Gift Bragging BFL - Edited

You will all be so envious! I just had to start this swap so I could brag about the dream gift I’ve already received from my sweetheart. If you read my profile, you know I’m retired. Well, I’ve always wanted a place of our own at the beach. I knew it was unreasonable to think we would ever own one on our fixed income. So, it was such a wonderful surprise when I realized my hubby squeezed enough pennies to purchase a secluded, cozy place high up on a . . . (Pictured above). Do keep in mind, it is the thought that counts! He just gets better every year picking out something special for me! ; )

Well, I didn't get a second home, but my sweetie updated my old, tired kitchen! First, we have new cabinets, along with a Corian countertop and seamless sink. The 1970's gold wallpaper was replaced by a striking hunter green paint. Red and white checked curtains and a new terra cotta floor give it that Italian cafe look. But the biggest surprise of all was that he has contracted with a chef service to come and cook dinner for us every weeknight! What night should I invite you and your sweetie over to enjoy it with us?

Wow! Corazon, I cannot wait to see your new kitchen! And, retired people are free as a bird for any night of the week, as long as the invite includes airfare. : Thank you for being the first to join this fun swap! I'll trade your kitchen for my second home any day!

I am sooooo excited I got the best gift I could ever had gotten! Today I was presented with the keys to my very own custom built home! I have a monstrously huge master bedroom complete with a master bathroom to rival that of an imperial palace. My kitchen is equipped with a full compliment of stainless steel appliances and cavernous pantry (fully stocked). There is an over sized fireplace in the family room and the wood shed is stacked to the rafters. My craft room is going to make Martha Stewart sooooo jealous. There's also a playroom for my grandson complete with a firemens pole and ball pit (we are going to have a blast playing in it). But, the part that really makes my heart skip a beat is that there are no "gift taxes" due....I own it free and clear! We should all get together and have an amazing week crafting and hangin' out.

mommaviv - you have me drooling; I'm serious! The craft room especially! I bet that million dollar give away showed up at your door? I hope you plan to open a crafty bed and breakfast where everyone can craft in their pjs all day long. And, we will have Corazon bring her butler/chef along to fix and serve the brunch?

BTW - After I visit each of your luxury homes, everyone is invited to the beach cabin in the picture above LOL

Cool bb2 I love the beach!

My wish for Christmas is a new car but instead i got the old one fixed so i know i want be receiving a new one lol

badandknowsit2 -- please describe the new car of your dreams that you are not getting . . . make, model, color, bells and whistles. We want to drool over your new car and of course you will be inviting all of us to take a ride in it! I need a lift for the dinner with Corazon and I think you and mommaviv may want to car pool to my new beach cabin?

The best Christmas gift was a 25 day gift from my baby. While I am gone he set up a tree and 24 rolled up scrolls of paper on the tree (Dec. 1st) instead of ornaments. Every morning for 24 days I get to wake up and open a scroll on the tree (1 a day). There would be one with 2 movie tickets for a movie night that night, to a napkin symbolizing he would make me a fancy dinner that night, to a picture of us on a date symbolizing reliving our early days. On the 25th day (christmas) upon heading over to the tree for one last surprise he would strategically hide the last gift in the back only it was a tiny box, he grabs it and gets on one knee and proposes to me.

How romantic is that, rockyhorrogerri!!! I can just see the tears in your eyes as you gaze at the diamond ring. You are a lucky woman! Are we all invited to the wedding? And, I am happy to offer the beach cabin (pictured above) for your honeymoon! : )

Don't hate me girls...but I really got a great gift! My sweetie has created, just for me, out in my backyard, a separate Craft House! There are 10 rooms...a sew/quilt room, with it's own long arm quilting machine, a state of the art computer-driven embroidery machine, a serger, and several commercial-grade sewing machines. About 1,000 bolts of batiks and other pretty prints are included there. There is also a scrapping room, with cricut, every type of paper, card stock, ribbon, stamp, and ink available at Michaels, and stickers and ephemera from all over. I have a state-of-the-art dark room, and a painting and drawing studio! The yarn room is the envy of everyone, with a stock to rival your best yarn shops, an electic winder, racks and shelves for projects, and cozy couches, free movies, and a fireplace to sit by and crochet or knit, along with a fully stocked snack station and coffee bar. There is, of course, an aroma therapy/nap room with several comfy cots for napping when we all get tired. You are all invited! When you come in the door, stop in the changing room and change into one of the complimentary sets of flannel PJs and slippers I have in every size for you. Then come in to the yarn room for a coffee and snack before we pick a craft to start on! I can't wait to see you all!

Amigirl; I'm trying really hard not to hate you! I have to tell you, my heart stopped at least 3 times while reading about your stupendous gift. And, then I was holding my breath to see what the next room contained. I think I want to hire you as "my" dreamer - LOL

BTW - I peeked into your Etsy shop. You make really cute things. I can just picture them lined up, ready to be adopted, in your yarn room. Thank you for joining in on the fun!

Wow Amigirl! I am totally jealous....maybe the box that's left under the tree has a remodel certificate in it so I can add more rooms to my house.....fingers are crossed.

Finally after 27 years I have my dream kitchen. It took some cajoling. When the drawer broke I hot glued it closed, I have actually washed the counter until it's down to the white (just like in Pleasantville. I removed about 1/2 of the cupboard doors and put just pretty things in them. On the rest of the cupboard doors I hung old linen calenders. I then put a trivet on the counter where I burned it with my new cookwear. My husband likes natural wood, ugh! But I have pretty vintage white cabinets with panes in them and glass knobs. Also some antique accents. Just what I've dreamed of when I clipped out all the magazine pages. Did I mention my husband is a finish carpenter?

Oh, Bridget. You sound like the story of the shoemaker with children who had no shoes. I do like your creative idea of the vintage calendar towels and also dream of the day I'll have the vintage white, paned cabinets, with glass knobs. Actually, I remember those in my grandma's kitchen in the late, late r0s. Okay, everyone, quite counting on your fingers! Bridget; Keep clipping those magazine pages and maybe that will be our next swap!

my dream car that i not going to get is a 2011 candy apple red Tahoe with leather seats automatic windows and doors with cruise control so i dont get another ticket. with climate control heating air preset to 65 degrees. I want black interior, tilt steering wheel. 4 doors and hatch back. I definitely want a clicker thing to lock and unlock doors also want the kind u can crank your car with ur keys from inside your house. You said to dream lol i definitely not getting one by the way

oh boy my dream car just showed up in my drive way no car payments nothing no strings attached everyone come join me woo hoo

I got the best gift I could have gotten! I got the 4 bedroom condo I have been wanting. It's in a secure community and it's waterside with water views. I have a cleaning service and a chef. It's wired fully, as high tech as possible for HD TV, T3 lines and the best sound system. I also have an art studio for myself fully equipped with a computer and graphic design software and photo printer. Also a ton of space to work and all mediums. I can't wait to get started.

I love hot candy apple red cars, but do expect lots of tickets. Traditionally, red cars attract attention and get pulled over more times than any other color car. But, you can deal with that because you "won't" be making car payments!

Hey redgirl12 -- Congratulations on your condo with water views. It sounds great! I love the high tech part, but you won't have much time for HD TV, with your new art studio. Be sure to let us know the password to your secure pad because we will all want to try out your computerized graphic design equipment.

I must say we are all VERY lucky this year! Yeah for us!

Hi rockyhorrorgerri! Let me know when the wedding is, I want to bring my new chef service to plan and serve your reception dinner!

Hey Corazon, What did your new chef cook up for Christmas dinner?

And, Momavi, did that last box under the tree produce the best gift of all?

So, maybe it is time to tell about our real gifts? I was really taken back with the gift from hubby this year. It was such a tiny box under the tree, but we all know how great things come in small packages. I opened it with trembling fingers and there was a lone key inside. We then put our coats on and he drove me to a shopping center close by. He instructed me to close my eyes as we pulled into the parking lot. Once we were parked, he gave me a sweet kiss and then lead me by the hand. As the excitement continued to build, he gently guided my fingers to turn the key in the lock and then open the door. With my eyes still closed, we stepped inside and then he told me to open my eyes. There it was . . .

Any guesses?

Since you you said you stepped inside...was it a new motor home?

My husband bought me a nice purse...all he got was socks. :) That's okay, because we are in a postition where we have all of the essentials we need and we really don't concern ourselves with many luxuries.

I also got a (what I would describe as gypsy-type) multi layered necklace with lots of little medallions and 4 wine glasses from my step-daughter and her family and a really cool bib apron from my sister!

Corazon, we are very frugal folk and like you, don't have a lot of interest in material things beyond the essentials. No motor home in our driveway! We exchange very small gifts, but my story must have been convincing. However, it is another BFL.

I'm thinking I can add to the fun. Would everyone like a short contest? Post your best guess for my last BFL, by Dec. 31st. On January 1st, everyone in the group send me an email vote of what you consider the best guess, other than your own (ha, ha). You all should have received my email this morning. On Jan. 2nd, I'll post the winner/winners (in case of a tie) here and will send a profile surprise envie during the following week. What do you all think? You want to play?

Well bb2 My last box did not contain that remodel certificate....I wish I could come up with another BFL but the stuff I did get was sooooooo awesome I can't think of anything. :0) I am not letting my daughter know what MessInADress got though because she must never know that ponies can live on less than 20 acres......shhhhhh everyone let it be our secret!

Santa was awfully good to me this year. Aside from the candy in my stocking, there was a little box under my tree. Oh, what could it be? When I unwrapped it oh-so-carefully, I was in awe! Inside the box was a ring holding a giant diamond! The sparkle was so amazing, I was nearly blinded! Too bad it's too big to wear out. I want to show the world!

Well, Mommaviv, MessinADress found out her pony wasn't allowed in her apartment after all, and not allowed in the swap, so she had to send it back. I bet the giant diamond ring cheered her up a little, though.

Too bad about the pony. I received a belated gift today! My best friend from high school is moving up here from California. I have missed her soooo much we are going to have so much fun together, I will finally have someone to explore the area with who is not afraid to do new things. ( Is my nose looking bigger to anyone else?)

I love belated gifts and best friends! Lucky you, Mommaviv, to have one to dream about.

Anyone else have a belated gift?

So far, Corazon is the winner on the guessing game because hers is the "only" guess. Any other guesses on my mystery gift?

Read my Dec. 27th posting and make a guess; What did I see when I opened my eyes??? Read Corazon's great guess and any others posted and PM or email me with your vote on the BEST guess by the end of the day on Jan 1st. I'll announce the winner on Jan. 2nd and send a profile surprise envie to the winner during the following week.

Multiple guesses allowed, but only one vote and it cannot be your own guess. Questions? Post here.

Haha my wish! Now for my real christmas....Unfortunately last month me and the bf got into it and broke it off and we haven't spoken since... so that means no little box, no shower of gifts and love, no scrolls tied to the tree, and deff no wedding lol. Christmas was spent with the parents and felt sadly alone. Spent the morning crying and the afternoon vegging watching my new tv!

So yes i think i might have to take up your alls offer on beach homes, vaca's, and amazing dinners!

rockyhorrorgerri, I'm so sorry to hear you were hurting this Christmas season. Thank goodness for parents and hopefully things will get better for you soon in the new year. Thank you for joining in and take care, now.

okay bb2 I think your awesome gift from this year is a storefront in the mall. Thinking you found your niche and will combine it with hubbies birdhouse creations.

Mommaviv, You are very close in your guess. But, what store front? And, I hadn't thought of featuring hubbies birdhouses, but that is a great idea. I may have to send two surprise packages if someone guesses right on the button! : )

hmmmm I am thinking (uh-oh I hurt myself) what kind of storefront?????? I have to think what kind of storefront is a turnkey business?????? Brain is working hard :0)

I believe my store is a franchise.

The fun in this swap continues . . . Read the clues on my last gift BFL. Make a guess before midnight. PM me and tell me what you thought was the best guess.

I'll announce the winner/winners on Jan. 1st. in this comment section.

Have a fun and safe New Years Eve. BB2

Happy New Year to all.

Both, Corazon and Mommaviv made great guesses; but, Mommaviv was the closest when she guessed the store front. So, there will be 1st and 2nd prize envies arriving in their mailbox. I didn't see any other guesses, but if I missed one, please let me know.

And, the answer is: (drum roll) My sweatheart and best friend purchased a 10 year Michael's Franchise for me, paid in full, with the stipulation all products in the store, now, and coming in the future are free to me! Just imagine all the great swaps I'll be sending for the next 10 years! Now, you will want to sign up for all swaps I host! LOL

Thank you for playing along. This swap was a lot of fun for me over the Christmas/New Year holidays.

That was a fun swap and a cool game! Thanks for hosting.