Helpful Travel Hacks: Hotel Edition

Have you ever looked at the laundry slip at a hotel? The prices are outrageous! But what can you do if you’re stuck and need a few pieces washed before you get home? Here’s the answer! Along with hacks for dealing with bed bugs, peep holes and making sure your hotel door is really secure ?

Tip 1: Avoid Hotel Laundry. The prices for doing laundry at hotels are crazy! 5 bucks for one pair of underwear isn’t going to fly. My portable washing bag is the answer. You aren’t going to believe what this guy can do! Inside, there are tiny scrubbers that do the washing for you. Just load your clothes inside, and add a little laundry sheet. It starts working as soon as you add in the water. It’s small enough to use anywhere, and boy is it effective.

I found this compact clothing line, and it is a home run! It suction cups to your shower to make drying your clothes easy as can be.

Are you scared of those hotel bed bugs? Me too sister, but I found this spray that solves the problem. It’s easy to use, plus its carry-on approved!

For extra privacy and peace of mind, a bandaid is all you need. Simply place it over the peephole.

I also found this portable door lock for extra security. There’s a little bit of a learning curve here, but once you get it on, it works like a charm.

I hope this makes your hotel stay just a little bit easier! Comment and LMK your favorite tip.

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Easy and Time Saving Cleaning Hacks: Part 2

Do you use makeup brushes? Have a pet? A ceiling fan? Computer? Lamps? A mattress you’ve never cleaned? All are a bore to tackle, until now! Here are GAME CHANGING CLEANING TRICKS THAT WORK ?

Keeping my house clean isn’t easy, but my secret weapons? My dish gloves. I simply wipe across my couch that I thought was clean. It grabbed all of Tippy’s hair- don’t worry girl, I got ya covered!

When it comes to cleaning any glass surface, save your paper towels and grab a coffee filter. You are going to be shocked at how well these work. The best part is that they don’t leave lint behind.

Moving on to those makeup brushes. We are going to shampoo and condition these guys, just like your washing your hair. It’s the same theory here. Using my handy makeup brush cleaning mat, lather the brush up, condition, and rinse with water.

Now, go grab your lint roller. This guy is fantastic for items that are delicate and hard to dust. I love using these guys on things like lamps and stuffed animals.

Deep cleaning your mattress might seem super daunting, but it’s really easy. Cover your mattress with baking soda. Let it sit all day to soak up those pesky dust mites, then vacuum it up.

Finally, to clean your ceiling fan, grab a pillow case and slide them over. The dust will stay inside and won’t fall to the ground!

Happy cleaning! Stick around for more helpful hacks.

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Easy and Time Saving Cleaning Hacks: Part 1

Do you like to clean, do you dread it or are you somewhere in the middle ? I’m one of those people who likes the feeling you get when you make lines in the carpet the vacuum (or as my 93 year old mom, Norma Jean calls it “the sweeper” ?) With that said, I’m not a fan of wasting life minutes on chores, if there’s a faster way to do it, I’m in! Here are some of my favorite CLEANING HACKS THAT WORK! All are SO satisfying! Just wait until you try the rice in the vase ?

Grab your toothbrush and toothpaste to transform your dirty iron. This is so easy and so effective! Make sure to unplug your iron before cleaning. Add your toothpaste to that iron and scrub with a brush, it’s good as new! Don’t worry if you have extra toothpaste left in the crevices- a little steam will get rid of that.

Instead of struggling with that huge bucket in your sink, grab a pool noodle. We are gonna place that bucket on the ground. We are going to place the pool noodle on the end of your faucet and run it into the bucket. Such a great way to clean your sink, and it’s easier on your back, sister.

Cleaning supplies can be pricey. Instead, we are gonna grab those fuzzy socks your mother-in-law gave you for Christmas. Place one sock on each side of your mop and start cleaning those floors. To wash, just toss those dirty socks in the wash. This has is eco-friendly and a GREAT way to save some major bucks.

Do you have anything in your household like vases with gunk on the bottom? You want to clean them, but your hand won’t fit inside to reach the bottom! I have the perfect solution, and it starts with rice. To clean those nooks and crannies, take a little bit of dish soap, some warm water, a touch of vinegar, and then my secret ingredient… dry rice. Simply shake the vase, and the rice does all of the cleaning for you! Who knew?! The best part is that after this hack, your vase looks brand new.

I call this one the trash transformer. It’s the perfect hack to stop struggling with your trash bags. Take a command hook, turn it upside down, and place them on the outsides of your trash can to hold your bag in place.

What’s your biggest cleaning challenge?

Comment and LMK! Plus, shop my cleaning essentials here.

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The Incredible 5 Ingredient $5 Audrey Hepburn Chocolate Cake

Are you an Audrey Hepburn fan? I am! If we had been friends with her and invited to her house for dinner, chances are she would have served this ELEGANT & EASY flourless cake! Well, something super similar anyway ? She LOVED this cake and if you’re a chocolate person, you will, too! This recipe is inspired- I don’t make it the way Audrey did, but the outcome is the same: a decedent brownie like cake that’s moist and rich at the same time!

Audrey Hepburn Inspired Cake
10 oz bag dark chocolate chips (I used the Great Value brand from WalMart)
1/4 cup whole milk (Must be whole milk)
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
8 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar

This incredibly easy and affordable cake hack starts with one of my favorite things… a baking rack! It’s the quickest way to separate eggs- we are going to do this to 8 eggs.

Preheat oven to 400F, then grease & flour pan (I used a 10 inch round)

When Audrey Hepburn made this cake, she would chop her own chocolate, but we are going to make it easier. I picked up a 10 oz bag of chocolate chips from Walmart.
Melt the chocolate & milk in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. We are also melting out butter here.

Next, stir in melted butter. One those are combined, mix in egg yolks, then set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites while gradually adding in the sugar until stiff peaks form. My tip is to hold the mixer upside down. We are looking for the peaks to stand up on their own. Finally, gently add your egg whites to the chocolate mixer. I do this by simply twisting my spatula.

Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.When the timer goes off, open your oven and let it sit for 10 minutes in the oven before moving to the counter to finish cooling.

Top with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Even better the next day ❤️

Note: To make this gluten free, use GF flour when preparing your pan.

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Money Saving Food Hacks

Are you tired of finding food gone bad? It’s so frustrating tossing food that’s gone bad before you can eat it, isn’t it? Here are some of my favorite ways to make food last longer. Wait until you see how I’m keeping chips fresh, it’s SO satisfying ?

Tip 1: Line your refrigerator drawers

I found these awesome liners on Amazon- they are so spongy! Lining your drawers with these guys allows air to circulate around those fruits and veggies. Your produce should last 2-3 times longer!

They not only make your fridge look great, but they are also super easy to wash.

Shop the liners here

Tip 2: How to Store Your Eggs

I used to think storing eggs in other containers made them last longer, but that isn’t the case. The container your eggs come in is designed specifically to cradle your eggs. It also soaks up odors to protect those guys. Keep them in the original container to save hassle and make them last longer.

Place your eggs on the middle shelf of your fridge towards the back- that’s where your fridge is the coldest!

Tip 3: Storing Your Leftovers

You kn0w how when you open meats, like bacon, they get all go bad? That’s because their original containers store them in their own juices- yuck! I found this awesome storage tray from Amazon as a solution. Any containers with a drip tray will keep your meats and cheeses fresh.

Shop the trays here

Tip 4: Chip Storage

Run and grab all of your open chip bags! I have a chip graveyard going on in my pantry! The best way to save your chips from going bad is to toss the clips and get this handy bag sealer. All you do is pull it across the bag to seal! And it’s rechargeable. It makes your chips brand new!

Shop the bag sealer here

What’s the main thing that usually goes bad before you can finish I it? Comment and LMK ?

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How to Get the Best Deals and Discounts at Target

Did you know Target has a weekly clearance schedule? I had no idea, so when I heard about this secret I had to share with you! Below you will find what days different types of items have discounts and deals. This clearance schedule is so useful! Save and share with a Target fan ❤️

?? TARGET SECRETS: THE BEST DAYS TO SAVE ✅?

MONDAY: Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby & Stationary (Cards, Gift Wrap, etc.)

TUESDAY: Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets & Food

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Clothing, Health & Beauty, Lawn & Garden

THURSDAY: Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor and Luggage

FRIDAY: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware and Jewelry

For what I buy at Target, Wednesday looks like my best day to hit the store. How about you? LMK in the comments!

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Bundt Pan Hack: Roasted Chicken and Veggies

EASY 1 PAN WONDER ? Does the idea of roasting a whole chicken AND veggies sound daunting? I get you! It’s just so much easier to grab a rotisserie chicken and call it a day, but the thing I was missing from my childhood dinners were the vegetables cooked in the chicken drippings, the only way to get that is to roast them with the actual bird. Here’s the SUPER SIMPLE answer ?

??❤️ BUNDT PAN HACK: ROASTED CHICKEN + VEGGIES???

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, make sure the cavity is empty, if not, remove the bag of chicken parts and set aside for something else or dispose.
1/2 stick of softened butter
Salt & Pepper
Aluminum foil
Bundt pan

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425F
Wash and dry chicken
Rub outside and under the breast skin with butter
Salt and pepper the outside and inside of the entire chicken really well
If using, pour veggies in greased Bundt pan, oil and season
Cover hole with aluminum foil
Place chicken on top
Bake for 1 hour, or longer, until thermometer reads 165F when placed in the breast near the leg/thigh area

OPTIONAL Roasted veggies at bottom:
(You can skip this step if you’d like to just roast the chicken)
2 handfuls of baby carrots
2 large handfuls of Potatoes, cut into cubes
1 small onion, roughly cut
10 cloves of peeled garlic
Oil, I use avocado
Salt & pepper
1 small Lemon sliced
3-4 sprigs fresh Thyme or Rosemary

What your favorite part, the roast chicken or veggies? Comment and LMK! While I love the chicken, there’s just something about carrots cooked in the chicken juices that I absolutely love ?

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The Best Veggie Hack: Spaghetti Squash

?️? FOOD HACK ALERT?? EASY + ONE STEP!

Do you walk past the squash in the veggie section, not because you don’t like squash, but because it’s just too much to deal with? It’s size and shape can be overwhelming, but this GAME CHANGING HACK will have you tossing one in your cart! I absolutely LOVE THIS TRICK! Hope you do, too! ?

? LORAfied Spaghetti Squash Hack ?

All we’re going to do is poke it with a few holes (using a knife or fork), then bake in the oven at 375F for 1 hour, flipping halfway through.

After baking, it’ll be soft, and MUCH easier to cut! Grab a knife and cut right down the middle (it cuts like butter!). Then, easily remove the seeds and fluff with a fork.

With this hack, you’ll never be afraid to buy one of these again, and you’ll impress your friends and family, too!

Click HERE to shop my favorite kitchen items!?

What’s your favorite squash? Comment and LMK! I’m a big fan of Spaghetti squash and acorn ❤️

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Cake Hack Alert: Copycat Cracker Barrel Coke Cake

Did you grow up eating chocolate sheet cake? Maybe you called it Texas Sheet Cake, Chocolate Sheath Cake or as we call it in my family Coca Cola Cake. No matter what you call it, Cracker Barrel put this cake on the map. Now with this EASY version you can make it at home. This is the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or just any day of the year you want to treat yourself and the ones you love. Scooter loves this cake so much he asks for it on his birthday ?

?? HACK ALERT: COPYCAT CRACKER BARREL COKE CAKE ❤️

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 can coca-cola
1 chocolate cake mix (pudding in the mix)

Glaze:
1 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup marshmallows
1/2 stick butter (I used salted)

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 350F, spray pan with oil, I use Avocado Oil Spray.  Mix coke and cake mix together with hand mixer
Pour into 13×9 baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes.

Pour Over Frosting
1/2 cup salted butter
3 TBSP unsweetened cocoa
6 TBSP heavy cream
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Melt butter
Add cocoa & cream
Whisk in powdered sugar & vanilla
Pour over cake while warm
Refrigerate leftovers

Note: this is a dense, rich cake, feel free to use this pour over frosting over a regular chocolate cake, it’s insanely delicious that way, too

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Trader Joe’s Hacks: Low Carb Car Lunches

Tired of pulling through yet another drive-thru trying to make the best choice? I came up with these four SUPER EASY + HEALTHY lunches from TJ’s all made and eaten in my car ! I call this one… carb-pool kitchen?

First up is the Trader Joe’s buffalo chicken wrap. This guy comes in at 54g of carbs! We can do better than that, sister.

Low Carb Buffalo chicken wraps
Buffalo chicken Dip
Celery Sticks
Cauliflower Slims

TJ’s cauliflower slims come in at just 1 carb for two pieces! Our “diy” buffalo chicken wrap is made with 2 cauliflower slims, their buffalo chicken dip, and celery. It comes out to less than 5 carbs. She’s not going to win any beauty pageants, but she’s delicious.

Next up is TJ’s vegetable burrito with 72g of carbs. Why do that when you can make my low carb vegetarian option?

Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

Romaine hearts
Egg Salad

My own version comes in at just less than 3 carbs. I added the egg salad to my Romaine hearts and added their famous “everything but the bagel seasoning.” You are going to be keeping that seasoning in your glove compartment, and it has ZERO carbs!

Get this- their tuna salad wrap has 50g of carbs. Here’s my solution.

Tuna and Guacamole wraps
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
1 can of solid white albacore tuna
Guacamole to go

Take the cauliflower pizza crust, some guacamole, the tuna, and that delicious bagel seasoning. It tastes incredible!

Instead of their boxed salads, try this. It’s a healthier AND cheaper alternative.

Salad in a Bag
Pomodoro Cremoso Salad Kit (toss the crouton packet)
Genoa Salami & Provolone Cheese packet

Grab their cheese and salami packets along with their lettuce kit. This is a lot cheaper than banking on their boxed salads, and it’s a LOT more food. Toss those croutons that come in the kit, and add the extra protein, bagel seasoning, and even the dressing. A serving of this salad is only 8 carbs!

Which one sounds the best to you? Comment and LMK! Make sure to check out the linked product for my car steering wheel table- it makes eating in your car even easier when you’re on the go.

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The Best Super Bowl Food Hack

Just in time for the big game! What’s your favorite Super Bowl food? Why choose? I’ve combined 2 of my favorite savory treats into one crazy good handheld appetizer, and I can’t wait for you to try it! This game day snack hack is a winner and great to bring to any party?

Start by whipping up a batch of my easy Marie Callender’s cornbread copycat.

Marie Callender Copycat Cornbread
1 box yellow cake mix (I use Duncan Hines, any 15.25 oz yellow cake mix will work)
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix (8.5 oz)

To make this guy, follow the box recipe for each then combine the batters. Now we are ready to make cornbread cupcakes!

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. After scooping the filling into your muffin tin, try this hack: Place your muffin ban on a baking sheet in the oven to keep from burning. Bake for 18 mins (Baking time will vary based on your oven)

Next, we are dolling up these cupcakes. Start by making the “frosting.”

“Frosting”
2 bricks of cream cheese, brought to room temperature (8 oz. each)
1/4 cup honey
5 -8 drop of Tabasco

Using a mixer, mix until well combined and smooth. When it comes to the hot sauce, do whatever you feel will work for your tastebuds.

This last step is what makes this the greatest game day snack hack EVER! Any wings work here so go with your favorite flavor. I used frozen, but you can make your own or pick up premade. Simply top your cornbread cupcakes with those wings! I added honey on top for an extra touch.

If you had to pick one game day favorite, would you rather have the cornbread cupcake or the chicken wing? Comment and LMK! I’m going with the cornbread and honey cream cheese ?

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Costco vs Trader Joe’s: War of the Roses ❤️?

Would you rather spend money on flowers or chocolates? ?? Honestly, both are way up this year, making Valentine’s Day more expensive than ever! The average cost of 1 dozen roses delivered nationwide is over $80. ? Luckily, there is a way to save big wherever you are if you’re willing to pick them up or order online. Here’s where you’ll find the best looking roses and where you’ll find the best price ?

For this challenge, I stopped by three popular grocery stores and arranged them all the same way. I stopped at Trader Joe’s, ran to Safeway, and also stopped at Costco. I picked up 24 roses at each location.

Here’s the price breakdown for 24 roses:

Costco: $19

Trader Joe’s: $20

Safeway: $30

When you see ’em together, there’s a HUGE difference. Trader Joe’s gets my rating for “good” because of the short stems and affordable price. Super tight buds and best price makes Costco a better choice. Best in show goes to Safeway, which is also Scooter’s choice!

I found an amazing deal at Costco that Scoot might want to try out. This deal is online only, but you get 50 roses for just $65 and they deliver!

Notes: If you’re not a Costco member, there is a 5% price increase, making them around $68.25 instead of $65. still a huge deal! Make sure to place your order by Feb. 12 for delivery by Valentine’s Day ?

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Helpful Travel Hacks: Hotel Edition

Easy and Time Saving Cleaning Hacks: Part 2

Easy and Time Saving Cleaning Hacks: Part 1

The Incredible 5 Ingredient $5 Audrey Hepburn Chocolate Cake

Money Saving Food Hacks

How to Get the Best Deals and Discounts at Target

Bundt Pan Hack: Roasted Chicken and Veggies

The Best Veggie Hack: Spaghetti Squash

Cake Hack Alert: Copycat Cracker Barrel Coke Cake

Trader Joe’s Hacks: Low Carb Car Lunches

The Best Super Bowl Food Hack

Costco vs Trader Joe’s: War of the Roses ❤️?

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