SWAP! (take four)

Oh, how I am hooked on hosting these seasonal swap parties.  And with this, the fourth one I've had since last October, I think I've finally figured out the perfect formula that allows swappers to pick and choose just what they want and allows me to exhale into the festivities and connect with friends instead of facilitating things.  (I love you, large dry-erase board) We had 10 swappers this time, a just-right number of participants, I think.  People brought anywhere from 1-12 items (the max), and I continue to be amazed by how much variety there is from one swap to the next, and by the way the offerings just seem to keep getting better.  In the past we've had everything from kombucha mothers and tinctures to plants, knit/crocheted goods, apple pies, kimchi, jam, handmade toys, and hot sauce.  And truly, just about everything in between.  If you want to read more about the previous three swaps, look here, here, and here.  Otherwise, feast your eyes on the goodies this go around:

The following is my booty from Sunday's gathering, and includes my twelve picks during the swap and a couple generous hostess gifts from a sweet swapper (thanks, Amber!)  Um, wow.  Carrot cake-ginger cookies, English butter toffee, peanut butter bars, peanut butter fudge, a (really, really awesome) adjustable cozy for my mason jar, cranberry butter (as in similar to apple butter), cranberry-orange-honey butter (as in butter), hand stamped notecards, apricot-kernel body scrub, vanilla coconut sugar scrub (that I am close to eating it smells so good), lavender-coconut tapioca pudding, lemon curd, and blackberry jam.

All in return for my contributions of granola, elderberry syrup, and herbal vapor rub/lip balm sets (if only I'd made large enough batches of those to have kept some for myself).  Not bad.  Mom, if you're reading this, you've come too far.  Pretend to be surprised if some of this shows up as Christmas gifts.

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This morning, the morning-after,  I ate some lavender-coconut tapioca pudding for breakfast.  Just like I did the morning after the last swap.  Thank you, Jen.  I will learn to make it myself.  I will, I will, I will.

For now though, I'll eat yours~  Thanks to all who continue to come out for these gatherings, for the community, the connections, the deliciousness, the bottles of wine and mead you bring me as gifts..... for all of it.  I can't help but think of a few blogging friends out there whenever these things go down- about how much I'd love for you to be a part of it as well.  Friends in Texas, Louisiana, California, and beyond.........  maybe one day I'll take it on the road and we'll do a blogger retreat/swap/extravaganza.

one can dream~