#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

Birthday Recap

Some of these pictures were posted on my Instagram, so those that follow me there might have caught a few of these.  I am so thankful for those that thought of me on my birthday.  Not pictured was the breakfast my friend Kristin made me the day before my birthday, the delicious dinner my fiance and I had at Carrabba's, or the lunch my best friend Julie took me to the day after my birthday.  So this is by no means everything but it is a great recap. 

The highlights include:

On the 12th my friend as I mentioned above made my a huge breakfast.  I had lots of errands to run later that day so that breakfast alone kept me fueled up.

On the 13th (my birthday) I had my math class at 8 a.m. (Julie surprised me with a custom tumbler)  I just found out today I aced my test so that makes it even more awesome.  That afternoon I received my official paperwork from ΑΣΑ!!  It literally made my birthday so special.  Dinner with my fiance later that evening and then home to relax and watch the Olympics.

On the 14th my best friend took me out to lunch.  We always have the best chats!  We end up eating and then sitting at our table for hours just chatting away.  Then I went to go see my ΑΣΑ BIG sister.  The sun was out and we took a nice walk with her dog and soaked up some rays.

It was a great 3 day celebration!

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