1)     One Truffle Document Bag :: This little gem is perfect for containing receipts, wedding invitations or tickets. It is easy to store and small enough so you can grab and go.

2)     Linen Canvas Bins from The Container Store :: Unlike most clutter, when it comes to these bins, the more the merrier! Use them in your closets, bathroom, laundry room or mudroom to conceal untidiness. We especially love the label pocket! (Bonus: download our FREE labels on the here!)

3)     Sugar Paper Recipe Box :: This sassy little box is the perfect storage solution for all of the recipes you have floating around (Tip: store magazine cutouts in here too!)

4)     Nate Berkus “The Things That Matter” :: Aside from the fact that we have a not-so-secret crush on Nate, we think this book is a must have for every home. A true NEAT girl’s home is not only perfectly organized, but is also beautifully decorated.

5)     Acrylic Organizers from The Container Store :: These are a staple item for our jewelry, buttons, makeup, etc. The trays are stackable, sturdy, and have a clean slick look to them.

6)    Lo & Sons O.G Bag :: You will never see a NEAT girl without one of these bags. They are perfect for traveling and store a ton of goodies.  They slide onto your luggage and make the ideal carry-on. Watch their super-cute video here:  http://www.loandsons.com/the-og

You coveting anything we should be obsessing over? Share with us!

xx

the NEAT girls

NM :: What is your full name? 

KTB :: Kathleen Bestebreurtje Koentje (how random that I married a guy with a last name ending in “-tje” after being born a "Bestebreurtje"??)

The NEAT girls just call her “Katie B” - which is WAY easier to pronounce and does have a cute ring to it!

NM :: Give us the short version of your background: Where are you from? Why do you live in San Diego? Any other interesting things we should make note of?

KTB :: I am originally from Northern Virginia, I went to college near the beach in North Carolina. After college I moved to Ohio for a job and quickly realized no one was ever going to visit me there...so I moved to San Diego! I packed 3 suitcases, shipped my car, jumped on a plane, and the rest is history! I am here to stay! :)

Random fact- I am allergic to 64 things!

NM :: UMM how about the fact that you were a former beauty pageant contestant for the state of California, AND Virginia, at one point?! That is interesting too! We won't let that one slip by!

NM :: Why are you excited to launch NEAT in San Diego?

KTB :: I have an entrepreneurial spirit and am excited to develop a business that I am passionate about. My drive and determination have always helped make me successful, whether it was selling advertising, running pageants, or selling medical devices. I am excited to put my focus on something that I can call my own.

NM :: What is your most OCD tendency?

KTB :: Probably that I unpack and put everything away immediately after getting home from a trip. Or, possibly my need to perfectly arrange the refrigerator...I know it has a door and hardly anyone sees it, but I still need to have items facing out and on their "correct" shelves. I won't let anyone help me put groceries away! 

NM :: What is your least OCD tendency?

KTB :: Not obsessing over my husband's side of the closet! And… sometimes I don't even wash our wine glasses until the next morning – AH, I live on the wild side!

NM :: What are you bringing to the table that will help NEAT in San Diego?

KTB :: I think I bring a drive and creativity, plus a love of all things organized! My advertising and marketing background will also be a key asset in the process. I have a “never-give-up” attitude and am eager to find out what it takes to launch NEAT in San Diego. 

NM :: How did you get so NEAT? 

KTB :: I think I came out of the womb NEAT! I have been crazy organized for as long as I can remember.... I used to organize my Barbie's clothes and arrange my stuffed animals by size. I get this trait from my mom. She is just as neat and organized as I am (maybe even more!).

NM :: What are your favorite things to do in your city?

KTB :: I love visiting our beautiful coastline...walking on Moonlight Beach and watching the seal pups at La Jolla Cove! We have fabulous restaurants too.... La Papagayo, 3rd Corner, Jake's, Craftsman, and Solace to name a few. I love shopping on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, I could walk around Leaping Lotus for hours! I always enjoy spending a day at the world famous San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, or Sea World too!

We have no doubt that San Diego is going to LOVE her as much as we do!! NEAT San Diego here we come :)

xx

the NEAT girls

As you already know, we spend a LOT of time every week cruising the aisles of of the store, so when the NEAT team in SF got the news that Kip was going to be in town - they knew they just had to stop by! After debating whether or not they should "pretend to be shopping on a Saturday night, and just happen to bump into Kip," Molly and Heather decided to cut to the chase and just tell him what big fans we all are! 

They chatted about living the NEAT life, our love for the Container Store (obviously no secret there), life as a professional organizer, and even his friend’s latest book “Conscious Capitalism” (which we've all now added to this summer’s reading list!).

He couldn’t have been nicer! They hugged, exchanged business cards, had a few laughs, and needless to say…had the best Saturday night of their lives!

We were so honored to meet you Kip, and hope to have the opportunity to meet again in the future!

If you haven't already, stop by your nearest Container store soon! They are having their Spring Organization Sale and some of our favorite items can now be found for less!

xx

the NEAT girls

Tip #1 :: 'Pin'point your goals

Obviously this is nothing you don't already know, but putting together a plan on Pinterest is where it's at! Consider making a hidden board to keep all of your secrets safe from the guest(s) of honor. Once your Pinterest board is put together, make a 'To Do' list that entails everything that you will need for the big event: food, decor, activities, gifts, etc.

Tip #2 :: It takes a village...

The best baby showers are not planned by one, it takes a village - LITERALLY! Ashley had the help of a dear friend in New York and the Grandmother-to-be. Molly had her sister and Mom to help her spoil their sister-in-law. Case in point, Molly's sister came up with these adorable waffle shooters and these ombre, ruffled curtains were handsewn by her Mom!

Tip #3 :: Know your limits

Some of us are DIY experts and others of us are not. This cake was a must at the shower Molly helped host, but no one could make something nearly as beautiful. Ashley fell in love with the "bebe" sign but knew it wouldn't look nearly as good making it on her own. Here are a few small businesses that they loved to use during the party planning:

Bebe Sign :: Create A Beautiful Life

Eiffel Tower :: RHbaby

Monogram :: Polka Dots MG

Ombre Cake :: Sugar Bloom Bake Shop

Invitations :: Pickle Doodle Designs and Minted

We hope you have been inspired to make your next event one that your guests will never forget! 

xx

the NEAT girls

NM :: Hi DC gals! For our readers at home (or perhaps at work, we won't tell), what are your full names?

CZ :: Catherine Nicole Zinn (Maiden name: Savage)

RJ :: Raelynn Elizabeth Johnson

(Just to clarify, Catherine is the blonde and Raelynn is the brunette!)

NM :: Give us the short version of your background: Where are you from? Why do you live in DC? Any other interesting things we should make note of…

Catherine :: I don’t know if there is a short version, but here it goes: I was born in Colorado, where some of my family still resides and I happily visit every year to ski. After a short stint in the Rockies, I moved to North Carolina. Then when I was nine, I traveled up the East Coast to a town outside of Philadelphia (Langhorne) where I essentially grew up. My experiences living in different places made me appreciate winters, summers, mountains, beaches and every type of cuisine imaginable. Missing a part of my Southern roots, I decided to attend college in Virginia at JMU. My job search pointed me to the DC area, where I met my now-husband and happily call home.

Raelynn :: I was born in Denver, Colorado where I spent the first four years of my life frolicking in the snow. My Dad’s job with the government was relocated to DC, so we traveled to Virginia where I’ve spent my life since. After attending college at Virginia Tech, I moved to Arlington, where I now reside in my fave little gem outside the city, Clarendon. 

NM :: Why are you excited to launch NEAT in DC?

CZ & RJ :: If one area of the country could use a little order, it’s gotta be the Nation’s Capitol, right?! DC offers a wide variety of hard working, time starved individuals, including business savvy entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, young professionals, and diligent employees of the government, healthcare, and defense sectors. This melting pot of “work-hard, play-hard” enthusiasts need a little NEAT in their lives.

We could not be more thrilled to launch NEAT Method in The District. We’re pumped to get out of the office and into the homes of this historic city in an effort to modify the DC motto…”One City. One NEAT Future.” 

NM :: What is your most OCD tendency?

Catherine :: I have a slight “urge to purge.” I prefer simple spaces, so I find myself constantly throwing things away (or donating them) to avoid the build up of any clutter. I have a bag in my closet where I routinely throw clothes that I no longer want. I clean out the pantry and refrigerator weekly. I toss mail, magazines, papers, and anything that I can’t find a home for. Sometimes I get rid of something just because I am sick of looking at it… It drives my husband nuts!

Raelynn :: I’m a bit of a kitchen freak. Refrigerator. Dishwasher. Pantry. You name it. If the contents inside these places are not lined perfectly with labels facing forward, grouped by type, or in their proper nesting place, I go a little crazy and have to appease the itch to remove everything and start from scratch.

NM :: What is your least OCD tendency?

Catherine :: This question makes me sad. I have a tendency to neglect rooms in my house that I don’t use very often. My basement still has pictures and shelves lying on the floor that I haven’t attended to since we moved in (horrible, I know). My husband works in medical device sales, so he receives shipments of HUGE boxes multiple times a week. I used to try to stack them nicely by device-type, but it has become so overwhelming to keep up with!

Raelynn :: I am not happy to admit that everything in my life is not neatly organized, but I must confess that I have a serious issue with mail. My not so close location to the mailroom causes me to go prolonged periods without checking the mailbox (I mean, isn’t there a trend toward paperless anyways??). This in turn causes an immense amount of mail to sort…which then leads to a pile in my fruit bowl…

NM :: What are you bringing to the table that will help NEAT in DC? (for example, your witty personality? Persistence? Eye for detail? Crazy good folding skills?)

CZ & RJ :: We met while working together as Loan Officers in the very hectic mortgage industry where we honed our skills of planning, organizing and customer service… all in a high stress environment. Our affinity for one another grew when we noticed our mutual obsession for penholders designated by pen type, cute file folders, prioritized lists on designer paper, and color coded calendar activities. Our ability to speak up in the boardroom but delicately handle stressful situations, and our ease of lightening the mood with our charming yet sarcastic wit makes us the ultimate duo. The organized chaos we’ve experienced, accompanied with our fixation for clean, stylish, functional spaces has prepped us to take on DC with a NEAT mentality.

NM :: How did you get so NEAT? (Were you born NEAT? Do you have a NEAT family member? Teacher? Super messy roommate that made you NEAT?)

Catherine :: My NEAT tendencies definitely come from my stepdad! Growing up, our house was always spotless and perfectly organized. My stepdad is amazing, but TOTALLY OCD. He used to clear my dinner plate immediately after I ate my last bite, and have it washed and put back into its proper place by the time I stood up from the table. I learned to always clean up after myself and avoid any type of clutter. Once you live the NEAT life, there is just no undoing it!

Raelynn :: My Dad has also influenced my neatness and is the root of my dishwasher obsession. I grew up with him constantly re-loading the dishes that I had already loaded. At the time I thought this was crazy, but I am now a culprit of this re-loading activity (ask anyone I’ve ever lived with). I also have fallen into an unfortunate habit of moving every year since my Freshman year of college (that’s 8 total moves so far). An annual move forces you to evaluate your belongings – less stuff, less to move. I’ve become a pro at minimizing and streamlining, thus reducing clutter and keeping my space fresh.

NM :: What are your favorite things to do in your city? (Shops, restaurants, particular places)

Catherine :: In a city like DC, the list is SO long! To simplify it a bit, I’ll map out my perfect DC-area weekend :)

- Friday Night: Date night in Old Town Alexandria, my favorite neighborhood with so much character.  Dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar followed by drinks at PX Lounge, an adorable 1920’s-style speakeasy.

- Saturday: Morning jog at Holmes Run Park. A visit to a few Virginia wineries, my favorites include: Paradise Springs, Bulle Run, Barrel Oak, Three Fox and Aspen Dale. Dinner in the city at Lincoln, a great little restaurant with small plates from local farms - delicious and SO fresh!

- Sunday: Barre Class at Fuel Pilates in Georgetown, followed by brunch at Paolo’s and shopping on M Street (accompanied by a latte from Baked and Wired). Next, a trip to the Shirlington Dog Park with Mr. Juice, a visit to Cheestique (best cheese shop in town!), then dinner in Clarendon at The Green Pig. Finally, a nightcap with Raelynn at Screwtop Wine Bar.

I would happily repeat this weekend 52 times a year!

Raelynn :: Wow – am I actually being asked to contribute to a “Best of DC” commentary?? Dream.Come.True. Since Clarendon is my stomping ground, it seems appropriate to disclose my favorite spots to drink and dine:

- Northside Social:  Perfect for enjoying coffee or wine and indulging in a good book or telecommuting. Tons of outdoor seating, including picnic tables J

- Liberty Tavern: Ordering an LTGT is a requirement. Nothing like a little cucumber for a refreshing twist on the classic gin & tonic.

- Boccatto – Gelato? Yes please!

- Faccia Lunia – I love carbs. Great for pizza and pasta.

- CAVA – Featuring to die for Mediterranean style small plates, delicious cocktails, and break your diet sweet treats.  Plus the staff is super friendly

- Screwtop Wine Bar – it wouldn’t be fair to leave Cath sippin wine all by herself…

Of course venturing into the District affords other spots worth mentioning:

- American Ice Co.:  the best pre-concert venue. Outdoor/Indoor dining, micro-brew pitchers, pork nachos. Enough said. Then mosey across the street to the 9:30 Club to catch a show.

- Eastern Market – my fave Sunday activity. I love browsing all the vendors and picking up fresh-farmed goods. The trip is not complete without brunch at Tunnicliffs.

We are sure the lucky people residing in DC are going to absolutely adore this new duo, just as much as we do! 

Cheers to NEAT DC!

xx

the NEAT girls

Molly:: Matt Lauer, will you be my Valentine?

NM:: It's official we are totally weirded out. What about Matt Lauer makes your heart skip a beat?

Molly:: I am a huge fan of the, Today Show and Matt is always getting a hard time for being a bit of a germaphobe. I love it! Matt, we are both married, but will you be my Valentine? I promise to keep my germs at least one foot away at all times! I'll let Ash take it from here...

NM:: Why are we not surprised you chose Bethenny Frankel?

Ashley:: Why?!

NM:: Well besides the fact that she is a bad@** business woman, it is clear that you must love her skinny girl products considering how good you look 3 ½ months post-baby!

Ashley:: Honestly, I thought she might need a Valentine to cheer her up this year, but I did think of her because she is awesome! Heather, who did you pick?

Heather:: Harvey Specter AKA Gabriel Macht - guilty as charged!! (See what I did there??)

NM:: We do! What a handsome man to be your Valentine!

Heather:: He’s not just handsome, he gets things done! I am a major fan of the show “Suits” on USA, and I love his "always one step ahead" attitude. He's smooth, sharp, and never loses – talk about a heartbreaker! Marissa, who are you crushin' on? Did we save the best for last?

Marissa:: You sure did! This new beach babe would love for the one and only Kim K to be her Valentine!

NM:: We would have never seen that one coming!

Marissa:: Well after she shared her closet this week...and that girl has GOT to know how to pack super efficiently given how much she travels. I plan on doing some serious traveling to and from Chicago and Florida so hopefully, if she is my Valentine, and I learn her tricks!

NM:: We hope you got a kick out of Valentines this year - who is your shameless Valentine?

xx

the NEAT girls

:: image 5 ::

Marissa joined the Windy City team in 2012 and is now armed and ready to take on a new territory. To learn more about this little Brunette click here.

We have no doubt that NEAT South Florida will do extremely well and can't wait for a NEAT girls retreat down South!

xx
the NEAT girls

Since we've had so much fun conquering the "organizing world" on the West Coast and recently the Midwest, we've decided it's time to show other cities what our Method is all about! We are beyond thrilled to have the ability to do so and have been so honored with all of the inquiries over the past 2 years. Through much blood, sweat and tears (maybe once or twice) we've finally found the perfect fit with the most perfect girls. Stay tuned in the next few weeks to learn a little bit more about the new cities and the fabulous girls running them!

Just so we don't leave you in suspense for too long...we thought we'd give you a few hints: In one of the cities we'd rather be surfing than working. In another, our favorite color house to organize is white. And the third, the state shares a name with a local rapper who can teach you how to blow a whistle. 

xx

the NEAT girls

Wishing you all a NEAT New Year!!

xx

the NEAT girls