When was the last time you treated yourself?

When was the last time you updated your wardrobe or bought a new accessory for yourself? For me – it doesn’t happen all that often. Let’s be honest, as single mums we are pretty budget conscious and we probably need to spend our money on more important things like food, bills, rent and schooling.

The last time I updated my everyday bag was, I kid you not, probably almost 10 years ago. I have been thinking about updating my everyday handbag for years now, but since becoming a single mum (over four years ago), it was never a priority. At first I was on a very tight budget, and then I had other priorities – I wanted to buy an investment property, and later, start a business. Spending hundreds of dollars on a handbag seemed ridiculous. I like to buy good quality and in my previous child free life would probably spend at least $500 on a bag, so you can probably understand why I didn’t do it. My last bag was almost $700 but lasted me almost 10 years.

But then I got an email asking me if I’d like to choose a bag from The Sak range and write a review about it, and I jumped at the chance. I also liked their philosophy – happy & free – because that’s exactly what I am since becoming empowered as a single mum.

Nudging $300, they were less money than I would usually spend on a bag but I loved the look of them and was more than happy to try it. I picked out my top two and a week later was sent a brand new bag from The Sak. I received my second choice – The Sak Sequoia Leather Hobo in black, my first choice being – The Sak Cruz Leather Tote in black.

The Sak Sequoia Leather Hobo

The first thing that struck me was the size. It was a lot smaller than my previous everyday bag, but perfect for what I need now. I no longer need to carry around numerous outfit changes for a child or nappies. And I do believe that the bigger the bag, the more you fill it with junk. I transferred all my belongings into the bag and it fit well. Despite its comparatively smaller size, it fit all the essentials and more. It’s not bulky, but it can still fit everything you need.

The second thing I noticed was the texture. It is made of genuine leather and is beautifully soft. It also has a cute removable key charm that sets it apart from other similar pieces. I do like simple black because it does go with most things, and the key chain is a nice touch you can keep on or remove, depending on your mood and style.

I quite like the hobo body-hugging style, and it is very easy to carry! Far easier to carry than my previous $700 bag.

I have been using this bag every day since I received it a few weeks ago, and I love it. I usually swap out my handbag for an evening outing but I have been using this one on the occasions that I have been out too. It’s a bag that does go easily from day time casual, to evening elegance.

The only negative for me is that it has less pockets to what I am used to. But having said that, it still has a front zip pocket, a back slit pocket, and one back wall zip pocket and two front wall multi pockets within the lining. I do tend to prefer more pockets though (creature of habit?), and for that reason I think I would prefer something like The Sak Cruz Leather Tote, but otherwise I have no complaints at all. It is a really lovely bag. It’s a hit with my daughter too!

The other advantage was that I had forgotten how nice it felt to have a bag update. It did put a spring in my step, and it’s nice for us single mamas to have a little spruce. From now on, I will treat myself from time to time, because in the words of L’Oréal: I’m worth it. And now that I know that it is possible to get great quality bags at a smaller price point, I may even treat myself to The Sak Cruz Leather Tote too.

P. S I have been nominated for two AusMumpreneur Awards! Both nominations are for the Making a Difference Award (Business); one is in the Judged Category and the other is in the People’s Choice Voting Category.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE your vote for the People’s Choice Voting Category. One of my missions is to create more awareness on how great single parents are and to eradicate that negative stigma attached to single mothers. And being a finalist in this category would be an honour and bring me one step closer to achieving my goal. Vote for me by clicking on the image below. I am No. 42 in the third drop down box – Julia Hasche, Single Mother Survival Guide.

And by Simply voting you’ll go into the draw to win a family holiday. Amazing!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book in for one-on-one mentoring with Julia Hasche.

Are you thinking about leaving your partner but not sure how, or if you should?
Have you already decided to leave your partner and need assistance to help you get the ball rolling?
Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?

Click HERE to read all about the mentoring programs currently available, and to book in for your 30 minute complimentary Clarity Call.

The purpose of the Clarity Call is:

For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
To see if we are a good fit to work together.

OR, if you’d like to register your interest for one of the online courses, please fill out the form below. This is something that I REALLY wished had been available to me when I became a single mum. I am super dooper excited about this!

It gives mums the tools that they need to get life back on track in a really supportive environment.

AND I’m also launching one for single dads!

These courses are very non-threatening, and really fun. You will be informed, inspired, motivated and supported the whole way though, and you will be able to connect with other single parents.