I would never leave home without

As a New York woman, there are numerous things to consider daily before even walking out the door. The little details such as appropriate footwear for the weather and what snacks I have in my purse can often make or break your day. So every time I step outside, I always perform a mental checklist of the following:

iPod, aka 6000+ songs to shuffle through at my convenience as I walk or take public transportation to my destination. It makes the little moments of the day such as printing at the computer lab between class or waiting for a lunch date bearable as well as generally brightening up my day.

Keyring. I have four keys associated with my apartment building plus building, school and work identification cards and other miscellaneous items that make it possible for me to get anywhere.

Hand Lotion. Chilling winter winds, no gloves and excessive handwashing habits have made this a necessity to battle uncontrollably dry hands that I can't get anything done with.

At least three black basic Papermate pens that are the only devices I am willing to write with. As they tend to die quickly and get lost, I have a backup box of 50 to continually restock.

Bandaids. Between my love of walking long distances in the city and distaste for shoes with socks puts me in constant danger of blisters. Trying to bum bandaids off random girlfriends or co-workers is never successful, so I've learned to keep them in stock.

Subway map and metro card. You always think you know the subway system very well until you get stuck on a random line that you've never taken with no idea which way to go.

And, on really bad days, bag of chocolate chip cookies. Although you'll go home at the end of the day feeling chunkier than when you left, it's the perfect pick-me-up in between stressing about life and trying to solve the problems of the world.