converting

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you might remember that I don't like or carry bags. There are many reasons, but the two big ones are that bags always seem to feel in the way, and I can be very messy/unorganized and my bags usually end up turning into big wastebaskets that I carry around. So for years, I've shoved my DL, a couple credit cards and a bit of cash into a pocket. And if I didn't happen to have a pocket, it would all go into my bra. That's right, I'm your grandmother.

This system worked out really well for me, and I never felt any reason to change it. When I was pregnant, everyone insisted I would need a diaper bag, so a diaper bag I got. And it's an AWESOME diaper bag that I get constantly complimented on when I use it. The thing is, I quickly discovered that changing Cheech's diaper while we're out and about is way easier to do in the trunk of my car than just about anywhere else, which means that her diapers and wipes stay in our car now. Cheech has always been fairly predictable as far as when she wants to eat, so I'd make sure to schedule outings around her bottles. Keeping small stashes of toys and blankets in the car was also much easier than toting them around in a diaper bag. And if we were having a day when she didn't necessarily hate her stroller, I could stick all that stuff in the stroller's basket anyway. Although I still love and use the bag for travel, I've found a way around it for day to day life.

As of late, things have started to change. When Joe gifted me my phone, I also got in the horrible habit of shoving it in my bra. What can I say, my bras are roomy. When I was at the park the other day and didn't even notice it had slipped out until a friend discovered it, I knew I had to consider converting. Another reason I'd like to get a proper bag now is that as babies get older, they seem to require more take along shit. Who knew, right? When Cheech was younger, it wouldn't bother her very much if I forgot to bring toys to a restaurant because she didn't actually PLAY with toys. She's starting to catch onto the "play with mommy's napkin" game, and she doesn't exactly find it funny. And don't even get me started on the snacks. I'm making a huge effort to get her on more solid foods vs. bottles, but since babies have such tiny stomachs, they're more like grazers. So they are CONSTANTLY eating. It's getting a little hard, not to mention stupid looking, to carry around little tupperware containers in my hands. And last, Northern California is the land of layers. One second you're freezing your ass off, and the next you're starting to feel a little clammy. The weather patterns here are absurd, changing from hour to hour, and you always have to be prepared. It would be nice to have some extra room for a sweater or a scarf, instead of skipping it all and suffering as a result.

All this leads to the bag. THE BAG (how have I already written three paragraphs for a bag?). My criteria goes as follows: It has to be large, it has to be leather, it has to be brown, it has to be quality (I want it to last as long as possible), and it has to be simple. Very, very simple. Pleats, bows, excessive pockets, unnecessary zippers, unnecessary hardware in general, tassels, fringe, and pattern of any sort are out. Seeing as I'm not exactly a "bag lady", I don't want to end up getting myself a bag that I'm sick of in a year, or even worse 6 months. I find the best way to avoid this occurrence is by going the minimal route. The bag in the photo is almost perfect. It's a bit on the small side. Seeing as I have a lot to pack ON TOP of all the trash I like to carry around (I can't break this habit, I've tried), I'm going to need some room. So, tell me. Have you seen this magical bag I speak of? You'd think something so simple would be quite easy to find, but sadly, not the case.