If you’ve followed our story for very long, you probably know we made a move this past year, and that it’s a little colder here. We even experienced our first snowpocalypse this past week, which we’re still getting accustomed to, but the kids are loving it.
And those of you who have been totally awesome and followed this journey {with so many encouraging notes and comments} probably know that we were also able to move near Ashley’s brother and his family. Double bonus: her parents, who had lived near us for the past decade, also decided to move with us. Yeah, we know we won the lottery on that one.
This past week during our first snowpocalypse, (because let’s be honest anything white coming from the sky is basically the end of the world for us,) Ashley’s parents took possession of their new home. They invited us over to help take a look at some of the changes they wanted to make with their house. Never mind that it was 11 degrees outside and snow was on the ground… they bribed us with BBQ. We are from the deep south, so when they threw in the sweet tea we bundled up and headed over.
And we’re glad we did, because there’s something beautiful about driving through snow-covered hills. Especially when it’s all still new to you.
Of course it didn’t take long for the kids to get restless, so my brother-in-law joked that we should start a fire {in the fire pit} in the back yard, while laughing at the snow covered pile of wood.
Of course the idea of s’mores was already in my head, and I’m always up for a good challenge. My nieces thought it was a good idea, too.
It didn’t hurt that I had some ExtremeStart™ Firestarters from Pine Mountain® in the truck that I’d been dying to try out. (Psst, you can buy them here and have them shipped straight to your door.)
I’d been intrigued by these firestarters, mainly because they’re safe to cook over, which is huge. {I wouldn’t recommend cooking over traditional fire starters.} You can even use them to start charcoal-based grills, and they’re super light for all things camping.
{FYI:You do not use the ExtremeStart out of the wrapper,simply lite the paper on each end, but we wanted to show the all-natural materials that make up the firestarter allowing it to be safe to cook over.}
We thought it’d be fun to put these things to the test, to find out if they really are “extreme”. And by ‘we’, I mean Ashley and all the other adults cheered us on from inside the warm house while we got the party started.
Wimps. #Icantfeelmyface
So the kids played, and we grabbed some wood for a fire. Not only was the wood covered in snow, but some of it was frozen from the days of rain we’d had before the snow arrived.
I honestly had my doubts about the fire, and kind of thought we’d be eating an uncooked version of s’mores. Which my niece was ok with.
But while the kids played, we got a fire going with no problem at all. It was amazing how simple it was. We literally just stacked some wood over a firestarter, lit it from both ends and stood back to watch.
It was quite possibly the easiest fire I’d ever started under nasty conditions. I didn’t bother looking for dry wood, kindling wood, or even let my brother-in-law break out the gas. {Hello trip to the ER.}
So I’d really say these amazing little sticks lived up to their billing, and I was super pleased because they’ll be great for camping, tailgating and all those other times we need a great fire.
We even made a video because honestly, I didn’t think anyone would believe me.
But the proof is in the s’mores
{refresh the video if it’s not working}
We had one satisfied crew on our hands with perfectly cooked s’mores.
And probably ruined everyone’s dinner, but yolo.
And then the marshmallows froze to our faces.
It really was a great solution for an impromptu party.
Pssst…. And if you’re looking to throw a s’mores party, check out some of our favorite s’mores recipes, {we’re always up for a good combo} and printables here. They’re awesome, if we do say so ourselves.
As always, have an inspired day!
:: This post was brought to you in partnership with Pine Mountain. While we were paid for our expertise all opinions and ideas are 100% ours. Please read our full disclosure pertaining to partnerships here ::
rose l. says
LOL I would never think of doing that in the snow! Here in Oregon we had about 9 inches at my home in Oregon City. Some areas got more. So far no one else has admitted to making S’Mores outside!! This is our 4th storm and pictures posted of what I see from my window.
FZN says
That fire pit is gorgeous, for areas prone to such cold weather it really is an essential if you want to entertain outside. Added to that, it gives such a nice personality to the whole house. Very impressed with your ability to light a fire under such conditions, I would have stuck indoors and crept out only if there was some sort of shelter included with the s’mores!