Naturally CentsAble

Natural Hormone Free Milk at Hy-Vee

2008-03-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oberweis Milk (in glass jars) is on sale 2/$4 - that's $4/gallon. The same $ as regular milk!

You have to pay the bottle deposit up front but you get it back when you return the bottle!

Hy-Vee Monthly Deals

2008-03-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

These deals are good through the end of March

Some Hy-Vee stores offer 10% off on Wednesdays on all purchases from the Health Market. I have not been able to confirm that is the case here in KC. Let me know if you have any information about that!

GeniSoyProtein Bars 10/$10

Cascadian Farms Cereal or Granola 2/$6, Use (2) $1/1 printable

Muir Glen Canned Tomatoes, Salsa & Soups 3/$4, use $1/1 printable

Smart Dogs, Tofu Pops, Jumbo Veggies Links or Organic Veggie Dogs $2.77

Organic Valley Products, Use $1/1 printables and here

Butter $4.99
Stringles Cheese $3
Cream Cheese $2.50

Seventh Generation 2x Ultra F&C liquid detergent $9.69, use $1/1 printable

My Husband Is Going to Love Me and I Love Vinegar!

2008-03-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully he already loves me and this will just put him over the top and I mean truly...what other household product is so versatile!

He has this obsessive need to have spotless dishes. I mean spotless! And if he even THINKS the JetDry is getting low he refills it.

Now - we've been out of our rinse agent for some time and he mentions it A LOT. I however, just cannot bring myself to pay so much for something we really DON'T need and I think a lot about how it might get into my kids plastic sippy cups and that's just gross.

So, we're at a stalemate! Rinse agent is expensive, the glasses are spotty with out it...what to do?

Send Donielle over at Raising Peanuts a subliminal SOS and...presto she has passed along a fabulous, frugal tip so we can BOTH be happy!

Vinegar will rinse your dishes clean and help break down the gunk in the dishwasher. I currently use vinegar as a cleaning agent once a week...I just pour some in the bottom with some baking soda and run it on a long 'pots and pans' mode. Now I can add it to the rinse agent compartment, too!

UPDATED Nature's Pantry March Deals (thru 3/31/08)

2008-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Monday March 10th from 8am-9pm,shop with your NP membership and get 13% off your purchase in celebration of NP 13th anniversary!!

Rice Dream Shelf Stable drinks

Bob's Red Mill Flours

Regular Unbleached, Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, Whole Wheat 5lb bags $4.19
Natural Unbleached, Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, Whole Wheat 5lb bags $3.29
Organic White Whole Grain 5lb bags $4.29

Native Forest Canned Fruit 14-15oz $1.99

Near East Mixes 5.4-10 oz $1.89, Long Grain Wild Rice 5.9-6.3oz $2.29

Colavita 34oz EVOO $12.19, look for $2 rebate hang tags, information is here

Muir Glen Organics $1.49-$1.39, use with Healthy Clippings MFC or printable and get these for less than a dollar a can!

Izze 12oz beverage 4packs $3.56 or single serve $.89

Rachel's Yogurt 6oz $.85, Use printable BOGO (sign up and click the "Try New Flavors" link)

Kozy Shack pudding 22oz $3.19

Smart Dogs 12-13.5oz $3.19

Halo pet Foods are 20% off

Imagine Organic Broths (boxes) $2.49, use $1/1 printable

Spectrum Organics/Essentials products, Use $2/1 printable

Salad Dressings 8oz $2.79
Cooking and Baking Oils $4.29 - $5.79

Barbara's Bakery Shredded Cereals (several varieties) $2.99, use $.75/1 printable

Rudi's 22oz Organic Bread $3.39, use $.75/1 printable

Organic Valley Products, Use $1/1 printable and here (several products)

Shelf Stable Cow's Milk 33.8oz: 2% $2.39, Whole $2.29, Half & Half $3.19
Cream Cheese 8oz $2.39

Frugal Friday: Mowing the Grass 'GREEN'

2008-03-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I never considered mowing the grass to be anything other than a result of having a yard and something I didn't have to do! Don't think too poorly of me, though I did have to mow the yard as a teen so I've had my fair share of that!

We had a push mower and an electric weed-eater...now we have a rider and a gas powered weed-eater (hey! we have half an acre to mow!)

Aside from the gas and oil required to run the mower there is another aspect that I personally had not considered "pollution" - except when my kids are napping! The noise!

Read the article linked below and check out some old-fashioned push mowers around you.

I will be trying to talk my "gardener" into it - he's rather obstinate and enjoys his "power" tools! How lovely would it be to have a couple of hours once a week to get some exercise, listen to my ipod and enjoy some adult time?? hmmm...renewed incentive!

http://simpleandgreen.net/2008/03/09/push-mowers-rule/

Organic Valley Coupon Reset

2008-03-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

I got word today from Organic Valley that they have reset their e-coupons. If you've printed your max you are now free to print again!

Check their website for the coupons and more information about the company.

Things I Learned Today...

2008-03-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I used to (before I had children and when I had some form of adult time!) feel like I'd had a good day if I learned at least one new "relevant" thing...now that I have kids I am guaranteed to learn several new things, however, their relevancy is in question most of the time!

Note to the old me: Today was a VERY good day!

First, I learned that I DO still miss my morning coffee! (ehh, too sad and long to get into here!)

But more importantly I learned that I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for yeast, flaxseed meal and wheat germ! Now, considering that I am writing a blog about saving money on whole foods you wouldn't think that would surprise me but, nonetheles, it did.

We make all our own breads and granola so I'm going through these items VERY quickly.

I was at a local natural foods store and discovered they buy and bag bulk flaxseed meal, wheat germ and yeast. The flaxseed meal and wheat germ were from Bob's Red Mill and cost me about $1 less a pound than the pre-bagged stuff right around the corner! The yeast was only $2.50 for a bag twice, wait - correction...3 times the size of the jar I buy at my local grocery store where it costs me at least $4.

I was so happy and proud of myself.

I also noted that I should NOT by pre-bagged whole wheat flour there. They sell the same brand my local grocer does and it was $2 more per 5lbs. I didn't have time to check the prices on the bulk flour - my son needed to be picked up and my daughter was getting impatient! Oh well, save something for another day!

Check your whole foods store's bulk goods area and hopefully you can snag some deals!

Works For Me Wednesday: Small Steps to Affordable Whole Foods! (Part 1)

2008-03-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

When my family began this adventure in eating whole and natural foods we experienced sticker shock! For us, changing everything over to organic and all natural would have required some serious financial changes.

I'm an action oriented, "all or nothing type" and it just irked me (once I had that knowledge and desire) that we were still buying regular old (artificial) food BUT I knew we just couldn't jump in the deep-end all at once.

So, I did some research and found that great benefits could be had from making some smaller changes in the right areas. We didn't have to start shopping solely at the Whole Foods market, nor did we even have to buy EVERYTHING organic.

There are a few small steps you can take to get started and learn what works for your family. Along the way you'll naturally find ways to fit other stuff in.

First is to focus on certain food groups ahead of others. You base this on the priority list below and how much of that category your family consumes.
Order DOES matter here...the most beneficial changes are closer to the top.

1) Dairy - if your family consumes a good amount of dairy products...this is your primary focus. Especially for children who typically drink (and need) the products with higher fat content

2) Meat - again, if your family consumes good amounts of red meat, fish and pork you will want to focus on this area.

Red meat would be your highest priority given the higher fat content (this is where nasty chemicals, hormones, etc. tend to congregate).

Fish is leaner and if you are careful to buy "WILD caught" not farm-raised, you will be doing just fine there (it doesn't need to be Organic since there is no regulation in this area).

Something to note when you are shopping for poultry and pork...based on USDA regulations, they are ALWAYS free of hormones. They may contain small amounts of antibiotics (unless the packaging states otherwise) and of course, based on the feed they were given...any trace pesticides used in production of that. Any additives in meat MUST be listed on the label/packaging so READ THEM! (click here for information on reading labels and packaging)

3) Fruits and Vegetables - be ware of the dirty dozen...these are the dozen produce that are most often sprayed with pesticides. The others are typically not an issue and there are some that you just shouldn't spend your money on if you don't want to. (See Joy Bauer's article below).

Fruit:

Apples

Cherries

Grapes, imported (Chili)

Nectarines

Peaches

Pears

Raspberries

Strawberries

Vegetables:

Bell peppers

Celery

Potatoes

Spinach

Second, take the time to visit stores in your area that buy local foods (or Farmer's Markets). You will find a better deal there and you will have the opportunity to talk directly to the grower!

Third, don't be fooled into thinking you can't get (or use) coupons on these types of items. There is a growing customer base for organic/whole foods and as a result, companies are popping up and competing harder and harder to get your business!

Fourth, if you can buy in bulk for a lower price talk with your friends and family about splitting food!

Joy Bauer, a nutritionist, has some wonderful information and advice regarding foods that are worth your $$, here is a write-up she did for the Today show.

Of course, you must do what works for your family; this "Works for Me..."!!!

Check out our other contributions to WFMW at BeCentsAble

An Apology...

2008-03-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to acknowledge that we've been absent a bit from blogging here. BeCentsAble launched the Grocery Gathering this week and it's been a bit hectic.

Everything went fantastically with our first edition and we are gearing up for the second weekly edition on Thursday morning. Check out all the grocery deals (nationwide!) and we promise to NOT take another hiatus!

Tipster Tuesday: DEET alternatives

2008-03-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

I was blogging about sunscreen and DEET for children over at our other blog this morning and thought it might be a good topic to cover here as well!

My son is a little mosquito magnet! He sweats a lot and the buggies love it! I have to put repellent on him every time he goes out during the buggy season - for peace of mind and sanity!

I found a few alternatives to DEET based repellents and I'm most excited about Bite Blocker so, thought I would pass them along.

For myself I really like the OFF Botanicals (picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus) lotion but it's not as practical for my son because of the recommendation that it not be used for children under 3. I've been using DEET wipes on him and they work great BUT...it's the DEET I can't stand!

About.com information on alternative repellents and links: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/mosquito.htm
Avon Skin So Soft

Resources with general information

National Geographic Article: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/07/0726_050726_deet.html
King County Website with other govt resources: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/westnile/fight-the-bite.htm
AAP info for parents: http://www.aap.org/family/wnv-jun03.htm

Have you tried an alternative that works well??

Frugal Friday: You say Swiffer, I say Spiffer...

2008-03-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have accomplished an eco-friendly, frugal milestone this year! I haven't bought a cleaning product since September...well okay, I have bought one cleaning product but that's only because I have two dogs and two small children. Have you SEEN how messy they can be???

Swiffer makes my life easier and while I am truly committed to bettering the environment and teaching my children that you can be green and still live in the suburbs, I can't fly in the face of basic convenience all the time!

That sent me on a search for a better swiffer solution. I purchased some homemade reusable refills on eBay but they are too thin and floppy to hold much dust ,and it gets really dusty in my house (did I mention the kids and the dogs?)!

I finally found this article "How to Hack your Swiffer" at treehugger.com and thought they had linked some great ideas for using your swiffer in a more frugal manner and saving the environment. My favorite is the "spiffer", I just need to talk my sister into making one for me!

Let us know if you try it and how it worked or if you have a swiffer hack!

Hyvee 3/5-3/18

2008-03-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Smart chicken(whole)
1.69 lb

Bunny-luv organic carrots
$1.69 2lbs

Hyvee soy milk 32 oz
$1.25

Works for Me Wednesday: Great Deals on Organic and Natural Foods

2008-03-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Why don't more people eat natural and organic foods? With all the reports and recommendations from reputable organizations, the increase of certain disease and cancer, you'd think it would be an easy decision...

I know the answer to this question...affordability!

That's why we're here. To make this endeavor as affordable as possible, to make the decision to change your family's diet easier, to remove one less hurdle.

A big part of the shopping I do each week involves coupons and sales. That's the hard part when it comes to this particular share of the market. Natural and organics foods are at a premium.

I need your help to make this a really GREAT resource! Do you know of any place with consistently great deals on natural, whole or organic foods? Do you have a tip or a brand recommendation for getting a good deal or do you know of a good resource for coupons?

Help us!

Grocery Gathering Starts March 10th!

2008-03-04T05:04:00.001-08:00

Click the logo for more details and to join us!

Tipster Tuesday: Healthy Clippings Savings Booklet and an e-coupon resource!

2008-03-04T04:42:00.001-08:00

I found another great way to get coupons for all of those natural and organic food companies who don't distribute to the population at large!

At my local natural foods store (Nature's Pantry), there are booklets you can pick up called "Healthy Clippings" that contain a few articles submitted by various food makers along with coupons for their products! These appear to be all over the country so maybe it's just me who is in the dark about them??

Look at your store if you haven't already found them or ask about it at Customer Service.

Also of note is this link to natural and organic food makers' coupons

Health e-Savings

Be sure to check out our other blogs' editions of Tipster Tuesday; BeCentsAble and CentsAble Baby

Make It Yourself Monday: Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener (Part 2)

2008-03-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

As a correlating installment to last week's Homemade Dryer Sheets, I found this recipe for homemade liquid fabric softener! It had a few good reviews so I'm going to try it this week!

You can add some essential oil to the mixture for scent. It's available a your local natural or whole foods market or usually at candle shops.

Recipe courtesy Recipezaar.com

Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
6 cups distilled white vinegar
8 cups water
10-15 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Directions
1) You will need a one gallon container.
2) First add the baking soda to the plastic container.
3) Next add 1 cup of water to start with.
4) Slowly add the vinegar to the bottle as the vinegar and baking soda will start to fizz.
5) Then add the rest of the water swirling around & cover venting the top a few times.
6) Last add the essential oil.
7) Add 1 cup in your final rinse cycle for each load but give the bottle a good shake to stir up the essential oil if using.

Let us know if you try this and what you think!

Allie's Answers: Tip of the Day

2008-02-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Check out Allie's Answers Tip of the Day for a good (scary) tip on your plastics...

Join us for Frugal Friday!

2008-02-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

Check out BeCentsAble and CentsAble Baby for our Frugal Friday installments!

Check back here next week for Naturally CentsAble's Frugal Friday installment on starting your own herb garden indoors with all-natural and organic materials!

Hen House 2/27 thru 3/4

2008-02-28T03:56:00.000-08:00

Clearly Organic cereal $2.46

Land O Lakes Omega-3 eggs $1.27

HyVee 2/27 thru 3/4

2008-02-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

Kashi cereals $2.59
Try Kashi website for possible cereal coupon (there have been issues with printing in the past but you may get lucky!!

Cascadian Farms Vegetables 16 oz $2.99
Use $1/1 printable
Final Price = $1.99

100% Natural Hormel Pork Loin Chops $3.99/lb

Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta $1.48
Use $1/1 in 2/17 SS
Final Price = $.48

Works For Me Wednesday: My Franklin Covey Inspired Planner

2008-02-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to organize, or maybe it's just the thinking about organizing that I love? Either way, I get giddy every time I sit down to plan a new project or schedule out my week. It's really odd and something my husband has been amused over quite often.

I spent 7 years in a corporate finance job where I had access to (and an excuse for) all the newest organizing gadgets! Franklin Covey was literally my favorite store. Since I started staying home I have slowly and hesitantly given up all of my lovely planning binders and unused pages and forms.

Now that I am blogging on a regular basis and have two kids to raise, I have discovered a new "need" for my planners and kicked myself for getting rid of them all. However, our one-income budget will not support my FC addiction so, this past week I had to get creative.

I actually mentioned to my husband that I planned to get an organizer of some sort and I could see the look in his eyes - thinking "uh-oh". So, I decided to take my frugality to one more step, just in case he doubted my efforts.

I found an old small-size three-ring binder we had lying around (we have 2 identical ones actually) that happened to also have sturdy tab dividers in it. I also had a notebook full of lined paper that was largely unused despite having had it for SEVERAL years (that's another addition I have - office supplies!) and two smaller steno type note pads. I got out our three-hole punch and adjusted the holes to match the small binder. I used power point to layout a planner page exactly as I needed it you could use any program you are fmailiar with (even excel). My notebook is the perfect size for a half-sheet of paper so I was able to make 2 pages from each piece. I then used small sticker-labels to label my dividers on both sides.

The best part was that I get to be creative in planning my pages and they can be different every time I print them. I took a lot of pleasure in this particular part of the process because I was always wanting MORE from my pages. They never quote met my expectations (at least that was the justification for buying more before my old ones ran out!)!

I LOVE my new planner and I feel SO good about doing it this way. My husband was impressed with me! Here are the photos.

I realize this is not a natural or organic idea/act but I am re-purposing things I already have around the house (I only printed the pages new, everything else was lying around doing nothing!) so in my defense I am saving a bit of unnecessary production, waste, fuel, etc!

Check out WFMW posts at our other blogs BeCentsAble and CentsAbleBaby

Egglands Best Eggs!

2008-02-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

For those of you in the KC area, Hen House had EB cage free and organic eggs on sale for $1.98 and $2.04 a dozen this week. With the new coupons that came out on Sunday ($.35 and $.50/off) you could get eggs for around a $1 a dozen - Hen House doubles coupons!!

Dannon All Natural yougurt is also on sale for $.96, with a $1/1 coupon from the 1/6 SS ... these are FREE! If they are out, which they were almost when I was there Sat evening, get a rain check. It's good for 30 days and you can find some additional coupons!

Make It Yourself Monday: Eco-Friendlier Fabric Softener (part 1)

2008-02-24T20:47:00.001-08:00

I discovered recently that dryer sheets (used and unused) are VERY dangerous for my pets (specifically 2 dogs who chew on EVERYTHING that's not tied down and looks remotely destructible - no, really just everything!). I read that if they ingested enough of them they could die from the toxicity. I'll have to find the specifics on this to add to the post later.

The point is that I wondered how on earth I could keep them from getting into them as they seem to end up lying all around they house after we do laundry. It's like someone used them for confetti.

In a recent issue of Mother and Child Reunion a contributor submitted an idea for a less expensive alternative to dryer sheets that I think is probably better for the environment (and my dogs).

Buy a box carton refill of any liquid fabric softener you like (or want to try). Pour the amount required for a single load into a container and leave a sponge or thick washcloth soaking in it. When you are ready to dry a load of laundry, ring out most of the liquid from the sponge or cloth and toss it in the dryer. When ringing use your best judgement, I think the idea is that there is no dripping but that there is enough to spread as the clothes are tossed about!

The idea is that your fabric softener will go 2-3x further and you will spare the landfills some waste!

Let's try it together this week and let us know how it went for you!

Next week's installment of MIYM is on Homemade Fabric Softener!

Frugal Friday: Cloth Diapers

2008-02-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

What could be better than a natural and frugal tip for Friday afternoon? Nothing!

Check out this week's Frugal Friday Tip on Cloth Diapering over at Centsable Baby

Newest Hot Deals!

2008-02-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to find out how to get Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes for $0.16/can

More Eco-Friendly, Thrifty Cleaning Tips!

2008-02-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

Soak up stains in your porcelain sinks with SALT!

Another great cleaning tip from Allie at Allie's Answers!

Make It Yourself Monday: Baby Wipes

2008-02-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Check out this week's installment of Make It Yourself Monday!

Target Deals 2/17 thru 2/23

2008-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

Kashi GoLean Crunch (and other selected varieties) 3/$8 (just $2.66 ea!!!)

Quaker Simple Harvest Granola Bars 6-ct 2/$6
Use $1/1 in 12/16V, 1/6RP(V), 1/27RP
Final Price = $2 ea

Brown Bread vs White Bread

2008-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

Excellent article on the topic of white bread vs brown bread, from Green Living Tips

Opting for Eco-Friendly (and Family Friendly) Cleaning Products

2008-02-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's a very liberating decision to make...to STOP buying all those lovely, "clean" smelling, cleaning products with the scary labels on them! We recently did this and I love the fact that I can clean anything anytime with water, vinegar, baking soda and lemon! My baby girl and very curious son can literally get under the kitchen sink and play if they want to without Mom worrying about what they might be drinking!

I do however, still have a problem. What do I do with the leftovers?

Read more here...

Hyvee deals 2/13-2/19

2008-02-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hyvee Rice Milk 32 oz
$1.00

Bunny-luv organic carrots
$1.50

Earthbound organic salad mix
$2.50

Flaxseed Meal

2008-02-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

From Bob's Red Mill

Flaxseed has been recognized around the world as a food with amazing health benefits. Research indicates that flax acts as a protector against chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Click on this link to find out what makes just two tablespoons a day of ground flaxseed such good medicine and how you can incorporate it into your diet.

I'm not sure how it happened but I recently became a flaxseed lover! I read Dr Sears Book, The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood and took much of what he wrote to heart. Flax was one of the things that really stuck out to me and I began adding that and wheat germ to as many of our meals as I could.

One day I read (on a package of Bob's Red Mill Flaxseed Meal) that I could substitute 1/2 c of flaxseed meal for the wheat flour in a bread recipe. So, of course I tried it!

I was so excited that I could make healthy wheat bread for my family and include the flax!

Since it works so well I wanted to pass along the recipe.

This will make a 1lb loaf in a bread machine or via convential methods.

1-1/8 c water (120-130 degrees F)
2 Tbsp oil
3 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 c bread flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c flaxseed meal (any variety)
1-1/2 to 2 tsp yeast

Either follow directions for your bread machine or those below for conventional baking

Mix dry ingredients and yeast, mix liquid ingredients and add to dry, mix through and let rest for 10 mins. Knead and shape for baking, cover and let rise until doubled. Cook at 350 degrees until bread sounds hollow when knocked, 35-45 mins.

Hen House Deals 2/13 thru 2/19

2008-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

Amy's Single Serve Pizzas $3.99 (excluding Roasted Veggie and Pesto)

Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats 24oz $2.39

Earthbound Farms Kiwi 2lbs(two 1lb bags)/$4

Have you considered the benefits of cloth diapering?

2008-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Aside from the peace of mind of knowing that you ALWAYS have diapers...it's so much better for the environment and some report babies experience fewer, less severe diaper rashes with cloth diapers. You can even get organic ones for added purity!

Check out the discussion on our other blog.

The Benefits of Food Coops

2008-02-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

We have not personally tried a food coop but hope to locate one this year and start doing so!

Elizabeth at Effortless Eating, wrote a great article about these benefits here.

If you are interested in finding a coop in your state check out the links below.

Organics...Really, Really Better For You!

2008-02-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

So, imagine that you are a tiny little baby...pure and simple. What would you want put in your body??

The more I think about my children and their pristine little bodies, the more I conjure up a list of the vast array of chemicals that must coarse through their veins just from walking down the street. When I think of the foods I'm giving them I have to wonder what's in those foods?

Possibly you've heard of studies performed in recent years to test the blood of humans and animals for toxic substances. Even the US GAO (General Accouting Office) proposed and outlined a study in 2000 for quantifying the potential risk from toxins in the air, land, homes and even in our foods. The agricultural methods employed today by US farmers are ones of economic survival. They are forced to produce larger and more plentiful crops in order to keep pace with imports. This requires ennumerable chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and soil additives. These toxins become part of the food we eat. Whether we are eating US grown or imported produce, meat, dairy, etc. we are exposing ourselves to unknown chemicals.

The only way to avoid this is to know the path our food takes from seed to stomach! The only way to do this is grow it yourself, or buy organic or locally grown products and get to know your farmer (through Community Supported Agriculture or Local Farmers Markets)!

Watch our blog for ways to make organics and all natural foods more affordable!

For more reasons to make room in your budget and to adjust your families palate for organics and natural foods, read the articles below.

The Today Show and Joy Bauer discuss various organic and locally grown foods topics www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17479836 , www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737389/?GT1=8404
Nature Moms discusses a recent study outlining the benefits of organic tomatoes http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2007/07/27/organics-are-healthier/
Article from Time Magazine about locally grown produce http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html

Now, I realize this next link is meant to be helpful and informative to consumers but the way I see it...it illustrates WHY organic foods are a better choice. The idea that I shouldn't eat a lot of apples so that I don't build up a high level of the particular pesticide used on apple trees is absurd!

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/tips.htm

Also check out the EPA's National Organic Program for labeling info and fact sheets

http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/Consumerhome.html

Whole Foods thru 2/19

2008-02-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Kashi GoLean Waffles 9oz 4/$10 or Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal 2/$6

Annies Homegrown Bunnies Cereal 9oz 2/$6 or Cheddar Bunnies 12 oz 2/$6
Use $.50/1 printables (if you click "back" after the 1st one prints, and "retry" if prompted, you should be able to get 2 coupons)
Final Price = 2/$5

All Natural Baby Care Products Rebate Offer

2008-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Check out this link for Gentle Naturals rebate information and form

http://centsablebaby.blogspot.com/2008/02/gentle-naturals-baby-products-rebate.html

Special Food Offers from Amazon

2008-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to BabyCheapSkate for these deals! www.babycheapskate.blogspot.com

Save $10 on Horizon Organic Milk
Here's the text of the new offer from Amazon:

Save $10 today when you any Horizon Milk products featured on this page. Use the following promotional code when you check out: MILKMIL5. This offer applies only to products offered by Amazon.com and for purchases made between February 1 and February 29, 2008.
You'll find plain, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla reduced-fat milk. Eighteen 8-oz. packages would be $15 with free shipping. That's just over .83 each. These small containers are great for travelling and lunches because they don't need to be refrigerated.

Other special offers from Amazon this month include $15 off $39 Mi-Del cookies, $15 off Amazin' Raisin products, 30% off Kashi products and more.

Nature's Pantry February

2008-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Nature's Pantry Advantage Card Holders get an extra 5% off all purchases and are able to shop on SUPER DAY (the last day of each month) where they get an additional 5% off!

Organic Cliff Energy Bars, Luna Bars, Mojo Bars $.99

Bob's Red Mill Hot Cereal

16 oz Organic Rolled Oats $1.99
24 oz Steel Cut Oats $2.29
32 oz Gluten Free Rolled Oats $4.79

Food for Life's Ezekiel 4:9 Cereal $3.69-$3.89

Food for Life's English Muffins 7 Sprouted Grains or Ezekial 4:9 Original Reg $2.89

Use printable coupons, bottom right side. I have not been able to get to them so let us know if you do and what/how much they are!

Muir Glen Organic Soups $1.99

Use printable $1/1

Final Price = $.99

Muir Glen Pasta Sauce $2.79

Use printable $1/1

Final Price = $1.79

Nature's Path Organic Pancake Mix (Buttermilk or Flax Plus) $3.19

Late July Organics Crackers and sandwhich cookies (5-9 oz) $2.49

Amy's Natural and Organic Soups $1.99

Amy's Frozen Organic Meals 9oz Tamale Verde Black Bean or Cheese $3.59

Newman's Own Organic Dried Fruits

Raisins $2.19
Dried Apples $1.99
Dried Apricots $2.19
Dried Berry Blend $3.79

Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal and Ready to Eat Cereals 12.4 oz $3.59, Oat Flakes and Wild Berry Clusters 13.4 oz $3.69, Instant Oatmeal 8 packets $2.99

Silk Organic SoyMilk 32oz $1.59

Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA 64oz $3.69

Brown Cow 6oz Yogurt Cups Fruit and Granola $.95, Cream on Top $.79

Use printable $.50/2 Fruit and Granola or $.50/3 Cream on Top

Final Price =2/$1.40 or 3/$1.87

Smart Deli Bacon 5 oz $2.99

Kashi Heart to Heart 9oz Honey Oat Waffles $2.59

Cascadian Farms Frozen Organics Vegetables or Potatoes $1.99

Use $1/1 printable

Final Price = $.99

HyVee 1/30 thru 2/5

2008-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

8th Continent Soy Milk (64 oz) $2.50
Use $1/1 printable
Final Price = $1.50

Stoneyfield Farms products
Use printables ...coupons should be interchangeable (yogurt for yogurt - any variety, milk for milk - any variety). $1 or $.50 off

Whole Foods/Wild Oats thru 2/5

2008-02-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

Stoneyfield Farms Yogurt 4/$3
Use $.50/3 printable
Final Price = 4/$2.50 or $.63 ea

Grapefruit $.99 lb

365 Organic 16oz Tortilla Chips $1.99

Hen House Deals 1/30 thru 2/5

2008-02-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Hen House Doubles Coupons up to and including $.50 (for a total of $1 off per item)

Farmland All Natural Products B1G1 FREE ($2.99 to $3.99 ea)
Use $1/1 Bacon, Roll or Link Breakfast Sausage in 1/2o SS, Use $1/2 breaksfast sausage in 11/18 SS, 12/16 SS or $1/2 smoked sausage in 12/16 SS
Final Price = $1.99/2 to $2.99/2 based on product selection

Galaxy Wholesome Valley Certified Organic Hummus 8oz 2/$5

15.2 oz Naked Juice Berry Blast or Blue Machine 5/$10

59 oz Simply Orange Orange Juice $2.98

64 oz Best Choice SoyMilk $1.96

Good Natured Farms All Natural Beef

KC Strip/Ribeye Steak $11.99/lb

Ground Beef/Round $3.49/lb

Egglands Best Cage Free Organic Eggs

Use $.50/1 or $.35/1 from 12/16 SS

2008-02-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

Resources for Online Coupons

Note: the first time you print coupon you may be prompted to download a small, free software application in order to print your coupons. Make sure your printer is on, connected with your computer, and loaded with paper.

Becentsable.net-here you will find “quick print” coupons from coupons.com. This means you can print coupon without leaving the site. To see a list of all coupons available click see all coupons. Just click on the coupons you want to print and hit the print button and your coupons will automatically print.

Couponloop.com-click on printable coupons to find over 400 printable coupon links

SmartSource.com-click the coupon you want to print and select print now. This site usually has around 7 pages of coupons.

http://www.couponsinc.com/corp/source/cp_clientlist.asp-
Half way down the page starts a very long list of printable coupons available.

Coolsavings.com-click on the printable coupon tab at the top and then click the coupon you want to print and select print now. This site usually has around 7 pages of coupons.

BECENTSABLE WORKSHOP
REGISTRATION FORM

NAME____________________________

ADDRESS_________________________

_________________________________

PHONE___________________________

EMAIL____________________________

DATE_____________________________

HOST_____________________________

EDUCATOR________________________

FEEDBACK FORM

1. Did you enjoy the workshop?

2. Did you learn something new?

3. What was your favorite part?

4. Do you have ideas for improvement?

ROCK BOTTOM RESOURCES

(insert grocery gathering logo)

BECENTSABLE.NET- The grocery gathering at Becentsable features numerous national and local stores. Nationally the grocery gathering includes Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and Long’s Drugs. The grocery gathering also covers 48 local grocery chains.

To locate the grocery gathering go to becentsable.net and then click on the grocery gathering tab at the top left corner. Scroll down until you find the master list with the grocery gathering logo at the top. This list is update multiple time during the week!

COUPONMOM.COM-The coupon mom cover deals for Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS, Rite-Aid, and Target. This site also cover many of the big chain grocery stores.

Go to couponmom.com and then click on grocery deals by state. You will need to log on and then click on the grocery deals by state again. First time visitor will need to register-this is free.

MYGROCERYDEALS.COM-This site allow you to compare sale prices at many of your local stores. This site has many of the national chain and local stores.

First time visitor will need to register-this is free. You will then enter you zip code. You can then pick from a list of the store that are covered will in your area.

Hy-Vee 1/23 thru 1/29

2008-01-25T06:18:00.000-08:00

8th Continent SoyMilk 64 0z/half-gallon (all varieties) 2/$5
Use printable $1/1
Get it for $1.50/half-gallon

Stoneyfield Farms 6 oz Yogurt Cups 4/$3
Use printable $.50/3
Final Price = 4/$2.50 or $.62/ea

What good is an "organic" pop-tart?

2008-01-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

It seems like anything can be labeled "organic" and suddenly be healthy. What does "organic" mean?

The article linked below helps sort it out for you.

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/inside-organics.aspx

Nature's Pantry January Deals

2008-01-23T02:11:00.001-08:00

Annie's Naturals Ketchup, Mustard, Salad Dressings
Use $.50/1 printable (sign up for newsletter, print two coupons)

RW Knudsen Simply Nutritious Juice 32oz $2.49

Frontera Sauces and Salsa's $1.89-2.99
and Chili Mix $5.79

Rachels' Yogurt $.79 ea
Use printable BOGO (sign up for newlsetter - print 2x)

Cascadian Farms Frozen Vegetables $1.79-$2/4
and Fruit is $2.99
Use printable $1/1 coupon at www.eatbetteramerica.com (sign up and print)

Price Chopper 1/23 thru 1/29

2008-01-23T02:07:00.000-08:00

Earthbound Farms Organic Romaine Hearts 2/$5

Hen House deals 1/23 thru 1/29

2008-01-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

**Hen House doubles coupons up to and including $.50 (total of $1.00 off 1 item)**

Silk Soymilk 64 oz (half-gallon) $2.66
use $.50/1 1/13 RP
Final Price = $2.16

Good Natured Farms Ground Bison 2lb for $8

Annies Organic Bunny Cereal $3.69
Use $.50/1 printable (sign up for Annies' newsletter - print 2 coupons)

Small Steps to Big Change!

2008-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Great article on how to do small things in your life that will have a big impact on the environment!

http://www.ehow.com/how_2126992_be-green-little-effort.html?ref=fuel

KC Food Circle Expo in Independence, March 2008

2008-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

KC Food Circle is a wonderful resource for local organic and whole foods agriculture! They can help you find local growers, Community Supported Agriculture Groups, and provide information on eating naturally and organically.

Information about the upcoming Expo is here at their blog...

http://kcfoodcircle.blogspot.com/2008/01/eat-local-kansas-city-food-circle-expo.html

Hen House Community Supported Agriculture - Membership Information

2008-01-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

Wow!!

This seems like a great opportunity to get locally grown, natural, fresh foods at a low cost per family.

Check out the details for Hen House CSA http://www.henhouse.com/growers_alliance_csa/

Dates for 2008 TBD (Usually May - September)

Winter Organic and Whole Foods Farmer's Markets

2008-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Winter Markets 2007-2008

39th Street Community Market - Saturday Mornings until further notice...
Farmers Community Market at Brookside - Saturday Afternoons until further notice...
Grand Court Retirement Center ... Saturdays 10am to 1pm... South KCMO ... located south of I-435 on the West side of Wornall Road, 501 West 107th Street.

courtesy: www.kcfoodcircle.org

Cleaning without chemicals

2008-01-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's amazing that just 6 months ago we were spending several hundred dollars a year on cleaning goods for our homes...things like Mr Clean, Windex (which I've always detested the smell of), Clorox, Scrubbing Bubbles, Swiffer Floor Cleaner, Lysol spray and wipes....the list could be endless!

I don't know if it was the idea that our infant daughters (now 7 mos and 1 yr old) would soon be crawling around on the floors that we had smeared with toxic gunk or an urge to be thriftier that led us to find some cleaning products that didn't involve ingredients we can't name and keeping the Poison Control hotline on speed-dial but we went on a hunt and what we have found amazed us!

First - you do not have to spend more than a few dollars every six months to keep your house clean AND germ free! Vinegar, water, baking soda and lemons will tackle most any job. Second - in the event that I do want something that smells really good or might provide a bit more power than the household items listed above...there are very good companies out there that make safe/non-toxic cleaning supplies. Third - we porbably could have asked Grandma!

Method (available in Target, CVS and other stores) and Seventh Generation both focus on people-friendly cleaning products that smell good and work well.

If you can - just use the basics. If you want to put out the cash for something try using a product that WON'T kill you rather than one you hope won't!

Where to look for organic and whole foods?

2008-01-17T10:41:00.001-08:00

While I love to find new, unique places to shop, I disagree that our local Supermarkets are a bad place to find the foods we want. I think they key is understanding what's a good deal and when to purchase.

Articles on where to buy organics, whole foods

http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/17ways090204.cfm

http://aboutmyplanet.com/daily-green-tips/money-organic-food-2

Watch for information on year-round Farmer's Markets here in Kansas City courtesy KC Food Circle.

To Get Started...Recycle Within Your Limits

2008-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

I desperately want to start recycling as a part of our family's lifestyle. Like MANY people I've talked to, I have two problems diving in...1) space constraints and 2) cost of purchasing recycling bins/containers!

For now, we do what we can afford (in space and money terms)...newspapers and Household Hazardous Waste.

Check out recycling containers that don't cost an arm and a leg!

See this article for tips to make recycling easy for everyone in your family!

Check out this link for more info on HHW recycling in the area:
http://www.marc.org/Environment/SolidWaste/HHW/hhwfacilities.htm

Wild Oats/Whole Foods thru 2/5

2008-01-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Stoneyfield Farms Yogurt 4/$3
Use $.50/3 printable
Final Price = 4/$2.50 or $.63 ea

Hen House Deals 1/16 thru 1/22

2008-01-16T20:03:00.001-08:00

*All sales require a HH Rewards Card (see store for details, click here for ad)

Ragu Organic Pasta Sauce $.98 ea
Use $1/3 from 11/11 V or 1/13 RP
Final Price = 3/$1.94 or $.65 ea

All Good Natured Family Farms Roasts (local) $1 off per pound

Farmland All Natural Bacon $2.99, Sausage Links or Roll $1.99

8th Continent Soy Milk 64oz (1/2 gal) $1.66
Use $.50/1 in 1/6 GM or $1/1 printable
Final Price = as little as $.66
*Buy 3 get a FREE 14oz box of Cheerios*

Clearly Organic Beans (15 oz) $.78 ea

Hy-Vee Deals 1/16 thru 1/22

2008-01-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Oatmeal 2/$4
Use MFC in Sale Ad for $3 off purchase of 5 OR
Use MFC $1/1 in 1/13 SS
Final Price = $1 each

Smart Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs $1.69/lb

Hy-Vee Whole Wheat Pastas (Penne/Spaghetti) $.99

Opting for Eco-Friendly (and Family Friendly) Cleaning

2008-01-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

It's a very liberating decision to make...to STOP buying all those lovely, "clean" smelling, cleaning products with the scary labels on them! Aside from the obvious money savings, there is an eco-factor that I was really ready to embrace.

I love the fact that I can clean anything anytime with water, vinegar, baking soda and lemon! My baby girl and very curious son can literally get under the kitchen sink and play if they want to without Mom worrying about what they might be drinking!

I do however, still have a problem. What do I do with the leftovers?

I have boxes of bottles and packages of things I know I shouldn't simply throw away (I mean how can I be eco-anything if I trash the "eco" part doing it?) but I know I'll feel hypocritical using until they're gone! I'm one of those "all or nothing" types.

Allie at Allie's Answers addressed this very topic recently and thank goodness she did!

Check your local government's website for locations that accept HHW and any restrictions or guidelines!