Treasure Hunting with the Family With Geocaching in North Carolina

Lately, I’ve developed a subtle obsession with treasure hunting. Perhaps it's due to my binge-watching The Outer Banks on Netflix or my fascination with pirates. Recently, I came across a meme reminiscing how we used MapQuest back in the day, likening us to pirates navigating the world. That nostalgia inspired me to recreate the treasure-hunting experience for my 7-year-old daughter, thanks to my friend Minda from our sister station The Bounce who introduced me to geocaching.

Geocaching is an outdoor activity where participants use GPS-enabled devices to hide and find small containers. It encourages people to explore the outdoors and connect with their surroundings. Here are the basic rules of geocaching:

Geocaching is a fantastic family activity, introducing kids to new parks, activities, and local history. You can even search for geocaches near hotels or along highways to make traveling more engaging.

In my treasure-hunting journey, I discovered Treasure Game$, created by Dirk Gibson, which is transforming lives. The first adventure, Wish Lamps, has thousands of participants searching for a genie lamp worth $1 million in cash or three wishes valued at $1.2 million.

As of July 1, Treasure Game$’ third region, which includes North Carolina, is live! North Carolinians now have the chance to win $1 million or be granted three wishes worth $1.2 million, though one wish must be given away if choosing the latter.

When Treasure Game$ launched in January 2024, Ron Novak and Michelle Bush joined, followed clues to Dallas, TX, and discovered their fortune in March. Once homeless, Ron now owns a hotel and a luxurious Mercedes RV, traveling the country with Michelle in search of another Wish Lamp. Just in June, a treasure hunter found a Wish Lamp in Colorado Springs, CO, proving that vast riches can come swiftly to those who solve the clues.

Wish Lamps are hidden across the USA, with a lamp in 10 different regions. People from any state can participate. The good news for North Carolinians is that the latest Wish Lamp is hidden in Region 10, which includes North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. North Carolinians as young as 13 are invited to embark on these real treasure hunts for life-changing fortunes. Participation is free, though full access subscriptions are available.

Treasure Game$ also connects North Carolinians with other treasure hunters nationwide. Players can share content about their adventures and play in any active region. Clues are issued daily to those who register.

Dirk Gibson stated, “The world needs community-building platforms that connect us in positive ways. I wanted to build a global platform that is positive, uplifting, and fun...that brings people together to share life-changing adventures. Who doesn’t want to find a real treasure worth a fortune?”

I’m thrilled about creating lasting memories with my family while searching for real treasure. Happy hunting, my luvs, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

The cost of food has risen dramatically since 2020, putting a strain on many household budgets. From 2019 to 2023, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by a staggering 25.0 percent, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 19.2 percent during the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and other inflationary pressures have all contributed to this surge in food prices.

Grocery prices have been hit particularly hard, with the cost of food at home jumping 24.6 percent since March 2020. Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, food prices remain stubbornly high, with supermarket prices now 25 percent higher than in January 2020. This has left many consumers struggling to make ends meet and searching for ways to stretch their food budgets.

Luckily, my family has a deep love affair for ramen. Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that has become popular worldwide due to its convenience, low cost, and delicious taste. A single serving of instant ramen typically costs less than a dollar, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

Ramen is also shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space or cooking skills. Of course, it's important to remember that while ramen can be a helpful addition to your diet, it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. Instant ramen is often high in sodium and low in essential vitamins and minerals, so it's best to balance it with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

The key is to use the instant noodles as a base and customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors. My kids and I have a blast making up new and different ways to enjoy our noodles. Saving money never tasted so good. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your ramen creations!

Crack an egg into the boiling ramen for added protein and creaminess. You can either whisk the egg for an egg-drop effect or poach it directly in the broth.

Incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like baby bok choy, spinach, corn, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and texture of your ramen.

Elevate the flavor by adding ingredients like soy sauce, chili oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, miso paste, or sesame oil.

Replace the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Top your ramen with cooked meats like chicken, pork, beef, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

Garnish your bowl with chopped scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, nori sheets, or furikake seasoning for extra flavor and texture.

Stir in coconut milk, cream cheese, or a slice of American cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Cook the noodles separately, then stir-fry them with vegetables, protein, and sauce for a yakisoba-style dish.

Spice up your ramen with sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

Try adding peanut butter, curry paste, kimchi, or bacon for unique flavor combinations.