I’ve been carrying the very same workhorse of a handbag for over two years.

I give it a good clean out every week because there’s only so many tissues and toy cars and (heaven forbid!) mandarin skins one mother can carry. Granted, it houses a lot of paraphernalia that’s collected as we go, but I prefer to only carry the essentials.

I gave up the notion of a nappy bag many years ago and instead carry a simple nappy pouch with everything I need for on-the-go changes. If you’re new to motherhood and feel weighed down on your everyday outings I highly recommend this simple method. I use a pouch from Printebebe – it easily fits a packet of wipes, three nappies, a change mat, a change of clothes and there’s still enough room for my wallet, keys and phone if I want to travel particularly lightly.

Sunscreen is an absolute must for me and while I apply it every morning I will reapply if I’m out in the sun for longer than thirty minutes. A recent sun spot on my face turned really dark thanks to pregnancy hormones and I had to have it treated so I’m even more vigilant about covering up – in all seasons! I use Eco All Natural Sunscreen for the face + body – available here and here. It’s incredibly light and easy to apply and unlike many other brands it has never irritated my sensitive skin.

For all kinds of skin issues – dry lips, mozzie bites, grazes, nappy rash – I love Pure Papaya Care. A friend recommended this ointment years ago and I’ve been fan ever since. It walks all over the traditional paw paw ointment because it’s free of all petrochemicals and is infused with calendula, jojoba oil and shea butter. It’s basically the perfect, natural all-rounder hence it’s ideal for the handbag. You can get it at most chemists and online from Nourished Life.

Ere Perez Beetroot Cheek + Lip Tint is my favourite make-up item (along with the Almond Oil Mascara – amazing!). You only need the tiniest bit on the cheeks to create a healthy rouge and I’ll dab a bit on my lips after I’ve moisturised with papaya ointment. It makes me look “ready” for the day, even if I feel anything but.

For dry hands (particularly at this time of year) I love Salus’ Lavender & Mandarin Hand & Cuticle Cream – you only need the littlest bit and it works wonders (the perfect gift, too!).

I carry a string bag or two so I don’t have to succumb to plastic…and they’re the very best thing for carrying a decent load of fruit + veg. I found this one at the op shop many moons ago and surprisingly they’re really hard to come across (but if you’re good at crochet there are plenty of patterns online).

Finally, a pregnant woman cannot leave home without a good supply of water. I bought my Klean Kanteen drink bottle when I was pregnant with Percy and I’ve used it everyday since. I swear buy this bottle and it withstands lots of falls (it’s dinted patina is somewhat endearing).

And then of course there’s sunglasses, wallet, phone, diary and pen…sometimes a book and, of late, my knitting accompanies me to after-school activities.