My *Tool* Box

I have a few things that I take with me in the house...if I am upstairs....it goes with me. If I am downstairs...it goes with me. Inside I keep things I use throughout the day....such as:

~ My Filofax Planner

~ Our Family Devotions/Catechism book 

~ Pens/Stickers

~ My Bible

~ Books I am currently reading

~ My weekly menu planner

~ Lotion

Previously, I carried all these things in a market tote like THIS one. That worked just fine but wasn't "ideal". Things weren't neatly separated and were just *in* there. It was okay...but when I saw this Neatnix Toolbox on sale at Zulily, I was super excited (it's a bit on the pricey side at amazon...but if you are interested, you may find it cheaper on ebay....or Zulily may still have some for sale!)! 

It is sturdy and easy to carry by the handle! I just love all the space it has!

There are all kinds of organizational pockets on the front...

...With two larger pockets on the back...

There are even pockets on the sides that (to my delight) fit my lotion perfectly!

How do you organize things you use constantly throughout the day? I used to keep things in different baskets over the years...but the weight of the items would wear on the basket over time and damage it. I am so glad to have found something that is perfect for the use I am giving it! 

Updated Purse Organization ~ Spring 2014

I am quite particular about keeping my purse organized. I like to know where things are and have it neat. I don't like things just thrown in there...nor do I like things in there that don't belong (trash etc.).

I thought you may enjoy seeing how I am organizing my purse this spring. :) Above is the picture of my bag from the outside. I just love the huge flower!

And here is how you will see my bag on the inside (at any time...I always keep it this same way)...

What's all inside, you may ask? Well, let me show you...

 This is a small Vera Bradley wallet (which I found inexpensively on ebay) that keeps my iPod safe. I haven't had an iPod very long, but it was necessary to own since I began teaching spinning classes at our local Y...

 My phone (a simple flip phone...I don't use it for much like most people do. I don't even text! It's mainly a "just in case" phone. I am not against phones...but just don't feel like people need to find me *all* the time, does that make sense?), a couple pens, Chapstick (cake batter ~ yum!), Lip Gloss from Avon, and my peppermint essential oil roll-on for headaches or whatever I may need it for while on the go...

 My kindle case and filofax (which serves as my bill-paying-register and checkbook which I may do an updated post on soon)...

Here is my kindle. It is nothing fancy...just a simple one that I bought on super-sale from Amazon. I have downloaded loads of books for free (mostly theology) and it is great to have to read while waiting at a dr's appointment or if stuck in traffic etc. The case was bought on Etsy (I love Etsy!) from THIS store. My kindle tucks perfectly in there and then sits safely in my bag!

This little gem holds feminine products (not overly interesting, but I thought I would mention it!)...

This is my keep-all container. I keep extra Chapstick (of course) along with bandaids, tissues, ibuprofen, cough drops and extra hair things in there. I guess you could call it a "just in case" pouch...

And finally, in my bag I keep this little card-keeper. I have this one photo of my children in there along with some store cards, health insurance cards and the like...

So there you have it! And now all my items are back in my bag, just the way I had them before. It's always so nice to know just where everything is and to have it neat and tidy.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing how I organize my bag.
How do you organize yours? Feel free to share a link to your blog post about how you organize your purse! I'd love to see it!

Organizing Your Gym Bag

 I spin. Many look at me funny when I say that and wonder if I spin yarn. No...I don't spin yarn (although I would love to learn to do that too!). Spinning is speed cycling with tension. You can find out more about it HERE. I am currently in the midst of being certified as a spin instructor as well! That being said, I go to the gym a lot. I have taken a few different bags to the gym over time...simple totes, bookbags etc. But none of those bags could ever get my things organized and neat in a way I liked.

I am happy to say I found a bag that works perfectly for me now. It's a tad big...but that's okay. I like the extra room in case I need to bring something else along with me...plus it leaves plenty of room to keep all my gym necessities organized! You can find the same bag HERE and HERE if you are interested.

I love how the top zips open and flips over to reveal everything inside!

Here is a look...

Inside, you will find my spin shoes (which are in horrible shape after so much use but still work for now!), water bottles, a bag of necessities and extra towels. Under my spin shoes I have some extra clothes *just in case* I need them for any reason...

Inside the necessities bag I have two smaller bags, extra sweat bands (we sweat a lot in spin class) and some saline for my contacts...

In the leopard print bag I have some female necessities as well as a stick of deodorant. In the bee pouch (made by my sister) I have some lip balm, a hair tie, hand sanitizer and my spin cards (yes, I save all of them...for no particular reason!)....

For Christmas, my parents and sister's family went together to buy me all new towels for my bathroom! These are our old hand towels that I take with me to the gym...

All zipped up and ready to go...

I like having my things all in place....even in my gym bag. To me, I dislike having everything jumbled in there and having to *dig* for things. :)

Do you organize your gym bag?