My everyday bag is a cross body, grey, faux leather cutie. It is the perfect little carrier, that not only is functional but also looks amazing (at least I think it does). I got it a while back at Forever 21 and when I first saw it I thought it was ideal although it is not large at all. I am not one to carry a huge, "shoes and laptop can even fit in there" kind of bag because I just don't like the feeling of bearing so much weight on my shoulders. Ajajaja!

That said, you would usually, more often than not, (ok, always), only see me carrying a small bag that is preferably cross body so that I don't have to hold it. When I first began deciding what I would put in it, I obviously had to narrow it down to the mere necessities.

Narrow down what you can carry in your bag by looking at how many compartments it has

Small Bag Essentials

Journal/Agenda

I like to carry a little journal that doubles as an agenda/planner so that I can jot down my thoughts, ideas (which seem to come during the random-est moments), to do lists or anything else that comes to mind. Some would use their phone but I find I don't complete anything when I rely on it. Whereas with my journal, I quickly highlight plus check off all that has been done. This makes me feel accomplished, indeed. Try it :) Oh, oh, I also practice my handwriting since this generation where we all seem to be typing even homemade letters, is forgetting the beauty of handwritten things. I featured this journal from Barnes & Noble in my Password Notebook post.

Journal for writing down your daily thoughts

Book

I consider this an essential because I find it has saved me during those moments of frustration, boredom or when I can't find wifi (meaning I can't use my phone to browse Pinterest). I also get very entertained watching a movie in my head (of course, you would need a good read for that to happen). If you truly don't have space in your small bag, opt for a book you can read on your phone, that works too, although physically holding your book is a complete classic.

Wallet

This one may seem like a no brainer, but you might be surprised at the amount of things that could fit into a wallet. Having an already small bag means you can't always organize by using tiny little bags to hold your small items, so wallets come in handy to store any random, small enough object you don't want scattered around. (Receipts, earrings, rings, bobbi pins etc). Mine is a gold, faux leather wallet that has many compartments, which I love. The poor things is coming apart, though... :D

Writing Utensils

Use to write on your journal, but also to keep on hand because you never know when you might need a pen, highlighter or pencil. Spending hours outside your home, may bring many unexpected happenings.

Pens and pencils just in case you need them

Sanitizers

When you're not near a restroom or somewhere you can thoroughly wash your hand, the next best thing would be to use a hand sanitizer. It is very important, people.

Carry hand sanitizer in case you can't find somewhere to wash your hands

Feminine Care

Anything from wipes, to panty liners are always great to always carry around even if you are not expecting your friend of the month to appear. Use to freshen up when you're feeling yucky.

Feminine hygiene products are always an essential to carry with you

Phone Essentials

I keep my headphones and phone charger inside a tiny bag as to not have them tangling around in the bottom of my bag. Easy to store and to find.

Keep headphones and phone charger inside a smaller bag, so they don't get lost

Hair Essentials

Hair ties, bobbi pins plus your go to cute accessory. I seriously use all of this daily!

Freshen Up

Altoids is what I carry, but you can have gum, mints or any other sort of mouth refresher. The Altoids tin can be used to store things too. I currently keep my daily supplements in there.

Mints, gum, or breath fresheners are great for keeping your breath fresh

For the Lip

To keep your pout moisturized, hydrated and looking great, use lip balms, glosses or any lip therapy product. They come in handy specially on the go. I have one that even doubles as a hand moisturizer, an ideal double functioning product. Check out my Go to Lip Products.

Those are the things I usually keep inside my tiny little three compartment bag. I tend to switch around depending on the time of year, but these are the essentials that always remain there no matter what.

All of these essentials fit inside one small bag

What are your bag essentials?