G002: The Breezymeadow Gourmet Goodie Box!

[breezymeadow]

Here it is, back for its 4th glorious year – the “Breezymeadow Gourmet Goodie Box”. Think along the lines of artisinal pastas, sauces, pickles, chocolates, bread mixes, dip mixes, specialty crackers, relishes, spice mixes, soup mixes, candles, soaps, little horse-related items – whatever strikes my fancy as I cruise the wonderful little markets & shops of Culpeper, Warrenton, & Middleburg, Virginia with you in mind. While I guarantee a bare minimum of $100 in goodies, all previous goodie boxes went well over $200 in cost (2009 was just shy of $300 in value). And if that isn’t enough of an enticement, here are the thank-you notes I received from the past years’ winning bidders:

CANTER Auction Winning Bidder 2007
“Thank you so, so much for the holiday box. It arrived Christmas Eve, and I saved it 'til Christmas Day to open. I opened different things throughout the day - it really made my day.
I am STUNNED at how much you put in the package, and I loved everything. You obviously thought carefully about each purchase. Again, it was an overwhelming box.
I tore into the chocolates right away, I fixed myself some little toasts with various toppings, I have the writing pads out at my desk, the Middleburg book is now on my "to read" pile, and I spent Christmas day leafing through the Middleburg newspapers you enclosed. I LOVED them. The candle I opened and put in my kitchen - it smells great. I can't wait to bake the scones (maybe tomorrow....), and I had to put the biscotti on my pantry shelf to avoid devouring them immedidately.
Like I said, the box was incredible, and I thank you so, so much. You made my Christmas.”

CANTER Auction Winning Bidder 2008
“It's here! What a wonderful collection of thoughtfully selected items! Hubby and I love each and every item that you choose for us! I can't wait to read the cookbook and the journals, esp. the stallion issue :-) I've been planning when I'm going to bake the scones and make the pasta. Lots of the other treats will be consumed over Christmas. Thank you for making our Christmas so special and thank you for your continued contribution to CANTER. I have a feeling that if you offer this treat at the next auction, I'll be bidding!
Thank you again and Merry Christmas.”

CANTER Auction Winning Bidder 2009
“The Goodie Box arrived and it is FANTASTIC! I had such fun unwrapping each item - and there was so much :-) I especially love the writing pads and soaps. I could tell that you spent a lot of time picking out everything and we love all of your choices. Steve and I were planning on eating out the night the package arrived, but once we saw everything that was in there - we decided to have a feast at home...such wonderful snacks. You've provided us with such special treats for two years now that I think I'll have to try for a third time if you donate this terrific package to the CANTER auction in 2010.”

While I’ll begin shopping for this right away, winning bidder is encouraged to let me know of any strong personal preferences – i.e. allergies, don’t like spicy foods, “I’d rather eat worms & die than eat pickled vegetables”, etc., etc. Since I only buy things that I’d enjoy myself, if I have to replace anything I purchase before bidding is over, it won’t go to waste – LOL!!!

Unfortunately, bidding is restricted to U.S. residents only, & shipping is on me!! Keep the ponies in mind when placing your bids – I promise I won’t disappoint you!!

[evilclive]

Oh Man - I've been outbid on this in past years, but it always sounds soooo yummy. Will try my luck again this year.....(dreams of gourmet foods......)

[mooshoopork]

this sounds delicious!

[sienna]

it does sound wonderful!
Mooshoo - maybe we can persuade Breezymeadow to ship to Canada (I'd be happy to pay the shipping!)

[breezymeadow]

Sorry guys. While I really don't like disappointing or excluding anyone, I have to restrict this to the U.S. only.

These items end up shipping in one (or sometimes even two) large HEAVY cartons, & the insured shipping cost for within the U.S. alone has been outrageous (as previous winners can attest to if they've noticed the postage - lol!). This is why I pay the insured postage myself, as I wouldn't want someone to bid/win & then go into shock when they find out how much it costs to ship.

Add to that the fact that Canadian Customs are REALLY ootzy folks & won't hesitate to detain, open, & ultimately send back packages that aren't accompanied by very detailed paperwork - especially in regards to large, heavy packages containing many items imported from countries other than the U.S. - & you have a situation that I really just don't want to deal with concerning a package or packages of this size & value. Not to mention that all freight shipments are currently being examined under magnifying glasses these days due to the recent terrorism freight threats.

If we were talking about just one little item, the situation would be different. But in this case I have to decline even the generous offer of the winner paying shipping.

Again - sorry!!

[sienna]

I understand completely! However, what we Canadians CAN do is bid on it and send it to an American friend - who will love us forever for our thoughtfullness.

[breezymeadow]

Of course!! That's perfectly A-Okay. So long as the shipping address is in the U.S. & CANTER ends up with the winning bid in U.S. dollars, bid away.

[karawap]

Heck, I know once this gets going it's going to be good, but I'll start off with $25

[sienna]

and I'll move it right along to $50

[risingstarfarm]

We've enjoyed this so much for the last few years, so I'm going straight for the gusto - $200

[colt45]

I'll try $225.

[breezymeadow]

Found another local droolworthy source for goodies a couple of weekends ago - "The Frenchman's Corner". This shop used to be just a tiny rather dark wine shop with just a few other complementary items tossed in for good measure.

Hubby & I popped in the other day, & all we could say was WOW! They've tripled the space, made everything light & airy, & have expanded their offerings. Besides the wines, artisinal beers, cooking implements & accessories, lovely imported cheese counter (with some artisinal sausages), crackers, sauces/bruschetta toppings, tri-colored pappardelle & farfalle pastas, their centerpiece is a HUGE 3-sided glass counter dedicated to the delicate jewel-like artistry of Belgian Neuhaus chocolates - many of which look far too pretty to eat. Needless to say, we couldn't leave without samplings of several of the above items - lol!

Just wanted to give you all a little "food for thought" since we're past the auction midway point now!!

[risingstarfarm]

Sounds like a real find Breezy.........$250

[colt45]

$275.

[evilclive]

Oh yeshhhhh! $280.

[breezymeadow]

We're coming down to the wire here. Keep in mind folks that regardless of what bid amount wins, I absolutely guarantee more than enough "bang for your buck" in value!!

[colt45]

$300.