6 Easy and Genius Summer S&#8217;mores Hacks

Must-Know Pasta Hack: Teflon Pasta

🍝🤯 PASTA HACKED: DID YOU KNOW?! 🤔 THE SECRET 🤫 BIG TEFLON Doesn’t Want Revealed 😳

How often do you eat pasta? It’s a staple in our house so this SHOCKED ME to the core! This took a lot of research before I was comfortable putting this out there. A quick google search will claim there’s no harm in eating pasta made on teflon, but I consulted with experts who say that’s simply not true and said there is reason to be concerned, cautioning against eating pasta coming off those machines. PFAS (teflon) “forever chemicals” can stay in our bodies for years and have been linked to terrifying health issues. Here’s a FAST & EASY way to avoid them!

Did you know that the majority of pasta sold is coming out of teflon-coated machines? Yup! The good news is: there’s a super easy way to tell if you are eating it and an even easier way to tell if you’re buying it.

When shopping, look for the word BRONZE on pasta packaging. The wording depends on the brand; some might go with “bronze drawn,” others with “bronze cut.” The bottom line is if you see the word bronze, that means they didn’t make the pasta on teflon.

Another giveaway is the texture of the pasta. The smoother the pasta is, the higher the chance that it was made on teflon. The rough texture on pasta indicates it was bronze cut (i.e no teflon)!

Note: Not all teflon free pasta companies have started labeling their pasta as “Bronze” cut yet, but I’m sure many more will start. A simple internet search will tell you which companies do. BTW: Bronze doesn’t mean expensive, it actually affordable I even found bronze cut pasta at Dollar Tree although it wasn’t labeled, the company making it only makes bronze cut 🤓

Will this change the way you buy pasta? Comment and LMK!

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Summer Hacks on Today Show: Jenna & Friends

☀️📺 TODAY SHOW: Jenna & Friends 💕 BTS 🎥

Click ➡️ HERE ⬅️ to watch the episode!

What an incredible honor it is to be part of the @jennaandfriends family! It’s truly the hour that makes you smile 😊 and you know I’m all about happy, uplifting and helpful🤗

I had a blast with @jennabhager and guest co-host @bravoandy we laughed so hard my side hurt 😂 Wait until you see Andy’s reaction when he learns Scooter 🛵, Kids 2 & 3 and I are going on a cruise this summer and all four of us are sharing one room 😳🤣

It is never lost on me that YOU are the reason I’m able to do this and I’m beyond GRATEFUL for your support! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being here, holding my hand and walking this journey with me 🫂🥹

Thank YOU for sharing your valuable life minutes with me, I don’t ever take that for granted and will never stop making time-saving, money-saving and uplifting content for you 💝

I am here because of YOU 🫶

And I am HERE FOR YOU ❤️

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Aldi’s Dupes: Big Name Brands

🚨👯‍♀️ ALDI’S DUPES 🛒🤩

There’s something going on at Aldi’s and the name brand food giants aren’t happy! Aldi’s has some dupes that are SO GOOD they’re currently being sued over consumer confusion by the folks who own Oreo’s 😳 Honestly they have more copycats than I’ve seen in any other store! It would take me hours to cover them all so I’ve whittle it down to the stand outs for ya 📝

NOTE: from Chowhound.com – “Both Aldi and Trader Joe’s have ties to the Albrecht family” 😉 Trader Joe’s has AMAZING dupes, so it makes sense that Aldi’s does, too!

Some of my favorite Aldi’s Dupes:

Ritz Crackers

Oreos

Wheat Thins

Chips Ahoy

Nutter Butter Cookies

Rao’s Pasta Sauce

Simply Orange Juice

Kerry Gold Butter

Nutella

Nature Valley Trail Mix Bars

Digiorno Frozen Pizza

King’s Hawaiian Rolls, Dave’s Killer Bread and MORE!

HIGHLIGHT: One of my favorite dupe finds at Aldi’s is there version of Poppi Soda! It’s called “popz” and looks/tastes the exact same… except it’s way cheaper! This one went in my cart, sis along with the Oreo’s twin.

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Secret Bargains: Budget Wedding Cakes from Costco, Sam’s Club and More

BUDGET WEDDING CAKES: COSTCO + WALMART + SAM’S CLUB + GROCERY STORE

When Scooter and I were married almost 19 years ago our cake cost $150. back then! Today, the average American wedding cake runs between $300. – $700. But it doesn’t have to! You can get a STUNNING CAKE for less than $70. bucks from some surprising places!

I ran to Sam’s Club, Walmart, my local grocery store, and Costco and placed the same order at each place: a white wedding cake with buttercream frosting. Here are my thoughts on each cake!

Let’s start with Sam’s Club. This cake is $58 and serves 58 guests. This cake was BEAUTIFUL and everything you expect from a wedding cake. They also made it super easy to transport the cake safely.

Up next is the grocery store. I went to my local grocery store Ralph’s that is owned by Kroger. This cake is $30 and serves 36 guests. This cake required a little at home assembly, but for only $30, doing the touchups is worth it. The frosting on this cake was amazing! Now you can officially say you made your own wedding cake!

Next up… Walmart! This cake is $68 and serves 68 guests. This cake was a stunner and looked most like my own wedding cake! I noted this cake was a little bit more dense in texture. Just like Sam’s Club, they made it super easy to transfer this cake safely.

Last but not least is Costco! This cake is $16 and serves 16 guests. Here, they actually only sell this one size and it was by far the smallest of the bunch. I had some difficulties with the cake before even getting out of the door, as the cake didn’t come with a crumb coat and the lid was too short for the cake! Despite it all, the winner for best taste goes to Costco.

My final verdicts:

AWARDS:
? Best in show: Sam’s Club
? Best Tasting: Costco
? Best Frosting: Ralph’s grocery store (owned by Kroger’s)
? Easiest to transport: Sam’s Club & Walmart Tie

? Most custom options: Ralph’s was very willing to try and duplicate the photo we brought in.

NOTE: If I were having a wedding today, here’s what I would do:
Buy the Sam’s Club or Walmart cake for the photos then order sheet cakes from Costco to be cut in the back and served to your guests. You will save a boatload!

After filming, we hopped in the car and headed to a local shelter to donate the leftover cakes!

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Luxury-Inspired Designer Shoe Dupes at Target!

🤩👠 DESIGNER SHOE DUPES 👯‍♀️CRAZY COPYCATS for a FRACTION💰👟

Are you tired of paying a fortune for cute shoes? Me, too! Saving to buy a pair of slides that aren’t even considered stylish the next year?! Here are my top pick for summer shoes that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, all from Target!

Shop all of my finds HERE

DIOR DESIGNER SANDALS vs TARGET COPYCAT

How cute are these white sandals for summer?! Dior is charging almost $1,200 for these guys! The good news is, I found a copycat at Target for only $35.

PRADA MESH BALLET FLATS vs TARGET TWIN

I don’t quite understand this shoe, and Prada is selling it for over $1000! This twin I found at Target is only $35, so for that price, it’s worth it to grab ‘em!

TORY BURCH WOVEN SPORT SANDAL vs TARGET LOOK-ALIKE

Tory Burch is selling these woven sandals for $328 and Target is selling a pair that is SO much cheaper and looks almost the exact same.

JEFFREY CAMPBELL JELLY FLATS vs TARGET DUPE

This is hard to believe, but the jelly shoe is back! If you are confused, I’m with ya sis! The jelly flats here at Target are an incredible dupe for the Jeffrey Campbell shoe that is $55. Here at Target? Only $20.

AMAZON JELLY FISHERMAN SANDALS vs TARGET COPYCAT

These guys are the same deal with the jelly trend but are the “fisherman style” The originals are $69 on Amazon but only $30 for the Target copycat.

DESIGNER BOAT SHOES vs TARGET DUPE

Boat shoes are also back in season, but the designer versions can be a little pricey! The good news is, Target has a dupe for these guys too.

DOLCE VITA FLORAL HEELS vs TARGET LOOK-ALIKE

How cute are these guys?! These are by far my favorite find in this collection. This Dolce Vita inspired shoe is a steal for only $40 at Target.

COACH CHERRY SANDALS vs TARGET LOOK-ALIKE

This is another trend alert! Cherries are very in right now, and while Coach is charging $88 for their Cherry themed sandals, Target has an adorable cherry inspired shoe for only $25.

MADEWELL HEELS vs TARGET COPYCAT

These designer inspired heels left me speechless! This Target heel is an incredible copycat for the Madewell version that costs almost $200! Save big with these guys.

ADIDAS SNEAKERS vs TARGET LOOK-ALIKE

And last but not least, RUN to Target to grab these Adidas inspired sneakers for a fraction of the price! Adidas is super popular right now, and these are a great copycat version.

What’s your favorite pair? Comment and LMK! I LOVE the Dolce Vida inspired pump with flowers 🥰

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Click here to check out all my grilling favorites!

The Best Cinnamon Roll Grill Hack

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How much do you love cinnamon rolls? How about a cinnamon roll on a stick?! 🤯 These are even better than they look! I seriously can’t wait for you to try these at your next cookout! 😎💕

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🔥🤩 CINNAMON ROLL HACK: 1 ingredient + SO EASY + On The Grill❤️‍🔥

These cinnamon roll skewers are the easiest and most delicious BBQ upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Just one can of cinnamon rolls per stick, wrapped around like a hot dog, and tossed on the grill.

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Make sure to rotate them frequently for even cooking. On my grill, they took about 5–8 minutes. You can also cook them directly on the grill using a layer of aluminum foil topped with parchment paper. Once they’re done, drizzle with icing.

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Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just grilling for fun, these cinnamon roll skewers are guaranteed to steal the show. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and crave-worthy! Give them a try and let me know what you think!🤗

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Luxury-Inspired Walmart Candle Dupes

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Have you seen the price of candles lately? 🤯 The prices give new meaning to the term Money To Burn 🔥😳 It’s time for another “Bougie On A Budget”! The best deals on HIGH END CANDLE COPYCATS I’ve ever smelled 👃😍

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🕯️🤩 WALMART DUPES: $6 LUXURY CANDLES 👯‍♀️

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Anthropologie’s Capri Blue Volcano Candle vs. Walmart’s Red Lava Candle

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The cult-favorite Anthropologie candle instantly fills a room with that signature tropical-citrus scent we all know and love, although at $38, it’s a splurge. Walmart’s Red Lava Candle is just $12 and shockingly similar. Same fresh, fruity vibe for a third of the price!

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Bath & Body Works Lemon Sugared Zest Candle vs. Walmart’s Sweet Sugared Lemon Candle

The Bath & Body Works favorite brings that bright, sugary lemon scent that smells like sunshine in a jar – but at $29, it’s more of a treat! Walmart’s Sweet Sugared Lemon Candle comes in at just $6 and has that same zesty, sweet citrus vibe for a fraction of the price!

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Bath & Body Works Sprinkled Birthday Cake Candle vs. Walmart’s Buttercream Sprinkles Candle

The Bath & Body Works version smells like freshly baked cake with sweet vanilla frosting – creamy, cozy, and $29 a jar. Walmart’s Buttercream Sprinkles Candle is just $6 and delivers a nearly identical warm, sugary scent!

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Sol de Janeiro Candle vs. Walmart’s Allswell Embrace Candle

The Sol de Janeiro candle brings a signature warm, tropical vibe with notes of jasmine and vanilla – but at $48, it’s definitely a splurge. Walmart’s Allswell Embrace Candle captures a similar soft, beachy scent for just $6, making it a dreamy dupe without the luxe price tag!

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What’s your favorite candle scent? Comment and LMK! 🥰

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TAP TO SHOP LAST MINUTE AMAZON MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS!🤗

Mind Blowing $20 Secret Cupcake Bouquet from Walmart

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What would you rather smell: Frosted cupcakes or flowers? I’m going frosting all day long! Today I’m kicking off my new series “Bougie On A Budget” with one of the best deals on a custom cake I’ve ever seen! I LOVE IT and I hope you do, too! 💕

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🧁💐 WALMART SECRET 🤫 $20 Cupcake Bouquet 💝

For just $20, you get the sweetest bouquet ever (literally)! This has got to be the cutest edible floral arrangement I’ve ever seen!

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And the best part? You can totally customize it! Choose buttercream or whipped frosting, vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, and any color combo your heart desires. This is personalized luxury on a Walmart budget — and I’m obsessed! 💕🧁

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Starbucks Dupes at Walmart!

🤩🚨DUPE ALERT: WALMART COPYCATS 👯‍♀️ STARBUCKS ⭐️

When’s the last time you grabbed a treat at Starbucks? The prices have skyrocketed! A plain croissant is $4 🥐🤯 A single slice of one of their lemon loaf well over $5. here in California! Breakfast sandwiches and burritos are $7. each!
Walmart has incredible dupes for ALL of these and other Starbucks snacks, including one of the best cake pops I’ve ever had 💚

Let’s start out with Walmart’s lemon loaf! How do these stack up taste-wise?! They are GREAT and even have the lemon icing! It really is an exact dupe.
Iced Lemon Loaf
STBX: 1 slice $4.75
Walmart: 8 slices for $5

Same thing is happening with Walmart’s banana bread! Comparing it to the Starbucks version, it looks like it was cute form the same loaf! The size difference is real, and so is the money difference.
Banana Nut Loaf
STBX: 1 slice $5.55
Walmart: 8 slices for $5

The croissants at Walmart make an awesome dupes for the Starbucks croissants. They feel the exact same and even smell the same!
Croissant
STBX: 1 for $4
Walmart: 6 for $5

What about the stick-less cake pops at Walmart? I was SHOCKED that the Walmart version was so much better than the cake pops at Starbucks! The stick on the Starbucks version didn’t add much enjoyment, but it does add money.
Cake Pop
STBX: 1 for $3.75
Walmart: 1 for .60 cents

If you’re looking for savory, check out Walmart’s croissant sandwich!
Croissant Sandwich:
STBX: 1 for $7
Walmart: 4 of $5.78

Plus, an entire bag of identical breakfast burritos for SO much less!
Breakfast Burrito
STBX: 1 for $7
Walmart: 8 for $9

What’s your favorite Starbucks snack? Comment and LMK! Follow along for more affordable dupe finds!

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Genius Hotel Hacks That’ll Change the Way You Stay

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Do you know how to ask for a bigger room without paying more? How about the best floors to stay on? Plus the floor you never want! Here are my favorite and EASY ways to make your hotel stay better and safer 😍

–✈️🤩 HOTEL HACKS: FREE UPGRADES 💰🧳

Tip #1: Ask for a corner room.
Corner rooms are often larger and quieter — and sometimes even come with better views. I scored a huge upgrade just by asking at check-in. No extra cost, just way more space!

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Tip #2: Stay Between the 2nd and 6th Floors
For both safety and convenience, aim to book a room between the 2nd and 6th floors. These levels are typically within reach of fire truck ladders in case of an emergency.

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Tip #3: Avoid the 1st Floor
Rooms on the ground level are more convenient, but they’re also more vulnerable to break-ins and foot traffic. For added security and privacy, you’ll want to opt for a higher floor (whenever possible)!

Tip #4: Steer Clear of Elevators and Ice Machines
When checking in, ask for a room away from elevators and ice machines. These high-traffic areas can be surprisingly noisy, especially late at night — and nothing ruins a trip like a bad night’s sleep!

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NOTE: You can make any of these requests when you check in, but it’s best to call ahead and speak to the front desk at the hotel you’re staying at, not their reservation service. That way, the team at your hotel can note your reservation requests 😉

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SHOP MY FAVORITE TRAVEL ITEMS

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Sephora Beauty Dupes: Walgreens Skincare Finds

Save Your Skin and Your Wallet With Walgreens Skincare Dupes!🧴🫧 💆‍♀️

Who says great skincare has to break the bank? I scoured the skincare aisles at Walgreens to find affordable dupes that deliver results without the luxury price. These drugstore gems are total game-changers! Your skin (and budget) will thank you. Let’s dive into the best skincare dupes hiding in plain sight at your local Walgreens!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask vs. Walgreens Hydrating Lip Mask

Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask has a cult following for a reason! It’s rich, smells amazing, and leaves lips feeling pillowy soft. But at nearly $25 a jar, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. Luckily, the Walgreens Hydrating Lip Mask is a surprisingly close dupe that delivers major moisture without the designer price tag!

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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA vs. Walgreens Watermelon AHA Mask

Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment is a top rated favorite that gently exfoliates, hydrates, and leaves your skin glowing. But if the $40 price tag isn’t your vibe, Walgreens has a sneaky good dupe. Their Hydrating Watermelon Overnight Mask delivers similar hydration and light exfoliation with a refreshing, fruity feel!

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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream vs. Walgreens Moisturizing Facial Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a skincare staple. Lightweight, super moisturizing, and perfect for everyday use. But at nearly $40 a jar, it’s not the most budget-friendly option. Enter Walgreens’ Ultra Hydrating Facial Cream: a surprisingly close match in texture and performance. It delivers long-lasting moisture, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling soft and balanced—all without the luxury price!

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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream vs. Walgreens Body Butter Firming Cream

Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is famous for its amazing scent and skin-smoothing magic, but at $48 a jar, it’s definitely a splurge. Walgreens’ Firming Body Cream is a budget-friendly alternative that brings the same tightening and hydrating benefits to the table. Perfect for firming up on a drugstore budget!

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Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray vs. Walgreens Cleansing Mist

Tower 28’s Daily Rescue Facial Spray is a go-to for calming stressed, sensitive, or breakout prone skin—thanks to the hypochlorous acid! But if $28 for a mist feels steep, Walgreens has a great dupe! Their Soothing Facial Mist with Hypochlorous Acid delivers similar skin-calming, redness-reducing benefits at a fraction of the price. The ingredients are super comparable, and it’s gentle enough for daily use!

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Supergoop Glow Oil SPF vs. Walgreens Sunscreen Body Oil

Supergoop’s Glow Oil SPF is a summer must-have. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves your skin looking glazed with sun protection. But if $38 for a bottle has you hesitating, Walgreens’ Sunscreen Body Oil SPF 50 is an underrated dupe! It offers the same glowy finish, hydrates beautifully, and protects your skin from the sun—all without draining your wallet!

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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid vs. Walgreens Azelaic Acid Suspension

The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a cult favorite! Known to help fade dark spots, calm redness, and smooth skin texture without irritation. Walmart’s version delivers nearly identical results with a similar feel. Both have a lightweight, texture and glide on easily. Either one is a solid pick – they’re practically twins in the skincare world!

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Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser vs. Walgreens Gentle Cleanser

Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser uses superfoods kale, spinach, and green tea to gently cleanse while giving your skin a fresh boost. If you love that clean, green feel but not the $39 price tag, Walgreens’ Gentle Cleanser is a great everyday alternative. It has a similar lightweight texture and finish, and it gets the job done without stripping your skin!

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Paula’s Choice 2% BHA vs. Walgreens BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a skincare icon—known for clearing pores, smoothing texture, and keeping breakouts at bay. If you’re a fan of salicylic acid but want a more accessible option, Walgreens’ 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant steps up with a very similar formula and feel. Both use salicylic acid to exfoliate inside the pores, helping reduce blackheads and improve skin clarity over time. The Walgreens version holds its own!

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Hope you love these skincare dupes as much as I do! For a daily routine on a budget or if you just love a good drugstore gem, these Walgreens finds prove that great skin doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag 💕✨

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