This holiday season I participated in the Christmas in the Country gift exchange with a bunch of bloggers from all over the U.S. Each blogger was given another blogger from a different part of the country to send a gift to – and it was all done in secret, so the idea was to visit the person’s blog and/or social media accounts to get a better idea of who they are and what they might like. The gift itself could be purchased or homemade.
My gift arrived from Kirby Lichte in Lexington, Missouri – the blogger behind 15009 Farmhouse. As soon as I opened my gift box, I am pretty sure I let out a squeal of laughter and delight. She must’ve figured me out pretty quick because I loved everything!
The coffee, biscotti, the mug … and of course, one of my absolute favorites, The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten! I can’t wait to start trying recipes from this cookbook.
And seriously, let’s take a closer look at the coffee mug! 🙂
After opening my gift, I immediately went to Kirby’s blog to check it out, and it’s clear we would be fast friends if we lived closer as I think we enjoy a lot of the same hobbies – including baking. Plus, she’s blogging updates about the new home she and her husband are building and I’m loving the design. I’m a sucker for a big porch on a farmhouse-style home. (I’m also jealous of the double oven!) I also love the clean design of her blog – so pretty and easy to read.
Thank you, Kirby, for this fabulous gift – I love it!
I hope you will pop on over and visit her blog and give her a like on Facebook!
On a side note, the gift I sent went to a blogger in Washington, MaryBeth Schwartz who blogs about her life over at Small City Scenes. I included homemade caramels (recipe here), a tea towel with a vintage look at Minnesota and what we’re “famous” for in these parts, a jar of blackberry jam made in Minnesota, and the most fun little metal basket. I hope she likes it!
All the blog posts sharing our Christmas in the Country gift exchanges will be linked up at my blogger friend Laurie’s website, Country Linked, on January 7 so check it out! Thanks to all the hosts of the Christmas in the Country project – it was so much fun! (This Uncharted Rhoade, COUNTRY LINKed, Diaries from the Dirt Road and The Ranch Wife Chronicles)
Happy 2015, everyone!
Fantastic! What great gifts, both of them! Thank you so much for being a part of Christmas in the Country.
Laurie
Thanks, Laurie – this was such a fun project and I loved connecting to new bloggers. Thank you for all your organization and I look forward to next year!
Lara
Lara,
What fun you received from Kirby! I enjoy watching Ina on tv and coffee is always in style. I have to admit the mug is great.
I think it’s neat how we can connect via social media and have so many things in common even across the miles. I hope you and Kirby use this experience to build a closer blog relationship.
Thank You for participating in Christmas in the Country and we hope to see you back next year!
Hi Robyn,
I agree – so fun to connect with people through our blogs and find out we have such fun things in common. 🙂 I’m looking forward to following Kirby and the other blogs I’ve been introduced to through Christmas in the Country. I would love to be back next year for sure! 🙂
Lara
I absolutely loved participating in this exchange! Such fun. Kirby picked out some really great stuff! Enjoy your cookbook, let us know if there’s a recipe we can’t live without trying!
Me, too, Myla! And I’ll definitely keep you posted on the recipes! 🙂
– Lara
Well that sounds like the perfect delectable delight. Love that mug. B
Me too! I have to say … I think the mug is my favorite! 🙂
Thanks so much for participating! Your blog is one of my new favorites and I was so excited when you joined 🙂 Looks like you got a winner of a gift too – that mug is so fun!!!
Thanks – that is super sweet of you! 🙂 I am honored! And I loved the exchange … definitely a must-do every year now. Thanks for all the coordination!
Lara
The mug is hilarious! Lucky you. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Janet! I know, isn’t it the best?! 🙂 Happy New Year to you, as well!
Lara