$40 worth of Food for just $15?!?

Alright I'm sure you have heard about Amazon Prime Day, well I have an early deal for you!

Y'all I just got over $40 worth of food for just a little over $15!!

Amazon Pantry has a great deal going on where you get $10 off $40, this is before any other discounts.  The great thing is that Amazon also has deals going on for so many grocery items.  You can get 40% off Kellogg's products and there is a section with a tier savings (buy 5 get $5, 10 get $10 and 15 get $15).

This is the best deal I found so far:

2 boxes of Velveeta Original Mac and Cheese Cups $6.48 each
1 box Cheez-Its $2.58
1 box Rice Krispies Treats $3.68
1 box Nutri-Grain bars $4.74
3 boxes Chewy bars $3.73 each
2 boxes Pop-Tarts $2.75 each

Your cart total will be $40.65 (don't worry this will change)

In the promo box make sure you enter PANTRY to get the $10 off.  All the other discounts should automatically apply to your cart.

Here's the discount breakdown:

This is such a great deal for snacks, back to school and more!  Amazon prices fluctuate so lock down your deal NOW!!

Five Things Friday

It has been while since I have done a Friday favorites and I missed talking about things I have been loving.  

Dunkin Donuts Maple Pecan Iced Coffee: I have a love hate relationship with Dunkin Donuts coffee.  I have only had a few that I really love, most of the time they are way too sweet.  I had a coupon and decided to give the new fall flavor a try.  Guys I am obsessed!  It was delicious!!  I am a big fan of Starbuck's Toffee Nut and this is really similar.  I will for sure be getting quite a few before they disappear for the season.  Have you tried this one?  What's your favorite Dunkin drink?

Cinnamon Quick Bread Mix: I found a box of this on clearance and thought I would give it a try.  We made it for breakfast over the weekend and y'all this stuff is delicious!!  I went back and bought all they had, such an easy treat!

Dote App: I have heard all about the Dote App on youtube and just decided to give it a try.  Run down, Dote is like a mall on an app.  You can add things from all kinds of different stores (forever 21, Revolve, Sephora, DSW and then checkout all together.  You only have to enter your credit card info once...it's almost too easy.  Use my code: BMEOL for $5 off!

Peplum Denim Jacket: If you follow me on instagram (or in real life) you know I love this jacket.  A denim jacket is such a classic choice but add the peplum ruffle hem and it gives it a feminine update.  I have been pairing it with everything. 

Leopard Espadrille Mules: These shoes have been on my wishlist since they came out.  I almost bought them several times and something held me back.  Last week I went thrift store shopping and found them brand new in my size for $5!!  Guys that's why I love thrifting!!  I have been wearing them on repeat lately and honestly they are worth the $25, they are super comfortable and I love how they look.  Don't be afraid of the animal print, it goes with everything.

What have you been loving lately?

Weekend Adventure

My husband's birthday was Wednesday so we decided to have a little weekend adventure.  We had big plans but ended up running out of time and decided to save a few other activities for another weekend...so be on the lookout for that recap.

We started out at IHOP and honestly it was a little less than stellar.  I am a big IHOP fan and was so sad that this time wasn't so great.  I pretty much always get iced coffee, they have really good iced coffee.  This time the girl making it must have been new because it was pretty bad.  The first one was really bitter and the second refill was so sweet!!  Our food was really good though, I got the split decision breakfast and really enjoyed the french toast.  Kyle got the banana and nutella crepes and he said they were delicious!

We then headed out for a day of shopping.  I returned some shoes I have had for ages and now have a gift card for Nordstrom Rack (I see some shopping in the future!), my husband got a pair of shoes at Kohl's and we had a really good time just walking around together.  We went to the outlet mall which we hardly ever go to because it is quite a ways away.  I browsed Forever 21 and found a few things on clearance (blog post coming soon).  We also went in Banana Republic and my husband got some pants and I got a pair of sunnies.

 There is a Bass Pro right across from the outlet mall so of course when we are in the area we make a stop.  This Bass Pro has a really pretty drive in to the store.  It is a really long drive in but you stop by this lake and you can park and sit.  We never have but decided to stop and walk around, my husband was really sweet and took some pictures of me.

This area is really cute and relaxing, we sat out and watched the fish.

We walked around Bass Pro and picked out our boat..

We really enjoyed walking around, trying them out and dreaming.

I actually enjoy Bass Pro, the details and atmosphere is so well though out and fun to walk around.  It was late and I was getting tired and hungry so I decided to have a little fun and play with instagram stories.

If you aren't already following me, hit me up here.

See what I mean about the details, whoever designs these stores leaves nothing out.

For dinner we headed to Johnny Rockets.  Neither one of us had been there before and I had a Groupon.  Y'all if you aren't using Groupon you are seriously missing out.  We go on a lot of Groupon dates and find new things to do based on what is offered.  Let me know if you would like a post on how I use Groupon!

Anyway Johnny Rockets we walked in and weren't sure whether to seat ourselves or what so we just walked in and sat down (there wasn't a sign or anything).  Then a waiter came up and asked us if we would mid sitting in another booth...yeah we felt a little dumb.  The place was really cute very 50's diner and the server we had was great.  He even poured our ketchup which was kinda weird but really nice.

We both got burgers, I got the original and Kyle got some smoky spicy burger.  They were good but nothing special.  Fries also didn't come with the burger and the burger itself was around $6.  They were also pretty pricey for what they were and we probably wouldn't go back without a coupon.

Even with a few less than stellar food experiences we had a great time and really just enjoyed the time together.  We have both been really busy so it was nice to slow down and just do things together away from work and home.

What have y'all been up to lately?

New Favorite Starbucks Drink: White Toffee Iced Coffee

Thanks to Wendy or thetrendyschoolcounselor on instagram I have a new favorite Starbucks order and I am OBSESSED!!

I am a big fan of the Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato, if I get Starbucks that is pretty much my choice but this one is just as good and cheaper (which is always good).

I call it the White Toffee Iced Coffee.  

How to order:

Iced Coffee, no classic syrup, add white mocha and toffee nut to your liking, light cream

I like to actually taste the coffee so I don't want it too sweet my syrup breakdown is:

Tall: 1 pump White Mocha, 1 pump Toffee Nut

Grande: 1 pump White Mocha, 2 pumps Toffee Nut

Venti: 2 pumps White Mocha, 3 pumps Toffee Nut

If you like it sweeter add a pump more of syrup or add more cream.  I love the creamy rich flavor of the White Mocha and the Toffee Nut adds depth, it is my new favorite.

Bonus a venti comes out to less than $4...which for Starbucks is a steal.

If you try it let me know what you think!  Let me know your favorite Starbucks drink or concoction you have made up.

Thanksgiving Recap

This is way late but I though I would share anyway.  Thanksgiving trip recap and go.

We made the trek to North Carolina to see both of our families, it's always nice when we can work that in.  It was a couple of days filled with food, a little shopping and time together.

Pretty much tradition now (and I'm totally ok with it) to go to Cracker Barrel at least one morning with my husband and Father-in-Law for breakfast.  I love Cracker Barrel, good food, vintage atmosphere and cute gift shop!  What's your favorite thing to order at Cracker Barrel??  For breakfast I love the fresh start sampler (eggs, bacon, yogurt parfait and a big blueberry muffin) and of course LOTS of coffee!!  

We spent Thanksgiving with my husbands family (we rotate years).  Lots of good food, relaxing and my husband got to shoot guns.

I also got to break out my Carhartt, which is a rare occurrence in Alabama.  Later that night we went "Black Friday" shopping with my cousin-in-law, her fiance, my husband, and mother-in-law.  If you haven't seen my Black Friday haul check it out here.

On Friday we drove to see my family and spend a couple of days with them.  We had our second Thanksgiving dinner and stuffed ourselves yet again.

There is an amish store near where I grew up and they make the best donuts!  They only sell them on Saturdays and you have to be pretty lucky to grab them.  We ended up with two bags.  They were warm and delicious...oh my goodness so good!

In case you are new here my family raises beef cows.  I grew up on a farm showing cattle.  They also have a few horses that my sister handles.  She needed to go to a local western store to check out a few things so we tagged along.  I got to let my inner cowgirl out this trip and I loved it!

I always have to stop by the barn when I am home, it's not really home unless I've been to the barn.

Up close and personal with my sister's dog Apache.

My sister recently got another horse so all three of us got to go on a trail ride.  I hadn't been riding in years so it was a little bit of an adventure, new horse and a semi new rider resulted in some testing from the horse.  We both figured each other out and ended up having a nice ride.  My legs also let me know I hadn't done that in a while the next morning...  

There was a new baby bull calf born a few weeks ago that we got to check out.  How cute is he??

We also got to attend church at the church I grew up in, it is also where Kyle and I got married.  I always love getting to go back to church there with my family.  

We had such a great trip spending time with family, eating good food and relaxing.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are having a wonderful holiday season!    

Five Things Friday

Disney Coffee Cozy: The cutest coffee cozy ever!!  I have been throwing one in my purse in case I need to add a little Disney magic to my coffee.  These are handmade and Catherine has so many cute patch options.   

Halo Top: Oh my goodness this ice cream is amazing!!!!!  These are a semi healthy option in the ice cream department.  You have probably seen them on instagram and if you haven't tried them yet go do it.  They are all less than 400 calories for the entire pint, some are less than 300.  Kyle and I have tried the Birthday Cake, Black Cherry, Sea Salt Caramel and Peanut Butter Cup.  They all taste like regular ice cream and are delicious.  We typically split a container and don't feel too bad if we end up finishing the pint.  Our Wal-Mart has started carrying them and there is a Red Velvet pint I can't wait to try next.  

Zulily: I used to be obsessed with Zulily in college and then forgot about it somehow.  I recently rediscovered it and I'm back on the Zulily bandwagon.  They are one of those deal sites with new deals everyday.  They have everything from home decor to kids clothes.  Oh and it is free to sign up, so you have nothing to loose! 

Braided Headband: Y'all these headbands are a bad hair day lifesaver!!  They almost match my hair exactly and are so comfortable!!  I have been throwing it on over a ponytail to add a little umph.  Last Sunday I threw it on over a messy bun and the little old ladies were raving about it.    

Quilted Slip Ons: If you follow me on instagram you would know how much I love these shoes...they have been on serious repeat since I picked them up.  They are originally from Target but I got them from Dirt Cheap for $6!!  They did take a little time to break in but now they are so comfortable and I wear them absolutely all the time.  They are also an identical dupe to a Steve Madden version that is double the cost.  

Five Things Friday

Joey Feek: I had heard about Joey and Rory before but never really listened to their music.  Over Christmas we watched the story of Joey and her lost battle with cervical cancer.  She was such an interesting and strong lady.  Her album "If Not For You" has been something I find myself listening to and have fallen in love.  She released it in 2005 and the songs are beautiful.  Her voice is beautiful and the story told through the music and behind the music is what makes it.   

Cheers: Kyle and I have been watching this for months and are on season 3.  This was a show my parents watched when I was younger and I remember a few episodes.  The writing is really good, characters are likable and it has really good humor.  If you haven't seen it all the seasons are on Netflix, it's worth a watch.  

Gala Apples: This is a weird favorite...but I have really been enjoying Gala apples.  Not just any apples it has to be a Gala.  I never used to like apples, they were fine but I wouldn't pick one up and be excited about it.  Gala's are sweeter and have a crispness that I love.  If you haven't tried them, I recommend them.  

Simple Addiction Capri Leggings: I have talked about Simple Addiction a few times before.  I am a big fan of their regular leggings.  They just recently released a capri legging collection for spring and I had t get pair.  They are the same quality as the long version and I love them.  They are the softest leggings ever!  They also have a wide waistband so they don't dig into your skin and are so comfortable!  I love to wear leggings and tunics but sometimes a long pair is just too hot, these are perfect!  Plus use code ginger15 to get 15% off!!     

Joseph Nogucci Bracelet: I found these bracelets on instagram and loved the classic look.  They have all different colors and beads.  The items are made with high quality pieces and you can definitely feel it.  They also always have some kind of deal going on (you know I'm all about that).  Right now they are offering your choice of a free bracelet (of your choice) and you just pay for shipping (right under $6).  These bracelets are so pretty to layer and create a fun arm party.

What have you been loving this week?   

Five Things Friday

Emergen-C: Yes that's right, the vitamin drink mix is one of my favorites this week.  I received a sample of the Mango Apricot flavor and fell in love, only to find out it was discontinued.  I went to Target a couple of weeks ago and found the triple berry flavor on clearance.  I figured I would go ahead and pick it up.  Now it is no Mango Apricot but it tastes pretty good and I feel like it can only be doing good for my immunity.  

When Calls the Heart: Erin Kakow is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  She is the main character in this Hallmark show.  The storyline follows Elizabeth, a woman from high society, who moves to a small coal mining town to teach school.  She gets  culture shock but eventually finds her place.  The story is really sweet and bubble gummy but I got sucked in and have really been enjoying it.  P.S. it is on Netflix.  

Simply Nature Creamy Coconut Bars: Oh my goodness these are my new favorite things!  I saw these at Aldi and they just jumped into my cart.  They are creamy and have just enough coconut flavor to not be overpowering.  They have other flavors there and I can't wait to try those too.  

Rose Quartz Necklace: Jack Jack and Co was sweet enough to send me this necklace and I am in love!  It is the perfect simple piece to wear alone or layer with other items.  I love simple dainty necklaces thrown on together.  I am loving the rose quartz as well.  They also have just recently released dainty essential oil diffuser necklaces.    

Gekks: I saw these socks advertised on the Money Saving Mom (love her!) and thought they looked really cool.  I have a couple pairs of shoes where it is hard to wear normal socks because either they show or they never feel right in the shoe.  These socks solve that!  They are a revolutionary sock that stick to your shoe and stays there.  They are made with silver in the yarn which is supposed to keep your feet from stinking.  I have a pair in my floral booties that I couldn never get socks to work with and love them!  Check them out and use my code ThriftyGinger5 for $5 off your order!     

Starbucks Cascara Latte Review

If you follow me on instagram you know I am a big coffee fan.  Starbucks is one of my guilty pleasures.  They recently released a new drink the Cascara Latte.  It has the dried fruit of the coffee bean, lending subtle notes of brown sugar and maple.  I decided to go ahead and give it a go.  In the picture I saw online it had a stripe of the Cascara sugar over the foam...obviously mine was missing.  

Honestly I was really unimpressed with the flavor of this one.  It was bland and plain, tasted like a basic latte.  Mine had a really weird aftertaste that was slightly bitter.  

Definitley not something I would reorder.  

Have you tried this new latte?  What did you think?

Chick-Fil-A Grilled Egg White and Cheese Muffin Taste Test Review

So you know I love my Chick-Fil-A, I have one of the calendar deal cards that give you a free treat (or treats) every month.  

Side note...If you are a fan of Chick-Fil-A and don't have one make sure you get one in 2017, they are so worth it!  $8 for at least 12 deals.   

My free treat for October was the new Grilled Egg White and Cheese Chicken English Muffin Sandwich.    

This guy replaced the spicy chicken biscuit as a healthier option for breakfast.  It has a total of 300 calories and 25g of protein.  For fast food breakfast it's a pretty good option.  

The sandwich consists of grilled chicken, egg white, and cheese on an english muffin.  Honestly I didn't love it.  The flavor was just ok.  I wasn't crazy about the chicken combined with everything.  I love a chick-fil-a chicken biscuit so I will definitely be sticking with that.  

Have you tried the new sandwich yet?  What did you think of it?

DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Taste Test Review

Hi my name is Erin and I am obsessed with all things pumpkin spice...

Yes I am basic but fall is my favorite!

Last year Dairy Queen came out with the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard and I jumped on that bandwagon and absolutely fell in love!  I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this delicious concoction this year.  

Take a look at all this delicious ice cream goodness!

So for review, the basis of this dessert is an ice cream base, pieces of pie crust and what tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie blended in.  Of course it is sprinkled with a blend of spices and topped with whipped cream.  I have had other pumpkin pie based desserts but this one tops the chart.  The pumpkin pie flavor is so rich and has just enough spice and is deliciously creamy.  My favorite part was the crunchy pie crust pieces, I feel like it adds something else to the ice cream instead of it being super creamy and boring.  

Verdict: Go try it!! 

McDonalds Pumpkin Spice Latte Taste Test Review

Ya'll it's Pumpkin Spice latte season and I am so excited!  I actually haven't had a PSL from Starbucks yet...

McDonald's has Pumpkin Spice lattes this year, I think they had them last year but this was my first time testing it out.  I was a little scared of it to be honest.    

I got the small size since I was a little nervous about it.  Honestly it was pretty good.  It had a nice slightly spiced flavor.  It was a little sweet but not terrible.  I was a bad blogger and didn't take a picture of the inside but it is orange like Starbucks.  I still prefer Starbucks but this was a pretty good stand in. 

I also had the Publix cashier tell me that they were a pretty good stand in for Starbucks :) 

Verdict: If you're into pumpkin spice, it's a close second to Starbucks and worth a try.  

Five Things Friday

Coconut Chai: I have been on a coconut kick for a while and this stuff is delicious!!  I love a good chai and this one is my new favorite!  It is super creamy, has a good spicy chai flavor and just a hint of coconut.  I have been making mine with almond milk (or almond coconut milk) and it is perfect for relaxing mornings.  

Prada Candy: I have only had samples of this but I have gone through one and working on my second.  I thought it would be way too sweet but I am hooked on it.  It is the perfect blend of sweet, slight spice and warm scent.  I am in love with it and it's on my list for a full size.   

Rio Olympics: I find so interesting to see what these amazing athletes can do (also a little intimidating).  My husband and I have been watching it at night and I just get hooked on the competitions and end up staying up way to late to see how it turns out.  I have really been enjoying keeping up with the gymnastics (those girls kill it!) and all the water sports.  

Aldi: My mother-in-law always talked about Aldi but I never had one close by to shop at.  It is my new favorite grocery store.  They have great prices, especially on produce.  You do have to bring your own bags, which is a pain sometimes but I just load the goods into my reusable bags in my car.  I'm a fan.  

Nature Box Big Island Pineapple: I have tried the NatureBox subscription box and liked it but didn't know they had snacks in store until I saw them at Target.  I happened to catch these guys on a cartwheel deal (they are a little pricey) and gave them a try.  These things are like candy!  I love pineapple and these are slices of pineapple dried.  They are the perfect "dessert" when you are trying to be a little healthier, but I would eat them all the time.    

What have you been loving lately?

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Starbucks Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato review taste test

I love some iced coffee in the summer.  Starbucks is such a guilty pleasure and when they make new drinks I'm all about trying them.  This summer they released the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.  I am a fan of the caramel macchiato and the vanilla macchiato so I had high hopes for this one.    

The description says it is chilled Sumatran coconut milk, white chocolate mocha (which I love), espresso, topped with caramel and mocha drizzle.  

I absolutely loved it!  It tastes like a smoother, creamier caramel macchiato.  I love the slight white mocha flavor.  If you're not a fan of coconut milk try it anyway I couldn't even taste it.  

They say it's limited edition but I might have to figure out a way to make this more often it's definitely a top drink for me.  

What's your favorite Starbucks drink? 

Burger King Mac and Cheetos taste test review

If you know me you know Mac and cheese is my spirit animal.  If you want to make me happy bring me some creamy, delicious Mac and cheese.  Being the Mac and cheese conosioer that I am when I heard Burger King was making fried Mac and cheese bites I was all over it.  

They come in a pack of 5 for $2.49 and are the Mac and Cheetos.  I'm not a huge cheeto fan but I powered through for the love of macaroni.   

The bites look like a darker puffy cheeto. Take a bite and it's filled with creamy Mac and cheese goodness.  I only got a slight cheeto flavor and no orange dust on my fingers.  

All in all I was pleasantly surprised.  They had a great creamy consistency, crispy outside and good Mac and cheese flavor.  They look small but they are really rich and I would not suggest eating one box all by yourself.  

Have you tried them?  What were your thoughts?

Dollar Tree Finds

Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to stop and shop.  They have their regular stuff but there are always those surprise find items that you have to watch out for.  

The Dollar Tree rotates stock regularly and is always getting new items from store overstock, etc.  

I make it a habit to stop in regularly and see what's new.  Here's what I found this go round:

I just recently learned how to make gravy, I feel like a real southern woman now. I used this sausage from the frozen section and it was delicious.  Small amount but still enough for my husband and I with plenty left over.  This will now be a regular purchase.  

Dollar Tree always has interesting plastic ware and storage containers.  This one looked like higher quality with the measurements printed on the side.  I thought it would be perfect for flour, cereal or liquids.  I can never have enough plastic containers.  

This was a new product I had never seen before but was really excited for it.  I love muffins for breakfast and my husband is a big Greek yogurt fan.  This was regular size box and a good brand so I stocked up.  

*I made these this morning and they were delicious!*  

Last thing I found was this cookie dough oatmeal.  There were three different flavor a with Dreamworks characters but this one sounded the best (cookie dough!).  Full size box with 8(?!) pouches of oatmeal!  That is an awesome deal and one I may have to go back for, I only bought one box.  I also found this at Walmart for $2.58 so...pick it up here!!

Make sure you check your quantity and expiration dates!  Sometimes Dollar Tree has brand name products because they are smaller quantity or the expiration is closer.   

Check out my post on the things I always buy at the Dollar Tree here.

What have you found at your Dollar Tree?