Galentines Blogger Exchange

I've said it before; I'll say it again: The world needs more care packages.  I love sending them, and I love receiving them.  That's one of the reasons that I enjoy participating in blogger exchanges/swaps from time to time.  How fun is it to receive a package, that feeling of excitement not knowing what goodies are inside, and opening it to find some real treats?! 

I hadn't participated in Mattie and Olya's previous blogger exchanges, so I jumped at the chance for this one.  My guy and I aren't really Valentine's Day people.  Honestly, I have no strong opinion for or against the day, we just don't celebrate it with cards or flowers or chocolates or dates.  So, why not avoid being a total Debbie Downer and celebrate the day with bloggers? 

I was assigned Ashley as the person to send a gift.  I'll let you visit Ashley's blog to see what I sent her.  Ashley and I have been reading each other's blogs and interacting regularly for a while now, so I had a few things in mind that I'd enjoy sending her.  I'm going to take guess and say I nailed it (as far as the gifts I chose.)

As for what I received...I'd never used "elfster" before.  How fun and helpful is that site?  I added a few things to a "wishlist" as a guide, but honestly, I'm just happy and grateful to receive anything. 

What did I wish for?  A lot of kitty things.  So, you know, now's a good time to show you some pics of my beautiful little felines as they were my inspirations. 

Jess from To Sparkle Punch sent my gift, and oh my, I was giddy when I opened my package.  I certainly feel spoiled!  I wished for a pair of super small kitty cat earrings.  Jess said that the ones I had on the wishlist didn't ship to Australia, so she selected a different pair.  I love them!  How adorable are they?!?!

I put them on immediately and am still wearing them!

And, many of you know that my guy is a jeweller.  So, I'm a lucky girl to have received some pretty rings throughout the years.  How cute is this ring holder for those special pieces of jewellery?!

To say this blogger exchange was a success is an understatement.  I enjoyed selecting my gift to Ashely, and I adore my gifts from Jess.  As a bonus, Jess is new to me, so this weekend, I plan to stalk read her blog and get to know her better.  Thanks ladies, and thanks to our hosts! 

Oh, and so my canine lovelies don't feel left out, here's a pic of their gorgeous mugs, and I'll wish for some doggie goodies next time. 

Are you interested in participating in blogger exchanges?

Great Pumpkin Swap Reveal

It feels so strange to hit publish on this post while I've got 4 different tabs open watching election results.  But, the world needs more kindness and goodness and togetherness right now, and I believe care packages are examples of those things.  As frivolous as that may seem.

The 5th Annual Great Pumpkin Swap was hosted by Kristin and Becky.  I was super stoked to participate because Kristin assured me someone would be willing to ship to Australia.  Y'all...that's no small feat.  My swap buddy spent $50 USD to send her care package to me.  That's generous and super, duper kind!  I am a firm believer that the world needs more care packages.  They always bring a smile to my face.  Who was this wonderful swap buddy?  It was Micah from Unabashedly Me.

When I emailed Micah to tell her some of my "likes" to help with swap ideas, this was my list:

cats

dogs

books

bright colors

fun socks

American snacks made of fake cheese (cheez-its, cheese nips, cheddar goldfish, crunchy Cheetos, etc.)

kitsch, local flair - anything uniquely from Iowa

jolly ranchers hard candy

rock music

animal print

make-up (I seriously miss cheap make-up from Target or Wal-mart like the NYC brand; it is impossible to get $1.99 eyeliner here)

And, here's what she sent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

I received this care package on Thursday.  The giant bag of Goldfish was devoured by Sunday.

Books!  And...even better...Micah is the author of one of them, and her friend wrote the other!

Fun socks!  A kitty unicorn and a French bulldog as a vampire.

Ricky approves of the 3rd pair of socks that Micah sent me.  After all, it has lions, tigers, and tuxedo cats.  Okay, well, maybe they are black panthers, but Ricky and I prefer to believe they are tuxedo cats. 

Make-up!  And, I hadn't even told her that I'm a sucker for eye palettes too.

  Much love to Micah and the hosts! 

Have you ever participated in a blog swap?

Pumpkin Swap

LINK

Reasons that I shouldn't sign up for "The 5th Annual Great Pumpkin Swap" hosted by Kristin and Becky:

1. It's not fall in Australia.
2. I'm celebrating springtime which happens to be my favorite season of the year.
3. Shipping costs to Australia aren't cheap.

Reasons that I should sign up:

1. I've attempted to sign up for a couple of other swaps, was denied, so I avoid that rejection...but...Kristin already told me that I wouldn't be denied in this swap.
2. I like sending care packages.
3. I like receiving care packages.
4. The world needs more care packages.
5. Fun with other bloggers
6. I can educate others about seasonal differences in different hemispheres.

Clearly, there are more reasons that I should sign up than shouldn't.  So, I've thrown my hat in the ring. 

Do you want to join the fun of The 5th Annual Great Pumpkin Swap?  Go here to sign up!