BBQ X 2
My 4th of July was such a blast! Let’s just say, many good times were had by all! 
In fact, I had so much fun, I totally wore myself out. Instead of heading into Boston for the big Esplanade fireworks show, Mal and I decided to watch them at home from our apartment balcony. Surprisingly, this ended up being a fantastic idea– we were able to see 10+ fireworks shows from all around Boston and the surrounding towns. It was awesome… and I was in bed before midnight!
During the day, Mal, our friend, Jon, and I went to two BBQs to celebrate July 4th.
BBQ #1
The first BBQ had SO MUCH delicious food! Good thing I was hungry! I waited for about an hour before I dug-in and started munching. I pretty much had a taste of everything at the party.
Watermelon soaked in vodka! Mmmm!
I ate 4 of these chocolate chip cookie + peanut butter cup goodies! Holy yum!
I had a piece of the teriyaki steak. It was cooked to perfection!
I also munched on some homemade potato chips that were dyed red, white, and blue for the 4th. (Well, the “white” was just the regular potato. 
)
More watermelon! 
I also had a couple of jello shots!
Jen and me…
Party scene…
My husband is such a dork! What’s up with that face?!
The cutest puppies also attended the BBQ.
Begging for steak tips…
How adorable is Dakota? She was so soft and fluffy!
BBQ #2
The second BBQ didn’t have the impressive spread of food that the first one had, but it was equally fun.
Mal offered to bring our new grill to use at the BBQ.
For you new readers, I won a Coleman grill from entering my New England Pizza into a Boboli recipe contest. (Chick on the links for the whole story.)
Within minutes of arriving, the new grill was christened with its first set of burgers and dogs.
There were fewer healthy options at this BBQ, but I made due with what was available.
I passed on the potato chips and Miller High Life, and went for a more “quality” beer and a small burger instead.
I also took my own advice and ate my burger open-faced to avoid some of those unneeded refined carbs.
It was a fun BBQ with lots of laughs!
I guess Jon was more comfortable sitting in the chair this way?
Mal and I only stayed for a few hours before we headed home to relax. I was tired from all of the sun and booze, and felt like this:
All in all, the BBQs were wonderful way to spend the 4th of July– good friends, good food, and good times!
As usual, I have a packed Sunday ahead:
- Blog
- Exercise
- Grocery shopping
- Haircut
- Buy wedding gift
- Health post
- Consign clothing
- Dinner
- Get ready for the work week!
Enjoy the day guys! I’m off!
Christie @ Quit Your Diet — July 5, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Looks like you had a great 4th! You have quite the to do list today!
Happy Sunday!
Paige — July 5, 2009 @ 9:51 am
Looks like you guys had a blast, Tina! I have got to try the vodka soaked watermelon! What a great way to health-ify alcohol haha
Shelby — July 5, 2009 @ 9:55 am
All the food looks great but those puppers are ADORABLE!
Mandy A — July 5, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Wow… what a great day! Glad you guys had so much fun! Our fireworks were rained out this year
So we didn’t get to see any!
Mara @ What's for Dinner? — July 5, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Looks like a fantastic day!!! Seriously cute puppies
Courtney — July 5, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Sounds fun! Those peanut butter cup cookie things are SO GOOD! Now I’m really craving them… guess I’ll be baking those soon. =)
Meghan@traveleatlove — July 5, 2009 @ 11:07 am
Our to do lists for the day are very similar! We also skipped the Esplanade and watched the fireworks at home. It was so nice to not be stuck in a crowd when it was all over!
Pearl — July 5, 2009 @ 11:31 am
what a fun 4th of july! and your new grill looks fantastic!
noodlegirl — July 5, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
What fun and all that food I wouldn’t be able to control myself thats for sure lol
Becca — July 5, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
2 bbqs? Lucky lucky! Glad you got to use the new grill, and looks like a fun time!
Hallie (Healthy Twists) — July 5, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
What a fun day! I am seriously missing the Northeast these days (although in February, I’ll probably be happy I’m in southern California!).
Sues — July 5, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
The watermelon vodka and cookies look amazing!! And your new grill is so pretty
Glad you had a fun 4th!!
Cait (Cait's Plate) — July 5, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
YAY for bbq’s! I’m glad you had a fun fourth!!
Tina — July 5, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
That grill is beautiful! And the homemade chips look amazing!
Our 4th was a little indulgent, but not too bad. Just posted 4 great recipes on my blog.
Enjoy the rest of your (very busy!) weekend–and congrats on the house!
joan — July 5, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
I love that Coleman Grill. Looked online at it. Looks great. Handy, with lots of room on it. I really like the look of it too.
The 4th is a fun day to relax and have fun. Glad you guys had a good one!
Chris — July 5, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Tina, no mention of the tasty dragon berry/lemonade concoction?
Suzie — July 5, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Watermelon soaked in vodka looks dangerous!
)
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — July 5, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
Looks like you had a great 4th of July – hope you have fun at the consignment store! Love doing that….
Kristen — July 5, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
Nice grill!! I felt like the guy in the last pic by the end of last night as well.
Jen — July 5, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
I live in the same city as you but unfortunately, my apartment’s view is not any where close to yours.
Tay — July 5, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
Wow those chocolate chip PB cup creations look to die for! Never thought of doing that and I’ll try it out asap! Yummmm.
Caroline — July 5, 2009 @ 11:56 pm
Love the watermelon serving bowl–it’s like Halloween in July!
Sarah — July 7, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Love the doggie pics, the beagle looks like my Suzie