grace grits and gardening - ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Bourbon and Boots: Y’all Necklace

February 24, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

(This post is sponsored by Bourbon and Boots. All opinions expressed are my own.)

When I was asked to review the Y’all Necklace for Bourbon and Boots, I did a little jig right in the middle of my kitchen. Bourbon and Boots is the quintessential online shop for all things southern. I’m not kidding. Southern dreams begin with the hand-crafted items sold by Bourbon and Boots.

Before I talk about this adorable Y’all Necklace, let’s chat about southern women… Have you ever stopped to think about what makes a girl southern? Probably not. We don’t have to ponder this one—we just are. It’s our natural, blessed way of life, that little something deep inside that makes us fluff our hair and swipe on lipstick before running to the grocery store. Feel free to follow me around as long as you like, but you will never ever hear me utter the words “you all”.

Nope.

Those words are simply not part of my vocabulary.

A true southern girl flaunts her southern-ness, and what better way than with the Y’all Necklace from Bourbon and Boots?

The hand-stamped sterling silver disc (5/8″) hangs from an 18″ sterling silver chain that is both sparkly and delicate yet sturdy. The clasp is solid too. No one has time for a flimsy clasp.

And did you notice the pearl dangle? Pearls make me happy happy happy!

I love my new necklace so much I wore it to my first meeting with a Dallas book publisher, a publisher who needs to understand who I am. This necklace sums me up in one word.

The length is perfect – not too short, not too long. It looks fantastic as a single showpiece or layered with other necklaces. And the price is right too at only $42.

Now take my advice, head straight over to Bourbon and Boots and start your wish list today.

** Use this coupon code bloggracegg14 for 5% off any Bourbon and Boots purchase! **

A ginormous THANK YOU to Bourbon and Boots for bringing southern home to everyone. Even those not born on the charmed side of the Mason-Dixon line, bless your heart…

Grace Grits and Gardening

P.S. Wanna see my wish list? Check out my Bourbon and Boots Pinterest Page…And don’t forget to follow Bourbon and Boots on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Thanks y’all!

Musical Pairing: (something to listen to while you shop)

Banks of the Arkansas, Lucero

The Lot is dog friendly!

February 21, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

The Lot is my new favorite dog-friendly place in East Dallas. Only six blocks from my house, The Lot is located at 7530 E. Grand near the intersection of Gaston and Garland Road. If you haven’t been recently (or ever), load up Fido and head over asap. This is a come-as-you-are, relaxed sort of restaurant. Step inside and you’ll immediately feel as though you’ve slipped into vacation mode—maybe because of The Lot’s close proximity to White Rock Lake?

Your dog will love the large sandy “beach” playground with plenty of room to romp and roam.

The fenced space is neat and clean, and there’s cold, fresh water and plastic baggies for poop scooping.

The outside dining patio is dog friendly too. With a shady arbor, this is an ideal place for lunch or happy hour. I noticed an impressive fire pit, so I plan to go back one night and check that out (with hubby / sans dogs).

The menu (designed by Sharon Hage of York Street fame) is creative with burgers, Tex-Mex and Lakewood “favorites” such as cayenne fried cauliflower and yucca fries with malt dust vinegar. I had the Super Green salad which included kale, spinach, sunflower seeds, tofu, eggs and other healthy ingredients. Loved it! (I was trying to be good, and yes the salad cancelled out the calories in my frosty Miller Light… Right?)

The Lot is uniquely connected to the Santa Fe Trail which makes it a convenient stop for bikers and runners. Notice the sign below—$2 pints all day everyday for those who enter from the trail (including dog lovers…)

You should definitely add The Lot to your list of places to visit soon. And don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Twitter so you never miss any cool happenings like $3 rainy day beer specials and $5 Wednesday cheeseburgers.

Grace Grits and Gardening

P.S. The Lot is super kid-friendly with a designated playground connected to the side patio. While you peacefully dine, your little ones can play in the sand and climb on tires like the good ole days. There is an impressive outdoor chalkboard and one of my absolute favorite things… wait for it… wait for it… a BUTTERFLY GARDEN installed by Promise of Peace.

You know I love that.

A Pet Tribute

February 20, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner

The death of a pet is one of the most heartbreaking things. The pain is raw and real. It will knock you to your knees.

Recently several of my friends experienced the devastating death of their pets. It seemed every few days another beloved pet had died. The Facebook comments and condolences piled up for each because everyone could relate. We’ve all been there. Pets are so easy to love and incredibly painful to lose. They fill an empty space we didn’t know we had.

But this isn’t meant to be a sad post.

This is a tribute to all those pets we love—yesterday, today and forever. And since today is National Love Your Pet Day, I thought I’d post pictures of my friends’ special pets who are missed so much…