Honest Review on the Butter Candle: Hype or Hip?

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.

? FOLLOW ME

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 ????

? FOLLOW ME

Sam’s Club Secrets: How To Hack Walmart’s Superstore

?❤️ SAM’S CLUB SECRETS: How To Hack Walmart’s Superstore ?

Did you know the Sam in Sam’s Club is for Walmart’s founder Sam Walton? Scooter had no idea! Since my hometown in Kansas is pretty close to the Walmart mothership in Northwest Arkansas I grew up with that little tidbit…but what I didn’t know was how to read their coded price tags, until now. I’ve packed a lot in this one! Please save and forward to someone who can use it this holiday season and beyond! ?

This place is stocked with deals. Their batteries are made by Energizer, and their jeans are Wrangler! The candy department has some of the best deals I’ve seen.

Next up: How to read their price tags

Codes with “A” mean it’s always in stock with a possibility of future markdowns.

Codes ending in “S” mean seasonal products. Check the labels because some seasonal items aren’t always obvious!

Codes with “C” are the most important. Go ahead and grab them because it means those guys are on final clearance and aren’t coming back! Prices ending in “1” also are on clearance.

Codes ending with “O” mean the product is a one-time buy and won’t be restocked.

NOTE: Their tech deals are great finds if you look for “Instant Savings”

SKIP: Skip those tempting samples! Keep in mind, if you try the samples, you are 65% MORE likely to make a purchase!

Did you know Sam’s Club was owned by Walmart? Comment and LMK!

FOLLOW ME

Electric Skillet Dinner Hack: Easy No Boil Spaghetti & Meatballs

?❤️ DINNER HACK: 4 INGREDIENTS + 1 PAN + ONLY 20 MINUTES ⏲️? #ad

How crazy are your weeknights? I thought as the kids got older, things wouldn’t be so nutty come dinnertime, but honestly, it’s harder now than ever to balance “all the things” and get a meal on the table. This is one of my family’s favorites! It works with any pasta, any sauce and any type of meatballs. And here’s the best part…I didn’t have to turn on the stove or boil a pot of water?

LORAfied Spaghetti & Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 jar pasta sauce
1 jar water
1 bag frozen meatballs
1 box of pasta
1 cup mozzarella cheese

After plugging in your skillet, start by adding a jar of pasta sauce, a jar of water and frozen meatballs (beef, chicken or veggie) to your pan. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Now it’s time for the pasta. Yup, it’s going in dry! Move it around for a little bit to make sure it’s all separated.

Just 10 minutes later, add your cup of cheese. I went with shredded mozzarella and added some cute little mozzarella balls just for fun. You can use anything here… even simple parmesan works too.

Cover the skillet with the lid to let the cheese melt, and it’s time to eat! It’s cheesy and easy- two of my favorite words?
NOTE: can be made in a regular pan on the stove as well ? This dish makes great leftovers ?

What sauce and meatball combo would you use? Comment and LMK! Vodka sauce with turkey meatballs is a winner ?

FOLLOW ME

Shop the Post

Shop

Fancy Yet Frugal Halloween Party Hacks

?? LORAfied HALLOWEEN PARTY HACKS: MONEY SAVING TRICKS + TREATS ??

How many of those plastic Halloween buckets are in your attic or garage? I found 7 in mine ? Here’s what to do with those little guys and 4 more EASY HACKS to make your pumpkin party a real treat ?

Candy Bucket Flower Vase

This is one of my favorite Halloween hacks! These plastic candy buckets can easily be transformed into a festive flower vase. Easy to do and cute as decor!

Pumpkin Drink Dispenser

This creative DIY drink dispenser will WOW your guests! Just trace around a bowl for the perfect opening. Grab your mixer, and only using one beater to clean out the inside. This part is strangely therapeutic! Then, grab a cookie cutter and make an opening for your boxed wine (just pull the tab out of the opening.) To rim the glasses, add a little simple syrup and some colored sugar.

Spider Ice Cubes

These spider ice cubes are so fun! Grab a pack of 50 HERE from Amazon for under $10!

Vampire Teeth Napkin Holders

How cute are these vampire teeth napkin holders?! Grab this set of 12 from Amazon!

Candy Corn Cupcakes

LORAfied halloween party hacks - candy corn cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix (16.5-oz)
3 eggs
1 cup water
1/4 c. Avocado oil (or oil of choice)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Yellow color: 1 Tbsp. yellow food coloring
Orange color: 1/2 Tbsp. yellow food coloring + 1/2 Tbsp. red food coloring
1 can white frosting (I used Miss Jones Baking, it’s a nice pure white color)

Directions:

Preheat oven 350F
Mix up the batter, then divide between 2 bowls
Add yellow food coloring to one bowl, and the orange to the other, stir until completely combined
Scoop yellow batter into cupcake liners, followed by and even amount of the orange
Bake 18 minutes, cool and frost with white frosting
Makes 12-16 cupcakes

Are you a candy corn fan? Comment and LMK! My family is divided, Kid 3 and I aren’t fans, but admit, they sure are cute ???

Leftover Halloween Candy Hack: 2 Ingredient Fudge

What are you plans for any leftover Halloween candy? How about turning into Fudge?! I’ve done some fun things with it in the past, but this is by far my favorite! This is the fudge for folks who thought they never could make fudge! No boiling, no candy thermometer, heck, we’re not even turning the stove on ? See below for my 2-Ingredient Fudge recipe!

?❤️ LORAfied Leftover Halloween Candy Hack

Ingredients:

1 can chocolate frosting (not the whipped kind)
1 1/2 cups of chopped chocolate bars, I used a combo of Hershey’s, with and without nuts and Nestle crunch bar (can also use 1 bag of chocolate chips)
1/2-1 cup of candy bar add-ins for the topping

Directions:

Microwave the chopped chocolate, stirring every 30 seconds until melted, this will take about two minutes.
Stir in chocolate frosting until everything is melted and combined. Pour in a parchment lined pan, top with your favorite candy and put in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
You can also freeze leftovers ?

FOLLOW ME

Ghost Ravioli Halloween Recipe

Have you ever made pasta from scratch? I have and I can tell you I’m not rushing to do it again ? I love it, but the time commitment is a doozy! That’s why I LOVE THIS EASY RAVIOLI RECIPE! Just wait until you see how quick and simple this one is. Plus, these little ghosts are perfect for Halloween. This is by far my favorite Halloween hack I’ve ever done.

LORAfied Spooky Ghost Pasta Halloween Recipe
1 cup of ricotta
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Magic Seasoning (link here)
Splash of lemon juice
1 packet of egg roll wrappers
1 beaten egg
1 jar favorite pasta sauce (I used Alfredo)

The first step is the easy filling with just 4 ingredients. Combine your ricotta, parmesan, magic seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl.

Now, for the “pasta,” we are using egg roll wrappers! Place your wrappers onto a tray and brush each one with egg wash (one beaten egg). Scoop one tablespoon of filling onto the center of each wrapper. To make the ghost, gently pinch around the ball of ricotta and seal the wrapper.

After freezing the wrappers for at least 30 minutes, bring your pasta water to a boil (I add salt and oil to mine). In a separate pan, heat your sauce of choice. I highly recommend using Alfredo sauce for these guys. Drop the ghosts into the boiling water to cook. When they float, they’re done! Mine took approximately 2-3 minutes.

To finish these guys off, add them to the sauce in a serving plate. I used chopped olives for the eyes of the ghosts. No one is ever going to believe these are made out of egg roll wrappers!

FOLLOW ME

Shop the Post

Shop

Link to my favorite essential oil

Affordable Car Hacks

How much time do you spend in your car? Here in LA our cars are an extension of our homes so making it a haven is a priority. These 3 things make my time on the road a little easier. Whether I’m picking up smelly kids from sports or getting some work done while waiting for the aforementioned smelly kids, these items are fantastic! Especially the tray, which is on sale for less than $6 bucks right now!

LORAfied Car Hacks

Link to the diffuser

This first item is a car diffuser and humidifier. The best part? It fits perfectly in your cup holder. Just add your favorite essential oil or use it as a humidifier.

Link to wireless adapter

Tired of being tied down to car play? There’s now a wireless option! This car accessory is super easy to use. All you do is plug in your adapter, turn on your Bluetooth, and you are ready to roll.

Link to steering wheel tray

When I’m eating on the go, this steering wheel tray is my saving grace. It attaches to your steering wheel, giving you the perfect tray to set down your food and eat on the go. Who ever thought eating in the car could be this civilized? And get this… there’s even a desk mode for when you need a surface to get some work done.

These car hacks are affordable and game-changers for the car. Stick around for more affordable travel finds!

FOLLOW ME

Shop the Post

Shop

My Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe

Introducing my pumpkin surprise Bundt cake! This is my version of The Great Pumpkin. There are so many things you can do with this cake…plain vanilla frosting for a white pumpkin would be pretty here, so many options! The best part? The cake only has four ingredients.

Btw, if pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, you can still make this cake with any Bundt cake flavor…chocolate would be delicious and spooky!

LORAfied Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Cake
NOTE: this makes 1 cake, you will need to make 2 to make the pumpkin shape ?

Ingredients

1 Spice cake mix (I used Duncan Hines, but any brand will work)
1 can pumpkin purée 15 oz can
1 cup milk (I used 2%)
4 eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.
Mix eggs, milk and pumpkin together, then blend in cake mix.
Pour into prepared pan (I grease and flour mine).
Bake for 30 – 40 minutes, every oven is different, so start checking at 30 minutes.
Let the cakes cool completely before removing from the pan.

Now, time for the fun part. To assemble you pumpkin, flip the bottom Bundt upside down. Sliver off the top layer to make an even base. After frosting the Bundt, place the second cake right on top. I filled the middle hole with candy and placed a cookie on top. For the pumpkin stem, I covered an ice cream cone in chocolate. Frost the outside to finish, and you have yourself a pumpkin cake!

P.S. Here’s the Bundt pan I used for this pumpkin cake??

FOLLOW ME

Shop the Post

Shop

Toilet Paper Money Saving Hack

Do you have a favorite toilet paper? Here’s where to grab your favorite ? brand AT A DEAL…and don’t forget to download coupons in the store apps, they matter when it comes to TP, except at one store ?

Our first stop: Walgreens. Grab your cottonelle coupons! This is the best place to buy this brand. Next up is Target! Here, your best bet is Scott and Charmin. Boy, do they have a lot stocked! For additional savings, check out the Target app. CVS is also a great spot for Charmin.

Coupons are great for saving, but if they aren’t your thing, check out Costco. The Kirkland brand at Costco is your best bet. For Quilted Northern, hop on to Amazon (here) and click that save & subscribe button.

Follow along for more money saving tips!

FOLLOW ME