One of the great things about writing a blog is interacting with other bloggers. From reading new parenting ideas to learning how to make things to just being able to relate in other areas of life, I’ve made some great connections so far. Plus, many of the bloggers I’ve met are very supportive of each other. That’s pretty rare in something that could be considered competitive. There’s plenty of room for everyone to have their own piece of the Internet, and it’s cool that most bloggers realize that.
The other day, I got not one, but two surprises in the mail from my fellow bloggers. Plus, when I got home from my Ballet class, there was a bag waiting on our doorstep. I wanted to share all the fun surprises with you, and hopefully, inspire you to do something nice for someone else this Fall/Holiday season.
I belong to a couple different Facebook groups, and one of them is a Mailbox Swap. You may remember my post A Blogger Made My Day, which was inspired by the August Swap. For September, I was paired with Erica, who blogs at Looking to the Stars. It was so fun getting to know her, even though we were both super busy during the month…which is why it’s taken me so long to post the reveal of what she sent. We both kept having things come up, but we still ended up sending out boxes out at the same time!
Take a look at my Swap box…
Actually, I should say envelope because she packaged it in this AWESOME Charlie Brown envelope. Did you know I collect Charlie Brown stuff (ever since our Halloween as Lucy and Charlie?) Erica remembered!
I also have a love of all things personalized, so she got me some awesome monogrammed note cards, and an “S” to paint. She got me Orange, since it’s one of my favorite colors, and she also remembered I like to do crafty things. There were some super cute window clings for my love of Fall, touch screen enabled gloves for the chilly Wisconsin weather, and some sweet gum for my sweet tooth (and since she knows I’m watching what I eat.) Last, but certainly not least, was the Hello Kitty 3 in 1 wash. I love all things Hello Kitty, and don’t actually have this. Perfect again.
Since I’ve started blogging, I’ve realized how important the support of other bloggers is. I read a lot of blog posts each day, and through that have found some favorites, as well as favorite bloggers. One of those favorites is Nichole from CuppaGeek.
Nichole writes about all things tea, and a lot more. I like drinking tea, but Nichole’s posts will make you want to try everything. The way she describes tea is amazing. She also seems like a pretty cool chick. She’s around the same age, is a Mom to boys (including twins!) and LOVES Halloween. Plus, she lives in the Midwest too. Awesome!
Anyways, I got this lovely surprise in the mail from her….
My first “real” teas!!!!!
I was so excited. They smell amazing! I haven’t made them yet because I don’t have anything to steep them with (I’m such a tea novice that I just buy the bags,) but I’m getting something just so I can try these. I’m really very excited! Thank you Nichole!
Finally, as I mentioned earlier, when I got home the other night our front light was not on, but I could see something on the step. As I got closer, I saw it was a gift bag.
We got Boo-ed!!!
I had read about this Online, but my husband had no idea what it was.
Basically, a neighbor puts together a little treat bag for Halloween, and leaves it on your front porch. You then return the favor to another 2 neighbors that haven’t been “Boo-ed” yet. You can tell because once you’ve gotten a bag, you tape the little ghost picture in your window.
Super cute and super sweet! Thank you to which ever of our neighbors Boo-ed us! I will be returning the favor soon.
So, this is why I love this time of year and blogging too. What fun things have you done to celebrate Fall lately? Or friendships?
I hope you like the teas my dear! Love your blogging swap goodies and adore the boo-ed package. I am going to do that this weekend to our neighbor’s. Thanks again for the kind words about CuppaGeek! Your blog is one I read everyday as well and love it!
Thank you so much again, Nichole. You’re the best 🙂
Aww, what a cool bunch of packages! You definitely got matched with some really thoughtful bloggers–isn’t it fun to get interesting mail like that?
Yes! Super fun!
Yay! I’m so glad you like everything. I saw the Hello Kitty body wash and thought, even if she doesn’t use it, it will look cute displayed somewhere 🙂 I loved swapping with you 🙂 xoxo
Thank you so much Erica! I really loved swapping with you too. Hope you liked everything I sent 🙂
Oh boy, so many fun surprises in the mail! I love it. I also love Nichole and CuppaGeek – I like reading about all of the teas she tries and the amazing mugs she finds!
Yes! 🙂
How fun! I love blog swaps. They are such a great way to get to know other bloggers. 🙂
This is all so fun! I wish my neighborhood would do fun things like that – though I am still really looking forward to handing out candy! It’s the one perk to us not selling our home yet – since when we move we’ll likely be in a condo building again.
Yes, I love seeing all the costumes. Maybe you could start it in your neighborhood?
Mail swaps can be so fun! Definitely expensive, but so fun!
Such fun! I would love for you to join us over at 100HappyDays and link up some of your positive posts:) always love your blog! http://www.akreativewhim.com/100-happy-days-link-party-1/
Thank you so much! I will!
I have met so many awesome people since I started blogging. It is such a supportive community! We’ve also participated in little Halloween exchanges in years past. Those are a lot of fun!
Those freebies are really cute. It’s nice to hear that people gain friends and mates through blogging. I hope I make some friends too.
Come on over and sign up for the swap 🙂
Aw, what great surprises you got! I LOVE mail and getting packages! And you are totally right, the support of other bloggers is so critical; that’s the reason we founded Passion Project! Thanks for being a member!
Yes! I love Passion Project!
Nothing like blogging buddies and surprises! I never heard about getting “Boo-ed” until I moved to the city. I think that we’re going to make it part our Halloween/Fall tradition next year.
This is so great!!!! I love it and am definitely going to look into that Mailbox Swap group – what a great idea and a great way to support each other. It seems like a fun thing to do to show you’re not alone. 🙂 Like you said, there’s plenty of room for everyone here on the internet. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.diyjahn.com
Yes, you should!
This is awesome and I love that Booed idea, haha 🙂 I need to do that to someone. I love fall, my favorite season…we have my birthday and daughter’s birthday to celebrate in fall and we love Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Awesome! My oldest son just celebrated his birthday. 🙂
This looks so cool! I would love to do some Mailbox Swap too. It looks super fun!
Blog swap is my favorite! I always love getting the packages and sending them out!
I think this is such a fun idea. I want to do something like this 🙂
This is so fun!! What a cool idea; it must be a wonderful surprise to open your mail.
This looks so fun. I just love getting surprises in the mail
How sweet. I did a a swap with a few friends a year ago and it was great. I might have to do another soon.
Hi Shann,
Great post! Yes I agree hanging out with other bloggers is so important as we definately support each other , no doubt. There is plenty of room for all bloggers online. Absolutely! Sounds like you have hooked up with some awesome bloggers 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Joan. So glad to have “met” you too. You always have such great information and sweet things to say.
What a cute idea!!
I love this so much! You got some really cool stuff. I love Nichole’s site too, I’m so jealous you get to try some of those awesome teas she writes about 🙂
I know! I wish you were close enough to come over for a cuppa 🙂
You received such cool items in your gift boxes!! 🙂
I think these ideas of giving are awesome. It promotes friendship and it build relationships with people existing in your world. It’s definitely great to get to know fellow bloggers and it’s also great to do something good for your neighbor, even if it’s just a bag of treats, it can go a long way.
Yes, Definitely.
I love Fall and everything related with it, The Weather, The Winter Wear, The Halloween, Fall Festivities etc. I was not aware about “Boo-ed”. Thanks for sharing Shann. Now I am going to “Boo-ed” my neighbors. It’s really very sweet gesture to show that we care. 🙂
Awe. That’s awesome. It was really sweet, and I was totally surprised.
One of the things I love most about blogging is the community. It’s fantastic isn’t it?
Agreed 🙂
Swaps are so fun when everybody participates like they’re supposed to. You’ll have to let me know what tea is your favorite!
How cool! I love the BOO-ed idea. Never heard of it but so fun!
Very nice goodies and fun! I agree with you. Bloggers should interact and active in community
Blogging really is a great community, and it’s so fun to get things in the mail! I def want to check out the tea blogger! How funny that you got Boo’d on the same day as your packages!
Yes, you should! Cuppageek is awesome 🙂
What a blessing to find ladies that support your passion and encourage you regularly. Thanks for reminding me about the Boo-ed packages…I think I need to get around to that. :/
That’s sweet. I’ve just started my blog as well. I’d been joining various page and social media support lately.It was an amazing experience so far 🙂
That’s super fun! It’s very important that bloggers support each other. I also love the getting Boo-ed idea. It’s such a nice gesture. Maybe we should do that, too.
This is so fun and cool idea i love blog swap and you have a cool items in your gift box
Cool, because of the bloggers you can gain new knowledge and at the same time you can share your ideas too. this is a nice way to communicate with others.
Yes! So true .
It’s blessing and you’re so lucky to have a surprises like this.
This is so fun! What great surprises!
xo, Caitlin
And Possibly Dinosaurs
Aww, that is really nice! The ladies were very thoughtful and really paid attention to what you like!
Oh wow so much fun surprises. I like all stuff with Halloween feel…. Enjoy