How Many Trips to The Container Store?

We're in Denver helping Marty, Lizzie and Emi settle into their new home! 

They live in a beautiful neighborhood with a rec center at the end of the street and walking/running trails throughout. It's a very inviting place to be and so homey for their family.

They had a few surprises when they got the keys two months ago -- 

the smell of dog pee everywhere, a broken refrigerator and a leaky kitchen sink.

But they've learned a lot in the process of fixing, 

and Lizzie has done an amazing job of juggling caring for Emi 

and also finding contractors for paint, electrical and new flooring. 

Marty had a big job too of bleaching the sub-floors to make extra-sure the smell was removed 

before new carpet and wood went in.

When they had to get new floors, they decided to remove a weird counter/bar between the family room and kitchen that wasn't practical seating and blocked the normal place for a kitchen table.

So in the end, maybe the floor situation made it possible for a better kitchen outcome.

Dan had a couple of meetings, so he dropped me off and

Lizzie and I started right away emptying this pantry and making a plan for

it to be not only organized, but cute!

BEFORE:

Removed everything, then sorted and put it back.

Container Store Trip #1

We met Dan and Marty at Cheesecake Factory for dinner

and this little munchkin is so fun to be with! 

She warmed up to us right away!

We stayed up late trying out different systems in the pantry and organizing the junk drawer,

and are looking forward to lots more organizing fun tomorrow!

(Seriously, it's my favorite!)

Look how nice the junk drawer looks!