Quickie Organization: Christmas Goods

I packed up my Christmas goods last week. Yes, last week- I know, I kept them up far too long. But I just love the Christmas season! And it may have been a little bit of business/laziness... ;)

Here's how I packed it all:

• I did my best to fit everything in one big box (I'm sure this will change as we grow our Christmas collection and move to a bigger space, but for now it works) to avoid mad-searching for decorations next year
• I took down all my decorations and laid them out on my couch. I separated them into categories:
  -tabletop decorations
  -tree decorations/ornaments
  -lights
  -gift wrapping/cards
• Then I separated them into further categories, if need be. i.e. for the ornaments, my collection of Barbie ornaments, Nick's ornaments, Ball ornaments...
• For each category, I found a small box or bag that fit the items, divided them up, sealed and labeled them. {I made sure this all fit in the big box before hand}
• These were all neatly stacked in the big box, along with the few items (like my little silver Christmas tree) that didn't fit in another box. Everything fit nice and snug!
• The box was labeled and stored away in a closet for next year.

It was bittersweet to pack it all away, but it was a fun mini organization project for the New Year's resolution.

One last look:

From this-

To this-

xoxo K.

An Introduction

Her name is Kristin, husband is Nick. She's the chef. He's the sailor. You might know her from her food blog, and you probably don't know him unless you're big in the Toronto Sailing community. In that case, you probably know him too well.

She grew up in small town Rhode Island (yes, it is a State), he grew up in not-so-small town Ontario. He made his way to lil' Rhody one summer to sail on the URI sailing team, which he did so for four years. Two years in, he moved in with a cool guy named Eric, who also happened to be her best guy friend. They didn't meet for two whole years, until one fateful rainy night, when her house was too small for her best friend's party, and Eric volunteered to host it. Never a big communicator, Eric failed to mention to his roomie there was a cute chick setting up for the party that afternoon. He figured his roomie would be out on the water, as usual. 

The rain was hard and the winds were strong, so he didn't go out sailing. But the party still went on. She walked in with arms full of sweets and treats, especially her famous coconut cake. He came down the stairs as she walked in, confused but delighted. They hit it off and through conversation she offered him cake. He knew he hit the romantic jackpot the moment he tasted that cake (at least she likes to think) and the rest is history. 

Two years ago she moved to a tiny apartment in Toronto, and they started their life in Canada. She went to culinary school and now works as a Natural Foods chef, he followed his dream of being a professional sailor and scored a dream job as a salesman for a leading Sail-making company. They tied the knot under a bamboo arbor with flip flop feet and wild flowers on the grass. Now they live in a slightly less-tiny apartment, with two fur-babies under their feet, two busy careers and a whole lot of mess. 

You see, chefs and sailors don't live ordinary lives. So how are they going to find order in an un-ordinary life together? This year she made a resolution. And that was to get organized. No ifs, ands, buts or creme brulees in the way- she is going to find order, and he coming along for the ride. Welcome to our journey. 

K+N