Happy fifth night of Hannukah and Merry Christmas! I hope wherever you're celebrating you are feeling joyous!
If you read the blog regularly, you may remember that a few weeks ago I wrote about deciding to participate in the Boston Food Bloggers Holiday Swap. The swap was between Boston food bloggers and Austin, TX food bloggers. I was matched to Mel of The Clothes Make the Girl and I had a blast shopping for her. Read the post about my package for her here.
Mel tweeted me when she shipped my care package from Austin and I was giddy waiting for it to arrive! When I came home the other day to the package on my stoop, I squealed! Before I even opened the box, I knew I was going to love it because Mel wrote my name on the box in pink marker and surrounded it with pink stars.
When I cut open the box I could help but laugh. Mel had padded the box with pink tulle. Considering we've never met in person, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well Mel has gotten to know me just by reading my blog.
Beneath the fabulous, pink tulle Mel had individually wrapped each gift in shiny, silver and red wrapping paper.
On top of the gifts was a card with my name on it in the same pink marker, with the same pink stars that had appeared on the front of the box.
I opened the envelope and the card was awesome! It was a Texas longhorn, painted as the Texas flag, mounted in a field of Bluebonnet flowers. Great find, Mel!
Inside the card Mel outlined for me each and every thing she included. She was adorable, beneath her holiday greeting at the top she wrote, "SPOILER! Explanations below of all the surprises." Too cute.
The first item was a packet of Bluebonnet seeds. Mel explained, "These are the Texas state flower. Easy to grow, even in a pot. They're everywhere in Central Texas in the spring." I don't have much of a green thumb, but I'll give these a try in my kitchen window.
The next item was Mel's book! In my earlier post I shared that Mel is the author of "Roller Girl: Totally True Tales from the Track." Not only did she send me her book, but she signed the inside and included Roller Girl stickers!
Next I unwrapped a CD which Mel explained is of a band she used to play keyboards in. She wrote, "Austin is the live musical capital of the world, so just about everybody is in a band at one time or another." I can't wait to listen!
After the CD, I uncovered pecan candy from Berdoll's. Mel had tweeted me this photo earlier in the week as a hint to what was in my care package:
Apparently, the giant squirrel is outside Berdoll's!
Continuing with the local food, Mel also sent "Red Flame" strawberry jalapeno preserves from Hruska's. She wrote, "There is a large German and Czech community in Central Texas and Hruska's is a truck stop with a bakery and local foodie goodies." I love spicy food, so I can't wait to spread this on crackers or toast.
The third food item was "Edible Austin," the local food magazine.
Last, Mel gave me a deep burgundy, rose shaped belt buckle. Her note said, "Our friend and neighbor Stef is a mosaic artist and potter. Her roses show up as art installations all over town. Now you can wear one!" I can't wait to add this to an outfit!
Mel - I cannot thank you enough for this thoughtful, personal and Austin-packed care package. Not only do a have a great sense about what you love about your home town, but I also got the feeling you learned quite a bit about me before shopping and wrapping, which warmed my heart.
Thank you BostonFoodBloggers.com for organizing this fantastic swap! I can't wait to do another one.
