This month I was assigned to send to another reader, Christine from California. I knew right away I’d love Christine. She has her own little pastry biz going, works part-time at the Humane Society and in her spare time (not sure where she finds it!) is very involved in pitbull rescue advocacy. Then she started telling me about the other penpal program she participates in–a baking group! (Hmm, which I never did get those details on how to sign up. Christine…?)

Since Christine doesn’t have a blog, she agreed to do a guest post for my blog! My favorite part of FPP is reading the reveal posts. I’m always on pins and needles wondering–did she really like it?? Posting a guest post lets me cheat a bit. I get to read the post first find out YES! She loved what I sent! Of course, if it wasn’t all smiles and praises, I could just rewrite it…just kidding! Take it Christine!

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This has been the best month so far for me in the Foodie Penpal program.  I have met someone who loves all the same things as I do.  Which isn’t all that hard but is wonderful to have that connection. I am a pastry chef but trade and my love of food has often followed me to interesting adventures.  Finding this network of people who also really love food and get excited about sharing what they have locally is perfect for me.

My husband and I live in Northern California on a ranch with a million animals. Besides our obvious love of food we also rescue dogs and work with our local shelters.  As much as this work is rewarding it is tiring and hard on your heart and body. So I wait every month for my Foodie Penpal box and view it as a mini vacation.  It isn’t often we can step away but inside these personally crafted boxes is a little escape.  This one I was really looking forward to getting. 

I rushed to the mailbox and carefully unwrapped the box like it was Christmas morning.  I was more happy than I can explain when I saw what Melissa picked out for me.  First thing I saw was CHIPS!!  I love chips.  I love them so much that I don’t buy chips because  I will eat chips.  But she got me chips and I am so over the moon that I almost didn’t make it to the rest of the box.  Luck for me I kept looking.  There were two homemade jams and some chocolate over the top yummy cookies and a sweet note.  🙂 After I opened everything I showed my husband the contents and I saw his wheels turning. I should have taken my delicious loot and run but I didn’t. In my picture you will see that the violet jelly is missing.  😦  I was robbed of the delicious goodness by my hubby who couldn’t resist and took it to work with him.  When asked if I could have it back he explained it was more than half gone.  He reported to me that was out of this world. 

So thank you Melissa.  You made us both really happy and I loved everything you picked for me.  And happily my husband will be signing up for his own box next month and I won’t have to share!

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Thanks Christine for such kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed everything. I had to buy a bag of chips for myself when getting your stuff. They just looked so good! If you haven’t had a chance to see the awesome box Paul sent me, go now! The has probably been one of my favorite months from both the sender and receiver perspectives!

Jealous of all the good stuff we get? Then join Foodie Penpals! Here’s how it works:

• On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
• You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
• The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
• Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
• Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re interested in joining, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. You must submit your information by July 4th as pairings will be emailed on July 5th!

Related articles

• A New Voice on Foodie Penpals (bklynlocavore.com)