One of my unwritten goals for 2012 (unwritten because it sounds kind-of lame) is to use my blog to meet new people and create new friendships. Being a stay-at-home mom can sometimes feel so isolating, you know? So when I heard about the Blogger Exchange Party, I knew it was the perfect way to start off 2012 and I couldn’t sign up fast enough!
I was paired up with Heather, who blogs here. She is a momma of two, a big movie buff and bowler, as well as a lover of all things pink and glittery! From the moment I “met” her, I knew I liked her and was determined to think of a really good gift.
Now my family will laugh at me, but just like I do with my husband, my relatives or my kids, I was on a mission to find the best gift for Heather (and in the designated price range!). After reading much of her blog, and lots of deliberation and “Mark, what do you think of this?”, this is what I came up with:
Because she is such a movie lover and saw something like 60 movies last year(!!), I thought she may enjoy the Ticket Stub Diary. I have given this as a gift before and it was well-received. A fun way to record all of those movies for 2012! 🙂 And since I couldn’t help myself, I included a little tissue cozy that I found on etsy to represent her love for bowling.
I packaged everything in the only pink wrapping paper I own (oh perks of living with a ton of boys!) and some vintage lace and rick rack. Then off to the Midwest it went!
And this is what she sent me! 
Amazingly generous, right? I was blown away by all of her gifts but this may be my favorite part:
She sent little goodie bags for the boys! They were so surprised!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Heather! 🙂
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This swap was so much fun and it really got my wheels turning. I can’t wait to share my big idea with all of you. Be sure to check back next Monday for the big announcement!
Aw, so sweet of her to include your kiddos! I loved participating in this gift exchange! 🙂
I'm your newest follower!
Sam
http://petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com
She was so nice to think of your children! It looks like you got some great things too!
Hi!! Oh wow, you picked the perfect gifts for her and we just love what she sent to you!! We had so much fun participating in the link party! Meeting new people makes everyday so much more rewarding! We got paired with Samantha above in your comments. We are now following you and can't wait to read more about you and your family. Hope you have a great day!!
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
http://www.herlatenightcravings.blogspot.com/
BTW – We have never seen the ticket stub journal…LOVE THAT!
So darling! Wasn't this gift exchange just the best idea?!?! I've had so much fun! So glad it led me to your blog. I'm following and will be back for sure!
Jessi from Hopes and Dreams
cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.com
So sweet to think of your boys!!! I am stopping by from the party – new follower 🙂
Jen@mamaZEN
http://mamazenblog.com
It was so nice swapping with you! Looking forward to your big announcement 🙂
Yep; really sweet to think of the kids!
Im a fellow party blogger- hello!
Brenna
http://wonderbrenna.blogspot.com
Love your gifts, I have two boys and my new friend gave them gifts as well, what a wonderful way to make them feel loved!
Can't wait to get to know you better.
Isn't receiving packages in the mail so exciting! What a fun ticket stub book and it looks like you got some beautiful things in return! YAY!
Thank you for your sweet comment! Three boys! Awesome! Maybe that'll be me? :p
So glad I happened to come across you blog! I didn't hear about this swap until it was too late and I'm SO bummed 🙁 I hope something like this is done again soon! I too started my blog in hopes of meeting new friends and its been a slow start, hopefully it will take off soon 🙂
new follower!
Love this idea! I alway send gifts to my blogger/IG/twitter mama friends and my goal this year is to meet more and more in person/ I get the opportunity to meet so many because my husband travels so much and Judah and I get to join him and I find a blogger mama in the area 🙂
Nice gifts to you AND from you. That ticket journal is a very cool thing. Enjoyed finding your blog through Casey's blog.