I've written about it before, but every year, our family has a tradition to send out big boxes of candy and cookies at Purim called Mishloach Manot. There is the core list of family and friends who receive a box every year, but we also add four new people. The ChickieNob and Wolvog each chose a friend, Josh picked a couple from work, and I am once again turning over my basket to the collective "you" of the Internets (Allison from Our Own Creation won last year).
Every year, the boxes also have a theme. Last year, it was Thing Two and Thing One from the Cat in the Hat (because it was a leap month year) and all of the cookies and candies had two tastes (salty/sweet, smooth/crunchy, etc). This year, we let the twins pick the theme and they chose Barack Obama (and we may have modified it a bit to incorporate "hope"). The box is set up to become an instant party; just supply reason for celebration.
The Yes, We Can(dies):
Cup o’ Joe (the Plumber) Toffee: a brown sugar and coffee-based toffee coated in milk chocolate.
Lollipops: what else could capture the skip Sasha did exiting the Inauguration than a lollipop? We hope they bring a spring to your step as you eat them (I have made a special batch of pomegranate-flavoured lollipops for the winner of this basket in the shape of Infertility's Common Thread).
Bittersweet Caramels: it’s a difficult time for our nation and we tried to capture the sweetness of hope for the future with the salty reality of today.
Sugar Flowers: we’ve provided the cupcake decorations; you provide the reason for the celebration. We’d love to hear about your party.
Plus, back by popular demand, my chocolate chip cookies and dark cherry or raspberry hamantaschen (both original recipes).
This is one of my only recipes I don't like to give out. It's because it's more technique than ingredients and requires a huge production. To explain: I can only make about 6 cookies every 20 or 30 minutes. So I'll make them for you, but I won't pass along the recipe.
But don't they look good?If you're squeamish about giving an address, you can pass along the gift to another person (don't place addresses in the comment section--I only need it if you win). If you don't have a blog and you don't plan on checking the Roundup, leave a way to contact you with your comment. Actually, leave a way to contact you period so we can discuss food allergies and aversions so I don't send you something you hate. If you win, you're part of the family, so you can modify your box. Here's what you need to do to win:
- Leave a comment below (yes, a box full of candy for the low low price of one comment!)
- Tell me one of the following things: (1) somewhere you left a comment already today--and feel free to leave, write a comment somewhere, and come back AND/OR (2) something that you read on another IF/loss/adoption blog in the last few days that touched you--either something very moving or funny or thoughtful. If you can provide a link to that other blog in the comment section or tell people where to look, I'd appreciate it.
- Think of it as if you are creating the Friday Blog Roundup in the comments section. Honour another person's writing today--either generally by telling where you left a comment or specifically--stating a post that moved you.
- If you can do (1) and (2), all the better.
You can enter two or three or five hundred times by leaving more than one comment below, but your name will only be added to the hat once. I will also love you forever if you read down the list and click over to read the other posts listed in the comment section. If the commentor only provided the blog name and post title, you can find them on the blogroll. And don't just hit the first ones at the top of the comment list. Make sure you hit some of the people in the middle or bottom of the list and leave them a comment telling them that you agree with the original commentor--their writing does rock.
My usual blog rules apply: any spam is deleted--the point is to honour another person, not drum up business for a Viagra website--as well as anything rude.
Sugar flowersThis is all about sweetness--we could all use some sweetness in our lives. And if you are so inclined, pull together your own gift some time soon and send it along to another reader. And may the most randomly-picked person win.
Updated:
The first batch of raspberry hamantaschen, golden brown
56 comments:
I can't believe I am the first comment. I would love one of your goodie boxes. Everything sounds delicious!
I'd love a goodie box too. That being said I read and left a comment for "Searching for Sophie"
http://scrappermg.blogspot.com/
She is really getting hit with the shit stick lately.
Pardon me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard...
I left a comment on Joe's pre-IVF post o his wife. It's lovely! Go read it!
http://husbandivf.blogspot.com/2009/02/to-my-wife-on-eve-of-big-day.html
I would LOVE the goodie box! I was moved by Tammy's post about a horribly rude letter she received and her gracious response to the letter, you can find it here:
http://twondra.blogspot.com/2009/02/to-anonymous-letter-writer.html
I'd love a goodie box, you look like a sensation in the kitchen!
I was reading Kym's blog, http://www.smartone.typepad.com/, yesterday, in which she put out a call for donated meds for Chance and Apollo. And lo and behold, I have something they can use and am sending it along. It touched me b/c I have received a lot of support from the blogosphere, and so I am very happy to have something to give back to a member of this IF tribe. And now the Sock-It-To-Me week has begun, wonderful to be a part of it all. IF can be so lonely........
Ohh, fun!!
I left a comment for The Cox Quads (http://coxquads.blogspot.com/) who just had quadruplets after Clomid, two of which have significant brain bleeds.
What a lovely thing. I'm "reducing," as they say, and don't need a beautiful goodie box to tempt me, so no need to add me to the hat.
I've been closely following Tara at Divine Secrets of the Infertility Sisterhood this week . . . she's in the throes of beta hell (positive but low; waiting for second blood draw) after IVF. She consistently posts what she's feeling in the moment, and anyone who's been there on this road (or anyone who might have to go there) can read Tara's posts and see how ART affects someone's day-to-day life.
http://infertilitysisterhood.blogspot.com/
All your fun treats sound NOM NOM NOMmable! :)
I've commented all over today, but I'll choose Cathy for my comment place, cause I know for SURE I commented on her photo blog. I also commented on her regular blog post today: http://dayanotheristomorrow.wordpress.com/
The post that has touched me most recently was Beagle's post on Open Adoption: http://cats-in-the-cradle.blogspot.com/2009/02/who-put-open-in-open-adoption.html
It's private, but for those of you who read her, that's the one.
(1) I left a comment just a bit ago on Kara's (Becoming Parents) blog. I had to, on her I Heart Texas post. Because I HEART Texas. I really, really do.
(2) The most moving thing I have read in the blogosphere over the past few days were comments left to me by my readers on my last post where I (pretty much) lost my shit and told everyone how much I hate them all for being pregnant or being mothers. How's that for touching, that you tell your readers that they piss you off, and they just sit, and hold your hand and wait for you to finish openly weeping. Touching. Truly.
Today I left a comment on The Life of LIv. She is having a rough day (nothing extreme, just one of those days) and could use a little support.
And, yesterday I read about The Cora Paige Project on Overeducated Mommy's blog. Once again, the ALI community is coming together to help a family remember their lost child. Go spend some money on Etsy and help this family out. The whole story will tug at your heart.
I've been a bit down, so my only comment today thus far has been on Lizzie's CD1 for her first cycle in a DAMN LONG TIME, thanks to life and work and insurance. Hurrah! http://twomorechicks.blogspot.com/2009/02/here-we-go.html
And as for touching, a few days ago, Heidi at Thinking Miracles talked about being told how amazing it is, the love she & her wife have for their friend and her family. I hope only that they get the chance to share that hope with others.
And I have been on pins and needles all week following Nat's (Relaxing Doesn't Make Babies) successful retrieval, which has now granted her two embryos to freeze.
Hello, I left a comment over at babysmiling today:
http://babysmiling.wordpress.com/
Sometimes just letting go is what we need to do in order to move forward.
Yum. Those look delicious. The only time I have ever been to temple was with a friend when I was in the 4th grade and it was the Purium party. I came home and immediately told my parents that I wanted to be Jewish because church was so much fun.
I left a comment at Serenity's blog today.
http://serenitynowinfertile.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-essence/
Yum... I'd love to win.
I've been all over today, even though what I should be doing is WORKING. But here's one that was beautiful and touching and all sorts of heartbreaking: http://mrsspitspouts.blogspot.com/2009/02/taking-toll.html
Mmmmm..too yummy. I left comments at Falling or Flying and Lacking Expectations.
Yummy yummy!! : )
I left a comment today with Deathstar. As I told her, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to crack up, put on a pair of red stilettos in solidarity, or give her a big hug.
http://awomanmyage.blogspot.com/2009/02/whining-waiting-and-red-stilettos.html
I would love to receive some cookie lovin'. Actually, I would give them to my husband who is having a hard time lately with his job.
I left comments on Fertlized and Kate's blog (http://kyfti.blogspot.com/2009/02/one-year.html). I also commented on Serenity, who had a wonderful post about motherhood (http://serenitynowinfertile.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-essence/)
Thanks to one of your other readers I checked out the blog "Searching for Sophie" at http://scrappermg.blogspot.com/ and left a message for her. It sounds like she is really going through a rough time right now.
And your goodies look so lovely! I'm sure the twins I'm carrying would enjoy them too!
Ooh, pick me, pick me! I left a bunch of different comments, but the post that stood out the most to me was Jo's regarding choosing to love her husband through the difficult journey of IF and life. It really hit home to me and I'm sure would do so to others.
Count me in! :)
I commented over on The Hardest Quest who had a post on her families traditions for Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday).
http://thehardestquest.blogspot.com/2009/02/shrove-tuesday-aka-pancake-day-13w6d.html
All for a box of Lollipop Goldstein goodies?!?! Sign me up!
This post is actually from Sunday, but it has stayed with me. Murgdan has that special ability to make anything funny even though it is horrifying to think how HARD it is for IFers, who would make great parents, to get the the parenting seal of approval from fertility clinics. Especially when knowing there are bad parents all over the world spitting out babies at an alarming rate.
http://murgdan.blogspot.com/2009/02/psychological-stamp-of-approval.html
I just left a comment at Kym's for the Great Project Sock-it-to-me -- apparently I'm all about signing up to get stuff from my friends in the computer today. Put my name in! (ANY chance we could switch those from Joe to Plumber to Joe Biden? Would be much more appetizing. Eating something named after JTP reminds me of not wanting to lick the back of Nixon's head when he was on the stamp.)
Those goodies look really yummy!!1 I'd love a box.
I love the writing of Rebekah. She is beautiful inside and out. Rebekah and her husband Ben were recently matched with a birthmother and are now waiting for their little boy! I was very moved by her post announcing the match.
http://rebekahpinchback.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-02-11T08%3A26%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7
Mmmmm, carbs! Those hamantaschen look awesome.
I'm choosing My Journey to Myles and Beyond to Surrogacy. Her good news in this post has been so long awaited, after so much heartache. I'm so thrilled for her.
Ok... I have my own awesome choc chip cookie recope, so you can keep yours. (Coincidentally, I don't share mine either!) HOWEVER... hello RASPBERRY humantaschen!! The thought never even entered my mind and I'm a raspberry-a-holic. Given that, I went away and came back with ammo to comment with.
I went to visit December Baby (http://of-course-youll-get-pregnant.blogspot.com/) who just had her first IUI as she looks to get pregnant with another child.
I also felt for Serentity this weeks as she's been dealing with Baby O's surgery followed by sleepless nights. But she summed it all up in a post where she talked about how lucky she was to even have the opportunity to have sleepless night. MAN, I get that in so many ways.
(Ok Josh's Stinky Hat, send my name right to Mel's hand!)
Oh my goodness, all of those treats look so good!
I left a comment on Baby Smiling in Backseat.
http://babysmiling.wordpress.com
I left a comment for ElmCityDad & ElmCityMom http://elmcitydad.wordpress.com/. They are observing the sad 5 month anniversary of baby Silas' death today.
Even though I know I only get on entry in the nasty baseball cap. This post from The ART of Being Infertile is terrific.
would love a yummy basket...did not leave a comment but read emily the hopeless's blog daily.
http://emilythehopeless.wordpress.com/
Looks super yummy!
Today I read and left a comment for Busted Babymaker. She has been through SO much, but received good news about the weight/size of her little Toodle.
Mimiboo's daughter made me laugh this week:
http://www.mimiboo.net/2009/02/24/indoctrination/
And those hamantaschen have my mouth watering.
I've left dozens of comments today, I believe at my usual haunts. And I was in a horrible mood this morning and read this (http://captainhambone.typepad.com/not_that_you_asked/2009/02/i-came-home-today-to-find-a-package-on-the-doorstep-it-was-addressed-to-lucy-booooo-but-seeing-as-how-lucy-is-unable-to-ge.html) at Not That You Asked and it made me laugh and cheered me up.
May I add that I adore that the twins chose Barack Obama as the theme?
Ooh, ooh, me, too! I want some "schlach manos"! Hee, hee!
Today I commented on Sell Crazy Someplace Else's Snowman Picture.
A post that really touched me was earlier this week:
http://portraitsinsepia.blogspot.com/2009/02/sometimes-it.html
You should read it.
I also commented on Sell Crazy Someplace Else. Her IF journey with her husband is not easy.
I love the goodie box! It looks yummy. I also have my own recipie for chocolate chip cookies, but I appreciate other people's cookies. And those cookies look good!
Left a comment today on a post from yesterday from Danifred at http://sippycupsarenotforstarbucks.blogspot.com/
She wrote a two part post reflecting on her marriage and providing her children with a strong example of true, honest love.
*drooling*
I left a comment on one of my new favorite blogs, "Bottoms Off and On the Table." She wrote a great little piece about 'The Male Factor', which is obviously a topic near and dear to my heart.
http://bottomsoffandonthetable.blogspot.com/2009/02/male-factor.html
Ha! Food - sweet even..count me in.
Ok - FUNNY? Like you will pee your pants funny? Go to see Mrs. Olsen! Seriously - I'm STILL laughing days later!
http://jeffhaleybabyanddutchessolson.blogspot.com/2009/02/saturday-show-and-tell_21.html
Touching? Gal shares Tikva's song with us. Tears for sure!
http://jeffhaleybabyanddutchessolson.blogspot.com/2009/02/saturday-show-and-tell_21.html
Left comments on both.
Like Dora...no double chances here - but please click over and be with Michele! She needs us.
http://mylifeafterloss.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-dont-even-freaking-believe-this.html
This all looks delicious! Count me in, please.
I was so touched and heartbroken by Brenda's recent post because hers is a blog I have been reading since the beginning of my blog. Her post moved me to tears and makes me want to cry just thinking about it. Anyone can stop by and give her support; she needs it- http://lostinspace2008.blogspot.com/
Ooooo, sounds yummy! I just commented at "I'm Not Ashamed of Having Infertility, Just Pissed" where she is still reeling from the loss of her son and her daughter's ups and downs (mostly downs) in the NICU.
Um, I should have clarified that the link I left was for a SEPARATE blog--portraits in sepia. OK. Really, I'm not trying to get in the stinky hat a second time. Really.
Oooh, I'd love the box to teach The Snake about this holiday!
Today I wished Luke a happy birthday at Kate's blog (kyfti.blogspot.com) and was touched by Niobe's (deadbabyjokes.blogspot.com) post on an outfit from her older son and trying it on her new son.
Wow! Those look amazing! How cute of the twins to pick Obama!
I've commented on many blogs today, however I was so happy to read about 8 fertilized eggs on What IF?!!
http://ginnegaap.blogspot.com/2009/02/fertilization-report-is-in.html
I commented on Michelle's blog (http://tobabyandbeyond.blogspot.com.). She is an IF veteran of 8 long years, and I pray every day that she gets the $ she needs for IVF -- or better yet, a BFP first! Right now she's laid up with back trouble and would certainly appreciate encouragement, I'm sure. :)
Those cookies look AMAZING!
1) I left a comment over at "Stop the train, I wanna get off..." School is stressful for her right now, and I can't imagine being in her shoes.
http://momofonefornow.blogspot.com/
2) My amazement with the support this community gives freely. I posted 2 days ago about fending off unwanted questions, and the answers and support I recieved is just overwhelming.
I've only left two comments so far today since it's 18 minutes after midnight, but I left more than 15 yesterday. All over the place.
I particularly enjoyed this post.
http://seeminglyinconceivable.blogspot.com/2009/02/13w6d.html
I don't usually give away recipes either. I did explain my biscuit-making tricks to a couple of DH's single male friends this weekend, but only because they promised that there's no way they will ever utilize the tips by making biscuits.
I am a cookie wh.ore and a candy slu.t.
The writer of Fortune Cookie Follies captured the spirit of open adoption in a way that made my heart sing with joy for her and her son.
I left a message for Annacyclopedia today at http://annacyclopediaisworkingonit.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/overdue-honest-scrap/. I'm so happy she liked my epilator recommendation.
OK, Richard Gere. Pretend I'm Julia Roberts and pluck me out of my cookie-wanting life.
Oooh! Such a small price for such a fantastic treasure! Here is my post:
http://edenriley.blogspot.com/2009/02/stuff-and-bother.html
Eden always amazes me with her ability to laugh in the face of pain. She also made me realize how badly I need a close group of girls to chat it up with when life gets cloudy.
Hi! This is my first ICLW and I'm loving it. And I would love your box of goodies (if you are willing to ship to Canada).
I read Steadfast Warriors blog faithfully, and today's post was especially good. Another that I read, and tried to comment on (security word gave me grief) was one that I haven't been able to find again. I know it's on the list. The post was a letter she received from a pregnant friend... very touching. I'm still trying to find it again.
And btw, everyone is entitled to have one or two secret recipes. I have a recipe for bbq sauce that I won't give to anyone... EVER! :)
ooh, lots of competition for can-deeeee!
I'd do almost anything for some delicious homemade caramels and stuff. mmmm.
left a lot of comments today, but the posts that are sticking with me are two about open adoption. this is my life right now, and I'm not even there yet.
someone mentioned beagle's which is private, and the other is our dear wise lori, writing about tessa meeting her birth dad for the first time:
http://weebleswobblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/reunion-in-open-adoption-4-face-to-face.html
have I mentioned that I like candy?
maybe I need to be invited to the twins birthday party because I'm a good girl too...
Your cookie baking talent leaves me speechless. I would love to get some crumbs on my fingerboard.
It is early in the am for me, but I loved UpperCaseWoman's post about gratitude yesterday. It sucks that I need to be reminded to be thankful for my kids...but I do, and she did.
Wow, what love goes into those boxes!
I left a comment for Gwinne, congratulating her on becoming a finalist in a national competition in her field.
http://something-remarkable.blogspot.com/2009/02/good-news-and-my-stupidity.html
Bruce and I are back on the weight watcher's wagon (FINALLY--I WILL lose the last of this baby weight, darn it!) so I won't submit for the incredible box of wonder. But I wanted to comment on what a cool tradition this is (my Jewish grandparents never did this, nor does my dad...but then again, he's a bachelor who cooks nothing himself, so that's no surprise!). I love the themes and everything looks AMAZING.
I've left comments yesterday for BabySmiling, Murgdan, to name a few, and I have to second the vote for yesteday's post from Bottoms Off:
http://bottomsoffandonthetable.blogspot.com/2009/02/male-factor.html
Really fab post! Cookies look wonderful, BTW!!!!
EVE
Mmmm, your goodies look GOOD!
1. I left a comment today at Perchance to Dream (I love that blog name)
http://perchancetodream.wordpress.com
she shared her plan for international adoption and her frustration with funding it.
2. Kara at Becoming Parents has been inspiring to me lately. Her husband recently left her, but she is hanging in there so well.
http://karas-emptyuterus.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-heart-texas.html
Thanks for all you do, Mel!
Drooling over the pictures.
I left a comment on WordGirl's blog. http://bloodsigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/dispatches-from-stim-ville.html She is in the middle of an IVF cycle and just always has such powerful posts.
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