My husband found a great site called Paperbackswap.com.  You register the paperback books you've read and don't want anymore.  Other members can then select your books they want to read.  When they choose one of your books, you print out a mailing wrapper, wrap the book, put 4 stamps on it and drop it in the mail box.  When they receive your book in the mail, you receive a credit.  You also earn credits for listing your books.  Then you use your credits to "buy" books from other members.  They have hundreds of thousands of titles listed, so there's lots to choose from!  It's a great site and we've been very happy with it.  And, it's free!! 

I like to make cookie mix in a jar and give as gifts at the holidays.  (Check out the Nov02 News for my favorite recipe.)  I've thought about buying a new recipe book for those type of mixes, but was hesitant without being able to see the recipes to know if I'd like them.  But when I saw a Merry Mixes book by Gooseberry Patch at Paperbackswap.com, I figured I couldn't go wrong... it was worth a credit to check out the book, and if I didn't like it, I could re-post it for someone else to get it from me.  

When I received the book in the mail, I had the option to email the sender.  I emailed her thanking her for sending the book so quickly, and asked if she had tried any of the recipes from the book, and which ones did or didn't she like.  Carmen emailed me back, with her recommendation of a recipe or two.  My new friend said she lives in Puerto Rico, and can't get all of the ingredients called for in the book, which is why she didn't try more recipes.  She said she was trying to save money for her family by making gifts for the holidays, which is why she requested the book from the swap in the first place.  

Of course I had to email her back and tell her to check out 30 Day Gourmet's website!  I suggested she check out the Nov02 News for ideas, as well as the Recipes tab at the top of the page.  I also told her if she can get the ingredients, I'd highly recommend the  Oreo Truffles recipe!  Carmen was so excited when she emailed me back!  She said she is always so surprised how God uses little things to bless her, when she isn't expecting it.  She said me emailing her about 30 Day Gourmet was a definite blessing from God, and she was so thankful.  Not only did she get the gift ideas she needed, but she learned about freezer cooking.  She has a chest freezer, her husband is a vegetarian and she isn't.  So she was really excited about trying freezer cooking.  She said she definitely is making the Oreo Truffles for gifts.  Then she said "I can't wait to continue exploring the site!  It has so much recipes and information, it is like candy for my eyes!!"   

If you need "candy" for your friends and family, figuratively and literally, check out our website!  For the figurative candy, go to our online store to buy the manual, software or ebooks.  For candy to tempt your taste buds, in addition to the links above, check out the Nov03 News, especially the Peanut Butter Crunch recipe.  Pretzel Turtles are so easy, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are a big hit.  Don't forget to check out the Recipes button at the top of the website... click on Snacks and Desserts for a full list of candy, cookies and snacks sure to please!