My first Christmas swap

and OMG, it was a grand one.  I finally got to participate in Amy's  over at Bumble Bee Lane annual Christmas swap and it was a blast.  I got paired with the lovely Francine over at http://primitivestars.blogspot.com/ and a match made in heaven we were.  We both our packages arrived on the exact same day and since they involved international mail that was amazing.  Francine was so thoughtful in everything that she sent and I just couldn't wait to put everything in it's place.  Here's the bulk shot of my wonderful gifties and then I'll show where they ended up in my home.  Can you just feel my excitement?

 

She sent me this cute pie bird for my growing collection.  My first one was a wedding gift from a customer of mine at the bank and she said if I knew what it was I was old enough to get married.  It was amazing that I not only knew what it was but I've held onto it for the last 26 years and multiple moves.  I know my collection is not staggering huge but each one means something to me and I can tell you a story behind each one.  Thank you Francine for adding this wonderful little blackbird to my flock!

 

I cleaned, sorted and repacked our Germany boxes Monday and I dug out my awesome bread board.  When I opened my grungy snowman package I just knew he'd be perfect hanging on the board.  He looks right at home there and really added some much needed décor to that area of the breakfast room nook. 

She also sent this cute enamel tea light holder in of course, my favorite color!  And it looks great with my treats for the realtors and clients that come to view the house.  I keep small water bottles, cookies and candy out for them.  I know I'm weird but hope it makes them remember our home after they leave.

 

These vintage soaps were just the thing I needed in the display in the guestroom bath.  Nope you can't use them but don't they look festive in my old wooden bank safe deposit box?

 

And finally the whole package was kitty sniffed and approved before I could even look at all my goodies. 

 

I have to wait until the Christmas stuff comes down before I can put out my adorable kitty cat doll and the sewing notions which we all know is another serious weakness of mine.  You can head over to Francine's blog to see what I sent her and it was a pleasure putting her swap box together.  Thanks Francine again for such wonderful goodies and being such an awesome partner.  And of course, thanks to Amy for hosting us all and allowing us to make new friends!