Sometimes there are things in life that are so utterly indulgent, so selfishly decadent, that you feel guilty for even entertaining the idea of it. I’m here to tell you that those things must not be lost. You should, however, keep in mind that one of my many mantras is “everything in moderation.” Given that little bit of always-helpful knowledge, go ahead. Indulge.
This morning, I was faced with a decision. It was a tough one. I was presented with a gourmet, glazed doughnut that was sprinkled with bits of bacon. I’ve seen something like this on TV before, but never thought I would run into one in real life. If you are vegetarian, or if, for some reason (though I can’t think of any), you don’t like the smell of bacon, then you won’t get what I’m about to describe. Imagine waking up for your morning workout session, ready to attack the day, when you are met with the haunting smell of freshly fried bacon. This smell drifts towards you, mingled with the succulent smell of warm sugar. You open your eyes to find something very different from your average breakfast. There, sitting in front of you, is a temptation only an enemy could dream up.
I had planned on this morning being productive and healthy. So, I ignored that marvelous smell and put on my yoga pants. I coaxed myself to the gym and strengthened both my core and my soul. I decided, mid Downward Dog, that I would not have the doughnut that was waiting for me at home.
Long story short, I ate the doughnut. I enjoyed it for the same reason that I thrive off of visiting New York for a few hours every time I have a work obligation in Newark, NJ. For the same reason that I wanted more than anything to visit the original Starbucks (even though I cannot stand their coffee) while I was visiting Seattle. It was for the same reason as when I quit my horrible job in hopes of really being able to do what I love, even if I don’t know what that is yet. I want to EXPERIENCE my life. I want to look back on the life that I have lived, and know that I lived it, within reason. Some people might take it as far as skydiving, or diving with sharks. Those adventures may not be up my ally, but that’s what I am talking about.
So, get out there, try the bacon-glazed doughnut. Make that jump. In the end, wouldn’t you rather have lived and lost, than never lived at all?
The bag from Dillard's is a rich tan, buttery leather, structured handbag. It has a gold lock on the front. The lock became unattached to the handbag itself, and it skews aesthetics of the bag. I still had the receipt, but I purchased the bag on clearance. I knew in the back of my mind that Dillard's would not be able to have the bag returned, due to the time passed and it having been purchased on clearance. But, I was hoping they would direct me to the manufacturer of the bag and maybe they would be able to repair it. Getting through to customer service was not difficult. But, I was informed that there was nothing they could do. The brand name of the bag was, unbeknownst to me, a Dillard's brand. The representative said that if it were a different brand, she would encourage me to call the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it was a Dillard's brand, and purchased at Dillard's. There was nothing they could do about it. 
The newest bag - the one from DSW - had nothing wrong with the craftmanship. I had an issue with purchasing it. It was love at first sight. I saw the bag from across the room and ran (in slow motion, I'm sure) towards it. When I finally was able to hold its braided stitching in my hands, I looked for a price tag. Alas, no price tag. There was not a single other like it. I took it to the register and told the gentleman my problem. He didn't seem to have a clue what to do, so he called his manager over. As he explained the problem to her, she quickly headed for the handbag section to find another of its kind. "There isn't another one like it, I already checked", I threw out. She turned around and came back, looked at the purse for about 1 second and declared, "either $59 or $69. Do $69." With that, she was gone. I was slightly taken aback at her offering two prices, then immediately choosing the higher one. But, I did love that bag. 
The second most important thing about your bag is the amount of pockets. I need many, many pockets. The top, mesh section is used for clean undergarments and socks. One of the two shoe pockets I use for used socks and undergarmets. The other shoe pocket keeps my flip flops, which need to be easily accessible since I wear them out and I also wear them inside to make sure my bare feet never touch the hotel carpet. I find that two mesh pockets in the main compartment are better than one, but you gotta go with what you've got. I use those inside pockets to keep my belts, large bangles (that don't fit into my jewelry box), spare face-cleansing cloths, a tiny clutch, and a small bag with things I don't need every day, but usually find myself needing at least once every trip. This bag has Band-Aids, Neosporin, Downey spray, Benadryl, and things of that nature. 
The main compartment is obviously the hardest to keep organized. But, with a little effort, its not that bad. I always have a bag for my shoes. There is no telling what germs are lurking on the bottoms of those shoes. You can also use shower caps to cover the bottom of your shoes. I prefer a large dust bag (you know, the kind that comes with nice purses) to keep all my shoes together. But, my slippers stay in a shower cap. I also have a larger, plastic, zippered bag to keep my full-sized hair products. I know that smaller, traveled-sized products are cute. But, when you travel a lot, you start to realize those little guys end up costing a ton! I just stick with regular-sized.
Now some people might say that this is not very fair to your friend, but I beg to differ. Your friend was already carrying a big purse into the bar. Your choice to force her to carry your clutch is simply economical. Maybe your friend enjoys sitting at the table guarding her bag, while she watches you do the electric slide clutch-free. It's a maternal thing. And you are just giving her the gift of responsibility. 
Side-note: The fight between the lined journal and the unlined journal will forever be a struggle for me. I am a creative person who flourishes without guidelines. But, structure is always needed, to a degree. The lines keep me neat and tidy, while the absence of lines gives my brain the go-ahead to be creative. Once, I tried grid paper, thinking that would enable me to use lines, and also to reject them. That journal turned into my Financial Log. But, I digress.
