I’m SO excited to share everything I throw in my bag for a workday here in Caribbean Costa Rica!

As a total voyeur I looove these types of things, and I hope you do too.

Keep reading to check out my full list, learn how I keep things eco-friendly, the weird snack I always have in my bag, and what color wallet I carry to keep the abundance flowing. 🤪

That last one was a tip from my polish fellow waitress in college, and I guess it works. 😃

Most days I work from a coffee shop, or my lovely co-working space.

Here and there I work from home, but I find it SUPER helpful to have a couple designated spots I associate with work. And I don’t LOVE working from home.

I carry a cotton leopard tote from J.Crew, or a camel Everlane bag very similar to this one, but no longer available.

 

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Here’s what’s in my bag…

1. MacBook Air.

I am SO glad I ended up choosing this model over the MacBook Pro.

It’s super light, and more than adequate for everything I do as a health coach and writer.

I LOVE my laptop.

2. Bose headphones.

My brother gave me a pair of these a couple Christmas’ ago and I looove them.

They’re noise canceling, and they fit into the headphone jack on my laptop (my Apple earbuds do not).

I use these to listen to classical music as I work, or watch work-related videos.

3. iPhone 7+.

This phone has served me SO well!

It’s really too big for my hands (which are size tiny) – it’s a strain to text with one hand, but I still love it.

Should I upgrade?!

I’ve heard the camera on the iPhone 11 is amazing.

Good photos and videos are important to me, so I might do it soon.

4. Apple earbuds.

These are compatible with my phone, and I use them to listen to music as I bike around.

I usually take a quick bike ride and check out the ocean before I settle in for my workday.

5. Mophie charging port.

I’ve had different models of these, and they’re an absolute life-saver for long trips, or when you just can’t get to an outlet.

The only downside is they usually only last for one year.

6. Felix Gray blue blocker glasses.

I don’t wear these as often as I should, but I always try to bring them with me and pop ‘em on whenever I can.

As comfortable as they are, I’m just so sensitive to having anything on my face or in front of my eyes.

7. Reusable water bottle.

Crucial.

Right now I’m carrying an unbranded stainless steel bottle that I love – no idea where it came from.

I think I found it at my parent’s house years ago and claimed it.

I also love the S’well bottles, so cute!

I avoid buying single-use plastic as much as humanly possible.

8. Metal straws.

In my effort to use less plastic, I always try to carry a few metal straws with me.

They sell them at the grocery store here in Costa Rica, and they come with a cute little cotton baggy and pipe cleaner.

9. An extra tote or two for groceries.

Are you noticing a theme? 😃 I really, really try to be eco-friendly.

I’ll throw an extra tote or two in my bag, rolled up small, and use them instead of plastic bags.

I go to the grocery store almost every evening after work.

I eat 100% intuitively, rarely know what I’ll want in advance, and prefer to cook fresh, so near-daily visits work best for me. And I enjoy grocery shopping – always have.

10. Marc Jacobs red leather wallet.

Another Christmas gift from my brother (thanks Ry, love you!) that has served me so well.

When I was a waitress in college – fancy Greek place in the East Village – my polish coworker told me red wallets brought abundance. I’ve carried one ever since.

11. Gold metallic Tiffany pouch.

My sister works at Tiffany & Co., and I’m so grateful to get goodies from her sometimes!

I use this simple zip pouch to stash makeup, bobby pins, a pen, my keys, etc.

12. Bobbi Brown Weightless Powder Foundation in Sand 2.

I looove this foundation.

I don’t always wear makeup, but when I do it’s a little bit of this powder foundation to balance shine, and a swipe of red lipstick.

If I’m feeling VERY fancy I’ll add a bit of bronzer and eyebrow pencil.

13. Tarte Amazonian Clay Pressed Powder in Light.

This is a great, lighter option than the above for a quick touch-up.

Love that Tarte is quite eco-friendly and natural.

14. Desert Essence shea butter lip balm.

Looove this lip balm!

It’s creamy and hydrating, but not too heavy or sticky.

And shea butter is great for your skin, all over.

15. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Cherry.

My fav lipstick ever!

I use a little bit as a tint, or layer it on for a full red lip.

It’s moisturizing, long-lasting, and matte without being drying.

16. Tom’s of Maine deodorant in Wild Lavender.

I live in the Caribbean, and a bicycle is my primary mode of transportation.

I always carry deodorant with me and re-apply once or twice throughout the day if I’m feeling less than super fresh.

17. Seaweed.

I always carry nori with me. It’s super mineralizing and really helps with mental focus.

I’ll snack on some between meals when I’m doing a lot of writing or coaching calls – it’s very grounding.

18. Local chocolate.

Mmmmm I always have chocolate in my bag.

And the chocolate here in Costa Rica is the best I’ve ever had.

Perfect pick-me-up, and cacao is so good for you, both physically and emotionally.

19. Bicycle.

I get around on a little beach cruiser with a basket!

Biking and listening to music is one of my favorite ways to energize, unwind, and recalibrate before or after my workday.

20. Bike lock.

This is my favorite thing to almost forget when I’m heading out the door, but so essential. 😉

A lot of people don’t lock their bikes up here, but I always do – it’s just a risk I don’t feel like taking.

As a solo female traveler I take plenty of risks, and this is one I can always skip.

 

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I was NOT expecting this list to be 20 things, damn! I don’t know how they all fit in my little tote, but they do.

What are your workday essentials?

Do you go to an office, coffee shop, or work from home? Love to hear from you! I’m such a voyeur. 🙂

XO,
Lula