Loot!

Stephanie over at Dispensing Happiness hosted a Blogging By Mail event, which is sort of like a Secret Santa gift exchange. She matched up bloggers and we were to send a package to our recipient with five of our favorite de-stress indulgences. I sent my package to Arlene in NY, and I received my package from Lindsey of Lindsey's Kitchen. And she sent me a great one!


First up, the chocolate. I think almost everyone probably sent chocolate; I know I did. There's a package of different chocolates from South America, and a dark chocolate orange that you have to whack on something hard to break up into segments. I love those!

Trader Joe's Chocolate Palette, Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Orange

Next up, a big variety of teas. Man did these come in handy, since I've been sick for the past week. I've probably drank more tea recently than I have in my entire life, and I've had a great selection to choose from.

Bigelow Vanilla Chai, Tazo Calm, Tazo Green Ginger, Bigelow Pumpkin Spice, Tazo Zen, Tulsi Sweet Rose, Bigelow Apple Cider, Good Earth Sunset Red, Trader Joe's Pomegranate White

Next, soaps! I've always considered buying "fancy" soaps when I see them, but never do. But now I have some! I'm using the lemon verbena now and it smells wonderful, a real pick-me-up in the shower. I'm looking forward to trying the others out too.

Bisous de Provence Lavender and Lemon Verbena, Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil

Fancy salt! This is another item I always look at and never buy, usually just sticking with my plain sea salt. This Celtic grey is really good; I've used it in soups and other dishes, and a little goes a long way so this will last me quite a while.

Celtic Sea Salt Light Grey

And finally, wine! I think I love you, Lindsey! This wine comes from a winery near her that she loves, and I can't wait to get together with some friends to open it. Isn't the foil pretty? And check it out, the bottle is numbered!

Lynfred Winery "Fred's White"

Major thank-you's to Stephanie for being the organizing force behind this event. It was a lot of fun planning my package to send out, and so cool to receive a care package in the mail. And kudos to Lindsey for sending such a great box of goodies my way. You have excellent taste!