Kentucky Food

Since we have a large family, it’s actually a good thing that I have Christmas on the brain every day of the year. After all, if I waited until November and December to do all of my Christmas shopping, I’d never make it.

Neither would our bank account.

Right after Christmas, I begin buying Christmas gifts and hiding them away. You know how people are always saying they wish the Christmas Spirit could last all year long?  I’m here to tell you, it CAN.

On a recent trip to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, we (as we always do) stopped by The Hitching Post in Aurora. We always take the opportunity to browse around and stock up on jams, Kentucky food, homemade fudge, and bottles of vintage soda pop.

I kept seeing perfect Christmas gifts for my husband, our daughters & sons-in-law, and grandbaby (our first… he’s due in January!). Literally everywhere I turned I saw something that “so and so” just “has to have” and things that “such and such” would “absolutely flip sideways for.”

That’s when the idea for this post came about. I figured if my such and suchs and so and sos would flip sideways, yours will too. Below are just some of the gift ideas I spied on this trip. Trust me, we’ll be going back again soon and I’ll find more.

In other words, there’ll be future posts just like this one…. Christmas on the brain, you know.

The first gift idea of the 10 is the RC and Moon Pies gift set at the top. The “Redneck Six Pack” has 2 RC Colas and 4 Moon Pies. This would, obviously, be a perfect idea for anyone, whether their neck is red or not.  I mean, everyone loves delicious RC and Moon Pies.

Gift ideas number 2-10 are below.

Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers, Principals & Childcare Workers

The adorable Colored Pencil Frame (above) would be ideal for teachers, principals, or anyone who works with children for that matter.

It’s even cuter in person – very well made and affordable.

Gift Idea for Grandparents

As I said, above, we are expecting our first grandbaby in January and we couldn’t be more excited. I cannot wait to get my hands on him and spoil him like any self-respecting grandmother should! The sign, above, would make a wonderful (and downright honest) gift for any grandparent.

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Whether the pet lovers in your life are owned by cats (like me) or are owned by dogs, the pet lovers sign, above, would make them nod in agreement and maybe even give a few, “AMEN”s – I know I did when I read it.

Gift Idea for Proud Kentuckians

Okay, this one probably applies to all of us. This beautiful “Happiness is a State of Mind” (with our beloved Kentucky in the middle) sign would make a wonderful gift for all Kentuckians. Whether they are still blessed to live here in the Bluegrass OR they’re Kentuckians who now have to call somewhere else “home.” Then again, even when we Kentuckians have to live in another state, only one comes to mind when we hear the word “home.” When we temporarily lived in Florida, whenever I’d hear the word “home” – I didn’t think of the beaches, dolphins, and pelicans, I thought of the hills, horses, and cardinals.

There really is NO place like home.

Gift Ideas for Fishermen and Women

The picture above is just a fraction of the great gift ideas for people who love fishing (or hunting, for that matter). There are countless books, trinkets, signs, and fun gifts for people who spend a lot of time fishing and even more time thinking about fishing.

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas for Tea Lovers

A few Christmases ago, my husband gave me a glorious gift basket that included a container of Elmwood Inn Fine Tea bags (like the ones pictured above). I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful tea since. People who aren’t tea lovers (what do you people even drink??) might not believe it, but there is a HUGE difference in different teas. You can taste the quality in really special tea and Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a perfect, perfect, perfect example. A container or two of this wonderful tea in a bag with a lovely teacup would be a gift any tea drinker would love.

If that wasn’t a sufficient enough hint for my family, I’m losing my touch.

Gift Ideas for Cooks

It takes a cook to know what cooks want… what they really, really want… so you’re in good hands with me. I cook, therefore I am. Does that sum it up enough? I am as passionate about cooking as Garfield the cat is about napping and I always find SO many wonderful foods, spices, seasonings at The Hitching Post as well as the Old Country Store right beside it. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt and Pepper are absolutely delicious on and in just about anything.  The flavor and aroma is out of this world and I know they also make Bourbon Smoked Sugar but honestly can’t remember if I saw it at The Hitching Post or not.

Another favorite that I have trouble living without is something called Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds (badly pictured below… my old phone sucked at taking pictures). I cannot even tell you how delicious it is. Why I’ve never taken a better picture of it is beyond me, but it is phenomenal – we love it on hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, in egg salad sandwiches, on deviled eggs, on crackers…. one of the best ways to enjoy it, however, is with pretzels. This delicious spread/dip is one of those things you have to try to believe how delicious it is.

It’d make a great gift idea for any foodie or cook, but be sure to grab yourself a jar while you’re at it.

Trust me.

The Hitching Post also has a lot of Christmas ornaments and decorations throughout the store as well. I’d imagine that they’ll even have more as we get closer to Christmas. I mean, even I realize it’s still a few months away.

Writers, Students, Note-Takers, and Planners

The adorable journals pictured above are extra, extra special. I wanted just about every single one – except for the retirement journal… I mean, retire from what? You could find a perfect journal for just about anyone on your list. Seriously, these are super cute.

Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Laugh!

Last… but far from least… you’ll find endless gifts for people who love to laugh. If you ask me, it’s downright dangerous to take life too seriously and the people at The Hitching Post seem to really get that. I mean they seem to really, really, really get that!

The sign above and the “Mug Shots” below are just a few of the hilarious gift ideas. You will, literally, find yourself surrounded with hundreds of great gift ideas.

Until the next 10, I have supper to cook and Christmas to think about…

~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. Did I mention we’re expecting a grandbaby???