10 Things Every Tailgate Must Have

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of True Value. The opinions and text are all mine.

Take a big sniff, can y'all smell it?

Can you smell the burgers on the grill?

Can you smell the fresh cut grass?

Can you smell the freshly painted shirtless dudes with D-FENCE spelled out across their chest?

Can you hear the piercing scream coming from Oak Cliff, Texas. The scream that will literally dismember your eardrum if you get too close? Yeah, that's my scream when the Vols or the Cowboys break free for a 45 yard touchdown run to take the lead late in the 4th quarter.

Football season last year was so rough for me. It was the highest highs and the lowest lows of my entire life. If you think I'm being dramatic, I am, and I won't stop. Being a football fan is a dangerous addiction, and once you pop you can't stop. Y'all know me well enough by now, you certainly know I'm just in way too deep at this point to ever have the chance of coming up for air - and I love it!

This time of year, before the first ball has been placed on the tee for the very first kickoff is my absolute favorite. Why? Because I have NOTHING but optimism in my heart. My teams haven't let me down yet, my coach hasn't ticked me off, no referee has made any holding calls that cause me to chuck a pillow at the television and my dogs still look at me thinking I'm a nice lady who doesn't screech out of absolutely no where and terrify them.

It's a GREAT time of year.

All of these things collectively mean - IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN AMERICA!

I'm so happy I could cry, my favorite time of year is back in action. Today

In honor of this momentous occasion, I've partnered with True Value to talk about my very favorite thing in the world (aside from tallying one in the win column) TAILGATING and HOMEGATING! True Value makes it so easy to shop for all of your tailgating needs, from coolers to grills to games to even SNACKS, they've got everything for you, all in one place. Which means, more time hanging with your friends and less time running all over creating looking for the various items you'll need.

Back in the dinosaur era, aka when I was in college 10 years ago (omg) we had the luxury of having an apartment on campus with a balcony perfect for tailgating. Now, as an adult, we tailgate out of our cars. Funny how that works, huh? Back in the day - no money, tailgated from an air conditioned apartment, today - adults with jobs, tailgate out our our vehicle in the blazing sun, rain, snow and cold. Odd.

Today, I thought I'd round up a few of my MUST HAVES from True Value (all can be ordered online) for your next tailgate, or even homegate!

1. EXTRA STRENGTH COOLER

Coolers have come a long way in a short period of time. Some of the most extreme coolers that hold your ice for 10+ days are so expensive. I've found an Orca Cooler that performs just as well for a fraction of the price of the competition.

2. INSULATED CAN/BOTTLE HOLDER

I first tried one of these in VA Beach in 90+ degree weather and it was a game changer. These are a must have to keep your drink cold while you're playing a game or jamming to your fight song.

3. A CUTE CHAIR

Sure, you can get a plain folding chair and fit right in -- OR you could get this cool AF blue chair and be the most stylish at the tailgate .

4. GRILL TOOLS

If you don't have burgers or dogs at the tailgate, then did you even tailgate bro? Last time I checked, it is a generally poor decision to flip a burger with your bare hand. Grab some grill tools instead.

5. JALAPEÑO COOKER

Because we're just EXTRA like that here in Texas.

Grab THIS jalapeño cooler for a little something extra.

6. A GRILL IN YOUR TEAM'S COLOR

I'll take a blue and an orange, pretty please! Burgers, brats and dogs for all!

7. CORNHOLE

I recently learned a trick to cornhole. I've been tossing it wrong my whole life. As a former basketball player (think LeBron only prettier) I now shoot it like a bball rather than tossing. GENIUS, party of 1.

8. A FOOTBALL

I've never seen a successful tailgate performed that didn't include a football to toss around. Grab this one here.

9. LADDER TOSS

If you're looking for something different than cornhole or your basic football, try this ladder toss game.

10. A CANOPY

Because getting rained on is literally for the birds.

Oh, and sunburn - ew.

You'll get enough sun at the game, do yourself a favor and grab this canopy.

Y'all we are just so excited for football season that we had a home gate to get game day ready. YES- we literally, practiced for tailgating. If you see a problem with this, then I'm just not sure we can be bros anymore.