Time to Unpack!

Well now that we're all set to go in our brand spanking new Hand Crafted Cottage what would be the first logical thing to do? Hmmm...well, unpack of course! For the first little while unpacking is so much fun - it's like Christmas morning opening up all the gifts under the tree. As you open each item from that thick brown paper, you can't help but have days gone by come crashing into your memory - grandma's chipped teapot, a sweater you stole (um, borrowed) from your sister, picture frames with a younger version of yourself looking up at you...

I say that unpacking is fun in the beginning because after a while it's just too much and the job can't be done quick enough! I suppose that's the beauty of unpacking at the Hand Crafted Cottage...it's virtual and I can do it all while I sip away on my vanilla latté!

So, first and foremost I think I should mark my territory! What better way to tell visitors and neighbours that they have arrived at my humble abode than with a beautiful sign?

The Back Porch Shoppe is one of my all time favorite Etsy shops and she makes simply gorgeous signs. I love the shabby white look of these signs and the french flair! I'm also all for personalizing an item, so really this sign has it all!

Next up is the living room and a throw pillow cover created by Two Stray Cats. How awesome is this Jane Austin Silhouette piece? I have always loved silhouettes and when combined with one of my all time favorite authors, well, let's just say I think even Mr. Darcy would be proud to have it in his home!

I think next I should unpack my considerable collection of knick knacks. I have so many treasures that I simply can't part with, but really have no where to put them. That's why I'm so drawn to this keepsake trinket box from Fun Wall Art. How fun is this design? It combines shabby chic with bold elegance and equates to perfection for any woman's little pieces of history.

Next up is the kitchen and this is an item I can't live without - the cake stand. In this case, a single cupcake stand from Two Cupcake Gals. I just love everything about this piece from the black and white polka dots to the white ceramic birdies...I can just imagine a decadent chocolate cupcake with a tall dollop of icing and sprinkles on top! Yum!

What better way to end a day of unpacking than to sit down with a friend and enjoy a delicious hot cup of Himalayan Spiced Tea? These organic tea bags by Mistical AcScents are pure luxury and boast whole pieces of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns among several other ingredients.

Thank you so much for helping me unpack - it goes by some much faster with a friend by your side!