Enjoy Mac & Cheese...the Super Easy and Cheap Way!

Recently, a potluck was coming up and I was searching for a recipe to share with others. I saw some Ramen noodle soup packets hanging around, and was curious a to what I could make other than soup.

So, I got online and did some searching. Turns out that Ramen noodles can be made into a tasty and cheap version of macaroni and cheese. The dish was a hit at the potluck. Here's my version:

Serves 5-10
3 packages Ramen noodles, broken apart
2 T goat cheese, crumbled
¼ c freshly grated white cheddar
2 T low fat milk
Seasoning: ¼ t garlic powder,
1/8 t Italian seasoning
1 packet Ramen soup seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste.

Boil noodles for two minutes. Drain.
Return noodles to cooking pot and add remaining ingredients. Stir thoroughly until cheese melts.
Add more cheese and/or seasonings to suit taste.

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Making Your Own Tasty Fall Spice Treat...Pumpkin Pie Spice

It's that time of the year when autumn harvest and its plentiful tastes set it. Who can go through this season without the tasty mixture of fall spices? Not me...

Instead of buying commercially-prepared pumpkin pie spice, save money and make your own. Purchase the individual spices in your bulk food section of your favorite market. Increase the batch size if you find more uses for it.

This recipe makes 2 teaspoons, enough for a pumpkin pie.

1.5 t cinnamon
¼ t nutmeg
¼ t ground ginger
1/8 t ground cloves

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store unused portion in an airtight, glass container. Mark the preparation date on the label as a freshness precaution. (When the spice mix is older than a month, it loses its tastiness.)

Of course, if you prefer more of any particular spice, simply add to your tasting.

Add the mix to pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes, cakes, pastries, sweet potato pie, autumn harvest cookies (great in oatmeal cookies), in your oatmeal or to the brewing of your favorite coffee. The variety is for your choosing.

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5 CHEAP Ways to Lose Weight

With our society being known for having an obese population, it seems that there is a multitude of 'ways to lose weight'. Some of pure nonsense, some surgical, and some common sense. Some ways are easy, some take some work. In other words, there is something for everyone. Here are some ways to lose weight that plain and simply – use common sense and are cheap.

1. Drink water. How simple is this? So many people are concerned about how many sodas to drink. Do they need to decrease the amount? Should they drink diet sodas? Come on. Make your life easier. Just do not drink any. DRINK WATER! It fills you up. It is, simply, delicous and satisfying. Part of drinking more water includes water-based drinks such as tea.

2. Exercise more. This is so common sense, it is embarrassing to mention. However, with all the miraculous ways suggested to lose weight, it is basic. Exercise more, plain and simple. No matter if it is as simple as walking more than usual, do it. Do anything that involves more activity than what your current level is at. Even isometrics is good. Just do something physical besides sit in front of your television eating chocolates or junk food.

3. Steam foods. When you prepare your meals, simply use steaming as your method of cooking. It only involves the time to chop your food and place it in a steamer. Usually takes about 10-15 minutes of time. The taste is superb. The cost is cheap. Plus, there is decreased fat. You can experience the natural taste of food.

4. Decrease portion sizes. Our society has become accustomed to HUGE portion sizes of food. When eating out, take half your meal home in a doggy bag. Instead of eating 2 cups of cereal, cut back to 1 cup. Learn to enjoy eating a protein portion the size of a deck of cards. By learning to enjoy smaller portions, you will be amazed at how easy it is. Measure your food intake. It takes time, but is worth it.

5. Eat a well balanced diet. Forget those fad diets that have you totally eliminating certain food groups. Your body needs all food groups to function properly. It does not take a food scientist to know this.

Losing weight is not easy, especially as we age. It takes work and discipline. And, yes, it is easier said than done. By incorporating these weight loss suggestions into your lifestyle – you will reap the benefits. Go for it!