by Kathy McCabe

Created on: May 21, 2007   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

Got big plans for the evening - but don't want to lug around your big day purse? Never fear, it's easy to pare down to just the evening essentials. Always carry 2 forms of ID, keys and money/credit/ATM card with you. These items are non-negotiable. Beyond these basics, here's a list of ten items that always come in handy.

1. Tinted lip gloss - Keeps refreshing your lips without having to redo your lip liner. The tint makes your original color last longer and the gloss keeps lips moist.

2. Small Swiss-army knife - There are different versions out there that include a pair of scissors, a knife, tweezers, a small light and a bottle opener. Everything you need to clip a stray thread, open a beer, scrape gum off of your shoe and pull out a splinter. Plus, they're quite small and you can keep it on your keyring!

3. Eye drops - Bars and clubs can get very smoky and dry your eyes out, making them irritated and itchy. That squinty, bloodshot look is no good when you're trying to look your best. A few drops of liquid tears can keep you looking bright-eyed and seeing clearly at the same time.

4. A pen - Don't have a pen to get that cute guy's number? Always keep a pen or pencil on hand. If you've got room, include a small notebook with handy numbers or directions written inside.

5. Hand sanitizer - Keep some anti-bacterial gel in your bag to clean up if you're spending the evening in public places like ball parks, amusement parks, museums, etc. Squirt on a little before eating that hot dog or pretzel, and you'll be less likely to come down with a carnival mystery disease.

6. Breath Strips or Mints - No one wants to smell your breath. Or the beer on it. Or the garlic bread you ate at dinner. Or the bean dip you've been snacking on at the buffet table for the last hour. Do everyone a favor, and keep it fresh.

7. Small tin or case with a few aspirin, pain reliever, antihistamine, etc. - Nothing can ruin an evening like a sneezing fit or a blazing headache. Come prepared and you can stop those symptoms before they completely destroy your evening.

8. Cell phone - In case of any emergency (or any excitement), you'll be able to get a hold of your family, friends or the authorities, whichever is most appropriate. If your phone has a camera, you'll be prepared to gather proof when you witness a fender bender or spot Britney Spears at the 7/11.

Plan ahead based and adjust your list based on your plans - you may want to add opera glasses for a cultured evening or condoms for a more carnal one. Just be prepared, pack accordingly and have a great night!

Learn more about this author, Kathy McCabe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.