If I was a full time publicist today, this is what I’d be carrying in my #PRGirlSurvivalKit

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My years as a journalist were the best days of my life to date. While life was in no way perfect during these years (is it ever?), it was a time of authentic joy, and thriving along with growth and learning. I worked for a weekly newspaper that covered community issues such as city hall, the school districts, youth sports, small businesses (including eating places), and people. That meant that I was usually on the go, running from one event to another several times a week. During this time I also started dabbling in freelance PR on the side, included being a red carpet escort twice for two major awards events in L.A.

I have so much content oozing out of me from this time in my life, but for the purpose of this post, I’m going to stick to sharing on-the on-the go items inspired by what I called my #ReporterSurvivalKit that helped get me through long work days, (plus a few related stories interspersed throughout). I learned quickly that there was an art and science to living out of one’s car, and that there is no such thing as being overly prepared.

I started journalism in 2004 and left at the end of 2013. Definitely different times than the ones we’re living in now, especially in media. Not sure I’d want to venture out again in a full time way, but if I did, these are the items I’d be using today if I was a full time reporter or publicist.

Comfortable shoes / I cannot overstate the importance of wearing comfortable shoes on the job, especially when working a big event like a red carpet or anywhere else where you’ll be on your feet a long and/or running from place to place. And when I say comfortable I mean flats. I had no idea what I was in for during my first red carpet event as far as how much running around I’d be going and for how long. I wore what I thought were otherwise really comfortable and sturdy heels, but by the end of the night my feet were hurting so bad I seriously considered driving myself to the ER on my way home. Flats such as these or these would have been much wiser. I have a friend who still laughs remembering the running around in heels I did during events back in the day. Be sure to pick shoes with some kind of support and cushioning. Even if you start the day or evening in heels, always carry a pair of flats with you that you can switch into. You can browse more flats here. And, depending on dress code or any other number of factors, flip flops work too. I personally love Havaianas, a Brazilian brand, such as these plain black ones that would go with almost everything. I have found them to be sturdy and durable. You can check out more of them here. And if you are going to wear heels, sturdy wedges like these, or heels with a sturdy platform and chunkier heel like these could work too. But again: always have flats or flip flops as a backup. Love shoes as much as I do? Check out my favorites here.

Notepads & pens that work / Even in the digital age, pens and notepads are still widely used for day to day tasks and notes. If it’s true now it was even more so in the mid 2000s. These reporters notebooks and yellow stickies became my fourth language for 10 years, and to this day I still use them for my own work and personal tasks. When I left the paper I stopped using them but over time as I decluttered my life and figured out what really works for me and what doesn’t, yellow stickies and reporter notepads made their way back to my personal work area. They’re here to stay. Maybe it’s because I cut my journalistic teeth on them so to speak, or because I just got so used to them, but using them now just makes me so happy and they just work for me. But no piece of paper amounts to much without pens that work, and for me these unglamorous but extremely functional Bic pens are where it’s at for day to day work writing. They just WORK, and pens that work are a big deal, especially when you’re covering important events. Carrying several of these at all times will save you the embarrassment of the mayor offering you his pen during an interview because your pen doesn’t work. Ask me how I know.

What’s in my on the go bag? / The Cali Contour palette by Smashbox is a must have for a quick, put together, every day face. Though it didn’t exist back then, the palette would definitely be a part of my bag today, along with these brushes, this mascara, and my trusty MAC powder and lipsticks in Paramount and Taupe. Other equally important items: Facial mist / Travel size mouthwash / Breath mints / Extra charging cord / Poo spray (keeping it real here…) / A small hair brush and/or heat styling brush / Extra hair ties / A good sturdy hair clip / Body wipes for those extra long or sweaty days / Dry shampoo.

You can carry it all (or most of it at least), along with a notepad and a few pens, in a sturdy, all purpose cross body bag for easy access, such as this one. It is very similar to the one I used back in the day. I have so many good memories with that bag; it’s been to Brazil twice, was one of my faithful companions on the job. I still have it, though it’s semi retired now. A clear, stadium approved bag could also work.

Snacks & drinks / Besides focusing on staying well hydrated, snacks and food are entirely up to you. Back in the day I used to regularly carry Reese’s mini peanut butter cups. In fact, I once mentioned them in a tweet that got 14 likes, which was a huge deal at the time since it was in the earlier days of the social media boom. I said, “As a journalist, I do important work that impacts society. I’m allowed to have Reese’s wrappers on my car floor now and then.” These days my snacks would consist more along the lines of Kind bars and these incredibly delicious, gluten free fruit pie bars. I’m all about quality food regardless of the label on it, so even though I’m not gluten free, I love these. If you’re looking for a convenient way to stay hydrated, check out these on the go containers.

Good music / This playlist takes me back to that good time in life, which, ironically enough, I refer to as simply Good Times. I could say so many things about that time, it really was the best time ever. I will share more about it in other posts perhaps. But for now, this playlist is very representative of the music of that era and puts me in a good place. Relive your own special memories through music with a free trial to Amazon Music.

While this list is based on my experience in journalism and PR, it can work for almost anyone who is on the go. Create your own #[insert job title]SurvivalKit based on your needs and preferences, but keep comfort, functionality, and efficiency in mind.

And for the record, that stuff about ending up in someone’s novel… It’s true. #justsaying.

My PR Girl Survival Kit Idea List on Amazon has these and other items

If you are in journalism, PR, or communications, or know someone who is, how perfect are these bags? Check out these and other gift ideas for the communicator in your life here.

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