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My Dreamy Barbie Cake Hack

Barbie cake

Here’s a fun and easy Barbie cake hack! Do you remember seeing the Barbie dress cakes in the grocery store bakery as a child? This is my homemade version. Although it looks daunting, this dreamy Barbie cake is SO SIMPLE and it’s STUNNING! The hardest part is being willing to cut a piece ?

 

LORAfied Barbie Cake Hack ?
1-2 box cake mixes of choice
1 metal or glass 5 quart bowl
1 Barbie
Frosting

My secret is this metal bowl. This is going to be Barbie’s dress! Treat this bowl like a cake pan- oil it, flour it, then grab some cake mix. Simply follow the instructions on the box and pour it into your prepared bowl. I used 2 boxes, but you can use one for a smaller cake if using a smaller bowl. Finally, adjust your oven racks and bake. Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.

 

Bake times:

1 cake mix: bake 50-60 minutes
2 cake mixes: bake 1 hour & 20 minutes or so (start checking at the 1 hour mark, as ovens vary greatly)

Now, time for the Barbie hack. Remove Barbie’s legs and insert in the middle of the cake. Starting at the top of the cake, I am going to pipe my little rosettes. They are just circles I fill in, but they end up looking like fancy roses! I even added pearls in the center of the rosettes for a little extra glam.

 

I have to admit… it was hard cutting into this one! Stick around for more cake hacks.

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Sharing My Favorite Cooking Hacks From Italy

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Have you ever made fresh pasta? Growing up in Kansas, we made a lot of egg noodles for chicken and dumplings, but never made real Italian pasta. This cooking class in Rome was a treat! Pasta is easier to make than I thought, but surprisingly, that wasn’t the highlight of the class. Those Italians have some tricks up their sleeves and today I’m sharing my favorite cooking hacks so you can use them in your kitchen.

The first one was my favorite: they use a ladle to measure out the perfect portion of pasta. So simple and it looks beautiful!

Italian cooking hacks

When a recipe calls for a “pinch,” use three fingers. Measuring with the heart is kind of how they do it here!

Italian cooking hacks

Spices and seasonings get cooked first before anything else is added to a sauce.

The only way to know if your pasta dough has been worked enough? If it bounces back when you poke it.

Italian cooking hacks

This last one was a shocker to me… they don’t strain their pasta before added it to their sauces. I learned it helps keep the moisture.

One last bonus tip I loved: you must use raw eggs (which the Italians are not afraid of like we are) to make an authentic Italian tiramisu.

The ladle trick is by far my fav! Comment and LMK which one you was yours ?

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The Best Way to Clean Dirty Fruit

dirty fruit

Did you know even organic fruit can be covered in chemicals?! ? I was surprised to learn that! Whether you’re buying organic or conventionally grown fruit, here’s how to clean dirty fruit!

Fruits like berries, apples, cherries, and grapes are all going to get the same treatment: soaking.

Soak in water, baking soda & vinegar, let sit up to 15 minutes, rinse and dry
I don’t measure these, but for a guide, here’s my ratio:

Large Bowl of Fruit:
1 Tbsp baking soda
4 cups water
1 cup vinegar

Spray your softer foods like peaches and pears.

In a spray bottle:
1 cup vinegar
4 cups water
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Spray right before you eat it, let is sit a few minutes, rinse and pat dry.
Store this solution in the refrigerator to reuse!

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Easy Home Organizing Hack

organizing hack

Whose family has a paper napkin problem? ?‍♀️ I’m a little embarrassed to admit how addicted we’ve been to those Vanity Fair napkins I buy in bulk at Costco… but no longer! Here’s my easy hack for organizing and reusing your napkins.

Here’s how I did it: I picked up cloth napkins, nothing fancy…most from Target and all are wash & dry (no dry cleaning) more importantly, no ironing! I cleared out a little cabinet space and added these shoe organizers from the container store. They look great, are visible and accessible for everyone to grab.

Napkin Link

Shoe Organizer Link

My Mom, Norma Jean, has always used cloth napkins and real plates, no paper ones in her house! No matter what you’re eating, it does feel more special than it does when you’re using paper. Mom, I get it now ☺️

Stick around for more helpful organizing hacks!

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Easy Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Hack

roasted garlic hack

Are you a fan of creamy roasted garlic? If you haven’t tried it, add this one to your list immediately! This comes from my Fancy, Yet Frugal recipe vault ?. It looks super fancy, but is so low lift and fast you won’t believe it!

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic ? 
1 garlic bulb (I can fit up to 4 in my air fryer)
1 teaspoon or more avocado oil (you can use olive oil if you like)
Big pinch of flaky salt, or whatever salt you have

Directions:

Remove outer paper layer, leaving enough to hold garlic together
Cut off tips of garlic
Sprinkle with salt
Drizzle with oil
Wrap with foil
Place in air fryer, cut side up
Air Fry at 400F for 25 minutes. Let cool before opening.

NOTE: To make in this in a regular oven: Bake at 400F for approx. 50-70 minutes.

I spread this on whatever we’re eating that night, everything from chicken to veggies. Follow along for more cooking hacks!

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The Most Simple Dog Bath Trick

dog bath trickDo you dread giving your dog(s) a bath? It can be a disaster, but this dog bath trick will make your life so much easier! ?

The secret is… peanut butter! Just stick a little bit of peanut butter on the side of the sink. The dogs love it, and it buys you time to get your little guys extra clean.

I swear trying to wash my pups used to be like washing a cat! They were constantly trying to climb out of the sink until I started using this little trick?

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My Guide to International Public Bathrooms

public bathroomsHave you ever used a public bathroom while traveling abroad? It’s a real eye opener… especially if you’re traveling with kids. Here’s what to expect and how to flush your way through Europe like a pro! ?

Click here for the link to my public bathroom kit ??

What I found to be the most confusing was how to flush! Everywhere I went, there was a different way to do it. In Rome, I basically rang a doorbell to flush! In Greece, flushing felt like a gameshow… by the way, you push it ?

Public Bathrooms

The toilet paper was another story… we are very spoiled here in America! In some spots like Greece, you have to throw away your toilet paper instead of flushing it due to plumbing. A favorite find of mine on the trip was the pink toilet paper in South France!

NOTE: Toilet paper isn’t always available, so make sure you have tissues in your bag AND hand sanitizer or wipes.

Bathrooms aren’t free in some places like Capri, Italy, so make sure to have some euros on hand. Even if the bathrooms are free, tips are always appreciated.

Oh, one more thing…you won’t see a toilet seat cover outside of the US, if you do, please let me know where! ?

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My Best Travel Hacks for Long Flights

flight hacksDo you dread long flights? Quick story, I once had an overnight flight that was freezing but the airline didn’t board any blankets at all, not one, for a cross country red eye flight ?. That scarred me and everyone else who was too cold to sleep! I ended up wrapping my sweater to Kid 2’s legs, trying to keep her warm, but that wasn’t enough – lesson learned. We landed exhausted and freezing. I don’t care if it’s 100 degrees outside, when I’m getting on a long flight, you will always find this exact travel blanket near the top of my bag ?

Long flights can be a bear, but here are some of my favorite long flight hacks to make them more bearable (sorry, I couldn’t resist that ?)

LORAfied-Approved Hacks for Long Flights

flight hacks

Getting comfortable is key! I change into pajamas right after takeoff. Also, I know compression socks are ugly and hard to get on… but they WORK! Don’t forget an eye mask to block out those neighbors who never turn out their lights. Noise-cancelling earphones are great on all flights, and are a must on long ones! And for much-needed comfort and warmth, I linked my favorite travel blanket and nifty neck pillow to get you through your flight.

Shop here: Pajamas (2 options linked) | Compression Socks | Eye Mask | Travel Blanket | Neck Pillow | Ear Plugs (2 options linked)

flight hacks

I always carry a portable wireless charger just in case. The one I have linked HERE is perfect for charging and watching TV at the same time?

Do you struggle with tangled headphones? With my favorite audio transmitter, you can watch in-flight entertainment with your own buds. Plus, it’s wire-free ? Shop HERE!

flight hacks

Last but not least, a little hydrating spray throughout the flight will help you feel refreshed when you land! Shop my favorite one HERE.

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Aldi and Costco: Deal Hunting or Myth Busting?

deal

Have you heard the rumor where you can apparently save 50% at Aldi’s if something has a sale by date within 5 days? Or how about the rumor that Costco sells a boatload of frozen cookies for only $32 bucks! Do either of these work? Or will you just leave the store embarrassed ? I went to both and here’s what I found?️

 

deal

Aldi Myth or Deal: If a perishable item is within 5 days of its expiration date, you get a 50% discount on the item 

You know I’m a sucker for money savers, so I had to try this one out. I ran to Aldi’s and found a bunch of items that were about to expire. Here’s what I learned.

deal

This myth turned out to be… somewhat truthful! I wasn’t given discounts for 4 of my items, but the item that was expiring the next day was a winner! The answer is… it depends. The only luck I had was the item that had a sell by date of the next day.

 

deal

Costco Myth or Deal: You can buy 120 of their frozen cookies for only $32

deal

Have you heard this? I was SO excited because you know I love anything Costco, especially the cookies! I had to see for myself if I could take a bunch of these guys home with me. However, when I headed to the bakery, I found out this wasn’t true, at least not in the US.

deal

The truth is, the Costco bakery sells nothing frozen in the US. If you live in Canada, though, you are in luck! If you are in Canada sister, go buy ’em and report back. It looks like I’ll be sticking to buying them in the food court for now.

 

Follow along for more money saving grocery hacks, tips & tricks!

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My Belly Bloat Busting Smoothie Recipe

smoothieWho’s stressed about sticking on a swimsuit?! ?‍♀️ Or who’s just bloated from your weekend cheat day? ?‍♀️ Time to pull out the bag of tricks! First one out the gate: My Belly Bloat Busting Smoothie! Low Carb + High Protein 6 ingredients that won’t break the bank!

LORAfied Bloat Busting Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
Handful of spinach
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. chia seeds
Handful of ice cubes

Note: you can shop my protein powder suggestions HERE ?

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My 3 Ingredient Breakfast on a Stick

breakfast on a stick

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of food on a stick ?‍♀️ It’s just more fun eating something off one, isn’t it?! Just wait until you try my 3 ingredient breakfast on a stick. This hack works with any waffle batter, any type of sausage and is ready in less than 5 minutes! You can make these Keto, Low Carb, High Protein, GF, DF and even Vegan! The breakfast possibilities are endless ?

Start by grabbing your waffle maker (preferably mini) and waffle mix of choice. Here’s the link to my mini waffle maker!

For this next part, grab some coffee stirrers. Stick the coffee stirrer into a sausage patty of your choice and dip it into that waffle batter, fully coating the patty. My secret is maple bits, which I sprinkle on top of the waffle before closing the lid and cooking like normal.

And there you have it, breakfast on a stick in just minutes! It’s almost like a breakfast sandwich and a waffle had a baby? ??

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Cracking the Egg Code: Expired Eggs or Good to Eat?

eggs

Today we are cracking the egg code! Do you know someone who thinks the expiration dates magically know when a food has gone bad? Honestly, I used to fall into that category until I did some research. Here are some handy hacks to know if your eggs are still good to eat.

Handy fast facts:

? STILL GOOD 4-5 Weeks AFTER date on the carton
? If it sinks, it’s good ?
? If it floats, compost it ♻️
? Older eggs are easier to peel ?
? The number near the expiration date is the day of the year they were packed
? Always store in the fridge

Stick around for more egg-citing hacks?

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