New Years Lucky Treats

The new year has begun! While we're a bit late to celebrate it, it's never too late to start it with a bit of good luck. Throughout the world, people have different ways to welcome the new year and certain foods bring good luck!

Beans resemble money,green leaves represent dollar bills, while fish scales resemble coins - a.k.a. more money! South American countries eat fruit (12 grapes or a few figs) for good luck, Asian countries have noodles and grains for long life and some South American countries eat a ring-shaped cake with a lucky trinket hidden inside.

For this swap you will:

• Send your partner lucky foods or edibles inspired by them. Instead of fish, send fish seasoning, instead of grapes - fruity snacks, ring shaped cookies instead of a ring cake, or mac and cheese to represent lucky noodles.

• Spend at least $3 before mailing.

• Include a short letter and tell your partner about your New year traditions, why you choose the edibles, or anything to make the swap more personal.

• Check for your partner's food allergies. You wouldn't want to send something you put thought and time into and your partner's unable to try it. ;)

• Package your items appropriately. Glass items and fragile foods should be wrapped and boxed to prevent breakage. It's a good idea to use a plastic baggie for anything that can leak, melt, or tear open during shipping.

• Please send items in their original, sealed packaging for health and customs reasons. Be sure to check expiration dates and only send in-date food items that will not expire before reaching your partner.

• Send and rate on time. On the rare occasion that you may need to send a bit late, please contact your partner AND the swap coordinator before the swap deadline has passed.

P.S: Other lucky foods include cornbread, long noodles, herring, pork, round fruits, pomegranate, lentils, and black eyed peas (snacks that resemble black-eyed peas?). Feel free to google your own - and best of luck on this new year!