#CaraBox Hometown Exchange

If you've read my blog for any amount of time you have heard me talk about #carabox before.  It's a quarterly box swap among women that was initiated by Kaitlyn at Wifessionals, but has since grown and changed slightly.  Now an entire team is in charge of the exchange.

The swap is based on Instagram.  Instagram is the primary way to get to know both of your partners. This month I was paired up with two lovely ladies.  Merrissa who lived in South Carolina and Vanessa who lives in Pennsylvania. My job was to get to know both women and send a box to Merrissa featuring fun items from my area.  I sent taffy from the beach, a classic VA Beach bumper sticker, a nautical knot bracelet (exactly like the one I wear), a post card from my recent trip to the VA Zoo, some starfish, a tumbler, and a purple wooden rose.  I wish I had gotten to know her better because she seems like an awesome lady. She was very busy these last couple months. Vanessa got to know more about me and tailored my box perfectly.  It had so many goodies!

#Carabox Contents: an "old" book, postcard, Mojito Madness Essie nail polish, Amish made pot holder & spice holder, some Tastykakes, pretzels, some local chips, Wilber buds (chocolates) and mug, and some seriously delicious coffee.  She also included some literature about Amish made goods, Wilber's and a lovely letter explaining more about all the items.  She really outdid herself!  Thanks again Vanessa!

I've had success with this swap twice now, and I can't wait to sign up for the next one which begins at the beginning of June.  If you are interested in more information about the exchange you can head over to Wifessionals Blog, or check out the hashtag on Instagram (#carabox).  Carabox also has it's own Instagram handle @caraboxexchange.

xoxo Gwen

Bloggers I LOVE

Yesterday I covered some YouTubers I loved, so today I thought I would mention some blogs I absolutely love.  These are the blogs that I frequent weekly, if not daily.  They inspire me to think outside the box, try new recipes, outfit combinations, and new experiences.  They are very different from me, but that's what I find so amazing about finding someone's life on the internet and reading about it.  It's thanks to bloggers like these that finally helped me make the big leap into blogging myself.

1.  Whim of the South

I found this blonde bombshell because she is an ΑΣΑ alumni.  I immediately (hopefully not creepily) emailed her asking some questions about ΑΣΑ.  She was so gracious to respond and offer words of encouragement. I love her style for fashion and designing.  She is young, beautiful and will soon be one of my sorority sisters! Her blog offers outfit ideas, recipes, and peeks into her college and romantic life.  She is in the midst of planning her October wedding and I just know she is going to have an amazing day.

2.  The College Prepster
I have no idea how I found this little slice of heaven, but it has been one of my favorites since the day I read my first post.  Her blog offers advice from maintaining energy through the day to which candles to buy. Her life in New York City seems so grand all the time, but she makes sure to remind readers that her life isn't perfect and that she has flaws too.

3.  Apartment F15
Ahhh if I could have absolutely EVERYTHING featured in this blog I would be so lucky!  Her eye for global and bohemian style is untouched.  I wish I could hire her to come redo my entire apartment. Seriously.  Her photography skills are amazing and I want every single one of her mudra hand statues.

If you're looking for blogs to follow I definitely recommend the ones I mentioned above. Each one offers a little something different.  Even my dad has a blog you should check out.

xoxo Gwen

#Carabox Exchange

My #Carabox : Find all about this fun package exchange by visiting this site.

I was partnered with 2 ladies right here in Virginia.  One that I would be sending a package to me and another who I would send a package to.  Stephanie did an excellent job about finding out about me and I really need to get around to a thank you card VERY SOON! Plus more than the package I got to know her on a personal level and she inspired me in more ways than she realizes.  She has a crazy work schedule but I just know if we lived closer we would be friends.

My package arrived Feb 1st, 2014

Goodies inside

The theme of this exchange was SHINE.

Total package of at least 5 items worth a grand total of $20

 ASL "G" necklace

The #Carabox exchange was a great experience.  I really lucked out and got great partners. I plan to participate in the next one.  I even have a friend that is planning to jump on board with the next exchange. Follow @caraboxexchange on Instagram for all the information about the process, deadlines, etc.

Me: @lavendermud

My partners: @erinlgharris and @schweib2786 (both on Instagram)

xoxo Gwen