Community Yard Sale by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Set For Sept. 21 in Fayetteville

The Fort Liberty Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, known for its commitment to community service, is excited to announce the upcoming 6th Annual Community Yard Sale scheduled for September 21, 2024. This vibrant event will take place in the grassy area adjacent to the Hope Mills TruFit Gym, providing a picturesque setting for a day of treasure hunting and community engagement.

As advocates for community involvement, we are reaching out to explore the possibility of featuring this event on your esteemed show. The yard sale is open to all members of the public, offering a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and special finds without any admission fees. Vendor spaces are now available for reservation, catering to individuals interested in showcasing personal or business-related items to a diverse audience.

For those interested in securing a vendor space, the cost for a 10 x 10 area is set at an affordable $22, with the option to expand for an additional $10, ensuring flexibility for vendors with various display needs. Please note that vendors are required to bring their own tables and setup materials to create an inviting display for attendees.

It is important to highlight that all proceeds generated from this event will be dedicated to supporting local military families in need during the upcoming holiday season, underscoring our chapter's commitment to giving back to the community. For further details and inquiries regarding participation or sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to reach out to us via email at dst.flaac.mss@gmail.com. Join us in making a positive difference in the lives of local military families and experience the joy of giving back this holiday season.

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.