As part of the Arkansas Women Bloggers (ARWB), I occasionally come across an opportunity to test a product or service or attend an event in exchange for sharing information about it with my readers. I have never accepted one of these opportunities if I didn’t think they were things that already fit into my lifestyle and blog subject matter. Also, all opinions are my own and are honest representations of my experience.

Last week was Valentine’s Day week, and like most of you, I was wondering what on earth to give my husband. I know that the day is kind of hit and miss for many folks. There are those who think it’s overkill, that we should show our beloveds that we love them 365/24/7, not save it all for an annual expression of our devotion exemplified by over-priced flowers and candy.

There are also those who are not in a relationship, and for those folks the day can be viewed as an anti-holiday of sorts. My Hubs used to fall into that category. He told me once that he used to actually take February 14th off his calendars. He didn’t just mark through the day with a black Sharpie… he literally CUT IT OUT OF THE CALENDAR. To say that it matters if I celebrate how happy I am that we found each other is a bit of an understatement. Also, he married a woman in her 30s with two daughters headed into their teens. He’s a brave man deserving of my devotion. ;)

So, last week, just as I started to wonder what on earth I could give him this year, I got a sweet little package in the mail from Bourbon & Boots. I had forgotten that I signed up to play with one of their items in return for a blog post, so I was thrilled to remember that I had selected this particular item for the Hubs! They also sent along a card with a coupon code for me to use to get $5.00 off my next order. Sweet!

I used my coupon to order a couple of gifts for other people the same day the knife arrived in the  mail. One of the gifts arrived at my door two days later! Bourbon & Boots has a fantastic selection of items that appeal to the Southerner in all of us, and a wide selection of things that are focused on state pride for individual southern states. The “In the Curio” section is my favorite. It’s full  of vintage finds that make my heart skip a beat. But there are also t-shirts and other clothing items, art and prints, home decor items, jewelry, stationery… you just have to go see for yourself.

The item I chose for the Hubs was an Opinel folding knife. The Opinel brand has been around since 1890, which  tells me right away that it’s a good product. It’s simple, with a wooden handle and a little safety lock. Seems kind of utilitarian, and it certainly isn’t made of chocolate, BUT… they were first made in France, which makes it extra romantic!!

The timing on this gift is perfect, because my Hubs is not just a sweet guy who buys me flowers and mushy cards on Valentine’s Day (and brave, remember). He also operates a paranormal research and investigation group and goes out in the woods now and again to look for evidence of Bigfoot. In fact, he is going out this weekend with a friend to set up game cameras and spend the night in the forest.

Now, whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, you have to admit that if you were going to allow for the possibility of an encounter with a large mammal of questionable lineage, a sharp blade with a safety lock would come in fairly handy, right? Or maybe just to cut some twine and sharpen marshmallow sticks. Either way – my Hubs is covered.

And here’s the JUST FOR YOU part: If you make a purchase at Bourbon & Boots using the coupon code BLOGSEELAURIEW14, you’ll get 5% off your item! Sweet!

Go on and do some browsing at Bourbon & Boots and share some of your favorite items (you won’t have just one) in the comments!