Pulled Root Beer Pork

Valentine's/birthday week was so great! On Wednesday the 10th, Rhys slept in until 8:20! That's gift enough! Grandma took me out to lunch at a delicious restaurant, and then the family went to Olive Garden and we all stuffed our faces! Friday, Justin and I went on a double date with my sister, Madison, and her new boyfriend to see a comedy sketch show at BYU, then we went to Pop 'N' Sweets for chocolate and floats. Yesterday, mom and dad went on a date, Madison and her boyfriend went on a date, so Justin and I decided to take Paige out with us (and Rhys) to dinner. Justin and I exchanged Valentine's Day presents: I got chocolate and a new amazing message ball and Justin got flavored peanuts and the Marvel Avenger's Encyclopedia. Today, we had a family dinner, including Madison's boyfriend. Justin decided to make some porck pot BBQ pork, and it was delicious. So, I'm going to let him take over now...

This is another sporadic recipe spawned by the generosity of Cave Tools.  This time, we were graced with their Meat Handling Claws.  Upon seeing these claws, my mind immediately went to pulled pork.  So here's the recipe:
Ingredients 4 lbs pork 20 oz root beer 1/4 c honey mustard 1/2 c BBQ sauce 1/4 c brown sugar lime juice ground mustard garlic salt all spice
Directions 1) Sprinkle ground mustard, garlic salt, and all spice on the pork and rub it in. 

2) In the crock pot, place the pork, and poor in the root beer, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and a squeeze or two of lime juice.

3) Cook for about 3-3.5 hours on low.
4) Take the pork out and use Cave Tool's Meat Handling Claws to pull the pork apart. Place back in the pot.

5) Add in brown sugar and let it cook for another 3-3.5 hours on low.
6) Serve on or with bread. Enjoy!

**We received the Meat Handling Claws from Cave Tools in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.**
So again, let me comment on the design of the claws.  They look like Wolverine claws. (They also feel like them too, haha) The claws are made from plastic, so I initially was uncertain about their strength, durability, and sharpness.  Man, was I wrong.  The grips on the handles are perfect and comfortable.  The claws never yielded upon use and the tips pierced through the meat flawlessly, cooked or raw.  Washing was very simple, they don't take up much space at all when stored, and are lighter than a wooden spoon.  Another very good product from Cave Tools.  Simple, light, deceptively effective, and rather fulfilling.  I mean, who wouldn't want to rip through hunks of meat with Wolverine claws?

You can purchase the Cave Tool Meat Handling Claws on Amazon or on the Cave Tool website.

Cave Tools is also offering the readers of The Morrell Tale 15% off a cave tool tenderizer on Amazon. Use promo code: MEOY47SI

Apple Braised Stuffed Porkchops

One day, my wife got a package in the mail.  It was a meat tenderizer from Cave Tools.  She handed it to me and told me "Make something with this."

So, tenderizer in hand, I went to the meat section at the local grocery store and started to fantasize about what I could do. I decided to go with pork chops, because 1.) they are delicious, 2.) it is a tougher and thicker and would really put this new tenderizer to the test. I went through the rest of the grocery store thinking about what could go well with it, and that combined with the fact that pork chops go well with apple and I had earlier bought a huge container of apple juice, this is what I came up with.

Ingredients

4 pork sirloin chops

1 cup of apple juice

2 handfuls of fresh spinach

3/4 cup of ricotta or queso fresco cheese

seasoning salt

lemon pepper

Directions

1) Season the chop with seasoning salt and lemon pepper. Use a Cave Tools meat tenderizer to pound it down to a 1/4 inch thick. Marinate the pork chops in apple juice for 2 hours.

2) Chop spinach and cook in butter. Cook each side of the pork for two minutes on medium heat. 

3) Put ricotta cheese on the chop, then sprinkle spinach in it. Roll it up and skewer it with a toothpick (to keep it rolled). Braise in applejuice covered with the lid on medium low heat for about fifteen minutes.

4) Enjoy!

** We received a Cave Tool meat tenderizer for free in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.**

So, first off, let me compliment the design of the product.  Its simple, sleek, and the weight is very easy to work with.  It has surprisingly good leverage and requires very little strength to utilize. (I admit to punching a hole in the meat accidentally thinking I needed to apply a lot of pressure.)  Overall, it took no time at all to get the meat to the tenderness and thickness that I wanted, and cleaning was simple.  Very impressed with Cave Tool and I look forward to using them in the future (probably their BBQ skewers and rack). And it is dishwasher safe!

You can purchase the Cave Tool Meat Tenderizer on Amazon or on the Cave Tool website.

Cave Tools is also offering the readers of The Morrell Tale 15% off a cave tool tenderizer on Amazon. Use promo code: KRYLK4CT

Review // Cancun Cafe and Laundromat

A/N: I was given gift cards for the Cancun Cafe and Laundromat in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own!

While Justin and I lived in Provo, we had a tiny, tiny, tiny, narrow apartment. That meant, there was no washer and dryer. So, every week and a half (once we ran out of clean underwear, because I wasn't going to do laundry sooner than that while having to pay for it), we'd pack up all the clothes we'd worn in the car, grab some fast food, and head down to the Wash Hut--the local college community laundromat. This place was really old, with gross, sunken chairs and tables and machines that worked pretty well. We'd start our laundry, eat our fast food, surf the web on our laptops (yaay free wifi), and sometimes fork up 75 cents for some Starbursts or Skittles. 

Then, we moved to Sandy to a townhome with our own washer and dryer! Hallelujah! And, with a brand new baby, I was doing small loads just about every day!

So, why in the world am I reviewing a laundromat? Well, although we are lucky, we understand how it feels to go to a laundromat and the worry of the grossness, effectiveness of the machines, time, and comfort. So, I felt that I could help along my neighbors and friends near Salt Lake that might not have the convenience that we do now.

When we went, the restaurant and laundromat look older, however, the outside is very, very deceiving. The owner of Cancun Cafe has just recently bought the next door laundromat and upgraded it, including all new machines! And, glory be, they aren't coin operated! There are money cards so it is electronically taken care of. The prices are pretty good because you can do very big loads. There are big tables to sit at, a comfy couch to lounge on while watching a flat screen TV and drinking courtesy coffee. There are snack machines, as well as one that sells soap, which is nice because Justin and I forgot to bring our detergent with us! They even have dry cleaners! So, you can kill two birds with one stone. They also have the wi-fi password out for free.

And the last really nice thing about the laundromat...it's CLEAN!!!

We hopped on over to Cancun Cafe and when we walked in, we loved the atmosphere. It is a very home-y, inviting, Mexican-soul-food kind of place. We were immediately seated and given homemade chips and salsa, which were delicious!

We had such a hard time trying to decide what to eat as it all sounded so delicious! When we finally did decide, we were so happy and excited with the large portion sizes! It was so delicious!

We shared our Mexican rice and refried beans with Rhys and he even enjoyed them! They were so delicious and super filling--even Justin was satisfied! The service was great, the food was great, the atmosphere was great!

We are so happy with our experience and definitely recommend the Cancun Cafe and Laundromat to you!

Tell Me A Story In The Dark

"Storytelling is bred in your human bones. Language, by its very nature, spins a narrative."

As a child, I would often create stories in my head to help me fall asleep. Some of these became multi-night ordeals with such detail and extensive setting and character growth. Eventually, in high school, I started to write these all down. A few became short stories, a few became poems, and a few were starts on novels that were never finished.

I am so glad I had such an extraordinary imagination as a child. It helped mold me into whom I am today, and I can still find myself daydreaming out the window or while listening to soundtracks. I want that joy for my children.

I have been reading books to Rhys for a few months now (although, he's at a point where he'd rather crawl and explore and play then sit still and look at a book). So, when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it.

This book, just in the first few pages spoke to me not only as a mother, but as an English teacher and writer! It describes the story creating process, one that I have just tried to explain to my students as they created their own short story. But, it also delves deeper into the importance of telling stories rather than just reading them. Yes, reading to your children and with your children is, I believe, one of the utmost important things you can do with and for them to grow and develop. However, oral story telling is much more ancient and inherent in us. How many of you have ever told a white lie or exaggerated a recap? (My husband, Justin, has both hands raised in the air--he is the king of exaggerations.) It is part of our nature. Before cultures had a written language, how were myths, stories, history, genealogy carried down the lines? Orally. So, it is thoroughly a part of us.

John Olive says in his introduction, "Many artists describe a state of mind as they work, in which their connection to their creative subconscious is heightened. Some refer to this as a waking dream, a creative trance. Dream-storming. For me, the best analogy is athletic: you get in a zone. Time slows. You feel inspired (the artist’s version of an athlete’s heightened reaction time). You’re smarter— literally. Ideas come more rapidly. Character dialogue has vibrancy. Sentences have power."

Olive shares many instances of story telling with his own children and also many beginnings and outlines of the stories he tells to help the reader begin their own repertoire. I have really loved reading this book and excited to start creating my own tall tales for Rhys!

Tell Me a Story in the Dark by John Olive is available for purchase on Amazon or at familius.com. Familius is a family oriented publishing company that focus on strengthening the family and supporting strong values.

**I received a digital copy this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Surprise!

I got my hair cut!

It has been about a year since I got my hair cut. Last time, I was in my 2nd trimester, school was ending, and it was chaotic and busy. I didn't really keep up the style and caring for my bangs only lasted like a week before I started pulling them back. But, could you blame me for being 25+ weeks pregnant, commuting an hour both ways, worrying about state testing, final projects, angsty preteens, etc?

Well, with my pregnancy hormones, my hair grew at an exponential rate! It was half-way down my back! The last time my hair was that long was right after my marriage (it had taken 4 years to go it that long)...so thanks pregnancy genes for fast growing hair!

But, then I started to get postpartum hair loss (thankfully not as bad as some of my friends, who actually had a few bald spots!), and it just wasn't healthy. I also now had a baby who would grab at it, it would get in the way of feeding and bath time, and I always had it up in a messy bun.

Thankfully, Brooklyn, a good friend I met at a blogging event a few months ago, just started her in-home salon business! She offered to cut my hair for free, which was a blessing since the $$ was the thing keeping me from getting it cut in the first place.

Brooklyn welcomed me into her home and got right to work. She had her iPhone with music on the whole time, to fill up empty noise. She was also very easy to talk with. Granted, I've only met her in person once and we periodically comment on each others' blogs, but it was like we were best friends. We talked about houses, college, jobs, families, and musicals. It was so natural talking to her (that is one thing I always disliked about going to salons--so awkward to talk with them).

I had shown Brooklyn a picture that I wanted my hair to look like (which is how my mom's neighbor cut it for me two years ago) and she did her own interpretation of it. We straightened it to make sure it was the right length. She gave me subtle bangs, which made my mom happy as she doesn't like me with bangs (why, I don't know. I think I rock bangs...just look at my wedding pictures!). The rest of the night, I made sure to bob my head in conversation, just to feel it so light again.

Thanks Brooklyn! I'm excited to see what it looks like curly!

Brooklyn--A Little Too Jolley
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram

Make sure you check her out, and if you are in Salt Lake County, or even South Davis County in Utah, Brooklyn is the girl for you! To book an appointment, email at brooklynjolley@hotmail.com.

A Sweet Aroma Custom Mugs Review

A/N: I received a free product in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

I'll let you in on a secret. I don't drink coffee or tea, and I'm not that big of a hot chocolate fan. So, why would I need mugs? Well, for one, I think they are adorable. Two, I do like to use them as milk and hot chocolate (every now and then) cups. Three, I'm a blogger and am therefore somewhat required to own mugs in the winter.

Well, Brandy Miller from A Sweet Aroma does custom mugs. So, because I'm a blogger, and I've seen other bloggers with their mottos or life mantras on their mugs, I decided I wanted one with my blog's name on it!

Brandy had first sent me an email with a mock up of the mug before she kilned it. She was super willing to make any changes to it and was quick to send it off when it was finished.

Brandy had even written a sweet note to go with the mug, as well as including some directions: they are to be gently handwashed!

Well, when I got it, I just stared and stared at it: it's super adorable! I didn't even want to use it as an actual drinking mug, just a decoration. But, I thought I'd needed to give you guys the obligatory "blogger drinking a warm drink from her mug dressed in warm layers during a cold winter" picture. But, it's been in the high 50s* in Utah for the past few weeks--hardly the weather for all the pictures I've been seeing from my friends in the midwest and New England! So, instead, I gave the "I'm planning for the day" picture. And yes, I did have a peanut butter and chocolate chip bar for breakfast.

See, full of milk!

Thanks, Brandy!

Now, Brandy, from A Sweet Aroma, is also one of my sponsors this month. She is such a sweet, cute lady and I am so glad I was able to meet her. She is such a shining example. Remember how my goal for this month was to be a better Mormon? Well, Brandy isn't Mormon, but she is such a strong Christian woman and is one of my examples. She includes God and Christ in all of her blog posts. And all she writes glorifies them. She is one of the types of women I want to be!

Brandy Miller--A Sweet Aroma

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // pinterest

How did you come up with the name to your blog?
I had been brainstorming and praying when I came across 2 Corinthians 2.15. I immediately knew. You can read the full story behind the name here.

What is your blog's mission or goal?
The mission of my blog is to point to the beauty of Christ regardless of the season. Currently that season is marriage and infertility. I love sharing stories of laughter, Jesus, marriage, and the struggle to have a baby.

Besides blogging, what are some other hobbies of yours?I love watching movies and going on day dates with Husband, writing songs at my keyboard, going to the beach and playing volleyball when it’s warm outside!

What is the best thing about blogging for you?
The best thing about blogging for me is stories. I love how uniquely beautiful God makes all our stories! They are so powerful in pointing to Jesus. Blogging not only gives me a space to share my story but it also opens the door for me hear and read many others’ stories!

Here are 3 of Brandy's favorite posts she's written. I'd definitely agree! You should check them out!
To the woman with a baby in the baby carriage
What if God does not provide?
The Miller Love Story

Cobbler Cove and Park Stone

(Don't forget about this giveaway--last day!)

(Justin and I were both given free cobbler from Cobbler Cove and a coupon for Park Stone in exchange for this review. However, all opinions are our own.)

Let me tell you Justin's favorite story about homemade peach cobbler...I was pregnant and craving peach cobbler. So, I found a good, easy recipe. I made sure to follow it to a T, then impatiently waited for it to cook. After 50 minutes of cooking (what the recipe called for), but it just wasn't setting. The sugar had browned on top, but that was it...it was still super watery. I complained to Justin that I had followed the directions perfectly and then he asked me if I put in flour...I said YES! He laughed and asked again. I looked back at my liquid cobbler, and knowing he was right, muttered, "But I followed the directions exactly." Needless to say, pregnancy brain had ruined that cobbler.

Well, when we had the chance to go try some homemade quality cobbler, we jumped at it!

Cobbler Cove is located in the new shopping center, Station Park in Farmington, opposite I-15 to Lagoon. It is a beautifully landscaped shopping and office area..,and guess what makes it even more awesome...my uncle helped do the landscape architecture! Thankfully, my parents live literally 5 minutes from Station Park, so we dropped Rhys off before heading there.

We entered Cobbler Cove and I immediately fell in love with the decor. We were a little overwhelmed with the amount of choices presented us for--the breading, the fruit, the sauces, ice cream, toppings! Holy Cow! 

And the size! Even Justin was pleased with the prize per size and quality of the cobbler. After he had devoured his, he thanked the manager who helped us and then sought out the owner to thank him. He told me we were definitely returning.

We also received a swag bag full of coupons for the different stores in Station Park. One of which was $5 off at Park Stone Wood Grill. We were hungry still--we hadn't had dinner yet...so, we peaked our head into Park Stone. It looked super up-class, so we hesitantly asked for a menu. Happily, we saw it wasn't much more expensive then Red Robin! So, we said please seat us! We loved the atmosphere!  Justin got a BBQ Bacon burger and I got a BBQ Southwest Chicken salad. And, holy cow! The size of the salad was huge and delicious! I loved the sauce, the seasoning of the chicken, and the onion straws! We were very happy with our choice.

And because we were very happy, we've teamed up with other bloggers who enjoyed the event at Cobbler Cove to give you a chance at an awesome prize from Station Park!

Be sure to enter to win the $300+ prize package from Station Park's amazing businesses below! If you need a date night with the hubby (hello couples massage!) or you are looking for something fun to do with the kids (ice skating and yummy cobbler!), Station Park is your place. With upscale retail, dining and entertainment, a children's play area, an outdoor winter skating rink, and a world-class show fountain - there is definitely something for everyone. Station Park expertly combines luxe surroundings with family friendly amenities. You will want to stop, stay, and play at this beautiful shopping and entertainment destination right off of I-15 with easy access to Front Runner.

Whether you are checking out the latest in fashion at DownEast Basics, dining at the ParkStone wood-fire grill, grabbing groceries at Harmon's, working out with lululemon on Saturday morning, or having a spa day at Sanctuary Aveda, you are going to want to cap off your fun with fresh-baked cobbler from Station Park's newest dessert restaurant Cobbler Cove! You are going to want to cozy up by their fireplace and enjoy America's favorite dessert.

One lucky reader is going to be spoiled with some of our favorite things from Station Park!

$30 gift card to Cobbler Cove

Cooking Class from Harmon's

A Yoga Starter Kit from lululemon athletica at Station Park

A $25 Gift Certificate from ParkStone Restaurant

A Couples Massage with Stress Fix Soak from Sanctuary Aveda

A $50 Gift Card from DownEast Basics

Six ice skating passes from The Salt Project

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to these amazing businesses for donating our prizes!

Utahns, have you ever been to Station Park? What was your favorite part?