Saving 4 My Family

Good Bye...

2010-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have followed the blog for a while have probably noticed I've been slowing way down on posting. For a long time, Christina and I shared the blogging duties. Around the time I started questioning whether I wanted to continue with the blog, Christina decided that she was done. I wasn't ready to make the decision yet, and continued.

I could tell you how busy life is - I've got three kids, I do all the business accounting/office work for my husband's businesses, cooking, cleaning - blah, blah, blah. We all lead busy lives! The reality is that we are all able to fit in what we prioritize, and honestly, I've just lost my love of blogging. At least on a savings level.

I enjoyed it for a long time, and hope that I've inspired some of you to save money while going organic. Thanks to all of you who have commented, emailed and made me feel like I wasn't posting into the wind!

I will continue to be a drop site for Azure Standard, use coupons, and find creative ways to feed my family as Natural and Organic as possible on a budget.

Thanks again, everyone.....good bye

Weekly Menu Plan

2010-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Between picking up and dealing with 40 lbs of chicken breasts tomorrow, volunteering at my son's school, and taking off to the beach for the last half of the week (my son is off school), this week is going to be busy!

My husband and I have also recently started P90X. I've been working out with Wii Fit for the past year, and wanted to step it up a bit. I'm still processing how to work a lower carb menu into place. I normally just eat what I want, when I want, and that definitely does not include much protein! I'm a high carb kinda girl.

So for the first time, I have made a complete weekly menu. Yep, breakfast, snacks (2), lunch and dinner. I'm hoping having a whole plan in place will help so that we're not constantly thinking about what to eat. (I didn't include it here, because I didn't want to bore you. haha! )

Monday: Feta & Kale Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken, Green Beans, Basmati Rice

Wednesday: Salsa Chicken & Black Bean Soup

Thursday: Fish Tacos

Friday: Chicken Kabobs, Basmati Rice, Ginger Slaw (I'm seriously in love with the dressing on the slaw right now!)

Saturday: Dinner with family

Erika

Azure order for November

2010-11-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested in ordering from Azure this month, the order cut off date will be Tuesday, November 16th with a pick up date of Thursday, November 18th.

My drop site number is 619367. Feel free to contact me if you need more information!

Erika

New Seasons 11/3 - 11/9

2010-11-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

Annie's Homegrown Mac and Cheese $1
Use $.75/2 tearpad found in Fred Meyer a couple months ago
Final Price: $.63 each WYB 2

Kettle Foods Low-Fat Baked Potato Chips $1.99
Use $1 mfq
Final Price: $.99

Spectrum Naturals Extra Virgin Olive Oil $9.99

Oregon Chai Chai Tea Concentrate $2.99
Use $1 mfq found by product at New Seasons recently
Final Price: $1.99

Organic Baby Organic Baby Food $.59

Bulk Organic Golden Flax Seeds $1.99/lb

Bulk Organic Pinto Beans $1.19/lb

Bulk Organic Yellow Popcorn $1.19/lb

Farmer's Market Organic Pumpkin Puree $1.50

Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit Spreads $2.99
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $1.99

New Morning Organic Graham Crackers $3.99

Rapunzel Organic Yeast, Corn Starch or Baking Cocoa 25% off

Simply Organic Organic Bottled Spices 50% off

Traditional Medicinals Teas $3.50
Use $1 mfq in Naturally Preferred mag (found in Fred Meyer)
Final Price: $2.50

Woodstock Farms Organic Peanut Butter $3.99
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $2.99

Wilcox Family Farms Organic Jumbo Brown Eggs $3.50

Bulk Organic Unrefined Sugar $1.29/lb

Meat
New Seasons Market Spicy Italian Pork Sausage Links $2.99/lb

ProduceOrganic Fuji Apples $.99/lb

Organic Pomegranates $2

Organic Broccoli $1.29/lb

Organic Kale $1.50

Erika

Fred Meyer 10/31 - 11/6

2010-11-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Grocery
Bulk Almonds $2.99/lb
*great price!

Imagine Foods Organic Soup or Broth $2.50

Starbucks Coffee $6.99 (organic variety available)
Use $1 mfq
Final Price: $5.99

Bob's Red Mill 5lb Flour $2.50

Naturally Preferred Organic Eggs $3.49

Produce
5 lb box Satsuma Mandarins $4.77 (not clean 15, but not dirty dozen)

Jumbo Cabbage $.19/lb (clean 15)

Private Selection Organic Salad $2.50

Oceanspray Fresh Whole Cranberries 12oz $2
(these freeze great)

Organic Anjou or Bartlett Pears $.98/lb

Erika

Weekly Menu Plan

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Monday: Roasted Sausages with Apples, Potatoes & Cider Cream Sauce, Green Salad

Tuesday: Broiled Halibut with Ginger-Lime Butter, Basmati Rice, Green Salad

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Green Salad

Thursday: Parmesian Risotto

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Dinner Out

Erika

Spicy Black Bean Cakes

2010-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

When making my menu plan for the week, I generally include 1 to 2 vegetarian meals a week. We really like vegetarian meals, plus it is often healthier and allows our grocery budget to stretch much further!

I ran across this recipe for Spicy Black Bean Cakes at New Seasons this Summer, and it is now one of our favorite vegetarian meals. They are easy, healthy, filling, and you can make a double batch and freeze the extra for later. They are kind of like a homemade Veggie Burger. For the kids, I either omit the jalapenos altogether or just add them to the portion reserved for my husband and I.

We eat them plain topped with Lime Sour Cream, but you could also add some buns and make them into burgers.

Spicy Black Bean Cakes
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 scallions, thinly sliced
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped
1 Tbsp ground cumin
2 cans black beans
1 large sweet potato, peeled and finely grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
Lime Sour Cream*

Directions:
Heat the broiler. In a small skillet over medium heat, warm 1 Tbsp of oil. Cook scallions until softened, 1 minute. Add garlic, jalapeno and cumin and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl.

Add beans to the bowl and mash with a fork, leaving about 1/4 of the beans whole. Season with salt and pepper.

Fold in sweet potato, egg and bread crumbs. Divide into 8 balls of equal size; flatten into patties (try to make them into equal thickness so that they will cook uniformly. I like them to be a bit thicker). Brush a baking sheet with remaining oil.

Place patties on the sheet, 1/2" apart. Broil 4" from heat until golden brown, 8-10 minutes (sometimes less, watch closely!). Using a thin metal spatula, carefully turn the cakes. Broil until crisp, 2-3 minutes more.
(Warning: Watch your patties closely! I've burned a couple batches when I didn't watch them close enough.)

*Lime Sour Cream
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1 small jalapeno finely chipped

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season with salt to taste.

To Freeze:
Freezing is easy! When you get to forming the mix into 8 balls, line a cookie sheet with wax paper and flatten the balls into patties. Stick them into the freezer until frozen, then stack on top of each other in a Zip Lock bag.

To Cook from Frozen:
Take out desired amount of patties. Let them sit out for a little while until the sides are just starting to soften or defrost in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Proceed with normal broiling instructions.

Erika

New Seasons 10/26 - 11/2

2010-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Grocery
R.W. Knudsen Cider & Spice $1.99 ($1.69 Happy Valley location only)
Use $.75 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $.94 or $1.24

Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal $3
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $2

Method Cleaning Products 25% off
Use $1 mfq
Final Price: varies

Organic Pumpkin Seeds $6.99/lb

Meat
New Seasons Market Ginger-Pear Turkey Sausage Links $3.99/lb

Produce
Local Organic Winter Squash $.79/lb

Local Organic Celery $.79/lb

Local Organic Honeycrisp Apples $1.99/lb

Oregon's own Vincent Fresh Cranberries $2.99

Other
B&T Homeopathic First Aid Creams 50% off

Buffalo Bill's Brewery Pumpkin Ale $6.49

Erika

Weekly Menu Plan

2010-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

This week is a busy one for me, and on top of that, I woke up not feeling that great. I am pulling my menu plan from things I have in my freezer to make it easier on myself.

Monday: BBQ Turkey Meatballs in the crock pot, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach Salad

Tuesday: Dinner with Family

Wednesday: Spicy Black Bean Cakes, Lime Sour Cream, Green Salad

Thursday: Leftovers (girl's night for me!)

Friday: Diner Out

Saturday: Harvest Party at our house! I'm still working on the menu...

Erika

My October Azure Order

2010-10-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

This month, I really didn't need much. But then I noticed a few great deals on produce. Then I found a few things I wanted to try, and then, since I was so close to the $50 minimum, I threw in a few extra things to bring my total up.

You know how that is, right?

20lb box Organic Bartlett Pears $14.13 ($.72/lb!)
5lbs Organic Russett Potatoes $3.30 ($.66/lb!)
4 12oz packs Organic Corkscrew Pasta $10
4oz bottle Organic Pure Vanilla Extract $4.25
12oz bottle Organic Agave Syrup $3.85
1 bottle Organic Chocolate Syrup $3.50
3 packets Simply Organic Alfredo Sauce mix $1.45 each
Final Price: $43.55

(I also ordered organic black beans, but they were out of stock.)

I was pretty stoked to get the organic potatoes for such a good price. I normally pay $1/lb at Fred Meyer. I've also been meaning to make my own vanilla, but since I was out, and the make-your-own process takes 6 months, I was very happy with the $4.25 price tag.

On another note, the pears are not quite ripe. Does anyone know the best way to ripen a few at a time?

Erika

New Seasons 10/20 - 10/26

2010-10-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Garden Of Eatin' Tortilla Chips $3.99
Use $1 mfq
Final Price: $2.99

Napa Valley Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil $9.99

Woodstock Farms Organic Butter $3.99

Wilcox Family Farms Cage-Free Brown Eggs $2.69

Organic Quick Rolled Oats $.69/lb
*Close to Azure's price of $.65/lb (in 25lb quantity)!

Organic Sunflower Seeds $2.99/lb

Meat
Pacific Village Air-Chilled Chicken Bone-in Breast Halves $2.99/lb

Produce
Local Organic Crimini Mushrooms $2.99/lb

Local Organic Red Peppers $2.99/lb
*Not as good of a deal as last week, but still a great price for organic

Organic Green Beans $1.99/lb

Erika

A little info on GMO foods...

2010-10-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

**Ack! I'm so sorry! I was working on this post, but accidentally scheduled it without realizing it before it was done. The links are working now.

Understanding organic, natural, genetically modified or GMO terms is overwhelming and frustrating at the same time. It can be easy to throw the terms around without really understanding them. But then, understanding them can also be frustrating because knowledge carries a weight with it. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, right?

I'm the kind of person who likes to learn new things and be informed. I thought maybe some of you would like to understand more about genetically modified foods and why some people try to stay away from it.

I want to say that this is very basic information. There is lots more out there. I've included some links to get you started researching more about GMO foods for yourselves.

History

Monsanto Corp. has a patent on genetically modified seeds. Currently 91% of soy and 87% of corn grown in the USA come from GMO seeds. There is litigation pending on GMO alfalfa seeds and GMO beet sugar.
The seeds are genetically modified to survive being sprayed with round up weed killer. Basically everything dies except the plants.
Go HERE to read more about Monsano Corp. (Scroll down a bit and you will see lots of news stories including their bullying tactics of small family farms).

I've been able to find two GMO guides. I like this one HERE because it is much more specific on the brands and products under the brands that we use every day that are or are not GMO-free. Check out this one HERE as well. This one focuses more information on ingredients to avoid as well as hidden GMO ingredient sources like baking powder.

Dangers
One well known GMO additive is the controversial Bovine Growth Hormone (rBHG), a transgenic hormone injected into cows to increase milk yield, and may be found in non-organic milk products including milk, cheeses and yoghurts. Both Canada and the European Union has outlawed the use of Bovine Growth Hormone (rBHG).
The True Food Now Network reports that, “In cows treated with rBGH , significant health problems often develop, including a 50% increase in the risk of lameness (leg and hoof problems), over a 25% increase in the frequency of udder infections (mastitis), and serious animal reproductive problems, i.e., infertility, cystic ovaries, fetal loss and birth defects”.

If you are struggling with infertility or food allergies, I would encourage you to research the possible GMO link.

Here are a few more GMO informational guides:
GMO guide
another gmo guide

Erika

Fred Meyer: Founder's Day Anniversary Sale!

2010-10-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

October 17 - 22 is Fred Meyer's Founder's Day sale. Get ready for some awesome deals! For those of you who have signed up for their email list, watch out for an email containing a coupon for triple rewards points!
Here are the Natural/Organic deals I see from the ad preview. There are also some great deals on toys, if you are already thinking of Christmas :)

Tillamook Cheese $3.99 with in ad coupon (limit 1)

Tillamook Yogurt $.30 with in ad coupon (limit 20)

Tillamook Ice Cream $2.50 with in ad coupon

Organic Apples & Pears $.78/lb
*Stock UP!

Clif Bars $.79

Amy's Kitchen save 40%

Traditional Medicines BOGO

Organic Valley Milk save 30%

Nature's Path save 30%

Seventh Generation save 50%
Use $1/1 mfq

Bob's Red Mill products save 40%

Challenge Butter $2.50
(made from rBST free milk)

Organic Lighthouse Dressing BOGO
Use $1/2 mfq
Final Price: varies

Athenos Hummus or Pita Chips $1.50

Erika

New Seasons 10/13 - 10/19

2010-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a great week at New Seasons! The new Healthy Clippings coupon booklets are out. Find them at check out or ask for them at Customer Servie.

New Seasons Market Butter $2.50

Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes $.99
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: FREE

R.W. Knudsen Organic Juice $2.50
Use $.75 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $1.75

Simply Organic Organic Seasoning Packets $.79
Use $.50/2 HERE
Final Price: $.54 each WYB 2

Woodstock Farms Organic Peanut Butter $2.99

Frontier Organic, Fair-Trade Spices 35% off
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: varies

Pacific Natural Foods Natural Broth $1.50
Use $1/2 HERE
Final Price: $1 each WYB 2

Newman's Own Organics Organic Newman O's Cookies $2.50

Tillamook Sour Cream $1.50
(look for the 'natural' variety for the least amount of ingredients)

Tillamook Ice Cream $2.99

Cascadian Farm Organic French Fries $1.99
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $.99

Cascadian Farm Organic Frozen Fruit $2.50
Use $1 mfq in Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $1.50

Meat
Pacific Village Air-Chilled Whole Fryer $.99/lb

Country Natural Beef 10% or Less Fat Ground Beef $2.99/lb

Cooked Oregon Shrimp Meat $2.99/lb

Country Natural Beef Boneless Chuck Roast $2.99/lb

Produce
Local Organic Fuji Apples $.79/lb
*awesome price!

Organic Red, Green or Black Grapes $1.49/lb

Organic Carrots $.79/lb

Local Organic Red Peppers $1.99/lb
*awesome price for organic

Organic Valencia Oranges $.59/lb

Erika

October is Non-GMO Month!

2010-10-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that genetically modified foods (GMO) are banned in Europe?

Want to learn more about GMO's and how to avoid them?

Go HERE to view some informational videos. Great information!

Erika

Target Price Guide - Part 2

2010-10-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last time, I went over Azure Standard (go HERE if you missed it), what I've bought there and their pricing. Today, I'll try to go over my target prices on the other things our family buys on a regular basis.

Basically, if I'm not able to fit organic in the budget, I either buy the item from Trader Joes (all their brand name items are GMO free) or try to follow the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen rule.

Dairy
Yogurt - $.50 each - I buy Tillamook right now. I've tried other natural varieties and the family hated them.

Butter: $2 or less. I make sure it is made from rBST free milk. Usually Tillamook or New Seasons brands. Organic just isn't in the budget right now!

Eggs: $4/dozen for organic in store. I have recently started purchasing free range eggs from a local farm for $3 a dozen.

Organic Milk: $5/gallon or less. I am looking into raw milk which will be substantially more, but haven't made the switch yet.

Sour Cream: $1.50/carton. I usually buy Tillamook Natural variety.

Cream Cheese: $1.50 for organic. Cream cheese lasts a long time. When it goes on sale (usually at New Seasons) I stock up.

Half & Half: $1.29/pint for organic. I am usually able to get Organic Valley with a coupon at this price.

Meat
Boneless, skinless chicken Breasts: $3.99/lb - New Seasons' Pacific Village chicken breasts go on sale 2-3 times a year at this price, and I stock up when they do.

Ground beef or turkey: $2.99/lb - New Seasons

Fish: My husband is a huge fisherman, so I don't ever actually buy fish.

Other meat:

Tuna fish - we can our own (see above)
Lunch meat - I don't buy this. Organic is super expensive ($5.99-$6.99 per package) so we just make veggie sandwiches.
Beef - we rarely eat beef, but have decided to purchase 1/4 of a cow this year at $2.50/lb.

Other Grocery
Peanut Butter: $3 for organic

Jam: I make my own with berries I've picked or frozen.

Organic Chicken Stock: $1.50/carton

Organic Bread: $2/loaf or less. I buy all my bread from Dave's Killer Bread Outlet Store.

Bulk items: I compare the price to Azure.

Chips: $2.50 at Trader Joes

Salsa: $2.50 for organic

Almonds: $3.99/lb

Organic White Flour: $1/lb I buy this at Bob's Red Mill (cheaper than Azure).

Yeast: $4.09 for a pretty large bag at Bob's Red Mill. I do quite a bit of baking, and it lasts me about 6 months.

Fresh Fruits & Veggies
These prices are obviously seasonal and harder to stick to a target price. We generally try to eat what is in season to cut down on cost, and follow the Clean 15/Dirty Dozen rule.

This is the bulk of what we normally buy. Leave a comment if you have any questions regarding anything I've missed or any ideas you have to share on how you save money on Natural and Organic groceries!

Erik

New Seasons 10/6 - 10/12

2010-10-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

The deals are pretty slim this week at New Seasons. Here are the few that I see.

Knudsen Simply Nutritious Juices $2.50
Use $.75 mfq from Healthy Clippings booklet
Final Price: $ 1.75

Pacific Natural Foods Hearty Soup $1.69
Use $1/2 HERE
Final Price: $1.19 each WYB 2

Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $5.99/lb

Local Organic Gala and Jonagold Apples $.99/lb

Erika

Target Price Guide

2010-10-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

I've had a few questions lately about how to know when to stock up and what the target prices are to be on the lookout for. Over the next couple weeks, I'll break down the common foods we buy, target prices, and where I buy them at.

Today, I'll start off with Azure Standard. I've been buying from them for the past 6 months, and it is, hands down, the reason why I'm able to keep our food budget so low. I generally spend around $80-$120 a month on my Azure order, although that number may start to go down now that I am pretty stocked up on all the basics.

Azure Standard
Some of the items I buy every month or two (cheese) and for some, one purchase was enough to last me for a long time. I'll break it down by what I always buy (regular purchases) and the sale buys because they were a good deal that month.

Regular Purchases

Raw Honey $29.95/gallon
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (2 lbs) $3.75
Lundberg Organic Basmati Rice $1.10/lb
Lundberg Organic Sushi Rice $1.74/lb
Organic Couscous $3.10/lb
Raw Mozzarella - 6 lb block $17.15
Garbanzo Beans (chick peas) $.74/lb
Organic Coconut Flakes $2.75/lb
Roasted Peanuts $2.20/lb
Organic Oatmeal $.66/lb
Organic Black Beans (dried) $1.43/lb
Organic Coconut Milk $1.50/can (case price)
Organic Dijon Mustard $1.55
Organic Banana Chips $3.40/lb
Organic Whole Wheat Pastry Flour $.41/lb
Feta Cheese ~$6/lb
Goat Cheese ~$12/lb
Organic Chocolate Chips $6.20/lb
Baking Soda (gmo free) $.65/lb
Baking Powder (gmo free) $2.39/lb
Nature's Path Organic Rice Puffs (3pk) $4.50
Cornmeal $.73/lb
Organic Sucanat $1.77/lb
Grated Parmesan Cheese $5.15/lb
Organic Kidney Beans $2.43/lb (price is better in larger quantities)
Organic Peanut Butter $3/jar (case price)
Dates $1.55/lb
Organic Balsamic Vinegar $4.60
Teriyaki Sauce $3.05
50 lbs Biokleen Dishwasher Detergent $74.50
50 lbs Biokleen Laundry Detergent $46.25

Sale Buys

Organic Ranch Dressing $2.30
Organic Blue Cheese Dressing $2.60
20 lb box Organic Ginger Gold Apples $.99/lb

Yes, it's a huge list! To break it down, it's basically baking goods, staples like rice, couscous, beans, pasta, cheese, and condiments. I also buy fresh fruit on occasion, like a 20 lb box of Organic apples, when the price is good, and I feel confident that we can eat it before it goes bad!

Also, just an FYI on Azure in case you were wondering. I am in no way compensated for posting about Azure or being a drop site. It has been such a great resource for me that I want everyone I know to know about it! :)

Erika

Weekly Menu Plan

2010-10-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Monday: Crockpot Tomato Soup, Artisian Bread, Green Salad

Tuesday: Grilled Halibut Steaks, Mashed Potatoes,

Wednesday: Spicy Black Bean Cakes, Lime Sour Cream

Thursday: Crockpot Chili, Artisian Bread, Spinach Salad

Friday: Homemade Pizza (didn't end up making last week)

Saturday: Dinner out

Erika

Azure order for September

2010-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Azure!

This month, I splurged and got some buttermilk pancake mix. I've been making pancake/waffle mix from scratch for the past couple years, but with Aspen in school and taking a lunch every day, our mornings are busy.

I figured this is one way to make things easier on myself. Because as some of you may remember, we don't do cereal at our house :)

Here's what I got at Azure for (technically) September.

1 5 gallon bucket $4.60
3 Gamma lids (fit on any 5 gallon bucket to make it easy to store & get to your food) $6.50 ea
5 lbs Dried pineapple $14.10
5 lbs Dried dates $7.75
10 lbs Organic buttermilk pancake mix $17.30
5 lbs Rumford baking powder (aluminum free) $11.95
25 lbs Organic oats $16.40
2 lbs Roasted peanuts $4.40
6 lbs Mozzarella cheese $17.15
3 cans Muir Glen organic tomato paste $1.15 ea
1 lb Organic couscous $3.20
4 oz Raw Goat cheese feta $3.10

Total $122.90

Erika

Quick Update

2010-10-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that with a lot of prayer and thought, I have decided to stop blogging. This January would have been 3 years of blogging about, "Saving 4 My family." I initially started the blog because I loved to see how much food and household items I could get for next to nothing. This last year Erika and I made the switch to posting about Living Organic and Natural as possible. I've learned so much about why it's important to eat and buy beauty products that are Organic and Natural, and truly read every ingredient in the food and products we buy. Seriously, there is some crazy JUNK out there and manufacturers are allowed to sell it. Ok, I won't go there, but you know what I mean.

The reason I made this decision is because I don't have enough time right now to keep up with posting grocery deals, coupon releases, and organic living. To do a savings blog right requires about 2-6 hours a day of keeping up with these deals which Erika and I have shared, but now I am started to feel like I can't keep up with it.

I have my 2 little ones at home, 2 women's bible studies a week now, and I volunteer every other week at church. I also, schedule date nights with my husband at least once to every other week and family get together's. I have some hobbies like knitting that I'm excited to get back into and crocheting which is a new to me and extremely difficult. I have some serious organizing projects I need to get cracking on and setting a schedule for myself, devotion before the girls get up, and a routine for them.

I hope you all continue to follow this blog and Erika's post. She is a wise sister-in-law and I have learned so much from her and many others who have commented and emailed us.

Here are a few Saving Tips to pass along:

Buy in Bulk (shop through Azure HERE, especially if you live in Happy Valley) or go to Bob's Red Mill.
Buy bread from Dave's Killer Bread Co. I buy 12 loaves for about $1.50 each and freeze them. This last our family of 4 for about 2 months. The bread is Organic and made without preservatives, and is DELICIOUS of course. Also, sign up for the newsletter and you will get coupons in your email HERE.
Make a weekly Menu Plan and shop according to that. This will help you organize your grocery shopping, your family meals, and keep the peace!!! Thanks Erika for inspiring me in this.
Make your own Freezer Jam from the Summer berries you pick.
Buy Organic & Natural beef/poultry from New Seasons, Fred Meyers, and QFC when it's on sale. Watch the ad's and you will notice the patterns when you should stock up!
Can your own Pasta sauce, I'm doing that now HERE with my tomatoes and it's fun!
Get FREE Organic Coupons HERE, and buy the Chinook book!
Stock up on pantry items when they are at their lowest price.
Set a budget or do the Cash Envelope system, whatever works best for you.
Last but not least, go on Date Nights with your Spouse or your friends. I have been using Groupon HERE, like crazy. My husband and I went out twice this week, once with the fam and once alone and yes it was on a budget and we HAD FUN!!

I hope this post will inspire you to continue on this journey to buy Organic and Natural as much as possible, but to still enjoy all that life has to offer!

Christina

Sometimes it's cheaper to go with the extended warranty...

2010-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

We've all the the experience of buying some piece of electronic gear and had the sales person give you the hard sell on the extra warranty package. Common wisdom is to turn it down. That it's not worth the extra money.

I just got back from the store with my third camera in less than a year.

Yes. I said third.

I feel a little sick.

The first camera was $330, and met its death in a cup of beer within one week. The second one was a bit cheaper at $199. I just couldn't stomach putting out so much again. Sadly, that one died last month at the beach.

Turns out, sand is not a friend of electronics. Who knew!

This time, I spent just $129, and opted for the extra warranty plan. Yes, I am coming to terms with the fact that I am one of the few who could benefit from the
"I accidentally dropped my camera on the ground and ran over it" warranties.

Erika

New Seasons 9/29 - 10/5

2010-09-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Produce

Heriloom Apples $1.49lb
Organic Winter Squash $.79/lb
Local Organic Cauliflower $1.29/lb

Meat/Poultry

Applegate Farms Bacon $2.99
*Nitrite free

New Seasons Market Hardwood Smoked Bacon $3.99/lb
*Nitrite free

Pacific Village Air-chilled Boneless Skinless Chicken breast $4.99lb

Ground Sirloin 5% less fat $3.99lb

Ground Beef 10% less fat $2.99lb

Grocery/Other

Spectrum Olive Oil $11.99
-$3 mfq from Chinook book
Final price: $8.99!

Imagine Food Broth $2.50
Final price: $

Green Mountain Gringo Salsas $3.50

Use $.50 mfq found at New Seasons coupon & recipe area
Final Price: $3

San-J Grilling Sauces $2.99
Use $.55 HERE
Final Price: $2.44

Organic Flax Seeds $1.99/lb

Spire Mountain Hard Cider $5.99

Dairy

Organic Cream Cheese $2.50
-$1 HERE
Final price: $1.50!

Organic Valley Half 'n' Half 1/2 Gal $4.99
-$1 HERE
Final price:$3.99!

Erika & Christina

Safeway: $10/$50 coupon!

2010-09-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Be on the look out for the Safeway $10/$50 coupon on the back page of the Oregonian Food/Day, valid: 9/28-10/5!

Christina

Fred Meyer 9/26-10/2

2010-09-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Produce

Organic Avocados $1.25

Organic Fuji or Gala Apples $1.49lb

Dairy

Organic Valley Milk 1 Gal. $4.99
-$1 HERE
Final price: $3.99! (Good price)

Tillamook Sour Cream 16oz $1.50

Sargento Sliced Cheese $2.50
-$.40 mfq from 9/26 SS
Final price: $2.10

Bandon Cheese 2lb $3.99 w/in-ad coupon

Grocery/Other

Langers Apple Juice 10/$10 w/in-ad coupon
(all bottles are BPA FREE!)
-$1/2 mfq Hangtags
Buy 8 for $8 & submit for Free GI Joe Toy HERE, + $4.99 ship! or
Buy 3 for $3 & submit for Free Charlotte's Web 2 Growth Chart HERE! or
Buy 3 for $3 & submit for Madeline CD sampler for $5.99 HERE!
Final price: $1 for 2 if you have a hangtag coupon!

Barbara's Cereal $2.50
-$1 HERE
Final price: $1.50!

Popchips $1.50

Bulk Almonds $3.99lb

Dr.Bronner's Castile Soap 25% off!

Schiff Supplements 50% off!

Christina