Things that go with Ramen Noodes

 By Kropsoq (photo taken by Kropsoq) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.1-jp (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.1/jp/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons

Our lottery numbers didn't come in.  So, we'll draw our breath in pain and march on with our favorite poverty food.  Yep, Ramen Noodles are the official food of dang we're broke!  If you find yourself eating Ramen Noodles, here are some things you can put in 'em:

1. Frozen Peas
2. Frozen Snap Beans
3. Frozen Vegetable Medley
4. Texas Pete Hot Sauce
5. Sriracha Thai Hot Sauce
6. Canned Chicken (Drained)
7. Roasted Peanuts
8. Soy Sauce

Mmmmm.... takes you back to starving student days!  Yum!

This blog might end today!

If our numbers get picked, if the Megamillions gods smile upon us, if it's our lucky night, I might have to close up this blog and move to the South of France!  We'll probably play one ticket--and only one ticket--to see if we win.  Until then, we get to dream!

New Goodwill in Atlanta

We recently visited a brand, new, Goodwill Store in Atlanta.  It had clean aisles, friendly staff, a great selection, and very reasonable prices.  The new store is located on Northside Drive in Atlanta, Georgia, between I-75 and the Georgia Tech campus.  Here is a steampunk clock that I saw while shopping:

For $12, it was a cool find.  But, ultimately, I passed on it.  What would I do with such a steampunk contraption?

Saving Money on Water Bills!

As America's infrastructure ages, water bills are rising to cover the costs of repairing and rebuilding old water systems.  Out west, reservoirs are limited and states are mandating conservation measures.  There's never been a better time to try and save water and save money on your water bill.


If you're trying to cut your water bill, you've got to focus on your shower.  You can get a low flow shower head and you can take shorter showers.  You can pretend you are in the Navy and take Navy showers!  Here are some ideas to help you take a shorter shower:

Eight ways to take a shorter shower

The next thing to do is to reduce the amount of time water runs in the house.  For example, you don't want to leave the water running while you brush your teeth.  You also don't want to hand wash dishes as that can use a lot more water.  For more tips, check out this US News article on

Simple Ways to Save On Your Water Bill

Selling Your Stuff

There's nothing worse than selling some of your stuff to raise cash.  But, you can't take material possessions with you.  A nice knick-knack on the mantle or a piece of hobby equipment stuffed in the back corner of the closet doesn't do you much good.  It just collects dust.  If you need cash, try a consignment shop, ebay, or an old fashioned garage sale.  You'll feel a few pangs when you let prized possessions go, but it feels good to de-clutter and earn a little cash.

Dealing with a Lay Off - Saving Money

Nothing makes you economize more than a lay off.  If you've been laid off in this economy, it's a full out emergency.  You try to minimize your spending, you try to eat in, and you try to eat cheap.  If you've been used to a comfortable lifestyle, being laid off with a real punch in the gut.  Here are some tips to help you save money after you've been laid off.

Immediate Steps to Save Money After You've Been Laid Off

Millions of Americans are struggling just to survive in this economy.  If you are struggling to survive a lay off, maybe some real survival tips from the Army could help you survive.  Here is an acronym to remember from the Army Survival, Evasion, and Escape Manual:

S - Size Up The Situation.
U - Undue Haste Makes Waste
R - Remember Where You Are
V - Vanquish Fear & Panic
I - Improvise
V - Value Living
A - Act Like the Natives
L - Learn Basic Skills

Here is an article to help you put that acronym into practice during this recession:

Army Survival Tips Might Help You Survive the Recession