This year I participated in the Christmas in the Country Gift Exchange for the first time! I loved it! There were so many bloggers that were involved, I met so many new people, and was introduced to some amazing new blogs!

How it works: You had to sign up and and fill out a form. It was then submitted to a group of three wonderful women who put this event on. Think of it like a secret santa. Next you had to ‘link up’ your blog so all the bloggers involved were in the same place. Then a few weeks later we found out who we were the secret santa to. Once you found out who you had then you had to ‘research’ them. Read their blog. Follow their Facebook and Instagram. Why? To get to know them and try to find a present that was just perfect for them! Super fun getting to know them!

Next we had to mail our packages out! I was excited and nervous to send mine out–I didn’t know if she would like it or not! And then I received the sweetest e-mail from her telling me how much she loved it! It reminded me exactly what Christmas is about. Not just buying a present, but really getting to know someone to give them a little bit of happiness.

So then a few days after I sent my package, my own package arrived!

When I opened it I about cried!

COWHIDE COASTERS! Oh my gosh did I LOVE this! My living room is cow themed so they go perfect, with my decor, PLUS THEY’RE COWHIDE! WHOOOOOO! They are so awesome and colorful. I won’t even let the Farmer actually use them because I don’t want him to ruin them! I. Love. Them.

I also received a cute notebook to do my writing it! It’s absolutely perfect and so cute! (I love cute notebooks, I don’t know why, but when I buy them, they need to be pretty.) I can’t wait to start writing in it! I plan on using it at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference at the end of this month to write down my thoughts and ideas for blogs while I’m there!

She also sent her Christmas card of her and her wonderful family! I thought that was such a great idea to send along your Christmas card! I never thought of that. I hung it up next to all my Christmas cards and many of my friends commented on it, saying, “Who took her pics? They’re awesome!” “Where did she take these, that scenery is amazing!” “Look at her cute puppies!” I couldn’t help, but laugh and tell them that this wasn’t in Iowa and they were going to have to go south if they wanted pictures like this!

So who was this mystery blogger who figured me out so well? Her name is Kaitlyn and she blogs at www.becomingtexan.com. I enjoyed reading about her life in Texas, her beautiful wedding, and seeing pictures of her absolutely adorable dogs! Kaitlyn also has cattle and has taken some amazing pictures of them! Make sure to go check out her Facebook and blog! You will LOVE her! I promise!

So Kaitlyn, thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and send me my absolute favorite Christmas present this year! You nailed it! I hope you and your family had a wonderful and blessed holiday season!

I can’t wait to do this next year and get to learn more about another amazing blogger from across the United States!

Kellie