I absolutely cannot believe it’s already February and there’s not a speck of snow on the ground.
I swear, I’ve never, ever experienced a winter like this before. In many ways, it’s absolutely wonderful not to have to deal with slushy sidewalks, slippery driveways, and salt-laden shoes. On the other hand, I feel like we missed a season somehow.
It feels weird, and I’m starting to think I’m a seasons kind of gal, someone who actually enjoys the changes in the weather throughout the year. I wonder how I would fare in a place where weather never changes?
In any event, I’m still loving this mild weather we’ve been having. I couldn’t ask for a nicer, gentler way of being initiated into the joys of traditional homeownership (shoveling, salting sidewalks, high heating bills, etc.). Perhaps we’ll be in for a shock next winter.
Despite the fact that it’s “mild” outside, the evenings still get chilly. Our new house has a fireplace, something I’ve never had the privilege of owning.
This past Valentine’s Day I did something different. Bryan was out of town on a business trip, so I invited a couple of friends over, and we had a quiet girls’ night in. 
I did have a moment of panic because I had bought marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, but did not have skewers on which to roast the marshmallows! Then I remembered the handy-dandy grill set that Mr. Bar-B-Q sent to me to test out a couple months ago. (I had used them to make grilled skirt steak tacos).
I pulled it out and – viola! Shish kabob sticks that would double perfectly as marshmallow roasting sticks! The cool serrated edge spatula worked pretty well at holding graham crackers and chocolate!
We made s’mores, talked about life, and just enjoyed soaking in the warmth of the fire.
It was one of the most relaxing nights I’ve had in a long time.
Happy February!
Nom nom nom
Giveaway!
Mr. Bar-B-Q has offered to giveaway one barbecue tool set to a lucky Tiny Urban Kitchen reader! Just “like” them on facebook and comment below letting me know your facebook name (so we can confirm that you follow them). Of course, you’re welcome to tell me your favorite way to use a fireplace or a campfire! I’m a newbie at this fireplace thing, so I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions!
Giveaway opens today and ends Friday, March 2, 2012. One entry per person; US shipping addresses only.
Good luck!
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Tina Dinh
😀 My friends and I have bonfires during the summer but we only use wooden skewers or disposable chopsticks for the marshmallows.
I just liked them on facebook. Those smores look yummy.
Amber Forrester
Try grilled pizza, it’s delish!
JannaWeber
Can’t wait for BBQ Season!
Liked on Facebook (Molly Shaffer Parr)
I liked their fb page (donna alena). I love to eat smores when camping of course!!
something frugal at yahooo dot com
Awesome set and I love the case. I like them as Jessica F. I love using a fireplace to get warm while drinking some hot apple cider 🙂
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
I liked their FB page (Lys Riley). My favorite way to use the fire place is using it. All. The. Time! It’s so great to sit by the fire and do work. Warmth and light. You really can’t beat that!
Jiffy Pop isn’t something I’ve seen for quite a while now, but when I was a child we used to use one with our fireplace from time to time. Not the most gourmet of popcorns but fun all the same!
I too liked the page (Ben Roberts)
Popcorn is fun and we also grill lots of veggies and fruit (pineapple, peaches and plums)
This will be perfect when we go camping! I liked their fb page (Monina Clingaman)
I like their facebook page (Melinda Mitchell) and mmm nothing better than smores!! I love snuggling next to the fireplace on cool evenings! So relaxing!!
Liked on FB.
Liked on Facebook! 30A EATS
Love beach bonfires on Grayton Beach, grilling hot dogs!
Hello there Mister Grill! Max Xu here!
What a cool giveaway! Thanks!
Liked on Facebook – Corey Friedman
Hi Jen, Did you recently move from your condo to a house? It is funny I live in Calgary Alberta and we are notorious for bitter cold winters and it has been quite nice. We have long winters here and definately have all 4 seasons. I lived in San francisco for a year and it seemed like they only have two and it felt wierd although living there was awesome!
Just “liked” the link! (Kathleen Au) Hopefully I can get this for my dad. He’s the pro in the fam when it comes to this stuff!
Hi Heather -yes, I did just recently move! I <3 SF too, though I’ve never lived there!
My facebook name is Eminy Rojas. I hope I get this! I looove to grill.
I am Kelly Tang on Facebook! As for my favorite use of BBQ, I would have to say I love grilled fruit. 🙂
I liked them! Sherry Lykins [email protected]
Liked! – Teresa Peterson
Congratulations! You won the grill set! I sent you email last week but didn’t hear from you. Please get back to me soon, othewise, I will pick another winner