Alyse French | Fine Art Portrait Photographer | Houston, TX »

1 For Me // 1 For You | August 2011

This month’s 1 For Me // 1 For You doesn’t come along with any particularly clever story. Dylan even suggested writing a haiku to spice up this post, but I’ve never been the poet type. When it comes down to it, I just like my Urban Outfitters Deux Lux Messenger Backpack. And I thought one of you might like it too! But before jumping into the deets and the pics, let’s remind ourselves how 1 For Me // 1 For You works!

  • What is it? It’s simple! If I have one of something that I find functional, fashionable, or just plain fun, I send the winner a duplicate!
  • Who can enter? Pretty much anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a friend, client, past client, future client, or random reader, enter it up! (Please see the not-so-fine print below for full rules and restrictions!)
  • How long do I have to enter? You’ll have until next Saturday, August 13th at midnight CST to enter. The winner will be chosen at random using the random number generator at Random.org and announced the next morning, Sunday, August 14th.
  • Yay! How do I get my shot at winning? You must comment (and answer the specific question asked at the end of the post) on this 1 For Me // 1 For You post to enter. Comments left via FacebookTwitter or elsewhere will not be taken into consideration.
  • But why? Because you can never have too many bags. Amen? Amen. :)

Convertible bag. With an adjustable strap. This is a haiku. BAM.

My favorite part about this bag is that I’ve had it for over a month and it’s still in great shape. (Something I cannot say for any of my previous bags…) And I LOVE the print inside! I think they are some sort of abstract fish. You know UO and having to be all artsy like that.. ;)

And now, for a little more spice/awkwardness.

Question to enter: What is the one thing you keep with you in your purse at all times? Mine is pepper spray, so I’d be careful around me… :)

Not-so-fine print: Only one entry allowed per person. All contestants must live within the continental United States and must be able to provide a valid mailing address upon winning. I am not responsible for items that are lost, stolen or damaged during shipment. The winner will have 24 hours to contact me and redeem the item or a new winner will be chosen.
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  • August 7, 2011 - 6:24 PM

    Tiffany - I can not leave home without dental floss. I think I have a total of four packages of floss floating in my home and purse. That and lip balm are my must haves.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:24 PM

    Alexa Rose - Such a cute bag :) I always always keep my bible in my purse!

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:26 PM

    Abby - A wallet and cellphone can be optional for me to remember these days, but I have learned to NEVER leave home without at least 1 diaper and wipes in my bag (whether it be of the diaper kind or my own purse). So that is the one thing that I always have in my purse/bag.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:26 PM

    Annie - I always carry and extra diper, Huggies size 5 and wipes.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:32 PM

    Kathy - First let me say this bag is great looking!

    I always have in my purse, believe it or not, a copy of our marriage license.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:33 PM

    Abbey - this is gonna sound weird, but along with my blackberry, i can never leave the house without my flashdrive. i have no idea why, but for some reason it always seems to be in my purse.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:35 PM

    Kayla Smith - Chapstick!!!!! always. And drops for my eyes when my contacts get dry…

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:38 PM

    kelly p. - gahh. such a great bag. once again urban outfitters brings forth a winner(: i always have my bible and as random as it sounds no matter whereeee i go, a certain type of pen, because i like my handwriting best when i use that kind. haha(:

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:41 PM

    claire - lipgloss I usually have 5 to 6 lipglosses but always one

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:43 PM

    Breanna Klontz - One thing i always carry is a small contact solution kit thingy.

  • August 7, 2011 - 6:48 PM

    Sarah - I always have Wet Ones in my bag! I always need my hands to feel clean, and sometimes hand sanitizer just does not cut it!

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:03 PM

    Molly W - A Bible and usually another book I’m currently reading…makes for one heavy purse

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:04 PM

    Terri - I feel so uncreative to admit that just about the only thing that is always in my bag is a lip gloss and my wallet. That’s so boring….I need a BIGGER bag, like the one you so beautiously displayed in which to stuff more stuff.

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:07 PM

    Monica Adams - The one thing I keep in my purse at ALL times is-lipstick! The perfect shade of lipstick can not only mositurize your kisser-but make you look bright and refreshed.

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:16 PM

    Erin - prob. just my cell phone and wallet. that’s all you really need most days-oh, and keys. sometimes I don’t even bring a bag if that’s all I have, but I would definitely bring this one ;)

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:19 PM

    Dana - I always always always keep Burts Bees chapstick in my purse as well as my wallet. I’m positively petrified of leaving the house without my wallet because I know it might be that one and only time I’ll get pulled over. Burts Bees cause you can never go wrong with a good chapstick :)

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:24 PM

    Kaley G - I always keep chapstick! I can’t stand the feeling of dry lips.

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:33 PM

    Aimee - I keep my “To Do” list in my purse, just in case I complete something so I can cross it off!!

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:38 PM

    Carine U - A miniature tub of vase : works as chapstick, makeup remover & hand lotion! :)

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:38 PM

    Heidi Ann - My camera and a book :)

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:40 PM

    Lauren Hebert - I always always always have my phone with me! When I forget it at home, I literally have a hard time focussing on anything else. I get so distracted just hoping nobody is trying to get ahold of me! …so silly!

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:42 PM

    RebekahJ - Gum. Burts Bee. Bobby Pins ;)
    All very essential to my day! Thanks Alyse!

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:44 PM

    Tina Mohr - I always, always have carmex in my bag…sometimes I have more than one, it’s that serious!

  • August 7, 2011 - 7:53 PM

    Erin W - I love this bag! I could survive for a week with the things in m purse alone…Some of the things I always have with me are shout wipes, coupons, tylenol, chapstick, a granola bar, scissors, my wallet, my phone, hair ties, lotion, nail file, hand wipes, and most likely a diaper, a couple of small toys and a stray binky :)

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:00 PM

    Debby Morales - I have three essentials that I always keep in my purse…my cellphone, hand sanitizer, and a box of crayons:)

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:07 PM

    stephanie rita - A) i love this bag, i need it, please. B) thanks for your comment on sam&abby’s blog post today. i love you. and C) i always have my camera AND my computer in my bag. but i really need a new bag because the liner in mine is ripped and i lose my favorite pens and quarters down in it. =)

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:11 PM

    lindsay - pacifiers!!! =)

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:20 PM

    Brandy - A business card! I’ve only ever had one purse (I started late in life) and there’s usually a pen and a tube of lip gloss I got when getting my make up done for a wedding I was in as well as a hair band. But, those rotate in and out but there is ALWAYS a business card.

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:40 PM

    Mallory - Love your photography, and I love your blog! My husband doesn’t know this, and this is going to sound weird, but I always keep a leash in my purse in case I run across a lost dog. Mind you I don’t pick up the mean ones. The pepper spray might be a better idea though!

  • August 7, 2011 - 8:53 PM

    Jeanie - I always, always, always, bring extra deodorant because I freak out if I forget to put it on in the morning!

  • August 7, 2011 - 9:02 PM

    Nina Rose - I always keep my Burts Bees chapstick, my sketchbook and a micron pen!

  • August 7, 2011 - 9:21 PM

    Noelle - I am obsessed with purses! Haha Ask anyone who knows me. It’s bad but oh well :) When I saw this 1 for me 1 for you I was too excited! I pretty much carry my life in my purse but I always carry my wallet, chap stick, coverup, and a pen.

  • August 7, 2011 - 9:24 PM

    Beth :] - I ALWAYS keep candy in my bag, my one great guy friend would ask me all the time if i had candy and i at first i just had a couple lifesavers and tootsie pops and after he found out i had some, he asked everyday…i certainly had to stock up :] I LOVE this bag and of course your photography, i creep on your blog every time you post, its beautiful! If i don’t win the bag…imma buy it anyway ;]

  • August 7, 2011 - 9:25 PM

    Aly - Alyse! This bag is too cute and I think I would be a pretty stylin new teacher with it ;) I always have a pen in my purse because of my addiction to to do lists and my kindle because I cannot read enough!!! Also you are absolutely GORGEOUS, I love the model shots of you with the bag!

  • August 7, 2011 - 10:23 PM

    kristen - chapstick. and i’ve been wanting a bag like this lately..mmm yes. and i love when there’s a fun print inside things! andddd alyse darling, pictures of you, awkward? i don’t think so. more like amazing. ps. so i’ve been liking a ton of your statuses lately, but i’m actually restraining myself, coz so many of them are just adorable and great. well i believe that’s all. love u dear =)

  • August 7, 2011 - 10:32 PM

    kasey - My point and shoot camera!! It’s always with me!

  • August 8, 2011 - 6:29 AM

    Jess S - Oh goodness, what DON’T I keep in my purse at all times! I’m a lip gloss girl. I’ve always got at least two tubes, if not more, in my purse. What cracks my husband up, though, is that once we leave the house, I rarely remember to reapply!

  • August 8, 2011 - 6:59 AM

    Randi-Michelle - One of the cutest bags, EVER. The only thing I never don’t have in my purse is my wallet. I often manage to leave my phone, keys, or even my ID at home somewhere! But,if I had THIS bag, I’d probably never leave the house without my camera too. I carry so few other things that it would fit just fine. :)

  • August 8, 2011 - 7:58 AM

    Michelle Bowman - Such and awesome bag !!!! I always have a my nail kit in my purse. My nails always chip and it drives me crazy !!

  • August 8, 2011 - 8:23 AM

    Crystal - Hello, new reader here! Clicked over from Windor Collective, which I found on Facebook and now I can’t remember how! So anyway putting this one in my RSS feed now!

    I always have lip gloss in my bag….but I wish my answer was a spare diaper and a couple of wipes so I wouldn’t have been trying to use Target’s wet paper towels on my almost 2 year old. Anyway….pick me!

  • August 8, 2011 - 9:07 AM

    Donnell Probst - Toilet seat covers. You can always get them in the travel-size packs and they come in REALLY handy in those nasty gas stations or the occasional grody Walmart bathroom! It’s a must-have if you are potty training. Or if you have a fear of germs public bathrooms like me! :)

  • August 8, 2011 - 9:07 AM

    Jen - I always keep bug spray with me to try and ward off all of the little blood-suckers that seem to follow me around Houston!

  • August 8, 2011 - 9:46 AM

    Heather - I am a coupon freak. So I ALWAYS make sure my coupons are with me at all times, so I don’t miss out on a good deal!!! =)

  • August 8, 2011 - 10:04 AM

    Katie - Sunglasses!I cant drive (or walk, lol) with out them. . . I would say my wallet but I have actually left home with purse and no wallet… total mommy brain! :)

  • August 8, 2011 - 10:59 AM

    Amber Jacoby - mmmm! THAT is a good question! My wallet is most always in my purse, and my phone. What do I wish was always without a mistakable doubt in my purse? Gum! :)

  • August 8, 2011 - 11:45 AM

    Chris Potash - OOh – love the bag! I always have a notebook – you never know when inspiration will strike and my sieve-like mind needs a place to keep all the brilliance! Oh and gum – for minty fresh breath!

  • August 8, 2011 - 11:48 AM

    Alison - Chapstick! If I leave home, even for a 15 minute trip, without chapstick and have none in my purse, I need to stop somewhere to buy more. Addicted!

  • August 8, 2011 - 1:22 PM

    Grace Chen - I always keep a water bottle with me at all times. Just in case I get thirsty. =)

  • August 8, 2011 - 1:24 PM

    Laura - Amen. Always have my sunglasses in my bag. Can’t leave home without them!

  • August 8, 2011 - 1:59 PM

    Brittany - This bag is so cute!! I try to never leave home with out chapstick. :-)

  • August 8, 2011 - 3:29 PM

    Thien - I can not live without mint or gum in my purse. Not that I have tremendously horrendous breath or anything. It’s nice to have one after a meal. That and because I LOVE garlic so yeah, you can only imagine. =)

  • August 8, 2011 - 3:32 PM

    Erin Haase - Now that my hair is getting long and outta control, I must always have a hair tie, especially in this heat!

  • August 8, 2011 - 3:39 PM

    Heather - Lately I always have my KINDLE in my Purse. I love to read :)

  • August 8, 2011 - 4:34 PM

    monika rae - I (try to) never leave home without my license. Lame and uncreative… but true. Love your work, by the way! Gorgeous.

  • August 8, 2011 - 6:10 PM

    Lacey Rabalais - Besides the usual of wallet, license, etc…..I must have chapstick.

  • August 8, 2011 - 7:55 PM

    Lauren - Clean & Clear oil absorbing wipes

  • August 8, 2011 - 10:10 PM

    Kata - Love it!!! I always have a book and pens in my purse!

  • August 8, 2011 - 11:32 PM

    Chelsea Davis - Definitely, without a doubt, I always have my chapstick! :)

  • August 9, 2011 - 7:38 AM

    AD - besides the usual wallet & cellphone, i almost always have a book – you never know when you’ll have a few extra minutes to read! =)

  • August 9, 2011 - 7:52 AM

    Martha Swann - I have to have my chapstick! …and my iPad, and my phone. But even though I just have a couple “necessities” I love me my GIANT bags, so I can bring the rest of my life along if I want to ;)

  • August 9, 2011 - 8:22 AM

    Sandy Kohler - I have to have Band-Aids. I wear the most ridiculous shoes! And as a Podiatrist, I should know better.

  • August 9, 2011 - 10:09 AM

    kate - during the summer, I almost always throw a bathing suit in my bag. and depending on the size of my purse that day, some extra shoes too. all-the-time-no-matter-the-season-though, i always have to have a mirror, bobby pins, and my burts.

  • August 9, 2011 - 10:15 AM

    Allison - I always carry a tin of Altoids smalls peppermint because I don’t ever want to be the perpetrator of an awkward bad breath moment!

  • August 9, 2011 - 12:21 PM

    Danielle - I always keep band-aids and melaluca, because my daughter falls at least once on every shopping trip.

  • August 9, 2011 - 12:33 PM

    Rebecca - My wallet from Target … it’s the only sure thing. That and my cell phone, if I don’t forget it somewhere!

  • August 9, 2011 - 12:35 PM

    Nikelle - This bag is awesome! I always carry an assortment of Sharpie pens in my bag – they’re the absolute BEST :)

  • August 9, 2011 - 12:37 PM

    Weslea - I always have lip gloss, my wallet, and gum!

  • August 9, 2011 - 12:43 PM

    Michelle Lynch - I always keep BurtsBees Chapstick in my purse. I can’t live without it! :]

  • August 9, 2011 - 1:01 PM

    Kendra Anderson - The Normal stuff…wallet, phone, lip gloss, but most importantly,I always have gum! It is a necessity- not only for me but anyone who “needs it” around me!

  • August 9, 2011 - 1:13 PM

    Stef - I always have hand sanitizer and bobby pins in my purse :]

  • August 9, 2011 - 2:26 PM

    April Islip - I always have tissues and Ibuprofen those are the two things people ask if I have the most hehe

  • August 9, 2011 - 2:27 PM

    Jessica - the question is what do i NOT keep in my bag?! i’m the girl that has everythingg everybody needs in their bag! pens, a notebook, chapstick, my phone, my books, my ipod, lotion, hand sanitizer, and GUM! plus i realllyyy need this bag for school. like REALLY badly!

  • August 9, 2011 - 2:59 PM

    Lisa Miedema - I always carry eye drops, never know when your contacts are going to act up on you. :-)

  • August 9, 2011 - 4:36 PM

    Jenn - cute bag! i always have tissues and my little snap and shoot camera.

  • August 9, 2011 - 4:49 PM

    Missy - a bag, A bag, A BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yea!! I love it!!!!
    In my purse….I always carry my inhaler!!! Never ever leave home without it…just in case :)

  • August 9, 2011 - 7:22 PM

    Jesslyn Amber - Peppermints or some sort of chocolate! I have low blood sugar, so I always need something with me in case I have a spell.

    I ADORE THIS BAG!!! I’ve been looking for one like this. Awesome giveaway! :)

  • August 9, 2011 - 11:08 PM

    Faith Bowyer - Love this bag!!
    I have a few “staple” items that are ALWAYS in my bag… cell phone, debit card, and umbrella (I live in Vancouver and it rains… a lot).

  • August 10, 2011 - 2:11 PM

    Sarah Jane - Kleenex. I never know when I might get the sniffles.

  • August 10, 2011 - 3:10 PM

    Alice - Oooohhh dear goodness, there are a few things I make sure I have in my purse always. The necessities: Ibuprofen, Chapstick, hairtie(s)/big hair clip. (;

    I bought the cutest purse I’ve ever seen in my life at UO a few years ago, and the strap broke within a month or so.. It’d be great to give them another shot without having to spend the money again, ya know?

  • August 10, 2011 - 7:50 PM

    Emily - I always have my wallet, cell phone, ibuprofen and coupons :)

  • August 10, 2011 - 10:38 PM

    Amber Halliburton - I ALWAYS have my chapstick with me….yes, I am addicted! :)

  • August 10, 2011 - 10:48 PM

    Jamie - I always have my wallet :)

  • August 11, 2011 - 7:56 AM

    Kelly Blackall - Cherry or strawberry Chapstick.

  • August 11, 2011 - 8:49 AM

    Samantha S. - I always keep baby wipes in my purse!!! My kids are pretty messy!! and they always come in handy!

  • August 11, 2011 - 12:00 PM

    Char - I LOVE and I WANT! Always in my purse? Aviators, baby!

  • August 11, 2011 - 1:39 PM

    terri - – camera, gum and lip balm. oh, and now…ummm…reading glasses…:-(

  • August 11, 2011 - 4:12 PM

    Kelly Anderson - chapstick, my cell, and most importantly…a brush!!! My hair gets downright UNRULY in Houston humidity.

  • August 11, 2011 - 5:48 PM

    Brittany Nissley - OMG…totally in love with this bag! Something I always have is my eye drops…can’t do without!

  • August 11, 2011 - 7:32 PM

    Charlene Padula - What is the one thing I keep with me in my purse at all times
    …my wallet. Boring but true!

  • August 11, 2011 - 8:00 PM

    Karina Colorado - DICE!! I’m a math teacher and use dice for lots of games. Somehow they end up in my purse. :)

  • August 12, 2011 - 4:32 AM

    Melissa - iphone and burts bees! :)

  • August 12, 2011 - 10:27 AM

    Danielle - Gum, gum, gum

  • August 12, 2011 - 11:58 AM

    Catherine - Alyse I’ve been following your blog and your work is beautiful! I’m currently looking for new positions in wedding planning here in Chicago – so as you can imagine I’m a sucker for your lovely photos :)

    To answer the question the one thing I keep in my purse at all times is my Tide-to-Go pen! You can never be too prepared…

  • August 12, 2011 - 7:03 PM

    Sarah Korzun - I always have my chapstick, with spf 20! don’t want burnt lips…

  • August 12, 2011 - 7:59 PM

    Heather - I ALWAYS have baby wipes and my cell phone. I’d be LOST without them! :)

  • August 12, 2011 - 8:57 PM

    Adrienne - Chapstick! !

  • August 12, 2011 - 8:58 PM

    Amy - Burt’s bees pomegranate chapstick. yes and amen. :)

  • August 13, 2011 - 3:24 PM

    Lelia - I always keep a small notebook (and pencil) in my purse. So I can write down ideas before I forget! I know I’m totally oldfashioned. Most people use phones or iPods or whatever for notes. but I love my notebook.

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:04 PM

    Rebekah Lyn - I always have hand sanitizer in my bag! not a germ-a-phobe, but close to it!

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:08 PM

    Katelyn - Chapstick!

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:13 PM

    stephanie s. - I always have chapstick in my purse. Neutrogena lip balm is the best!

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:22 PM

    Faith - Hand sanitizer! :)

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:27 PM

    Kimberley D - I am the same as you. I never stray from my handy dandy pink pepper spray, you just never know what may happen!

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:44 PM

    Sarah McKenzie - I always have my gum :) you should never be caught with bad breath!!!!!

  • August 13, 2011 - 8:57 PM

    Ali - I always have Burt’s Bees chapstick with me. My new favorite is pomegranate!

  • August 13, 2011 - 9:11 PM

    Rachel - Jellyfish sting spray because if there are jellyfish around, my daughter will find them and if there are mosquitoes around, they will find me.