November Foodie Penpal Revel

Where has the time gone, it is the last day of November and time to do the Foodie Penpal Revel.  This month my package came from Nae Carter who blogs at I Choose the Sun.

In our communication, I told Nae that I had a real sweet tooth.  Boy did she hear that!  My package was crammed with all sorts of goodies to take care of that sweet tooth.  Nae sent so many wonderful treats that I have not yet finished them all.

First there was this little bag of Moose Munch (what a cute name).  I love glazed popcorn, and this one had cashews in it, one of my favorite nuts.

I think I am going to use these dried pears in a snack mix.  Interesting, I live where pears are grown, but I've never eaten dried ones that I know of.

 This bag of trail mix was delicious.

Of course, a sweet tooth needs candy, and Nae took good care of it with these.  I have been a good girl and restrained myself so there is some left.

Thanks Nae for sending me a great package to finish out the year.

Foodie Penpals was started by Lindsay over at the Lean Green Bean in September 2011.  There is now an exchange in Canada and in Europe.  For the month of December, we are making a contribution to charity, but the exchange will get rolling again in January.  If you would like more information on how to join in the fun, drop by Lindsay's blog toward the end of December.  She will have all the information up for getting started in the new year.

My package went to Barbara Geeco in Virginia who does not have a blog.

I am linking to to Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

Today is the last day of October and time to post for Foodie Penpal Reveal Day.  This month my package came from Lyndsay Kugler from New Raymer, Colorado.  What package it was.

There were goodies in every nook and cranny of this box.  Every piece of tissue paper had something hidden in it, and the smell was wonderful.

There were these three cute packages of various mixes.  The milkshake mix has a recipe on the side to make cookies with it, which, being the Cookie Monster's Grandmother, is probably what I will do.

There was a personal popcorn ball.  A great treat for this time of year.

There were wonderful candies.  Believe me, the Mrs. Fields candies got eaten as soon as this photo was taken.

This was another goodies for me to snack on.   My own personal size chicken noodle soup mix.  I am going to stash this at work for lunch.

There were some things made in Colorado.   A Spicy Snack Stick.  This is going to work for lunch also. 

 Hot Cider Fixins.  Isn't just the cleverest packaging?  I just had to take two photos.  Do you see the whole nutmeg for the head, the whole allspice for the ears, and the whole clove antlers?  You put the whole thing in a half gallon of apple juice or cider, heat and fish everything out when the cider is done.  This one is probably going to be used on Thanksgiving.

This is the reason that the package smelled so wonderful and so will my home when I use these.

Lyndsay doesn't have a blog listed so I don't know if she has one.  Although I sent her a Thank You email, I want to thank her again here for sending me such a wonderful package.

My Foodie Penpal package went to Katie Tanner at Food Fitness Photography.  You can click on over to see what I sent her.

This wonderful exchange is hosted by Lindsay from the Lean Green Bean.  Sound like fun?

Just click on the graphic above to go to the Foodie Penpal page for all the details.

Linking to:  October Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

A warm welcome to my new followers and thanks to all my readers who take time from their busy lives to read this blog.  It is much appreciated, and I hope the information I post here is useful.

Today is Foodie Penpal Reveal Day.  We are posting today since the last day of September fell on a weekend.  This month my package came from Alyssa at FitBlyss.  Inside this little envelope was some wonderful snack foods.

An Orchard Bar in Pineapple Coconut & Macadamia Nut flavor, A Greek Yogurt Bar in Blueberry Acai flavor, some popcorn in Honey Cinnamon Pecan flavor, a package of Rice Cracker Blend crackers, some Truvia sweetener, and some Raspberry Leaf tea, and some sesame seeds.

I had not tried the Truvia sweetener so this was a chance for me to do so.  I will be using the sesame seeds to make some Sesame Seed Toffee.  It is easy to make and so good.  All this good stuff kept me in good stead for several days of snacking.  Thanks Alyssa for a great package.

I sent my package to Taylor Day of The Cupcake Diaries.  She will post about it on her blog.

Foodie Penpals is hosted by Lindsay over at The Lean Green Bean.  To join in our fun, visit Leslie's Foodie Penpal page.

Linking to:  September Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

It is the last day of the month and time for another Foodie Penpal reveal; or, as I like to say, what I got from Santa this month.  It always feels like Christmas when my package comes, and I am just like a kid and can’t wait to open it.

Foodie Penpals is hosted by Leslie over at The Lean Green Bean.

This month my package came from Wendy Nielsen.  I don’t know if she has a blog, there was not one listed.  You do not have to be a blogger to participate in Foodie Penpals.

Wendy sent me some great goodies:

These didn’t last very long.  I had to share them with hubby.  He insisted.

This tea is very good and will be really great to sip once the weather cools down.

This says Grill Mates, but I like it sprinkled on veggies and eggs.  I like to use different herb/spice blends but had not tried this one.

HOMEMADE blueberry jam.  It is always wonderful to get something homemade.  I am not much of a blueberry person, but this was good.  Hubby really appreciates it.  He is a blueberry person.

And then there were these!  Oh My, I did not even know that there were coconut Oreos.  The ones I ate were so good I decided I wanted to use the rest in a dessert, so tune in tomorrow for that post.

Thanks again, Wendy, for a great package.  My package went to Sheree Weaks.  I am not sure that she has a blog either.

If you would like to join in the fun and get your own Foodie Penpal package each month, here are the details straight from Leslie’s blog.  Go here to sign up by the 4th of September.

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from the US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!
***If you’re in the UK, please contact Carol Anne from This Is Rock Salt at rocksalt@thisisrocksalt.com to get involved!

Linking to August Foodie Penpal Reveal Day 

June Foodie Penpals Reveal

Update:  I was wrong about Kristin Baker not having a blog.  She does have one called Size Matters, and you can see what it sent to her in this post.

A quick apology:  Today is our 50th anniversary so I was very busy elsewhere.  I did something wrong and this didn’t post earlier like I thought I had it scheduled.  I am so sorry.

After sitting out May because we were on vacation, I am back to joining in Foodie Penpals for June.  This month my package came from Danielle Nadeu who doesn’t have a blog.  She does pay attention when reading them, however, as she sent items that  I really like.  I told her that she really “got me” when I sent her my Thank You email.

First up is a bottle of bourbon vanilla.  I love bourbon vanilla and am almost out of the bottle that I am currently using so this is very welcome.

Next is this bottle of a “new to me brand”  of Stir Fry Sauce.  I love trying new spice blends and sauces.
 

Speaking of new spice blend.  Danielle sent this little container of Baharat, a spice blend used in Arab, Turkish and Iranian cuisine.  The word means spice in Arabic.  She says to use it on beef, lamb, fish, chicken and add to soups.  She included a recipe using the spice with ground chicken that sounds marvelous.

This is a little jug of pure Maple Syrup purchased at the local farmer’s market.  I love it when I receive something from the area where the sender lives.  I think the little jug is so cute, I will save and reuse it.

This is a fudgy vegan brownie.  I had never eaten one, but it was very good.

Danielle included this great little cookbook.  Although my cookbook collection is huge, I did not have this one, so it is a welcome addition.

There were two little cards included.  One listed the contents of the package and the other one explained about the spice blend.

I am going to have great fun with everything that Danielle sent, and I thank her so much.

I sent my package to Kristin Baker who didn’t seem to have a blog.
 
Foodie Penpals is hosted by Leslie at The Lean Green Bean.  You can find all the details about how to participate here.

I am linking up to Foodie Penpal Reveal Day.  You can hop on over there to see what others received in their packages.

April Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

Here it is the last day of April already, and time to reveal what I received in my Foodie Penpal package this month.  This exchange is hosted by Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean.  This month she even alphabetized all the names.  What a job that must have been.  There are now over 600 with exchanges in Canada and the UK.  Thanks Lindsay for all your hard work for us.

My package came from Lizzie at The Weekday Vegan.  It is always like Christmas to me when I unpack my box.  These are the wonderful and delicious things I found.

First there was a can of  Butter Toffee Peanuts.  I love these but rarely buy them, so these were a real treat.  Oh how I enjoyed them.

This little mix sounds so good, but we are not beer drinkers, and I keep forgetting to buy beer so I can make this up.  I do love small batch mixes from specialty mills like this.

This one I did get made up.  Love scones and jam.  Wonderful, wonderful.

I had to giggle when I saw the package of tea.  I sent tea to my penpal, too, not the same brand or flavor, however.  I drink tea a lot but had never tried this one.  Very good.  Notice the personalized note card with Lizzie’s name on it.  How cute.

Thanks, Lizzie, for sending such a great package.  You picked very well for me.

My package went to Rachel at My Naturally Frugal Family.  Hop on over to her blog to see what I sent.

If you have been missing all the fun and want to join in.  Here is all the info straight from Lindsay.

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penpals is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.
If you’re interested in participating for May, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.
You must submit your information by May 4th as pairings will be emailed on May 5th!
*If you're from somewhere besides the US, Canada or Europe and want to participate, send me an email and I'll see if we get enough interest this month!

I am linking to Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

March Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

This is my second post as today is the day that we reveal what we received from our Foodie Penpals for March.  This month I received a package from Christy Dean who blogs at Chocolate Covered Diamonds.

It was a wonderful package filled with all kinds of delicious goodies.

Just opening the box was a treat.  I was greeted with all this pretty tissue paper.  (Warning, I am a recycler, so this may show up in the box sent to my Foodie Penpal next month).

Christy sent her card and a little note detailing the contents of the box.  She said that many of the items were her “go to" sweet snacks.  Well, she has some mighty nice ones.

These are called “Heavenly Caramels”, and. believe me, they were.  I could actually taste the smoothness of the cream and butter in them.  So good.

A selection of candy and a Nugo Chocolate Bar that Christy says is her favorite.  I have been very good and am still working on these.

Some fortified water and Wild Blueberry Acai Tea.  I was a little unsure about the tea as I am not a fan of blueberries.  However, I was pleasantly surprised about how much I like it.  I would even purchase it myself.  Thanks, Christy, for opening me up to something I would not ordinarily drink.

More to drink.  Three flavors of cocoa: caramel, butterscotch and French Vanilla.  All wonderful.  I love a hot cup of good cocoa.

Two Bumble Bars.  These are sesame bars made right here in Washington State, yet I have never purchased them.  I will on the look out for them now.  Last month I also was sent something made here that I did not know about.  It is so interesting when that happens.

Last, but certainly not least, Christy sent this little Piggy personal fry pan and spatula.  I think these are beyond cute.  I so love looking at them that I must confess that I have not actually used them yet.  I keep them on my counter for decoration.  They fit right in with the chicken measuring spoons that I received last month.

Christy, thank you so much again for sending such a great box.

My package for March went to Caitlin Croswell at Cait Plus Ate.  She will be posting about what I sent her.

This is just like having Christmas every month.  You get to play Santa and get something from Santa.  If you are missing out on all the fun and want to join in, here is the info straight from Lindsay:

In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. 
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I'm going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

If you’re interested in participating for April, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. 

You must submit your information by April 4th as pairings will be emailed on April 5th!

For a link up party to see the contents of all the packages exchanged head on over to the Lean Green Bean.

February Foodie Pen Pal Reveal Day

Today is the day to share what we received from our February Foodie Pen Pal.  If you don’t know about this fun swap, this is how it goes:  Your are given the name  of a blogger to sent food/kitchen-related items to.  A different blogger is given your name to send to you.  The spending limit $15.  Postage usually runs me around $11.00  This is all hosted by Lindsey at The Lean Green Bean.  She has swaps for both the US and Canada.  If it sounds as if it would be fun, you can head on over here to get all the details.  Applications for the March exchange close on March 4th.  The swap is month-to-month so you can "sit out" any month that you want to.

This month the blogger who sent to me was Jessica from Fit Talker (and Eater).  She sent me such a great package that the only thing I could say when I opened it was WOW.  In her note, Jessica said she always tries to send packages that she would like to receive.  Well, believe me, I was happy to receive this one.

Aren’t these just the cutest measuring spoon?  Jessica says one can never have too many, and I agree.  They go so nicely with my favorite silicone spatulas.  I have put up a special hook in my kitchen to hold these as they just make me smile when I look at them.

Granola and dried fruit.  I like granola, but I don’t buy it because I am always going to make it myself.  Then I don’t, so I don’t have any.  I put the dried fruit and the granola together for a trail mix-like snack to take to work with me.  Very tasty.

I did not open these right away because I Knew, Knew that when I did, I would not be able to stay out of them.  I did force myself to ration them out so was able to enjoy them over several days.  Jessica really had me here as I will eat almost anything that is chocolate covered.

These little gems taste like a softer Butterfinger.  Butterfingers are a favorite of mine so I really loved these.  Through sheer will power, I actually have a couple of these left.

Chocolate Chip Brownie and Oat Bars.  Very good and a favorite of Jessica’s.  I can see why.  They have oats in them so that makes them healthy, right?

Each package must contain something handwritten so here is Jessica’s note with some great mardi gras beads.  So fun, and she decorated my name up so cute.  Jessica, thank you so much.  It was all wonderful.

One fun thing about this exchange is receiving brands of goodies that are different from what you can buy locally.  This usually results in me going to the internet to see if they are available by mail.  This must be great for internet business.

My package went to The Crazy Cooking Couple who blog in the Washington DC area.  You can visit them to see what I sent.

If you are curious to see what other Foodie Pen Pals received just hop on over to The Lean Green to check them out.

January Foodie Penpals Reveal Day

When I took part in the Great Food Bloggers Cookie Swap during the holidays, one of the bloggers who sent cookies to me was Hannah  of Hannaviolin.  I started reading her blog.  At the end of December she posted about being a part of Foodie Penpals and what she had received from her penpal that month.  I thought that being a part of that group sounded like fun so I signed up for January. 

I was partnered to send a package to Ashley at Simple Food Healthy Life and Annica at Annicanicole was to send a package to me.  Today is  the day that I get to share all the lovely things she sent to me.
  

My package was full of many goodies.  There were chocolate covered crackers and mint tea.

Of course, I had to try these right away.  See the cute little designs on the crackers.

These did not last long at my house.

There were these wonderful nut clusters.

Using extreme willpower, I actually have a few of these left.

There was a wonderful chicken enchilada soup mix.  I had never made this kind of soup before.

I am a wimp when it comes to spicy food so this was a bit spicy for me, but I added some extra water; and hubby and I enjoyed this very much.

There was a great no-salt seasoning mix.

Annica said that this is her favorite seasoning.  I used it in a meatloaf I made and have been sprinkling it on my veggies.

There were three other items in the box that I have not eaten yet. 

I am sure they all will be wonderful.  Except for the brownie mix, most of these brands are ones that I have not seen before.  This is one of the nice things about taking part in this exchange.  Annica lives in Missouri so can purchase items that I cannot where I live.

Because this is called Foodie Penpals, one of the requirements is that something hand written be sent.  Annica’s note was in this pretty envelope.

Ashley will be writing about what I sent to her on her blog.

This was so much fun, I have signed up to do this again in February.  To find information about joining the group, visit The Lean Green Bean.  Sign up by February 4th is required to participate in February.

I am linking to Foodie Penpal Reveal Day.