Accessories can make or break the outfit

Now that Lucy has a stylin' new saddle that fits her, our trail rides have been getting longer. Between the summer heat and the dust, I've found it necessary to take along a bottle of water. This handy-dandy bottle carrier has served me well...

...but it's ugly and I think it cheapens the whole outfit. Not that anyone is ever going to see Lucy and I headin' down the trail, but a girl's self-esteem is boosted by the right accessories whether anyone sees them or not. So I googled around for something to complement our western style and passion for all things leather and found this:

Much more glamorous, don't you think? I saw it online at Sharp's Saddlery and e-mailed them asking whether they could personalize it with the 7MSN brand. Of course they could, and a week and a half later, we're riding down the trail lookin' good and thirsty no more. It's like a piece of art with a two-quart capacity.

Sharp's also makes saddles and lists all sorts of custom leather goods on their website. "If you don't see it, we can build it." This isn't a paid advertisement - it's just my way of thanking a small business that makes quality stuff and offers great customer service. Thanks, Robin!