Tried It Tuesday

Helllllooooo! 

For this week's Tried it Tuesday, I do have quite a few things, since I took a week off last Tuesday. It's funny to see every week which "category" I have more items that I tested out for the first time. Sometimes it's beauty and sometimes it's random, but this week, it's mostly FOOD! Mmmmmmm! And it's all yummy food! I loved everything I made and tried this week! Of course, as always, there's a mix of randomness thrown in there too! :)

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Bjorn and I tried this recipe last week. It.was.fan.frickin.tastic! I love the idea of putting the pork on a sweet potato. We also used leftover pork on sandwiches with whole wheat buns, Swiss cheese, and hamburger pickle chips (I like Mt. Olive the best!). 

Recipe changes: Used 2 lbs. of pork, 2 cups of Coke zero, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce.

Here is the link to the recipe on my Pinterest Board "Great Food": pulled pork

Duff Cake Mix

Did you ever watch Ace of Cakes? I loved that show! Oh my gosh, Duff makes cake mix! I recently found out that you can buy Duff's cake mix at Target and Meijer. I picked one up at Target over the weekend. I got the flavor White Mocha. The cake mix comes with espresso powder to mix into the cake mix. And let me tell you, once you mix the batter, it smells divine!! I also bought Duff's white and fudge icing to swirl on top of the cake like in the picture. I didn't end up using all of the icing in each tub because it is very rich.

Tiramisu

I was baking-crazed last week! (Even though this next one didn't require any baking!) I also made a recipe that I've wanted to try for awhile because I finally found where they keep the ladyfingers at Kroger! I have been looking and looking and looking for them, but could never find them! I think my friend Amanda's mom posted something on Facebook about where to find them at Kroger. The next time I went to Kroger, I looked. Sure enough, they were in the bakery section. I had to ask, but I found them! So if that was your mom who helped me, Amanda, you'll have to tell her thanks from me!! 

Here's the link to the tiramisu recipe on my Pinterest Board "I Think I Have My Dad's Sweet Tooth :)"

Lemonade

I love looking through the refrigerated  drink section at Fresh Market. There are always fun new drinks to try. Two weeks ago, I got some interesting lemonade for Bjorn and I to take to school for lunch drinks. I love having a fun drink to take to school. It makes my day. I don't know why. It's just super fun. It's the little things, right? 

The lemonade we tried was Belvoir Elderflower and Rose Lemonade. It is delicious! It's not too sweet, bubbly, and has a subtle hint of rose. I love rose water! I have been looking into Belvoir, and they support making healthier versions of soft drinks with all natural products like freshly picked fruit and elderflower. You should definitely check them out!

Alfio's Buon Cibo

Last weekend Rachael, our friend Nitija, her husband, and I went out to dinner in Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout at Alfio's Buon Cibo. It is a delicious Italian restaurant. I am so glad we went. I love trying new restaurants! Rachael, Nitija, and I had ruby red trout with white truffle butter over polenta with marscarpone cheese and asparagus. For dessert we had a chocolate and caramel tiramisu with a homemade chocolate cookie. Delicious!

Divergent

About a week and a half ago, my friend Beth and I started reading Divergent together. I am not by any means a super fast reader. She, on the other hand, is! By the time I finished the first book Sunday night, she had finished all three books! I have to catch up now! I loved the book so much more than I thought. I really felt like I knew Tris and was rooting for her the whole way throughout the book! I think I like it, dare I say, even better than The Hunger Games?!? Anyways, after a little break, I'm onto Insurgent!

Stella and Dot Earrings

Last Friday, we went to a fundraiser for Bjorn's school. He bid on these earrings for me and got them! Aren't they adorable? I absolutely love them! Thanks, baby!

Source

Rose Perfume

I love rose anything. My sister hates rose everything. I know some people find rose scents too strong, but I love it! I love to drink rose water in different concoctions. I use C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve on my lips and my cuticles. You can buy it at Bath and Body Works. It's $5.50, and they usually have a sale going on for lip products (balms, chapsticks) where they are B1G1 50% off or B2G1 free. 

Source

I recently purchased a small bottle of the Imogen Rose Perfume from Lush. Now, a little goes a long way with this one. I only spray a little on my wrist and then rub it on my other wrist and a little on my neck. It does have a very strong rose scent. I love it! If you're not a fan of rose scents, Lush has a great selection of solid and spray versions of their perfumes, and they are all vegan. Lush is also a great company speaking out and standing up against testing products on animals. 

Birdy

Have you ever heard Birdy? She is an amazing artist! I recently purchased some music from her, but have never listened to her album the whole way through. I made it a point over the last week to listen, and I am loving her music! This is one of my favorites from her. It's a cover. It is such a beautiful song, and she sings it so beautifully!

Song: "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes

Sung by Birdy

Have you tried anything new lately? Happy Fat Tuesday!

Love and happiness <3 Holly