Things #24-26. Purses.

Of course I have to say something about purses. There are two—count ‘em, two—chapters in my book about purses. For some women it’s shoes; for me, it’s purses.

Sorry, you non-purse-carriers out there. Check back later for some tips that apply to you.

Thing #24. Carry a medicine bag in your purse.

This is a little tip I learned from my bestie, Ruth. She’s very organized. Years ago I observed that she had a little zippered bag in her purse that kept all the little bits and pieces rounded up—medicine bottles, nail clippers, nail file . . . . I adopted the practice. My little zippered bag, a bit smaller than my hand, also holds a mini sewing kit, a tiny bottle of lotion. And something deserving of its very own “thing.”

Thing #25. Keep a tape measure in your purse.

Yes, my little purse pouch holds a tape measure. It comes in handy. You never have to wonder if that side table at the garage sale is going to fit in the little nook in your living room (provided you’ve already measured the nook in your living room). I’ve also pulled out the tape measure at work—will that bookcase fit in that corner?

Thing #26. Keep a flashlight on your key ring or in your purse.

Yes, I have a flashlight in my purse, too. Ever tried to read a program in a dimly lit auditorium (before the concert, of course)? I’ve even pulled it out in a dark restaurant. Most people have this option on their phone, but I don’t get much light from my phone, so a little flashlight is just the ticket.

Besides, without a flashlight, how am I going to find anything in my purse?