sister swapola!

A few weeks ago I stumbled onto this fantastic blog written by Monica http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/ if you're ever in need of some crafty inspiration, her blog is PERFECT!

Anyway, she and her sister put together a shoebox swap and I made my rookie voyage into swapping. The swap is very remiscent of a secret sister gift only you and the swap sister know who each other are and you fill out a questionaire that you then get of your pal as well as their blog info so you get to know each other (emails etc) a little and find out what they love and hate, all in all a great way to make new friends across the country!

This swap had a theme (refresh) and everything was supposed to fit in a shoebox. I don't follow rules well (shocker) so mine didn't fit in anything but a big box but Monica, wow did Monica outdo me.


My box was LOADED with fun things to refresh all parts of my life. Doesn't it look pretty all laid out! wowsa.


My wedding planning received a shiny new snowflake whole punch (which I've used in a wedding related craft already! see the below post about the votives) and stunning black notecards (you really can never have enough note cards) with a silver gel pen to write in them which I loved! and the stamp that she used so that I can make more when I need them! She also sent a wonderful antique book of poetry, which I'm looking through to see if there's just the right thing for the wedding. it's just stunning! I love all things old. I really really do.


My body will be refreshed with the lovely hand soap (super yummy smell) that she sent. I just love bath and body works!

My mouth will be refreshed with the gift card to sonic for limeaid (we don't have sonic but my sister does so next visit I'm all over it!) AND the gorgeously wrapped chex mix that I'm so excited about will refresh me from my salt craving self! Can you believe she used TOILE! my whole room is toile, my wedding has notes of toile. it is by far my FAVORITE THING EVER!

My senses will be refreshed with the lovely lavender that she sent for me to put on a candle or in my bath (candle sounds FANTASTIC!)


My car time was refreshed already from the cd of AWESOME music that she sent (how did you know I LOVE Chris Rice! That was the best guess EVER!)


And my dinnertime ideas will be refreshed after I watch my new Martha Stewart DVD on dinners!


This was a blast! Thanks Monica for all your creative hard work on this! Everything was packaged so thoughtfully with black and white ribbons and the refresh tags, I just loved it. You turned a super ugly week into a fun time and I've really enjoyed getting to know you a little through the blogs and email. You are an amazing woman who I feel blessed to call a friend!

Can't wait for the next swap!