I was lucky enough to take part in another South African Bookswap as 2019 ended.

This time, the theme was Baby it’s (not) Cold Outside. It’s summer in South Africa, but this theme also allowed participants to do a Christmas themed box if they chose to. Since the two of us who participate in this swap live in Calgary, where it was most definitely cold outside, I saw the opportunity to go with a tropical summer themed box.

If we were freezing, we could pretend not to be.

I was lucky enough to find a bunch of tropical stuff leftover from the summer at discount prices. And, since this was shortly after Halloween, lots of candy was on sale too. Bonus, right? I decided to paint some beach-inspired bookmarks, and I got a few hair accessories from a mystery bag at Ardene.

As for the books, finding something that worked with the theme was super difficult. In the end, I chose the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy by Laini Taylor (review on this trilogy to follow soon). The covers feature feather masks in bright colours, which gave me a birds-of-paradise kind of vibe. I also got the books for a bargain price over on Book Outlet, so I could give her the whole trilogy for the price of one book elsewhere.

This is what went into my box:

• Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Days of Blood and Starlight, Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
• Pineapple-shaped jar
• Pencil case
• Mermaid pen
• Wooden ruler
• Two watercolour bookmarks
• Headband and scrunchie
• Various snacks

As always, my lovely partner, Stella, put together a wonderful box for me! I’m so excited to be partnered with someone who’s so thoughtful about what goes into a swap box. This is what I got in return.

As you can see, I was well spoiled. Thanks again, Stella, for such an amazing box. I’m excited to get reading!

And that’s all from me for today. Thank you for stopping by.

Yolandie