Cookin' Up Crates

I am a huge fan of grilling and cooking out. A necessary Summer activity, it's sort of spiraled into a hobby/obsession at this point that I'm very passionate about. Of course with the regular fare provided from potato salad, fried chicken, seafood, and BBQ in the Carolinas, I've come to prefer the classic Southern staples that makes these memorable feasts into actual parties.

Another thing I love is a perfectly curated setup that includes the basics, and guess what? They also make pretty amazing gifts!

Enter .... Man Crates.

Now I'm a girl, but even I love the rugged appeal of a gift you have to open with a crowbar and being able to give one makes you seem kind of like the coolest guys' girl ever.  Man Crates are affordable curated sets from lovers of jerky, to zombie preparedness, who love the no frills approach to gift giving and receiving. (You can even give them to your Dad!)

Blankets

I don't know a guy who'd admit that they wouldn't like a nice blanket to cover the ground while they feast, but a tartan picnic blanket up's your game while also looking snappy and cheerful. (Your significant other will also thank you for it!)

Waterproof Back Plaid Picnic Blanket $39.95
from Scotland Shop

I am in love with these waterproof picnic rugs from Scotland Shop. They're darling, and essential for resting between grilling or taking a break between rounds of beer pong. 

Glassware

Men don't drink out of plastic cups unless you're in the frat house, or at a tailgate, so it's time to update! Mason Jars are cute, practical, and multi-purpose. You can also pack anything in them, and they're good to the environment.

Mason Jar Shot Glasses $15
Set of 4
Burbon and Boots

These Mason Jar shot glasses are excellent for entertaining, and essential for holding things like condiments, homemade salad dressings, and alcohol. These particular one's from Bourbon and Boots come in a set of 4 for $15. That's a must for the crate!

Ketchup

When I think of quality condiments, look no farther than all-natural pork bacon ketchup. That's right! 

All-Natural Pork Bacon Ketchup $10
Heritage Farms
(Available at Burbon and Boots)

Made right here in North Carolina, (not too far from where I grew up), Heritage Farms has been making quality clothing and pork products for their boutique on Bourbon and Boots. I've actually bought bottles of this as presents, but this would be a huge hit for a BBQ Man Crate and it's a crowd pleaser! Who doesn't like bacon?

Being from North Carolina our pork BBQ is a delicacy. Now I'm biased, but vinegar based sauces are the best and only way to eat BBQ properly! In fact, I can whip up my own and have several times in a crockpot when we lived on the other side of the country for awhile. It's a must in the Summer around here.

I hope you enjoyed what I would put in my Man Crate, but tell me, what would you put in yours? Let me know in the comments!

xo,
C

27.

Print by InkistPrints. Available @ Etsy.

There is an uncertain amount of fear that you relinquish yourself to at the end of your twenties. Who am I? Where am I going? I ask myself these questions at least 20 times a day. Nervousness and apprehension makes up the bulk of the earlier years, as you rest on eventually what is practical. Your own impulses however, are an exercise in rebelliousness at its very best!

If you don't ask yourself these questions, simply embark upon the adventure, and for that sole purpose alone make it the life's work of your early twenties ... to explore. I've been on many adventures, not necessarily life changing one's but the spirit of the people who had already traveled my road inspired me to take risks. Reaching outside of my comfort zone, I got to see the part of the world that I only could have dreamed of.

I challenge you to do the same.

I turned 27 on Friday, March 20th, and I think for once, I've finally found home. I searched for it, but really this was the place all along. When I was younger NC was our refuge, a place for my parents to figure out their destructive marriage, where I was allowed to be a kid, but as a family it is where we became the closest. The Summers I spent here, at our grandmother's lake house, tucked safely into my aunt's waterbed when there were no extras, and the trips I took with all of us crammed into the car are some of my fondest memories. When I think back on all those times I fought it, that it was just this place my parents were able to call home although they were military brats and no place was ever really "home," I fancied putting together my little brick wall which would prevent me from settling for most of my life.

Now, I know what I want.

Except, I'm living in it. Scour. Search. Look far and wide, but know that home will hit all at once, or little by little, just like me. It is where your truth lies, and your courage will be it's deepest of brave.



xo,
C