Necessary Objects - by Editor

5 things every woman should carry in her bag, in addition to her keys, mobile phone and make-up!

1. Emery board

How many times has your nail chipped when you are out of the home, with the result that you keep chewing, biting and gnawing at it until you've ripped it apart All that you have achieved is an ugly nail. Biting your nails not only looks bad, but it can very easily turn into a habit. Plus, if it is a habit you already have and are trying to get rid off, having a chipped nail or a nail with an uneven edge will make it even harder to kick the habit because it is just so tempting to set the nail right immediately by biting off the annoying bit. Think back to a woman you admire, say, Lady Diana. Now can you imagine her sitting at the table at some fancy meal, chewing on her nail Not a chance. Nail biting is a habit everyone is well rid off, and, it is just not dignified. So always, always make it a point to carry an emery board in your bag.

2. Torch

This may be surprising, but a torch does come in handy every now and again. If you are in a cinema, you can find your own way to the seat. If you drop something and it rolls underneath a shelf or desk or some other dark, dingy area, you can find it at once without having to sweep the floor with your hands first. If the electricity goes off, you don't have to start feeling around the entire house until you light a candle just fish out your torch and use it until you light a candle. (You don't want to wear out the battery!) Carrying a torch is not a necessity, but it is a convenience.

3. Safety pins

Just buy a whole bunch of safety pins, and pin it up to a side corner inside your bag so it is easily visible and you don't prick your fingers against the pointed edge when fishing for change if by chance a safety pin or two flips open. Safety pins always come in handy, whether you want to pin up your chunni, pin in your bra strap, or conceal a torn hem. Unfortunately safety pins, like pens, have a mysterious habit of disappearing into thin air. You use them a few times, and they vanish! Thankfully the rupee goes far when buying them, so make sure you keep replenishing your stock.

4. Tissues

Hankies are completely, totally pass, so if you are a person who carries around a matching handkerchief in her hand wherever she goes, please, please stop. Yes, no doubt they are convenient, but if you would like to appear remotely with it, the kerchief has to go. Sure, your five-year-old son and daughter can wear their handkerchiefs pinned to their t-shirts, but you should ideally give them up and switch to tissue. Make sure you carry a wad of tissue in your bag all the time, and if you ever run out, there's always free toilet paper from your office loo!

5. Lip balm

A woman should never, never have to endure chapped lips needlessly. Carry lip balm or Vaseline with you at all times and you will thank yourself for your foresight.