I had a really hard time packing when moving to the UK. When I moved to Toronto, Sarah and I literally had a palette of our stuff shipped from New Brunswick, so finding a home for all of my worldly possessions (read: books and frames) was fairly stressful.

My golden rule for moving was to only bring things that will serve a purpose and meant something to me. My other secret rule was to bring things that would make me feel like home. Of course, a lot of meaningful things got left behind, but here’s a rundown of what has made it across the pond.

1. The only frame that made it across is a photo of me and Zach on his first trip to New Brunswick. The plate is plastic, not glass, so I knew it wouldn’t break! 
2. My camera case that has made it through roadtrips, moves, and big nights out.
3. A “Budget London” book that my cousin Melanie gave to me before I left, which has come in handy! Our first “London A-Z” book which has saved us from being lost many times. 
4. Anais Nin and Chinue Acheba novels from Zach for my birthday.
5. Half-Blood Blues christmas present from Sarah.

A small stack of magazines with my name in the masthead (for interview purposes, not for vanity!), and a Spin that Ashley gave me the morning I left Toronto for Ottawa. No name in the masthead on that one, but maybe someday!

My favourite little alarm clock that hasn’t had a battery in it the whole time I’ve had it. It doesn’t need to tell time, it just needs to be around!

1. Domestic Sluttery, an amazing going-away present from my great coworkers and favorite online editors, Jess and Savi.
2. Patti Smith’s Just Kids from dear Jenny. Being handed this book changed my life.
3. Nobody leaves Angela Chase behind.
4. Ariel from Moira, for the rainy college-girl days, post-college.
5. Coverless Wuthering Heights novel, in case I get lost on the moors here in England.
6. Cross-stitched Atwood from Hilary, which has gotten me through some times.

You never know when mania will strike.

To remind me that I have to get a job so I can use this gorgeous planner and even more gorgeous notebooks.

Amazing cupcake nail kit from Karalee. This thing has saved my life.

1. Kanye West vinyl pullouts from Corey.
2. My birthday present wrapping from Zach.
3. Postcard from Danielle and Natasha.

And 1/6th of my former wardrobe, including some lovely jewelry from Traci.

Homesick? Me? Never.

(Miss you, friends and family!)

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