Texas Tuesday {vol. 9}

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Y'all, I have a bit of a sad announcement. Amanda and I are putting Texas Tuesday on hold for a bit. She's so busy with school, and between event planning, social media managing, my part time job, being a mom, and being a wife, I'm swamped. I just can't commit to writing about my wonderful state every Tuesday. So, we're placing it on the back burner for now. Thank you to everyone who has linked up, I've loved reading your posts and finding new blogs, all of you are awesome!

OK, so now that the sad news is out of the way, let's talk some Texas, shall we?

I wanted to go out with a bang, so I decided to write about one of my most favorite Texas things.

Warrenton Antique Week

Or, as I like to call it, "going junkin". I've written about Warrenton before, and this probably isn't the last time I'll write about Warrenton! In fact, you can probably expect at least two posts a year on antique week, since it comes around twice, once in the spring and once in the fall.

I love antique week, like, love, love, lovelovelove, love antique week. One week of Texas heat, junk hunting in a huge field, what could be better!? No, seriously, I love it. OK, let me back up and tell you what antique week is, just in case you don't know.

Antique Week is a week-ish long event that stretches from the outside of La Grange to the other side of Round Top. It's miles and miles of tents set up in cow pastures and filled with amazing junk. That's really the best way to describe it. And when I say junk, I mean like junk treasure. Stuff you'd want. Are you picking up what I'm putting down here?

And the best part of antique week is definitely the Junk Gypsy Junk O Rama Prom. It's a huge party that the ladies of Junk Gypsy throw for anyone and everyone. You put on your most fabulous prom attire, and dance the night away.

Perfect Junk O Rama Prom attire. Yup, that's Miranda Lambert.

So, if you ever find yourself down this way during antiques week, you gotta make your way out there. Even if you aren't in the area, you should make the trip, I guarantee you won't regret it!

All photos via the Junk Gypsy Blog

Texas Tuesday {vol. 8}

Hello, you fabulous people! I have to apologize for missing Texas Tuesday last week, my internet was out, so I missed posting that day, so we'll just pretend I posted, m'kay? Anywho, let's get down to it, shall we? Time for another Texas Tuesday!

(Don't know what Texas Tuesday is? It's a weekly link-up hosted by Amanda of Princess of the Panhandle and I, that's open to anyone, not just Texans! All you need to do is write about something Texas related, post our little button in your post, then come back here and link up! That's it!)

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At some point last week I read an article that thoroughly ticked me off. It was all about how Texas sucked. It's safe to say my ears were steaming after I read it. (If you want to read it, let me know in the comments and I'll send you the link. I'd rather not link to it from my blog). It went on and on about how Texas is a "sprawling bowl of dust has nothing to do with its overwhelming heat, its high quotient of carnivores, its giant arsenal of privately owned firearms...." and then the author even goes on to say "Texas somehow manages to be both Southern and Western without being very good at either one. You’ll find real Southern hospitality, Southern charm, and Southern cooking anywhere due east of it, and you’ll see better scenery in any state west of it." He says Texas is flat and resembles a dried up turd.

I'm sorry, what? All of that is wrong. Just flat out wrong. Yes, west Texas is dusty, and parts of Texas are flat, but not all of Texas is. Word of advice, if you're going to bash something, make sure your facts are straight. So, I thought I'd set the record straight today.

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That's Big Bend National Park. Does any of that look flat or dusty to you? I didn't think so.

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That's Jacobs Well in Wimberly. I'm fairly certain that doesn't appear flat or dusty either.

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Another shot of Jacob's Well. Still not flat and dusty.

Now, let's talk about how you'll find "better scenery in any state west of Texas."

{via}

That's La Grange. That's not pretty?

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That's Hamilton Pool State Park in Austin. I'd say that's pretty, no?

How about that? No one would say those bluebonnets aren't gorgeous. Not to mention the cutie in the photo! 

And this whole being Western thing, but not being good at it? That's a ridiculous. Any given weekend you can find at least a handful of rodeos going on in Texas. From ranch rodeos, to small time rodeos, to professional rodeos, there's always one going on somewhere in Texas. In Mesquite there is a rodeo every Friday and Saturday night. We have the King Ranch here, it's one of the largest ranches in the world. And that little thing in Houston called the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? It's world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition. The largest in the world. And according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2010 there were  247,500 farms in Texas. And that's just counting the ones that make a profit. 

Bottom line is this, we Texans have every right to proud of where we live. Our food? It's some of the best. Not only have we mastered the art of Southern cooking, but we can also whip up some mean Tex Mex.We are Southern, while also being "Western" at the same time. We have Southern hospitality and charm. Men take their hats off indoors, we say yes ma'am and no sir, we hold open doors, we wave at people passing us on the road. But we also wear boots for a reason, so it's wise to mind your manners when you're talking about our state. 

Texas Tuesday {vol. 6}

Happy Texas Tuesday, y'all!

(Don't know what Texas Tuesday is? It's a weekly link-up hosted by Amanda of Princess of the Panhandle and I, that's open to anyone, not just Texans! All you need to do is write about something Texas related, post our little button in your post, then come back here and link up! That's it!)

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If you know anything about me by now, you know that I'm all about everything Texas related. Every. Thing. Artwork, home decor, jewelry, clothing. Especially clothing and jewelry. And I just so happened to buy a new t-shirt yesterday that is positively Texas-fied perfect. Once I got home and modeled my shirt for a bit, I got the urge to track down more Texas tees and such. Wanna see my new wishlist?

Born and raised, y'all.

Source: modcloth.com via J on Pinterest

Hello, lovah.

Source: t-shirtguru.com via J on Pinterest

Y'all

Source: thevintagepearl.com via J on Pinterest

Perfectly rustic. Until I can get my hands on these little pretties, I'll be rocking out in my new Texas tee.

Texas pride, y'all, werk it.

(Edit: my mom asked me why the Texas is backward. I took the picture in the mirror, just to clear that up!)

Have a great Texas Tuesday!!

Texas Tuesday {vol. 5}

Happy Texas Tuesday, y'all!

(Don't know what Texas Tuesday is? It's a weekly link-up hosted by Amanda of Princess of the Panhandle and I, that's open to anyone, not just Texans! All you need to do is write about something Texas related, post our little button in your post, then come back here and link up! That's it!)

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Let's talk boots, shall we?

I have an ongoing love affair with cowboy boots. When it's not 112 degrees here in Texas, I'm wearing cowboy boots. Every. Day. And I'm itching for a new pair, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites.

Tony Lama Cross Inlay square toes. Simple, yet fabulous.

Tony Lama 3R Buckaroos. Love, love, love these.

Ariat Pink Caliente Crossfire. Pink perfection.

Ariat Quincy Collection Bronco Billie Cowgirl. Ride 'em Cowgirl.

Tony Lama 100% Vaquero Cream Inlay. These are my most favorite. I'll take two pairs, please and thank you.

What's your favorite?

Have a fantastic Texas Tuesday m'dears!

Texas Tuesday {vol. 5}

This post is going up late, Blogger apparently ate the original post that was scheduled for this morning!!

Happy Texas Tuesday, y'all!!

(Don't know what Texas Tuesday is? It's a weekly link-up hosted by Amanda of Princess of the Panhandle and I, that's open to anyone, not just Texans! All you need to do is write about something Texas related, post our little button in your post, then come back here and link up! That's it!)

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Most of you know I was born and raised here in this great state. B and I had a brief stay in Alabama a couple of times (Roll Tide!), but for the most part, I've called Texas home. I grew up in Brenham, Texas, which, at the time, didn't seem to be that exciting. I did what most teenagers do once they graduate, I got out of there as quickly as I could. But, as I've gotten older, Brenham has pulled on my heartstrings just a bit. Most of my family still lives there, and even though we don't live there, it's still my hometown. Now I take pride in telling people I grew up there, so, I wanted to share with y'all what makes my hometown just so great.

First of all, Brenham holds bragging rights to the oldest county fair in Texas! The Washington County fair was established in 1868, and I've been nearly every year since I was born. It's a week long event, complete with a carnival, livestock shows, rodeos, and concerts. There's a ton of delicious food to eat and a ton of beer to drink. I look forward to it ever year. There's nothing like fair time in Texas.

Besides the fair, Brenham's claim to fame has to be Blue Bell Ice Cream. 

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Blue Bell Creameries opened their doors in 1907, and has been going strong in Brenham ever since. Blue Bell is only sold in 26% of the nation's grocery stores, yet it ranks as one of the top three selling ice creams in the country. It's good, y'all. The creamery holds guided tours (and free samples!) on weekdays. But the best part of Blue Bell is they participate in a program with the local state school to offer the residents jobs. 

But downtown Brenham has to be the best part of the town. There are tons of boutiques and antique shops, and quaint little cafes and flower shops. It's definitely my favorite part of Brenham. In the spring they have th Spring Eggs Art Walk and the Maifest, in the summer they have the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes concert series, in the fall they have the Scarecrow Extravaganza, and in the winter they have the Christmas Stroll. They even have a farmer's market that's open every weekend from March to December. There's always something going on in downtown Brenham. They shut the streets down, and it seems like the whole town comes out. We make the drive and take M to just about every event they hold downtown. It's pretty much become a family tradition.

So, if you find yourself on Highway 290 between Austin and Houston any time, be sure and stop in somewhere in Brenham, you'll definitely find something to fall in love with.

Texas Tuesday {vol. 4}

Texans are often the butt many jokes, and our pride in our state is what normally lands us there.

Most Texans (side eye, applesandglue) are extremely proud of being from Texas. We just can't help it, it's bred into us. Generation after generation is taught to take pride in our beautiful state, and, ok, so maybe it's led us to be a bit cocky... But that's ok, because, sure, we think we're the best, but we've got lots to back it up!

Source: greattobehere.com via Aimee on Pinterest

So, for Texas Tuesday, I wanted to share why I'm so proud to be a Texan, and what being a Texan means to me.

(Don't know what Texas Tuesday is? It's a weekly link-up hosted by Amanda of Princess of the Panhandle and I, that's open to anyone, not just Texans! All you need to do is write about something Texas related, post our little button in your post, then come back here and link up! That's it!)

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To me being a Texan means talking with a southern twang.

It means Sunday morning spent in a church pew, then Sunday afternoons spent having lunch at your grandma's house.

It's backroading and beer drinking on a Friday night.

It's muddin' and beer drinking on a Saturday night.

It's bow hunting in October, and rifle hunting in November and December.

It's days spent at the county fairs in the fall.

It's Friday Night Lights.

It's tailgatin Saturdays.

It's cattle, horses and cowdogs.

It's the State Fair in October, and the Houston Livestock Show in March.

It's Warrenton twice a year, and Canton every first Monday.

It's FFA all through high school, and 4H as soon as you're old enough to show.

It's Blue Bell ice cream and Dr. Pepper.

It's rattlesnakes and armadillos.

It's George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Willie Nelson.

It's small towns where everyone knows everyone else.

It's honkytonks and dancehalls.

It's Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes.

It's rodeos and barbecue.

It's families and friends.

Being a Texan means everything to me. And sure, maybe not everyone one sees it this way, but I do. This is my Texas. And I have to say, my Texas is pretty great.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Aimee on Pinterest

Happy Texas Tuesday, darlings! Make me proud and say "y'all" a few hundred times today!

Texas Tuesday {vol. 3}

Hey, y'all, happy Texas Tuesday! This day is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week!

I am so very pleased with the turnout this linkup has had in the last two weeks! Y'all Texans (and some non-Texans!) are my favorite.

Before I get into my post, I figured I'd go over what exactly Texas Tuesday is, just in case you haven't been around the last couple of weeks to hear about it! Texas Tuesday is a link up that's open to anyone (not just Texans!). You can write about whatever your pretty little heart desires, just as long as it's Texas related. Once your post is written, grab the Texas Tuesday button, and then link up with either me or Amanda. It's that simple. (Side note, if you're linking up, be sure and check out some of the other Texas Tuesday posts, I'm sure you'll love them!)

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 What I love the most about Texas is there's always something fun to do, and most of the time you don't have to drive very far.

With the fourth of July being tomorrow, I figured I'd share a few of my favorite Independence Day spots.

{floating, y'all}

Obviously you could spend your Independence Day floating one of this great state's many rivers. Anytime you put a tube in a Texas river, you automatically have the recipe for a good time!

{Baby, you're a firework}

Then there is the fireworks show over Possum Kingdom Lake. They're so spectacular, they were even included in the Josh Abbott song "My Texas". If you've never seen them, get your rear up to Possum Lake, pronto!

{Boom, boom, boom}


And last, but certainly not least, my most favorite thing to do on Independence Day is to head out to the birthplace of Texas, Washington on the Brazos, and watch their fireworks show. This is something I've done almost every year since I was little. I remember it like it was yesterday, we'd ride out, and all pile in the back of my daddy's truck, and watch the fireworks. It's one of my favorite memories.

So, no matter where you are this Independence Day, I hope you find yourself somewhere with good friends, a cold beverage, and an amazing fireworks show. It's even better if you're in Texas.

Happy early Independence Day, y'all!

Texas Tuesday {vol. 1}

Hey y'all! Welcome to the very first edition of Texas Tuesday!! 

Now, before I get to my Texas-fied post, let me clue in those who don't know what Texas Tuesday is! Texas Tuesday is the genius idea of Miss Amanda Faith of Princess of the Panhandle. She asked me if I wanted to cohost, and if you know anything about me and my love of all things Texas, you know I jumped right in! It's a blog link-up that's open to anyone, not just Texans, but it has to be Texas related. You can write about anything at all, just as long as it has to do with Texas. It can be anything from Texas fashion, to Texas music, to Texas locations and events. Got it? Good! If you join in (and we hope you do!), just grab the button below, put it in your post, and link up so we can come read it!! 

Ok, let's kick off this Texas Tuesday the right way!! 

When I sat down to write this post, I had no idea what I was going to write about. Not because of lack of topics, I mean, come on, it's Texas! There's plenty to write about!! But how do I pick a favorite? And then, it hit me. Texas music is the thing I love the most! Texas country, to be specific! 

There are so many Texas artists, but my all time, most favorite one, is Kevin Fowler. He is one of the most geuinine Texas artisit I know! He has amazing music, and he's true to his Texas roots. Born and bred in Amarillo, when he couldn't get signed, he took matters into his own hands and recorded and released his debut album, Beer, Bait, and Ammo, all on his own. It sold over 30,000 copies, just in Texas! He then went on to become very well known here in Texas, and he's still kicking it Lone Star State style!

OK, I think I've yacked enough, I'll let Kevin's music do the talking!

And my personal favorite...

See? Told ya he was good! Now it's your turn! Write your own Texas Tuesday post, link up, and then go check out more of Kevin's music. You won't be disappointed!! 

Happy Texas Tuesday, y'all!

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Everything's Better in Texas

Happy Monday, my lovelies!!

How do you like my new digs!? The ever so fabulous Little Woman hooked me up with a very stylish new design, if I do say so myself!! (If you're needing a blog design, give her a holler!!)

So, I have so, so, so, many things to share with y'all, and not really enough time to do it! We have been busy checking off things on our Summer Bucket List, and now we've got guests coming in tonight or tomorrow, so I've been so swamped, I haven't had the time to share it all with y'all!!

BUT

I promise a SBL update at some point this week, and we may even get a chance to make homemade glitter play dough, which you know I'll have to share with y'all right away.

Anywhoodles, I wanted to stop in really quick and share a bit of information with y'all. The lovely Amanda Faith, from Princess of the Panhandle, and I have been talking, and we wanted to share our big news with y'all today! Starting next Tuesday, we'll start hosting a truly Texas-fied link-up. Texas Tuesday is open to any Texas blogger (anyone really, but I doubt it pertains to anyone outside of Texas!) and it is all about life in Texas. You can write about anything Texas related. Food, music, Texas style, restaurants, places, events, absolutely anything that pertains to Texas. If you know anything about me, you know that I'm insanely proud to be from Texas, so when Amanda mentioned this to me, I was on board immediately! 

(side note, I'm wondering how many times I can write "Texas" in a paragraph without being too repetitive?)

I'm currently working on a button for the link-up, and we'll get it up sometime this week, that way it's ready for next weekend's link-up. We are so excited to kick this off, so we really hope all of you Texas bloggers join in with us. I love showing off what this lovely state has to offer, and what better way than blogging about it and linking up!?

So, if you're a Texas blogger, come join us! And if you aren't, stick around, I swear you'll fall just as much in love with Texas as we already are!!

"Revive From Ashes and Rise"

Y'all, my beloved state is burning. There are fires all around Texas, including one in the county that I currently live in.

The worst is in Bastrop County, which is the county we lived in before moving to where we are now. Friends and family are being evacuated, I have some friends that have already lost their homes, and we have friends that are fighting the fires there.

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My heart is breaking for everyone effected by the fires. I'm dying to help, but there's nothing I can do at this point.

Please, if you're the praying type, say a prayer for it to rain in Texas. If you aren't the praying type, just send some good vibes, or wish some rain our way. We Texans are a strong breed, and we can handle a lot, but right now, I think we're at our wits end. We need rain, desperately.

My Texas

If you know anything about me, (which most of you don't) you know that I'm crazy about music. Any kind of music, really. But, I have Texas and Red Dirt music in my veins. The day that I can't hear either of those on my radio is the day that my soul dies.

Now that we're clear just how much I love Texas music, let me introduce you to one of my favorite bands.

The Josh Abbott Band

I don't think there is a single song that they've released that I haven't loved. Plus? Josh Abbott is kinda sexeh.

He's got that good ol' country boy look

Anyhot, this last Tuesday, their new song, "My Texas", was released on iTunes. Now, I've been waiting for months for this single to come out. I heard a sneak peek awhile back, and I was hooked from the get go. Here, let me show you:

If you aren't hooked after listening to it, you ain't met my Texas yet probably aren't from Texas, and there's a huge chance you've never heard of most of these things. However, I've heard of every one of these things, and, I'm sad to say, there's some that I haven't done. Take away my Texan card, because I can't call myself a real Texan anymore. So, I've decided to fix this. Wanna know what I'm planning on doing?

That's right, folks, I'm making a Texas To Do List! I plan on doing everything listed in this song, plus I'm going to be looking for more awesome things to do here in my great state!

The best part? I'm inviting all of my Texas followers to join me. There's even a button!

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Over the next few weeks I'll be putting together a list of things that I want to do, or see, here in this great state. If you're a fellow Texan, and you want to join in, let me know! I definitely want to know what all you've decided to do. Or, if you have an suggestions, leave a comment or drop me an email! And, if you aren't from Texas, I'm really sorry. You should definitely visit one day!

X's and O's!

Update: The code in the grab box wasn't working but it's fixed now!!