Christmas in the Country – Gift Exchange 2014

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!

Lara