of my annoying purse, so i bought myself a new one. with not one, but TWO outside pockets!

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i did sacrifice the handle strap option and this purse only has a cross-body strap.. but that was a risk i was willing to take. after searching high and low for a bag that was just the right size with just the right pockets, i decided the straps weren’t as big of a deal as i thought. i hope i don’t regret it.

today i changed purses and thought it would be fun to do a “what’s in my bag” post. i see them all the time on other blogs and they always entertain me because i am super creepy and nosy, so i figured i would join in on the fun.

first of all, here’s an instagram shot of my purse this morning:

image

it’s national peanut butter day today, so i wanted to be sure to have some on hand to celebrate. i threw a jar into my purse on my way out the door.

when i got home from work, i swapped my purses. here’s what’s in the bag!

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this is almost everything. aside from my phone, which is currently charging, my car keys, which are on my counter, and my camera, of course, since i was using it to take the photos. i am a bad camera owner and just lug my dslr camera around in my purse.

let’s take a closer look.

in the bath & beauty department:

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floss, tweezers, my favorite gum, hair elastics, single-use tooth brushes, and an owl mirror that lisa gave me.

in the medicine cabinet:

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lortabs leftover from breaking my nose, cough drops, and gasx. you never know when you’re gonna have a cough or be gassy. or, i guess, need a pain pill.

in the hand protection area:

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touch-screen-friendly gloves (from costco) and a reusable coffee cozy that was a gift from susan.

in the filing cabiet:

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an envelope (that my w2 came in, ugh.. taxes) stuffed with things like my check book, receipts, coupons, and other odds and ends that i probably don’t need to be lugging around but i am.

in the totally miscellaneous department:

IMG 9669

a house key that i have yet to reattach to my key chain, an extra camera card, and today’s workout.. that i am going to go do at my mom’s house after i publish this post.

and, finally.. the lip department. because it needs a department of its own:

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i actually had one more in there–some aquaphor–but it’s still in my snowboarding pants from sunday.

oh, and one more thing.. i got a new wallet to match. my old wallet had a broken zipper that i had been dealing with for over five months. i never found a wallet that fit my wonky specifications, but i was finally so fed up with the broken zipper that i caved and bought this one.

IMG 9664

it’s volcom and it’s herringbone. and it has none of my “wallet must have” specs.

i hope i don’t get buyer’s remorse.

xo. janetha g.

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Franzi January 24, 2012 at 5:48 pm

I’m glad I’m not the only one with a very specific taste in purses.. it takes me FOREVER to find a perfect one = one that meets all my needs!

I really love your blog, you’re funny, entertaining and you seem like such a sweet person :)

momma b. January 24, 2012 at 6:28 pm

yes she is funny, entertaining and she is a very, very sweet person too!! I love her :)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:31 pm

Thanks, Franzi! It’s comments like these that keep me goin’.

Jen January 24, 2012 at 5:50 pm

Just want to comment and say I LOVE that new purse you got–I too am EXTREMELY picky with purses. Where did you get that one??

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:32 pm

It’s RVCA and I got it off Amazon! I think it was called the star bottom purse or something… I could be making that up.

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:33 pm
J @ ... semplicemente j ... January 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm

I never get buyer remorse … just wallet remorse for spending money that I maybe should not have spent at a particular time … like I am going to do in just a few minutes when I will purchase Lululemon yoga pants that I really do not need right now :)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:35 pm

I have yet to buy any Lulu.. I don’t dare start!

Michelle (Better with Berries) January 24, 2012 at 6:06 pm

Ahhh my W2 came today too! I am not looking forward to doing those taxes :-(

Love that new wallet!

Heidi Nicole January 24, 2012 at 6:08 pm

I’m crazy picky about my purse…unless is insanely cheap and green, in which case I’ll take it! Yeah, because that makes sense!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:36 pm

Hahaha.. this made me laugh. Yes, totally makes sense!

Kellie January 24, 2012 at 6:20 pm

I am currently trying to design something for myself to put my camera in, IN MY PURSE…. as soon as i get it all figured out, I’ll let ya know… you apparently need one too!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:37 pm

Sounds cool! I have had padded inserts before but they just bugged me. Can’t wait to see what you come up with, let me know!!

Denise January 24, 2012 at 6:20 pm

I am terrible about buying things on sale just because it is a good price. I don’t need most ofwhat I buy and some times never even wear it or use it. That is actually by new years wich for myself that I exhibit more control:)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:38 pm

I am like that, too! I rationalize that it’s such a bargain, even if I don’t need it. we will practice self control together!

Amanda January 25, 2012 at 9:10 pm

Ha ha ha, I do this too! When I was younger, my long-suffering Dad (he has 5 daughters!) told me that even though it it on sale, it still costs money. I try to remember that when I am lusting after things on sale!

Betty January 24, 2012 at 6:24 pm

Loooooove that purse.. I want to try a purse with a body strap instead of just a handle strap. Mines contains too much crap.. A industrial sized lint roller, a clutch that I could carry on its own, sunglasses I never wear, and lots of other junk. I need a smaller bag for sure. And I love that contigo .. And all things purple.

momma b. January 24, 2012 at 6:26 pm

I am on hold with a verizon tech to get to an apple tech and laughing out loud at this post – I’m sure the guy wonders what in the world is wrong with me!!! But boy when you’re on hold with these guys you really need something to lighten up the mood :)

I’m totally with you in the purse department – I think the purse looks very cute and comfy soft. That’s been my latest search is that soft old beaten up leather look you know?!?

Anyway I always love your ramblings probably because I love you xoxo!!!

Pure2raw twins January 24, 2012 at 6:32 pm

It takes me forever to find a purse that I like. I am so picky about what I am looking for. sometimes I like big purses then other times I want a small purse. oh the decisions. Love seeing what it is inside your bag! right now my has receipts and my cell phone charge and my wallet.

Kim @ The Family Practice January 24, 2012 at 6:40 pm

I don’t want to sound like a creeper but the past two days I think I’ve seen your husband… coffee shop in SLC by my work… I should just ask if its him but I feel so weird – hi I read this blog and you look like this one girls husband… ha!

Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga January 24, 2012 at 6:54 pm

The kangaroo contigo…THAT is awesome. I need to get one of those for Skylar and stuff cute notes in it and send it to her in her lunch pail. Or stuff cookies into it or something…I have to have that thing.

Purses. I am SO picky, too. And camera bags. Basically bags of any kind have to be just right or I don’t even want to bother. I 100% feel ya and you devoted a post to purses; I just did one to coffee makers b/c coffee is just as important as purses :)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 9:48 pm

Be warned: the bottle is HUGE. She will have to have a large and in charge pail, haha. Saw your coffee post earlier and smiled!

Maren January 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm

What a fun post! I bought a purse that I only saw in a picture! Nate’s aunt owns a store called, “The Jewelry Lady” and has lots of awesome purses, so I picked it out of a picture and it has spikes on it! I love the one side without the spikes, but Nate calls it my death metal purse. hahaha Let’s just say, I can’t wait for spring when I can carry a tiny purse again!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:08 pm

At least if you are alone in a dark alleyway you have a weapon :)

Maren January 25, 2012 at 6:55 am

lol good point!

Lindsay @ Lindsay's List January 24, 2012 at 7:07 pm

Why am I so interested in what’s inside your flippin’ purse?!?!? Intriguing! Do a “what’s inside my fridge” next!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:08 pm

Because you are a creep. Like me.

Carly January 24, 2012 at 7:08 pm

I haven’t bought a new purse since High School since nothing will ever compare to the one I have and I can’t find one like it. It’s not so slowly falling apart. Sigh.

I always was searching for my phone and keys, so like the front pocket for my phone, but for my keys I just attach them to a lanyard. Super easy to find at all times!

chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 24, 2012 at 7:22 pm

I tend to get buyer’s remorse on clothes that I don’t really “love” – I looove that purse though!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:11 pm

ugh i have clothes still with the tags. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM.

Sarah January 24, 2012 at 7:25 pm

I completely understand have specifications for purses! My must-have purse features include handle straps, front pocket and a fun color. My last few purses have been green, red, red, orange and I currently am looking for a yellow one! Despite the odd colors, I tend to use the same one daily and keep them a while (year+).

Heather (Heather's Dish) January 24, 2012 at 7:41 pm

i love that wallet! i found a volcom one the other day that i LOVED but couldn’t justify spending the money right after Christmas. now that I didn’t buy it…THAT’S buyer’s remorse!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:14 pm

Dangit. I would have bought it for you!

Lauren @ What Lauren Likes January 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm

I love that water bottle! Neeeed :)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:15 pm

It’s so handy! I got it off the Contigo website.

Sara @ Nourish and Flourish January 24, 2012 at 9:25 pm

I carry a jar of peanut butter in purse far more than I probably should. However today–National Peanut Butter Day!–I panicked a bit when I saw your tweet and realized that I didn’t have any with me. But I’m making up for it now– a peanut butter protein cake topped with peanut butter is my nightcap tonight. :)

LOVE the new purse! I used to carry a huuuge Longchamp bag with no pockets inside or out, and it was the bane of my existence. Now I have one with five pockets and life is so much better. ;-)

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:15 pm

Haha so glad you made up for it!

sarah @ sarah learns January 24, 2012 at 9:33 pm

this post reminded me that i need a new purse and a new wallet. and that i have some tjmaxx/marshalls gift cards burning a hole in my pocket from my birthday (um. i got them in the mail yesterday….hah!). might have to make a quick stop after work tomorrow…..!

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 10:16 pm

Ohhhhh I love those stores way too much. Have fun shopping!

Mimi (Gingersnaps) January 24, 2012 at 11:20 pm

Ha! I’m SUPER picky about my purses too. I have a ton of purses (given to me as gifts) that are very pretty but I’d never use them. There must be a chest strap!

I deliberate way too long on pretty much any buying decision, unless it’s a book, video game, or foodie item. I don’t get buyers remorse but I guess I get “buyers bedroom eyes” — I’m always looking around to see if there’s a better option I missed.

Oh hey, I occasionally pop by GOMI and I noticed a thread about you. Seriously, screw those guys. I get irritated at that site because I think, “geez, don’t you have more productive things to do than nitpick over blogs?” Their comments about “zomg carb cycling is teh cray cray!” were idiotic. Some hats just don’t get why people may want to look extra hot for a vacation. Whatevs, you rock.

Janetha January 24, 2012 at 11:29 pm

Haha.. thanks. I attempted to chat about it for awhile, but after it sucked a lot of time from my day (for one day) I realized I’d rather spend my extra online time working on my blog and replying to emails/reader questions instead of arguing my reasons for being me. I haven’t been back since making this decision and I don’t plan to go back. Not because my feelings were hurt–they weren’t, people have every right to have their opinion–but I found it WAY too time consuming. Plus, what other people have to say about me is none of my business. You’re sweet for the vote of confidence, though! And hell yes, it’s totally legit to want to look good on vacation. XO

Sarah @ The Healthy Diva January 24, 2012 at 11:57 pm

Happy national peanut butter day…i’ll make sure to get an extra dose!!! Maybe some peanut butter cookies….or heck just eat some out of the jar. haha. I’m such an impulse buyer as well! I really like the bottle with the storage compartment…very cool :)

Erica January 25, 2012 at 2:35 am

Kohls totally is a money hole. Everything is on “sale” and i feel the need to buy it!

melissanibbles January 25, 2012 at 3:35 am

I love your cute new wallet!

Hope @ With A Side Of Hope January 25, 2012 at 5:23 am

I am so picky with purses and wallets too! I haven’t bought a new purse in two years because I am obsessed with mine. It holds everything and anything. I call it my Mary Poppins bag and I got it for an amazing deal at the Coach outlet. I love that thing. Wallets are the same way for me. They need to have a change section or else I will not buy it. I love that wallet you bought! So cute :)

Krissie J @ A Philly Nerd Girl January 25, 2012 at 6:27 am

I <3 Volcom & RVCA. I'm picky about purses as well, but when I find one I love I carry it for AGES. Right now it's a bright royal blue slouchy Coach purse I got on super discount and I just can't part with it. :) I would do a "what's in my purse?" post, but that may scare people. Haha!

Sami January 25, 2012 at 6:38 am

I’m picky, too!!! I think I get it from my Mom. And I use it until it’s dead, when I do find one I like. Momma FF literally spends months sometimes trying to find the “perfect” purse.

Abby January 25, 2012 at 7:25 am

I saw that water bottle on Pinterest and I have wanted it ever since. I think I need to make it happen!

Also, I love the wallet! I hope you dont have buyer’s remorse either because it is so cute!

Life's a Bowl January 25, 2012 at 7:33 am

Big bags are a must! Love having enough room for my daily purse items as well as plenty of room for a water bottle, snacks [to sneak into the movies], my camera, a coupon book [gotta save some monies], and tons of other things that I acquire [usually anything else that Ryan doesn’t want to carry haha]! I got a big Coach hobo purse for graduation that I’ve been using since the spring and love it- there’s no pocket on the outside but plenty of space on the inside and it has a cross-body strap and shoulder straps… The Coach outlet is usually my go-to :) Great steals!

Janetha January 25, 2012 at 11:14 am

We don’t have a Coach outlet around here, but I am thinking that is for the better judging from my impulse-buying track record!

chris January 25, 2012 at 7:39 am

I agree with you about Kohls…….the ‘discount’ thing always sucks me in. However, the GREAT part about kohls is that you can return ANYTHING. And i mean ANYTHING. They don’t care if you use it for a year then decide you hate it or it breaks or whatever. They take EVERYTHING back. My friend works there and has seen ridiculous stuff being returned….like a vacuum cleaner after a year of use and all filled with crud. Full refund!! Nice that you decided to bring it to Goodwill but next time – take it back to Kohls. =)

Jil W January 25, 2012 at 11:07 am

My thoughts also ~~ take it back next time.

Janetha January 25, 2012 at 11:10 am

I had no idea! Even without the packaging?? Wow. Kicking myself!

chris January 25, 2012 at 12:09 pm

As long as you use your Kohls card or have the receipt, they will take back anything. i have taken back stuff without packaging and they don’t seem to care. Seriously best return policy EVER!

Cat @Breakfast to Bed January 25, 2012 at 7:48 am

I have the same gloves, not the cutest, but very sensible. Also, team cinnamon wisp. I’m addicted. I also like cinnamon floss, but it’s hard to find.

NIcole C January 25, 2012 at 9:28 am

I too, am super picky about a purse and wallet! I returned my wallet after spend a ludicious amount of time deciding which one I wanted. Glad I did I like my zipper one much better. Thank you Fossil, well done.

As for the purse: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/under-one-sky-double-zip-tote/3197710?origin=category&resultback=5586 <– that's the one I got from Nordstrom (junior department) and I LOVE it. $38 bucks, chest strap, handles, 2 pockets on the outside that can fit my droid so it will fit your phone. I got it for Paris and wasn't disappointed! Everything fits, water bottle and all. I even bought one for my step mom for x-mas. Oh and mine is alligator green. Just saying, in case you hate yours :)

Janetha January 25, 2012 at 11:11 am

Shit. I love that thing.

Janetha January 25, 2012 at 11:12 am

Aaaand I just bought it. haha. Never know when you’ll need a green purse! Thanks, lady.

Katie January 25, 2012 at 9:37 am

We need a new bedspread! I’ve been searching online – but after reading this I think it might be safer to go in and feel them so I don’t end up with a scratchy-itchy thing.

Love your new wallet! I love herringbone! I hope it works out

STUFT Mama January 25, 2012 at 9:42 am

I’ve bene wanting to do a post like this for awhile. :) That water bottle is darn cool that you can fit your workout in the little compartment.
This also just reminded me I need to buy a new scan disk. :) And change things over to my new purse. YOu’ve got alot going on in yours.
And…… because you are the queen of National holidays- is today National Peanut Butter Day or was it yesterday? I’m so confused. :)

Kait January 25, 2012 at 10:01 am

For future reference…you can bring stuff back to kohl’s ANYTIME, even if you’ve used it. When I lost weight, I brought back all my old pants and exchanged them for the next size down…a year after I had bought the old pants.

Greatest. return. policy. ever. Just save your receipts or use your Kohl’s card so you get all of your $ back and not just the most recent (read: lowest) price.

:)

Janetha January 25, 2012 at 11:10 am

I had no clue! THank you for the tip. You are full of useful info!!!

Kait January 25, 2012 at 11:56 am

When it comes to Kohls, I know it! Hahah Its just about the only place I shop mainly because of that. It makes it super easy/cheap for when you lose weight to not have to replace all of your clothes. Its also made me more conscious of washing EVERYTHING before I wear it (and yes I do wash the clothes before I return them) because I never know.

Plus their petite jeans come in different lengths. As in they have Petite Short, Regular, and Tall. I feel like that is a fact you can appreciate too.

Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife January 25, 2012 at 11:30 am

We bought microfleece sheets (too!!) in Nov and haven’t looked back. SO wonderful. It’s like sleeping in a teddy bear at night <—dreamy!

Love the wallet!

meggi January 25, 2012 at 11:43 am

Ha! This post is incredible! As women, our purses are such a big part of our lives! I have a friend who NEVER carries a purse. I just don’t know how she does it! I have three purses because I am also SUPER picky about them too :)

elise January 25, 2012 at 12:10 pm

im so anal about my purses too…i switch to a new one mayyyyybe twice a year. i have “going out” purses, but thats only because i dont need much more than keys, chapstick, and my ID. maybe some dolla bills too.

outside and inside hidden pockets are so necessary. cant have my tampons flying out when im grabbing for my phone. i HATE searching through the purse abyss so much.

ok now IM the crazy lady ranting about my purse.

Jessica @ Stylish Stealthy and Healthy January 25, 2012 at 12:12 pm

We got this super nice (read: expensive) duvet cover/skirt/sham set for our wedding 2 years ago and our last puppy Hendrix chewed a huge hole in the duvet cover, rendering the rest of it useless without it’s mate. I ended up just buying a new set from TJ Maxx for like $60 which is way less that that set cost and I love it so much more. Lesson learned… TJ Maxx > everything.

Tamizn January 25, 2012 at 12:30 pm

Now I know how you love surveys so I tagged ya x x

http://www.saladandsequins.com/2012/01/11-things-day-2324.html

Michelle @lipstickandlunges January 25, 2012 at 12:45 pm

I’m glad I’m not alone in the purse rummaging world. My fiance calls my purse a black hole of miscellaneous crap. If my phone rings I almost always miss the call. I also find random things, like dog toys, or, one time, the TV remote. No lie.
— Michelle
ps. love that water bottle! I always have to carry around a notebook for my workouts, so that is super convenient!

Biz January 25, 2012 at 5:11 pm

Okay, you have just convinced me to get a new purse. I bought one too that I thought could fit everything, and it was low, and long so that when I opened it up I thought I could see everything. Nope. I literally want to throw it in the trash on a daily basis. No more! I hope to get to Goodwill this weekend – we are on a super tight budget (read, just spent $556 on a car repair!) so hope I have some luck. :D

Nikki @ Heels to Sneakers January 25, 2012 at 5:30 pm

I was nodding along as I read the part about the purse, I also HAVE to have a front pocket on my purse!! I always have my phone, car keys, and my work cardkey in there, and if not I start panicking! :)

TeriLyn [a foodie stays fit] January 25, 2012 at 7:35 pm

dude, that storage compartment in the Contigo mug is genius.

yay for AFCU! :)

kim January 25, 2012 at 7:52 pm

i don’t even want to get into the number of bags i have purchased on a whim. it’s ridiculous, and now i want to buy the one you bought. andddd i love the herringbone on the wallet. i sometimes wish online shopping didn’t exist (but then I’d be bored).

Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] January 26, 2012 at 12:28 am

totally cute wallet. i just bought herringbone toms — love.

btw, what pinterest plug-in do you use, lady? :)

lucie January 26, 2012 at 6:32 am

Love your appliances girlie! I just ordered an excalibur dehydrator and cant wait for it to arrive!

colleenzo January 26, 2012 at 8:26 am

You and I have the EXACT SAME requirements for purses.

Samantha February 1, 2012 at 11:25 am

I am totally the same way about purses… I had no idea how much I loved the outer pockets! I had actually never had them before, and I would get sooo frustrated whenever I would have to dig for my house keys (eventually I’d try to stash them in the secret inside compartment). But now I bought a Nine West purse and I looove it. Outside pocket for my subway/work/business card-holder, cell phone, mini mirror and gum. I have a cross-over strap and two handle straps. It is my favorite purse and I don’t ever want to give it up. Love

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