Kiwi Love!

One of the things I've really come to appreciate the most about blogging is the connections I've made to people around the world. I've made friends with people in the Carolinas, in the UK, in Australia, and in New Zealand. It's cool to know that I've got readers around the globe- other moms, other women, other men, other people who can connect to something that I put out here on the Internet. Sometimes, those connections become friends- people I chat with, talk with, e-mail with on a regular basis. One of those friends is a fellow mama- Emma. Emma has a blog but isn't so much a blogger anymore. Life can certainly do that to you! But she and I have stayed in touch- and I am so glad for that! One evening, we were chatting on Facebook and the subject of Twinkies came up. They don't have Twinkies in New Zealand. They used to... and now they don't anymore. So Emma was lamenting her sad lack of Twinkies. From there, the subject turned to Girl Scout cookies- something else not found in NZ. A plan was hatched. We need to share cultures. Emma immediately began crafting up a care package for me. It arrived yesterday and I picked it up from the post office today and am so thrilled with this little plan we've come up with! What a TREASURE! See? Even the stamps are cool!

The very first thing I cracked open: Bluebird chicken chips. Emma included a wonderful letter explaining the items in this package. In it, she said that "nobody here can get over the fact that you guys don't get them!" It's true- I'd never even heard of a chicken flavored chip before! Opened the bag, handed a chip to Teagan and a chip to Jeff (Zach was down for a nap so he'll try some later). Personally- I loved them! Tasted like a rotisserie chicken to me. So tasty! I think it's a shame we don't have these in the US! This was Teagan's favorite- all the candy! We had some of the party pack (we tried little marshmallow type things that were very similar to circus peanuts but softer and better flavors) and a glo heart (similar to a jujube but with a licorice flavor). I'll open the biscuits after Zach wakes up from nap so we can all try them together. Emma gave me a great history lesson on these ANZAC biscuits. There are lots of ideas about where these cookies came from. The originated during WW1. Some say that soldiers figured out a way to make these with whatever they had on hand in the trenches. Some say that they were created by NZ and Aussie women to send to their loved ones on the front lines. I'm really looking forward to trying this- Milo. I'm saving it for when Christy can try it with me because no one else in my household is going to be excited for it. But Christy and I will definitely enjoy it!! Emma gave me tips on the best way to enjoy it... and I'll take her advice! Emma included a lovely necklace for Teagan- the pendant is a Kiwi bird. T loves it! Postcards! This is 90 Mile Beach. According to Emma's note, NZ and the US have about the same amount of coastline- just a lot less land in between coasts for NZ. But that means that you aren't ever far from a beach! Isn't it gorgeous?? Birds of NZ- this is a postcard but Emma also sent Teagan a fantastic book about plants and birds found in NZ. We are eager to sit down and read it and I'm betting Teagan takes it to preschool to share with her classmates on Monday. This is a postcard of Auckland City- which is where Emma works! That tall building is The Sky Tower and there is a revolving restaurant on top. It would be so beautiful to be up there! One of my favorite gifts is this pounamu. It's considered bad luck to buy one for yourself- but is often given as a gift to visitors. It's a gift of peace and good fortune. I love it. Emma also included a book for Zach- Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd. She says it's a favorite of her son's. I'm eager to share it with Zach.

She included a t-shirt for Jeff. I snuck in during naptime and clicked a quick shot...

A couple of the treats were chocolate- you know I love it! There's the pineapple lumps and chocolate fish. Haven't cracked open the chocolate fish yet (it's chocolate covered marshmallow) but I really like the pineapple lumps. Emma advised looking up the TV ad (or the 'advert on the telly' as Emma says) and I'm sharing it here with you!

Emma- thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't tell you how much fun this has been for me and my family. I'm wearing my pounamu as I type this. I've got my apron hanging in the kitchen, magnet and postcards on the fridge.

I am so eager for the Girl Scout cookies to be delivered so I can get your package put together! I'd love to hear ideas from my readers about what things are so uniquely American that would be great to send in a box of GS cookies and Twinkies...