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Oh boy! I looked out my window just now to find the mail carrier had left a package for me on the doorstep. It is from the lovely Ana of Cocina a Tiempo Parcial sent to me for BBM all the way from Madrid!  Whoo hoo!

First of all thanks to Stephanie (you know my fav hostess don’t you?!) of Dispensing Happiness for putting another round of Blogging by Mail together- I’m sure it is a ton of work on her part and I want her to know that we all really appreciate it! The purpose of this round of BBM was to send 5  relaxing items to another blogger to help with a little “me” time during all the  holiday hustle and bustle craziness.

I sent off a package to Sam of The Life and Times of Me in the United Kingdom and in turn received this great package from Ana in Madrid.

I almost couldn’t wait to open it and when I did it was receiving a like a sunny Spain day wrapped beautifully in a box. Thank you so much Ana!

See how beautiful it is?! The colors are cheering particularly on a cold grey day here in the frigid alpine west.

Ana included things I know I will love and that are sure to make a relaxing break during this hectic season. She included a wonderful bottle of olive oil that she recommends  not only for cooking but for breakfast topped on a piece of warm toast and sprinkled with a little salt. Orange juice is the drink of choice with this delicacy and I am definitely going to enjoy it all tomorrow morning.

She also included an assortment of wonderful chocolate bars from Spain with great flavors such as Lemon, Jamaican Pepper, Tiramisu and Orange presented as a chocolate postcard. I can’t wait to try each and every one.

Look at this beautiful mug  along with a sweet pouch of violet tea! She says violets are a specialty much valued in Madrid. I must go there soon! She must know that I also love violets- I often have tea with a little of my own violet syrup from the spring. This will be even better.

I am excited to to try the “Torta Imperial” which Ana tells me is her favorite sweet Christmas treat ever. It is a crunchy combination of almonds and sweet white paste- and you know given my love for all things almond it’s just perfect. 🙂

Last but not least Ana sent me a beautiful book about Tuscany as a treat for the eyes! I will enjoy each and every page and pretend I am travelling in Italy- a lovely break.

A mi nueva amiga Ana- Gracias por todo! My Spanish is quite rusty but I’ll be reading your blog- it’s beautiful!

xoxo

P.S. my email server is down but I will respond to emails and notifications as soon as it is back up

xo