Let’s face it. There’s just nothing like being a Texan. Regardless if you’re a fifth generation Houstonian, a West Texas cotton wrangler, or a new transplant to the Lone Star State, a pride and spirit unlike any other sweeps over each and every one of us when we see that “Welcome to Texas” sign at the borderline (remember: Drive friendly – the Texas way).
How that feeling – every Texan’s sixth sense – developed over time is up for debate, but there’s no arguing that its roots lie in the soil of Washinton-on-the-Brazos where in March of 1836 sixty men signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Since that time, we’ve all been smitten with the land, culture, and people situated between Texline and Brownsville.
To celebrate more than 183 years of all-things Texan, we’ve found six Lone Star-crafted essentials we think are the perfect way to show off your love for the state.
Texas Accessories for the Kitchen & Home – Pricing Varies
Opportunity Market – Oak Cliff
https://opportunitymarket.com/collections/its-a-texas-thing
A mainstay in the Bishop Arts District of the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Opportunity Market purveys an eclectic assortment of apparel and wares from craftsman across the state, nation, and world. The market’s “It’s a Texas Thing” website section has some great finds this month. We particularly like the Texas-shaped casserole dish. Couple that with a King Ranch casserole and you just might make the most Texan dinner – ever.
“If Lost Return Here” T-Shirt – $25
W Durable Goods – Fort Worth
https://wdurablegoods.com/products/if-lost
According to the W Durable Goods website, after a few years of making and crafting out of their house, Daniel Wright and his wife, Stephanie, left their day jobs and focused on hand-crafting quality goods and wares in Fort Worth. Since that time, they’ve opened a retail shop on South Freeway hock their good goods.
Even though their bags of various sizes, shapes, and uses are not to be overshadowed, we’re especially fond of their “If lost return here” t-shirt (and onesie for little Texans). The tee has a great style and could be useful if left at a rest stop while traveling through Oklahoma, Louisiana, or any other international destination.
Texas State Stud Earrings – $12
LuxCups Creative – Austin
https://luxcupscreative.com/accessories/enamel-texas-earrings
What do you get when you combine two creative Austinites, a love of Texas, and support and encouragement from two mini schnauzers named Yoshi and Porkchop? LuxCups Creative, that’s what. Libby and John started LuxCups when they got into the cupcake biz, but now the company has transitioned into fun-spirited enterprise focused on pins, patches, and accessories.
This month, we’re highlighting LuxCups highly economical, highly Lone Star enamel Texas earrings. At $12 a pair, there’s not a more approachable way to show your spirit in such a fun way.
Yellow Rose of Texas Candle – $5-26
New Braunfels Candle Company – New Braunfels
https://newbraunfelscandleco.com/product/yellow-rose-of-texas/
We all have that one friend. You know, the one that for one reason or another moved from Texas to a foreign land. When they come to visit, they have to get their fix of everything authenticly Texas – good salsa, good queso, anything Whataburger, and a trip to the State Fair, of course.
Well, now you can send the Lone Star State to expats by way of the New Braunfels Candle Company’s “Yellow Rose of Texas” candle. Coming in a variety of sizes, this combination of sweet rose, lily, fern, and marigold will remind them of home sweet home.
Bentley’s Batch 5 Reserve Bloody Mary Mix – Prices Vary
Bently’s Batch 5 – Dallas
http://bentleysbatch5.com/products/bentleys-batch-5-reserve-bloody-mary-mix/
The good folks and history coming out of the small family-owned barbecue sauce shop known as Bently’s Batch 5 are right out of Texas lore (relatives of the family came with Stephen F. Austin to settle the future state in 1822). Harold Green started bottling his father’s secret sauce, created in 1954, in 2014 and it’s been a hit ever since, holding the title of number one selling barbecue sauce in the GoTexan Pavilion at the State Fair for four years running.
While the barbecue sauce is excellent, their spin on Bloody Mary mix is above the rest in the category. Using their famed barbecue sauce as a base, the blend includes a zesty and bold flavor. You can also kick it up a notch and go with their hot version. Either way you choose, this mix makes for a great way to make a toast to our beloved state.
Big Tex Statue – $25
State Fair of Texas – Dallas
https://bigtexstore.com/products/sfotnv0076-big-tex-®-statue
The State’s unofficial official ambassador to the world for more than 60 years, Big Tex says everything about Texas without saying a word (well not until late September, that is).
Bring a (much) smaller version of Texas’ most favorite son into your home or office with this 13-inch statue. It’ll remind you to give a big “howdy” to everyone you meet.
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