Paris Texas Apparel Co.

“Every Texan has a bit of that wild sense of adventure. Texas attracts all types of people for all types of reasons. It has something for everyone, and if we don’t have it, a Texan will build it.” — Paris Texas Apparel Co.

Hey y’all! I want to invite you over to our home for some late summer fun with Paris Texas Apparel Co. My husband has been a long time fan of their neckties and casual wear, and I am super excited about their new line of home goods including art prints and glassware. Paris Texas Apparel Co.’s goal is to design a clothing (and home goods) line that celebrates all that is great about Texas, and we couldn’t be prouder to be here. What better way to put it all to use in one evening than to host our dear friends and their sweet daughter with a Texas style BBQ! We were joined by the incredible photographer Kate Robinson to capture our fun on this warm summer afternoon. Thank you, Kate!

Let’s just get right to it: the handsome fellas in these preppy Dillo polo shirts manning the grill. The Paris Texas Apparel Co. armadillo logo is on the upper left and the shirt comes in seven different colors. My husband is quite the grill master, and we make very good use of the built-in grill on our outdoor patio where we love to spend family time. Take a peek in the background at the Deep In The Heart of Texas print. Framed for indoor or protected outdoor use, these make some awesome wall art for the Texas aficionado in your life. We have two out on our patio, one above our fireplace and one on the bar. They are designed and printed in Texas and feature an authentic folk wood-block style. The one above the fireplace (in the top picture) says The Road Goes on Forever & The Party Never Ends. There’s an old saying in Texas “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could” and I think our family holds this saying as gospel. Our Texas pride is strong as can be, and we are thrilled our boys are growing up Texans.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen (and let’s be real, in the air conditioning) I’m hanging out with my beautiful friend Esther. Esther and I met shortly after our family moved to town and she is one of the smartest, most interesting, thoughtful and caring people I have ever met. She is the mama to the sweet little girl you will see in these pictures, and the founder of cuteheads, the adorable line of handmade children’s clothing.

Back outside, looks like the filets are almost finished and my husband has put my salmon on a cedar plank. Our guys are braving the heat and have switched into their Texas Paris Apparel Co. t-shirts. My husband is in the Texas tee in navy, and Esther’s husband, Doug, is wearing the A State of Mind, An Obsession tee, also in Navy, but it also comes in white. For a size check, they are both wearing a Medium which has a nice slim fit but roomy enough to move around.

Let me tell you a little bit about this end-of-summer concoction we’re enjoying in these adorable pint glasses. These glasses will make an excellent gift for the Texas lover. Wrap them up as a housewarming or hostess gift, or pair them with some libations in a gift basket. There are two different sets of four to choose from, and it’s a difficult choice because I like ALL of the designs.

Here’s what I’m whipping up. It’s a simple recipe, but it does take some time, so best to grab a seat and make this over some conversation.

Watermelon, Lime & Mint Spritzer

Ripe and sweet watermelon, roughly chopped into cubes and blended until smooth in a Vitamix
Juice of three limes
Fresh mint
Sparkling water (I prefer LaCroix, but any flavorless sparkling water will work)
Optional: Tito’s vodka
Optional: A couple tablespoons of simple syrup. I find the watermelon is sweet enough on its own, but if you want a little extra, add to taste. It’s easy to make, boil equal parts sugar and water, reduce to a simmer, and let cool. Store for weeks sealed in your fridge!

1. Blend the watermelon in a Vitamix until smooth then quick-strain over a shaker filled with ice
2. Add the juice of three fresh limes and about ten bruised mint leaves. Optional, add an ounce or two of Tito’s.
3. Shake it up and strain into a glass of ice. Fill about 3/4 full, then top with the sparkling water.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a wedge of lime.
5. Enjoy!

I like to make this recipe when my mint starts taking over the garden and watermelons are ripe and plentiful. I make the recipe sans Tito’s so everyone, including the kiddos, can enjoy, but an ounce or two will certainly take this summer drink to the next level!

And back to us, haha! Cheers, girlfriend! I will say it’s such a nice feeling to hang out with friends at home. I love going out to restaurants, of course, but the casualness of the kiddos running around and the comfort of being together as a family is just the best.

We had a rare situation this particular evening, and my four-year-old took a late nap and SLEPT THROUGH the entire BBQ (and the night, thankfully), so it was only my big boy Bennett and Esther and Doug’s darling Naomi. As a mom of boys I can’t help but gush over little girls, and little Naomi is the sweetest little bug ever!

Pint glasses aren’t just for the grown ups! This is my (big) little guy getting in his Vitamin D and the amazing Kate getting a little giggle out of him.

Cheers to laughter, love, happy and healthy children, plentiful meals, and wonderful friends! This photograph captures four of the eight different designs on the pint glasses – I’m telling you, you’ll want both sets because every design rocks!

And finally, let’s EAT! The sun is going down, and with it a little bit of the heat, so we can enjoy our delicious home cooked meal under the glow-y setting Texas sun. Paris Texas Apparel Co. says they have created a new way for to display your love for the Lone Star State, and I think we did just that! Thanks so much to the hometown team over at Paris Texas Apparel Co, we hope we make y’all proud!

xo

Author: Candace Thomas