Hello friends, happy…Tuesday? Wait…Am I supposed to be on hiatus there, or what am I really doing here? Okay. You all know I can’t get enough of blogging, and today, and before going on holidays and being on a kind of more REAL hiatus… I want TO ASK you something. So let’s get to it!
If you remember correctly, a few weeks ago I shared my idea to connect with other book bloggers, and bloggers all around the world, with Souvenirs From Across The World. If you need to refresh your memory a bit, well, it’s right here! This feature is kind of my baby, and I am going to be up and honest about everything happening towards it. To show you what it’s like and just to get your opinion afterwards. Because this is YOUR adventure, and I want YOU to have a wonderful time (hopefully?).
✏️ Let’s have a recap… -because I have the memory of a goldfish
The meaning of this feature was, and still is, to get to know each other better and get to know each other’s countries, cities and cultures. You could do that by talking about your hometown, clichés, through pictures or local books you loved… If I am being honest -I am a pessimistic, for real, so… I kind of expected two people to participate to this. And I was THRILLED that a total of 18 BLOGGERS participated in this little feature, from Brazil to Austria, EVERYWHERE. Check out their posts HERE!
With Souvenirs From Across The World, you could also SEND real souvenirs, little trinkets and even BOOKS to other book bloggers as well, for those willing to participate. I got a total of 12 PEOPLE willing to participate to that, and I am eagely waiting to see what kind of gifts they sent. If you want to follow this, I have a special hashtag for it on twitter, #SFATW !
? Let’s talk about… my special part in SFATW ?!
Alright guys, I have a confession to make. I am NOT one of these 12 people sending a souvenir. Not because I am completely selfish, but because I have something special planned for my part of this little operation. If you remember correctly, I am going on holidays in less than a week….
And I am coming back with something for ONE OF YOU GUYS. This is my part of Souvenirs From Across The World. I really hope you are excited about it, because this late August, one of you guys will get a special package from…ENGLAND! There will be souvenirs, a personalized postcard and… well there will be little bookish surprises just for you…Read until the end to know where to enter! And YES this is INTERNATIONAL.
❓ WAIT! Before leaving, I need you!
This is the part where I want to turn to YOU guys. As you can guess, this kind of feature takes time to put together, and I want to know if I shall go on with it or not. So, without further ado….
If you participated to the #SFATW feature, did you enjoy it? Are there anything you’d want to see / do differently?
If you’re reading this but did not participate, is this something you would like to take part in? ?
How would you feel about this being a regular feature? I was thinking about making this once a month maybe, with themed blog posts everytime (I have to thank Reg for the idea!). Do you think this is something you’d like to do?
> What I mean here, is for the blog post to take place more often, once a month. The whole idea of sending souvenirs would NOT take place every month, because that’s WAY too expensive. That event of sending souvenirs would happen maybe twice or three times a year.
??
And now, since you are probably waiting for it….here is the link for the special SFATW giveaway!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
I think it’s a neat idea to have a feature that tries to bring in different types of bloggers/blogs, and share them with a variety of people. Going with the theme of people’s homelands – common to them but unique and intriguing to others – was interesting, and from the posts I read, I got the idea that others did really like it.
Oh thank you so, so much for your comment, and your positive feedback. I hope others will feel the same way as you do! Thank you! <3
You’re welcome. Glad it helped.
I would love to take part in it! I am just trying to make a mental list of things I would use from my hometown. I live in a small town so I am trying to think about what makes us unique.
Ohh thank you so much Lauren, I’m so glad you’d like to participate to a feature like that! I am not from a very huge town either, but I think that every place is kind of unique in its own way 😀
Yea and I am supposed to go to Hawaii later this year. I could so a follow-up on island life 😉
WOW Hawaii really? That’s SO cool!! I want pictures, I want to know EVERYTHING about it. This is so exciting, you’re lucky! 😀
I’ve been once before. It was fun! I am actually hoping to put my writing and reporting skills to work and trying to get a couple interviews and features lined up.
Ohhh well I can’t wait to see that, it’s going to be incredible 🙂
It will be. It’s so beautiful there.
Love this post and this is an incredible feature. I would love if you make it a monthly feature because this is really amazing! And I would definitely love to participate in the future! 🙂
Aww thank you, I am so, so happy you liked, and still enjoy this idea, thank you so, so much for your positive feedback <3 <3 <3
I am one of the 12 chosen ones, haha!
I said it, and I signed up for it, so you already know I feel this project is awesome and brilliantly interesting. I loved discovering so much about places I’ve never been to and I can’t wait to know what everyone got 😀 (still not telling you what’s in my box, haha!)
I like the themed blog posts idea, it could be a nice monthly meeting to share!
YES DONNA you are THE chosen one -and constantly torturing me because I WANT to know what gifts you got SO BADLY haha. Thank you so, so much! I will make a post about all of the gifts and everything in late August probably 🙂 Thank you <3 <3
Torturing is a second nature to me :p Last time, I made waffles and hid the whipped cream so that hubby couldn’t eat haha. I am evil. And my world revolves around waffles xD
Gifts Poooooosts <3
Hahaha you ARE evil, but…that’s part of your charm 😛
I know :p
YAAAAS ! That’s such a great idea !! Make it a regular feature and I shall love you forever (Well I already do, but even MORE !). I don’t know about monthly though. Will you have as much participation ? I think spacing it out a bit more will work better, but hey, you have the details of it all, and I will be here to support no matter what you end up doing <3
And YES for the giveaway, you know how much I love London *-* and anything from there will be great haha. I also hope that one day I'll be able to participate in the exchange of souvenirs, I'm making it a life goal of mine hahaha.
Aww thank you so, so much for your support, my twinnie! <3 <3 I understand, and this is what I'm still trying to figure out. I wouldn't do the sending souvenirs part every month, that's for sure (I'm not rich and can't afford it hahaha), and I still have to think about the regularity of the blog posts. Thank you, for your support, that's so, so sweet of you, you are the best! <3
Haha well no worries I hope you will be able to participate as well, even if it's just to send a postcard 🙂 And glad you're entering the giveaway, BEST OF LUCK <3 <3 <3
I missed the feature the first time and would still like to contribute a post on Philadelphia and parts of the East Coast US if you decide to do this feature again. 🙂 I loved reading the posts from everyone.
I would absolutely LOVE to read your blog posts on Philadelphia and the East Coast. I haven’t been to Philadelphia too long and I really want to know all of its secrets 🙂 Thank you so, so much <3
Haha! Our secret is our food. 🙂 If you decide to host the event again, I’d love to write that post. 🙂
And I will be the first one to DEVOUR that post. 😛
Ahh awesome!! As you know, I loved this idea!!! And I like the idea of the monthly feature 🙂 And exciting giveaway- even if I am from England 😉
Thank you SO much, I am so glad you love the idea! <3 And best of luck for the giveaway, I hope if you win, I'll surprise you with my gifts anyway 😀
Ahh thank you!! 🙂
You’re welcome, thank you!! <3
Hey! I put your gift in the post yesterday, but it’s a bit of an unusual gift… hahaha! Since we both technically live in the same country (UK) I thought I’d do something a bit more personal. Anyway, I really hope you like it! 😀
YAY! That is such a good idea!
I have to admit, I’m still struggling a bit to find out what souvenirs should I send. I’ve talked to my sister and she gave me good advice, but I’m sad that I can’t send many bookish stuff, because they’re all in Portuguese 🙁 But I still hope they enjoy the presents! And I hope you have a great trip to England!
Thank you Lais, I am SO happy you like this idea! <3 If you have trouble choosing, you can always ask me, we can brainstorm together 🙂 and something portuguese, even just a little book would be nice, even if I don't speak the language. If it were me, I would love the idea anyway! And maybe there are bilingual books? 🙂 Thank you so much!! <3 <3 <3
I would love to see this made into a monthly feature! It sounds like such a great idea although I’m sure it will be great to take part this month/next month in this one as well (we haven’t received the names of the people we’ll be sending gifts to yet right? Just want to make sure because I haven’t heard anything like that and I’ve been keeping an eye on my email account!).
I also love the idea of themed blog posts every time as well. I had so much fun writing about my home town and reading about everyone elses as well, plus it’s great to share some of our lives as well, even if it’s just everything we love about the country/city we live in! 😀
I sent the mails with your match almost a month ago ?? I sent it to the adress you provided, I think it was readingeverynight @ gmail or something, and I just checked, it left on the 28th of June. Let me know if you didn’t get it! <3 < 3
Thank you so, so, SO much for all of your support, it means a lot to me! <3 <3
I have it, sorry it went in my spam folder and I didn’t check that. Either way I already have a few ideas of what to buy, and I’m in London a lot over the next two weekends as well as at YALC so I’ve got plenty of time to get it brought and sent by the beginning of August 🙂
Oh no worries, I’m glad you got it! And ahhh that’s awesome you’re going to YALC, I’ll be in London as well soon I am way too excited for it, even if I’m a bit sad to be missing YALC. I can’t wait to see what you will get, and buy! 🙂
I’m making a mental note to always check my spam folder from now on!
I am excited for you coming to London, and for YALC and to see what I get and to buy everything as well! I already have so many ideas for souvenirs I may need to try and cut down a little! 😀
I am excited as well, but I am already wishing I can extend my stay for like 1000 more days here, ahah. Ohhh I am eager to know what souvenirs you will choose, there are so many great things… I can’t wait!!
Yep, I feel that way whenever I go on holiday as well. I never want to come home!
I’m really excited to get buying more for this! I’ve already ordered a few things, and I’m going to be doing a lot of shopping when I’m in London this weekend! 😀
Ahhhh all the shopping, I’m even more excited than you are for this haha. Nothing like London shopping! 😀
Nope, nothing like London shopping at all. I’ll be going up this weekend and I am already so excited to spend some time down Oxford Street! 😀
Aww don’t even start talking to me about Oxford Street. That place is CRAZY haha. <3
Crazy amazing though, right?! <3
It is THE BEST!
Thank you for the giveaway. It is unique.
Marilyn
Thank YOU so much 🙂
Yeees, count me in for next time! This sounds like a really great idea, Marie, and I’m super happy to see that it’s taking shape. I think I checked out quite a few posts that people made and it was super exciting to see the places these bloggers come from. <3
(Also no need to thank me – I was just basically throwing out ideas at you, haha).
Thank you so, so much Reg (and yes I need to thank you, because you throwing ideas made me think a lot about this, and I’m glad! :D). I’m so glad you like the idea, and I hope it will take shape soon! <3
I’m sure you know how much I love this already, but I’m going to say it again: I love love love this feature SO much. I would so be interested in taking part again. I could possibly even try and get a package together of Australian foods and little souvenirs. I’d just have to check shipping costs because I’m poor (and shipping out of and into Australia is like the cost of your soul) ? but I’d be happy to continue contributing with various blog posts in the meantime!!!
Awww Lauren thank you! And you can send me already that package from Australia, hahaha. No seriously, that would be a DREAM. I understand about all the shipping fees, and that’s what I am still thinking about. I want to make blog posts more regularly, but I want to do the souvenirs sending parts as well, but less regularly haha, maybe for Christmas again? 🙂
THANK YOU Lauren, again, you are the best! <3
❤️❤️❤️
I think I could work something out ? Honestly though I’d probably have to stop myself from just sending a bunch of different types of Tim Tams ?
But DON’T !!! I didn’t even know what Tim Tams was to be honest, and I just googled it and SEND ME A BUNCH OF THESE NOW ???
Yay you’ve come back (if only for a little while)! 🙂 I’ve already told you, but I love this feature so much and I’ll be sending my souvenirs to lovely Martina in Spain today or tomorrow. So excited for her to receive it! I’d love to see this become a monthly feature and get to know more bloggers from all over the place. Thanks for setting it all up, you’ve done an amazing job and I’ll defo be entering the giveaway. <3 x
Thank you so, so much! I am so glad you enjoyed this feature, I hope others will be as enthusiast as you, and that I can go on with it 🙂 Thank you so much <3 <3
My pleasure! <3 I posted my parcel yesterday evening, so just have to wait now! Exciting. 🙂 x
Ohhh I can’t wait!! This is very exciting indeed 😀 I will make a blog post with all the gifts and everything at the end of August 😀
I LOVE this feature! And yes, I wish it was a regular thing. The only thing I would change is the amount of info we get from our match. I wish we could have their email address so we could get in touch with them and stuff. I sent my items yesterday, but they’re kind of unusual and I wanted to explain why I didn’t include anything from my town, but I couldn’t because I don’t have my match’s email address (and it’s not on their blog either). Apart from that, this is a fantastic feature! 😀
Thank you so, so much, I am so glad you like it! And thank you for the suggestion, I admit that I didn’t think that some bloggers wouldn’t have their email adress or a contact adress on their blogs directly. I will check immediately who I paired you with, and email you with her email adress so you can talk to her more directly, and I will remember that for next time. Thank you so much! <3
Thanks for the opportunity to do this!
I love all sorts of “secret santa” Haha!
Haha well, you’re not the only one 😀
Even though I didn’t end up participating in SFATW, I loved the idea. I would definitely try to participate if it happened again. And the giveaway=I’M SO SO EXCITED. I guess it’s easy just to blog about books, but it’s so awesome to learn about where everybody is from 🙂 Your ideas are so amazing <3
Aww I am so, so glad you like the idea, and would participate if I do it again. Thank you for the support, shar! <3 And yay, best of luck for the giveaway! <3 <3
Whoa, this sounds so awesome, Marie!! 🙂 Although I don’t think I participated in Souvenirs From Around The World (I’m not actually toooo sure what it is ahhh – it was a blog post about where you’re from, etc. right? Bc I remember you mentioning that, and I STILL HAVE THAT POST AS A DRAFT AHH I need to post that ASAP), this sounds like a wonderful thing for people who did participate 🙂
Aww thank you Geraldine, I am so glad you like this idea <3 (and how are you? It's been way too long <3) Yes, it is, I linked my previous post about it in this very blog post, if you want to see what it's about, but it's that yes 🙂 Thank you!! <3
Oh my, I love this feature!! Though, I do keep forgetting to use the # :p I love the original idea, but in case I do have some ideas, I shall let you know!
I am intrigued with the theme each month! Which makes me super excited to be a part of this, so obviously this NEEDS to be a monthly feature!
Ahhh thank you Sush, you are THE BEST and I am so, so happy you like this! <3 I'd love to know your ideas of improvment or anything, if you have some 🙂 Thank you so, so much!!! <3
?❤️
I didn’t participate, but YES MAKE THIS A REGULAR FEATURE. It’s such a lovely feature and I’d definitely participate the next time around 🙂 Kind of missed it and stumbled upon it in the middle of it lol ALSO HAVE FUN!!!!!
Ahhh thank you Michelle, I am SO glad you like it, and I would always love to know more about Amsterdam and The Netherlands in general <3
You already know how AMAZING I think this feature is! I absolutely love what I read about other people’s home and I would participate again (if cash allows it) without a doubt 😀
I hope you have the greatest of holidays. England is such a great destination. Chronicle all your book shopping!
Aww thank you so, so much Kat <3 <3 If I do this again, the sending souvenirs part will be obviously more spaced out in time, because… no one's rich -well I am not haha, and this way it'd be more of a special event 🙂
Thank you so, so much! OH YES okay I will for sure! 😀
It’s a good idea, I say it would be more affordable if it was a quarterly or atleast every other month instead of a monthly feature.
Thank you for your thoughts! 🙂 Maybe i wasn’t too clear: what I meant was, that the blog post idea could be a monthly feature. The sending souvenirs idea (and spending money for that) would be more exceptional, maybe only twice a year or something 🙂 Thank you!
Yeah that sounds better.
As you already know I think this whole idea is absolutely brilliant! I had an AMAZING time with this project, for this is actually one of the only “send something to someone” type of project I’ve ever participated in. I love the idea about the more frequent SFATW posts, but as for the actual sending of souvenirs I think that could be like a quarterly thing? Eventually I would love to send a package to someone INTL, but just in the U.S. was still quite exciting. Oh, and making this a feature that appears more frequently would increase the amount of participators 😉 AKA more people I can send stuff to 🙂
I don’t think I have any critical feedback/suggestions, but I’m sure you’ll think of something awesome if you do decide to change things up a bit. Again, I really enjoyed this feature & I would love to do it again 😀 THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A BRIGHT AND INTELLIGENT MASTERMIND!!! <3 <3
P.S. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE GIVEAWAY AHHHH ENGLAND!!! 😀
-Jess @jbelkbooks
THANK YOU so, so much Jess, and why do you have to be SO sweet, you are way too sweet thank you, I LOVE YOU! <3 <3 I agree with you, I would like to make SFATW posts more frequently, but keep the souvenirs thing something more exceptional, I'm not sure about the frequency of it though 🙂
THANK you for everything – and for your blog post, yay!! <3 <3 You're welcome, BEST OF LUCK for the giveaway!! <3
Hahah, again, it was totally a great experience so of course I had to let you know 🙂 I can’t stop saying this enough, but I REALLY loved this feature and I would love to do it again once you figure out all the changes & such. THANK YOU AGAIN YOU ARE JUST AS SWEET!! <3 <3
-Jess @jbelkbooks
Well I’m glad you’re saying this and it makes me happier every time! <3 I hope to make it happen again! THANK YOU <3
It was definitely an enjoyable experience and would love to see more of it! It was fun to read about where other bloggers come from and to think of what’s special about my own place 😀
Thank you so, so much, I am so glad you liked this Jamie! Thanks for all the support, I hope that you’ll keep on participating if I do this again 🙂
No problem! I’ll be sure to participate!
The idea was AMAZING and it was as fun to write the post as I thought it would be – definitely not disappointed! I love love LOVED reading everybody else’s post and I loved it all so much! I would love to see this all happen more often because I would love to read so many more posts! I would also love for that souvinier thing to ongo whenever because when I have the chance, it would be so fun to participate!
Oh look at you giving the chance to spoil us! So exciting! Hope you have a wonderful trip and that’s it turns out to be absoloutely amazing!
Ohh thank you my forever crazy, THANK YOU for your thoughts about this, and I am so happy to hear you had a great time writing, and reading the posts! I hope you’ll be able to participate to the souvenirs thing once, it would be INCREDIBLE <3 <3
Of course, I can't pass the chance to spoil you guys! Best of luck my forever crazy, and THANK YOU!! <3 <3
Of course! Its such a fun and great experience, it really was my pleasure! IT WOULD <3 <3 Haha, too sweet AS ALWAYS <3 THANK YOU!
I really love the idea of SFATW, and was sort of tempted to participate, but didn’t end up doing that in the end… maybe next time! I’ve just been reading your posts about this, I haven’t looked at any others, but I do like the idea. I think it could be a regular feature… or maybe a biannual/annual event, so once or twice a year? The idea is really cool, but it would also be good if it stays sort of unique and special. Also, I really admire all your hard work on this <3
Thank you so, so much Shanti, I am glad you like the idea! <3 this is exactly what I'm thinking about. I'd love to make this regular, but maybe not too much, so it can stay kind of unique and exceptional just as well 🙂 Thank you so, so much for your idea and support, it means so much <3
I loved this feature idea and I loved you post!!
By the way I hope to win the giveaway AND I tagged you on my blog for the Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag! http://www.arvenig.it/blog/mid-year-freak-out-tag/
Thank you so much, I’m glad you liked it! Best of luck for the giveaway! 🙂
This looks so fun!!! I’d possibly be interested in participating once I understand what to do more 🙂
Ohh thank you so much! 🙂 Well you can check out the Souvenirs From Across The World category on my blog if you want to see more about it, and if I plan on doing this project again, I will make sure to write a full Q&A about it! 🙂
I didn’t participate, but if you made it a weekly thing I would definitely consider it! 🙂
Oh thank you, well I am glad you like the idea!! 🙂
This sounds amazing. So glad it was such a success. I’ve got to check out all the posts about this.
Ohhh thank you so, so much, I am so happy you like the idea 🙂 Hope you will enjoy the blog posts just as well 🙂
I’m slowly making my way through them. ^_^
I LOVE this idea, but I dint make the cut for this round of souvenir ssharing. I would love to take part in the next one!! Looking forward to it!!
Ohh thank you! <3 Well I hope to do it again so you can participate 🙂 Thank you! <3