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Holiday Hacks on Today With Hoda & Jenna

Click ➡️ HERE ⬅️ to watch the episode!

WOW, sister, just WOW! To say it was an honor to share some of my favorite Holiday Hacks on @hodaandjenna with @hodakotb & @jennabhager wouldn’t begin to cover how I feel. My heart is especially full and let’s just say Scooter has finally stopped calling my full-time job a hobby ?

Have you ever put your dream on hold to raise your kids? Support your spouse? Care for a loved one? Or maybe you couldn’t take a chance on it because you had to keep food on the table and dreams are risky and certainly don’t pay the bills right away. I GET YOU! My career highway has been dotted with ?? road signs, telling me to slow down, pull over, even suggesting I just simply ✋!

Some of my speed bumps include: Having Kid 1 when I was 22 and married to the wrong guy for me. Being a single mom for a decade never saying no to a news live shot because being a divorced parent is expensive. Then finally getting a break at the network when I meet Scooter. While I really tried to continue working after Kid 2 came along, it became clear both Scoot and I couldn’t be on the road at the same time, so I hung up my cleats to be at home with Kids 2 & 3.

But I’m going to be honest, and anyone who knows me knows this, I missed my career, I missed the gathering of information, the research, the sharing what I had uncovered.

3 years ago, during a routine yearly checkup, my doctor told me I had to figure something out…meaning he could tell my normal peppy spark was dimming…it’s because I had been suppressing my goals, thinking they’d just go away, it was that obvious ? And here’s the kicker: I was 50 years old at the time (now 53!) What in the world could I possibly start?

For the love of LORAfied, sister THIS IS YOUR SIGN ?

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How to Make my Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat Recipe

Here is the Starbucks copycat you have all requested- the Iced Lemon Loaf! This Starbucks copycat recipe is easy, affordable, and tastes just like the real deal. I’m pretty sure I nailed it!

LORAfied Iced Lemon Loaf??

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups flour

Small box instant lemon pudding (3.4oz)1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup avocado oil (any kind will work)

3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl add flour, dry pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda & salt, whisk to combine. Then, in a separate large bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest together, then add eggs, butter, vanilla, lemon juice, oil and sour cream.

Preheat oven to 350F. Blend the wet mix well with mixer. Then, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet until smooth. Pour in prepared pan, making sure to leave 1 1/4” space between the batter and the top. Bake for 55 mins.

Cool 10 minutes, remove from pan and continue cooling on rack.

NOTE: I used a 9X5 loaf pan and had a little extra batter left over, I made a mini loaf with that, which was done in about 35-40 mins.

Frosting:
3 Tbsp softened butter

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tbsp lemon juice

Using mixer on low to medium setting, mix until creamy smooth.
Pour over cooled loaf, and cut into even slices.

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How to Make Cookie Cutter Whipped Cream Toppers

Are you looking for a fun (and tasty) way to get into the holiday spirit? Then this hack is for you! Introducing cookie cutter frozen whipped cream toppers…to compliment any hot drink from hot coco to coffee, or even tea. They’re cute, festive, and melt into your drink!

☕️? Holiday Hack: Frozen Whipped Cream Toppers ??

What you’ll need: you can use any whipped cream, even Cool Whip works! Basically any topping you can freeze. You could even do little dollops out of a can onto parchment paper and freeze those.

What to do: top with candies for extra fun… Anything that’s going to melt in a hot drink. Think M&Ms, red hots, chocolate chips… And, of course, sprinkles, any kind of sprinkles! We’re going to decorate these guys like cookies, and then stick them in the freezer.

Once they’re frozen, pull them out and let them sit out for a minute or two, then use cookie cutters to cut them out. Once your shapes are cut out, any unused shapes can go back in the freezer!

What’s your favorite cozy winter drink? Comment and LMK!?

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Cake Hack: 6 Ingredient Holiday Bundt

EASY + 6 INGREDIENT = SHOWSTOPPER ? Plus this beauty is AFFORDABLE…it only LOOKS EXPENSIVE!

If you were Santa, would you welcome a slice of cake or another cookie? ??? Although I’m a HUGE fan of frosted sugar cookies, especially the soft ones cold, straight out of the freezer, this cake is a STUNNER and it’s DELICIOUS! And you can make this any color for any celebration ?

?? CAKE HACK: HOLIDAY BUNDT ❤️?

Ingredients:

1 white cake mix (15.25 oz) I used Duncan Hines 1/2 packet instant vanilla pudding (3.9 oz) 1 cup sour cream 4 egg whites 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup oil, I use avocado oil , but any will work

✳️ DO NOT PREHEAT the oven ✳️

Pour all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Divide batter in half, setting one half to the side. Take the other half and divide in half again, leaving you with 3 bowls of batter: 1 bowl will have 1/2 of the mix, the other 2 will have a 1/4 of the batter each.

Bowl 1: Leave the larger bowl with half of the batter white.

Bowl 2: add 1 1/2 tsp. red food coloring and mix.

Bowl 3: 1 tsp. green food coloring, whisk until combined.

Layer into prepared pan in this order:

1.) 1/2 white batter 2.) All of red batter 3.) All of green batter 4.) Remaining 1/2 of white batter

Don’t mix the layers, if needed you can gently spread them, making sure not to combine with the layer below.

Place on a cookie sheet (this helps keep the bottom from burning) place in a cold oven, then turn the heat to 350F and bake for 55-60.

Cool completely before decorating. HINT: place baggie in a glass for easy frosting filling (just snip off the ends!)

Frosting: Miss Jones Bakes and Duncan Hines

Food coloring: McCormick Spice

Bakeware: QVC

What color combo would you make? Comment and LMK! I’m thinking hot pink and green would be gorgeous!

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Starbucks Copycat White Mocha Latte Recipe

When’s the last time you picked up a speciality latte at Starbucks? I was shocked by the price! Almost $6 before a tip ? Here’s my EASY + AFFORDABLE hack to make a week’s worth of this holiday treat for a fraction?

☕️❤️ STARBUCKS COPYCAT WHITE MOCHA LATTE RECIPE ⭐️?‍♀️

White Mocha Sauce Ingredients: 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14oz) 1 can evaporated milk (12oz) 1 tsp instant coffee (regular or decaf) 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup white chocolate chips

Starbucks Copycat White Mocha Latte Recipe

Combine everything in a sauce pan, except the white chocolate chips, whisk until heated and sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat, add chips, stir until melted. Immediately pour into jar, over heating can cause too much thickening. Store in fridge.

Layer in this order: 2-4 Tbsp of white mocha sauce 2 shots of espresso (or *instant coffee) 1 cup steamed milk of choice Top with whipped cream if desired (Recipe below)

*NOTE: You can use instant coffee in place of espresso by mixing 1 tablespoon instant coffee and 1/4 cup hot water.

Whipped Cream ingredients: 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 Tbsp vanilla syrup (I used Torani) Hand whisk heavy cream and syrup together until creamy or use a frothing wand.

Which milk do you prefer in your coffee drinks? Comment and LMK! I’m an almond milk fan ??

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My Favorite Gift Wrapping Tips and Tricks

Need help gift wrapping? Today I am showing you 4 of my favorite gift wrapping hacks to make this holiday season go as smoothly as possible? ? You can find my little elf cutter at https://www.littleelfproducts.com. Don’t forget to use code LORA10 to save 10%!

To organize my ribbon, I use a paper towel holder. It helps me measure and cut only what I need! Just stack and cut!

Now, grab some bells and stick a few in with a gift. This drives my curious kid crazy and adds extra suspense!

Looking for a wrapping shortcut? Grab the little elf cutter HERE (use code LORA10 for 10% off!) This little guy is a life savor! He’ll help you measure and easily cut clean lines all for about $5!

Finally, go grab a letter opener. I use these to fine tune those little pieces of paper that can be kinda tricky!

Stay tuned for more of my simple holiday hacks!

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The Best Starbucks Dupe: $2 Freeway Frappuccino

? DUPE ALERT: STARBUCKS HACK ⭐️ + ? = ?‍♀️ On The Go! ?

Have you noticed how crazy expensive blended coffee drinks are these days?!? Here’s my trick for making one for a fraction of what “you know who” charges. The secret: this cordless blender that fits in your car cup holder! WHAT?! You can blend all kinds of things with this little guy and it’s dishwasher safe! If you’re looking to get extra protein in your diet, this little guy is also perfect for making a smoothie on the road ?❤️

Can you believe the prices at Starbucks?! A venti Starbucks Frappuccino costs $6.75! Instead of spending almost $7 on a coffee, try this hack instead.

I ran to 7/11 and grabbed their large iced mocha, which tastes exactly like the Starbucks Frappuccino! The best part? It’s only $2!

I poured mine inside this cordless blender, and it fits right in your cup holder so you can drink it on the go. This blender is the key to turning your iced coffee into a Frappuccino!

All that’s left to do is blend this puppy up! It turned out so creamy and delicious. And there you have it, the $2 freeway Frappuccino! It’s a great Starbucks dupe for a fraction of the price.

What would you blend in the car? Comment and LMK! ?

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Easy 2 Ingredient Cupcake Hack

Have you noticed the sneaky change Betty Crocker basically made overnight without warning? If you plan on using a cake mix this holiday season, you need to know the MIX has SHRUNK and is very different ? When I picked up a box of their Super Moist Butter Recipe Yellow cake mix I was shocked to see they left the directions exactly the same despite reducing the amount of batter! Including identical amounts of water, eggs and butter…WHAT IN THE WORLD?! As you might imagine, the price is the same! And get this, the cupcakes with their new, smaller mix crumble when you try to break a piece off or eat them ? HERE’S HOW I FIXED the NEW MIX to make them MOIST and get us 24 CUPCAKES again! ?

?❤️ LORAfied 2 INGREDIENT CUPCAKE HACK??

Betty Crocker Cake Mix Hack:

-1 Box Betty Crocker 13.25 oz (make as directed)

-1 extra egg 1/2 package Vanilla pudding mix

-Bake 325F for 14 mins or so

Note: Some of their other flavors are calling for different amounts of water, but that’s basically it. I’d still recommend the extra egg and pudding for all of the their 13.25 oz. mixes.

Have you noticed the shrinkage? Comment and LMK! It caught my attention when I went to make 24 cupcakes, like I have for years, but the batter wasn’t filling the pans ? I hope you liked this cupcake hack!

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Honest Review on the Butter Candle: Hype or Hip?

EASY + AFFORDALBE SHOW-STOPPING HOLIDAY PARTY HACK! Have you seen this?! Who thinks the price of a cheese board is out of control? ?‍♀️ Here is a super fun alternative that’s going to get everyone’s attention. Best of all, any stick butter will work! ?
This one of the wackiest hacks, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

??️?LORAfied FOOD HACK: BUTTER CANDLE APPETIZER ??

Ingredients
2 cups butter (use salted)
1-2 tsp. minced garlic (optional)
Zest of 1 small lemon (optional)

Directions

Put everything in sauce pan and melt.

Using a toothpick, poke hole into bottom of paper cup, insert wick.

Pour into paper cup.

Let firm in fridge for a few hours or stick in the freezer to speed it up.

Chances you’ll give this a try? What kind of bread would you use for dipping? We are BIG sourdough fans and let me tell you, as that candle melts into the bread, folks will be fighting over those pieces ? Comment and let me know if you think is if fun or completely ridiculous!

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Starbucks Copycat Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Have you picked up a slice of the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf? It’s delicious and usually sold out at our Starbucks, which is surprising given how expensive it is! Here’s an EASY + AFFORDABLE DUPE, frosting and all!

?❤️ STARBUCKS COPYCAT GINGERBREAD LOAF RECIPE ⭐️?‍♀️

Ingredients

Bowl 1:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground mustard

Bowl 2:
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup apple butter (sub applesauce in a pinch)
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp orange extract OR a squeeze of orange

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F
First, mix all of the bowl 1 ingredients together and set aside. The secret to this entire recipe is the dry mustard. Trust me on this one!

Next, Combine butter and sugar together, then add remaining ingredients into bowl 2. Don’t forget the freshly grated orange zest! Using a mixer, add the dry to the wet until well blended. The batter will be thick.

Finally, pour your batter into pan. To line your pan, use parchment paper and clips to hold it all down. Bake the loaf for about an hour, until the middle doesn’t jiggle. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese brought to room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

While your loaf is baking, it’s time to whip up the frosting! Using a mixer, combine all 3 ingredients until smooth.
Finally, pour the entire batch of frosting over your cooled loaf and spread evenly. Cut your slices and enjoy!

I seriously cannot stop eating this! I hope you love this gingerbread loaf recipe, and follow along for more.

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Marie Callenders Secret Copycat Cornbread Recipe

?? MARIE CALLENDERS SECRET COPYCAT CORNBREAD ??️

Have you ever made the Marie Callenders cornbread mix? I knew the first time I made it, it wasn’t the same as their famous one you get at their restaurant. I was talking with my mom, 93 year old Norma Jean about this and she said “Well you know the restaurant uses a cake mix to make theirs” WHAT?! ? Yes, sister, YES! The best part, this RECIPE DUPE is SO EASY, I can’t wait for you to make it! Thank you, Mom ? When it comes to the honey butter, some claim it has bacon in it, it does not, but I will say that sounds delicious ?

Dupe Cornbread Recipe:

1 box yellow cake mix (including the eggs, oil & water)

1 box Jiffy muffin mix (including milk & eggs)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, make cake mix according to directions

In a medium bowl, whip up the cornbread mix, again, according to the directions on the box

Pour the cornbread mix into the cake mix and stir until combined

Pour into prepared pan

Place a sheet of foil on top rack and put the cornbread on the middle rack

Bake approx. 30-40 minutes. Freezes beautifully.

BAKING HACK: grab some aluminum foil and stick it on your top rack. This is going to help reflect the heat so that the top of the cornbread doesn’t burn.

Honey Butter: 1/2 stick butter 1/4 cup honey

Using a blender, whip both together. Store in the refrigerator.

Once you make this, you won’t want to go back to the Marie Callenders mix! Would you make the butter with or without the bacon? Comment and LMK! I’m going without the bacon…this time ????

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