So, miracle of miracles, yesterday I received a wonderful package from Helen at Tartelette. The wonderful part was what was inside, but the miracle was that it arrived in only six days from the U.S.!! I could scarcely believe it! As I mentioned in my post about The Januaries, there are some problems with the Italian postal system right now and several of my friends have been waiting for packages from abroad for more than a month.
So it is a miracle it arrived so quickly.
But this wasn’t just any package. This was the package from Tartelette’s Pay It Forward post in December – something that started with Fanny from Food Beam in France, then bounced up to Graeme at Blood Sugar in the UK, then down to Helen at Tartelette in South Carolina, and back here to Italy. Pay It Forward is making it around the world – I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Inside her package were some old favorites I was desperately missing from home like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and joy-of-joys Heath bar bits that will either get eaten slowly directly or mixed into a painstakingly chosen recipe. Italy ain’t got nothin’ on toffee. She included so many things! Since I got it at work, my colleagues marveled at the Shrimp & Crab Boil spices (che cos’e’?) and I can’t wait to try it out. I also decided to share the Conversation hearts with them and we all got a laugh out of some of the sayings on the hearts – they don’t have them here in Italy but to me I couldn’t think about Valentine’s Day without them. There were some other comforts like Bath & Body Works soap and lotion, and I’m sure I’ll put the hot hot sauce to good use here!
Luckily I had my camera with me so I snapped a quick picture of the package, because immediately after it was being raided!
She also included a cute little handmade heart brooch that I really appreciated and is perfect for this upcoming week! Thanks so much, Helen!!
Now I’m going to send my Pay It Forward package out!
I promise there will be at least one thing in there handmade/homemade mixed with a few other goodies and favorites from Italy. Who wouldn’t want a package like that? The only understanding is that you then pay it forward yourself.
So, this is your chance to de-lurk if you haven’t before, or comment away if you’re a regular. Comment!! I’ll pick someone on Monday, so you have to comment by Sunday night.
Lucky you and what a nice selection of booty. Quite a fun idea.
I think this is a lovely idea, and it totally embraces the idea that it is better to give than to recieve! I bet Helen had a great time picking what to send you!!
Wow only six days.. that is a miracle.
What a totally fun surprise! I love getting random packages, and would like to pay it forward myself.
Great idea Sara! I’m glad you got a box of goodies from the US in a timely fashion!
Ooo…I love mail…when the mail does not include a bill! LOL!
What a sweet idea!
It’s like the care packages kids get at summer camp, with treat from mom.
And goodness knows, I’d love a care package from Italy… and I’d love to pay it forward to someone else with a package from Northern California!
(By the way, I’m de-lurking, I’ve been enjoying your blog for a bit now. Thanks!)
I am so happy it got there so quick and that you like everything! Enjoy the package and let me know when you run out of Heath Toffee Bits!! :)
This is an awesome idea. I would love to be included. It would be fun to send some Arizona specialties on to a fellow blogger.
Thanks and Enjoy!
Fun iniative! I wouldn’t mind participating now that I’ll be able to mail stuff from the US…
Great idea! BTW…. I LOVED your post yesterday, but didn’t post because it was making me TOO hungry. I had to stop reading. Seriously.
What amazing photos!
oh I love to do these kinds of things. I have almost more fun picking out what to include as i do receiving surprise goodies! Nice mail =)
Hi Sara – I love this concept and would be delighted to send a box of Washington goodies on to the next lucky recipient! I stumbled across a small bag of caramelle in an Italian grocery the other day, just after your post on them – what fun to have a tour guide to the flavors! BTW, for the Januaries I have found that a light box really helps. . . And, so does finally making it to Feb!
That was too fast, who does Helen know at the post office?
I love the idea of this pay it forward thing!
What a great package! I’m looking at those peanut butter cups and I’m molto gelosa ;)
I’ll come out of lurking for this one, sounds like so much fun!
What a fun idea! I could definitely think of some interesting things to pass along.
well thats a gr8 looking care package. Helen sure has picked out wonderful things to send you.
Wow! That is amazing! I got bagels from New Jersey (from my IBFF – internet best friend) and it was incredible! Gotta love things like that!
What a lovely idea! I would love to partake in this project. I love the idea of passing on a bit of yourself and your local food finds to people around the world. What a great way to bring the world a bit closer. When I was in the Peace Corps the best thing in the world was receiving packages. Our group even mailed ones to volunteers who were slow to get mail from there family. So, I can relate to getting packages from places you missed. Enjoy your treats! Also, lovely post as usual.
This amazing idea is not only appealing but sounds incredibly tasty! In my retirement, I’ve just discovered reading blogs and would love an opportunity to participate in this lovely idea to have an opportunity to send someone presents of items that they long to have or have missed. I truly appreciate all the efforts that blogging must take. Look forward to your next entry…
What a fun idea. I can think of so many fun things to put in a package! It must have been great to get a package from home. I just recently sent a package to my dad and sisters and had so much fun getting it ready.
I love this idea. It would be a pleasure to send a box of Dutch treats on to another person… I’d fill my “care package” with stroop wafels, licorice, Dutch cocoa, Droste chocolate, gingerbread, old Edam cheese, and of course, tulip bulbs.