Did the 2012 calendar just not include spring? Is that what happened?
Because here in middle-of-nowhere Georgia, we completely missed it. One minute it was mild-winter and then the next thing you know, I am outside with my bathing suit clad toddler wishing that we had a pool. Weird. It reminded me of some High School Musical movie – like the kids get back from winter break on the slopes to find themselves already in bikinis. (side note – I tried to find a pregnant kid in one of those movies – you know, for realism sake – and not one can be found. I’d say that’s a Disney FAIL. Just keeping it real folks.)
Seeing as how we are already in the midst of hot-lanta, it’s only fitting that we Bowers got uncooly excited about the freebies that Mr. Bar B Q offered us. Jeremy doesn’t get that pumped about many products we recieve (not like me who is doing the macarena in the corner) – so to see him salivate over some of the potential gifts? priceless.
I think it goes without mention that Jeremy’s favorite was the tool set. He’s been grilling out with our pimp-grill for quite some time (it’s an old story about how we almost caught the house on fire and in the end, our stainless steel grill turned gold – hence, pimp-grill)…so to see something so shiny and new was practically blinding. It had everything we needed – plus a nifty storage case.
I was most excited about the pizza kit
The best part about freebies (besides the stuff – THAT IS FREE!!!) is that it gives me an excuse to actually set the table and entertain. Since to me bbq’s are traditionally summery – and we had eight degree weather, we ate al fresco. (for my younger readers – al fresco is not a man.)
The grill stuff was amazing. Our number one favorite thing was the reversible grill griddle/pan for vegetables. (yes, I can also use it for pancakes inside on the stove top – bonus points to the dual grilling griddle
The pizza was amazing. I put some freshly sliced basil on top…straight outta my garden…(kisses fingertips!)
Jeremy wanted me to mention one really cool thing about both the hotdog roller and the pizza scooper-upper thingie – the handles detach. Why is this cool? Because things that break down into smaller pieces are easier to store. just ask ikea.
The table after the food was complete…
We made corn on the cob (check out those manly fancy pants corn holders – they came with the toolset!) smothered in bbq sauce…and the margarita pizza was perfect as an appetizer.
I loved the showmanship quality of the hanging kabob display. I only wish there was a way to permanently keep the veggies on the stick…ours kept sliding off – so I fashioned a rubberband solution for pictures. I think in the long run, I’ll just use old corks. It’ll be like easter eggs – both cute and functional…but with a little chic thrown in.
In the end, we absolutely loved it. It was one great way to start our holiday weekend – just being able to relax in the shade with Jer’s folks over some good food.
And of course, what would a post be without our mascot?!
Here he is demonstrating how short his tongue is (that’s the farthest I’ve ever seen it out) and his love for ice. Yup. The kid is fascinated with sucking on ice. He begs for it as a treat. How weird is that?! I hope that isn’t a sign that he’s dehydrated.
So let’s talk about summer! What is your favorite part of the warm season? Is it cookouts with friends or vacations with family or just hanging out by the pool? Or perhaps it’s just the fact that the days are longer and fruit is cheaper?
Disclaimer – I totally got some freebies from Mr.Bar B Q….yup…didn’t charge me one cent to send me some products they sell. However, they didn’t coerce me, hold a ransom over my head, encourage me or pay me to write anything nice. I’m not that cheap. So everything you read above is 100% my opinion…and me and Keo stand by it…I just like talking about relevant home items (or items that help food get into my belly) that I would want to buy anyway 🙂
Yes! I live in Athens so I am totally with you on wondering where in the heck winter was this year! Not that I’m complaining because I totally loathe cold weather.
For the 8 millionth time in my life, I wish I were you. What a great score! I smell a father’s day gift in the making! Of course, we should get a grill first… and move out of an apartment and into something a little bit more roomier where the likelihood of setting the house on fire via grill is less likely. But you seem to prove that even that is possible 🙂
My little guy absolutely loves ice too! we have to watch him like a hawk at bbqs or else he goes around stealing ice out of peoples drinks 🙂
Totally unrelated to your post but if Will cannot stick his tongue out very far could he be tongue tied? Lots of Dr’s miss it if it is a minor one but even minor ones can cause alot of pain for the Mum while breastfeeding!!
We have had snow here in Edinburgh this weekend 🙁 Definitely now BBQ’s for us. xox
Yay for a pizza peel!! I need one of those those, I recently got my oven stone back from my mom, with no pizza peel, so I had to use parchment paper instead. I love cooking pizza on a pizza stone… mmm, homemade dough and sauce.
I can’t wait to BBQ, hubby and I are house hunting, and Wednesday we go in search of a bank that will give us dough! 🙂 I want a deck so we can grill-out and enjoy the sunshine or rain. 🙂
I love that set… its awesome.
My favorite thing is the wonderful fruit! We are returning to the States this summer and we’re really looking forward to hamburgers on the grill!
I’ve been obsessed with grilling these last few years. Baby back ribs are my favorite. A little pricey, but the end product is amazing (I use a wet rub and marinate for a day, then grill over indirect heat, low and slow, for a couple of hours). And since these are definitely a special occasion food, it feels ok to splurge here and there.
But growing up a native Marylander, nothing is more summer to me than a bushel of blue crabs. Steamed, Old Bay seasoning, corn on the cob and beers. Just sit, pick and eat for hours. Because it is such a time commitment, you are guaranteed to surround yourself with nothing but your favorite people in the world.
We have felt the same way about skipping over Spring here in Houston! We’ve been swimming and playing in sprinklers already for a couple of weeks! I LOVE the Kabob display. Very cool!
How did I not know that there were pizza stones for the grill? Was it really delicious…did it have a crunchy crust? I am intrigued!
Wow..did that all look delicious even at 8a.m.! All that equipment really makes grilling fun..I love the grilling basket for the veggies and the hotdog roller. I need to get those! Enjoy that warm weather. We’re stilling waiting here in New England, but it’s getting there slowly!
You’re table setting looks so pretty. Did you make the table runner? I love it!
How do you score free stuff?? Someone there reads your blog and contacts you? Just curious… Either way, AMAZING!!! I love that your blog allows you to score free stuff nd that you not only admit it, but own it! Nothing worse than people who deny or lie, or try to downplay something… If I got free stuff Id shot it from the rooftops! Heck, Im excited when I get coupons and free samples in the mail! haha
HOLY CATS!!! I MUST get a hot dog roller! My husband would die…Thx for sharing!
Prime example that the seasons changed to fast:
White bread and not buns for the burgers 🙂
or maybe it is a southern thing.
I love the k-bob display
I love our pizza stone – it was one of the first things Joe and I added to our wedding registry. Pizzas always come out delicious!
This also reminds me that we should probably start looking into mini grills. Since we rent, it doesn’t make sense to buy a huge one, but definitely one that could go tailgating.
Did you have a second bday for will?
After reading your breastfeeding post the other day and then you mentioning Will’s short tongue I had a thought. That could be the reason you had so much pain in the beginning. After nursing my two girls with no problems, my son was born and struggled with nursing. He could not get his tongue over his gum line. Caused much pain and he never was able to nurse correctly. I ended up pumping the entire year:) There is hope that your next will be a nice gentle nurser!
Did you know that eating ice is often a sign of iron deficiency anemia – especially in children? I have it and only found out about it by my cravings for ice. 😉 Or you know, the boy might just like ice.
Wow… I’m practically drooling at my desk right now. KB, you scored big time! I’m in the market for a pizza stone and scooper upper thingy right now and I think you’ve just sold me. If you’re looking for a good pizza recipe, here’s one I came up with recently and LOVE: http://bit.ly/Ien1EU . So so good.
Wow all that food looks sooooo good! And the tools are pretty awesome too, LOVE the kebab display and the pizza set! Btw I also was wondering about the tongue tied issue for making breastfeeding difficult?
We have that tool set and it has gotten a lot of use so far this spring! I really want to try pizza on the grill. It looks so easy and yummy.
My favorite part about the warm season is the longer daylight hours. I don’t get home from work until around 6, so I love having the extra time to spend outside with my boys. Cole is on a dragon-slaying kick, so every evening we walk around the neighborhood with his favorite stick and slay dragons. He has fun and it gets him good and tired!
Yum. Now i’m hungry for cook out food!
Being in Hot-lanta myself, I agree with the what happened to Spring sentiment. But it’s been terrific all the same. You may want to have Will’s iron checked. Chewing ice is a sign of anemia. It’s called “pica”. The craving to eat items with no nutritional value. I’ve been highly anemic since I was 17 and haven’t lived my life without at least 2 cups of ice everyday. It is weird, but true. He may just need an iron supplement or, he just likes chewing ice!
Yummy! I love kabobs!! And my 2 year old son loves ice!! That little turd will stick his dirty little toddler hands in my glass and dig it out!
eight degree weather??? do you mean eighty??? tee hee!!! though, if i saw you cooking on the grill in a parka just to use some new free stuff, i’d totally believe it.
I love all the grilling stuff! Especially that griddle and the veggie basket. We are big time grillers and hate when the veggies literally fall through the cracks! I am going to have to purchase these as a Father’s Day gift I think. The table all dressed up is so pretty, and the food, well of course looks great.
Also, I think they should have had a preggers on High School Musical. And she could rise above and get the lead in the play, and the baby would be in the audience on the lap of her baby daddy cheering her on. But alas, just a dream.
YUM! Now I feel the need to grill out for lunch. BUT it’s only 42 degrees here right now, so maybe not! So I will just enjoy pictures of your beautifully set table with the gorgeous food.
What a gorgeous spread! That stuff looks so yummy and I think that grill basket and the skewer hanger (?!) are AMAZING!
By the way, I just found out over the weekend that eating too much ice can cause anemia. A nurse was telling my sister-in-law this while she was in labor so I don’t know all of the specifics, but something to think about with Will anyway.
Anyway, jealous! I am going to have check out Mr. BBQ!
When we do kabobs I cut the corn in to 2″ sections and put them on the kabob as well- this might help to stop the veggies from sliding off? Just don’t push the kabob all the way through the final piece of corn on the end! Everything looks yummy!
Looks great, Katie!
Sometimes chewing on ice can be a sign of an iron deficiency…I have low iron (I still live a normal life!)–just something to look out for with Will/maybe check on it in a few years.
I love your table setting! So pretty and the food looks delicious. I have the pizza stone that goes in the oven or on the grill, but I NEED that metal spatula thingie. It’s always a production trying to get the pizza on and off the stone. Usually involves at least 3 people and some cursing.
Wow! Looks yummy! I love love LOVE grilled pizza. 🙂
As far as Will sticking his tongue out, I have a very short tongue too, and was slightly tongue tied. (by slightly, I mean barely at all) I had the frendulum cut when I was about 20ish, and it didn’t do anything. Sad day, lots of pain, and 400 dollars later, the tongue was no longer. Well, it was still there, but you get my drift.
You would get a kick out of this, but my mom and sisters and I are flying from AK (where I live) to Boston, and then we are driving to FL to visit family, and yesterday I thought to myself, KATIE BOWER LIVES IN GA!!! THAT IS ON THE WAY. and then I wanted to meet you, and then I felt silly. 😛 But I thought it might make you smile. Oh, ps, I love Jesus and I am not a stalker. 😀
Hope you have a marvelous day!
I liked the table cloth and the 2 rectangle dot plates. Wherever did you find them? I can’t wait to get the tool kit myself.
I can tell you the 2012 season didn’t include winter here in Maine. Sure we got snow flurries and ground coverage once or twice but it was always gone the next day. We went from early fall, to late fall weather, to spring. It’s insane. Winter decided to take a vacation.
“Eight degree weather” … I totally know that’s not what you meant, but I’m cracking up over here just imagining y’all outside (and Jer in his short sleeves to boot) having a wonderful supper in freezing cold temperatures! It’s the simple things in life I guess…. 🙂
KB! Lovvvvve the setup. The food looks DEEEElightful as well.
PS. Recent preggo pics? Soon? I hope? I’m dying over here in Tejas!
Oh wow, I so wish I was part of eating that feast. Everything looks delicious.
We love to grill too – and I’ve been looking for some accessories that can can be used on the grill and in the oven as well. So when I realized that your links for the pizza kit and griddle went straight to Amazon, I did what any bride-to-be would do and added them to my Amazon wedding registry! Since I don’t have Mr. BarBQ sending me this swag I gotta hope my friends and family take the bait and give it to me at my shower 🙂
It’s not quite warm enough to be grilling up in NYC yet, but it’s been such a mild winter, those days are just around the corner!
Being a part-Italian lady, myself, pizza stones are the best. I need to try that on the grill, fo sho.
Oh how I loooove cookouts in the Spring!
Just curious, have you ever received a freebie product that you did not like?? Did you write a post about it? (I’m a new-ish reader, so forgive me for not knowing.)
I can’t vouch for the accuracy of this, but I’ve been told that the urge to suck on ice is a sign of iron deficiency. My mom has ALWAYS liked sucking on ice and within the last few years found out that she’s borderline anemic. Obviously that’s just anecdotal evidence, but might be worth checking into!
Soo not fair..I live in Northern Ontario and woke up to a fresh blanket of snow!!!!
That grilling tool set looks wicked! And the supper you guys cooked up looks delish! Wish it was BBQ season here. Its still pretty frosty, buuuuut then again, we are pretty hardy in this kind of weather. If the sun is shining and it’s not below freezing….we’re gonna BBQ 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
We have what I thought was a pretty fancy grill tool set, but we don’t have anything like those hanging kabobs…they are so cool!
Hmmm…really?! Because I like to do it too and I am slightly anemic too. I wonder! I’ll have to ask the pediatrician about it.
xo – kb
Yup. Most times if I receive a product and it is faulty – like broken from shipping or if it’s just not gonna get an overwhelmingly positive review – it doesn’t get posted. I still send the folks who sent it a review sheet so they can improve – but since no reviews are promised to be posted on the blog, it helps keep things upbeat. I’d rather have the blog talk about things that do work vs. things that aren’t worth anyone’s time to use or read about. If things have positives & negatives, I definitely write about them too.
xo – kb
The runner is from TJMaxx – it was a clearance find for $3 – insert happy face here. And the plates are old clearance items from Crate & Barrel…
xo – kb
We in MN also had the weird winter/summer switch back in March. We didn’t even really have winter; I mean, it was only below zero like 3 days! But now it’s April and is acting like April should- 50 degrees and sunny. Lovely.
Um, that BBQ set is bomb! And the food you were using it on, also BOMB. And the table setting? You’re making your own WWIII!
I’ve been looking for a pizza stone and that spatula is amazeballs. You likey? I buy.
Thanks for the review!
Great great idea!
xo – kb
I need some BBQ tools like that. I BBQ all summer if I can, even if people tell me not too.
You are so lucky by the way, here in not-so-sunny Cali, it is a lovely 50 degrees with rain. bleh. kids are going CRAZY during this Spring break and so is Momma.
haha…totally funny typo 🙂
xo – kb
Yup – that’s always been my thought….but the pediatrician told me that he wasn’t so we forged ahead. Not much to do now!
xo – kb
oooh – thanks!
xo – kb
I give the kids ice as a snack kind of often. I figure- ice cream without the cream. 😉
We did and we had a party to celebrate! Can’t wait to share!
xo – kb
Yup. They read the blog and email me offering stuff 🙂
xo – kb
We made ours middle of the road when it comes to crunch 🙂
xo – kb
That looks like a super awesome good time! I love being able to fire up the grill and enjoy good food with friends and family!
don’t want to freak you out or anything but kids that chew on ice or eat alot of dirt are sometimes anemic. I was one of them I have fought it all my life with iron pills.
SO off topic, but when do we get to see more cute prego Katie pics?! 🙂
Ditto on what everyone else said about the ice craving and anemia. I have always LOVED ice, and found out recently I was highly anemic. I had no idea. Since then I have found out that a craving for ice (or other weird things) is called pica, and can mean there is an issue. Also, chewing on ice is very bad for the teeth!!
Ok, so I’m one of those crazy breastfeeding ladies. Anyways, did anyone ever check to see if Will had a tongue tie? That could have been the thing that caused you so much pain in the beginning. Just curious? (yes, I know, totally not on the bbq topic. lol)
Yup – like I said in the post, we had it checked but of course, they didn’t check for any rare tongue ties – just the normal one. I still think it had to do with his tongue.
xo – kb
Katie. this is totally off-topic, but I immediately thought of you. I present, a bacon flow-chart. You are welcome. 😉 😉
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150724646183118&set=a.453030508117.254009.173207178117&type=1&theater
(I really hope that link works…)
Yay! Can’t wait to see!
I am anemic and have never had the urge to suck on ice… However, Im sure it wouldnt hurt to ask your doc!!!
WOW I want to attend that BBQ!!
I have a pizza stone too but it is SO HARD TO CLEAN! Is the Mr. BBQ one easy to clean? Or did you figure out a way to clean it?
Btw I can’t wait to see more belly pics and an overview of your trip to Florida!
Darn gravity and the hanging kabob display. It’s still precious!
The best part about summer for me is getting away to the beach on the weekends. Grilling is up there too especially since I get to watch. 🙂
Just dropping in to say how much I appreciate your humor and frankness about the reviews you write. I’ve stopped reading blogs before when the blogger would get all sneaky or coy accepting and reviewing products. Heck, I would love free stuff too! Why is everyone so afraid to say that!? So, thanks! Just another thing I love about your blog! 🙂
um saw this and immediately thought of you.
http://www.irocksowhat.com/2012/01/bacon-art-printable.html
best part is, it’s FREE!!!! hope you enjoy!
Well, I simply scrape when the stone is still warm…and then just use plain water to rinse off everything else. Since stones absorb everything – I think you aren’t supposed to use soap. I always preheat it in the oven so I figure in my bacterial-dumb world – that is basically cleaning it 🙂
xo – kb
I can’t believe no one has asked about the table runner?!?!?!?! Please share where you found it!
Craving ice is very frequently a sign of anemia (iron defficiency). Though judging by all of the tasty red meat items you have on that BBQ i doubt that is the problem 🙂
I second that. DYING to know if you purchased that runner somewhere or if it was a DIY project. If the latter, can you share the name of the fabric maker because I love their style!
Thank you!
Loved that post Katie….loved the table and the pizza did look, yumtastic!!!
I got it last year at TJMaxx – it was clearanced out for $3.
xo – kb
Any chance you can get Mr. Bar B Q to extend a discount to your readers? I think I’m sold! We got a BBQ as a wedding present but no tools… and I can’t wait to try their stuff!
Cute. Hold off on the obnoxious birthday celebrations as much as you can! Sweet, simple, and full of family and fun, that is all you need.
Im really craving some grilled corn now! I want to make it a point to eat outside more this summer. I love the long days and the fruit. Love that its cheap but REALLY love how sweet the berries and melons are! Im seriously salivating right now.