Guest Blogger

I always check out the latest ones at the mall. I browse websites in hot pursuit of my next purchase. When I see a woman with a cool one, I slide closer for a good look.

Every woman needs something that makes her feel fabulous, even on the worst day – black leather boots, an exotic necklace or favourite sweater. So what do you do when your kick-ass boots sink in the sand at the park, your fab sweater is covered in baby drool or your handcrafted necklace becomes a teether?

I've always been a purse gal – until my first daughter arrived. I envied women who nimbly carried wriggling babies, bulging totes and trendy purses. Unfortunately, I didn't have the same agility. Something had to go.

I missed my small, brown sling and my supple, leather book bag. Most of all I missed my designer pouch. Carrying it made me feel just a tad sophisticated.

My first diaper bag was plaid, practical – and dowdy. Next was a Winnie the Pooh tote – too chipper. Then came a funky mini backpack – perfect for playgroups, but too small for a day out. I was detemined to find the perfect diaper bag.

My older daughter is now five, her sister is one, and I finally get it. I don't carry a slouchy hobo bag to cocktail parties, dash to the store with a sparkly clutch or schlep a backpack to the office – and I no longer expect one diaper bag to cut it every day.

Some days I carry my perky, polka-dot tote, other days a subtle red messenger bag, and I still have the mini backpack. 

My necklaces stay nestled in my jewelry box, my shoes are sensible and my sweaters are often gooey – but my diaper bag always rocks!


After several years of being entertained, informed and inspired by great essays on motherhood, Lizabeth Pirstl now also enjoys writing about her two daughters. She lives in Guelph, Ontario.


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