The lazy, unstructured days of summer are wrapping up, the time to start getting ready for a new school year can be exciting – a fresh start.  Switching from summer-mode to having a full-on schedule, with even more stuff can be easier with some tools and techniques.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Whitney Reynolds, owner of Hook & Basket to bring you some simple organization tips that can be put into action right now, so when school begins, you’ll be ready – whatever the situation.

4 Back to School Organizational Ideas For Your Home

1-CLEAN OUT CLOSETS

Before you go out and buy a whole new back-to-school wardrobe, go through your child’s closet with them, and have them try on their clothes.Donate any outgrown clothes, or previously loved items.  This will make room for needed clothes and keep their closets organized.
*Hook&Basket tip: Any new article of clothing, means one article has to go.  One in, one out.  

2-CREATE A FUNCTIONAL ENTRY SPACE

School comes with lots of clutter – backpacks, papers, coats, shoes, hats/gloves – so make sure you have a functional entry space for containing the chaos.  Keeping things simple and organized when you enter the home prioritizes a feeling of calm.Having a designated “home” for each child’s backpack and belongings will make it easier to find items quickly, and to maintain the space throughout the year.  Create the habit even before school starts.  :)If extra-curricular activities are in the schedule, organize their equipment and make sure you you have anything you need to order in the next size up. 
*Hook&Basket tip:Limited with space- a few hooks on the wall for backpacks and coats with a simple basket or two underneath for shoes can have a huge impact!

3-SET UP A PARENT INBOX FOR PAPERS

One of my favorite back to school organization ideas is setting up a “parent inbox”.   A place for  kids to put any permission slips, notes from their teacher or homework to check over.  And we all know there is an abundance of all this stuff!
*Hook&Basket tip: Label one side “in box” – for the arriving papers.  Review the inbox in the evening.  Label the other side “outbox” – for any papers that need to be returned to school.  
4-CREATE A BIN OF AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS

Almost as soon as kids get through the door after school you will be hearing “can I have a snack?” If you are like me and prefer your kids to eat healthy rather than searching through cupboards or eating too much junk food, create a bin of pre-planned snacks.This can be a drawer in the refrigerator with  pre-cut fruits and veggies. Or a bin in your cupboard with pretzels or dried fruit.
*Hook&Basket tip:Set it up with healthy snacks.  Friendly reminder -it is ok for your kids to eat the same snacks everyday.  Keep it simple :).
Enjoy the remainder of your summer, time sure does fly!  If you need assistance with organizing your life and home feel free to email Whitney – info@hookandbasket.com

As we enjoy getting out and about again it is so important to us all that we support those local businesses who have worked tirelessly to continue growing, creating, serving and giving back to those in need.  A fantastic way to shop local and meet the wonderful and inspiring people of our Sea To Sky Communities is to hit the Farmer’s Markets this Summer.  You can grab everything from arts, crafts to veggies and clothing, even some local bottles of deliciousness for those summer umbrella drinks! 

We chatted with a few of our favourite vendors:

Teri at Re:Creation designs is a Farmers Market fan favourite.  All of our team have one-of-a-kind pieces from her collection. All designs at Re:creation are made from start to finish in beautiful Whistler, BC. In efforts to help promote sustainability, all of the creations are handmade in small batches using materials and methods that are environmentally conscious. From timeless designs to more sustainable fibres like Linen, Wool & Organic Cotton. Teri loves to help promote and be a part of the change we wish to see in the world!

Solome Natural Beauty has the cutest stall in all the land!  Check out her hand-made natural beauty products.

Our friend and client Helen of Lazy Maisie Creates has beautiful hand-crafted jewellery, personalization is available on some pieces and she really has something special for anyone in your life who deserves a piece as unique as they are!  Helen is also one of the friendliest people you can meet at the market, if you catch up with her, let her know we say “hello”!

Vicki Watson of Watson Leather Goods who is at the Squamish Farmer’s Market is another team favorite, here’s what she has to say about her brand!

“Watson Leather Goods was borne one pandemic Thursday, sitting in my driveway with a girlfriend and pondering the new world.I have worked in food and beverage forever so finding myself with spare time to indulge my hobby of leather working gave me the nudge I needed to turn it into something more…Small wallets and bags are my niche but I do take requests so my repertoire is growing all the time.”

Stop by this weekend and see what is on offer, it’s a great atmosphere for the whole family and there are gems to be found at every corner!

Father’s Day is on Sunday, we hope you make time to celebrate the Fathers in your lives, remember to laugh at their Dad Jokes – at least for one day 🙂

We share some stories about our Dads

Lucy tells us this great local story “My Dad used to visit Whistler for the Summer from England and at 84 years young would ride his mobility scooter to the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub in Whistler Village for lunch and a Guiness most days.  He was always a source of wisdom and advised one of the lovely servers to consider washing her clothes on the cool cycle because every time he visited the skirts seemed to have gotten shorter! There is a reason his nickname was Dennis the Menace!”

We hope Kiki’s Mum isn’t reading this one “In my early teens I can remember my dad being on a lacrosse trip in the States one year, when he  called home to Australia to say he’s landed in hospital with a stomach bug.  Several days and millions of tests later, he is released and returns to the tour.   Much discussion is had about concern for my Dad’s health, the cost of a 4 day stay in an American hospital (thankfully covered by the team’s medical) and our whole family is just anxious to have him home. Several years later, I am training for the state team and my coach and I are having a laugh at the pub after training. He’s regaling me with stories of my Dad and his amazing history in the sport, when he launches into this great tale about my Dad on a trip in the states and how he ended up in hospital.  Turns out, drinking an entire bottle of tequila, including the worm, after a long day of consuming beers at a golf course without drinking any water on a 30 degree day doesn’t settle so well…Happy Fathers Day Dad, I will never tell mum, this one is between us xxx”

Kristi writes “When I think of my Dad, I smile. I don’t get to see him very often, however he sure holds a special place in my heart. Memories. I’ve got travel on my mind! Family trips to Florida, party time with Dad in Dominican Republic, and then  we spent 2 1/2 weeks together at the end of 2007 touring around the Greek Islands, followed by a couple nights in London with some friends. It was his longest vacation he’s ever had. We enjoyed amazing food and had many adventures. Sunset in Santorini was pretty spectacular! I hope we can do another trip together one of these days! I love you so much Dad. Happy Father’s Day!”

The sun has been making more regular appearances and our thoughts are turning to getting outside and growing some beautiful flowers or fresh food for our tables. Whatever the size of the area you have available to you there are plenty of options for getting your hands dirty and enjoying the satisfaction of watching a plant you nurture grow.  Whether it is simply a pot on a windowsill, a community garden box or a large backyard, gardening is good for you, science says so!!  We are not the experts on gardening so we turn to locals and new owners of the Whistler Garden Centre in Function Junction, Charles Verreault and Magali Paquet for help. Charles and Magali want to share their passion for plants and the endless ways of making people happy. At their store the growing capability is endless as they have everything you will need to grow the perfect garden all summer long, or if you don’t have that green thumb they have lots of different types of houseplants that are easy to take care of! They have a great team with lots of knowledge that will give you all the right tips to make that new friend survive!!

In our team we can always track down someone to answer any questions our client’s may have and when it comes to gardening we welcome these great tips from Charles and Magali.  Did you know you should always water houseplants when soil is starting to dry rather than on a regular schedule? 70% of house plants like being wet to the touch of soil. Give your plants a weekly dance, rotate them so all sides of your plant gets the sun and not only one side, this will help with keeping your plants green and fresh.  For outdoor gardening it’s important to figure out the average frost dates for the area you live in, usually in Whistler the May long weekend is the best time to start planting outside, it’s coming up soon so head to the Garden Centre to prepare. Starting a garden before the last frost of the season is a mistake many new gardeners make. Choose the right plants for your space.Many plants, including fruits and vegetables, need six hours of sun a day to thrive, while others are better suited to areas with limited light.  Our team manager Lucy who recently bought a new home in Pemberton is making the most of her garden box and started with Garlic which was planted on the October Full Moon – yes, that’s a thing! If you need any help head to the Whistler Garden Centre, maybe we’ll see you there!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching so we want to celebrate the wonderful influence our 
Mothers have had on our lives.  We asked some members of the team to share some love….

The Best Thing My Mother Taught Me Was…….

“One of the most favourite things my Mother taught me was how to make a feast!! Massive weekend breakfasts, over the top holiday feasts, and mouth watering desserts! Calling Mom for recipes and ideas will always be at the top of my list. Love you Mama :)”. – Meg

“As a young child, through adolescence and into early adulthood there was one phrase that my mother repeated time and time again :“Make every post a winner kid”And now, I hear it in almost every decision I make. If I’m ever at a crossroads or unsure of whether “I should or I shouldn’t “ I hear it “make every post a winner” and it pushes me forward, gives me resolve and makes me feel strangely assured that I am heading in the right direction.I guess it’s my mums  version of getting lemons and making lemonade =)” – Kirsten

“The best thing my mother taught me, in addition to exceptional manners 😉 was the value of experiencing life by travelling, adventure, working and culture. She has always encouraged this, however I am mostly grateful for this advice in my teen years, upon graduating high school and having no idea what I wanted “to go to school for”, or “do with my life”. My parents also taught me the value of money and responsibility which I am very grateful for.” – Kristi

“With my children becoming teenagers I am reminded of my Mum making everyone so welcome at our home when I was younger and always having enough food for whomever I bought home.  My friends often referred to our house as their second home.  When I left England for Canada my friends would regularly stop by for a cup of tea and chat with my parents!  I am beginning to understand how important it was for my Mum to be close to my friends and am valuing that with my own children. “Keep your kids close and their friends closer” was a wise lesson!!” – Lucy

“The older I get the more lessons I realize I’ve learned from my mom. From how to to host guests, and make a mean turkey dinner, to leading with kindness and positivity! My mom always has something positive to say in any situation, and is truly my biggest support. So lucky to have her to look up to, and continue to learn from” – Kristen 

Remember to make any Mother’s in your life feel appreciated and special on Sunday May 9th!  We have  wonderful gift ideas from local jeweller Helen Chan of Lazy Maisie.  Originally from London, UK, she has called the Sea to Sky her home since 2012. Each beautiful piece is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. Featuring a simple and feminine design that is uniquely hand-stamped with texture and meaningful messages to inspire thoughtfulness and positivity. Available in sterling silver and 14k gold fill and offering custom words for a more personal touch!  Mom’s would love the names of their children on these cute necklaces, we’ve already put in requests to our kids!

It’s February and Love is in the air!  It has been the perfect time to explore what we love to do locally while keeping our community safe and healthy.  The freezing temperatures have given the ideal conditions for exploring the mountain lakes for ice-skating and pond hockey.  Our team suggests packing hot chocolate and wrapping up warm.  Smooth, clear ice for skating means it’s certainly going to be chilly!  After a trip to the lake for a skate, head to one of our favourite places to sit by the fire and enjoy delicious food, it’s one of Whistler’s best kept secret spots but we are sharing the love with you! The Courtside Cafe and Bar at the Whistler Racket Club holds special themed dinner nights including Gastro Pub Tuesdays, Tapas nights and the best fresh made chips you will ever taste, try the maple bacon flavour, it’s incredible. Check out their facebook page for the latest events.

If you are looking for an evening activity to get you out under the stars, it’s time to head to Whistler Olympic Park on a Wednesday night when they offer discounted cross country skiing and snowshoeing trail tickets and rentals for $7 each from 3pm-9pm.  Refreshments are available and it truly is a magical place to be after dark with your bubble.  Click Here to Reserve rentals and for more information.

We are certainly feeling the love for all those in our Community who work hard to keep us healthy and safe. They do such a fantastic job!  To thank our community and essential workers for their strength, support and kindness to one another the RMOW “Whistler Has Heart Project”  asked local artists and residents to paint 100 wooden hearts. The hearts are being displayed at various locations throughout Whistler for the whole month of February.  Go take a look, click here for the schedule of display locations.  We hope that you embrace those you love and are thankful for in whichever ways you can this month!  We sure do love new clients so if you know anyone who needs help selling or purchasing Real Estate please give us a call, anytime!