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!

 Country Christmas Exchange 2014 | via printmyemotions.wordpress.com

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! 🙂

There's a chance this is wine - coffee mug | via printmyemotions.wordpress.com

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!

Lara

0 comments on Christmas in the Country – Gift Exchange 2014

    • 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

  1. 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

  2. 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!

  3. 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

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